G.O, a member of K-pop band MBLAQ, has expanded his career into musical theater, appearing in a series of musicals and getting both public and critical nods for his performances.

The 26-year-old singer, the main vocalist of the male quintet, was chosen as the “Best Male Rookie Actor” at the 8th Musical Awards, it was announced Monday.

He was recognized for his role in the Korean musical “Seopyeonje.” He played Dong-ho, the male lead, who resists his father in order to go searching for his own voice. 

He is the second K-pop singer honored at the Awards, regarded as the Tony Awards of Korea, after Kim Jun-su, a member of JYJ and ex-member of TVXQ. Kim is now one of the hottest musical theater performers.

“I am awestruck by the huge honor given to me. I couldn’t have done it all by myself,” G.O posted on his Twitter account, expressing gratitude to the director, fellow actors and actresses and staff members of the musical.

G.O made his musical debut in “Gwanghwamun Sonata,” a K-pop idol-packed musical performed in Japan in 2012. “Seopyeonje,” which ended its nearly two-month run here last month, was his second. He then appeared in another local musical, “The Kingdom of Winds ― Muhyul,” which ended May 20.

By Lee Sun-young (milaya@heraldcorp.com)