2024-07-24 03:33:12
“When, after a long night, like the morning dew that forms on every blade of grass/ More beautiful than pearls/ When sadness forms in my heart… .”
The street in front of the old ‘Hakjeon’ small theater in Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul. As the bereaved family got on the hearse containing the remains of the late Kim Min-ki, someone started singing the deceased’s representative song, ‘Morning Dew’. The mourners lined up in two or three layers in front of the theater sang along, sobbing loudly. The raindrops that had been quiet suddenly became heavier, and shouts erupted from among the dozens of people. “I love you, teacher. I love you. I love you.”
The funeral of Kim Min-ki, the representative of Hakjeon and singer, was held without a separate farewell ceremony at 8:00 AM on the 24th at the Seoul National University Hospital funeral hall in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Before heading to the burial site, Cheonan Park Cemetery, the bereaved family stopped by the Hakjeon small theater where the deceased had worked for 33 years. Everyone paid silent tribute to the deceased’s portrait and tablet under the letters “Arko Dream Field Theater” that replaced the “Hakjeon” sign that was torn down a week ago. The small theater Hakjeon, which was operated by Kim Min-ki but closed due to financial difficulties, reopened on the 17th under the name “Arko Dream Field Theater” operated by the government (Korea Arts Council).
In front of the Kim Kwang-seok monument, citizens left soju, makgeolli, and chrysanthemum bouquets to pay tribute to the deceased. After paying their respects, the bereaved family held the portrait and briefly looked around the small underground theater that the deceased had taken care of while alive. Actors Seol Kyung-gu and Jang Hyun-seong, who began their acting careers at Hakjeon and were called the “Five Eagle Brothers,” bit their lips as if they were trying to hold back their tears, but they could not stop them from bursting out. Actors Oh Ji-hye and Bang Eun-jin covered their faces and sobbed. In addition, actors and singers from Hakjeon, including Hwang Jung-min, Park Hak-gi, and Lee Juck, paid tribute to the deceased.
Even after the hearse left, the mourners remained seated for a long time. Saxophonist Lee In-kwon, who had appeared in the musical “Subway Line 1,” a representative repertoire of the school, played Kim Min-ki’s hit song “Beautiful Person” in the pouring rain in the middle of the street. At this, tears spread like waves again. “Since you have decided to hold a family funeral, we will send you off here. Thank you until the end.” Jang Hyun-seong spoke these words with difficulty before finally moving forward. Citizens also joined in the mourning. Somo (50), who runs a store in Daehak-ro, said, “I left home early on purpose to pay my respects. He was like a pine tree in Daehak-ro.”
The deceased instilled the ‘youth spirit’ in the military era in the 1970s and 80s with songs such as ‘Morning Dew’. He led the performing arts culture of Daehangno by establishing a creative musical that was performed at the small theater Hakjeon. After battling stage 4 stomach cancer, he passed away on the 21st at the age of 73. The deceased considered himself to be the ‘backbone’ who stayed behind and helped rather than taking the lead. The deceased left behind the words, “You don’t have to do anything with me.” He wanted to be the ‘backbone’ even after death. His final journey was by no means lonely.
Reporter Lee Ji-yoon [email protected]
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2024-07-24 03:33:12