# DK (singer)

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 once again 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. He attended Seoul Broadcasting High School and graduated in 2016.

## Name

DK is the shortened version of the Korean stage name Dokyeom. In Korean, Do (도; 道) refers to a path or road, while Kyeom (겸; 兼) means "multitasker", together representing a goal to be a multi-talented person who can take on many paths.

## Career
### Pre-debut: 2011–2014

DK joined Pledis Entertainment in late 2011, having auditioned for the company after being inspired by South Korean singer Yoon Do-hyun's career. 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.
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. The online show also included participation in concerts titled Like Seventeen.

### Seventeen: 2015–present

On May 29, 2015, DK debuted as a member of the South Korean boy group Seventeen with the extended play 17 Carat. Renowned for his exceptional vocal abilities, DK serves as the main vocalist for the group, as well as a pivotal member of the Vocal Team within Seventeen. Since debut, DK has participated in the songwriting of over 10 Seventeen's songs.
On July 19, 2021, all members of Seventeen renewed their contract with Pledis Entertainment.

### BSS: 2018–present

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. BSS released their debut single "Just Do It" on March 21. In 2023, after a five year hiatus, the group returned with the single album Second Wind and song "Fighting", which both met commercial success, with the album achieving sales of 478,679 copies on its debut day, according to Hanteo Chart, and "Fighting!" reaching the number one position on Japan's Oricon Daily Single chart. At the 2023 Asia Artist Awards, BSS secured their first-ever daesang, winning "Best Performance Of The Year".

### Musical
#### 2019 Xcalibur

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, marking his debut as a musical actor. In anticipation for the role, he was featured on the cover of the performing arts magazine Scene Playbill.
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." Frank Wildhorn, the original composer of the musical, also commended his talent.
For his work on the role, DK was nominated for the "Male Rookie Award" at the 4th Korea Musical Awards and "Musical Male Rookie" at the 2019 Stagetalk Audience Choice Awards Later that year, EMK Musical Company released an album of Xcalibur's live stage performances, which featured DK.

#### 2021 Xcalibur

In 2021, DK reprised the role of Arthur in the second run of Xcalibur at the Blue Square Shinhan Card Hall in Seoul. In anticipation for his role in the re-run, he was featured on the magazine cover of Theatre Plus' August 2021 issue. Despite opening during the COVID-19 pandemic, the second season of the musical was recognized as a success, garnering standing ovations at every show and praises for DK's performance. 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.

## 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. 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. In reviewing Seventeen's Follow concert in Seoul, Abby Webster described his voice as a "warm lower register" for NME. 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."

### Influences

DK has cited YB as being a major inspiration for his music career.

## Endorsements and ambassadorships

On June 26, 2023, South Korean cosmetics brand S2ND revealed its latest collaboration, with DK and Seungkwan as their exclusive models.
On September 19, 2023, Swiss luxury fashion house Bally announced DK as its newest global brand ambassador. Prior to the announcement, he had made an exclusive appearance at the house's Fall/Winter 2023 Milan Fashion Week on February 25, 2023. 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. 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, and the Bally Fall/Winter 2024 at Milan Fashion Week on February 26, 2024. He then appeared in Bally's 2024 Spring/Summer campaign.

## 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.
DK enjoys releasing cover songs on Seventeen's YouTube channel, having shared performances of "The Road", "Amusement Park", "Betelgeuse", and "Sequel", among others.
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. On April 2, 2023, DK was invited to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a Doosan Bears game.

## Discography
### Original soundtracks

| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Peak chart positions | Album |
| Title | Year | Circle | Kor Hot | Album |
| "Missed Connections" (내가 먼저) | 2018 | — | — | Tempted OST Part 3 |
| My Flesh, My Blood, My Skin, My Bones (난 나의 것) | 2019 | — | — | Xcalibur Musical |
| Let the Sword Make This Man (검이 한 사람을) | 2019 | — | — | Xcalibur Musical |
| Remember This Night (기억해 이 밤) | 2019 | — | — | Xcalibur Musical |
| Go It Alone (혼자서 가) | 2019 | — | — | Xcalibur Musical |
| Murmur of the Heart (심장의 침묵) | 2019 | — | — | Xcalibur Musical |
| Eye For an Eye Reprise (눈에는 눈 리프라이즈) | 2019 | — | — | Xcalibur Musical |
| In Troubled Times Like These (이렇게 우리 만난 건) | 2019 | — | — | Xcalibur Musical |
| What Does It Mean to be a King (왕이 된다는 것) | 2019 | — | — | Xcalibur Musical |
| "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 | — | — | Welcome to Samdal-ri OST |

### Singles and collaborations

| Title | Year | Album |
| "Cinematic Love" (한 편의 너) (with Yang Da-il) | 2017 | Non-album single |
| "17" (Remix) (Pink Sweats featuring DK and Joshua) | 2020 | The Prelude |
| "You're My Christmas" | 2021 | Non-album single |
| "Die Schatten Werden Laenger" (한 편의 너) (Kai Featuring DK) | 2022 | Kai on Musical |
| "Dirty Dancing" (Dem Jointz remix) (New Kids on the Block Featuring DK, Joshua and Dino) | 2023 | The Block 2023 Rerelease |

