The Former Wanna One Member Breaks Free from Ballads to Explore Funky R&B and Dance-Pop in his Latest Musical Endeavor

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In a recent media showcase, renowned South Korean singer Kim Jae-hwan unveiled his highly-anticipated album, "J.A.M," which stands for "Journey above music." The album's title perfectly encapsulates the significance of this new piece for the 27-year-old artist, who expressed a newfound sense of excitement and liberation on stage. Formerly recognized for his tempered demeanor, Kim's dynamic presence during the event marked a departure from his past image.

Since the release of his single "Spring Breeze" just three months ago, Kim's transformation has been evident, surpassing even the changes he experienced during that period. Transitioning from a member of the 11-piece boy band Wanna One to a solo artist in 2019, Kim had initially focused on showcasing his vocal prowess through ballad-infused title songs. However, he now feels compelled to embrace his peppy and cheeky identity, which he had kept restrained until now.

Kim elaborated on this sudden shift in concept, stating, "I've mostly been doing calm ballads until now, but I'm a cheerful type really." Though he acknowledged his appreciation for ballads, the singer yearned to return to his roots by delving into the funky and upbeat realm of R&B. This desire motivated him to unleash his energetic side, which was palpable at the media showcase, where he engaged in larger-than-life gestures, intermittently rising from his seat to demonstrate dance moves.

The highlight of Kim's musical journey is his latest track, "Lucky!," a funky and groovy dance-pop tune that showcases his exceptional talents. The song features rapper-producer Bobby, a member of the boy group iKon. The Korean title, "Gae-ideuk," which roughly translates to "windfall profit" or an expression used when one unexpectedly receives a benefit, reflects the departure from Kim's previously upright persona. The artist resonated with the song due to its uniqueness and enjoyable sound.

Kim shared his thoughts on "Lucky!," stating, "When I first heard it, I felt like I've become a 'lucky guy' and that everything will work out well. There are moments in our lives where things don't turn out as we want, and I hoped people could take some lucky energy from my song." However, his pursuit of fun and versatility did not come without sacrifices. He revealed that he had given up various indulgences, including drinking, to renew himself and fully commit to this album. Additionally, his strict diet for the comeback had left him feeling a bit drained, albeit with a sheepish grin.

"J.A.M" comprises a diverse range of songs, illustrating Kim's efforts to push the boundaries of his musicality. Alongside "Lucky!," the album features tracks such as "My Ocean," "Champagne," "Sleep," "Daylight," and "Spring Breeze," which was released as a prelude in March. Contrasting with his previous album, "Empty Dream," which was primarily a collection of ballads where Kim showcased his skills as both a singer and a songwriter, "J.A.M" leans towards harnessing the power of his live performances.

Kim expressed his eagerness to exhibit his honed dancing skills, noting, "I've been honing my dancing, and I'm ready to show it finally. I personally think that my power is my high-pitched vocals.

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