Kim Jun-su turned 30 this year. From his debut in 2003 as a member of K-pop band TVXQ, he has gone on to form JYJ. Currently touring as a soloist under his stage name XIA and as a musical actor, Kim Jun-su (or Xia Jun-su or – just Xia) has never stopped trying out new ways to connect with his global fans who have been mesmerized by his voice and unique personal magnetism.

I recently finished the musical Dracula and am now having a little break. The show was successfully re-staged following its run in 2014. Playing the role of Dracula required imagination and a healthy dose of passion during the show, which kept me immersed in the role.

We were able to stage a much more magnificent musical performance compared to previous ones as we had a 60-person full orchestra with a 30-person chorus. The fans there really helped me to bring my best to the performance. I really enjoyed spending the cold year end with fans.

I came up with the idea while watching different performances, including ones in small theaters and musical galas. I wanted to do a show where only music and my voice exist, unlike other shows that are usually staged after issuing an album. I had always dreamed of doing a concert with a band or even an orchestra, which focuses more on vocals unlike other performance-oriented shows. The Ballad and Musical Concert is differentiated from other musical concerts as it presents not only the songs that I have sung in musicals, but also my favorite songs and soundtracks, many of which I have never sung live on stage before.

I try to see the big picture whenever I read a script. Yet, more importantly, it's the music that moves my heart. When I listen to the different numbers of a musical, I imagine myself singing on the stage. Any musical with songs that move my heart makes me want to do it.

There are many musicals in different genres out there and there are many works that I want to do. I think the best chance to appear on an international stage would be to continue to do well here in Korea. [Laughs]

I am very honored to have won such prestigious awards through musicals every year. I am motivated by the notion that my performances can please the audience. Popularity Award is particularly meaningful to me as it comes from fans. I am always grateful for the tremendous support from the fans, which make it all possible.

Whenever we go abroad for a show, our fans there always welcome us, even when we land at the airport. I think they are more loving toward us because of the distances involved. Lately, when we went to Taiwan, our fans there even understood and responded to my words before the interpreter had chance to speak. They told me that they began learning Korean for me. It really motivated me to see such devotion from the fans.

I think it's the power of music. They liked my music from the beginning and I guess they like me performing on stage. Whenever I see global fans who visit Korea expressly to see my musicals, I always promise myself I will repay their love with my best performance.

It's called Genie Time. In this corner, which always comes in the middle of my concert, I try to answer three wishes from my fans. My fans began with "Please, sing this song!" or "Please show this dance," but their wishes have gradually evolved and some now bring a thumb drive containing a medley of songs they want to listen to. Some fans even bring a score of songs they want to listen to. It's gotten to the point where I'm a little nervous about what they may wish next! [Laughs]

I play soccer in my spare time, partly to build up my physical strength. I love soccer so much that I sometimes play it for hours on end. I like to relax with friends or by visiting famous restaurants.

When I was close to 30, I often said "Man's true life begins at 30!" [Laughs] Of course, it would be nice to try acting in a drama or a film if I have chance, but I still want to concentrate on meeting with fans as a singer and musical actor. I'm not in a hurry, but I will definitely show you something different from Kim Jun-su in his 20s.