Inside Me (EP)

Last updated

Inside Me
Kim Sung-kyu - Inside Me.jpg
EP by
Kim Sung-kyu
ReleasedDecember 14, 2020 (2020-12-14)
Recorded2020
Genre
Length21:32
LanguageKorean
Label Woollim
Kim Sung-kyu chronology
Shine
(2018)		Inside Me
(2020)		 Won't Forget You
(2021)
Singles from Inside Me
  1. "I'm Cold"
    Released: December 14, 2020

Inside Me is the third mini-album by South Korean singer Kim Sung-kyu. It was released on December 14, 2020, by Woollim Entertainment and distributed by Kakao M. Upon completing his compulsory military service in January 2020, Kim sought to release new music. Facing delays amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he recorded music which deviated from his previous work, resulting in an electropop and R&B record.

Contents

Following a series of photo and video teasers, Inside Me and the lead single "I'm Cold" were simultaneously released, nearly three years after his first studio album 10 Stories. Kim promoted the song by performing it on music chart programs across various television networks. The mini-album peaked at number seven on South Korea's national Circle Album Chart and has sold 44,000 copies since its release.

Background

Following the completion of his mandatory military service in January 2020, Kim began actively appearing as a guest on entertainment television programs and taking part in musicals. [1] On November 15, he held an online concert entitled the Kim Sung-kyu Ontact Concert – The Day. [2] He performed the album track "Room" for the first time during the performance. [3]

For his previous albums, Kim had worked with Nell's Jong-wan. While developing Inside Me, he sought a sonic shift and wanted to create music which differed from the recordings of his previous albums. [4] He expressed his desire to fill the album with various genres. [5] Conceptually, Kim wanted to display a "mature and restrained sexiness". He initially planned to release an album immediately after being discharged from the military, but the project was delayed due to various circumstances, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea. [4]

Music

Tamar Herman of South China Morning Post described Inside Me as a "moody" electropop and R&B record "that verges on contemporary jazz and neo soul but never quite goes where one expects". She noted that Kim "[plays] around with pitch shifts and tonal vacillation" throughout the album tracks. [6] The album tone articulates "tangled, unrestricted, and lonely" feelings. [7] "I'm Cold" is an R&B and hip hop coupled with an electric piano and guitar riff. [8] "Fade" is an alternative R&B track which incorporates a dreamlike sound and groovy melody. Thematically, the song deals with wanting to slowly detach oneself from happy memories after a breakup. [9] "Room" demonstrates Kim's wide vocal range. [10] The lyrics describe being unable to accept a breakup and being stuck in regret, comparing it to confinement in a room. [11] "Divin'" expresses a "cute" and "nerdy" love confession with an R&B feel. [10] [12] It opens with the sound of a cassette tape to instill a retro feel. [13] "Climax" conveys Kim's worries pledges to the second turning point of his life. [10] The track's foundation lies in its "warm and rhythmical" synthesizer. [14]

Release and promotion

Kim on Choi Hwa-jung's Powertime gimseonggyu(Kim Sung Kyu) keombaeg ceos bang boneun radio - coehwajeongyi paweotaim 1m5s.jpg
Kim on Choi Hwa-jung's Powertime

On December 1, 2020, Woollim Entertainment published a "comeback" video trailer announcing the forthcoming release of Inside Me. [15] Two concept photos were posted four days later: Kim wore horn-rimmed glasses and a striped suit with pomade-styled hair in the first, while the second was a "mysterious" black-and-white photo. [16] A 30-second "A version" album trailer was uploaded on December 6; the video displayed scenes of Kim at a bar wearing a see-through shirt. [17] A second pair of concept photos were posted on the subsequent day; one showed Kim with tattoos on various parts of his body, and he donned a wet white shirt with disheveled hair in the other. [18] The "B version" concept trailer was unveiled on December 8 showcasing Kim's tattoos and scenes of him wearing a robe. [19] A live clip preview was shared on December 10. [10] It was followed by a pair of music video teasers for "I'm Cold" in two successive days. [20] [21]

