Kim Jae-hwan‘s Comeback: How His New Rock Ballad ’Now I'm Coming to Get You' is a Message of Hope for Fans

[TV Daily reporter Jinseok Kim] My goal is to be someone fans can lean on. I want to be a dependable, mature artist.

He can seem a little awkward at times, but his commitment to music is crisp and unmistakable. This is the story of Kim Jae-hwan, a rising rock artist who has prepared himself to become a stronger singer so fans can rely on him.

The single "I'll Come Pick You Up Now," released on the 22nd, is Kim Jae-hwan's first new song since his military discharge. The rock ballad delivers a message of love and comfort, a promise to stand by listeners even when they’re worn down. Kim wrote the lyrics and music himself and played guitar on the track, lending an added layer of authenticity. His firmer vocals and the song’s carefully layered emotional detail leave a lasting impression.

Kim, who completed his military service in December 2025, described this release as his first comeback after the hiatus. "I prepared with everything I had," he said, "and I hope Wind—the fandom—can watch comfortably and happily."

On making "I'll Come Pick You Up Now," he said he worked honestly and with genuine feeling, and that the process was enjoyable. Above all, it felt relaxed; everyone collaborated with mutual respect throughout the recording.

For male idols, military service often broadens perspective. "I did a lot of thinking about music while in the military," Kim said. "I tried several genres, but I still had questions about what the 'Kim Jae-hwan' sound should be. I asked people around me and did my research to decide a direction." He added, "People said playing guitar and singing looks cool. I came to feel that folk, rock, and rock ballads suit me. That doesn't mean I won't dance at all," he added with a laugh.

Reflecting on his time as a singer-soldier, Kim called it a period for discipline and growth—vocal training and learning to express emotion more deliberately. "Naturally, I started thinking about future music, and things I realized while doing touring performances in the military gave energy to this album," he said. He acknowledged moments of loneliness and isolation but said he overcame them positively and believed those experiences would help his career after discharge. "Time sometimes dragged, but I'm proud I endured," he said, expressing pride in completing his service.


Kim is also preparing a comeback with the group Wanna One. Formed through Mnet's "Produce 101 Season 2," Wanna One disbanded in 2019 but announced a reunion seven years later. "While preparing the single album, communication with the members flowed naturally, and that helped lead to the reunion," he said. "We're also filming a reality show—the timing felt strangely perfect."

After his discharge on December 31, 2025, Kim confirmed Wanna One's comeback by releasing a surprise teaser on January 1, 2026. He described how surreal the moment felt. "I watched the video while eating a bowl of gukbap (Korean soup with rice) after my discharge and got choked up," he said. "I didn't show it, but I realized how much I had missed it. The members felt the same. I want to treat this opportunity carefully and make work without regrets. I want to stay humble in my activities."

He recalled meeting fans at a Wanna One event with visible emotion. "I wanted to wear a tuxedo, but I ended up in a gray school uniform and felt like I was back then," he said. "It was a moving moment. It rained that day and it wasn't easy for fans to come, so I'm very grateful. I want to repay that support."

When asked whether juggling solo work and group activities added pressure, he was candid. "Since I debuted as an idol with Wanna One, a band sound might feel unfamiliar to some," Kim said. "I believe my voice has its own color, and I plan to present the music I pursue. We'll see what happens next— inspiration comes while working. Singing and dancing can happen in a group. If fans want it, I'll dance, but as an album, I have a direction I want to take."

Fellow member Park Ji-hoon has also returned as a solo artist, setting up a friendly turn of events. Kim laughed, "This is my first start after discharge," then added, "I'm focused on building my own story. I'm not particularly interested in competition. Of course I hope for good results, but I'm not chasing them right now. I want to make good music and comfort a lot of people."

That day, Kim spoke repeatedly about his artistic aims. "I don't make music based solely on my stubbornness," he said. "I lean on the people around me. Their feedback helped a lot. When I returned with dance tracks, some friends even told me to stop dancing when they met me—that made me realize those opinions exist. Among many views, you find an intersection, and I thought I should move forward from that point. I think my direction was shaped by those around me."

He also noted that the band sound on this release aligns with the moment. "People around me built up expectations. I'm letting go of greed and emptying myself. I'm grateful people listen to my music. I didn't choose band music because it's trendy. I think I've found what I pursue. I'm returning to what I used to do," he said.

Kim is in the process of finding his own color. "I chose 'comfort' as a keyword because I wanted to soothe the loneliness I felt in the military," he explained. "My service may have been easier than some, but I wanted to offer consolation in everyday moments. If this is a new journey, it's more like sewing a new button—every step, including performances, will be a new button. Depending on my approach, the album's mood and color can unfold well."

Asked whether he wanted fans to lean on him through his music, he said, "I want to make fans feel they can lean on me. Making them feel that way is my goal. If I can make good albums and become a mature artist, maybe fans will feel comfortable leaning on me. I want to be a dependable, mature artist."

[TV Daily reporter Jinseok Kim news@tvdaily.co.kr / Photo credit=WakeOne]