This Is Me (Kim Jong-kook album)

After releasing his second studio album Evolution in 2004, Kim achieved mainstream success in South Korea and found recognition with his song "One Man". The following year, it was confirmed that Kim's third studio album, This Is Me, would contain 15 tracks with various genres. Its lead single, titled "Standstill", was described as a lyrical extension of "One Man", revolving around the story of a man who is not able to let go of an old lover and stays in the same place of mind. A medium-tempo R&B number, it exhibits a more upbeat melody in comparison with its predecessor.[1] Its accompanying beach-themed music video was filmed on Boracay Island in the Philippines and was broadcast through various music channels in South Korea upon the album's release.[2]

Composed by Jo Young-soo, the tracks "To Her Man" and "Eraser" similarly details the emotions of parting with a lover, adding depth to Kim's unique higher pitched tone. The Latin-inspired tracks "Saturday Night" and "One Night" were noted for its 80s and 90s disco-styles,[1] while "Gift" was characterized for evoking a sense of comfort in listeners.[3] After the release of "Standstill", Kim found difficulty in choosing a track that could potentially serve as a sequel, letting his fans vote instead.[4] Kim eventually chose the song "Loveable" as the follow-up single in late-August after reflecting the opinions of his fans. Its music video was subsequently shot in Yongin on August 26, 2005, with promotions beginning in early September.[5]

Commercially, This Is Me experienced commercial success in South Korea. The album achieved the number one spot on the monthly MIAK albums chart for June 2005, selling 62,843 within a week.[6] It descended eight positions to number nine and sold an additional 20,713 copies the following month.[7] The particularly positive reception for the follow-up single "Loveable" in late-August led to record sales following the song's release with 2,000 to 3,000 copies being sold per day,[8] leading the album to reclaim the number one position for the month of August on the MIAK chart.[9] By the end of the year, the album sold a total of 243,211 copies, making it the second best-selling album in the country during 2005, ranking behind only SG Wannabe's Saldaga.[10] It went on to sell over 303,000 copies in the country by June 2006.[11]