Exclusive Interview with Kim SooYoon: New Beginnings, Lovely Runner, and More!
It has been exactly two years since our first interview with former K-pop idol and successful songwriter Kim SooYoon, and in these two years, he has achieved numerous successes and penned many hit songs!
Two years ago, we had our first interview with Kim SooYoon for Turkish fans, having a delightful conversation about his music career, dreams, and goals Now, two years later, we had the chance to connect with the talented artist once again through an email interview for another insightful discussion!
Over the past year, Kim SooYoon has proven his success as both a songwriter and musician, creating multiple hit songs. In 2024, he made his mark on some of the most iconic tracks from the globally acclaimed drama Lovely Runner and wrote the lyrics for many chart-topping songs by various K-pop groups.
Taking exciting and bold steps in his career recently, Kim SooYoon shared his thoughts on his future goals, K-pop, songwriting, and Lovely Runner, among many other interesting topics. Now, let’s dive into our conversation with Kim SooYoon and hear his thoughts firsthand!
1. Hello, Kim SooYoon! It’s so wonderful to speak with you again after two years! Before we move on to other questions, I’d like to ask how you’ve been. What has changed for you since we last talked?
It’s so great to see you! A lot has changed. The OST I worked on with the RP members was released, and as of 2024, I stepped down as a producer at FNC. Currently, I’m planning new projects.
2. You’ve accomplished some incredible work over the past year, writing lyrics for many K-pop groups and K-dramas. Among these projects, which ones have been the most memorable for you?
Every project is memorable, but especially the OST for the drama Lovely Runner, which became a big topic, and the moments working with CNBLUE and FTISLAND members were the most fun.
3. What is it like when the group members participate in writing songs? (CN Blue, FT Island etc.) Do you have any fun or memorable moments that stand out?
Writing lyrics with CN Blue and FT Island members was much easier because they had a clear vision of what they wanted to express, and I could communicate with them directly. I remember when Yonghwa and I were working on Bad Bad—we were sitting outside the recording room with our laptops, trying to finish it quickly since the recording session was coming up soon. We had the title Bad Bad, but no storyline yet. We kept debating how “bad” the main character should be—was it about a bad guy seducing a girl, or a good guy falling for a bad girl?
At first, it was just about a bad guy trying to seduce someone, but we ended up flipping the perspective. Instead of a typical “bad guy” story, we made it about a guy warning a good girl not to fall for him—like, “I’m bad for you, so stay away.” It was a bit complicated, but once we locked in the concept, we wrote the entire thing
in about 30 minutes. It was a lot of fun.
4. One of the songs you wrote lyrics for last year became one of the most successful K-drama OSTs to date. I’m talking about “Sudden Shower”, the OST for “Lovely Runner”. As someone who watched the drama, I believe “Sudden Shower” and “Run Run” added so much to the series. How do you feel about this success?
I’m truly grateful. I never expected it to receive so much love. I believe it was thanks to the synergy between the song, the drama, and the incredible performances by the actors. It’s an honor.
5. Looking at SunJae and Sol’s story and the lyrics of “Sudden Shower”, they seem to harmonize beautifully. What did you focus on while writing these lyrics? Could you tell us more about the process of writing OST lyrics for a K-drama? Do you usually aim to write lyrics that fit the overall theme, or do you base the son on the storyline and characters?
I focused on the characters and storyline of the drama. I wanted to capture the complex emotions in Sunjae and Sol’s relationship—the simultaneous feelings of love and sorrow—and expressed them through the metaphor of a sudden shower. I thought a shower was a fitting symbol for the sudden beginning of love and for washing away sorrow.
6. Your talent for writing and expressing emotions is well-known. Do you write only song lyrics, or do you explore other forms of writing, such as stories or poetry? Additionally, what does writing mean to you personally?
I still feel like I have a lot to learn, but thanks to my stage experience, I believe understanding and expressing the stories that singers and fans want to hear is my strength. In particular, I think my ability to adapt lyrics to melody while maintaining natural-sounding English as one of my strengths.
7. You have experience both in front of and behind the stage. Which do you enjoy more?
I enjoy working behind the scenes, but the experience of being on stage is definitely more special. I still miss those memories.
