INTERVIEW Roy Kim embraces new band sounds in spring release 'As Is'
Singer-songwriter Roy Kim / Courtesy of WAKEONE
After a 13-year career that began with his breakout on a talent show, singer-songwriter Roy Kim is back — this time with a twist. Expanding beyond his signature emotional ballads, he's now diving into full-band sounds, just in time for spring blooms.
With his latest release, "As Is," Kim worked closely with a full band throughout the recording process for the first time, shaping what he calls his "most sonically refined" sound yet.
"People tend to associate me with emotive ballads, but I've always wanted to embrace a fuller band setup," the 31-year-old said in an interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul's Gangnam District on Monday.
"With spring in the air and band music resonating with listeners more than ever, this felt like the perfect time to release this song."
Kim's journey to stardom kicked off with his victory on "Superstar K4" in 2012, Mnet's wildly popular talent show. But according to Kim, his dream of becoming a singer stretches back much further — to his middle school days as a wannabe rock star.
He cited rock legends like Green Day, Oasis, U2 and Nirvana as early inspirations, even though his career ultimately took a softer turn into folk and ballads.
"I always wanted to be in a rock band," Kim said with a chuckle. "But I guess I leaned more toward catering to K-pop's mainstream appeal, so it just didn't work out that way."
Singer-songwriter Roy Kim / Courtesy of WAKEONE
Despite the shift in sound, Kim remains true to the themes of love and acceptance — hallmarks of his songwriting that have made his music a go-to for hopeless romantics, much like the singer himself.
"In reality, we all have different expectations and tend to judge each other," he said. "But in my opinion, love is about seeing someone as they are and accepting them, flaws and all."
His latest song reflects the stage of life he and those around him are in — many of his friends are getting married or contemplating settling down. Their experiences, filled with both excitement and uncertainty, became the foundation for his lyrics.
"I've seen friends struggle with relationships because they realize their partner isn't 'perfect' in the way they imagined," he said. "But the truth is, no one's perfect. For me, love is about recognizing that and choosing to stay anyway."
While some have dismissed his view of love as naive, Kim stands by his beliefs with confidence.
"People tell me I only think this way because I haven’t been married yet," he said with a grin. "But if we only focus on the practical side of relationships, it takes the joy out of it. I still believe love — and life as a whole, actually — should have a little idealism in it."
Singer-songwriter Roy Kim / Courtesy of WAKEONE
Despite producing hit ballads like "Bom Bom Bom" (2013), "Egoist" (2017), "Only Then" (2018) and "If You Ask Me What Love Is" (2024), Kim believes that staying true to his values and weaving them into his music has been the key to his enduring career, even as trends come and go.
"I never chase trends. I sing about what I want to say rather than what's popular at the moment. While I admire artists who capture fleeting moments, I prefer writing songs that offer broad comfort and empathy. If my music can be a source of healing, that's enough for me."
His songwriting approach reflects this philosophy.
"I just can't seem to write about hyper-specific personal experiences. Instead, I focus on themes that resonate universally. Sometimes, I collect emotions from those around me and weave them into my songs. At the end of the day, I want my music to reach and comfort as many people as possible."
Having debuted 13 years ago, Kim has learned to embrace the slow and steady path.
"At times, it felt like the years flew by, and at others, it felt painfully slow," he admitted. "But through everything — the ups, the downs — I'm grateful that I'm still here, still making music and still learning."
As he moves forward, Kim does so with a clear mindset — embracing imperfection, staying true to his artistic instincts and trusting the process.
"There's always something new to learn in music, in life, even when I'm old and gray," he said, flashing a boyish smile. "That's what keeps me going."