Kim Woo-jin Unveils a New Chapter in ‘I Like the Way’

Kim Woo-jin stands as a model of resolve, resilience, and artistic transformation. Emerging onto the music scene as Woojin, he had an uphill climb through unforeseen situations. Fortunately, his undying love and commitment to his craft helped him navigate all aspects of the industry, the minefields of social media, and public scrutiny while forging a career that speaks to the heart of his audience.

Channeling those experiences and his emotions into his music, Woojin’s songs have become an outlet for sharing his struggles, setbacks, triumphs, and a transformative journey he’s been through—also, one for the listeners to find solace in his honest and emotive performances. I Like the Way, Woojin’s latest third mini-album manifests his transformation, inherently his musical metamorphosis, unveiling a new chapter as a solo artist that effectively translates his voice into stories through music—one geared towards 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 started as a Stray Kids member in 2017. But he left the band after a mere two years over personal issues, signing with 10x Entertainment in 2020 as a soloist. During the switch, he became the brunt of online harassment, enduring the ill effects of claims, and speculations, before finally coming clean in mid-2021. Woojin highlights in I Like the Way past events: “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 come. Taking a decisive part in its song selection, mood direction, and composition, Woojin is sharing with the world how he has evolved. The album’s five tracks, including the title song “I Like the Way,” showcase an eclectic mix 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 often gravitated towards 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 number fusing a synth bass melody with a pluck sound that evokes his confidence in staying true to himself notwithstanding challenges. The artist also dabbled with new sounds, such as the Afro genre, on “What U Say,” a dance single with Afrobeat and pop ingredients. “While learning Afro-dance, I worked hard with a sense of challenge, and the result was satisfactory,” he recalls. Its words encapsulate the rush of falling in love in a distinctive arrangement, with a two-way chorus melody building the attractiveness. 

The other two tracks from the release, “Hold” and “To. My Friend,” are distinct pop songs. “Hold” is a pop ballad of complex emotions through Woojin’s expressive vocals within a gentle piano melody that underscores his story. “To. My Friend” is pop R&B music with an acoustic guitar sound and a subtle emotional melody reflecting his longing for a childhood friend. It’s Woojin’s favorite song off the record as well. “‘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 feels like Woojin walking down an avenue to strengthen his relationship with his art and audience. His road to success has been a rite of passage, not merely a series of victories and turning points. Through every disappointment and accomplishment, he has matured into the artist he is today. In his words, “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 asked 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 never stop testing himself, going above and beyond what’s possible, with a bigger goal in mind, his dream: “to make the world brighter and happier with my music.”