Inside Me and the music video for "I'm Cold" were simultaneously issued on December 14. It marked two years and ten months since the release of Kim's previous studio album 10 Stories in February 2018. [1] Kim hosted an online showcase in commemoration of the album's release on the same day. [4] He appeared as a guest on the radio programs SBS Power FM's Choi Hwa-jung's Powertime, Lee Joon's Young Street, and Cultwo Show , Naver Now's Before 6:05, MBC FM4U's Hope Song at Noon, and KBS Cool FM's Kiss the Radio . [22] In addition to the lead single "I'm Cold", Kim began promoting on weekly music chart shows three days later by performing "Room" on Mnet's M Countdown [23] and Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation's (MBC) Show! Music Core , [24] "Fade" on KBS2's Music Bank , [25] and "Climax" and "Fade" on Seoul Broadcasting System's (SBS) Inkigayo . [26]

Critical reception and commercial performance

Inside Me received favorable reviews from all four critics from TV Daily. Kim Han-kil called the album a "masterpiece", while Kim Ji-ha was impressed by Kim's "cool and skilled" vocal performance. Oh Ji-won noted that, despite not working with Nell's Jong-wan on the record, his influence over Kim's music was evident. [27]

On the chart dated December 13–19, 2020, Inside Me debuted at number seven on South Korea's national Circle Album Chart. [28] By the end of the month, the mini-album shifted 40,456 units domestically. [29] It moved an additional 3,465 copies in January 2021, bringing its total to 43,921 albums sold. [30]

Track listing

Inside Me [31]
No.TitleLyricsMusicArrangementLength
1."Inside Me" BLSSDBLSSD1:48
2."I'm Cold"BLSSDBLSSDBLSSD3:49
3."Fade" (안녕;Annyeong)BLSSDBLSSDBLSSD3:57
4."Room" Sunwoo Jung-a, Kim Sung-kyuSunwoo Jung-a, Baek Gyeong-jinSunwoo Jung-a, Baek Gyeong-jin4:22
5."Divin'"BXN, YoonseokBXN, YoonseokBXN3:30
6."Climax"BLSSD, Kim Sung-kyuBLSSDBLSSD4:06
Total length:21:32

Chart

Chart (2020)Peak
position
South Korean Albums (Circle) [28] 7

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Infinite (group)</span> South Korean boy band

Infinite is a South Korean boy band formed in 2010 by Woollim Entertainment. The group is composed of six members: Sungkyu, Dongwoo, Woohyun, Sungyeol, L and Sungjong. Originally a seven-piece group, Hoya departed from the group on August 30, 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kim Sung-kyu</span> South Korean singer and actor

Kim Sung-kyu, referred to as Sunggyu or Sungkyu, is a South Korean singer and actor. He is the leader and main vocalist of South Korean boy band Infinite.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hoya (singer)</span> South Korean singer

Lee Ho-dong, better known by his stage name Hoya or Lee Ho-won, is a South Korean singer, rapper, songwriter, dancer, actor and currently a member of dance crew MBITIOUS. He is known served as a rapper and vocalist in boy band Infinite from 2010 until his departure from Woollim Entertainment in 2017. In 2018, Hoya made his solo debut on March 28 with his first EP Shower.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lee Sung-yeol</span> South Korean singer and actor

Lee Sung-yeol, known mononymously as Sungyeol, is a South Korean singer and actor. He is a member of the South Korean boy band Infinite and its sub-group Infinite F.

<i>Fall in Lovelyz</i> 2017 EP by Lovelyz

Fall in Lovelyz is the third EP by South Korean girl group Lovelyz. It was released on November 14, 2017 by Woollim Entertainment and distributed by CJ E&M Music. The album contains seven tracks, including the lead single, "Twinkle".

