Lim Yoon-taek: 1980-2013

By Kim Young-jin

Lim Yoon-taek, front man for pop band Ulala Session, who inspired the nation with his battle against cancer, passed away Monday from complications from the disease. He was 32.

Lim, who captured people’s hearts after announcing his illness during his band’s victorious 2011 run on “Superstar K3,” passed away at Yonsei University Severance Hospital at 8:42 p.m., the band said in a statement.

“He had been surrounded by his loving family and (band) members. We are sorry that he did not leave behind a will,” the statement said.

Lim entered the hospital earlier in the week before his condition deteriorated Friday.

His story riveted the nation as the band, known for high-energy live performances, persisted through the show despite the disease taking a toll on the slight singer. Their song “Western Sky” shot to the top of the local charts on the back of the story.

His funeral will be held at Yonsei Severance Hospital on Thursday.

Concerns over the singer arose last week when an image from a photo shoot in January featuring his band mates Park Seung-il, Kim Myeong-hun, Park Kwang-sun and Koonzo was released without Lim in it.

In interviews, the tightly-knit band said Lim had persuaded them to take part in the program despite his illness, as a “last gift” to the band. In turn, the group threw its support behind their leader, donating the 500 million won in prize money to help Lim fight his disease.

The announcement of the illness prompted accusations that the band had fabricated the condition in order to win. Lim’s doctor, however, confirmed the diagnosis.

Following their run on the show, Ulala Session remained active, releasing two EPs and playing shows in response to fan demand. Singles “Goodbye Day,” “Used It All Up” and “Beautiful Night” also performed well on the charts.

Lim “will forever be remembered as a great performer, artist and leader,” Soompi, a K-pop-focused website said. “(He) always gave it his all and poured out his energy and soul during his performances, even with a weak and ill body.

Lim’s legacy may be one of optimism.

"I think that how one lives is more important than how long one lives,” he said on “Superstar K3.”