On March 2, 2026, Kim Sung-kyu — the iconic leader of second-generation K-pop group INFINITE — released his sixth EP “OFF THE MAP” after 2 years and 8 months. With title track “When I Think About You” composed by Nell’s Kim Jong-hwan, a sold-out solo concert “LV4.,” and a guitar in hand for the first time since high school, this isn’t just a comeback. It’s a declaration.
Who Is Kim Sung-kyu? INFINITE’s Leader, Now 36 and Still Singing
Kim Sung-kyu debuted with INFINITE in 2010 — making this year the group’s 16th anniversary. Best known for his instantly recognizable high notes, emotional delivery, and leadership, he’s been singing love songs and heartbreak ballads for over a decade. But “OFF THE MAP” is different. This time, he’s telling his own story.
“When I Think About You”: A Collaboration With Musical Icon Kim Jong-hwan (Nell)
The title track “When I Think About You” was composed and written by Kim Jong-hwan — the guitarist and vocalist of legendary Korean rock band Nell, known for hits like “Time Spent Walking Through Memories” (2008). Kim Jong-hwan has been Kim Sung-kyu’s musical role model since he was young. The two have collaborated before, but this reunion was long-awaited by fans who recognize the emotional similarity between their vocal textures.
According to Kim Sung-kyu: “The songs he worked on with me this time really carry his distinct musical color. During recording, he told me to sing focusing only on my emotions and that the song should convey deep emotion. So, I felt less pressure.”
The result? A deeply emotional ballad that highlights Sungkyu’s signature vocal strength while embracing the atmospheric, introspective sound Nell is famous for.
“OFF THE MAP”: Finding Your Own Path After 16 Years
The album title “OFF THE MAP” refers to the new story that begins once you leave a designated path. For Kim Sung-kyu, this is both literal and metaphorical:
- Literal: In 2023, he founded Infinite Company to manage INFINITE’s activities after the group left Woollim Entertainment in 2022. He’s now the agency head.
- Metaphorical: At 36, he’s no longer the young dreamer. He’s a seasoned artist asking: What’s my path now?
The 6-track EP includes: “When I Think About You” (title track), “Over It” (pre-release), “Dreaming,” “Picture,” “Answer,” and more.
“Over It”: Kim Sung-kyu’s Most Personal Song Yet
The pre-release track “Over It” is a game-changer. For the first time, Kim Sung-kyu wrote and composed a song entirely about his own life. The song tells the story of freeing oneself from the expectations and pressure left behind by past relationships and memories.
He shared a powerful anecdote during his press interview: “When I was in my senior year of high school, I told my homeroom teacher that I wanted to pursue music. But she asked if my family had enough money. To me, it felt like my dream was being shut down.”
“Although I was upset and angry at the time, the comment no longer holds the same weight as before. Whether someone tried to crush my dream or simply mocked and judged it carelessly, it doesn’t really matter anymore. I’m still singing, and I will continue trying new things. I’m fine now — that’s the message of the song.”
“Over It” is about closure. It’s about moving forward. And it resonates with anyone who’s ever had their dreams questioned.
Playing Guitar Again: A Dream Deferred, Now Realized
One of the most exciting elements of “OFF THE MAP” is that Kim Sung-kyu plays guitar while singing on tracks like “Over It” — something he hasn’t done since high school.
“I brought the guitar partly for the fans. But when I looked back, I realized the last time I sang while playing guitar was in high school.” Last year, he purchased a new guitar and began practicing. Now, he’s performing with it — a full-circle moment that adds raw, intimate energy to the album.
The Sold-Out “LV4.” Solo Concert: 16 Years and Counting
Kim Sung-kyu’s solo concert “LV4.” sold out completely, proving that INFINITE’s fanbase is as loyal as ever. The concert name suggests this is the fourth level of his solo journey — a continuation of his evolution as an artist beyond the group.
But INFINITE isn’t over. Far from it. “People can change over time. That’s not wrong. But continuing to want to be together for 16 years isn’t easy. I know that this isn’t common, which is why I am so thankful.”
Kim Sung-kyu sees fans who have grown older with the band — some now attending concerts with their spouses — and it motivates him to keep going. “There are people who have waited for us. If I don’t repay that, it feels wrong.”
Running an Agency: The Business Side of Music
As the head of Infinite Company, Kim Sung-kyu now understands the financial realities of music production in a way most artists don’t. For his solo work, he’s signed under Billions. He admits:
“If I want to continue here, the company has to generate profit. I know that now better than anyone else. Production costs are very high these days, and I know exactly how much things cost because I’ve done them myself. So, I thought a lot about how to reduce production expenses while still making something stylish.”
This financial awareness has made producing albums more complicated, but it’s also given him a new appreciation for the creative process. “What’s fortunate is that when a new concept or new songs come out, I keep thinking of things I want to try. I just have to find the right way to pursue them.”
Why Second-Generation K-pop Groups Matter in 2026
INFINITE is one of the few second-generation K-pop groups still active in 2026. While groups like BTS, BLACKPINK, and SEVENTEEN dominate headlines, second-gen groups like INFINITE, SHINee, and VIXX represent a different era of K-pop — one defined by synchronized choreography, emotional ballads, and group loyalty over solo ambitions.
Kim Sung-kyu’s solo work honors that legacy while carving out his own identity.
What Fans Are Saying
Since “OFF THE MAP” dropped, INFINITE fans (Inspirits) have been celebrating:
- “Sungkyu playing guitar is everything I didn’t know I needed.”
- “‘Over It’ made me cry. He’s grown so much.”
- “Kim Jong-hwan x Kim Sung-kyu = instant tears.”
- “16 years and still here. That’s real dedication.”
- “This album feels so personal. It’s not just K-pop — it’s art.”
Final Thoughts: A Seasoned Artist Finding His Own Map
Kim Sung-kyu’s “OFF THE MAP” is a mature, introspective album from an artist who’s spent 16 years singing other people’s stories and is now telling his own.
With “When I Think About You” as the emotional centerpiece, “Over It” as the personal breakthrough, and a sold-out solo concert, Kim Sung-kyu is proving that second-generation K-pop artists aren’t relics of the past — they’re veterans with stories worth hearing.
At 36, he’s no longer chasing dreams. He’s living them. And that’s the most powerful comeback of all.
Are you excited for Kim Sung-kyu’s “OFF THE MAP”? Let us know your favorite track in the comments!