[Interview] Roy Kim Returns on the Spring Breeze "Spring Is My Beginning and Driving Force"

Comfort Delivered "Just the Way You Are"

Singer Roy Kim. Provided by Wake One

Spring, when forsythias bloom and cherry blossoms scatter, is a season that makes one especially crave music. Singer Roy Kim (real name Kim Sang-woo, 31)’s debut song "Bom Bom Bom" (2013) is a representative spring song with a country sound that tickles the ears. Even now, 12 years after its release, it enjoys a resurgence on music charts every spring. His warm voice once again resonates on the spring breeze of April.

Roy Kim, whom we met last month on the 31st at a cafe in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, said, "Spring is the season that marks my beginning and serves as my driving force," adding, "Even when the cold winter comes, spring always returns."

After finishing his solo concert during the winter, he said he spends time at home eating delicious food as if hibernating until spring arrives. But when March comes, the calls to him increase, and he stretches and ties his sneakers again. For him, spring is the season that signals the start of a new year.

At this time of year, his phone never gets a break. Friends contact him saying that "Bom Bom Bom" is playing on the streets, that they sang it at karaoke, or that they are listening to his music. "When I first released the song, I didn’t expect it to be loved for such a long time. It’s a meaningful song that imprinted me as a singer on the public. It’s not a huge amount, but it’s been a reliable source of income as well. (laughs) It’s hard for a singer to have even one hit song in a lifetime, so this song really feels like a gift from heaven."

On the 2nd, Roy Kim released a new single titled "It’s Just the Way I Am." It’s a modern rock ballad featuring a lively band sound that suits spring. The song carries a message of looking at each other as they are and being together. It connects with his October release last year, "If You Ask Me What Love Is." He wrote and composed both songs himself.

"If you love me as I am, imperfect, I think I would also try to understand and adjust to the other person. If that happens, breakups won’t come easily, and the world would be full of love. That’s the hope I had when writing this song."

Singer Roy Kim. Provided by Wake One

Roy Kim’s music conveys comfort and empathy through delicate lyrics. His songs are imbued with deep reflections on love. The love he pursues is one where both partners work together to overcome crises.

"Love isn’t always perfect while it lasts. Sometimes you argue, sometimes you fight with yourself, and sometimes you have to fiercely confront the world to maintain the relationship. But I hope that even in moments of crisis, the two people make efforts together to overcome it."

He said the ultimate goal of love is "growth." "An ideal relationship is one where you try to become a better person through the other, a healthy relationship where you become a good person." He dreams of a lover with whom he can share silly jokes and laugh heartily, someone who makes him smile just by seeing their face.

Since his discharge from the Marine Corps in 2022, the number of male fans has noticeably increased. According to the gender ratio of music streaming users and concert ticket buyers, half are male. He also feels the growing support from male fans at concerts.

He has changed his singing style since discharge. "Before, I used a lot of chest voice with a lot of tension in my throat. But after discharge, I sing more comfortably, using a light high-pitched nasal technique. It’s actually not good for the throat, but many fans miss my voice from the early days, so I tried that style again after a long time." He laughed, saying, "Live performances are not easy."

What he values most in music is "communication." "I want to be a singer who consistently makes music that the public wants. I want to communicate with the audience through concerts and offer comfort. Rather than dramatic changes, I want to move forward by listening carefully to the music people want to hear."

Singer Roy Kim. Provided by Wake One

This year marks Roy Kim’s 13th anniversary since his debut. When asked if there was anything he would say to his younger self, he carefully chose his words, saying, "I could write a whole book." "I want to tell myself not to fall apart. There will be good days and bad days, but many people care about you. Stay healthy and take good care of your heart."

He values his daily life as "Kim Sang-woo the person" as much as his life as a musician. When asked about his bucket list, he answered without hesitation, "I want to walk the Camino de Santiago." "Before I die, I want to meet a good woman and get married. Later, I want to live peacefully playing golf in Hawaii. (laughs)"

His dream as a singer is also firm. "I want to release an English album and tour the United States. Even if I don’t win a Grammy, going to that stage has been a long-time dream."