8. How did it feel to hear the songs you wrote being performed by a fictional music group, Eclipse, in such an emotional drama?
It felt surreal and fulfilling. I was grateful to the production team and actors for portraying them so well.
9. I imagine songwriting requires much more creativity and inspiration than simply performing on stage. What do you do to keep your inspiration flowing? Do you have a routine or a particular method to avoid creative blocks?
I try to work as much as possible. Even though I sometimes experience burnout, I recharge by working on toplines or experimenting with different kinds of music.
10. Leaving FNC and taking a break from producing is a significant change for you. Would you mind sharing some of the reasons behind this decision? Was it to take some rest and make time for your other projects?
I wanted to spend more time with my family, especially to take care of my dad before he passed away. At the same time, I also wanted to explore new opportunities in my music career. While working at FNC, I was mainly writing lyrics and directing vocal recordings. But now, I
feel like my passion is shifting towards composing melodies for different K-pop groups. Of course, my band project “The Havenn” is also something I really want to focus on. Please follow us on instagram!
11. When we last spoke two years ago, you mentioned that you had found your musical direction through the songs you’d already released and that you wanted to release a mini album. How would you describe your musical evolution over these past two years?
I wanted to restart RP activities, but unfortunately, it didn’t work out, which is disappointing. My solo album was also delayed, but now I’m gathering band members and planning to start again. If you invite me, I will come to perform.
12. You’ve written lyrics for many dramas and groups. Are there any dramas or groups you’ve been enjoying recently?
Actually more than dramas, I enjoy watching dating shows. I get emotionally invested and draw inspiration from programs like Single’s Inferno, I Am Solo, and Transit Love. Recently, I had fun watching ZeroBaseOne perform the song Run Run that I worked on, on stage.
13. It hasn’t been long since we entered a new year. Do you enjoy New Year’s and fresh beginnings? What are some goals you’d like to achieve this year?
This year is truly a fresh start for me. Personally, I’m planning to move, and I also left my company to start again as a freelancer. Also, I’m preparing a band. My goal this year is that while lyric writing is great, I also want to be actively involved as composer and topliner. And I want to release and album with my band members and, if possible, do activities together.
14. I know you love traveling. Are there any new countries or cities you’d like to visit this year?
This year, I am planning to go to Japan, Thailand, and the United States for work. Last year, I visited Australia for the first time, and it was really amazing. I haven’t been to Turkey yet, but I definitely want to visit someday.
15. Your talent for writing makes me wonder if you enjoy reading as well. How do you feel about books? Korean literature is becoming increasingly popular these days. Are there any Korean authors you’d recommend?
I’ve loved reading since I was young. I’m particularly interested in books about luck and spirituality. I’d recommend The Art of Luck (행운 사용법) by Kim Min-ki and Jo Woo-seok.
16. You haven’t uploaded anything to YouTube for quite some time. Will we see you with a new song or cover soon?
I plan to upload daily vlogs and music content. I’ll also be filming with my band. Now that I’m freelancing and have more time, I’ll definitely make it happen this time. Please like, comment, follow, and turn on notifications! 😊
17. Do you have any plans to perform one of the songs you’ve written lyrics for?
I’ll do a cover of Sudden Shower!
18. Are there any upcoming projects that excite you? What should your fans look forward to?
Recently, my father passed away. I’ve been living my life as best as I can, but I often feel an emptiness. My thoughts about death and the end have deepened, and I asked myself, “What are the things I absolutely want to do before I die?” I realized that I have a strong desire to perform on stage again with a band. I don’t know if it’ll be possible, but even if it doesn’t work out, I want to give it a try so that I won’t have any regrets. I would really appreciate for your support and encouragement.
19. Thank you very much for taking the time to speak with us; it’s been a pleasure reconnecting with you. To conclude, is there any message you would like to share with your fans?
The last time I performed as a band member was in 2017. A lot of time has passed since then, but I’m truly grateful that there are still people who send me messages of support. I can’t reply to each and every one of them, but I sincerely appreciate them. And I always hope that we can meet again at a concert or on stage. I want to create better music to bring you joy and inspiration. I hope everyone will be happy.
Interview: Ayten Nihal Cengiz
Translator: Ayten Nihal Cengiz
Editor: Ayten Nihal Cengiz
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