For over a decade, Kim Sung-kyu has been a cornerstone of the K-pop industry, primarily known as the leader of the legendary second-generation boy band Infinite.
While his career has been defined by soaring high notes and songs about the universal highs and lows of romance, his latest project marks a departure from the “idol” norm.
With his sixth EP, Off the Map, Kim is stepping away from traditional love stories to share a narrative that is uniquely his own. During a recent roundtable interview in Gangnam, Kim reflected on this shift:
“I have sung a lot of love stories and breakup songs, so for ‘Over It,’ I wrote about myself and what I have experienced.”
Overcoming the “Thorns” of the Past
The centerpiece of this new musical chapter is the prerelease track “Over It,” a song that serves as a cathartic release from the pressures and judgments of his early years.
Kim shared a particularly poignant memory from his high school days that shaped his perspective on success and resilience.
He recalled a conversation with his homeroom teacher where he expressed his desire to pursue music, only to be met with skepticism about his family’s financial status.
“To me, it felt like my dream was being shut down,” he admitted.
However, the 36-year-old artist noted that these past discouragements no longer hold power over him. The message of his new music is one of healing and persistence.
“Whether someone tried to crush my dream or simply mocked and judged it carelessly, it doesn’t really matter anymore. I’m still singing, and I will continue trying new things. I’m fine now — that’s the message of the song,” he explained.
This sense of liberation gave birth to the album title Off the Map, representing the uncharted territory an artist enters once they leave the safety of a designated path.
A Return to Instrumental Roots and Collaborative Excellence
A standout feature of this EP is Kim’s return to the guitar. For the first time in his professional solo career, he is playing the instrument on track like “Over It,” a move that honors his pre-debut roots and fulfills a long-standing request from his fans.
“I brought the guitar partly for the fans,” he said, noting that the last time he performed with a guitar was during his high school band days.
After purchasing a new guitar last year, his renewed practice inspired him to integrate the instrument into his recording and upcoming live performances.
The album also sees a reunion with one of his greatest musical influences: Kim Jong-hwan of the band Nell.
The two have a long history of collaboration, and for Off the Map, Kim Jong-hwan contributed the title track “When I Think About You” and the B-side “Answer.”
While working with a role model brought a certain level of performance anxiety, the elder musician offered grounding advice.
“He told me to sing focusing only on my emotions and that the song should convey deep emotion. So, I felt less pressure,” Kim shared.
The result is an album rich with a “band sound” that highlights Kim’s distinctive emotional texture.
The Dual Life of an Artist and CEO
Beyond his creative pursuits, Kim Sung-kyu now carries the responsibility of leadership as the head of Infinite Company, which he founded in 2023 to manage the group’s legacy. This role has given him a pragmatic perspective on the music industry.
“I know exactly how much things cost because I’ve done them myself. So, I thought a lot about how to reduce production expenses while still making something stylish,” he remarked.
Despite the complexities of balancing financial calculations with artistic vision, his passion for the craft remains undiminished.
As Infinite celebrates its 16th anniversary, Kim expressed deep gratitude for his bandmates and their enduring bond.
“Continuing to want to be together for 16 years isn’t easy. I know that this isn’t common, which is why I am so thankful,” he said.
Looking toward the future, Kim’s ultimate goal is simple yet profound: he hopes his music serves as a source of comfort or joy for his listeners.
“I hope my music can make someone feel something too, even if it’s just a small number of people,” he concluded.
With Off the Map, Kim Sung-kyu proves that even after sixteen years, he still has new stories to tell and new maps to draw.
