Singer and theater founder Kim Min-gi's funeral ceremony concludes Wednesday

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Singer and theater founder Kim Min-gi's funeral ceremony concludes Wednesday

Published: 24 Jul. 2024, 18:18 Updated: 24 Jul. 2024, 19:02

Late singer-songwriter and Hakchon founder Kim Min-gi's funeral parlor set up at the Seoul National University Hospital in central Seoul. [NEWS1]

The last day of the funeral ceremony for Kim Min-gi, late singer and founder of Korea's iconic small theater Hakchon, was held on Wednesday morning at Seoul National University Hospital.

After holding the funeral ceremony, Kim’s family went to the Arko Kkumbat Theater in Daehangno, central Seoul, which was built in the place of the former Hakchon. The bereaved family held a private memorial at the theater venue before heading for the burial site in Cheonan, South Chungcheong.

Kim died Sunday at the age of 73. Kim had been suffering from stomach cancer after being diagnosed last year.

About 70 mourners were present at the ceremony, according to local media reports. Mourners present included veteran actors Sul Kyung-gu, Hwang Jung-min and Bae Seong-woo; singers Lee Juck and Park Haki; Choung Byoung-gug, chairman of the Arts Council Korea (Arko); and art historian Yoo Hong-jun, chair professor at Myongji University.

Veteran singer Yang Hee-eun, who debuted in the music industry with a remake of “Morning Dew” in 1971, commemorated Kim on her MBC radio program “Women’s Generation” (translated) on Wednesday.

“Words like singer, lyricist, composer and director are not enough to describe him,” said Yang. “I pray for his eternal peace and rest.”

Kim debuted as a singer-songwriter in 1971 with his first and only studio album, “Kim Min-gi” (1971), which includes songs like “Morning Dew” and “A Child Who Blossoms” (translated). "Morning Dew" was closely associated with student activism and Korea's democratic movement during that time, which led to the song being banned by the Park Chung Hee regime.

Kim founded Hakchon in 1991. Initially used as a concert venue for singers, it provided a stage for those displaced by the rapid spread of K-pop culture, laying the foundation for today's indie band culture.

Kim directed the musical "Subway Line 1," which premiered in 1994. It was a remake of a German musical with the same name that was first performed in 1986. Veteran stars like Sul, Hwang and Cho Seung-woo performed in the musical.

Lee Soo-man, former head producer of SM Entertainment, visited Kim’s funeral service and reportedly donated a large amount of condolence money. The bereaved family returned the money to Lee, in lieu with Kim’s wishes not to accept condolence money.

BY KIM MIN-YOUNG [kim.minyoung5@joongang.co.kr]