Kim Ji-soo joined The Korea Times in 2006, and worked on such desks as culture and politics and is currently a member of the Editorial Board. Previous workplaces include The Korea Herald and the Korea JoongAng Daily.
Singer Choi Heon dies of cancer at 64
By Kim Ji-soo
Choi Heon, who provided solace with his husky voice in the pan-national song “Odongnip” (Empress Tree Leaves) died Monday from cancer of the esophagus. He was 64.
“My father was diagnosed with esophagus cancer last June, which he had been battling since. He had been very passionate about music in his last months,” his son Ho-jun was quoted as saying by Yonhap News Agency.
A native of Seongjin from North Korea’s North Hamgyeong Province, Choi founded such groups as He6, Choi Heon and the Black Butterfly, and Swallowtail.
In 1977 he struck out as a solo performer and earned great popularity.
He was a both a guitarist and vocalist whose best-known songs include “Aengdu (Cherry)” and “You Don’t Know.”
He is survived by his wife, a daughter and a son.
The funeral is scheduled for Wednesday.