We’re back with a new Ode To The Artist, this time we’re writing about Korean-American singer-songwriter Sam Kim. I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to dedicate a proper feature to him, because I’ve been listening to him from the very beginning I got into K-pop. So without further ado, let’s dive right in!
Debut
Sam Kim started his career by joining ‘Superstar K-3’ in 2014 when he was just 15. He became the runner-up and impressed many with his soft vocals and guitar skills.
His official debut was released in 2016 with the EP ‘I AM SAM’ after signing with Antenna Records. The title track was ‘No Sense’ featuring Crush.
However, my favorites of that EP are ‘MAMA DON’T WORRY’ and ‘SEATTLE’.
‘MAMA DON’T WORRY’ is still one of my favorites by him to this day. The lyrics really gave me a lump in my throat when I read them the first time. As someone who’s living abroad, away from their family the lyrics really hit home.
“It’s okay that you’re far away Sam
source
It’s okay even if we don’t see each other often, we’re happy
Because you’re still in our hearts even when we’re apart
Don’t worry about us, be happy
Don’t cry”
Listen to ‘SEATTLE’ as well.
His next release was ‘Love Antenna’ together with labelmate Kwon Jin Ah.
The following single came out in 2017. The collab single ‘Think About’ Chu’ featuring Loco.
In 2018 Sam Kim came out with his first full-length album ‘Sun and Moon’. The title track was another collab with Crush and it is great to see both of their growth.
I also wanted to share this song ‘Sun and Moon’ from the album, because it’s just so GOOD.
In the same year, he also collabed with CHAI who at that time was signed with Antenna.
His next release ‘Where’s My Money’ was quite a surprising turn, leaning more heavily into R&B and hip-hop.
The most recent single by him was ‘The Juice’ which is a funky bop.
Collabs
Other collabs he has are with artists like NIve, PENOMECO, AKMU, So!YoON! from Se So Neon, george and Primary. This is only the tip of the iceberg, as there’s so many.
OSTs
Sam Kim has quite a few OSTs under his name. His first OST for the series ‘Goblin’ was an insane success.
He also has the OST ‘Scent’ for the drama ‘Search: WWW’.
The popular series ‘It’s Okay To Not Be Okay’ was also blessed by his vocals.
His most recent OST release was for the massive hit show ‘Nevertheless’.
Outro
As a little outro, I just wanted to reiterate what I’ve been writing about. Sam Kim has the vocals, the lyricism and the skills. He utilizes all of those to the fullest and creates some amazing songs that stand the test of time. I think he’s a favorite of many of us because of the insane quality of his music.
Go ahead and check out his Instagram here.
