By Kwon Mee-yoo
Staff Reporter
Kim Chang-ik, 50, a member of the Korean rock trio Sanulrim, has died in Vancouver, Canada. The cause of his death has not yet been confirmed.
``We heard that it might have been a traffic accident or an accident that happened while removing snow. Kim Chang-wan is leaving for Canada on Jan. 30,'' said an unnamed representative of Sanulrim.
The name of the group means ``Mountain Echo'' in Korean and the three members are all brothers _ Kim Chang-wan, the oldest, sang vocals and played guitar, while Kim Chang-hun played rhythm guitar, bass and keyboards and Kim Chang-ik, the drums.
The rock trio debuted in 1977 with the album ``Anibeolsseo'' (Ah! Already?). After that the group released many hit songs over 30 years ranging from rock songs and ballads to children's songs.
Kim Chang-wan is currently active as a musician and actor in Korea. Last year, he starred in the hit dramas ``Behind the White Tower'' and ``Coffee Prince.''
Kim Chang-hun resides in Los Angeles with his family.
The late Kim's last public appearance in Korea was the ``Sanulrim 30th Anniversary Concert'' in 2006.
He is survived by his wife and two sons.