Cover Story: Global Superstar, BamBam is Rolling in Fast
After pouring his heart into a solo album and embarking on a world tour, BamBam has swiftly found his “true colour of music style” and is primed to show his true essence in everything he does — including new music, which is “definitely on the horizon”
Since BamBam debuted Sour & Sweet — his full-length solo album — a year ago, the South Korea-based Thai rapper and singer has been moving at a whirlwind pace. He’s been on his ambitious Area52 World Tour since mid-September, making stops in Thailand, the Philippines, Japan, Europe and more. “My first solo tour — it’s been even better than I imagined. I’m having the time of my life, honestly. I’m having a lot of fun with all of my team, and every moment is a blast,” the affable artist tells L’OFFICIEL SINGAPORE in Seoul.
Earlier this year in February, BamBam was named a Louis Vuitton House Ambassador — and was the star that the house tapped on to reveal its impressive destination concept, LV The Place. Don’t expect to see him slow down for the year just yet. “New music is definitely on the horizon. I’ve been working on it while on tour, and it’s going to be something special. This tour has been a journey of growth and learning for me, and all of that will be reflected in the new album,” he says.
Hi BamBam! In recent months, you have been busy with your Area52 World Tour dates in Asia, the US, and Europe. Could you sum up how you’ve spent the year so far?
2024 has been a whirlwind, let me tell you. It’s been one adventure after another. From the New Year countdown event when I was on stage, to jetting off for the Latin America tour and then hitting up Europe, non-stop action it’s been. And of course, how could I forget the LV fashion show in Paris? Right now, I’m gearing up for my last show in Thailand — it’s going to be a stadium show and I want to make it really special, so I’m pulling out all the stops to make it unforgettable.
How has embarking on your first solo world tour been?
My first solo tour — it’s been even better than I imagined. I’m having the time of my life, honestly. I’m having a lot of fun with all of my team, and every moment is a blast, but if I had to pick one thing, it’s definitely the food. I’ve been trying all sorts of delicacies around the world. It’s not just about eating — it’s about immersing myself in the culture and learning more about each one, you know? Trying things that even the locals might not try regularly. Oh, and being able to drink beer wherever I go — that’s been pretty awesome too.
You were named a Louis Vuitton House Ambassador three months ago. How was attending the Fall/Winter 2024 men’s show?
Being named a House Ambassador for Louis Vuitton was beyond anything I ever imagined. Every moment with the Maison has been incredible. They’ve given me so many opportunities to explore my passion for fashion and art. It’s not just about attending fashion week — it’s about getting involved in projects that allow me to express myself fully. And trust me, there’s so much more to come. The future with me and Louis Vuitton is bound to be even more exciting.
Sour & Sweet just celebrated its anniversary recently. How does it feel looking back at its release as a body of work and your first full-length studio album?
Sour & Sweet holds a special place in my heart. It was my first full solo album, so it’s incredibly meaningful to me. Even though it’s been a year, it still feels fresh in my mind. After releasing Sour & Sweet, I started preparing for the world tour right away, and from that time until now, I’m touring. I feel like I still live with the album. I still stick to the red colour. So, it feels like the album is still with me all the time. And it’s just, I don’t know… I feel like it hasn’t been too long, so I don’t know why people are celebrating one year of Sour & Sweet, but I’m feeling good. I appreciate everyone that loved this album, and all the songs that I made. I love to see people enjoy my music. Touring with this album has been an incredible experience — I’ve learned so much and I feel like I can bring a lot of new stuff to my new album coming up in the future. There’s still so much more music to come, and I can’t wait to share it with my fans.
We got Sour & Sweet last year, and EPs B and Ribbon in 2022 and 2021 respectively. Can your fans expect new music this year and how will it be an evolution from your previous work?
Like I said, this year, new music is definitely on the horizon. I’ve been working on it while on tour, and it’s going to be something special. This tour has been a journey of growth and learning for me, and all of that will be ref lected in the new album. You can expect a whole new sound — one that’s evolved from my previous work and ref lects where I am now in my journey.
Besides music, you excel at hosting and participating in television shows. What do you enjoy most about hosting and being a cast member or panellist, and how was your experience being a part of ‘My Sibling’s Romance’ and Netflix’s ‘Super Rich in Korea’?
Those two shows were a lot of fun for me. Actually, I’m just there watching as a host, you know, and sometimes I’m there to make things clear for the viewers and to ensure the smooth running of the show. Hosting and MCing on television shows, interviewing people has become one of my favourite things to do. It allows me to delve into people’s thoughts, lifestyles, and more. Sometimes, I even gain valuable insights from them. Through interviews for my YouTube channel Bam House, I’ve made new connections and friendships, which I find incredibly fulfilling. It’s a platform where we can have both light-hearted and deep conversations. Besides music, I think MCing is the best thing and my favourite thing to do.
In an interview with L’OFFICIEL two years ago, on entering a new chapter of your career, you said, “I think I’ve learned more about myself and what I really want.” Now that you’ve released your first full-length studio album and embarked on a world tour, how would you describe your state of mind and what you want to achieve in 2024?
Okay, so I mentioned that two years ago? Well, back then, I guess I probably just started my solo album, still figuring out my music style and what I truly wanted. Looking back, I can see how much I’ve grown since then. I’ve discovered my sound and achieved some of my goals, but I’m always setting new ones. It feels like I’ve found clarity over the past two years, not just for myself but also for my fans. As for 2024, I’ve been touring for about half of it already. Now, I’m planning to shift my focus to my new album for the rest of the year.
We see on Instagram that you take working out very seriously. In the midst of a hectic tour schedule, what do you do to relax, recharge and keep yourself centred?
Sleep, of course. Sleep is the best thing, and I try to sleep as much as I can. Every time I take a long flight, I always sleep — never wake up. Eating well is key, and I also find time to enjoy with friends, with people — with my people. And sometimes, you’re going to release your stress. So, just have small conversations with people — always keep your mental health, stay healthy. And probably, that’s it — just normal like everyone else.
What are your current fashion obsessions?
I’m not gonna lie, for the past couple of months — let’s say in 2024 — all I’ve been wearing, every single day, is Louis Vuitton. Pharrell Williams did an incredible job on the new collection; I always enjoy wearing his clothes. He comes up with so many versatile pieces that you can mix and match effortlessly. So, if you’re one of my fans or if you’re curious about what I’m up to each day, you’ll notice that most of the clothes I wear are Louis Vuitton.
What can we expect from BamBam next?
I feel like I’ve finally found myself. I’ve discovered my true colour of music style and everything just seems to click now. From this point on, I believe you’ll see the best version of me because I’m no longer trying to figure things out. I’ve found clarity, and now you’ll see the true essence of who I am in everything I do — my personality, my fashion, my work, my shows, my music, my albums, everything. So, moving forward, I hope people will recognise and know that, oh, this is BamBam’s style.
Photography JI+DOH
Styling AHN DOOHO
Hair TAEHYUN
Makeup LEE EUNJU
Set Design HYUN SOOJIN / ARTSETSET
Production manager KIM YOU HAH
On-set production SEONG GEE SOO
Photography assistants TETRIS
Styling assistant PARK SUBIN
Hair assistant JO EOJIN
Set design assistant KANG JEONGHWA
