Famous Korean music critic Kim Young-dae died on December 24, 2025, shocking the global K-pop community with his sudden death at age 48.
Her family announced the tragic news on Christmas morning through their social media accounts, saying they “regret to inform you of Kim Young-dae’s passing” and apologizing for their “inability to contact everyone individually.” The specific cause of death was not revealed, leaving fans and colleagues stunned by the unexpected loss.
The timing of his death proved particularly shocking. Just a day before his passing, Kim had been actively engaging with followers on Instagram, celebrating the fact that his recently released book “The Songwriters” had been selected for a major bookstore’s featured collection. His last social media post appeared on December 23, according to chosun.
He had also participated in a pre-recorded Christmas special for CBS Radio’s “Kim Hyun-jung’s News Show” discussing the best Korean Christmas carols, which aired on December 25, the same day his death was announced.
Kim Hyun-jung, the show’s host, expressed her shock during a live broadcast on December 26, revealing that the production team received the news of her death about 30 minutes after the pre-recorded episode aired.
“He was incredibly bright, very honest, and since we’re the same age, this time I told him, ‘Now that we know each other’s ages, let’s be friends,’” she recalled. She noted that Kim had given her his latest book, saying that he “put everything into it,” words that now carry added weight as his final work, tenasia reported.
The music industry reacted with deep sorrow. Singer-songwriter Yoon Jong-shin wrote, “Mr. Young-dae, what happened? You were someone who paid attention to the detailed thoughts of a creator like me.” CNBLUE’s Jung Yong-hwa said, “The person who recognized the value of music and always believed in it sincerely has become a star in the sky.”
Former announcer Lee Ji-ae, who co-hosted the Emmy Awards broadcasts with Kim for three years, shared an emotional tribute after visiting the funeral home. “Embracing his two young daughters, the tears wouldn’t stop flowing,” she wrote, noting that the children were likely looking forward to spending Christmas with their busy father.
“Thanks to their music-loving father, there must have always been music flowing in their home, but now I felt sorry and sad thinking about the silence that would follow.”
Writer Heo Ji-woong revealed that their last conversation was about Kim’s refusal to appear on a broadcast, saying they should “definitely do it later”, a now broken promise. “We don’t promise ‘later,’” Heo mused. “I still don’t keep the promises I make to the people I care about.”
A wake was held at the funeral hall of Chung-Ang University Hospital in Seoul, with the funeral procession taking place on December 27 at 9:30 am, followed by a funeral mass at Heukseok-dong Catholic Church. Kim was buried at Seoul Memorial Park. He leaves behind his wife, two daughters, his mother and younger sister, as per Money control.
