Kim Kwang-seok, a member of the beloved folk group Sori-Sae known for hits like 'You and I' and 'Unfinished Love,' has passed away at the age of 70.
According to the music industry, Kim died on the morning of November 3. He had experienced declining health following the COVID-19 pandemic and had been battling a neurological disorder since 2023.
Born in 1956 in Incheon, Kim initially performed with Hwang Young-ik under the name 'Jjanmul Jipsi' before teaming up with Han Jeong-seon to form the group Solgae in 1980. Their song 'Unfinished Love,' released the following year, gained popularity and helped establish their name.
A small theater in Incheon played a crucial role in the group's formation. The track 'In the Theater,' included in Solgae Trio's debut album, served as background music for a play performed at the old Dolce Theater in Gyeongdong, Incheon. This song, created by Han Jeong-seon, caught the attention of Ahn Chi-hyung, the head of Antaeum Records, leading to the production of their album and the formation of the Solgae Trio.
In 1985, the group changed its name to Solgae Trio. After Han Jeong-seon left in 1987, they brought in new member Han Young and continued performing under the name Sori-Sae the following year.
The song 'You and I,' released in 1988, became a signature hit for the group. It received widespread acclaim, being covered not only by Korean artists like Jo Yong-nam, Na Hoon-a, and Jo Hang-jo but also by British tenor Paul Potts in Korean.
Despite changes in membership, Sori-Sae's music continued. After Han Young departed in 1994, Kim Kwang-seok and Hwang Young-ik performed as a duo, and in the 2000s, Yoon Gi-hwan joined them.
Later, Hwang Young-ik and Han Young reunited to perform under the Sori-Sae name. The duo performed songs like 'You and I,' 'In the Theater,' and 'Woman' at a coffee concert at the Incheon Cultural Arts Center in October 2022.
Kim was also involved in social contribution activities through music. Sori-Sae held charity concerts to support underprivileged children and promote organ donation, as well as initiatives to dig wells in Africa. In 2015, he released a commemorative album titled 'River of Peace' with Yoon Gi-hwan to mark the 70th anniversary of Korea's liberation.
The funeral is being held at the special funeral hall of Kyowon Yeoum Incheon Love Hospital, with the burial scheduled for 1 p.m. on November 4.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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