Sung Si-kyung steps out of his comfort zone with new album 'Siot'

Singer Sung Si-kyung is releasing a new full-length album "Siot" on Friday. Courtesy of SSK

By Lee Gyu-lee

Veteran singer Sung Si-kyung has built a successful track record for ballad genre songs with romantic melodies enveloped by his warm voice, winning the nickname the "Prince of Ballads" since his debut in 2000. He has released a number of hit songs, including "Two people," and the soundtracks for TV series like "Replay 1994" and "My Love From the Star."

But with the lead song, "I Love U," from his new full-length album, "Siot," the singer, 42, is set to step out of his usual style to challenge himself with a playful, dance beat song that will include a dance performance.

"I recently realized that a lot of people keep themselves busy doing or taking a challenge on something. And in my case, it was to take a stab at a dance song with choreography… I wanted to show another side of myself ― the side that tries hard for something," the singer said during an online press conference for his new album, Thursday.

"I'm planning to release a dance video of the song, and it might make people think 'oh he has reached his limit.' Expect to see me waddle around."

"Siot" is his first full-length album in 10 years. Sung's previous album, "The First," was released in 2011. "Siot" will have a total of 14 tracks, including a retro-style, medium-tempo pop song called "WHAT A FEELING," and previously released songs like "First Winter" featuring IU.

"The reason it took so long is that I was lazy, I couldn't work up the courage, and did a lot of side-gigs (like starring in reality shows). If I felt comfortable releasing singles or mini-albums, it might not have taken this long," Sung said, explaining he hasn't been a big fan of short albums. "But in the back of my mind, I always felt I should release an album for the fans."

The new album has 14 tracks, including the lead song "I Love U." Courtesy of SSK

The album was originally set to come out in spring last year, but was pushed back due to the COVID-19 outbreak. He said he took this time to perfect the album to his satisfaction.

"The delay gave me space to put more thought into making the album and not rush through it," he said. "I wasn't pressed for time. I had enough time to work on it until I was satisfied… I tried to fine-tune each song."

Although this album includes three self-composed songs, the singer expressed that he does not have much interest in writing songs as he has in singing.

"I want to sing love songs as long as I can," he said. "It might be because I haven't written many lyrics. I rarely put messages or reflect on myself through songs… there is so much I want to express through songs about love."

Referring to his singing performance as "acting," he said: "I'm a type of singer who prefers to interpret a piece than to create one, so when I come across a good song, I'm more interested in putting myself in the lyrics and performing it in my own style."

"Siot" is slated to be released at 6 p.m. Friday.

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