Beloved Korean ballad singer Paul Kim has officially entered the American market, releasing his first U.S. single “Love Me Hard” worldwide on Friday. The all-English track marks a deliberate new chapter for the vocalist, who wrote the entire lyrics in English so global listeners could connect with his emotions and message directly, according to his agency Whyes Entertainment.
The song was first unveiled earlier at a festival in Los Angeles, where it earned an enthusiastic early response. “Love Me Hard” carries an aspiration to pursue love truthfully and wholeheartedly — whether that love is for a dream, an ambition or a person. “I want to share my feelings with more people,” Paul Kim said ahead of the release, as reported by the Korea JoongAng Daily.
An all-English statement
Writing fully in English is a first for the singer, whose catalog is built on Korean-language ballads. The move is part of a broader effort to expand his fan base beyond Asia, following his first Japanese single “Me After You” and a showcase event in Tokyo in August 2025. That Japanese release was based on a Korean original from 2018 — a sign of how carefully he has been laying international groundwork.
From OST king to global push
Since debuting in 2014, Paul Kim has become one of Korea’s most trusted voices for drama soundtracks, including “Can’t Get Over You” (2024) from the global hit Queen of Tears and the enduring “Every day, Every Moment” (2018) from Should We Kiss First?. Allkpop notes the American debut as a milestone moment for the singer, whose warm, confessional style has made him a household name at home. With “Love Me Hard,” he is betting that sincerity translates in any language.
The release strategy reflects a growing trend of Korean balladeers testing Western waters with English-language originals rather than translated hits. Paul Kim’s agency says the single was crafted from the ground up for global ears, with the singer writing every line himself. If the Los Angeles festival preview is any indication — where the song earned an early, enthusiastic response — the gamble may pay off. For now, the singer says his goal is simple: more people, more feelings, one honest song at a time.
