Samuel: A Multinational Maestro

Samuel Arredondo Kim, known by his stage name Samuel, is an American singer based in South Korea who began his career at a young age. Born on January 17, 2002, in Los Angeles to a Mexican father and a South Korean mother, Samuel first gained public attention at eleven on the live broadcast series Seventeen TV. In 2015, he debuted in the hip-hop duo 1Punch but the group disbanded shortly after. Samuel then participated in the second season of the reality show Produce 101 in 2017, ranking 18th and missing out on joining the final project group. Following this, he launched his solo career with the EP Sixteen, marking the start of his journey as a solo artist.

Samuel's early career involved various transitions, including a brief stint with Pledis Entertainment and a collaboration with Silentó. His debut in the duo 1Punch showcased his potential, but the group's disbandment led him to seek new opportunities. His participation in Produce 101 was a turning point, as his initial high ranking and subsequent elimination garnered significant attention and support from viewers. Despite not making it into Wanna One, Samuel's popularity surged, leading to his successful solo debut with tracks like "Sixteen" and "Candy" from his album Eye Candy.

In 2018, Samuel expanded his reach to Japan, signing with Pony Canyon and releasing Japanese versions of his songs. His second mini-album, One, featured collaborations with prominent artists, solidifying his presence in the industry. Samuel also participated in Tencent's The Collaboration Season 2, winning first place alongside Chinese singer Zhou Zhennan. However, he faced challenges as he lost his father and sought to work independently in 2019, filing a lawsuit against Brave Entertainment. The legal battle highlighted issues of trust and contract disputes, with Samuel ultimately winning the lawsuit to terminate his contract in 2021.

Samuel's resilience was evident as he navigated the legal complexities with Brave Entertainment. The conflict included accusations of fraud, embezzlement, and forgery against Brave Brothers, the agency's founder. Although the police cleared Brave Brothers of these charges, Samuel remained determined to seek justice and appealed the decision. His official statements reflected his desire to continue his career as a singer while addressing the public confusion and maintaining his image. The legal dispute underscored Samuel's commitment to resolving the issues transparently and fairly.

In April 2024, Samuel made a significant comeback with the EP Now after a five-year hiatus, featuring the lead single "YEH YEH!" which he produced himself. This marked a new chapter in his career, emphasizing his growth and independence as an artist. Samuel's journey, from his early days in the K-pop industry to his recent comeback, illustrates his determination to overcome obstacles and establish his unique identity in the music world.