Kim Minki: Remembering the Legend of Korean Folk Music

Kim Minki, the Legend of Korean Folk Music, Passes Away

Renowned figure in the Korean folk music scene, Kim Minki, passed away on the 21st of last month after a long battle with stomach cancer. He was 73 years old at the time of his passing. Despite his significant contributions to music, Kim Minki only released one official album during his lifetime.

Kim Minki’s Musical Journey

Kim Minki’s debut album, titled ‘Kim Minki’, was released in 1971 and featured his iconic songs “Chingu” (Friend) and “Achimisul” (Morning Dew). His lyrics, characterized by poetic style and philosophical messages, resonated with many listeners. As a pioneer of the domestic singer-songwriter movement, Kim Minki laid the foundation for subsequent artists. In particular, his song “Sangnoksu” gained popularity after being performed by Yang Hee-eun, further solidifying Kim Chang-wan’s influence on Korean music.

The song “Achimisul”, initially designated as a banned song, faced challenges after being classified as “subversive” following the proclamation of the Yushin regime in October 1972. Despite previously receiving praise, this ban marked a significant turning point in Kim Minki’s career. In the cultural climate of the time, Kim Minki became a significant figure in the 1970s and 1980s democratic movements with his music, which resonated with the struggles of the people.

Artistic Contributions and Cultural Influence

In 1978, Kim Minki created the song “Gongjangui Bulbit” (Factory Lights), reflecting labor issues and the struggles of Korean workers. Although labeled as a revolutionary singer, Kim Minki expressed discomfort with such titles, stating that he had never actively engaged in struggles for a cause. In the 1980s, he led a simple life as a farmer, a testament to his humble nature.

In 1993, he released a compilation album titled ‘Kim Minki Jeonjip’ (Kim Minki Anthology), which allowed fans to appreciate the wide range of his contributions to music. In 1991, he founded the theater group ‘Hakjeon’ with the goal of nurturing talent in the field of cultural arts. The name ‘Hakjeon’ combines the Chinese characters for “learning” and “field,” symbolizing the mission of the theater group.

Hakjeon became a breeding ground for numerous famous musicians and actors, including Kim Gwang-seok and YB’s Yoon Do-hyun. Over the course of 33 years, Hakjeon produced a total of 359 works, making significant contributions to the Korean cultural scene. The theater group operated two small theaters, Hakjeon Blue and Hakjeon Green, which became important venues for live performances.

Innovation in Live Concert Culture

Hakjeon played a crucial role in the development of the domestic live concert culture. They organized events such as “Kim Gwang-seok Live Concert 1000th Show” and “No Young-shim’s Small Music Gathering,” which played a central role in shaping the landscape of live music in South Korea. Additionally, the musical “Subway Line 1” became the first planned and live musical in Korea, showcasing new possibilities for the Korean musical theater scene.

Dedication to Children and Youth Performances

Kim Minki’s artistic dedication expanded to creating meaningful content for children and young audiences. Starting from 2004, he produced various performances targeting children and teenagers, further solidifying his commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists.

Bidding Farewell to Hakjeon

Recently, Hakjeon faced financial difficulties, and the news of Kim Minki’s illness led to the start of the “Hakjeon, Again Project,” an initiative by artists to address the challenges the theater faced. Although there were discussions about government support, Hakjeon ultimately decided that it could not continue without Kim Minki and made the difficult decision to permanently close its doors.

A farewell concert commemorating the closure was held in a festive atmosphere with over 3,000 fans and artists in attendance. More than 100 artists participated in the event, paying tribute to Kim Minki’s contributions to the arts. Despite his absence, Kim Minki’s spirit of gratitude was evident as he expressed his thanks to all those involved.

Recognition and Legacy

Following his passing, Hakjeon received various awards and honors, including the ‘Contribution Award’ at the Korean Musical Awards and the ‘Special Award’ at the 21st Korean Popular Music Awards. Achieving such recognition in the same year is a remarkable accomplishment, highlighting the immense impact Kim Minki had on the Korean musical and theatrical industry.

Describing him as the “true master of Korean singer-songwriters,” music critic Im Hee-yoon emphasized the depth of Kim Minki’s artistic talent and the enduring influence of his works. Kim Minki’s legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who appreciate the beauty of Korean folk music and cultural arts.

A Life of Music and Creativity

Kim Minki’s life and career exemplify the transformative power of music and art in building communities. His contributions to Korean culture as a musician and mentor will be remembered and celebrated for years to come. The story of Kim Minki is not just a tale of a musician but also a story of resilience, creativity, and the unwavering spirit of artistic expression.