[Edaily Starin KIM HYUNSIK Reporter] “I want people to say, ‘BUMKEY is an artist who really excels at R&B.’”

Singer BUMKEY (real name Kwon Ki-beom) shared these thoughts in a written interview with E-Daily on the 31st regarding the release of his third full-length album, “On My Way.”
This marks BUMKEY’s first full-length album release in two years, following his 2024 CCM (Christian music) album “The Obedient.” In particular, this album is drawing significant attention as it is his first R&B-focused full-length album in a full 10 years, since his debut album “U-TURN” released in 2016.
Beomkey reflected, “My debut album, *U-TURN*, was created during a time when I had resolved to live a life completely different—a 180-degree turn—from the path I had been on.” He added, “This time, I’ve tried to express through music the thoughts and emotions I’ve held while quietly walking my own path since making that resolution.”
The album features 10 tracks, including the double title tracks “2006” and “Freewill,” as well as “Doin’ Good,” “Rise Again,” “No Need,” “Go Somewhere,” “SPEEED,” “COME BACK,” “Every Soul Needs Seoul,” and “He Did It All.”
Bumkey explained, “I placed a song that showcases the identity of my music as the first track, then sequentially included songs that express my current life, aspirations, and concerns to complete the album’s flow.” He added, “The final track, ‘He Did It All,’ contains expressions of gratitude and confession rooted in my faith.”
The album also boasts an impressive lineup of featured artists. B.I., Justis, Lil Boy, Ji Soul, Tama, Horim, and Justin Park all contributed as featured artists.
Bamkey said, “I didn’t have specific artists in mind from the start when working on the songs,” adding, “As I was creating the songs, whenever I naturally thought, ‘This song would be great with this person,’ I reached out to them. Thankfully, many of them gladly agreed to collaborate, and thanks to that, we were able to create some great tracks.”
He added, “When selecting featured artists, I prioritized those I had never collaborated with on my albums before.”

◇Son Gian also appears as a featured artist
The double title track “2006” is a song in which BAMKEE draws inspiration from his relationship with his wife. BAMKEE tied the knot in 2014 with DJ Kang Da-hye, a former member of the mixed-gender group Planet Shiver.
Beamkey stated, “This year marks 20 years since I first met my wife, so I wanted to write a song that captures the emotions I felt when we first met and the stories from that time.”
The other title track, “Free Will,” featuring B.I., conveys the message that “in a constantly shifting world, it is ultimately our own choices that determine the direction of our lives.”
Beomkey explained, “The thoughts and sounds that enter our minds have a significant influence on the choices we make as free-willed human beings,” adding, “I completed this song with the hope that we’ll ‘listen to the right sounds and make the right choices as we go through life.’”
Among the album’s tracks, “No Need” was sung alongside his elementary school-aged son, Jian (stage name Gianni), born in 2016. Bumkey remarked, “The child who was still in my wife’s womb when I made my first album has grown up so quickly that he’s now featured on my song for the third time.”
Regarding the lyrics, he explained, “This song stems from the idea that we need to maintain a healthy distance from digital devices, including smartphones,” adding, “It conveys the message that we’re living in an era where a ‘digital detox’ is necessary.”
Bumkey, who made his official debut in 2005 as a featured artist on “Love Is,” a track from Dynamic Duo’s second album, has established himself as one of Korea’s leading R&B vocalists through beloved songs such as “Crazy Love” and “I’ll Play With You.” All tracks from the new album will be released at 6:00 p.m. today via various online music platforms.
Bumkey said, “Compared to 10 years ago, my perspective on music itself doesn’t seem to have changed much,” adding, “I always think about what I can do best and try to find the style that suits me best.”
He continued, “I plan to connect with you all through many performances and content. I’ve been working hard on this music for a long time, so I’d appreciate it if you’d show your support and be sure to give it a listen.”