Remembering Kim Min-ki: A Year Since His Passing

It has been a year since the passing of the beloved musician and theater director Kim Min-ki (김민기), known for his iconic song 'Morning Dew' (아침이슬) and his influential theater company, Hakjeon (학전). His death, which coincided with the closure of his cherished theater, left a profound impact on many hearts.

Born in 1951 in Iksan, North Jeolla Province, Kim Min-ki initially enrolled in the painting department at Seoul National University but chose to pursue music instead. He made his debut in 1970 with 'Morning Dew,' a song that became a symbol of resistance and lyricism. Through songs like 'Evergreen Tree' (상록수), 'Friend' (친구), and 'Beautiful Person' (아름다운 사람), he touched the hearts of the people and established himself as a master of Korean folk music, continuing his work despite facing censorship that led to the confiscation of his debut album shortly after its release.

In addition to his musical career, Kim Min-ki was deeply passionate about theater. In 1991, he opened the Hakjeon theater in Daehangno, Seoul, marking a significant milestone in the Korean performing arts scene. His 1994 production of the musical 'Subway Line 1' (지하철 1호선), adapted from a German original, became a massive success, running over 8,000 performances and attracting more than 700,000 viewers, thus creating a new legend in small theater musicals. He cherished the 4,000th performance as one of the most meaningful moments in Hakjeon's history.

Hakjeon was more than just a theater; it was a nurturing ground for countless artists. The late Kim Kwang-seok (故김광석) performed over 1,000 shows there, while Yoon Do-hyun (윤도현) grew from obscurity by taking on opening acts. Many prominent actors, including Seol Kyung-gu (설경구), Kim Yoon-seok (김윤석), Hwang Jung-min (황정민), and Jo Seung-woo (조승우), are proud to be part of the 'Hakjeon Kids' who passed through its doors. Kim Min-ki received numerous accolades for his contributions, including the Baeksang Arts Awards and the Special Award at the Korean Musical Awards, and in 2013, he was honored with the Silver Medal of Culture for his impact on popular culture.

Despite his unwavering passion and dreams, Kim Min-ki's battle with stomach cancer ultimately took its toll. Even in the advanced stages of the disease, he continued to care for Hakjeon from home, but his declining health posed significant challenges for the theater's operations.

In 2024, to celebrate Hakjeon's 33rd anniversary, a project called 'Hakjeon AGAIN' was initiated by his juniors to prevent its closure. The Arts Council also expressed intentions to remodel the theater into a diverse cultural space, with hopes of reviving Hakjeon after Kim Min-ki's recovery. However, the theater ultimately closed its doors on March 14, 2024, and Kim Min-ki passed away on July 21, 2024, at the age of 73.

The news of his passing sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Many, including Park Hak-ki (박학기), expressed their sorrow on social media, with heartfelt tributes highlighting his influence. Yoon Do-hyun referred to him as a father figure and a respected musician, while others like Lee Jeok (이적) and Ali (알리) shared their gratitude and admiration for his artistic legacy.

Kim Min-ki's funeral was held privately, in accordance with his family's wishes, without accepting condolences or flowers. His final journey took him from Hakjeon's courtyard to Cheonan Park Cemetery.

Though Kim Min-ki is no longer with us, his music and the spirit of Hakjeon continue to thrive. The Hakjeon website is currently archiving his final scripts, stages, and music, with plans to release them in 2-3 years. His nephew, Kim Sung-min (김성민), emphasized that there will be no 'Subway Line 1' without Kim Min-ki's direction, hinting at the possibility of a future revival to honor his legacy.