Returning after 10 years with his new song Where Are We Going, Kim Gun-mo still has plenty to say about music. While maintaining his signature wit, he also reflected deeply and sincerely on his musical journey.

Reflecting on the past, he said, A tower built high can collapse, but a path created for others can last a lifetime. He described even his six difficult years as a valuable and grateful experience, emphasizing that he now wants to share his music comfortably wherever he is needed. He appeared much healthier and more resilient than before.

The following is a 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 build several buses to provide dental care, eye exams, beauty services, and glasses, and finish it all off with a performance. When I was in the military, my job was to provide volunteer services to remote islands. I provided medical aid and performed, and I still cannot forget the sight of the elderly people 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 Baekga to take memorial portraits, and I want to be in charge of driving and performing.

Q. What was the greatest strength that helped you endure such a long hiatus?

It was the 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. I was able to stand up again because of those people.

Q. You mentioned that the long break was actually a gift.

Looking back, I think both my body and mind would have been ruined if I had not had that time. I met many good people, saw beautiful scenery, ate delicious food, and walked a lot. I used to run only looking forward, 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 a necessary period 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 really did not take long for it to crumble. I thought everything had disappeared, but when I looked closely, the bricks were still there. So now, I do not want to be someone who builds a tower again, but someone who uses those bricks to make a path. I want to create a path so that the juniors who come after me do not have to step through the mud.

Q. With what mindset do you want to continue your music in the future?

Now, I do not think I will be shaken like I was before, no matter what hardships come my way. Back then, I thought I had lost the whole world, but as I traveled around the world on my bicycle, I realized that my trials were not really trials at all. 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 performance was fun or I was happy today, that is enough for me.