Kwak Yeon-soo is a digital editor at The Korea Times creating, editing and curating digital content for the newspaper’s website, mobile app and social media. She previously covered a diverse array of cultural, political and business topics.
Jeon Tae-kwan, original drummer of SSAW, dies at 56
Drummer and founding member of jazz fusion band Spring Summer Autumn Winter (SSAW) Jeon Tae-kwan died of kidney cancer Thursday. Korea Times file
By Kwak Yeon-soo
By Kwak Yeon-soo
Drummer and founding member of jazz fusion band Spring Summer Autumn Winter (SSAW) Jeon Tae-kwan died of kidney cancer Thursday, bandmate Kim Jong-jin announced on Twitter. He was 56.
“Jeon Tae-kwan passed away late Thursday with his family by his side,” Kim said. “After struggling with kidney cancer for the past six years, Jeon couldn't overcome the illness.”
Jeon not only earned great respect from fellow musicians but also gained wide public popularity with his music and humble personality. He was often dubbed the “pride of K-pop” and Kim said this was no exaggeration.
Jeon formed SSAW in 1988 with guitarist Kim. It became one of the longest-running and legendary bands on the Korean music scene.
Its hit songs include “Everyone Changes,” “Someone's Dream,” “Outsider” and “Bravo, My Life.” Three of SSAW's albums are on the 100 Best Albums of Korean Pop Music list. The band won a Golden Disc Award in 1992 and the Order of Merit Award at the Seoul Music Awards in 2018.
Jeon was diagnosed with cancer in 2012 and had an operation to remove one of his kidneys. But the cancer spread to other organs.
In October, Kim released an album series in collaboration with fellow musicians, including Yoon Do-hyun, Urban Zakapa, Jung Jae-il, 10cm and Hyukoh, to mark the 30th anniversary of the band's debut.
The project was called “How to keep a promise to a friend.” Kim said the series, in which musicians reinterpret SSAW's music, would help cover Jeon's medical costs.
The limited-edition albums were released in early December and sold out by Dec. 24.
A memorial hall for the late drummer Jeon Tae-kwan is set up at the Asan Medical Center in Seoul, Friday, following his death from kidney cancer. Yonhap
Tributes are pouring in for the drummer.
Veteran singer-songwriter Yoon Jong-shin tweeted: “Jeon Tae-kwan has passed away. Rest in peace where there's no more pain. Thank you so much for who you were.”
Jo Hyun-ah of Urban Zakapa also paid tribute to Jeon. On Instagram, she wrote: “Jeon Tae-kwan set a fine example for me as a musician. He was the best drummer. RIP, my brother.”
Both participated in the special album-making project to help cover Jeon's medical costs and related expenses.
Jeon is survived by his daughter. His wife died of cancer in April. The memorial service will be held at Asan Medical Center in Seoul.