Visitors to the funeral hall during the mourning period offer 'No Condolence Money'
Donated over 100 million won when Hakjeon closed
Lee Soo-man (72), former Chief Producer of SM Entertainment, visited the funeral hall of the late Kim Min-ki (73), who passed away after battling stomach cancer, and offered 50 million won to the bereaved family. However, the family returned the condolence money in accordance with the deceased's wishes not to accept it. On the 24th, The Fact reported, citing a music industry insider, that Lee Soo-man visited Kim Min-ki's funeral hall on the 23rd and handed over 50 million won, asking that it be used for the meals of the mourners. However, the family accepted only Lee's sentiment and returned the condolence money in line with the deceased's wishes.
Lee Soo-man (72), former Chief Producer of SM Entertainment, visited the funeral hall of the late Kim Min-ki (73), who passed away after battling stomach cancer, and offered 50 million won to the bereaved family. However, the family returned the condolence money in accordance with the deceased's wish not to accept it. [Photo by Yonhap News]
Earlier, the bereaved family announced that, following the deceased's wishes, they would "politely decline all condolence money and floral tributes." In response, former Chief Producer Lee Soo-man reportedly conveyed his feelings by saying, "Please use this for the meals of the mourners who came to pay their respects." Kim Seong-min, Kim Min-ki's nephew and head of the Hakjeon General Affairs Team, explained at a press conference on the 22nd that the reason for not accepting condolence money was, "Although the teacher did not explicitly say not to accept condolence money, it was a decision made recalling how he always habitually asked those around him, 'Have you eaten?' and 'Share your meal together.'"
He added, "As Hakjeon closed, many people quietly supported our teacher little by little. I think he must have prepared enough money for his journey. I believe people will remember him while sharing a warm meal and drinking tea, as he always said." Former Chief Producer Lee Soo-man, who is also an alumnus of Seoul National University like the late, has always referred to him as 'Hyungnim' (older brother) and regarded him as a respected figure.
He also donated over 100 million won to help with the closing process of the Hakjeon small theater in Daehangno. He often described senior Kim Min-ki to those around him as "a quiet and unassuming poet who silently took responsibility when necessary," and said, "He laid the foundation for Korean singers and is someone I deeply respect in my heart."
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