Kim Kyung Ho mourns the loss of his father

17 May 2026, 05:29 by hjang · allkpop

Kim Kyung Ho, the legendary Korean rock vocalist, has lost his father, who served as both a source of emotional support and a major influence throughout his musical career.

According to music industry sources on May 17, Kim Kyung Ho’s father, Kim Jung Bin, died earlier that morning at the age of 86. The funeral hall has been set up at VIP Funeral Town VVIP Room 101 in Seo District, Gwangju. The funeral procession is scheduled for May 19 at 8:30 a.m., and the burial will take place at the family burial site in Hwasun, South Jeolla Province.

He has often expressed deep affection and respect for his father. He notably titled the lead track of his seventh album, released in 2003, 'Father', reflecting his admiration and emotional bond with him. The singer is currently mourning with his family at the funeral hall.

A source close to Kim Kyung Ho stated, "His father was a former KBS announcer. People often said Kim Kyung Ho inherited his father’s talent and charisma. He had a significant influence on Kim Kyung Ho’s music career."

Before his official debut, he gained recognition for his talent after winning bronze prizes at the 1989 KBS Youth Creative Song Festival and the 1991 MBC College Music Festival. He later emerged as one of the leading figures who helped popularize rock music in the Korean mainstream music industry.

Following his debut in 1994, he released a series of major hits including 'People Who Make Me Sad', 'Forbidden Love', 'Tragedy', and 'Until the Day We Beautifully Love'. His songs fueled the rise of rock ballads in the late 1990s. Known for his powerful vocals and commanding stage presence, he received numerous awards including a Bonsang at the Korea Video Music Awards and the Top 10 Artist Award at the SBS Gayo Daejeon, solidifying his status as one of Korea’s most recognized rock singers.

He continues to actively promote as one of Korea’s leading rock vocalists and is scheduled to begin his nationwide concert tour, 'Time for Ballads', on June 6 at Sungshin Women’s University Woonjung Green Campus Grand Hall in Seoul. The tour will continue in cities across the country through the end of the year.

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