Kim Hyun-sik

Kim Hyun-sik (; 7 January 1958 – 1 November 1990) was a South Korean musician, active during the 1980s. He debuted in 1980, releasing his debut studio album, Spring Summer Fall Winter, along with his band of the same name. He died at the age of 32 from cirrhosis. He is recognized as one of the most popular and notable musicians of the 1980s in Korea, well known for his unique, husky, emotional vocal style. Kim released five albums while alive, with his sixth album—Kim Hyun-sik VI, popularly known by the title of its lead single, "My Love By My Side"—being released posthumously. Kim was also honored by having three episodes of the popular singing competition show Immortal Songs 2 dedicated to his music.

Early life Kim Hyun-sik was born in Inhyeon-dong, Seoul, South Korea on January 7, 1958. He attended MyongJi High School but dropped out in 1974 to pursue his life as a singer. It is known that the reason for this was a fight with several upperclassmen and many say that the fight was caused because Kim touched his band member's instrument without permission. After dropping out of high school, he passed the 1975 Korean school qualification exam and begin his musical career in the downtown area, preparing for his 1978 album.

Career

First album: Spring Summer Fall Winter In 1976, Kim began to work with Jang-hee Lee on his first album, Spring Summer Fall Winter. However, after the recordings were finished in 1978, the album was cancelled due to Jang-hee Lee's sudden move to the United States. Additionally, Kim was arrested for his use of marijuana, which had devastating effects on his public image. In 1980, Kim was finally able to publish his album with two years later. The result did not go well and Kim spent most of his music career at this time in the underground.

Discography

Spring Summer Fall Winter (1집 봄여름가을겨울; 1980) I Loved You (2집 사랑했어요; 1984) Like Rain, Like Music (3집 비처럼 음악처럼; 1986) Kim Hyun-sik VOL. 4 (4집 김현식 VOL. 4; 1988) KIM HYUN SIK (5집 KIM HYUN SIK; 1990) KIM HYUN SIK VOL. 6 (6집 KIM HYUN SIK VOL. 6; 1991)