KOR
Returning with his new song "Where Am I Going?" after a 10-year hiatus, Kim Gun-mo still had much to say about music. While showcasing his signature wit, Kim also reflected deeply on his musical journey.
Regarding the time that has passed, he said, "A tower built high can collapse, but a path created for others can last a lifetime." He described even the difficult six years as a grateful and precious time, emphasizing that he now wants to share his music comfortably wherever it is needed. He appeared much healthier and more resilient than before.
The following is the Q&A with Kim Gun-mo.
Q. I heard there is something you really want to do in the future.
"I have had a dream for a long time. I want to create a volunteer program where we use several buses to provide dental care, eye exams, beauty services, and glasses, and finally, perform a concert. When I was in the military, my job was to provide volunteer services to remote islands. I provided medical support and performed, and I still cannot forget the sight of the elderly grandmothers and grandfathers crying. Even now, there are many rural areas where hospitals are far away. I want to visit those places and do something that can be of even a little help. I want Koyote's Bbaek Ga to take portrait photos for them, and I want to be in charge of driving and performing."
Q. What was the greatest strength that allowed you to endure such a long hiatus?
"People. Especially my manager. There were people who did not leave and stayed by my side for six years. We rode bicycles together almost every day, ate meals, and spent time together. If I had been alone, I would never have been able to do music again. Because those people were there, I was able to stand up again."
Q. You mentioned that the long break was actually a gift.
"Looking back, if I hadn't had that time, I think both my body and mind would have been ruined. I met many good people, saw beautiful scenery, ate delicious food, and walked a lot. I used to only look forward and run, but now I feel like a person who has been refined. My health has improved significantly, and I have confirmed my sincerity toward music. I think the time off was something I absolutely needed in my life."
Q. What has changed the most about Kim Gun-mo now?
"In the past, I wanted to be someone who built a high tower. But one day, I realized that the tower I had built for 28 years collapsed in just a week. It didn't take long at all to collapse. I thought 'everything is gone,' but when I looked closely, the bricks were still there. So now, I don't want to be someone who builds a tower again, but someone who uses those bricks to build a path. I want to create a path so that the juniors who come after me don't have to walk through the mud."
Q. With what mindset do you want to continue your music in the future?
"Now, I don't think I will be shaken like before, no matter what hardships come my way. Back then, I thought I had lost the whole world, but as I rode my bicycle around the world, I realized that 'my trials were not really trials.' It was very difficult, but I learned a lot. Now, I want to make music with a smile. If people say, 'Kim Gun-mo's concert was fun' or 'I was happy today,' that is enough for me."
Reported by Kang Kyung-yoon (SBS Entertainment News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.
