K-pop singer and actor Kim Dong-wan is to play the role of transgender rocker “Hedwig” from mid-August, officials in the local musical industry said.

The musical team selected Kim for the lead role to mark its 10th anniversary in Korea as he is able to bring out the unique character of Hedwig while performing steady yet powerful vocals.

“Kim Dong-wan is full of merits. On the outside he is manly and masculine but on the inside he is sensitive and has thoughtful eyes. He is just enough to steal the hearts of audience,” an expert in the musical business said.

According to a local news agency, Kim’s decision to appear in the musical is symbolic as he debuted in “Hedwig” as a musical actor in 2011.

Kim received the casting call while studying in a language program in Canada, shortly after the 16th anniversary concert of Shinhwa in March.

The multitalented star is to return to Korea by the end of July for the musical and is scheduled to resume work with Shinhwa next January.

By Ha Ji-won, Intern reporter (jiwonha@heraldcorp.com)