K-Drama Star Paul Kim Bets on English After a Decade of Korean Hits

Paul Kim, a central figure in the South Korean music scene for the past twelve years, has made a calculated move to the English-speaking market. The decision comes after a long period of hesitation and logistical delays that stretched across the pandemic era. Kim, known primarily for his work in Korean ballads, released his first English-language single, 'Love Me Hard,' on October 30. The track marks a distinct departure from the musical style that built his reputation.

Kim debuted in 2014 and has since accumulated a catalog of chart-topping songs. His work includes 'Me After You,' 'Traffic Light,' and 'Every Day, Every Moment.' These tracks frequently served as original soundtracks for major Korean dramas, a role that expanded his audience well beyond the domestic scene. His recent 10th-anniversary album, 'Sincerely yours,' released in 2025, followed a successful Asian tour and cemented his status in his home market.

The new single, 'Love Me Hard,' explores the frustration of a one-sided romantic interest. It is structured as a traditional pop song, a genre Kim has rarely attempted. He told FOX 13 Seattle that the delay in releasing English material was largely due to external factors. 'I've been trying to release an English album for so many years, and it just got delayed and delayed since COVID and everything,' he said. The process to finalize the release for international distribution took several years.

Kim credits his international experiences for shaping the new project. He studied in New Zealand and spent time in Japan, both of which influenced his desire to work in languages other than his native Korean. He views each language as having a unique stylistic quality that affects the music. 'I wanted to write music in different languages because each language has different unique style,' he explained. The challenge of singing in a new language was something he sought to test his vocal abilities and songwriting process.

The shift in genre is intended to reveal a different side of the artist to both new listeners and long-time fans in South Korea. Kim acknowledged that this pop direction is unexpected for those who have followed his career. 'It's not something that Korean people would expect of me, but I really wanted to challenge myself with different genres while singing in a new style,' he said. He believes the exercise will benefit his overall craft.

Despite the move to English, Kim remains critical of the current trend in the K-pop industry. He observed that many modern tracks utilize a high percentage of English lyrics. He noted that some songs are approximately 70% English and 30% Korean. While he does not consider this mix to be incorrect, he expressed a preference for music that relies more heavily on the Korean language. 'I'm kind of missing a lot of the Korean, you know, the songs with only Koreans in it,' he stated.

Kim has already recorded several additional songs for this English-language project. He indicated that the bulk of the work is done and that more material is forthcoming. 'I've got lots more music coming up, so please be patient,' he said. The project is the result of years of preparation aimed at finding an effective release process for other countries.

His goal is to remain a consistent presence in the daily lives of his listeners. He views music as a tool for relaxation and emotional regulation during activities like driving or traveling. He wants his songs to accompany fans during positive experiences, such as romance, and during difficult times, such as breakups. The expansion into English is part of that broader effort to connect with audiences across different stages of life.