From heartfelt acoustic melodies to emotionally driven pop productions, South Korean singer-songwriter and producer Goo Il has been steadily carving out his own musical identity. Blending warm guitar-driven sounds with honest storytelling, his music reflects the emotions, memories, and moments that connect people beyond language and culture.
In this City Stories interview, Goo Il opens up about his creative process, the inspirations behind his music, the meaning of his stage name, the journey of finding his artistic identity, and his dreams of sharing his music with audiences around the world. Join us as we get to know the artist behind the melodies and discover the heartfelt stories that continue to shape his musical journey.
First, please introduce yourself to the readers of City Stories. Could you tell us about the journey that led you to where you are today as an artist?
Hello, City Stories readers! I am Goo Il, a singer-songwriter and producer. I am truly delighted to have this interview.
Beyond my solo music activities, where I tell my own stories, I am also expanding my musical horizons as a producer by composing songs for K-pop artists and working on various OSTs.
The reason I first started making music was very simple. I picked up a guitar because I wanted to express the emotions within me and the landscapes that suddenly came to mind through sound. The moment I added lyrics to melodies I had composed myself and sang them, I realized that music is the language that explains me most honestly.
Whether singing about the deep textures of my inner self as a singer-songwriter or adding sound to the ideas of others and the narratives of films and videos as a producer, it is all a joyful process of discovering good stories.
By carefully infusing the sensibilities I have gained from various projects into my own unique musical color, I strive to create music that can remain in a corner of listeners’ daily lives for a long time.
What was the biggest reason and inspiration that led you to choose the path of music?
I think the biggest turning point was realizing that music is a universal language capable of bringing joy to people all around the world. The fact that we can share the same emotions and touch each other’s hearts solely through melody and sound, regardless of language or culture, has been an endless source of inspiration for me.
Musical inspiration primarily comes from ordinary daily life and the landscapes that linger in my imagination. I draw ideas from the changing seasons I encounter every day and from fleeting moments of emotion. Sometimes, I even envision an entire story by imagining a drama unfolding in my mind.
The process of completing a song by adding sounds that match the emotions and narrative of that imaginary protagonist becomes a tremendous source of inspiration for me.
If you were to describe your musical style and identity as an artist in a single word, how would you introduce yourself?
I would describe my music as pop centered around acoustic yet sensual guitar sounds. By layering pop melodies over the guitar’s warm and rhythmic textures, I aim to create a sound that is both comforting and enjoyable to listen to over time.
If I were to define my identity as an artist in a single phrase, I would say it is “completion created together with the listeners.” I believe that the music I create and release into the world is only 50% complete. The remaining 50% is truly fulfilled when listeners add their own moments, emotions, and memories to it.
I do not want to create music that is confined to my own world. Instead, I want to be an artist who breathes alongside my listeners and continues to grow and evolve with them through every moment.
Who are the artists that have influenced you the most, and how have they shaped your music?
The artists who have had the greatest influence on my musical journey are John Mayer, Lauv, and Damien Rice.
From John Mayer, I learned how the guitar can be both technically expressive and emotionally nuanced, while also carrying a strong sense of rhythm within a pop context. From Lauv, I was inspired by his honest, contemporary approach to pop songwriting, as well as his ability to capture subtle, everyday emotions in a natural and relatable way. From Damien Rice, I discovered the profound emotional depth that can be conveyed through a single lyric or a simple guitar phrase, and the power of expressing raw, unfiltered emotions with sincerity.
My own approach to music—building emotional and sophisticated pop melodies on a foundation of acoustic guitar—is deeply inspired by these artists. Like them, I continue to explore ways to create music that gently reaches listeners while leaving a lasting impression on their hearts.
What is the meaning behind your stage name, “GOOIL”? Is there a special story behind choosing it?
My stage name, GOOIL, reflects both my personal identity and my musical vision.
At its core, the name comes from my birthday, April 9. I took the Korean pronunciation of “the 9th” (Gu-il) and wrote it in English as GOOIL. It represents the day I came into the world and serves as a simple yet meaningful expression of who I am.
The name also carries a deeper meaning. In Chinese characters, “Gu-il” (久逸) conveys the idea of “lasting peace and comfort.” While the name is rooted in my birthday, it also reflects my hope that my music can offer listeners a sense of comfort and rest amid the busyness of everyday life.
To me, GOOIL is more than just a stage name—it represents both my identity as an artist and the warmth and peace I hope to share with everyone who listens to my music.
