Kim Jae Joong Marks 20 Years with Album ‘Flower Garden’

Kim Jae Joong is currently basking in the joy of his career’s milestone, as reflected in his latest album, Flower Garden. This new release marks two decades of his musical journey, a period that includes his influential roles in K-pop with TVXQ and JYJ and his successful solo career. Flower Garden symbolizes this extensive journey and is a testament to his artistic growth and achievements over the years.

Jae Joong explained the inspiration behind the album’s title, saying, “I wanted to convey that every step of my journey is like a flower.” He elaborated that each individual step in his career represents a single flower, and together, they create a vibrant and beautiful garden. This metaphor captures the essence of his 20-year journey, with the album serving as a tribute to the growth and transformation he has experienced throughout his career.

Among the album’s highlights is the track “I Am U,” which Jae Joong describes as a love letter to his fans. This song is particularly meaningful as it reflects on the cherished moments he has shared with his supporters. “If you delve into the lyrics of ‘I Am U,’ you’ll find that it references titles from my past songs with TVXQ, JYJ, and as a solo artist,” he explained. “It’s like a memoir or a memory box, offering a nostalgic look back at my career over the past 20 years.” The track aims to reconnect with fans by revisiting these significant moments, making it a sentimental piece that celebrates their shared history.

The album features ten tracks, with Jae Joong taking an active role in writing the lyrics. “I was deeply involved in crafting the lyrics because I wanted to tell my own stories,” he said. Flower Garden holds special significance as it marks his 20th anniversary, making it crucial for him to express his personal experiences and messages through this album. “It was important for me to convey my own experiences rather than just sing about other people’s stories,” he added, emphasizing the personal nature of the album.

The album’s diverse range of songs includes “Glorious Day,” which celebrates the simple joys of life with lyrics about blue skies and positivity. Similarly, “Rain Shower” reflects Jae Joong’s current state of happiness, even though it carries a more melancholic melody. “I’m really trying to maintain a positive mindset,” he said. “Even though the album includes some more reflective and sentimental songs, the overall message is about finding happiness and enjoying life.” Jae Joong’s upbeat attitude is evident throughout the album, reinforcing his current emotional state.

“Dopamine,” another standout track, features a collaboration with Japanese rock legend Miyavi. This song’s edgy rock sound and distinctive guitar riffs mark a departure from Jae Joong’s usual style. “Growing up in the 80s, I was heavily influenced by Japanese arts and entertainment,” Jae Joong noted. “My admiration for Japanese artists has led to several past collaborations, but this was my first time working with Miyavi.” Jae Joong personally reached out to Miyavi for this collaboration, and their partnership resulted in a dynamic and exciting track. The collaboration was a memorable experience for Jae Joong, who plans to visit Japan to reconnect with Miyavi.

In addition to his musical accomplishments, Jae Joong has made significant strides in acting. He starred in notable dramas such as Protect the Boss, Dr. Jin, Triangle, Spy, and Manhole. His upcoming drama, Bad Memory Eraser, is set to premiere on August 2. In this series, Jae Joong portrays Lee Goon, a former tennis prodigy who struggles with self-confidence after quitting the sport. The drama explores themes of memory and self-identity, with Jae Joong’s character undergoing a complex emotional journey. “I was drawn to the storyline because it felt lighthearted and enjoyable,” he said. “The character’s dual nature resonated with me, reflecting both the confidence of a superstar and the vulnerability of a humble individual.”

Jae Joong’s film career includes roles in Heaven’s Postman (2009) and Jackal is Coming (2012), as well as a documentary about his life titled Jaejoong: On The Road. His latest film, Shrine, directed by Kazuyoshi Kumakiri, marks his debut in the horror genre. “I was curious about the horror genre and the unique collaboration between Korean and Japanese teams,” he explained. “It was a special experience that allowed me to explore new creative territories.”

Following his mandatory military service, Jae Joong took a break from acting to reassess his career and future. He considered studying in the UK but was drawn back to Japan due to promising opportunities. This shift in focus led him to establish his own company, iNKODE, in 2023, with CEO Noh Hyun-tae. As the chief strategy officer, Jae Joong is dedicated to nurturing new talent and shaping the future of the music industry. “Starting my own company was a significant decision, and I’m excited about the possibilities it holds,” he said.

Jae Joong is also active as a host on Jaefriends, a show where he cooks and interacts with celebrity guests. The program aims to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and industries, providing a platform for fans to see different sides of Jae Joong. “The show’s goal is to build connections and share experiences with a wide range of guests,” he said. “It’s been rewarding to engage with fans and guests alike through this program.”

With his new album, drama, film projects, and hosting duties, Jae Joong remains busy and fulfilled. Despite the demands of his multifaceted career, he remains optimistic and content. “I’m very happy with how everything is going,” he concluded, reflecting on his diverse and successful career.