Renowned Korean music critic Kim Young-dae passed away on December 24, 2025, shocking the global K-pop community with his sudden death at 48.
His family announced the tragic news on Christmas morning through his social media accounts, stating they "regret to inform you of the passing of Kim Young-dae" and apologizing for their "inability to contact everyone individually." The specific cause of death has not been disclosed, leaving fans and colleagues stunned by the unexpected loss.
The timing of his death proved particularly jarring. Just one day before his passing, Kim had actively engaged with followers on Instagram, celebrating that his recently published book "The Songwriters" had been selected for a prominent bookstore's featured collection. His final social media post appeared on December 23, according to chosun.
He had also participated in a pre-recorded Christmas special for CBS Radio's "Kim Hyun-jung's News Show" discussing top Korean Christmas carols, which aired on December 25, the same day his death was announced.
Kim Hyun-jung, the show's host, expressed her shock during a live broadcast on December 26, revealing the production team received news of his death approximately 30 minutes after the pre-recorded episode aired.
"He was incredibly bright, very honest, and since we are the same age, I told him this time, 'Now that we know each other's age, let's be friends,'" she recalled. She noted Kim had gifted her his latest book, saying he "poured everything into it," words that now carry added weight as his final work, tenasia reported.
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The music industry reacted with profound grief. Singer-songwriter Yoon Jong-shin wrote: "Mr. Young-dae, what has happened? You were someone who paid attention to the detailed thoughts of a creator like me." CNBLUE's Jung Yong-hwa stated, "The person who recognized the value of music and always believed in it sincerely has become a star in the sky."
Former announcer Lee Ji-ae, who co-hosted Emmy Awards broadcasts with Kim for three years, shared an emotional tribute after visiting the funeral home. "Hugging his two young daughters, tears wouldn't stop flowing," she wrote, noting the children had likely looked forward to spending Christmas with their busy father.
"Thanks to their music-loving father, there must have always been music flowing in their home, but now I felt sorry and sad thinking about the silence that would follow."
Writer Heo Ji-woong revealed their last conversation involved Kim declining a broadcast appearance, saying they should "definitely do it later," a promise now unfulfilled. "Let's not promise 'later,'" Heo reflected. "I keep failing to keep promises to the people I care about."
A wake was held at Chung-Ang University Hospital's funeral hall in Seoul, with the funeral procession taking place on December 27 at 9:30 a.m., followed by a funeral mass at Heukseok-dong Catholic Church. Kim was laid to rest at Seoul Memorial Park. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, mother, and younger sister, as per Money Control.