### Covers

| Title | Year | Original artist | Album |
| "Fate" (인연) | 2016 | Lee Seung Chul | King of Mask Singer Episode 70 |
| "Downfall of the Moon" (달의 몰락) | 2016 | Kim Hyun-chul | King of Mask Singer Episode 70 |
| "She Didn't Love Me" (사랑했던걸까) | 2017 | Yang Da Il | Non-album singles |
| "The Road" (길) | 2020 | Paul Kim | Non-album singles |
| "A Journey" (행운을 빌어 줘) | 2022 | Wonpil | Non-album singles |
| "Rich At Heart" with Kang Tae Eul & Lee Jung Moon | 2022 | Xcalibur Musical | Non-album singles |
| "When Will We Learn" | 2022 | Xcalibur Musical | Non-album singles |
| "Amusement Park" (놀이공원) | 2023 | Baekhyun | Non-album singles |
| "Betelgeuse" (ベテルギウス) | 2023 | Yuuri | Non-album singles |
| "Sequel" (결국 아무것도 알 수 없었지만) | 2024 | Lucy | Non-album singles |
| "Steal the Show" | 2024 | Lauv | Non-album singles |
| "Happy" | 2024 | Day6 | Non-album singles |
| "Lost Stars" | 2024 | Adam Levine | Non-album singles |

## Composition credits

All credits are adapted from the Korea Music Copyright Association except where noted.
| Year | Artist | Song | Album | Lyrics | Lyrics | Music | Music | Ref. |
| Year | Artist | Song | Album | Credited | With | Credited | With | Ref. |
| 2016 | Seventeen | "Say Yes" | Love & Letter | | Woozi, Seungkwan, Kiggen | | — | |
| 2016 | Seventeen | "Adore U" (아낀다) (Vocal Team) | Love & Letter | | Bumzu, S.Coups, Woozi, Vernon, Seungkwan | | — | |
| 2017 | Seventeen | "Without You" (모자를 눌러 쓰고) | Teen, Age | | Woozi, Vernon, Jeonghan, Hoshi, The8, Mingyu, S.Coups, Dino, Bumzu | | — | |
| 2017 | Seventeen | "Clap" (박수) | Teen, Age | | Bumzu, Woozi, Hoshi, Mingyu, Jeonghan, Seungkwan | | — | |
| 2017 | Seventeen | "Hello" | Teen, Age | | Bumzu, Mingyu, Jun | | Bumzu | |
| 2017 | Seventeen | "Campfire" (캠프파이어) | Teen, Age | | Woozi, Vernon, Jeonghan, Wonwoo, The8, Mingyu, S.Coups, Seungkwan, Bumzu | | — | |
| 2017 | Seventeen | "We gonna make it shine" | Non-album singles | | Bumzu, Woozi, Joshua, Seungkwan, Jeonghan | | — | |
| 2019 | BSS | "Just Do It" (거침없이) | Non-album singles | | Woozi, Hoshi, Seungkwan | | — | |
| 2020 | Seventeen | "Hey Buddy" | Semicolon | | Bumzu, Woozi, Mingyu, The8 | | Bumzu, Woozi, Mingyu, The8, Lee Gi-yong, Lee Min-gyu | |
| 2021 | Seventeen | "In the Soop" | Non-album singles | | Woozi, Wonwoo, Dino, Hoshi, Mingyu, Joshua, Jeonghan | | — | |
| 2021 | DK | "You're My Christmas" | Non-album singles | | Jozu, Lee Beom-hoon | | Jozu, Lee Beom-hoon | |
| 2023 | BSS | "Fighting" (파이팅 해야지) Featuring Lee Young-ji | Second Wind | | Bumzu, Woozi, Hoshi, Seungkwan, Lee Young-ji | | — | |
| 2023 | BSS | "Lunch" | Second Wind | | Bumzu, Woozi, Hoshi, Seungkwan | | — | |
| 2023 | BSS | "7PM" (7시예 들어줘) Featuring Peder Elias | Second Wind | | Bumzu, Woozi, Hoshi, Seungkwan, Peder Elias | | — | |
| 2025 | BSS | "CBZ (Prime Time)" (청바지) | Teleparty | | Bumzu, Woozi, Hoshi, Seungkwan | | — | |
| 2025 | BSS | "Happy Alone" | Teleparty | | Bumzu, Woozi, Hoshi, Seungkwan | | — | |
| 2025 | BSS | "Love Song" (사랑 노래) | Teleparty | | Bumzu, Woozi, Hoshi, Seungkwan | | — | |

## Filmography
### Film

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2022 | Xcalibur the Musical Documentary: Dokyeom's Brilliant Journey | Himself | The documentary was later screened in Japan and Indonesia. |

### Televisions

TV shows featuring DK's solo appearances, showing year, remarks, and notes :
| Year | Title | Episode | Notes |
| 2016 | King of Masked Singer | Episode 69 | Dream (with Jihyo of Twice) |
| 2016 | King of Masked Singer | Episode 70 | Downfall of the Moon (달의 몰락) |
| 2016 | King of Masked Singer | Episode 70 | Fate (인연) |
| 2020 | Stars' Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant | Episode 34 – 36 | |

### Music Video

| Year | Title | Artist | Notes | Ref. |
| 2014 | My Copycat | Orange Caramel | Pre-debut | |
| 2021 | Side by Side | The8 | | |

## Awards and nominations

| Award | Year | Category | Nominee/Works | Result | Ref |
| Korea Musical Awards | 2020 | Male Rookie Award | Xcalibur | Nominated | |
| Stagetalk Audience Choice Awards | 2019 | Musical Male Rookie | Xcalibur | Nominated | |