“Superstar K4” winner Roy Kim, a.k.a. Kim Sang-woo, unveiled his first studio album “Love Love Love” during a showcase at the IFC Mall in Seoul on Tuesday.
The singer-songwriter wrote every song on his new folk/pop album that consists of nine tracks, including lead track “Love Love Love” as well as previous hit “Spring Spring Spring.” Compared to his earlier releases, this new album truly represents the music and sound that he has always wanted to pursue, Kim claimed.
Roy Kim performs at the showcase for his first studio album release “Love Love Love” at the IFC Mall on Tuesday. (Fortune Entertainment)
“This is the style of music and the tone of my voice that I really wanted to show people, especially through my new single ‘Love Love Love,’” he said.
With his strong, soulful voice and the phrase “Think Slow” written in pen on his left hand, the young singer shed his nerves and performed three of his self-written tracks live for the first time. Taking to the stage with an electric acoustic guitar, he first performed the second track of his album, “Listen to This Song,” along with the ballad, “When I said I Love you,” and concluded with a live version of “Love Love Love.”
Unlike many artists who shot to fame on reality TV audition programs, Kim has made himself stand out from the crowd by pursuing a slow-tempo, country pop style of music.
“I think country and folk music can still appeal to the younger generation,” he explained. “I would have to say for the 21-year-old Roy Kim, the music from this album, this is exactly the music I wish to make. However, the 22-year-old or 23-year-old Roy Kim may be different.”
The singer said he used his Korean name Kim Sang-woo on the album because he wanted to be recognized by his real name as well.
“This is my birth name, it is the name that I grew up with and it is more familiar to me than Roy Kim so I decided I wanted to note that,” he explained.
Kim’s first full studio album along with the lead track’s official music video were released to the public at the conclusion of the showcase.
Kim will hold his first-ever nationwide tour starting in Busan on July 6 and will perform across the country in Seoul, Daejeon and Daegu. He is also scheduled to perform at this year’s Ansan Valley Rock Festival on July 26 at the Daebu Sea Breeze Theme Park in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province.
By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)
