Julian Jootaek Kim

Julian Jootaek Kim (Korean: 김주택), also known as Julian Kim, is a South Korean baritone opera singer, crossover artist, and musical theater performer. He was born on September 9, 1986. Kim is known for his portrayal of Figaro in the opera Il barbiere di Siviglia in Italy, which he performed more than 70 times, and as the Phantom in a Korean replica production of the musical Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera.

Julian Kim, an opera singer and musical actor, is an alumnus of Sunhwa Arts School. After completing his high school education in South Korea, Kim continued his studies at the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory in Milan, Italy, graduating with a perfect score with honors (Dieci e lode e menzione) in 2010.

Kim has achieved numerous accolades throughout his career. He secured the Grand Prize in The Korea Voice Competition by the Lee DaeWoong Music Scholarship Foundation and clinched the first place in the Music Chunchu Competition and Shin Youngok Competition during his high school years in Korea. In Italy, he garnered the Premio Miglior Giovane Promessa (Best Young Promise Prize) in the Renata Tebaldi International Competition in 2007. Additionally, he attained the second place in the Riccardo Zandonai Competition and International Lyric Competition "Magda Olivero" and the first place and the Young Voices Award by the City of Magenta in 2009, followed by the third place in the Francesc Viñas International Singing Competition and the second place in the International Singing Competition Maria Caniglia in 2011. In 2012, he secured second place in the Concorso Internazionale di Canto Lirico Giacinto Prandelli, the International Singing Competition Maria Caniglia, and the Verdian Voices International Singing Competition. Furthermore, he triumphed by achieving first place in the International Singing Competition of Toulouse and the second place in the Viotti International Music Competition. Noteworthy accolades include the fourth place and second place in the Seoul International Music Competition in 2007 and 2013, respectively, alongside the Myung-whun Chung Miracle Of Music Awards received in Korea in 2011.

Kim's debut took place in 2009 at the Teatro Pergolesi in Jesi, Italy, where he performed as Figaro in Il barbiere di Siviglia. He has since portrayed leading roles in various renowned operas, including La Traviata, The Marriage of Figaro, Madama Butterfly, Cavalleria rusticana, Cosi fan tutte, Il barbiere di Siviglia, Simon Boccanegra, Pagliacci, Lucia di Lammermoor, La bohème, and Rigoletto across multiple theaters in Italy.

Kim collaborated extensively with Maestro Myung-whun Chung and also had the privilege of working with renowned conductors like Sir Antonio Pappano, Roberto Polastri, Daniel Oren, Jader Bignamini, Riccardo Frizza, Stefano Ranzani, Daniele Rustioni, Francesco Cilluffo, Gregory Kunde, and Juraj Valčuha. His performances primarily took place in Italy, notably at Teatro La Fenice in Venice, Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino in Florence, Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, and Terme di Caracalla in Rome. He also showcased his talent in Korea, as well as in other countries such as China, Austria and Peru.

Teatro La Fenice, a historic cultural landmark, serves as a significant representation of Italy's theatrical and operatic traditions. This renowned theater, known for hosting premieres of works by eminent composers including Rossini, Bellini, and Donizetti, holds a special place in the history of Italian opera. Notably, it was at La Fenice where Verdi spent 13 years, composing and staging operas like Ernani, Attila, Rigoletto, La Traviata, and Simon Boccanegra. Alongside La Scala and Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, La Fenice is recognized as one of Italy's foremost theaters.

Julian Jootaek Kim made his debut at La Fenice in 2013, portraying the character Marcello in La bohème. As of June 2024, he has performed on the esteemed stage 104 times, earning acclaim for his prominent baritone roles in productions like Attila (Ezio), Il Barbiere de serville (Figaro), La Traviata (Germont), La bohème (Marcello), and Don Carlo (Rodrigo). Especially, Julian Kim has portrayed the character Figaro during the 2014–2020 season at Teatro La Fenice, featuring in 47 out of a total of 60 performances of Il barbiere de Serville. Furthermore, he participated in 20 out of 27 performances of La bohème during the same season at Teatro La Fenice, embodying roles such as Marcello or Schaunard.

