DK (singer)
South Korean singer (born 1997)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lee Seok-min (Korean: 이석민; born February 18, 1997), known professionally as Dokyeom (도겸) or DK, is a South Korean singer. Managed by Pledis Entertainment he is a member of the South Korean boy band Seventeen, its vocal team, and is the leader of its subunit BSS with Hoshi and Seungkwan.
Outside of his group activities, In 2019, DK made his musical theatre debut with the lead role Arthur in XCalibur, the South Korean production of Artus-Excalibur. He then returned to play the role of Arthur in XCalibur's 2021 run. DK has also released a number of OSTs that have been commercially successful in South Korea.
Early life
DK was born on February 18, 1997, in Mapo District, Seoul, South Korea.[1] He attended School of Performing Arts Seoul and graduated in 2016.[2]
Name
Career
2011–2014: Pre-debut
DK joined Pledis Entertainment in late 2011, having auditioned for the company after being inspired by South Korean singer Yoon Do-hyun's career.[3] He auditioned with three songs: YB Band's "Peppermint Candy", 2AM's "This Song", and the Korean version of "This Is the Moment" from the musical Jekyll & Hyde.[4]
In 2013, he began appearing in Seventeen TV, an online reality show that introduced Pledis' trainees and showed potential members of the boy group Seventeen before their official debut. The show was broadcast periodically on Ustream, where the trainees showed themselves training, singing, creating choreographies, and playing games.[5] The online show also included participation in concerts titled Like Seventeen.[6][7]
2015–present: Seventeen, solo and sub-unit activities
On May 29, 2015, DK debuted as a member of the South Korean boy group Seventeen with the extended play 17 Carat.[8] Renowned for his vocal abilities, DK serves as a main vocalist for the group, and is a member of Seventeen's vocal team.[9] Since the group's debut, DK has received songwriting credit for over ten of Seventeen's songs.[10]
In 2018, DK, alongside Seventeen members Seungkwan and Hoshi, formed the group's first official subunit, BSS or BooSeokSoon (부석순), with DK acting as the trio's leader.[11] BSS released their debut single "Just Do It" on March 21.[12]
On February 28, 2019, DK was cast as Arthur, a leading role in the South Korean production of Artus-Excalibur titled Xcalibur at the Sejong Center,[13] marking his debut as a musical actor.[14][15] In anticipation for the role, he was featured on the cover of the performing arts magazine Scene Playbill.[16] DK's performance received praise from critics and audiences. Jang Woo-young of Osen lauded his performance as "amazing", with the musical "announc[ing] the birth of a new musical star."[17][18] Frank Wildhorn, the original composer of the musical, also commended his talent.[19] For his work on the role, DK was nominated for the "Male Rookie Award" at the 4th Korea Musical Awards[20] and "Musical Male Rookie" at the 2019 Stagetalk Audience Choice Awards[21] Later that year, EMK Musical Company released an album of Xcalibur's live stage performances, which featured DK.[22][23][24]
In 2021, DK reprised the role of Arthur in the second run of Xcalibur at the Blue Square Shinhan Card Hall in Seoul.[25][26][27] In anticipation for his role in the re-run, he was featured on the magazine cover of Theatre Plus' August 2021 issue.[28] Despite opening during the COVID-19 pandemic, the second season of the musical was recognized as a success, garnering standing ovations at every show[29] and praises for DK's performance.[30] In September 2022, the EMK Musical Company released a documentary titled Xcalibur the Musical Documentary: Dokyeom's Brilliant Journey (엑스칼리버 더 뮤지컬 다큐멘터리: 도겸의 찬란한 여정), highlighting DK's growth as a musical actor.[31] On July 19, 2021, all members of Seventeen, including DK, renewed their contract with Pledis Entertainment.[32]
In 2023, after a five-year hiatus, BSS returned with the single album Second Wind and song "Fighting", which both met commercial success.[33] In May 2025, DK released "It's You" for the soundtrack of Resident Playbook.[34]
