Singer Kim Soo-chul broke down in tears as he reminisced about his special bond with the late Ahn Sung-ki.
On May 10th, Kim appeared on KBS 1TV’s ‘Morning Yard’ and shared heartfelt memories of Ahn that date back to their college days. The veteran musician revealed how Ahn supported him financially during his struggling years as a music student.
“There’s no income when you study traditional Korean music,” Kim candidly shared. “I needed to record what I learned, but I was broke.” He recounted how Ahn came to his rescue, saying, “When I told Sung-ki I needed money to continue my studies, he deposited a large sum the very next day.” Kim added, “Years later, when I needed funds to prepare for an orchestra recording, he immediately asked how much I needed and sent it right away. Thanks to him, I was able to pursue my music career.”
Kim’s voice faltered as he recalled Ahn’s final days. “We used to keep in touch regularly until just before he passed away,” he said. “But later, as he became paralyzed, we lost contact.” Kim’s voice cracked as he continued, “While speaking with his wife, I realized the end was near. He didn’t even know I had taken up painting when he passed.” Tears welled up in his eyes as he spoke.
Known affectionately as the “Little Giant,” Kim Soo-chul rose to fame in the 1980s with chart-topping hits like “Young You,” “I’m Going Too,” and “A Flower That Bloomed Late.” He later expanded his repertoire to include music for dramas and films, cementing his status as a versatile artist in the Korean entertainment industry.
In a surprising turn of events, Kim has announced his debut as a visual artist. From May 14th, he will hold his first solo exhibition titled “Kim Soo-chul: Sound Painting” at the Hangaram Design Museum in Seoul’s Seocho District. This showcase of his artistic prowess has sparked considerable interest in his transition from music to visual arts.
Photo credit: ‘KBS Culture’ Channel, Artist Company
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