At La Fenice, an annual financial report is released at the end of every year. The 2020 report (Fondazione Teatro La Fenice di Venezia, BILANCIO DI ESERCIZIO, 2020) highlights Don Carlo's performance under the direction of Myung-whun Chung after a 28-year hiatus as a notable achievement. Julian Kim portrayed Rodrigo. The report also lists the names of outstanding Italian and international artists who performed at La Fenice in 2020, emphasizing their exceptional artistry and reputation. Julian Kim is listed among the 55 Class A artists, with a total of 11 baritones featured.

Opera repertoire

Ludwig van Beethoven

• Fidelio – Don Fernando

Vincenzo Bellini

• I puritani – Riccardo

Gaetano Donizetti

• L'elisir d'amore – Belcore
• Lucia di Lammermoor – Lord Enrico Ashton

Pietro Mascagni

• Cavalleria Rusticana – Alfio

Giacomo Puccini

• La bohème – Marcello, Schaunard
• Madama Butterfly – Sharpless

Gioachino Rossini

• Il barbiere di Siviglia – Figaro

Giuseppe Verdi

• Attila – Ezio
• Don Carlo – Rodrigo
• Giovanna d'Arco – Giacomo
• La Traviata – Barone Douphol, Giorgio Germont
• Simon Boccanegra – Paolo Albiani

Opera performances

Phantom Singer is a television show on JTBC in Korea that functions as an audition program to select a male crossover vocal quartet. Season 1 of the show aired from November 11, 2016, to January 27, 2017.

He mentioned feeling his heart race while watching Phantom Singer 1, leading to a realization that he needed a change in his life. Despite his deep involvement in numerous operas in Italy that he cherished, he yearned to explore various genres of singing. His colleagues in the classical field, as well as his parents, were worried that his exposure to popular music could harm his career in opera when he decided to participate in Phantom Singer 2. Kim chose to be on the show to broaden the listener pool of classical music, believing that music is for anyone who enjoys it regardless of the genre.

In the previous season 1, there were singers with classical training from Korea, Italy, and the USA, but none were working in the opera scene abroad. In season 2, about half of the 32 finalists were classically trained, with one graduate student who was a bass-baritone from Germany. Julian Jootaek Kim was the only opera singer working abroad and was referred to as 'the world-famous opera star' on the show, with one judge questioning why he chose to join.

Ultimately, he emerged as a runner-up and joined a group named Miraclass - a title derived from blending "miracle" and "class," signifying their commitment to delivering an extraordinary reinterpretation of classical music or exceptional excellence in music. Following the show, his schedule was packed with commitments as a crossover singer in Korea and an opera singer in Italy. During this time, he performed in various productions in Italy, including La bohème, I puritani, La traviata, L'elisir d'amore, Don Carlo, and Il barbiere di Siviglia, spanning the period between the end of Phantom Singer season 2 and the start of season 3.

His continued success in Italian opera was a significant encouragement for the production team of Phantom Singer as they prepared for the next season. They held auditions in Europe to recruit participants for Season 3, emphasizing the importance of 'finding talents like Julian Jootaek Kim'. A surge of classical vocalists in higher education and opera houses abroad auditioned for Seasons 3 and 4. Among the final participants in Season 3 and Season 4, a notable number were from higher education or associated with opera houses. In particular, Canada-based countertenor David Dong Qyu Lee in Season 4 was a big surprise due to his fame and prolific career in opera. The classical and crossover concerts performed by those from Phantom Singer saw top ticket sales, attracting the general public to these classically-oriented events.

Miraclass, the crossover group, is composed of Julian Jootaek Kim, Phillip Jeong, Kang-hyun Park, and Tae-in Han. The group released a full album titled 'Romantica' in 2018 and actively participated in Phantom Singer concerts along with hosting their own concerts from 2017 to 2020 in Korea. Julian Kim frequently traveled between Korea and Italy, performing notably at Teatro La Fenice, Italy, before the COVID-19 outbreak.

