“This record could be considered a psychological reflection of mine”—Kim Woo-jin. Photo: Courtesy of the artist.
Kim Woo-jin stands as a mannequin of resolve, resilience, and creative transformation. Emerging onto the music scene as Woojin, he had an uphill climb by way of unexpected conditions. Fortunately, his timeless love and dedication to his craft helped him navigate all facets of the trade, the minefields of social media, and public scrutiny whereas forging a profession that speaks to the center of his viewers.
Channeling these experiences and his feelings into his music, Woojin’s songs have turn into an outlet for sharing his struggles, setbacks, triumphs, and a transformative journey he’s been by way of—additionally, one for the listeners to seek out solace in his sincere and emotive performances. I LIKE THE WAY, Woojin’s newest third mini-album manifests his transformation, inherently his musical metamorphosis, unveiling a new chapter as a solo artist that successfully interprets his voice into tales by way of music—one geared in the direction of catharsis. “For this album, I tried to tell my story more confidently and honestly than before,” he says. “I worked with the hope that everyone who listens to my music will receive happiness and comfort.”
Should you be unaware, Woojin’s ascent to fame began as a Stray Kids member in 2017. But he left the band after a mere two years over private points, signing with 10x Entertainment in 2020 as a soloist. During the swap, he turned the brunt of on-line harassment, enduring the unwell results of claims, and speculations, earlier than lastly coming clear in mid-2021. Woojin highlights in I LIKE THE WAY previous occasions: “I felt that I had to convey my thoughts and intentions as I started my solo career and went through a lot.” “This record could be considered a psychological reflection of mine.”
It marks the outset of what’s to return. Taking a decisive half in its track choice, temper path, and composition, Woojin is sharing with the world how he has developed. The album’s 5 tracks, together with the title track “I Like the Way,” showcase an eclectic mixture of musical genres spanning pop, R&B, Afrobeat, and ballads. Together, they create this passionate musical story that the album’s title alludes to. “In a literal sense, it means that I like the way I do it, carrying a firm will to get through it my way no matter what people around me say,” he explains.
Woojin has usually gravitated in the direction of emotionally charged R&B tunes. “R&B was a genre that I liked and practiced a lot since I was young, so I didn’t have much difficulty.” It finds a vivid expression in “Pretty Mess,” a dynamic R&B quantity fusing a synth bass melody with a pluck sound that evokes his confidence in staying true to himself however challenges. The artist additionally dabbled with new sounds, such because the Afro style, on “What U Say,” a dance single with Afrobeat and pop components. “While learning Afro-dance, I worked hard with a sense of challenge, and the result was satisfactory,” he recollects. Its phrases encapsulate the frenzy of falling in love in a distinctive association, with a two-way refrain melody constructing the attractiveness.
The different two tracks from the discharge, “Hold” and “To. My Friend,” are distinct pop songs. “Hold” is a pop ballad of complicated feelings by way of Woojin’s expressive vocals inside a light piano melody that underscores his story. “To. My Friend” is pop R&B music with an acoustic guitar sound and a refined emotional melody reflecting his eager for a childhood buddy. It’s Woojin’s favourite track off the report as properly. “‘To. My Friend’ describes my narrative. I wanted to remember and keep my friend in my heart, writing down words I couldn’t say while missing my friend who passed away.”
I LIKE THE WAY it appears like Woojin strolling down an avenue to strengthen his relationship together with his artwork and viewers. His highway to success has been a ceremony of passage, not merely a sequence of victories and turning factors. Through each disappointment and accomplishment, he has matured into the artist he’s at this time. In his phrases, “There is a video called ‘Rebirth’ in the teaser video of this album, and like the word, this will be the first album revealing Kim Woo-jin’s more sincere story, multiple challenges, attempts, and a new beginning.”
When requested if he considers this one a good album, he says, “‘Good’ has a wide range of meanings, so I think it depends on the way you look at it. I think a good album gives comfort and happiness to those who listen to it. If someone felt comfortable and happy after hearing my album, I think it could be a good album.”
Wrapping up, he mentions his will to by no means cease testing himself, going above and past what’s potential, with a greater aim in thoughts, his dream: “to make the world brighter and happier with my music.”