DK (singer)


Lee Seok-min, known professionally as Dokyeom 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 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 School of Performing Arts Seoul and graduated in 2016.

Name

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

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. 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.

2015–present: Seventeen, BSS and musical debut

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 vocal abilities, DK serves as a main vocalist for the group, and is a member of Seventeen's vocal team. Since the group's debut, DK has received songwriting credit for over ten of Seventeen's songs.
In 2018, DK, alongside Seventeen members Seungkwan and Hoshi, formed the group's first official subunit, BSS or BooSeokSoon, with DK acting as the trio's leader. BSS released their debut single "Just Do It" on March 21.
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 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 live stage performances, which featured DK.
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, highlighting DK's growth as a musical actor. On July 19, 2021, all members of Seventeen, including DK, renewed their contract with Pledis Entertainment.
In 2023, after a five-year hiatus, BSS returned with the single album Second Wind and song "Fighting", which both met commercial success. In May 2025, DK released "It's You" for the soundtrack of Resident Playbook.
He formed DxS, a duo with Seungkwan, with their debut mini album releasing in January 2026.

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 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.

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. In 2025, he was selected as an ambassador for South Korean skincare brand AmpleN.

Fashion

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.
In July 2025, he attended South Korean clothing brand Satur's store opening in Myeongdong, Seoul.

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", 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.
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. In January 2025, he met with South Korea's 2008 Olympics Baseball Squad on SBS' Tail to Tail Story.

Composition credits

All credits are adapted from the Korea Music Copyright Association except where noted.

Filmography

Music videos

YearTitleArtistNotes
2014My CopycatOrange CaramelPre-debut
2021Side by SideThe8

Awards and nominations

AwardYearCategoryNominee/WorksResultRef
Korea Musical Awards2020Male Rookie AwardXcaliburNomitated
Stagetalk Audience Choice Awards2019Musical Male RookieXcaliburNomitated