Kim Myung-soo has been around for more than a decade—and his passion for music and film burns just as brightly as it did in the early days of his career
Kim Myung-soo moves in front of the cameras with a confidence that comes only from years of honing his craft. Every movement is exact and purposeful, every glance calibrated, yet he maintains an air of ease that makes it all seem effortless. Despite his attention to detail and precision, Kim Myung-soo keeps the mood light and radiates an effortless charm. It is evident that his genuine, down-to-earth candor isn’t reserved solely for his fans, but extends to everyone around him. This balance between being meticulous and inviting is a hallmark of his decade-spanning career, a testament to why he continues to captivate the world and maintain longevity in a country of star-makers and in an industry that is so often unforgiving.
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L is for Longevity
The world met Kim Myung-soo as L, INFINITE’s resonant and dynamic vocalist, when the group debuted in 2010. He got his first taste of fame at 18 years old upon exiting the pressure-cooker training studios where the stars of South Korea’s music industry matriculate. With multiple chart-topping albums, awards, and international tours and concerts, L established himself as a prominent name in the K-pop industry—rising from ambitious rookie to influential musical figure.
Outside INFINITE, Myung-soo ventured into solo music with the release of his single Memory in 2021, showcasing a more personal side of his artistry—yet one he wasn’t able to explore just yet due to military service. But after a three-year wait, just this October marked a significant milestone in his career; Myung-soo finally released his first EP, 24/7, which signified a deeper level of artistic expression for the artist. 24/7 is a more intimate look at his musical journey as a soloist—proof that his star power shines just as brightly when he has the stage to himself.
But the K-pop phenom excels at handling scripts just as effortlessly as he does musical notes. He was a small screen, big wonder; he imbued a sinuous charisma to roles that might otherwise be overlooked and was a regular scene-stealer in the limited screentime he was given. But then came his star turn in The Emperor: Owner of the Mask, a historical drama that received critical acclaim. He then continued to feature as more intense and challenging lead characters, such as in Angel’s Last Mission: Love, Royal Secret Agent, and his latest, Dare to Love Me.
Suffice to say that Kim Myung-soo has built an impressive legacy—more than a decade of a diverse body of work with credentials across both music and film. And he’s not done.
14 Years of Enduring Success
In the entertainment industry, the spotlight can shift in the blink of an eye. When someone steps away, the climb back can feel nearly insurmountable. Yet Kim Myung-soo has remarkably managed to defy these odds even after military service—a period that can often dim even the brightest careers—and a three-year gap before releasing his first EP. In his 14 years in the industry, his ability to adapt and grow while staying true to his essence is the secret to prove that the quality of his work and the sincerity of his artistry are timeless—whether in film or music.
The strong foundation he has built early in his career—one marked by genuine talent, unshakeable professionalism, and a deep connection with his audience—enabled him to return to the limelight as seamlessly as he did. With that, the star has one thing to say about maintaining this lifetime of showmanship: “I’m consistent in how I always put effort into the things I say ‘yes,’ to, but I also show a lot of variation in my work—there has to be self-growth. Without the pursuit of self-growth, I wouldn’t be here today.”
Who is L? Who is Kim Myung-soo?
L from INFINITE thrives within the dynamic of the group. Supported by the voices of his bandmates, their music becomes a collective expression where personal stories are woven together. However, in 24/7, Kim Myung-Soo is separated from that collective identity. Though still released under his stage name, his debut EP is just his voice—stripped of others and laid bare in its simplicity. It highlights the contrast between the unity of the group and the solitude of his solo work.
“There’s a difference between L as an INFINITE member and Kim Myung-Soo as the solo artist,” Myung-soo confesses to MEGA Man. “I get to show different sides of myself. With INFINITE, it was a shared journey. But as Kim Myung-Soo, I get to delve deeper into my personal identity. Both are authentic and introspective, but they reflect different facets of who I am as an artist and as a person.”
Releasing his debut EP solo marks a shift towards a greater personal expression and introduces a new dimension of his artistry. With this release, Myung-soo offers fans a more intimate glimpse into his world, making his vulnerability both artistic and profoundly human.
Energy, Balance, and Dual Craft
The singer-actor excels in two powerful storytelling mediums, a rare talent among performers. However, these two formats differ significantly in their methods and the skills they require. Music relies on sound and performance to evoke emotion and tell stories, but film combines dialogue and acting to create an immersive narrative. When asked how Myung-soo thrives in both despite the harsh demands of both, he answers, “There’s a difference in energy between the two. Creating music is like a hundred-meter sprint, and acting or leading a role is more like a marathon. And being able to know when to prepare for or exert my energy into one or the other really helped my career.”
The artist emphasizes that, despite the physical, mental, and emotional demands of balancing both mediums, he has no intention of letting go of either. He declares, “As much as I lack sleep, I am also able to give more to my fans and to myself.”
Evolving with Purpose
An artist still loving his craft the way he did at the beginning approaches each project with a spark of curiosity and an open heart. Myung-soo cherishes the process, finding joy in growth and unfamiliar territories. “As I naturally grow older and become more mature, there are different experiences that I learn from,” the artist tells MEGA Man. “Over the past decade, I’ve explored and interpreted different roles already, but there’s still so much to learn and discover. I don’t want to be limited by the body of work that I already have. So if there are new proposals, I’m looking forward to them.”
One such is his recent partnership with Universal Records Philippines, the local label which he officially signed with just last week. As a global K-pop and K-artist sensation, there is much to look forward to from Myung-soo about his future work in the country, especially as he continues to forge a deep connection with his international fanbase. “We speak different languages, but they still see L or Kim Myung-Soo working hard on his craft—and that remains the same,” Myung-soo proclaims. “So whether local or international, they see the heart I pour into my work, and that’s the most important thing to me.”
Shaping a Lasting Legacy
As an established name in Korea and beyond, an influential figure who has shaped the Korean music and the film industry, the question of legacy becomes significant. To MEGA Man, he describes the enduring impact he envisions for his career—or the one he feels he has already begun to leave on the world: “In my 14 years, I’ve had a lot of juniors follow after me. I hope we can continue to create good K-content for the world and I hope I can still be a role model and a good senior.”
Photographed by RENZO NAVARRO. Creative Direction by ANDREW ENCAPAS and GIANNA SIBAL. Makeup by JEON MINJI SOF. Hair by SEHEE PARK SOF. Styled by RYUJI SHIOMITSU. Assisted by RIGEL HERON and MAXINE DELA CRUZ. Shoot Coordination by JOANA FERNANDO. Sittings Editor MIA CASTRO.
Special thanks to KATHLEEN DY-GO and MARK SABLAN of UNIVERSAL RECORDS, LIAH KIM, YONGEUN WON, and YAHU! KITCHEN
