Rapper Jerry.K (real name Kim Jin-il) has passed away after a long battle with illness. He was 42.
According to his bereaved family on the 27th, Jerry.K passed away that day after fighting glioblastoma, a malignant brain tumor, for approximately two years. The funeral parlor has been set up at the Sinchon Severance Hospital Funeral Hall in Seoul, and the funeral procession will be held on the 29th.
The late artist first shared his brain tumor diagnosis on his social media in May 2024. At the time, he calmly stated, "I was suddenly diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent surgery. Everything is still unfamiliar, but I hope things get better, even if it's just a little bit," adding, "Please think of me once in a while."
News of the passing of Jerry.K, who established a unique position in the Korean hip-hop scene with his sharp perspective and lyrics that confronted reality, has led to an outpouring of condolences from within and outside the music industry.
Born in 1984, the late artist was a graduate of Seoul National University’s Department of Communication and Media. He debuted in 2001 as part of the hip-hop duo Loquence alongside his high school classmate Makesense. He later gained recognition as an original member of the hip-hop crew Soul Company and consistently expanded his musical identity as a solo artist.
His first studio album, 'Ma-wang,' released in 2008, caused a significant stir by addressing human nature and social issues through direct language. His third studio album, 'Reality, Enemy,' was nominated for Best Rap & Hip-Hop Album at the 12th Korean Music Awards, and the title track of his fourth studio album, 'Call Center (feat. Oohyo),' was also nominated for Best Rap & Hip-Hop Song at the 14th Korean Music Awards.
Notably, the late artist felt critical of the lyrics in rapper San E's 2018 track 'FEMINIST' and publicly countered by releasing the diss track 'NO YOU ARE NOT' on the same day. Through that song, he expressed his disagreement with San E's claims. Later, in 2020, he expanded his musical spectrum by releasing his fifth studio album, 'HOME,' which captured themes of recovery and peace in daily life.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
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