His funeral services will be held at Chung-Ang University Hospital on the 27th.
Kim was known for highlighting various K-pop artists including BTS.
K-pop critic Kim Young-dae has passed away on December 24, at the age of 48. His social media announced the news on the morning of December 25, but the circumstances surrounding his death have not been disclosed. His funeral services are held at the funeral home of Chung-Ang University Hospital, with condolences open from 10 AM on the 25th. The funeral will take place at 11 AM on the 27th at the Seoul Memorial Park.
Kim studied Business Administration at Yonsei University and earned a Ph.D. in Music Anthropology from the University of Washington. He contributed insightful music columns to international publications like Vulture, establishing himself as a K-pop expert with a focus on the K-pop industry and its key figures, especially highlighting the success of groups like BTS.
He actively appeared as a music panelist on various podcasts and current affairs programs, gaining widespread recognition. He also provided television coverage for prominent U.S. music award ceremonies such as the Billboard Music Awards and the American Music Awards, making him a familiar figure among the public. His influential publications, including 'Here Now: Idol Artists' and 'The Songwriters,' have significantly shaped understanding and appreciation of K-pop over the years.
Kim Young-dae's critiques offered multifaceted interpretations of the complex K-pop industry, providing readers with significant insights. His reviews emphasized the social influence of K-pop artists and the messages conveyed through their music, prompting audiences to view K-pop as more than just entertainment but a cultural phenomenon.
He particularly contributed to elevating the international status of K-pop through the success of global artists like BTS. His analysis highlighted the musical direction of artists and the dynamics of fandom, shedding light on K-pop's position in the history of popular music. This was a significant contribution to the globalization of Korean music.
Beyond being merely a music critic, Kim represented an important voice discussing the cultural significance of K-pop and its social contexts. His passing serves as a stark reminder of the importance of his contributions within the K-pop industry, and discussions regarding the path he blazed are likely to continue in the future.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: Kim Young-dae's SNS
