Subscribe
E-Paper
 |
| Singer Kim Bum-soo speaks during a press conference for his "MAKE 20" project at the Premium Lounge in western Seoul last Wednesday. / Courtesy of Young Entertainment |
By Kwak Yeon-soo
Singer Kim Bum-soo will celebrate the 20th anniversary of his debut in 2019 with the "MAKE 20" project, in which he will release 20 songs in three categories ― "Re-make," "New-make" and "We-make" ― over two years.
Re-make will represent Kim's interpretation of old and new K-pop music. New-make will feature original songs and the We-make category is for Kim's collaborations with other artists. The veteran singer said he wants to collaborate with artists such as rapper Dok2 and R&B singer Naul.
The singer, 39, said the "MAKE 20" project will not be tied to a specific timeline, saying he doesn't want to feel pressured to keep a deadline.
"I won't be unveiling songs regularly like Yoon Jong-shin's well-known 'Monthly Project' tracks. I want to take it slow," Kim said during a press conference for his project at the Premium Lounge in western Seoul last Wednesday.
Kim is a veteran R&B singer whose popular songs include "I Miss You" (2002), the theme song of TV drama series "Stairway to Heaven," and "Last Love" (2011).
"The past 20 years have been a preparation period for me to become a good singer," he said. "My ultimate goal is to sing for over 50 years like my role model Patti Kim."
After the project's 20 songs come out, Kim plans to release them in two repackaged albums, hopefully with a few new additions exclusive to the album. Holding on to the analog sentiment, he also hopes to issue a limited vinyl edition.
"I still adore the analog theme, which is far from today's trend," he said. "I just want to introduce my music in the format I like."
Kim released a "Re-make" of Shin Hyo-bum's 1994 song "I Love You" last Thursday, marking the beginning of his project. Nigerian-Korean model Han Hyun-min, who was selected as one of Time's 30 most influential teens of 2017, starred in Kim's new music video.
Being the first Korean artist to rank 51 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 2001 with "Hello Goodbye Hello," Kim hinted at a desire to re-enter the charts.
"I'd love to be ranked on the Billboard chart again, but I don't intend on releasing songs targeted for the international market," Kim said. "I'd rather just try and do my best in making good music, which is what I do best."
Kim plans to hold local and overseas concerts next year to commemorate his debut.
