BamBam’s stage name traces back to a childhood reference: the animated character Bamm‑Bamm Rubble, famous for his surprising strength. Born in Bangkok as the third of four children, he says the name was chosen with the hope he would grow up strong. He notes, with a laugh, that the name is used for girls fairly often in Thailand.

At 14 he left Bangkok for Seoul to begin training at JYP Entertainment. After several years of intensive preparation he debuted in 2014 as a member of GOT7, a group that quickly built an international following thanks to its diverse lineup and ambitious touring schedule. Even after the members departed JYP in 2021 to pursue solo paths, they’ve kept strong ties to one another and to their fans.

On his own, BamBam has been prolific: solo EPs, a full-length record, and a worldwide tour that touched more than a dozen countries. An ankle injury forced the cancellation of a planned North American run, but that setback didn’t slow his momentum. Beyond music he’s expanded into brand ambassadorships — including a role with the Golden State Warriors — and luxury fashion collaborations, while also appearing regularly on entertainment programs and hosting his own online variety show.

About “HOMETOWN”

HOMETOWN is BamBam’s first full record primarily sung in Thai. The five-track collection is deeply personal: he co-wrote and co-composed each song, shaping an album that pays tribute to the places and people that made him. The preview medley leaned into nostalgic imagery of Thailand — from night markets and tuk‑tuks to riverside temples — presented with the warm, analog fuzz of an old television screen.

Why make a Thai album now?

He explains that the idea crystallized on his way to an encore at Rajamangala Stadium when he unexpectedly passed through the neighborhood where he grew up. That sudden, emotional reconnection to his past convinced him the next chapter should be rooted in his homeland, and the record’s title followed naturally.

How does the title track feel compared with your recent work?

“WONDERING” favors warmth and gentle synth textures rather than the darker tones of some previous singles. BamBam likens its vibe to his early solo material: a song meant to lift listeners and convey comfort rather than dramatic concepting. For this album he wanted the “real” version of himself to come through, so the visuals and sonic choices reflect everyday Thai life rather than high‑concept fantasy.

Who did you collaborate with on HOMETOWN?

Every featured artist was handpicked. The album brings in notable Thai voices: TIMETHAI joins on the pre‑release single “Dancing by Myself,” Jeff Satur appears on “More Than Friend,” and INK WARUNTORN lends her signature charm to “Greenlight.” BamBam also worked closely with producers and songwriters — including TYTAN, SMEW, and Jeaniich — to adapt his songwriting into Thai for the first time.

What does releasing an album in Thai mean to you?

For someone who left home at 14 and made a career abroad, this album represents a full circle. BamBam says it’s a way to honor the people who supported him from the beginning and to give a piece of his history back to his country. He describes the national pride he feels when audiences around the world tell him they’re proud he’s Thai.

Do you ever feel pressure representing Thailand?

He acknowledges the weight of expectation but says the support he receives never becomes a burden. He’s confident in his intentions and prefers to focus on living honestly and comfortably — with a soft spot for simple pleasures, like spending time with his cats or going bowling.

Which performances have stuck with you?

Among the highlights are the NBA Halftime Show and the Rajamangala Stadium encore, both of which carried intense emotional resonance. He also remembers performing at a high‑profile benefit concert in the Vatican as a unique and humbling moment, where rehearsals and backstage interactions produced unexpected, joyful memories.

How do you define K‑pop?

For BamBam, K‑pop is less about nationality and more about a shared dedication to the Korean entertainment ecosystem. He believes artists who work within that system should respect the culture and people who helped build it, and he regards his own roots in Korea and GOT7 as central to his identity and outlook.

How has your musical direction evolved?

The clarity of his solo voice emerged during his first world tour, where he recognized recurring stylistic threads across different projects. That recognition gave him confidence to pursue a sound that feels unmistakably his, which carried into songwriting for both his solo work and contributions for GOT7.

What does “hometown” mean to you now?

He admits to a divided sense of home: Thailand is where his roots are, but Korea has shaped much of his adult life. Still, returning to Thailand always evokes an unchanging warmth and familiarity. If Thailand is his origin, Korea is the place that raised him.

What comes next?

At 28 he’s shifting priorities: pursuing goals without sacrificing wellbeing, moving forward deliberately, and deepening the relationship with his audience. He hopes the bond with fans evolves beyond performer and listener into something more personal — a shared journey through life’s small moments.

What He Wants Listeners to Take Away

BamBam hopes HOMETOWN reveals the version of himself that existed before fame: the beginning of his story, straightforward and sincere. The record is an invitation to hear his past and feel the places that shaped him.

HOMETOWN stands as a personal statement: a concise, lovingly produced set of songs that foreground home, memory and identity while opening a new chapter in an already far‑reaching career.

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