Bobby Kim returns after three years with heartfelt new album

R&B artist Bobby Kim is back with his first new release in three years, a period marked by significant changes both personal and professional.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he used the time to enrich his musical journey. In 2022, he tied the knot with his wife and in 2024, celebrated his 30th debut anniversary.

“Last year marked the 30th year 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,” said Kim during a group interview held Thursday in Mapo-gu, Seoul.

His new album, “Part of Me,” includes five self-composed songs. Kim collaborated with musicians with band backgrounds to create a more vibrant, live sound, which he emphasized was key in shaping the arrangements.

Each of the tracks' lyrics were written by Kim’s close friends or fellow musicians. Kim, a Korean American raised in the US from an early age, returned to Korea as an adult.

“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,” he said.

The main track “Love Spilled … And Then 3 Days” is a ballad about lovers who regret their breakup and wish to get back together. The emotional string arrangement in the latter half of the song was written by singer-songwriter Park Sun-zoo, one of Kim’s closest friends. “This is totally about the past — I tried really hard to convince my wife of that,” Kim said.

Though happily married, Kim said he chose to include songs inspired by past heartbreaks because he wanted to explore a range 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 spectrum of feelings — two songs are cheerful and positive and the other three are more sorrowful," he said, adding that the first two tracks are about his wife.

The prerelease track “Morning Routine,” featuring lyrics written by rapper Tablo, is a romantic song about Kim’s everyday life with his wife. Kim shared with a smile that it’s her favorite song by him.

Throughout the interview, Kim frequently mentioned his wife, noting that marriage changed how he approaches 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.

“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,” Kim added.

He also expressed interest in expanding 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 said, mentioning he’s open to appearing on YouTube or promotions on social media.

Nicknamed “the godfather of soul” for his emotional voice and vocal prowess, Kim humbly responded 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.

“I’ll be making music until all my teeth fall out. I’ll be performing with a cane if I have to.”