What is your songwriting process like? Could you tell us about how you compose both the music and the lyrics?
I always begin by identifying the emotion I want to express. That becomes the foundation of the entire song.
Once I have that emotion in mind, I create a beat that reflects it. From there, I choose the main instrument—whether it’s a guitar, synthesizer, piano, or something else—to establish the song’s overall character and atmosphere. With that musical foundation in place, I begin writing the melody.
After the melody and the overall structure of the song are complete, I start writing the lyrics. I carefully choose words that best match the mood of each section, making sure the emotions, the music, and the lyrics blend together naturally. Creating that sense of harmony between all three elements is the part of the process I value the most
What inspires you the most when creating new music?
Sometimes, I find myself deeply immersed in the emotions I experience after watching a memorable film or listening to music by artists I admire. When I reinterpret the powerful emotions those works leave behind through my own melodies and sound, I often discover something fresh and meaningful. Those moments of artistic inspiration are where some of my most compelling music begins.
Among all the songs you’ve released, which one holds the most special place in your heart, and why?
The song that means the most to me is “Whispers.” I wrote it during a time when I was struggling to define my musical style and direction. I kept asking myself, “What kind of music do I truly want to make?”
It was through creating “Whispers” that I finally found the artistic direction I wanted to pursue. The song became a turning point in my journey, helping me discover my identity as a musician. Even today, it remains incredibly meaningful to me because it serves as the clearest reflection of who I am as an artist and the musical color I want to share as GOOIL.
Through your music, what message or emotions do you hope to share with your fans and listeners?
I express the many emotions of life through my music. My hope is that listeners will naturally turn to my songs whenever they need them—whether to match a particular moment, a certain mood, or a feeling they can’t quite put into words.
Whether you’re feeling joyful, lonely, or simply spending a quiet night alone, I hope my music can deepen the atmosphere around you and, at times, help ease the weight on your heart. Rather than delivering a grand message, I want my songs to become the soundtrack to the many moments of everyday life—a kind of emotional background music (BGM) that stays by your side and brings comfort for a long time.
Compared to when you first started your music career, how do you think your music has grown and evolved?
I believe my perspective on emotions—and the way I interpret them through music—has become much broader and deeper over the years.
When I first started, I was mainly focused on expressing my own immediate emotions. Now, I can explore a single emotion in a much more layered and multidimensional way through sound. This broader emotional spectrum has allowed me to bring greater depth and nuance to my own songs.
It has also helped me grow as a producer. Beyond expressing my own feelings, I have learned how to understand the emotions and stories of others and translate them into music with sincerity and sensitivity.
As an independent artist, what has been your biggest challenge, and what have you learned from that experience?
The biggest challenge of being an independent artist has been having to manage every aspect of releasing my music on my own—not just the creative process, but also planning, promotion, marketing, and all the decisions that come with bringing a project into the world.
There were times when I wanted to focus solely on making music, but I also had to balance the practical side of managing my career and promoting my work. That responsibility could be overwhelming.
At the same time, going through those experiences firsthand gave me a much broader understanding of the music industry. I no longer see myself as someone who simply writes songs. I now think more deeply about how my music, its message, and its visual identity can connect with listeners.
Although the journey of doing everything on my own has often felt lonely, it has also helped me become a more independent, adaptable, and well-rounded artist. Looking back, those challenges have become one of my greatest strengths.
How do you stay true to your musical identity while also reaching a wider audience?
I make a conscious effort not to become confined by my own preferences. That’s why I always pay close attention to the latest music trends, observing the sounds and textures that resonate with listeners today.
Rather than simply following trends, I try to understand the qualities and moods that appeal to people in the current musical landscape. From there, I explore how I can blend those contemporary elements with my own signature style—acoustic, emotional, and deeply personal.
My goal is to create a sound that feels both familiar and refreshingly new: music that reflects current trends while remaining unmistakably GOOIL. By balancing innovation with authenticity, I hope to connect with more listeners without losing the unique artistic identity that defines my music.
Looking back on your music career so far, what has been your most memorable moment or proudest achievement?
The most memorable and meaningful moment in my career was when I uploaded the first demo version of “Whispers,” the song I mentioned earlier as being the closest to my heart.
At that time, I was constantly hesitating to release my music because I felt that everything had to be perfect before I could share it with the world. I spent a long time doubting myself and waiting for the “right” moment.
