South Korean singer Kim Woojin says, “I want Woojin to be honest and tell you my story.” Eight months after his previous comeback, The Moment: Bounce, the singer and songwriter is back with his third mini album I Like the Way. The album shows a mature and intense side of his personality. (Also read: Former Stray Kids member Kim Woojin dances to Shah Rukh Khan’s hook step on the song Chaliya during his India tour. Watch,
Former frontman of boy band Stray Kids, Kim Woojin left the group in late 2019. Popularly known by his stage name Woojin, he began his solo career in July 2021 with the pre-debut single Still Dream, followed by his album The Moment: Minor a month later.
Although his journey has had its share of struggles and challenges, the singer admits that he has now started a new chapter in his life.
In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times from Seoul, Woojin spoke about his latest album, being independent, and being a fan of Shah Rukh Khan’s song Chaliya in Jawaan.
Congratulations on your journey, when you look back on your career what has been your biggest achievement and biggest challenge?
The biggest achievement is the love of CUBS (his fans). There are always challenges with every album. In the first album, I wanted to show you a variety of styles. In the second album, the idea was to create a brighter mood. The third challenge was to tell my story straight-forwardly.
Your third mini album [I LIKE THE WAY] This is the first chapter of your new journey, what was your idea?
What I wanted to show you with this album is let’s talk a little more honestly. That’s the theme I wanted to sing and say in every song. I think it’s expressed well.
Each track has a different vibe and feel, from pop and afro beats to hip hop. Tell me a little about the process.
I was going to try a lot of new genres. I challenged myself to work on Afro beats and R&B. It was fun. The result turned out better than I expected, so I am satisfied.
Since your album is about transformation, was there a moment that changed you as a person and artist?
I think there are many moments that changed me. If there is a memorable moment, it is usually a moment of crisis that came suddenly and forced me to challenge myself. Like a stressful or critical moment, when I had to quickly organize the situation and show myself all that I could, which motivated me to grow even further.
What are the pros of being a freelance artist and are there any cons?
The biggest advantage is that I can tell you what I want to say. The disadvantage is that there are some difficulties in filling the stage alone. But right now I am doing well.
With K-pop becoming more popular globally, what do you think makes it a special genre?
I think the strength of K-pop is that it has a positive message. The catchy tunes and performances have taken off and everyone is enjoying it.
K-pop is so competitive, how can one maintain their individuality as an artist and a person?
In fact, there is no one specific way to maintain one’s individuality. It is different for every person.
I think everyone has their own distinct personality which reflects in their work. A person’s voice, behaviour pattern and thoughts are all different. I think it’s all in one’s mind, one doesn’t have to make any special effort to find one’s own personality or individuality.
Do you ever get overwhelmed by the pressure to perform? And how do you deal with it?
There are moments when you feel pressure and every time you do that, you always try to think better. It’s a piece of paper. I think people who try to do well and those who don’t want to make mistakes have different kinds of confidence on stage. So when I have such pressure, I control my mind that I should do better and not make mistakes.
You have also sung for plays, which is your favourite song and why?
There are so many OSTs. My favourite song is Dive by King the Land. I think it suits my voice the best.
What influences have influenced your music and are there any particular bands/groups you dream of collaborating with?
The inspiration comes from CUBS and myself. Because I think about what kind of message I want to give in my music or what kind of message the person needs to hear. I get inspired by that. A lot of people are good at what they do, but I would like to collaborate with Bruno Mars in the future.
You have done many shows in India, if given a chance would you like to compose music for a Bollywood film? Have you listened to Indian songs?
If I get a chance, I would like to compose music for a Bollywood film. About Indian music, I know about a song called Chaleya, which I faced a challenge to sing last time I visited India. I like that song very much.
Describe Kim Woojin as an artist?
From now on, I want Kim Woojin to be honest, I want to tell you my story and send you a positive message. I will be an artist who is conscious about music and can have a good influence on people who know me.
