Sixth album launch for Kim Dong-ryul

Veteran male singer Kim Dong-ryul, 40, released his sixth full-length album yesterday at midnight, returning to the music scene three years after his last album came out in 2011.

"Companion" is composed of 10 songs, including the title track, "How I AM." Its music video, uploaded to YouTube on Tuesday, features actorGong Yoo, 35.

Other songs on the newest release include "Advice", a collaboration with singerJohn Park, and "Youth", featuring singer-songwriterLee Sang-soon, who is better known as Lee Hyo-ri's husband.

Soon after the album was unveiled, the title track topped numerous local music charts, including Naver Music, Daum Music, Bugs and Genie, and managed to sustain the honor as of yesterday at 7 p.m.

As for the reason why the singer named his album "Companion", Kim wrote on his personal Twitter account yesterday: "When I first started music, I was more interested in honing my own skills", adding, "But one album after another, I began thinking about those who actually listen to my music. And I realized I wanted to create music with them. That's why this album is called 'Companion'."

By Lee Sung-eun