Im Siwan, the actor and singer best known for his role in Netflix’s Squid Game, is returning to his musical roots.
On October 13, SM Entertainment confirmed that they are partnering with Im for his first-ever comeback after 25 years. The album is currently in the final stages of production, with a release planned later this year.
Siwan first debuted as a singer in 2010 as a member of the boy group ZE:A. Although the group has been inactive for several years, the 36-year-old idol actor continued to pursue music. After his contract with his previous agency ended in August, he began preparing the album independently.
He was encouraged by senior SM artist Kangta and decided to collaborate with SM Entertainment. The label will oversee his singing activities while he maintains creative input.
Fans first caught a hint of his musical plans when he appeared in an interview for his Netflix film Mantis with bleached blonde hair. When asked about the reason for his new look, he revealed that it wasn’t for a drama or film but because he was “preparing an album.”
Although Im Siwan is widely recognized for his acting, his career began in music. His breakthrough acting role came in the 2014 cable drama Misaeng: Incomplete Life, which was a major success and established him as a leading actor in Korea.
He has since taken on diverse roles in both films and television, including One Line and The Merciless, which earned him an invitation to the Cannes Film Festival.
His ability to play serious or intense characters while maintaining a gentle appearance earned him the nickname “Innocent-eyed lunatic.”
Siwan rose to global fame with his participation in the second and third seasons of Netflix’s Squid Game. He joined the cast as a fan of the first season and accepted the role without reading the script in full. His role brought him international recognition and introduced his work to a wider audience.
Despite his success in acting, music has remained important to him. The upcoming solo album represents years of preparation and his continued dedication to singing. SM Entertainment has stated that the album will include both creative and technical support to ensure a high-quality release.
As fans wait for his musical release, they can stream his newly released movie, Mantis, exclusively on Netflix.