The movie title ‘Right Now, Wrong Then’ also comes to mind.It’s a phrase used to describe the transformation of ‘eternal idol’ Kim Jaejoong, who is celebrating his 20th debut anniversary this year.

Looking back at that time, he could say, “I was a Rock fanatic,” but today, Jaejoong Kim only shows the appearance of a true rock star pursuing ‘original rock music’ without any embellishments.

Kim Jaejoong was reborn as a ‘rock musician’ through his new mini-album ‘Beauty in Chaos’ on the 19th.At a comeback press conference held at MBC Sangam in Seoul at 2 PM that day, he once again showed his passion for rock music that he once ‘sealed’ himself.The title song of his new album is also ‘Rock Star’ as evidence of this.

Kim Jaejoong, who said, “It was like second-year middle school syndrome,” is known for his so-called “rock syndrome,” which refers to his appearance that was so thin that it was almost dangerous, and his obsession with rock music in the early to mid-2010s.Kim Jaejoong has recently garnered attention by recalling on various entertainment programs that he “had rock syndrome” at that time.

This album can be said to be the result of Kim Jaejoong refining his musical taste for ‘rock’ with his 21-year-old experience.Regarding the reason behind bringing up rock again, Kim Jaejoong started off by saying, “It may be rude to those who really can’t live without rock,” and expressed his hope by saying, “But rock is a genre that also gives me a sense of freedom.I hope you will accept it as a ‘challenge’ and a form of training.”

As a rock star, the sound he put out at his showcase was strong and sophisticated.With a composition that appropriately mixed classic rock sound and modern sensibility, he completed his own colorful spectrum by including dreamy electronic music and delicate rock ballads.


Kim Jaejoong personally introduced the songs on the album, including the title song ‘Rock Star’, ‘In Chaos’, ‘Miracle’, ‘Last Bow’, and ‘Goal In’, and also shared the behind-the-scenes stories behind the songs.

Regarding ‘Last Bow,’ he said, “I wrote the lyrics myself about ‘love’ after being inspired by the movie ‘Interview with the Vampire.’” He added, “I’m even more attached to it because you can feel the classic rock sound of the 1970s and 1980s.”

‘Goal In’ is a song in which Kang Seung Yoon of the boy group Winner participated in writing the lyrics.”When I first received the music, my junior Kang Seung Yoon immediately came to mind.No, it’s not that different.Not long after I sent it to him, he wrote really deadly and sexy lyrics and sent them to me,” foreshadowing the synergy that the K-pop senior and junior will create.

He also revealed for the first time the identity of Hikami, the lyricist of ‘In Chaos’, which opens this album.”Hikami is Hitomi and Kanie from(a girl group produced by Kim Jaejoong)Seimainame.I was worried that if I had entrusted the lyrics to people who know what I’m pursuing, the lyrics would have been too confined to my style, so I entrusted them to friends who have completely different ideas.In the end, I think it was a good choice.”

Kim Jaejoong will be appearing on YouTube’s representative live channel ‘It’s Live ‘’s’ The Feelin ‘Live’ at the same time as the release of his album, and will show off his even deeper vocal tone.He also announced a performance.He will meet with his fandom that has been with him on his 20-year journey at Jangchung Gymnasium in Seoul for two days on the 24th and 25th.

Kim Jaejoong also expressed his confidence in this regard, saying, “I think I can provide an experience that is pleasing to the ears and heart-pounding.”


Reporter Jang Eun- eunj@donga.com

This article is automatically translated using Google AI. If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know at allkstar@donga.com.