<i>Top Seed</i> 2018 studio album by Infinite

Top Seed is the third studio album by South Korean boy group Infinite. It was released on January 8, 2018 by Woollim Entertainment with the lead single "Tell Me". Top Seed was the group's first full album release since Season 2 (2014) and the group's first release since Infinite Only (2016). It marked the group's first release as a six-member group after former member Hoya left the group in August 2017. It also serves as their final release before their members' departure from Woollim Entertainment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kwon Eun-bi</span> South Korean singer (born 1995)

Kwon Eun-bi is a South Korean singer. She debuted as a member of the short-lived girl group Ye-A under the stage name Kazoo in 2014, before leaving the group and signing a contract with Woollim Entertainment. In 2018, she participated on the survival show Produce 48, finishing in seventh place, which allowed her to debut as a member and the leader of the show's girl group Iz*One.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rocket Punch</span> South Korean girl group

Rocket Punch is a South Korean girl group, consisting of group members Juri, Yeonhee, Suyun, Yunkyoung, Sohee and Dahyun. Formed and managed by Woollim Entertainment, the group was announced in July 2019 and debuted on August 7, 2019, with their first EP Pink Punch.

<i>A New Journey</i> (EP) 2019 EP by Nam Woo-hyun

A New Journey is the third mini-album by South Korean singer Nam Woo-hyun of idol group Infinite. It was released on May 7, 2019, by Woollim Entertainment and distributed by Kakao M. Having released two ballad mini-albums since 2016, Nam sought to expand his musical palette and facilitate his growth as a musician. He ultimately crafted a dance record with his stories embedded in the lyrics.

The following is a list of notable events and releases that happened, or were expected to happen in 2020 in music in South Korea.

<i>Dumdi Dumdi</i> 2020 single album by (G)I-dle

Dumdi Dumdi is the first single album by South Korean girl group (G)I-dle. The single album was released digitally and physically on August 3, 2020, by Cube Entertainment in Korean and Chinese version. The physical version is available in two versions: "Day" and "Night". The single contains two tracks, including lead single of the same name. The group participated in visual concept planning such as hair, makeup and styling, and leader Soyeon participated in lyrics, composition and arrangement. Commercially, the album recorded 94,587 copies of one-week sales, making (G)I-dle the second girl group to break the single album sales record.

<i>Re-boot</i> (album) 2019 Studio album by Golden Child

Re-boot is the first studio album by South Korean boy band Golden Child. It was released on November 18, 2019 through Woollim Entertainment and distributed by Kakao M. It contains twelve songs, including its lead single "Wannabe".

The following is a list of notable events and releases that happened in 2021 in music in South Korea.

<i>Boys Da Capo</i> 2019 single album by BDC

Boys Da Capo is the debut single album by South Korean boy group BDC. It was released on October 29, 2019 by Brand New Music and distributed by Kakao M. The single album contains two tracks, including the lead single, "Remember Me", and their instrumentals.

<i>The Intersection: Belief</i> 2020 EP by BDC

The Intersection: Belief is the debut extended play by South Korean boy group BDC and the first installment from their The Intersection trilogy. It was released on September 23, 2020 by Brand New Music and distributed by Kakao M. The physical version of the EP was made available in two versions: "Moon" and "Universe". The EP itself consists of five tracks, including the lead single, "Shoot The Moon".

<i>Redd</i> (EP) 2021 EP by Wheein

Redd is the debut extended play by South Korean singer and Mamamoo member Wheein. It was released on April 13, 2021, through RBW and consists of seven tracks, including the lead single "Water Color". Wheein stated that the meaning of the album is "'to tidy up' and 'to get rid of' meaning to get out of false tastes and paint...honest colors."

