Do You Remember the 'Naenara Naegyeorae' Song Monument on Ulleungdo Left by the Late Kim Min-ki?

Unveiling Ceremony on August 8, 2020
Appreciation Plaque Presented to Hakjeon

'Look at the sun rising over the East Sea, isn't it right for us to cherish it...'

Kim Min-ki, a giant in the Korean music industry who wrote and sang "My Country, My People," "Morning Dew," and "Evergreen Tree," passed away on the 22nd at the age of 73 after battling stomach cancer.

As waves of tribute continue for the late Kim Min-ki, whose protest songs became a symbol of democratic spirit and have been loved across generations, a monument he left behind during his lifetime is drawing attention.

On August 8, 2020, the unveiling ceremony of Min Ki Kim's song monument "My Country My People" was held in the front yard of the Anyongbok Memorial Hall in Ulleung County, Gyeongbuk.

The monument to Kim Min-ki's song stands at the Ahn Yongbok Memorial Hall in Ulleung County, North Gyeongsang Province, and was erected on August 8, 2020, for 'Island Day' by North Gyeongsang Province and Ulleung County.

The purpose was to convey the value and hope of the East Sea to future generations by establishing a monument to Kim Min-ki's "My Country, My People," which embodies the sentiment and pride of the Korean people, on Ulleungdo, the first place where the sun rises on the Korean Peninsula.

At the time, Kim Min-ki wanted the monument to be placed where Dokdo could be seen most clearly, so it was erected in front of the Ahn Yongbok Memorial Hall.

However, on the day of the unveiling ceremony, Kim Min-ki was unable to set foot on Ulleungdo due to heavy rain. Kim Nam-il, then head of the East Sea Headquarters of North Gyeongsang Province and now CEO of Gyeongbuk Culture and Tourism Organization, later visited the small theater "Hakjeon" in Daehangno to deliver a plaque of appreciation from Governor Lee Cheol-woo to Kim Min-ki, honoring his contributions.

At that time, the late Kim Min-ki expressed his feelings, saying, "It is an honor that my music can be used for the beautiful Ulleungdo and Dokdo. I am happy to contribute, even in a small way, to protecting and nurturing our islands and seas."

Kim Nam-il, CEO of Gyeongbuk Culture and Tourism Organization, said, "I hope the music and messages he left behind will remain with us forever and continue to resonate," and added, "Visiting Ulleungdo and Dokdo, where the spirit of nature and music loved by the late Kim Min-ki resides, will be a meaningful journey to commemorate him," offering his condolences.

"My Country, My People" is a song that stirs the hearts of many with lyrics such as "Look at the sun rising over the East Sea, whose path does it brightly illuminate? In the spirit of our brilliant ancestors, quietly waiting before our people... (omitted) Isn't it right for us to cherish it?"

The late Kim Min-ki debuted in 1970 with "Morning Dew," released "Evergreen Tree," and in 1984 formed the folk group "Noraereul Channeun Saramdeul" (People Searching for Songs) and released an album. Since 1991, he had operated the small theater "Hakjeon" in Daehangno, staging over 300 productions, including the musical "Subway Line 1," over 33 years.

On October 13, 2020, Namil Kim, president of the Gyeongbuk Culture and Tourism Corporation (then head of the Gyeongbuk East Coast Headquarters), presented a plaque of appreciation from Lee Cheolwoo, governor of Gyeongbuk Province, to Minki Kim (right).