During the COVID-19 quarantine period, JTBC aired a program called Phantom Singer All Stars, where the three finalist quartet teams from the previous three seasons competed or showcased their performances to online audiences. Miraclass excelled in this show, securing numerous wins, including one MVP by performing a rendition of Josh Groban's song Mai, in the competitions among the nine participating groups. Kim also collaborated with other singers in the program, such as Jo Mingyu of Forestella and Yoo Seul-gi of Duetto.

Since their formation on September 26, 2017, Miraclass has actively hosted concerts, released full albums, and engaged with their audience through a YouTube channel named Just-10-minute produced by mexicomini52. On the channel, they partake in various challenges and provide glimpses into their bond, friendship as well as daily lives and camaraderie.

Kim has taken part in 20 concerts linked to Italian opera across different countries such as Italy, Russia, Austria, Japan, and Korea. These performances included collaborations with conductors Edoardo Müller, Pietro Mianiti, and Marco Boemi. Additionally, he has engaged in classical concerts alongside opera singers and crossover events in Korea, totaling over 100 concerts, excluding those with the crossover group Miraclass.

In concert adaptations of Das Rheingold under the baton of Myung-whun Chung in Seoul in 2014, and Fidelio conducted by Sir Antonio Pappano in Rome in 2016, Kim assumed the roles of Donner and Don Fernando, respectively. He has been a prominent soloist in concerts overseen by Myung-whun Chung. Notably, he was one of 8 soloists in Mahler's Symphony No. 8 performed by the Seoul Symphony Orchestra in 2011, and the sole male soloist for the Expo 2012 Concert both under the direction of Myung-whun Chung.

Kim was actively involved in concerts and operas in Korea during the early 2010s. However, his significant introduction to the Korean audience was perhaps through the 'Baritone Julian Jootaek Kim Recital (Korean: 바리톤 김주택 리사이틀)' in 2015 in Seoul. This recital featured a diverse range of pieces, including works by composers like F. Schubert, J. P. E. Martini, G. Giordani, F. P. Tosti, S. Gastaldon, and F. Chopin, alongside arias from Lucia di Lammermoor and L'elisir d'amore by G. Donizetti, Don Giovanni by W. A. Mozart, and Giovanna d'Arco and La Forza del Destino by G. Verdi. Kim's standout performance in this recital led to him receiving the Best New Artist Award at the 2nd Seoul Art Center Award in 2016.

The With Concert was initiated with the goal of offering performance opportunities to talented individuals with developmental disabilities and Shinhan Music Awardees in Korea. This was made possible through a partnership agreement between Deoksugung Palace Management of Cultural Heritage Administration, and the Heart-Heart Foundation. Kim, the inaugural winner of the Shinhan Music Award, performed as part of this collaboration.

Korea is a country with highly concentrated metropolitan areas and other regions facing declining populations. Through the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korean Culture and Arts Centers Association, the Korean government introduced the '방방곡곡 문화공감' program, promoting cultural empathy across diverse landscapes. This initiative aimed to bring a variety of cultural performances to stages in smaller cities and rural areas across Korea, with a focus on including at least 30% of underprivileged individuals in the audience. Kim, along with his Miraclass teammate Tenor Phillip Jeong, magician Hyungbae Choi, Soprano Veronica Yoo, and the BeHa Philharmonic Orchestra, actively participated in the program. Traveling to 10 cities throughout Korea in 2022 and 2023, this interdisciplinary team showcased a mix of opera arias, Korean lyric songs, Spanish and Italian melodies, musical numbers with orchestral accompaniment, and magic acts. The program received overwhelming praise, enhancing the classical music experience and fostering cultural connections with an enthusiastic audience.

In Korea, the staging of operas is limited due to a lack of public interest. For instance, in 2023, there were only 17 opera productions, 7 in Daegu, 2 in Seongnam and 8 in Seoul, with a total of 56 performances. Instead, concerts and instrumental performances featuring popular arias tend to attract more public attention. As part of efforts to modernize opera, 'The Taming of Casanova,' an opera collage featuring famous arias from diverse operas, was created. Kim participated in this innovative project from 2016 to 2019 with the aim of drawing a larger audience to the classical music domain.

