President Lee Jae-myung Commemorates Shin Hae-chul on 11th Anniversary: "Musician of an Era"
Shin Hae-chul Remembered on 11th Anniversary; President Lee Jae-myung Calls Him “Musician of an Era”
October 27, 2025, marks the 11th anniversary of the passing of Shin Hae-chul, a monumental figure in Korean pop music. Shin Hae-chul passed away suddenly on October 27, 2014, at the age of 46, leaving many in sorrow. His music transcends time, continuing to deeply move and resonate with many, and his musical achievements and socially conscious persona will be remembered for a long time. In particular, Shin Hae-chul made a dazzling debut in 1988 at the MBC 'University Song Festival' as part of the band Moo Han Gwe Do, winning the grand prize with the song 'To You'. 'To You' gained explosive popularity after its release, catapulting Shin Hae-chul to stardom and subsequently he pursued solo activities and band activities in parallel, establishing his own unique musical world through various musical experiments. His music captured the worries of youth and sharp criticisms of social issues, gaining the sympathy of the younger generation, and his honest and unfiltered speech shocked many.
President Lee Jae-myung commemorated Shin Hae-chul on the 11th anniversary of his death via social media, honoring his musical achievements. President Lee Jae-myung stated, "Shin Hae-chul was more than just a musician, he was a true artist who sang about the pain of the times and gave courage and hope to the younger generation," adding, "His music will remain with us forever, commemorating his spirit." President Lee Jae-myung also added, "I will strive to create a more mature and developed Republic of Korea, reflecting on the messages that Shin Hae-chul left for our society." Shin Hae-chul, throughout his life, became a role model to many through his active statements and participation in social issues, and his sudden death sparked a large wave of public mourning. His music and spirit continue to inspire many, and the fervor of his remembrance has not cooled down. Every year on his memorial day, many fans visit his grave to pay their respects, listening to his music together and remembering his life.
On October 17, 2014, Shin Hae-chul underwent gastrointestinal adhesion lysis surgery at S Hospital, after which his health deteriorated rapidly, leading to unconsciousness. He was then transported to the hospital while receiving CPR and underwent emergency surgery, but eventually passed away ten days later on October 27 due to hypoxic-ischemic brain damage. The news of his sudden death shocked many fans, and voices calling for clarification of the truth behind his death grew louder. Subsequently, an investigation into the cause of Shin Hae-chul's death was conducted, and Mr. A, the former director of S Hospital who performed the surgery on Shin Hae-chul, was indicted on charges of causing his death by failing to take appropriate medical measures. In May 2018, the court sentenced Mr. A to one year in prison, a result that acknowledged the legal responsibility for Shin Hae-chul's death. However, Shin Hae-chul's fans continue to raise suspicions about his death and demand that the truth be revealed, and his death remains an unresolved mystery.
Shin Hae-chul debuted at the MBC 'University Song Festival' in 1988 with Moo Han Gwe Do, winning the grand prize with the song 'To You', appearing like a comet in the music scene. Since then, he pursued solo activities and band activities in parallel, building his own unique musical world through various musical experiments. His representative songs include 'Don't Make a Sad Face', 'Jazz Cafe', 'The You in the Depths of My Heart', and 'Invitation to Everyday Life', and his music continues to be loved by many across generations. Shin Hae-chul became a role model for many through his active statements and participation in social issues, as well as his music activities, and his honest and unfiltered speech shocked many. He fearlessly expressed his thoughts on various social issues, including education problems, social inequality, and political issues, urging attention to social issues. This socially conscious aspect of him greatly influenced many young people, and he showed himself to be more than just a musician, but also a social activist.
Shin Hae-chul's music is considered to have reached the realm of art, surpassing mere popular music. His music, with its profound lyrics, original melodies, and unique vocals, deeply moves and resonates with listeners. He mastered various genres of music, establishing his own unique style, and his music has an experimental and progressive tendency. Shin Hae-chul was also an excellent lyricist and composer, creating numerous masterpieces, and his music has had a great influence on younger musicians. His music is not simply a fad but remains a masterpiece loved across generations, and his music will continue to inspire and impress many people in the future. On the 11th anniversary of Shin Hae-chul's passing, why not take the time to listen to his music once again and commemorate his life and musical achievements?
