Singer, theater founder Kim Min-gi's family pens letter to public

The surviving family of the late singer and songwriter Kim Min-gi sent out a letter to the public on Monday, thanking those who offered condolences and added that they'll donate the condolence money to different charity organizations.

Singer Kim Min-gi [NEWS1]

The surviving family of the late singer and songwriter Kim Min-gi sent out a letter to the public on Monday, thanking all those who offered condolences and added that they'll donate the condolence money that they were unable to return to different charity organizations.

“We apologize for not being able to personally greet each person who came to offer their condolences due to the limited time and space,” the family said in the statement. “We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation.”

Kim died July 21 at the age of 73. He had been suffering from stomach cancer after being diagnosed last year. As an influential singer-songwriter and the founder of Hakchon, an influential small theater, Kim's funeral was visited by many of Korea's actors, musicians and politicians.

As Kim's death and his funeral are being spotlighted by the media, Kim's family said they wanted to clarify some things through the letter.

"We announced from the first day of the funeral that we wouldn't be receiving condolence money or flowers, however, many have sent us both flowers and money without knowing [what we said]," wrote the family. "We also ask for your understanding that since so many people were waiting in line to pay their respects, it was difficult for us to continue refusing the envelopes handed over by determined individuals."

The family said in the letter that they've returned all the money they could and for those without names on the envelopes, they will discuss with the family and donate the money to different charity organizations.

Late singer-songwriter and Hakchon founder Kim Min-gi's funeral parlor was set up at the Seoul National University Hospital in central Seoul. [NEWS1]

Regarding the large sum of condolence money given by Lee Soo-man, former head producer of SM Entertainment, Kim's family said that they returned the money, amounting to 50 million won ($36,200), in cash the following day.

"Despite refusing the envelope several times, Lee left the envelope, so we returned it to a singer who accompanied Lee to the funeral the next day," the family said in the letter.

The family also added that they do not want any memorial concerts or business projects organized under Kim's name to commemorate the deceased after hearing that some are in preparation. They also requested any form of projects in relation to Kim should be done through Hakchon, or the Arko Kkumbat Theater in central Seoul.

Kim made his debut as a singer-songwriter in 1971 with his first and only studio album, “Kim Min-gi” (1971), which includes songs like “Morning Dew” and “A Child Who Blossoms” (translated). "Morning Dew" was closely associated with student activism and Korea's democratic movement during that time, which led to the song being banned by the Park Chung Hee regime.

Kim founded Hakchon in 1991. Initially used as a concert venue for singers, it provided a stage for those displaced by the rapid spread of K-pop culture, laying the foundation for today's indie band performance culture.

BY KIM MIN-YOUNG [kim.minyoung5@joongang.co.kr]