<i>Daydream</i> (D-Crunch EP) 2021 mini-album by D-Crunch

Daydream is the fourth mini-album by South Korean idol group D-Crunch. It was released on April 6, 2021, by Ai Grand Korea and distributed by Kakao M. It marks the group's first record following the departure of vocalist Hyunwoo. A dance and ballad album, its concept revolves around its three themes: "Memory", "Nightmare", and "Daydream".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">One Great Step</span> 2013 concert tour by Infinite

One Great Step was the first worldwide concert tour by South Korean boy group Infinite. The tour visited arenas and stadiums in Asia, North America, and Europe. The set list consisted of songs from all of the group's previous albums. Derived from American astronaut Neil Armstrong's "one small step" quote, One Great Step was announced during a press conference a day after Infinite celebrated their three-year anniversary. The tour's concept revolves around Infinite's fight against an oppressive government and resolves with the two sides declaring peace.

<i>With</i> (EP) 2021 EP by Nam Woo-hyun

With is the fourth mini-album by South Korean singer Nam Woo-hyun. It was released on October 19, 2021, by Woollim Entertainment and distributed by Kakao Entertainment. After releasing his previous record A New Journey (2019) and completing his Arbor Day 2 concerts, Nam enlisted in mandatory military service that October. He completed his duties and was discharged in August 2021. He held two concerts entitled Ontact Concert: Arbor Day On shortly after his return, where he announced his forthcoming project.

<i>Wont Forget You</i> (single album) Single album by Kim Sung-kyu

Won't Forget You is the first single album by South Korean singer Kim Sung-kyu. It was released on March 29, 2021, by Woollim Entertainment and distributed by Kakao Entertainment. It marked Kim's final album with the agency after the expiration of his contract and departure from the label. Following a series of photo and video teasers, Won't Forget You and the lead single "Hush" were simultaneously released. The album peaked at number fourteen on South Korea's national Circle Album Chart and has shifted over 11,000 copies since its release.