In 2019, Kim presented additional recitals. Following a fan concert in 2021, he now regularly hosts a set of concerts titled 'Baritone Julian Jootaek Kim's Music Library,' featuring performances of opera arias, classical tunes, Italian canzones, musical numbers, and Korean songs. The following is a curated selection of his notable concerts.

In late February 2020, due to COVID-19, all operas were canceled in Italy, forcing Kim to stay in Korea. With the situation slightly better in Korea, musical performances were allowed with stringent COVID-19 protocols. During this period, Kim attended the musical shows of his Miraclass teammate, Kang-hyun Park, sparking a renewed interest in musical theater.

Later, he auditioned online for the Korean production of The Phantom of the Opera produced by the Really Useful Group and was selected as one of the four phantoms for the 2023–2024 production. His debut performance occurred on March 28, 2023, in Busan, followed by 31 performances in Seoul and 21 in Daegu, totaling 82 performances. Kim's performance showcased beautiful and grand numbers, to the extent that audiences felt as though they were attending an opera performance. He also received acclaim for his richly resonant operatic voice, and additional praise came for his adept portrayal of the Phantom, which skillfully balanced strength and sensitivity, leveraging the inherent flexibility.

For his outstanding portrayal of the Phantom, he received The New Male Actor Award at the 8th Korea Musical Awards in January 2024.

Julian Kim portrayed Pierre Bezukhov in the Korean production of the musical Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 from March to June in 2024. He demonstrated impressive vocal abilities and nuanced acting while portraying Pierre, a character from a Russian aristocratic background, who embodies a melancholic demeanor and struggles to fit into upper-class society.

TV

Julian Jootaek Kim Kim appeared in all episodes of the TV shows Phantom Singer 2 and Phantom Singer All Stars. Kim performs in programs such as 'Open Concert (Korean: 열린음악회)' and 'TV Art Stage (Korean: TV 예술무대)' on major Korean television networks from time to time.

Radio & other media

In contrast to the hundreds of classical vocalists graduating from colleges in South Korea every year, the opportunities for them to perform on stages within the country are notably scarce. Various media outlets are actively engaged in demystifying and popularizing opera for the general public. For instance, EBS Opera House is producing educational animations on opera catered to children. Korea National Opera offers 'School Opera' and 'It's a School Day for Opera' programs for pre-teens and teenagers, respectively. These programs involve visiting schools and allowing students to participate in the performances. Youtube channels such as Lee Ki-yeon Opera Research Institute, Operatte, and DeliveTV also serve as some of the platforms for introducing and educating audiences on the world of opera in South Korea.

Two series of opera education programs bearing Julian Kim's name in the titles have been broadcast on EBS in South Korea. One of these initiatives, titled "Audio-e Knowledge," presented a radio program aimed at consolidating a wide range of cultural knowledge into an accessible and engaging format for listeners. Running from May 14, 2021, to August 26, 2022, the program "Julian Jootaek Kim and Taeyang Jeong's Opera Opera" consisted of 64 episodes broadcast online. The program strived to offer an accessible exploration of opera by discussing overviews and backgrounds of arias, accompanied by live piano performances by Taeyang Jeong while the vocalists sang. A variety of guest vocalists, including You chae hoon, Yoo Seulgi, Baek Intae, ByeongMin Gil, John Noh, Gihoon Kim and others, enriched the show's exploration of operatic pieces like L'eisir d'amore, La Traviata, Il barbiere di Siviglia, Don Pasquale, Tosca, Il trovatore, and more. Among these programs, Rigoletto was also performed as a concert in 2022 at the Seoul Art Center, separate from the 64 episodes in the radio program.

Julian Kim continued his contribution to the opera world with a VOD lecture program titled "Julian Jootaek Kim's Opera Odyssey," which ran from June 21 to July 6, 2022. This EBS Class-e program offered a detailed exploration of the opera genre, encompassing discussions on its historical background, structural principles, the significance of heroes, aria performances, and the broader cultural relevance of opera narratives. With a 12-episode structure, the program not only touched upon the traditional aspects of opera but also explored ways to navigate and adapt to the genre's challenges in today's society.

