Seo Dong-wook, Former Musician and Executive, Dies at 50

Seo Dong-wook, a former member of the popular 1990s duo 전람회 (Exhibition) and a prominent business executive at Morgan Stanley Private Equity, has passed away at the age of 50 due to a chronic illness.

Seo was known for his musical contributions alongside his college friend Kim Dong-ryul, with whom he formed the duo in 1993. They gained fame after winning the grand prize and a special award at MBC's 대학가요제 (College Song Festival) with their song '꿈속에서' (In the Dream). The duo produced numerous hits, including '기억의 습작' (Memory's Sketch), featured in the film '건축학개론' (Architecture 101), as well as '취중진담' (Drunken Confessions), '졸업' (Graduation), '여행' (Travel), '이방인' (Stranger), and '다짐' (Resolution).

However, after the release of their third album '졸업' in 1997, Seo decided to retire from music to pursue his studies. Although the duo disbanded, Kim Dong-ryul continued his music career by forming new groups like 이적 (Lee Jeok) and 카니발 (Carnival).

After retiring from music, Seo pursued higher education at Stanford University, where he earned an MBA. He then built a successful career in finance, working for prestigious firms such as McKinsey & Company, Doosan Group, Alvarez & Marsal, and most recently, Morgan Stanley Private Equity. In 2008, he was seen attending a concert by Kim Dong-ryul, showcasing their enduring friendship.

The news of Seo Dong-wook's untimely passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences and sadness from fans and netizens alike.

His funeral is being held at the Yonsei University Sinchon Funeral Hall in Seoul, with the burial scheduled for December 20 at 11:40 AM at the Seoul City Crematorium.