“What an Irony”: Puer Kim on Life’s Simultaneous Highs and Lows

Puer Kim describes how she uses music to explore nuanced emotions.

For those who have not heard your music before, how would you describe it to them? How would you finish the sentence “Puer Kim is ___” or “Puer Kim’s music is ___”?

Puer Kim [has been] a Korean singer-songwriter and lyricist since 2012. She’s known for her dreamy voice and creative lyrics in Korean and English. She uses poetic license in her lyrics.

What three words or phrases best describe your new album, I’m Sorry and Congratulations?

Poignant, genuine, [and] melancholy.

Why did you choose the album title I’m Sorry and Congratulations, and did you consider any other album titles first?

I knew what I wanted to do with this album, but naming [it] was different. I kept reading the song titles over and over again. Nothing seemed to quite fit. I just wanted to say that we are all worthy the way we are. Life is hard, so I feel sorry. Still, I’d like to say congratulations on our existence. On my birthday, people make me feel sure I’m so loved. I do appreciate it. For some reason, that makes me sad. I guess because it gives me the reason to keep living this life that I honestly don’t really understand. It makes me stare at the deepest abyss. What an irony. So the title of my album is [a] catchphrase of my life that I made for everyone [to use].

What are the biggest differences between I’m Sorry and Congratulations and your previous releases?

I’ve been writing songs to express my creativity for more than a decade. I obviously knew that there were people listening, and I did want them to listen, but doing whatever I felt like always came first. I didn’t really care how that would make listeners feel; I know that I can’t control anyone’s perception. Still, I had a deep consideration of listeners while making this album. My previous work [has been described as] being creative and different. I’m thankful about that, but I’d like to touch heart[s] more gently with my new album. I tried to create indescribable joy for listeners.

Please summarize the theme of each song from I’m Sorry and Congratulations:

“I am not OK”: When I finally could say that I’m not okay, I could start feeling okay.

“Birthday”: When I wish I wasn’t born at all, my love still [celebrates] my birthday. 

“Mirror Is My Middle Name”: When I didn’t even believe in myself, you believed in me.

“My summer my winter”: I keep forgetting nothing’s for granted. 

“I wish I was wrong”: When I feel like saying yes, I will, no matter what.

“Every us”: There’s the love that makes me blind [and the] love that makes me see everything at the same time.

“I couldn’t not”: When [a feeling is] reciprocated, it’s more than enough.

“This flowers live for”: What flowers have taught me.

“Just don’t do it”: You can’t run away from yourself.

“Even better”: When I feel like a victim, I think of people whom I [have] hurt.

It’s been almost a decade since the “Manyo Maash” music video came out! First of all, what comes to mind when you reflect on making that music video? Do you think about that video differently than you did back then? Second of all, where did the inspiration for that video come from?

“Manyo Maash” was my first commercial music video with lots of staff and sets. I remember that shooting day was hectic. I haven’t seen that music video since it came out. I don’t look back on previous work in detail. It sometimes [comes into] my head vaguely. “Manyo” means “witch” in Korean. I think my company back then saw me as a sexy witch, since they brought up the idea [for] that music video. For me, a witch is someone who’s out there not afraid to tell [one’s] truth. Telling the truth is very tricky, I believe. I mean, what the heck is truth? 

Your music videos all have a very specific look to them. Is this intentional? How would you describe your music video style, both now and what you think it will be in the future?

I just want [them] to be organic and simple with one strong theme. Who knows about the future? Nobody! When it comes to work, I just follow the inspiration of the time, almost like an epiphany. When I’m in charge of my music videos, I give [my] ideas to my filming crew [after] a long time. I don’t try to have one particular style. 

Lastly, is there anything else you want to say about yourself or your music?

Thank you so much for reading this interview. Check out my music wherever you listen. You are the best thing [in] your life. I’m sorry, but I do congratulate your being [alive]. Sending my love.

Check out Puer Kim’s new album here, and keep up with her on YouTube and Facebook!

Answers have been edited and condensed for clarity. Photos courtesy of Puer Kim.