The following table outlines the 12 episodes of "Julian Jootaek Kim's Opera Odyssey":

His given name, Jootaek, shares an identical pronunciation with the Korean word for "house." After gaining a dedicated following in Korea post-Phantom Singer 2, Kim established a fan cafe named 'The House Complex (Korean: 주택단지),' a title that he personally chose and that remains in use, where the fans are referred to as residents. He consistently expresses his gratitude and affection towards the residents of the House Complex.

He won the Best New Artist Award at the Seoul Arts Center award in 2015 and Best New Actor Award at the 8th Korean Musical Awards in 2024.

Awards

Albums

Extended Plays

Singles

Participation releases

Julian Kim is known as a Verdian baritone. In his youth, he admired Piero Cappuccilli, who could sing four phrases in a single breath and cover the tenor range. Kim can sing up to a high C note using his chest voice and is often likened to Cappuccilli. His voice is commonly described as a Verdi baritone, characterized by warmth, resonance, and excellent phrasing and tone. He is also said to have an appropriate accent and a nice touch of the 'R' sound in Italian. It is said that Kim possesses a vocal tone akin to that of Leo Nucci, who, during the Verdi competition, remarked to Kim, 'Lui canta come dio,' meaning 'He sings like a god.'

Il barbiere di Siviglia

Since Kim made his opera debut performing Il barbiere di Siviglia, he has portrayed the character of Figaro in the production 75 times across various cities in Italy. One of the most favored arias in his concerts is "Largo al factotum," beloved by both the artist himself and the audience. He humbly stated that while he may not pass as an Italian in everyday conversation, he could sing like one if he focused on diction and enunciation. It was not easy to be in Italian opera with a different mother tongue; only three other Korean Figaros had followed his footsteps in performing Il barbiere di Siviglia in Italy as of May 2024. The praise or mere acceptance was a big success. Continuous performance opportunities as Figaro, who needed to sing "Largo al factotum" full of rap-like tongue twisters, were the assurance of his success as an opera singer in Italy. Reviews of his Figaro performance stated: 'Julian Kim is Figaro: the Korean baritone would perhaps be more at ease in singing parts; the diction was not always exact, but the high notes were beautiful, the accent was lively, and the color of the voice remained beautiful,' 'The artistic direction, spearheaded by Cristiano Sandri, made unexpected choices in forming an excellent cast, well blended in terms of both vocal quality and stage presence. The result is a brilliant Figaro, vocally very well set up, portrayed by the South Korean Julian Kim,' and 'The cast is dominated by the bold and very youthful Figaro of Julian Kim: the Korean baritone brings to life and supports an unrestrained character through a bold and luminous melodiousness, and an irresistible stage presence.'

Fidelio

Fidelio, the sole opera composed by Ludwig van Beethoven, was presented in Rome's Sala Santa Cecilia in Parco della Musica, conducted by Sir Antonio Pappano in 2016. This German opera graced an Italian theater stage in a concert format. Julian Kim took on the role of the king's minister, Don Fernando. Despite being the youngest among the performers, Kim portrayed his character with a commanding presence befitting the highest rank. In critics' reviews, Julian Kim was praised as 'The still very young baritone from South Korea Julian Kim offered a surprise as the beautifully singing Don Fernando. A real cavalier baritone, who is currently studying in Milan, gave a tremendous test of talent and also with an almost Austrian German diction! You should remember this name' and 'Julian Kim's Don Fernando is seraphic, above all thanks to a soft timbre and soft phrasing that distinguish Korean.'

