Bereaved Family of Late Kim Min-ki: "In Accordance with His Wishes... Do Not Want Memorial Performances or Projects"

Statement from Bereaved Families Released on the 29th

"I hope it remains just a record of the times..."

On the morning of the 24th, the portrait and memorial tablet of Kim Min-ki were placed in front of Arko Kkumbat Theater (formerly Hakjeon) in Jongno-gu, Seoul.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

The bereaved family earnestly conveyed on the 29th the late Kim Min-ki, Hakjeon representative's wish not to have memorial performances or memorial projects held in his honor.

In a statement released that day, the family stated, "In accordance with the deceased's wishes, we do not want any memorial parks or memorial projects bearing his name," and added, "The family fully understands the deceased's intentions and wishes to uphold them without distortion."

The family expressed gratitude, saying, "Despite the bad weather, many people visited the funeral hall. It was truly a great comfort and strength. We also want to express our thanks to the many who mourned in their own ways, even though we could not meet and greet each one personally."

They continued, "The family, having closely observed the deceased quietly working without seeking the spotlight, knows well his character and feels proud as his family of the work he accomplished throughout his life." However, they also acknowledged, "We are well aware that these achievements were not accomplished by him alone. While he gave much help during his lifetime, he also received much help. We sincerely thank and apologize to all those who worked behind the scenes all this time."

Furthermore, they apologized, saying, "Due to limited time and space, we regret not being able to sincerely greet each visitor who came to pay respects." They added, "Throughout the three-day funeral, there were moments filled with both tears and laughter as we thought, 'Our father truly lived a good life.' We believe the deceased also left with a sense of pride. Thank you all."

Regarding condolence money received despite prior refusal before the funeral according to the wishes of the deceased and family, they stated, "We have returned what we could of the condolence money received in confusion, and will continue to do so. For condolence money we cannot return, the family will discuss and donate it to appropriate charities."

Concerning some media reports that former SM Entertainment chief producer Lee Soo-man gave 50 million won to the family, they asked, "Please understand this as an incident arising from Lee Soo-man's consideration for the deceased and the family." They explained, "Despite the family's repeated refusals, he left the envelope, and the next day, we returned it with a request to convey our feelings properly to the singer who accompanied Lee Soo-man so as not to cause any hard feelings."

Finally, the family requested, "In accordance with the deceased's wish to avoid any uncomfortable situations caused by him, we ask that all matters be handled through Hakjeon." They concluded, "The family fully understands the deceased's intentions and wishes to uphold them without distortion. We hope you will watch over and support Hakjeon as it is going forward."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.