EXCLUSIVE | Kim Sejeong says she would love to be part of Bollywood films: ‘Their uniqueness always interested me’

She has also lent her voice to the soundtracks of several hit dramas such as “Crash Landing On You”, “Record of Youth”, “Mr Sunshine” as well as “Business Proposal”.

On Sept 4, Kim Sejeong released her first full-length album titled, Door. Her long-awaited musical comeback is striking the right chords, as the singer gives an insight into her own life, through the 11 tracks which she has also penned. She has composed nine of the songs herself.

In an exclusive interview with indianexpress.com, Kim Sejeong talks about Door, her love for Indian food and her wish to star in a Bollywood film in the future.

Your much-awaited comeback Door is finally here.

It feels wonderful. This album is full of songs I’ve been crafting for the past three years, and I’m incredibly proud to consider it my creation as I actively contributed not only to writing lyrics and composing but also to planning music videos and album introduction materials.

What does the title of your album Door signify? Is it the door to new opportunities and possibilities?

The album, Door, quite literally represents a ‘door’. I’ve conveyed this concept as both an ‘open door’ and a ‘closed door.’ This signifies not only my limitless potential but also an aspect of myself that only I know of and hasn’t been revealed to others yet, all woven into one overarching theme. The album encompasses songs with various colours and genres and we aim for people to listen and think that it is something that I as a singer am capable of, or find something that they’ve never seen before.

The tracks “Top or Cliff” and “Voyage” have this underlying theme of being unstoppable, letting go of the chains that bound one. Do the songs also reflect your journey as an artist?

That interpretation is also valid. I tend to be quite self-critical, which leads to living with a lot of anxiety. I decided to explore the theme, wondering if these feelings are common for people in a competitive society. With “Top or Cliff,” I approached the idea with the notion of reviving the theme in a way that’s reminiscent of the movie, Black Swan.

This is your first full-length album, and your last release that wasn’t a single was I’M. How have you evolved as an artist? It’s interesting how your songs are connected to nature; is it always an underlying theme in your music?


I’ve indeed grown significantly as an artist since the release of my single, “I’M.” There was a gap of over two years before making a comeback with a new album, which gave me the opportunity to explore how I could express my emotions and convey messages to the public through acting. Through the production of this album, I’ve come to realize that I don’t need to limit myself to a single colour; instead, I am showcasing various facets that create my unique personality. Regarding the aspect of my songs often featuring landscapes or nature, I believe it’s a result of my songwriting and composition process. I jot down the stories and emotions I experience or want to convey in my daily life, and later, I develop them into songs or lyrics. Since I enjoy travelling, being close to the nature often sparks ideas in my mind. When I observe the sea, flowers, the sky, and other natural elements, I find that they often serve as contrasts to my own life and emotions, which naturally find their way into my lyrics.

Kim Sejeong shared she has grown significantly as an artist since the release of her single, I’M.

You began your career as a singer and have several hits to your credit. These days K-pop is unstoppable, what do you think has contributed to the popularity of the genre?

I believe one of the major reasons behind the immense popularity of K-pop is its vibrant passion. Even as a K-Pop artist, I frequently draw energy from performing alongside other artists on stage. Witnessing the energy that radiates from the stage, the distinctive colours of each group and artist, and the incredible diversity and vibrancy of it all, it’s like watching a diverse array of shows on Netflix.

You have proved your versatility and talent as an actor as well. Your character Ha Ri from Business Proposal has become the poster girl of cool. Are you anything like her?

One of the traits I share with Ha-Ri is our shared passion for our work. Ha-Ri enjoys her job, and I enjoy spending my free time reading scripts, composing or writing lyrics. Some might even wonder, “Does she ever really take a break?” But both Ha-Ri and I find satisfaction in immersing ourselves in our work. It fuels our momentum and keeps us moving forward, so I think we share a very positive resemblance in that regard.

As an actor, you have popular dramas like School 2017, Business Proposal, Today’s Webtoon, and Uncanny Counter to your credit. As an actor what draws you to stories and characters?

When I read a script, my decision to take on a project or a character ultimately depends on the mental image that forms in my mind as I read and how well I believe I can fit into that image. When considering the types of characters I’d like to try in the future, I’m interested in trying eccentric roles. Up to this point, I’ve often played characters who are strong, resilient, and determined, even in challenging situations. I think it might be fun to take on a role that’s more whimsical and innocent, perhaps the role of the youngest daughter in a wealthy family.

As an actor and singer, how do you strike a balance between the two and retain your individuality?

Rather than trying to balance my roles as an actor and a singer, I focus on how each of these activities contributes to my personal growth and advancement. In the past, I used to distinguish between ‘actor Kim Sejeong’ and ‘singer Kim Sejeong,’ but I’ve come to realize that both are just different facets of ‘artist Kim Sejeong.’ The only difference lies in how I express myself. It’s not about trying to preserve distinct identities in each field; it’s about showing off my unique colours through each project. This idea aligns with the theme of my latest album, where I believe the best way to maintain my individuality is by being true to myself while showcasing my potential in various colours and styles.

“In the past, I used to distinguish between “actor Kim Sejeong” and “singer Kim Sejeong,” but I’ve come to realize that both are just different facets of “artist Kim Sejeong”, ” shared the star.

You are very popular in India, any plans to visit India, are you familiar with Indian food or, films?


I have a deep love for travelling, and there are a few countries I’m eager to explore in my lifetime, with India being one of them. India’s landscapes and culture are incredibly captivating, and I’m drawn to the idea of immersing myself in its rich heritage. I also love Indian cuisine, particularly curry, and other dishes, and I’m curious to try the local dishes and see what it tastes like. Moreover, the uniqueness of Bollywood films has always interested me, so if the opportunity arises, I would love to be a part of Bollywood movies as well.

You also have come on board as a mentor on Universal Ticket, What message would you like to give to aspiring musicians and artists?

To those who aspire to become artists, I want to emphasize the importance of “effort” and “honesty.” Without these two qualities, it’s challenging to go far in this field. Presenting a false persona to the public will eventually be exposed, and as an artist, it’s crucial to genuinely express the message or emotion you want to convey from your heart. Additionally, continuous effort is essential for growth as an artist. Remember that sustaining the love and support of the public over time is difficult without a combination of these qualities.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Honestly, whenever I have some free time, I do a bit more research on a script or character, write lyrics or compose music. This is my way of taking a break (laughs). As for things unrelated to work, travelling is a significant part of my downtime. I tend to relax by going on trips alone or making plans to visit places I’ve been wanting to explore.