To my surprise, that unfinished demo video went on to receive more than 500,000 views, earning far more love and support from people around the world than I ever expected.
That experience taught me something invaluable: even if my music wasn’t perfect, the sincerity and emotions within it were enough to connect with people. During a time when I was questioning myself the most, that moment gave me the confidence and courage to keep moving forward. It became one of the biggest turning points of my life as an artist.
When preparing for a live performance, what do you consider the most important aspect, and what is your favorite moment on stage?
The aspect I value most when preparing for a performance is the overall stage production and presentation.
To me, a live performance is more than simply playing music—it’s the visual expression of music. I believe that to fully convey a song’s story and emotions, every element of the stage, from the lighting and movement to the dynamics of the sound, must work together in perfect harmony. When those elements align, they create a powerful experience that allows the audience to connect with the music on a much deeper level.
My favorite moment on stage is when all of that preparation comes together and I feel completely in sync with the audience. Seeing listeners become fully immersed in the emotions I intended to convey, making eye contact with them, and sharing the same emotional rhythm in that fleeting moment brings me the greatest sense of fulfillment and joy as an artist.
Is there an artist—either from Korea or abroad—you would love to collaborate with, and why?
If I had the opportunity, I would love to collaborate with Cody Fry.
He has an extraordinary gift for orchestration, especially in the way he uses a full symphony orchestra to express the most delicate and nuanced human emotions. I’ve always been deeply moved by his ability to shape such grand, cinematic soundscapes while preserving an incredible sense of emotional intimacy.
Because I also believe that music is a way of expressing emotions through sound, I would love to create something with him that combines our shared passion for emotional storytelling. Working together within the rich and expansive world of orchestration would allow us to amplify those emotions in a truly unique way.
I believe that collaborating with an artist who has the ability to move listeners so profoundly could result in a truly special piece of music—one that brings out the very best of our emotions and leaves a lasting impact on everyone who hears it.
How has the support of your fans influenced your journey as an artist?
The support of my fans has given me the greatest source of courage and confidence whenever I find myself doubting my abilities or becoming trapped by perfectionism.
When I was working on “Whispers,” I hesitated to release the song because I felt it wasn’t perfect yet. However, the overwhelming love and encouragement people showed toward the demo version gave me the confidence to finally share it with the world.
Knowing that there are people who listen to my music and genuinely care about it gives me the strength to express my emotions honestly. Their support inspires me to keep growing as an artist, embrace new challenges, and continue creating music without fear.
How have your hometown and personal experiences influenced the music you create?
My personal experiences are at the heart of everything I create as a musician.
I believe that emotions I haven’t truly experienced are difficult to express convincingly through music. The feelings I’ve lived through—whether it’s uncertainty, love, heartbreak, or the honest emotions and memories found in everyday life—form the foundation of my songwriting. Only by drawing from those genuine experiences can I create music that resonates sincerely with others.
Ultimately, my music is a collection of emotional records shaped by the journey I’ve lived. I believe those experiences give my songs their authenticity and allow them to connect with listeners in the most honest and meaningful way.
Are you currently working on any new music, collaborations, or upcoming projects that you can share with us?
At the moment, I’m fully focused on working on new music and preparing for my upcoming releases, one step at a time.
I’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes moments, small updates, and occasional previews of my new songs through my social media channels, so I hope everyone will look forward to what’s coming next. I’m excited to share the new sounds and stories I’ve been creating, and I truly appreciate your continued support and interest.
What are your biggest goals or dreams for the next few years?
One of my biggest dreams is to perform overseas and meet my international fans in person, sharing my music and emotions with them face to face.
Even if we speak different languages and come from different cultures, I believe that the moment the music begins, we can all connect through the same emotions. I hope to experience that special feeling of becoming one with the audience through music.
I dream of a day when my songs can cross borders, become part of people’s everyday lives, and allow me to communicate with listeners wholeheartedly from the stage. Step by step, I hope to continue reaching bigger stages and sharing my music with the world.
Finally, is there a message you would like to share with your fans and with City Stories readers who are discovering your music for the first time?
To all of my fans who have always believed in me and supported my music, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your love and encouragement give me the strength to keep creating and sharing my music without stopping.
And to the City Stories readers who are discovering me and my music for the first time through this interview, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I hope you’ll continue to follow my musical journey and the new stories I have yet to tell.
I look forward to meeting you again through music that you can turn to whenever you need it—songs that can become a comforting part of your everyday life.
Thank you very much.
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