Beloved Block B member U-KWON has taken his talents beyond the world of music, recently meeting fans on the theater stage.
Currently starring as Jason in the musical Dream High, U-KWON sat down with us for a conversation about his musical experience onstage, exciting new chapters of his career, upcoming projects and much more, including the powerful bonds he maintains to this day with the members of Block B.
Read on for our full interview with him for a behind-the-scenes glimpse at what he’s been working on and what comes next.
(Photo credit: 5Seconds Entertainment)
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Sweety High: To start, could you please say a quick hello to our readers?
U-KWON: Hello to all the Sweety High readers! I’m U-KWON. It’s truly a pleasure to connect with everyone through this interview.
SH: Recently, fans have been getting to know you through the musical Dream High. You’ve showcased fantastic performances onstage. How have the shows been going so far? Could you share a little about your experience up to this point?
U-KWON:The shows have been going really well so far. As I become more comfortable and in tune with the character, I’ve genuinely been having a blast on stage.
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SH: Tell us about your role as Jason in Dream High. When you were first offered the part, what was your initial impression of him? What was the most decisive factor that made you decide to join the production?
U-KWON: The Jason in the original drama is quite different from how I envisioned him for the musical. I really wanted to offer a fresh interpretation and make Jason my own.
On top of that, dance is my strongest suit, and since this character is centered heavily around dancing, it made my decision to join so much easier.
SH: Jason is already such a familiar and beloved character to audiences from the original TV drama. Was there anything specific you paid extra attention to or focused on while bringing your own version of him to life?
U-KWON: I wanted to bring higher energy and a more humorous vibe to the stage. Simply put, I really put effort into making sure he leaves an impression as the ultimate mood maker.
SH: Dream High isn’t your first musical—you’ve previously appeared in productions like In the Heights, The Great Catsby and All Shook Up. Your career as a musical actor has grown rapidly, and you’ve delivered so many wonderful performances. What kind of musical would you like to take part in next? Is there a specific dream role you’d love to play?
U-KWON: I’m not sure if the opportunity will come, but I’d love to take on the role of Light Yagami in Death Note. I’ve always had a soft spot for villain roles. Plus, bringing a character from a manga I’ve always loved to life sounds like so much fun, so that’s a challenge I definitely want to take on.
SH: Having performed as a singer for such a long time, you already possess abundant stage experience and confidence, and performing in front of a live crowd is second nature to you. Do you feel that background gave you a major edge when stepping into musicals?
U-KWON: I think so. Having that natural stage presence and being confident in using my body expressively definitely translates well into stage acting—it’s been a huge advantage.
(Photo credit: 5Seconds Entertainment)
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SH: Not long ago, you took the stage with Zico at WATERBOMB! It was such an unexpected surprise performance that caught everyone off guard, and the fan reaction was explosive. How did it feel to share the stage with a fellow Block B member again?
U-KWON: Lately, I’ve mostly been performing solo, so just having one member right beside me felt incredibly reassuring and empowering.
SH: We’d love to touch on Block B a bit more. Even though it’s been a long time since you all began promoting together, you still maintain such close, tight-knit bonds. What do you consider the biggest secret to keeping such a strong connection and staying on great terms over all these years?
U-KWON: We never bottle up our frustrations; we clear the air right away. Because we address things immediately, even if we clash, making up happens just as fast. That’s why we’ve always felt more like real brothers.
SH:Looking back, what do you think is the biggest difference between the U-KWON who first set foot on stage and the U-KWON of today?
U-KWON: First off, my stamina! There’s definitely a difference between your 20s and 30s.
Beyond that, it’s all about stage experience and polish. While my passion and effort haven’t changed a bit, the know-how and seasoned confidence built over 15 years on stage are definitely what set me apart now.
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SH: Is there a dream or goal you haven’t had the chance to pursue yet during your career, but definitely want to challenge yourself with in the future?
U-KWON: One thing I’d genuinely love to try is busking—performing spontaneously on the street.
SH: Do you have any final words you’d like to share with our readers?
U-KWON: Moving forward as U-KWON, I’ll continue showcasing many different sides and talents through music, musicals and acting, so please look forward to what’s ahead. I’m also working hard so I can meet fans all around the world in person, so please stay tuned and keep sending your love. Thank you!
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