Film music composer Bang Jun-seok dies at 52

Film music composer Bang Jun-seok / Courtesy of Private Curve

By Kwak Yeon-soo

Bang Jun-seok, contemporary Korean rock music's beloved guitarist and film music composer, died on Saturday at the age of 52 after battling stomach cancer.

He is best known as the composer behind the instantly recognizable melodies from “Radio Star” (2006), “Along with the Gods” franchise (2017-2018) and “Escape from Mogadishu” (2021).

After making his debut in 1994 as part of modern rock duo “U & Me Blue,” Bang set foot into the film music business with 1997 film “Man with Flowers.”

The composer composed music for cinematic classics such as “Joint Security Area” (2000) and “Who Are You?” (2002). With his works spanning diverse genres, including thriller, period, melodrama and indie pieces, the composer was part of the renaissance of Korean cinema in the 2000s.

During his lifetime, Bang worked on more than 60 films, including eight films for which he worked closely with director Lee Joon-ik. He composed a popular song titled “Rain and You” from “Radio Star.”

He reinterpreted traditional Korean sounds in “The Throne” (2015) and “The Book of Fish” (2021) and explored the world of rap music and musicals in “Sunset in My Hometown” (2018). He was a four-time winner of the Blue Dragon Award for Best Music.

Filmmakers and singers paid tribute to the composer. “I am saddened by the passing of Bang, who was truly an amazing musician and film composer. He will remain unforgotten in the history of music and cinema,” director Lee said.

Singer-songwriter Yoon Jong-shin wrote on his Instagram, “Rest in peace. Thank you for the beautiful music you gave us all along with the memories.”

The funeral is being held at Samsung Medical Center in Seoul.