Kim Dongwan - kimdongwan is

It has long been said that perhaps one of the reasons for Shinhwa's continued success and closeness is that each member enjoys a solo career outside of the group, giving them each the freedom to pursue their own interests and find their own styles, standing alone as individuals and discovering their own strengths and weaknesses. After enjoying a successful acting career, Kim Dongwan followed in the footsteps of bandmates Lee Minwoo, Shin Hyesung and Jun Jin, releasing his own solo album in July 2007 and the repackaged edition containing two extra songs in October the same year.

kimdongwan is starts off with the short intro track DongWan is (intro), moving smoothly into the second track Deureobwa... FOR Shinhwa Changjo, one of the new songs on the repackage edition. A midtempo pop song, its lyrics were written by Kim Dongwan himself, and it is dedicated to Shinhwa fans (named Shinhwa Changjo) for their loyalty, support and love during Shinhwa's career.

Nae Jalmotinikka is next, and sets the tone for the rest of the album. A soft, moving ballad with piano and strings, this song begins to truly show Kim Dongwan's evolution in style from idol dance group member to ballad singer. It's a change from his usual image as well, from Shinhwa's charismatic 'wit-guy' to Kim Dongwan the sentimental man. This song is full of emotion, with a simple melody that is easy to pick up and follow along. Where Nae Jalmotinikka is slow and gentle, the next track Sonsugeon is a little stronger and a little faster, a more driving ballad than the previous one. Also known as Handkerchief by international fans, this was Kim Dongwan's first single from the album.

The pace picks up with Samchongsa, featuring hiphop artists MC Mong and Heo Inchang with background vocals that include WANTED's Kim Jaesuk. Although a nice little pop song, it is perhaps one of the weaker ones on the album, especially compared to the track that follows, SCREAM, a cover of the collaboration song originally by Japanese rock band GLAY and pop-dance group EXILE. Featuring dance duo D.Bace and the turn-tabling of Epik High's 'magic fingers' DJ Tukutz, SCREAM is packed full of explosive rhythm, taking Kim Dongwan back to his roots with a sound that's similar to the fast paced pop-dance style Shinhwa has become well known for.

The album's ballad style returns with the start of Sarangi Gayeowo. Although a nice ballad delivered with a solid performance, it is not as memorable as Nae Jalmotinikka or Sonsugeon.

My Love is next, and with it begin Shinhwa's contributions to Kim Dongwan's solo album. Composed and arranged by Lee Minwoo, My Love features Eric with his own rap lyrics, and is followed by the summery bright poppy Yeoreumi Joha, which features Andy on rap. After this we return to ballads with Nameun Saram, a duet with Shin Hyesung. It may be easy to expect Shin Hyesung's smoother, richer vocals to outshine Kim Dongwan's, but the two work well together in this track and although it sounds as though Shin Hyesung sings it with more ease, the song is well suited for them both.

We near the end of the album with Saranghaeseon Andoel, a duet with female ballad singer Byul. A pretty ballad that's sung quite well by both artists, it is however another of the more forgettable songs on this album, and pales in comparison to Nameun Saram. Jindam is the next track and a personal favourite. Another midtempo song, both music and lyrics are by Kim Dongwan.

The final track on the original release of the album is the instrumental version of SCREAM, but on this repackaged edition the final song is instead a remix of Sonsugeon.

Overall, kimdongwan is was an excellent solo debut from Kim Dongwan. Through this album we are able to witness the evolution from idol dance group member and actor to ballad singer, and we are given the chance to see what he can really do. Gaining excellent feedback from fans and critics alike, Kim Dongwan's debut as a solo artist was so successful that he went on to release his second album less than one year later.