Singer Kim Dongryul has shared a tribute message on the first anniversary of the passing of Seo Dongwook, a former member of Exhibition.
Recently, Kim Dongryul posted on his social networking service (SNS), stating, "'First Love' was the decisive catalyst for the formation of Exhibition." He explained that Seo Dongwook, after listening to the demo tape containing "First Love" which Kim had made during high school, sent him a lengthy review through a mutual friend. This exchange led them to become friends and naturally start making music together.
Recently, Kim Dongryul paid tribute to Seo Dongwook by performing "First Love" and "Etude of Memories" during the encore stage of his 2025 concert "Stroll." Regarding why it was difficult to sing the songs in their entirety at the time, he wrote, "I thought there might be audience members who came just to hear 'Etude of Memories,' and I wanted to do my best until the end." He added, "I am grateful that the audience quietly filled in the parts I couldn't finish," and continued, "In that moment, it felt as if I was finally able to let Dongwook go."
Kim Dongryul said, "Today marks one year since Dongwook left us," and shared, "I plan to attend mass and have a meal with those who loved him." He added, "I still miss him a lot and it is still very difficult, but I want to keep singing Exhibition's songs for a long time," expressing his gratitude to everyone who cried and sang along with him.
Kim Dongryul and Seo Dongwook were classmates at Whimoon High School and Yonsei University. In 1993, they won the grand prize at the MBC College Music Festival with the song "In a Dream." The following year, in 1994, they released their first album, leaving behind several hit songs such as "Etude of Memories," "Journey," "Truth in Drunkenness," and "Graduation."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
