Bobby Kim Makes a Soulful Return with Mini Album ‘PART OF ME’

After a three-year hiatus, Korean-American R&B singer Bobby Kim is back with a new mini album titled PART OF ME, revealing his more intimate, reflective side. In a recent interview with Dong-a.com, Bobby opened up about the emotional journey that fueled the album’s creation and the inspiration drawn from love, solitude, and the pandemic.

Speaking from a cafe in Mapo-gu, Seoul, Bobby Kim introduced himself with a touch of humor, calling himself, “The artist Bobby Kim, back after three years… now a married man!” He described the album as rooted in love and designed to be a soothing, emotionally honest listen. “After COVID-19 hit, I found myself taking long walks alone, thinking deeply about love. Whether reminiscing about old flames or reflecting on my relationship with my wife — who was my girlfriend back then — these moments shaped my music.”

The album features five tracks that range across smooth ballads, rich musical textures, and layered emotional storytelling. Among the tracks are “Morning Routine,” “사랑을 흘리다…그리고 3일,” “정리,” “달빛 세레나데,” and “사는 게 그저 다 농담같아.” The pre-release single, “Morning Routine,” and the track “달빛 세레나데” were directly inspired by his wife, with Kim noting that she especially appreciated the sincerity conveyed in the former.

Beyond personal feelings, PART OF ME showcases a shift in Bobby Kim’s collaborative approach. Moving away from studio-sessions, the album was built through organic collaborations with his musician friends. Notable contributors include NoBrain drummer Hwang Hyeonsung, fusion music producer Choi Hyeonseok, and longtime colleagues like Tablo of Epik High, Park Seonju, and Gaeko of Dynamic Duo.

“Working with friends who are mainly in indie and band scenes gave the album a live feeling,” Bobby shared. “It took time — they’re perfectionists when it comes to arrangement — but that effort gave each song a unique vibe.”

His honesty was refreshing. When asked why he sought out songwriters instead of penning Korean lyrics himself, he confessed, “Korean lyrics require poetic nuance, and I still find that difficult. So I felt more comfortable letting my respected peers — who understand me well — handle the storytelling.”

Coming off the heels of celebrating his 30th year in the industry, Bobby Kim remains grounded despite the milestone. “I’d like to say it feels monumental, but honestly, it just feels like 30 years passed by. I hope to do 30 more, because I still have so much to say.” He also addressed the changing tides in Korean music, including the dominance of high-note heavy vocal competitions and the boom in trot music. “I chose not to follow trends. I’ve doubted myself at times, but I never gave up who I was.”

The hiatus that followed his high-profile incident with Korean Air only deepened his resolve. “There’s still so much I want to do,” he said confidently. “This album is just the beginning. I plan to release another before the end of the year — and I’m eager to perform live, connect with fans again, and possibly explore a new side of me through variety shows and even YouTube.”

Bobby Kim’s new mini album PART OF ME is out now and streaming across major platforms.