Former Member Of A Beloved Korean Duo Passes Away At 50

Singer Kim Dong Ryul’s former musical partner and member of the duo Exhibition, Seo Dong Wook, has passed away at the age of 50 after battling a chronic illness.

Seo Dong Wook rose to fame in the 1990s as part of the beloved duo Exhibition. Alongside Kim Dong Ryul, his classmate from Whimoon High School and Yonsei University, the duo debuted in 1993 at the MBC College Music Festival, winning both the Grand Prize and Special Award with their song “In a Dream.”

Exhibition went on to produce numerous hits such as “Etude of Memory” (famously featured in the Architecture 101 OST), “Drunken Truth,” “Graduation,” “Journey,” “Stranger,” and “Pledge.” Despite their success, Seo Dong Wook stepped away from the music industry after the release of their third album “Graduation” in 1997 to pursue his studies.

While Exhibition disbanded, Kim Dong Ryul continued his musical career, forming Carnival with Lee Juck. Meanwhile, Seo Dong Wook pursued academic excellence, earning an MBA from Stanford University. He later embarked on a successful corporate career, working at renowned firms like McKinsey & Company, Doosan Group, Alvarez & Marsal, and most recently, Morgan Stanley Private Equity.

Despite his departure from the music scene, Seo Dong Wook maintained a close friendship with Kim Dong Ryul, even attending his concert in 2008, showcasing their enduring bond.

The news of Seo Dong Wook’s untimely passing has left fans and netizens mourning his loss and expressing their condolences.

Seo Dong Wook’s funeral is being held at Yonsei University’s Sinchon Severance Funeral Hall, Room 1. The procession will take place on December 20 at 11:40 a.m., with the burial at Seoul City Crematorium.

May he rest in peace.

Source: (A)