Donated 100 Million Won at Hakjeon Closure Last March
College Club Connection, Bereaved Family Returns It
Lee Soo-man, former Chief Producer of SM Entertainment, delivered 50 million KRW to the bereaved family of the late Kim Min-ki, former representative of Hakjeon, as meal expenses one day before the funeral.
On the 24th, the online newspaper The Fact reported that Lee Soo-man handed over 50 million KRW to the family the day before, asking them to use it for the meals of the mourners. It was added that upon hearing that the family was not accepting separate condolence money during the funeral period, he expressed his wish for the amount to be used for the meals of the numerous visitors who came to pay their respects to the deceased.
Earlier, the family announced that they would not accept condolence money or floral tributes at the funeral. Kim Sung-min, nephew of Kim Min-ki and head of the Hakjeon general affairs team, explained at a press conference on the 22nd, “As Hakjeon is closing, many people have supported our teacher quietly and openly,” and added, “I think he probably prepared enough money for his final journey.” He continued, “I believe people will remember the teacher while sharing a warm meal and drinking tea, as he always said.”
Lee Soo-man also generously donated over 100 million KRW at the time to help with the closing process of Hakjeon, the small theater in Daehangno that closed in March.
Lee Soo-man was a junior to the late at Seoul National University. They had a long-standing connection, having participated together in club activities during their campus days. The late debuted in 1970 with "Achim Isul" (Morning Dew), and Lee Soo-man debuted two years later as a member of "April and May," with their singing careers overlapping around the same time. Lee Soo-man has always referred to the late as his elder brother and regarded him as a respected figure.
The family gratefully accepted Lee Soo-man’s sentiment but ultimately did not accept the money and returned it. The family was firm in their intention to honor Kim Min-ki’s wishes during his lifetime.
It was reported that Lee Soo-man visited the funeral hall on the 22nd and expressed his condolences, saying, “In an era of adversity and chaotic growth, I deeply respect senior Kim Min-ki, who instilled the spirit of youth in Korea through music, and I pray for his peaceful rest.”
On the morning of the 24th, at Arko Kkumbat Theater in Jongno-gu, Seoul, after the funeral ceremony of singer Kim Min-ki, who operated 'Hakjeon,' a symbol of Daehangno small theaters, for over 30 years and nurtured junior artists, the bereaved family members are leaving. [Image source=Yonhap News]
The late Kim Min-ki passed away on the 21st after battling stomach cancer. He was 73 years old. The late left behind numerous classic songs such as "Achim Isul" (Morning Dew) and "Sangnok-su" (Evergreen). In 1991, he established the small theater Hakjeon in Daehangno, providing opportunities for many new actors, writers, and singers, leaving a significant mark on the cultural and artistic community.
The funeral procession was held at 8 a.m. on the 24th at the funeral hall in Seoul National University Hospital, Yeongeon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, where the wake was held. After the funeral, the procession headed to the final resting place at Cheonan Park Cemetery but stopped at Arko Kkumbat Theater (formerly Hakjeon) in Daehangno.
In front of the theater, actors from Hakjeon, including Jang Hyun-sung, Sol Kyung-gu, and Hwang Jung-min, known as the "Hakjeon Eagle Brothers," saw the late off on his final journey. Park Hak-ki, Park Seung-hwa of Yuri Sangja, Bang Eun-jin, Kim Dae-myung, and Bae Sung-woo were also present.
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