Kim Dong-ryul Remembers Late Friend Seo Dong-wook

On December 22, singer Kim Dong-ryul shared a heartfelt tribute on his personal social media account to honor his late friend, Seo Dong-wook, who served as the Vice President of Morgan Stanley Private Equity. Kim expressed his sorrow, stating, "I struggled to write this, erasing it multiple times. The day after saying goodbye, I find myself alone, missing you. Why is the funeral only three days long? Those days spent sharing grief with others who knew you were so meaningful and supportive for me."

He reflected on their shared past, asking, "Could my youth exist without you? From high school, university, military service, to our time in the band 전람회 (Exhibition), we were always together during our most vibrant and beautiful years. I loved and respected you so much. Therefore, when I finished with the band, I felt no regret in letting you go. You lived up to my expectations and wrote an incredible legend."

Kim continued to express his feelings of loss, saying, "Whenever I was struggling, you were always by my side. I hope I was there for you during your tough times too. If there were moments I failed to be there, I am truly sorry. I am so angry and resentful that you left us too soon. How am I supposed to fill the void you left behind? I miss you so much, Dong-wook. I love you, I’m sorry, and I’m grateful."

Seo Dong-wook passed away on December 18 at the age of 50 due to illness. He and Kim Dong-ryul formed the band 전람회 (Exhibition) in 1993 while attending Whimoon High School and Yonsei University, winning the grand prize at MBC's 대학가요제 (College Song Festival) with their song '꿈속에서' (In a Dream). They gained popularity with hits like '기억의 습작' (Memory's Draft), '여행' (Travel), '취중진담' (Drunken Confessions), and '졸업' (Graduation) until the band's disbandment in 1997.

After the band split, Kim continued his music career, while Seo pursued a successful business path after earning an MBA from Stanford University. Despite their different paths, they collaborated on Kim's solo track '떠나보내다' (Letting Go). In his tribute, Kim included lyrics from this song, adding a poignant touch to his message.

Here is the full text of Kim Dong-ryul's tribute:

"I struggled to write this, erasing it multiple times. The day after saying goodbye, I find myself alone, missing you. Why is the funeral only three days long? Those days spent sharing grief with others who knew you were so meaningful and supportive for me. Dong-wook, could my youth exist without you? From high school, university, military service, to our time in the band 전람회 (Exhibition), we were always together during our most vibrant and beautiful years. I loved and respected you so much. Therefore, when I finished with the band, I felt no regret in letting you go. You lived up to my expectations and wrote an incredible legend. Whenever I was struggling, you were always by my side. I hope I was there for you during your tough times too. If there were moments I failed to be there, I am truly sorry. I am so angry and resentful that you left us too soon. How am I supposed to fill the void you left behind? I miss you so much, Dong-wook. I love you, I’m sorry, and I’m grateful."