(ANN/KOREA HERALD) – Marking three decades in the music industry and embracing a new chapter in life, R&B artist Bobby Kim has returned with “Part of Me,” his first new album in three years. This period has been one of significant personal and professional evolution for the Korean American singer.
The COVID-19 pandemic provided Kim with an opportunity for musical enrichment. This time also saw him celebrate personal milestones, including his marriage in 2022 and his 30th debut anniversary in 2024.
“Last year marked 30 years since my debut, but with all the ups and downs I’ve been through, it doesn’t really feel like three decades. Honestly, I still feel like a rookie,” Kim shared during a recent interview in Seoul.
His new album, “Part of Me,” features five self-composed tracks. To achieve a more vibrant and live sound, a key element in shaping the arrangements, Kim collaborated with musicians who have band backgrounds.
Notably, the lyrics for each song were penned by Kim’s close friends and fellow musicians. Having spent his formative years in the US before returning to Korea as an adult, Kim explained, “My Korean isn’t perfect enough to write lyrics that fully capture what I want to say. So instead, I conveyed my stories and feelings to people who know me well, and they wrote the lyrics.”
The album’s main track, “Love Spilled … And Then 3 Days,” is a poignant ballad exploring the regret and longing of separated lovers wishing for reconciliation. The emotionally charged string arrangement in the song’s latter half was crafted by singer-songwriter Park Sun-zoo, a close confidante of Kim. “This is totally about the past — I tried really hard to convince my wife of that,” Kim chuckled.
Despite his current marital happiness, Kim chose to include songs inspired by past heartbreaks to showcase a broader spectrum of emotions as an artist. “I could’ve written an entire album just about the love I share with my wife. But I felt that would make the album too bright. As an artist, I want my albums to reflect a range of feelings — two songs are cheerful and positive and the other three are more sorrowful,” he explained, clarifying that the album’s initial two tracks are indeed about his wife.
The pre-release track, “Morning Routine,” featuring lyrics by rapper Tablo of Epik High, offers a sweet glimpse into Kim’s everyday life with his wife. Kim shared with a smile that it holds the distinction of being her favorite song of his.
Throughout the interview, Kim frequently spoke of his wife, acknowledging the profound impact marriage has had on his approach to music. “The biggest change is that I take my career more seriously now. I’m more focused and responsible with my music. That sense of responsibility has actually broadened my emotional range — I want to try more diverse styles,” he said.
Looking ahead, Kim revealed, “While this album consists of gentle ballads, I’m preparing something more upbeat and rhythmic for the next one. I plan to release it within a year.”
He also expressed a burgeoning interest in exploring avenues beyond music. “Back in the day, selling CDs was all we had to think about. Now, there are so many platforms and ways to connect with people and it’s a bit daunting. I’m very analog, so I rely on advice from others,” he admitted, mentioning his openness to appearing on platforms like YouTube and engaging in social media promotions.
Though often dubbed “the godfather of soul” for his emotive voice and impressive vocal abilities, Kim humbly demurred, stating that the title feels too grand. “I’d prefer something like ‘an old-school soul man.’ I’m grateful for the respect, but I don’t think I deserve to be called a godfather. I’m still learning and discovering new things,” he said.
With a resolute spirit, Kim concluded, “I’ll be making music until all my teeth fall out. I’ll be performing with a cane if I have to.”
-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin