Former f(x) member Luna earns praise in opening of musical 'Mali'

Former f(x) member Luna has successfully completed the opening performance of the musical 'Mali'.

Luna took the stage on December 20 KST at Baekam Art Hall in Seoul for the opening of Mali, portraying the lead role of 18-year-old Mali. Having built experience through productions such as 'Mamma Mia!', 'Hamlet', and 'TokTok', Luna showcased a more mature and refined acting performance, earning warm applause from the audience.

Mali tells the story of an 18-year-old girl who once lived as a famous child star but now leads an ordinary life. She travels back to the past, inhabiting the body of a doll named Levi, and encounters her 11-year-old self. The musical is characterized by its emotionally resonant narrative that appeals to audiences of all ages, along with its dramatic musical score.

In the production, Luna plays 18-year-old Mali as she confronts her glamorous past and searches for her true place in life. She delicately portrayed the character’s complex inner emotions with nuanced expressions and steady emotional control, allowing audiences to fully immerse themselves in Mali’s journey of facing old wounds and growing through them.

Luna’s well-known vocal prowess also stood out. Seamlessly shifting between powerful high notes and soft, lyrical tones, she delivered the emotional musical numbers with precision, amplifying the drama and emotional impact of the story. Her chemistry with Young Mali and the doll Levi movingly illustrated the process of reconciling with the past and learning to embrace oneself.

Following the successful opening performance, Luna shared her thoughts, saying, “I’m truly happy to be able to greet everyone at the end of 2025 through the musical ‘Mali.’ I hope that all the Malis in the world can find comfort and courage through this story, and be able to exist as themselves in a challenging world. I love you.”

The musical Mali, starring Luna, runs at Baekam Art Hall in Seoul through February 15, 2026.

SEE ALSO: Actress Kim Hee Jung opens up about being unmarried and raising her late brother's children