In 2026, he and Seungkwan formed DxS, with a debut EP released in January.[35]
Artistry
Voice
DK has been commended for his singing prowess, both for his work in Seventeen and in musical theatre. In 2018, he was featured as one of the K-pop industry's "representative vocalists" by Dispatch Korea.[4] In 2022, Newsen's Lee Seul-gi reported that DK has been recognized for his vocal skills, which display a wide range and rich volume.[36] In reviewing Seventeen's Follow concert in Seoul, Abby Webster described his voice as a "warm lower register" for NME.[37] After his appearance on King of Masked Singer, Park Hee-ah of Melon described his voice as having "solid vocalization, high range, and flexible rhythm."[38]
Influences
DK has cited YB as being a major inspiration for his music career.[39][40]
Other endeavors
Skincare ambassadorships
On June 26, 2023, South Korean cosmetics brand S2nd revealed its latest collaboration, with DK and Seungkwan as their exclusive models.[41] In 2025, he was selected as an ambassador for South Korean skincare brand AmpleN.[42]
Fashion
On September 19, 2023, Swiss luxury fashion house Bally announced DK as its newest global brand ambassador.[43][44] Prior to the announcement, he had made an exclusive appearance at the house's Fall/Winter 2023 Milan Fashion Week on February 25, 2023.[45][46] Bally CEO Nicolas Girotto cited his versatility, fashionable demeanor, and amiable disposition as decisive elements in his appointment as the brand's latest global ambassador.[47] DK commenced his global activities with Bally by participating in events such as the Bally Spring/Summer 2024 Collection at Milan Fashion Week on September 23, 2023,[48] and the Bally Fall/Winter 2024 at Milan Fashion Week on February 26, 2024.[49][50] He then appeared in Bally's 2024 Spring/Summer campaign.[51][52]
In July 2025, he attended South Korean clothing brand Satur's store opening in Myeongdong, Seoul.[53]
Personal life
DK has been recognized by fans for his compassionate and empathetic nature, as showcased in an episode of a Dingo Story YouTube series titled "수고했어 오늘도" (translated: Good Job Today Too), released on February 13, 2023. In this episode, he personally prepared a lunch box for a fan, whom he shared a heartfelt conversation with about working hard in daily life.[54][55]
Outside of his music career, DK is an avid sports enthusiast, enjoying activities like football, volleyball, baseball, and basketball. He has expressed particular interest in baseball, often expressing his support for the Doosan Bears.[56][57] On April 2, 2023, DK was invited to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a Doosan Bears game.[58][59][60] In January 2025, he met with South Korea's 2008 Olympics Baseball Squad on SBS' Tail to Tail Story.[61] In January 2025, DK also revealed that he was playing for an amateur baseball club.[62]
Discography
Singles
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR [63] | ||||
| "Cinematic Love" (한 편의 너) with Yang Da-il |
2018 | 88 | Non-album singles | |
| "17" (Remix)[64] Pink Sweat$ featuring Joshua & DK |
2020 | — | ||
| "You're My Christmas"[65] | 2021 | — | ||
| "Die Schatten Werden Laenger"[66] Kai with DK |
2022 | — | Kai on Musical | |
| "Dirty Dancing" (Dem Jointz Remix)[67] New Kids on the Block featuring Joshua, DK & Dino |
2023 | — | The Block Revisited | |
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region. | ||||
Other charted songs
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOR [68] | |||
| "Happy Virus"[A] | 2025 | 114 | Happy Burstday |
| "Rockstar"[B] | 2026 | 138 | Serenade |
Soundtrack appearances
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR [69] |
KOR Hot [70] | ||||
| "Fate" (인연) original by Lee Seung Chul |
2016 | —[C] | — | Mask Singer 70th (Live Version) | |
| "Downfall of the Moon"[72] (달의 몰락) original by Kim Hyun Chul |
— | — | |||
| "Missed Connections" (내가 먼저) | 2018 | —[D] | — | Tempted OST | |
| "My Flesh, My Blood, My Skin, My Bones" (난 나의 것) | 2019 | — | — | Xcalibur Musical 2019 OST[74][23] | |
| "Let the Sword Make This Man" (검이 한 사람을) with Um Ki-Joon, Xcalibur Ensemble, Knights |
