On December 25, Yoon Jong Shin shared a photo of Kim on his SNS, writing, “Young Dae, what is this?” He expressed his gratitude and respect for the critic, describing him as “someone who paid close attention to the detailed thoughts of me as a creator.” Yoon added, “Let’s talk more about those things again someday,” before concluding, “Music critic Kim Young Dae, may he rest in peace.”
Heo Ji Woong also shared a long memorial post recalling his memories with Kim. “When someone likes what I like, it’s nice. When someone likes what I obsessively like just as obsessively, my heart opens,” he wrote, explaining that this was his impression of Kim. Heo recalled that Kim was a fan of ‘Twin Peaks,’ and the two once spent a long lunch after a broadcast discussing Laura Palmer’s diary. “I remember saying, ‘Have you ever talked this long about this topic with someone before?’” he wrote.
Heo went on to emphasize Kim’s devotion to his family. “He loved his family so much,” he wrote, noting that Kim often talked about his children. He also recalled how excited Kim was when he changed cars, choosing a model that was more family-oriented than driven by personal taste. “I thought he looked so proud, and I thought he was wonderful,” Heo shared.
Reflecting on their final conversation, Heo wrote that the last time they spoke was about a possible broadcast appearance. He had declined because he was stepping away from shows, and Kim had suggested doing it another time. “I can’t focus on work all morning,” Heo wrote. “Let’s not promise ‘later.’ I keep making promises of ‘later’ to people I cherish, only to end up unable to keep them.”
News of Kim Young Dae’s passing was announced earlier on December 25, sending shockwaves through the music industry and among fans. A notice posted on his SNS read, “We regret to inform you of the passing of Kim Young Dae. Please understand that we were unable to contact everyone individually.” He passed away on Christmas Eve, December 24, at the age of 48. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Kim had remained active until shortly before his passing, communicating with the public via SNS as recently as December 23 and participating in the recording of a Christmas special for CBS Radio’s ‘Kim Hyun Jung’s News Show.’
The funeral wake is being held at Chung Ang University Hospital Funeral Hall. The funeral procession will take place at 10 a.m. on December 27, and he will be laid to rest at the Seoul Memorial Park Peace Resting Place.
Born in 1977, Kim Young Dae graduated from Yonsei University with a degree in Business Administration before earning a PhD in Music Anthropology from the University of Washington in the United States. He was widely recognized as a leading K-pop expert, known for his in-depth analysis of idols, the K-pop industry, and the global success of BTS.
He also served as a selection committee member for the ‘Korean Music Awards’ and as a judge for the ‘MAMA Awards,’ playing a significant role in shaping Korea’s popular music landscape.
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