For evenings when you need comfort: 5 songs from Roy Kim’s Geurigo

The first song and title track of his 2022 fourth studio album, ‘Geurigo’. It starts from the wish to hear “I’m doing fine” when you ask how someone is. Rather than pushing them to cheer up no matter what, focus on the attitude of hoping that at least that person is at ease. If you liked the comfort of his recent ‘Keuge Ureora’, you can also meet the kind words he left at a different time. Its English title is ‘It’ll Be Alright’. The studio album also has an instrumental version, but here you hear the song with Roy Kim’s voice. It fits an evening when you want to ask how today went, whether for yourself or for someone else.

‘Geuttaero Doraga’ was released first on October 14, 2022, then included as the third track of his fourth studio album on October 25. It’s a song about the sadness after someone you thought would always be there has gone, and about looking back on the time that has passed. Rather than remembering the past as all good, listen while thinking of yourself having come through that pain to where you are now. The song’s English name is ‘Take Me Back In Time’. It may feel especially close on nights when you look at old photos or when memories of a certain time have become vivid. Unlike the present-day check-in of ‘Gwaenchaneulgeoya’, this track goes back in time to look at what remains in your heart.

The fourth song on his fourth studio album looks at growing up from the angle of protecting what’s precious. You can listen while asking yourself whether, by aiming only for more achievement, you might be missing the relationships and daily life around you. It also brings to mind the loneliness that grows the more you learn about the world. Its international track name is ‘Bedtime Prayers’. On an evening when you’ve filled the day with things to do but little stays in your heart, slowly reflect on what you want to cherish now. Rather than handing you a grand conclusion about growing up, it leaves room to look at your own life again, and it’s worth hearing when the responsibilities of work and daily life feel heavy.

‘Siganeul Mideobwa’ is the sixth track of his fourth studio album. The song’s introduction describes the wish to trust the passing of time and keep moving forward, prompted by words from a senior during a period with no end in sight. It’s music to listen to on days when it’s hard to change your situation right away, without being hard on yourself. The English title, ‘Trust In Time’, points in the same direction. Rather than taking it to mean every problem will be solved just by letting time pass, think of it as an attitude for getting through today. Heard after ‘Geuttaero Doraga’, which looks back on past memories, your gaze shifts from the past to the time ahead.

‘Oneul Bammankeumeun’, the eighth track of his fourth studio album, brings to mind time spent by someone’s side listening to their story. Listen with the thought that you don’t always have to give advice to someone who opens up about their worries. At about 5 min 53 sec, it’s the longest in this selection, perfect for a night when you want to stay inside one song for a long time rather than hear a few quick words of comfort. Its English title is ‘Well, Tonight’. Listening alone, it can be time to sort out today’s feelings; with someone, it can be a moment to stop talking and share the music. The album’s final track is ‘Gyeolgugen’, so if you’re curious about how the whole record ends, keep listening.