— | — | |||
| "Remember This Night" (기억해 이 밤) with Son Jun Ho, Xcalibur Ensemble |
— | — | |||
| "Go It Alone" (혼자서 가) with Lee Ji Hoon |
— | — | |||
| "Murmur of the Heart" (심장의 침묵) | — | — | |||
| "Eye For an Eye Reprise" (눈에는 눈 리프라이즈) with Lee Sang Jun, Xcalibur Ensemble, Bride, Saxons |
— | — | |||
| "In Troubled Times Like These" (이렇게 우리 만난 건) with Min Kyung Ah |
— | — | |||
| "What Does It Mean to be a King" (왕이 된다는 것) | — | — | |||
| "Is It Still Beautiful" (여전히 아름다운지) with Woozi and Seungkwan, originally by Kim Yeon-woo |
2021 | 25 | 22 | Hospital Playlist OST Part 8 | |
| "Go!" | 2022 | 123 | 88 | Twenty-Five Twenty-One OST | |
| "Short Hair" (단발머리) | 2023 | —[E] | — | Welcome to Samdal-ri OST | |
| "See the World"[77] with Seungkwan and Bleeding Fingers Music |
2024 | — | — | Asia OST | |
| "It's You" (너인데) | 2025 | —[F] | — | Resident Playbook OST | |
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region. | |||||
Composition credits
All credits are adapted from the Korea Music Copyright Association except where noted.[10]
| Year | Artist | Song | Album | Lyrics | Music | Ref. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credited | With | Credited | With | |||||
| 2016 | Seventeen | "Say Yes" | Love & Letter |  |
Woozi, Seungkwan, Kiggen |  |
N/a | [80] |
| "Adore U" (아낀다) (Vocal Team) | |
Bumzu, S.Coups, Woozi, Vernon, Seungkwan | |
N/a | ||||
| 2017 | "Without You" (모자를 눌러 쓰고) | Teen, Age | |
Woozi, Vernon, Jeonghan, Hoshi, The8, Mingyu, S.Coups, Dino, Bumzu | |
N/a | [81] | |
| "Clap" (박수) | |
Bumzu, Woozi, Hoshi, Mingyu, Jeonghan, Seungkwan | |
N/a | ||||
| "Hello" | |
Bumzu, Mingyu, Jun | |
Bumzu | ||||
| "Campfire" (캠프파이어) | |
Woozi, Vernon, Jeonghan, Wonwoo, The8, Mingyu, S.Coups, Seungkwan, Bumzu | |
N/a | ||||
| "We gonna make it shine" | Non-album singles | |
Bumzu, Woozi, Joshua, Seungkwan, Jeonghan | |
N/a | |||
| 2019 | BSS | "Just Do It" (거침없이) | |
Woozi, Hoshi, Seungkwan | |
N/a | [82] | |
| 2020 | Seventeen | "Hey Buddy" | Semicolon | |
Bumzu, Woozi, Mingyu, The8 | |
Bumzu, Woozi, Mingyu, The8, Lee Gi-yong, Lee Min-gyu | [83] |
| 2021 | "In the Soop" | Non-album singles | |
Woozi, Wonwoo, Dino, Hoshi, Mingyu, Joshua, Jeonghan | |
N/a | ||
| DK | "You're My Christmas" | |
Jozu, Lee Beom-hoon | |
Jozu, Lee Beom-hoon | [65] | ||
| 2023 | BSS | "Fighting" (파이팅 해야지) Featuring Lee Young-ji |
Second Wind | |
Bumzu, Woozi, Hoshi, Seungkwan, Lee Young-ji | |
N/a | [84] |
| "Lunch" | |
Bumzu, Woozi, Hoshi, Seungkwan | |
N/a | ||||
| "7PM" (7시예 들어줘) Featuring Peder Elias |
|
Bumzu, Woozi, Hoshi, Seungkwan, Peder Elias | |
N/a | ||||
| 2025 | "CBZ (Prime Time)" (청바지) | Teleparty | |
Bumzu, Woozi, Hoshi, Seungkwan | |
N/a | [85] | |
| "Happy Alone" | |
Bumzu, Woozi, Hoshi, Seungkwan | |
N/a | ||||
| "Love Song" (사랑 노래) | |
Bumzu, Woozi, Hoshi, Seungkwan | |
N/a | ||||
| Seventeen | "Encircled" (동그라미) | Non-album singles | |
Woozi, S.Coups, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, The8, Mingyu, Seungkwan, Vernon, Dino | |
N/a | [86] | |
| "Happy Virus" | Happy Burstday | |
Woozi | |
N/a | [87] | ||
Filmography
Film
Television shows
| Title | Year | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| King of Masked Singer | 2016 | "Dream" (with Jihyo of Twice) | [90] |
| "Downfall of the Moon" (달의 몰락) and "Fate" (인연) | [91] | ||
| Stars' Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant | 2020 | Special MC | [92][93] |
| My Remaining Love (working title) | 2026 | Cast member | [94] |
Music video appearances
| Title | Year | Artist | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "My Copycat" | 2014 | Orange Caramel | Pre-debut | [95] |
| "Side by Side" | 2021 | The8 | [96] |
Awards and nominations
| Award | Year | Category | Nominee/Works | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Korea Musical Awards | 2020 | Male Rookie Award | Xcalibur | Nominated | [20] |
| Stagetalk Audience Choice Awards | 2019 | Musical Male Rookie | Nominated | [21] |
Notes
- Credited under Seventeen but is a solo track performed by DK.
- Credited under DxS but is a solo track performed by DK.