Don Carlo

Following the record-breaking flood in Venice in 2019, Don Carlo was staged at Teatro La Fenice amidst challenges. The theater's electrical facilities were damaged, preventing performers from rehearsing on-site. Concerns arose about whether the repairs could be completed in time for the opera's premiere. Against the odds, the opera opened as scheduled under the baton of Maestro Myung-whun Chung, serving as a symbolic triumph over adversity. Julian Kim portrayed Rodrigo, the Marquis of Posa, in this production. The critiques highlight: 'Excellent performance by Julian Kim (Posa), who possesses a remarkable voice, characterized by its dark timbre and skilled modulation between forte and piano.' They also stated: 'Among the performers, the most Verdian voice, exemplifying weight and solidity, belongs to baritone Julian Kim, notable for his portrayal as the Marquis of Posa, a role that received substantial directorial attention.' Furthermore, 'The Korean baritone, Julian Kim, excelled in his role as Rodrigo, showcasing outstanding vocal prowess. His well-supported singing voice, with its appealing timbre, coupled with secure phrasing enriched by subtle accents, added depth to his character portrayal. Additionally, his mastery in crafting the vocal line imbued his singing with a natural lyrical quality that was pleasing to the ear.'

The Phantom of the Opera

Having established a successful career in the operatic realm, the expansion into musical theater came as a surprising development to the general public, yet was anticipated by his fans. His maiden venture in the musical domain saw him assume the role of the Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera in Korea in 2023. Given the Phantom's vocal requirements, which could encompass operatic or legit high baritone styles, this debut role proved optimal for him. In the critique of the Busan performance, it was noted that ‘Julian Kim presented a new appearance through his first musical, The Phantom of the Opera. He captured the Phantom's intense fixation on Christine and portrayed the character's madness effectively with his explosive vocal presence and compelling energy that filled the venue,’ and 'Baritone Julian Jootaek Kim, venturing into a musical for the first time, captivated audiences from his initial performance with his rich voice. Known as the 'Eastern Cappuccilli' for his numerous opera performances in Europe, he demonstrated dynamic vocal prowess that suited the role of the gifted musician in The Phantom of the Opera.'

Furthermore, Kim mentioned ahead of the Seoul performance, 'I am trying to express myself by treating Christine as my possession and using her to complete my music as a means, and feeling emotions as I go along.' Praise for his vocal abilities continued with each performance in Seoul. 'Undoubtedly, he demonstrated a singing ability that rivals any Phantom on any stage in the world... Few Phantoms adequately convince the audience of Christine's fainting on stage. However, Julian Kim delivered a flawless 'The Music of the Night' that could make not only Christine but also the audience faint.' He delivered the musically-correct 'The Music of the Night,' sometimes using minimal embellishments to express nuances in the lyrics. Additionally, his dedication to his craft and collaborative learning experiences with former and present Phantoms, including his mentor Cho Seung-woo, were acknowledged as contributing factors to his portrayal of the Phantom. In the critique of the performance, particular emphasis was placed on Kim's transformation during the second act, starting from the number 'The Point of No Return.' Initially embodying the obsessive and explosive Phantom, Kim's evolution in acting was highlighted, transitioning from a character consumed by obsession to one who gradually discovers feelings of love. This change in portrayal was particularly notable after a year of performances, where his interpretation deepened, resulting in a more nuanced and heartfelt depiction of the character. Kim delivered a commanding portrayal of the Phantom, earning him the Best New Male Artist Award at The 8th Korea Musical Awards, a recognition bestowed upon actors who made their debut in Korean musical theaters within the past three years.

Kim is frequently invited to perform during national ceremonies in Korea and at ceremonial concerts in both Italy and Korea.

He admired Piero Cappuccilli, who was known for his extended phrasing and resonant high notes, qualities not commonly found in a baritone. Being likened to the esteemed Piero Cappuccilli was regarded as a flattering compliment to him.

Kim also holds profound admiration and respect for Maestro Myung-whun Chung. They first met when Kim participated in the Young Artist Program at La Scala. Maestro Chung, impressed by Kim's baritone voice, has since invited him to perform in numerous concerts and operas in Italy and Korea. During their interactions, Kim pledged to work diligently, to which Chung imparted a memorable piece of advice: "Doing your best is not enough. Everyone does that. You have to have you in your voice."