Former Lovelyz member Kei confirmed as Mia for musical 'Death Note'

Former Lovelyz member Kei [ILGAN SPORTS]

The production company of the musical “Death Note” confirmed Wednesday that Kei, a former member of now disbanded girl group Lovelyz has been cast to play Mia.

The production team had to confirm the news as Kei had posted several photographs of herself in Mia’s costumes early this month, giving away the news. She deleted the photographs a few hours later following criticisms that she had spoiled the cast announcement which should be made by the production team.

The upcoming musical will be Kei’s first activity since the girl group disbanded last November. Kei recently signed a new contract with Palmtree Island on Dec. 1. Palmtree Island is a management agency established by Kim Jun-su. Kim, who was a former member of boy band JYJ, is now an active musical actor and a solo artist.

“Death Note,” which will be staged for the first time in five years, is about a high school student named Light, who stumbles upon a notebook that kills those whose names get written in it. The musical will be staged from April. Kei has starred in several musicals in the past including “Excalibur.”

Lovelyz, which debuted in 2014, disbanded after its members, except Lee Su-jeong, did not renew their contracts with Woolim Entertainment late last year. The group included Lee Mi-joo, who is actively appearing on entertainment programs like “Hangout with Yoo” after signing a contract with Antenna.

BY YIM SEUNG-HYE [yim.seunghye@joongang.co.kr]