Kim Kwang-suk

People's Artist of the DPRK
Kim Kwang Suk
김광숙
BornJanuary 1964
Taesŏng District, Pyongyang, North Korea
DiedJanuary 14, 2018(2018-01-14) (aged 53–54)[1]
Pyongyang, North Korea[2]
Burial placePatriotic Martyrs' Cemetery
OccupationVocalist
Years active1983–2018
OrganizationPochonbo Electronic Ensemble[2]
Known forSinging[2]
Notable work"What Is Life?", "The Dear Name Kim Jong Il", "Brother Louie", "My Dear Is A Hero Now", "Where Are You, Dear General?", "Chollima on the Wing","Golden Trees, Apple Trees, Planted in the Mountains"[3]
StyleFolktronica
Political partyWorkers' Party of Korea
SpouseJon Kwon
AwardsPeople's Artist of the DPRK
Korean name
Hangul
김광숙
Hanja
金光淑
RRGim Gwangsuk
MRKim Kwangsuk

Kim Kwang Suk (Korean김광숙; January 1964 – January 14, 2018) was a North Korean singer of the Pochonbo Electronic Ensemble.[1]

It was said she inspired the creation of the Moranbong Band.[2]

Biography

In 1983, Kim Kwang Suk visited Japan as part of the Pyongyang Student Youth Arts Troupe (평양학생소년예술단).[4] She became a member of the Pochonbo Electronic Ensemble in 1986. She was awarded the title of Merited Artist at the age of 24 in 1988. She was awarded the title of People's Artist in 1992.[5] Before she died, she worked as a vocal instructor at the Pyongyang Youth Student Palace (평양학생소년궁전, also known as the Pyongyang Students and Children's Palace).[6] Her husband was Jon Kwon, who was a pianist for the Pochonbo Electronic Ensemble.[7]

In January 14, 2018, she died of a heart attack at age 54. The Head of State, Kim Jong Un, personally expressed his condolences at her funeral.[8]

References

  1. ^ a b "Legendary N. Korean folk singer dies". The Korea Times. January 21, 2018. Retrieved September 13, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d 현송월의 맏언니격 '보천보악단' 김광숙 사망… 김정은 애도. Kukmin Ilbo (in Korean). January 15, 2018. Retrieved September 13, 2021.
  3. ^ "Kim Kwang Suk Dies At Age Of 55". Explore DPRK. January 15, 2018. Retrieved September 13, 2021.
  4. ^ 北 보천보악단 출신 인기가수 김광숙 숨져…김정은 조화 보내. Seoul Shinmun (in Korean). January 15, 2018.
  5. ^ 지성림 (January 15, 2018). 北 보천보악단 출신 인기가수 김광숙 숨져…김정은 조화 보내. Yonhap News Agency (in Korean).
  6. ^ '생이란 무엇인가' 北 김광숙 사망...김정은 조화보내. Tongil News (in Korean). January 15, 2018.
  7. ^ 북의 전자음악2 - 'NK-POP'을 탄생시킨 보천보전자악단. minplusnews (in Korean). April 23, 2018.
  8. ^ "Kim Jong Un Sends Wreath to Bier of Kim Kwang Suk". KCNA. January 14, 2018. Archived from the original on November 24, 2019.