Eric Nam comes back after three years

Korean-American singer-songwriter Eric Nam released his second mini album “Interview” at midnight on Wednesday, three years after the release of his last mini album.

At the showcase for “Interview” on Wednesday, Nam explained that the word “interview” was used as a metaphor for dating, from the first meeting to getting close to each other. “The last track ‘No Comment’ depicts the end of a relationship using the format of an interview as well,” added Nam.

“I wanted to make an album that has a certain sequence of stories, and that is why it took so long and so much effort to come back with a new one,” said Nam.

Nam’s new mini album includes five tracks, including the international version of lead song “Good for You.” Nam contributed to writing Korean and English versions of “Good for You” and “Stop the Rain,” in which the singer-songwriter’s thoughtful deliberation over the choice of words that would offer the most comfort to people who are exhausted and frustrated was apparent.

Nam first appeared as a contestant on season two of MBC’s music competition show “Star Audition: The Great Birth,” which aired from 2011-2012. He had made it to the top five in the contest. 

The following year, Nam debuted with his first mini album “Cloud 9.” Since then, he has performed in TV drama sound tracks and released a number of digital singles, including “Spring Love,” a collaboration song with K-pop girl group Red Velvet’s member Wendy, which was released on March 4.

However, it was Nam’s interviewing skills that brought him into the limelight.

Nam has done broadcast interviews with celebrities, including foreign ones such as Hollywood stars Chloe Moretz and Robert Downey Jr., showcasing his sense of humor and good manners.

“At first, it was hard to interview other celebrities, because I easily became jealous of them,” said Nam, adding that it had eventually turned into a blessing and brought him to where he is today.

“I wish this will be the start of something new as a singer,” said Nam, expressing his desire to strengthen his position as a singer-songwriter, not as an entertainer or celebrity interviewer.

By Jung Eun-jin (jej2403@heraldcorp.com)