References

  1. 1 2 Ha, Na-yeong (December 14, 2020). [오늘노래] 길었던 공백기…김성규만의 고민·색깔 담은 'INSIDE ME'. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Chosun Media. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  2. ↑ Lee, Min-ji (October 23, 2020). 인피니트 김성규, 11월 15일 온라인 단독 콘서트 개최(공식). Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  3. ↑ Lee, Mi-ji (November 16, 2020). 인피니트 김성규, 첫 온라인 콘서트 성료…장동우·이성열 깜짝 게스트. Herald Pop (in Korean). Herald Corporation . Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  4. 1 2 3 Baek, Ji-eun (December 14, 2020). [SC현장] "첫눈같은 선물"…김성규, 2년 10개월 군백기 깬 '명불허전' 솔로컴백(종합). Sports Chosun (in Korean). Chosun Media. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  5. ↑ Lee, Mi-ji (December 18, 2020). 김성규 "2년10개월만 솔로, 새로운 모습 보여주고파"[일문일답]. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  6. ↑ Herman, Tamar (December 17, 2020). "The best K-pop solo albums of 2020: BoA, Kai, Hwa Sa, Baekhyun and Taeyeon leave fans begging for more". South China Morning Post . Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  7. ↑ Go, Na-ri (December 14, 2020). '명품 보컬리스트' 김성규, 미니 3집 'INSIDE ME' 14일 발매. Munhwa News (in Korean). Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  8. ↑ Hwang, Mi-hyeon (December 10, 2020). 김성규, 새 앨범 타이틀 공개 "알앤비 힙합 장르 곡". News1 Korea (in Korean). Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  9. ↑ Kim, Hye-jeong (December 23, 2020). ‘고막 킬러’ 김성규, ‘안녕(Fade)’ 라이브 클립 공개. Sports Kyunghyang (in Korean). Kyunghyang Company. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  10. 1 2 3 4 Choi, Ji-eun (December 11, 2020). 김성규, 새 앨범 전곡 담긴 라이브 클립 프리뷰 공개… '독보적 감성'. Top Daily (in Korean). Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  11. ↑ Son, Jin-a (December 25, 2020). 김성규, 'Room' 라이브 클립 공개…'목소리로 전한 울림' - MK스포츠. MK Sports (in Korean). Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  12. ↑ Park, Seo-yeon (December 20, 2020). '컬투쇼' 김성규 "신곡 콘셉트, 성숙한 절제 섹시..실제 타투? 고통 싫어 안해"[종합]. Herald Pop (in Korean). Herald Corporation. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  13. ↑ Jang, Jin-ri (December 30, 2020). 김성규, '다이빙' 라이브 클립 공개…바닷속 유영하는 감성 보컬. SpoTV News (in Korean). Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  14. ↑ Lee, Seung-hun (January 1, 2021). 김성규, 'Climax' 라이브 클립 공개..독보적 음색→'보컬 맛집' 입증. Osen (in Korean). Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  15. ↑ Yoon, Sang-keun (December 1, 2020). 인피니트 김성규, 14일 미니앨범 'INSIDE ME' 컴백[공식]. Starnews (in Korean). Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  16. ↑ Shin, Yeong-eun (December 5, 2020). 인피니트 김성규, ‘인사이드 미’ 콘셉트 티저 공개…컴백 초읽기. Star Today (in Korean). Maekyung Media Group. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  17. ↑ Lee, Seung-hun (December 7, 2020). '컴백 D-7' 김성규, 'Inside Me' 콘셉트 트레일러 공개..범접불가 섹시美. Osen (in Korean). Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  18. ↑ Lee, Jun-hyeon (December 8, 2020). '컴백 D-6' 김성규, 'INSIDE ME' 마지막 콘셉트 포토 공개. Korea Economic Daily (in Korean). Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  19. ↑ Kim, Na-yeon (December 9, 2020). 인피니트 김성규, 'INSIDE ME' 마지막 콘셉트 트레일러 공개…치명적 눈빛. Single List (in Korean). Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  20. ↑ Hong, Shin-ik (December 12, 2020). '컴백 D-2' 인피니트 김성규, 신곡 'I’m Cold' MV 티저 공 개. Ilgan Sports (in Korean). JTBC Plus . Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  21. ↑ Kim, Han-na (December 13, 2020). 인피니트 김성규, 고독한 아우라 폭발...'I’m Cold' MV 컷 티저 공개. Hankook Ilbo (in Korean). Dongwha Enterprise. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  22. ↑ Jeon, A-ram (December 21, 2020). 인피니트 김성규, 'I'm Cold' 컴백 첫 주 신고식…명불허전 '보컬킹' 입증. xportsnews (in Korean). xportsmedia. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  23. ↑ Song, Chi-han (December 17, 2020). '엠카운트다운' 김성규, 감성 가득한 'I'm Cold' 컴백 무대. Sports Dong-a (in Korean). Dong-a Ilbo Company. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  24. ↑ Ahn, Eun-jae (January 2, 2021). 김성규, 신곡 '아임 콜드(I'm Cold)' 무대 완벽 라이브…빛나는 명품 보컬. Sportsseoul (in Korean). Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  25. ↑ Lee, Han-yeong (January 8, 2021). '뮤직뱅크' 라인업... 비X박진영, 스테이씨, 송가인, 김성규, 안예은, 엔하이픈 등. Munhwa News (in Korean). Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  26. ↑ Hwang, Su-yeon (January 10, 2021). '인기가요' 경서, 데뷔 첫 1위…비xJYP·김성규·송가인 컴백 [종합]. xportsnews (in Korean). xportsmedia. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  27. ↑ Kim, Ji-ha (December 20, 2020). 성리ㆍ심규선ㆍ김성규ㆍ최유리ㆍ태연ㆍ체(CHE) [이번주 뭐 들었니?]. TV Daily (in Korean). Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  28. 1 2 "Album Chart 2020 Weeks 51" (in Korean). Circle Music Chart . Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  29. ↑ "Album Chart 2020.12 Month" (in Korean). Circle Music Chart. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  30. ↑ "Album Chart 2021.01 Month" (in Korean). Circle Music Chart. Retrieved November 5, 2022.
  31. ↑ Inside Me (liner notes). Kim Sung-kyu. Woollim Entertainment. 2020. 1097871368.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.