A memorial unveiling ceremony was solemnly held on May 13 at 11 a.m. in Jindeung Village, Unseo-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon, to honor the late Kim Hong-Tak (May 13, 1944 – December 7, 2024), a pioneer of Korean rock music. The event served as a meaningful occasion to reflect on his contributions and the deep imprint he left on the history of Korean popular music.
 [코리안투데이] “From The Key Boys to Hi-Five — A Pioneer of Korean Rock” ©김현수 기자 |
With close friends, family, and figures from the music industry in attendance, the ceremony included a quiet memorial service, moments filled with his music, and a small reception. Fittingly held on what would have been his birthday, the air was filled with the nostalgic sounds of “Grassland,” “Dreaming Love,” and “Hey Jude,” songs from the height of his career.
 [코리안투데이] “Echoes of Memories in Jindeung Village” ©김현수 기자 |
Kim Hong-Tak formed Korea’s first rock band, The Key Boys, in 1959 and played as a guitarist, marking the beginning of the country’s rock era. Later, with the recommendation of Cho Yong-Nam, he formed Hi-Five, and then Hi-Six, focusing on original compositions. His works such as “The Grassland of Love” and “How Does Love Come” are regarded as clear evidence of his songwriting talent.
 [코리안투데이] “A Living Witness of K-Pop History, Laid to Rest in His Hometown” ©김현수 기자 |
Even after emigrating to the U.S. in 1972, Kim never abandoned music. Returning to Korea in the early 1990s, he released the album Teacher Dad and Me with his son Yoo Young-Choon and later founded the Seoul Jazz Academy in 1996, dedicating himself to music education.
The memorial stone, placed on the grounds of the Kimhae Kim family shrine, is inscribed with Kim’s photo, a timeline of his career, and selected lyrics that reflect his artistic legacy. One attendee commented, “Kim Hong-Tak wasn’t just a musician—he was Korean pop music history itself. Having a permanent space to remember him brings us comfort.”
More than a simple memorial, the event reignited awareness of where Korea’s modern music roots lie. The name Kim Hong-Tak will remain remembered not just as a musician, but as a cultural cornerstone of Korean rock.
Kim Hong-Tak, rock music, memorial
<저작권자 ⓒ 코리안투데이(The Korean Today) 무단전재 및 재배포 금지>
