One Of The Most Beloved Kpop Music Critics, Kim Young Dae, Passes Away At 48

Music critic Kim Young Dae, known as a “pop expert,” passed away on the 24th. He was 48.

On the 25th, Kim’s side announced the news through the late critic’s social media account, stating, “We regret to inform you of the passing of Kim Young Dae. We ask for your understanding that we could not contact everyone individually.”

The circumstances surrounding his death have not been disclosed. The news has come as an even greater shock as he had continued his active career, including appearing on CBS Radio’s “Kim Hyun Jung’s News Show,” which aired on the morning of the 25th and had been pre-recorded. He also appeared on the Arirang International Broadcasting program “K-pop: The Next Chapter” on August 20, alongside President Lee Jae Myung, where he commented on the background behind the success of the Netflix animation “K-pop Demon Hunters.”

Kim earned a PhD in ethnomusicology from the University of Washington in the United States. He had long offered critical analysis on the success of the Korean music industry, including idols and K-pop. Based on his musical expertise, he also served as a commentator for Korean TV broadcasts of major global music award shows such as the “Billboard Music Awards,” the “American Music Awards,” and the “Grammy Awards.” During his lifetime, he ran the YouTube channel “Kim Young Dae’s School of Music” and authored books including “Idols and Artists of the Here and Now” and “The Songwriters.”

The memorial altar has been set up at the funeral hall of Chung Ang University Hospital in Heukseok dong, Seoul. The funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on the 27th at Heukseok dong Catholic Church, and the burial site will be Seoul Memorial Park.

Source: (A)