Kim Kwang-seok (Korean: 김광석; [kim.kwɐŋsʌk]; January 22, 1964 – January 6, 1996) was a popular and influential South Korean folk rock singer. He debuted in 1987 as a member of Noraereul Channeun Saramdeul, an activist folk band. He achieved widespread popularity as a member of the folk band Dongmulwon, which debuted in 1988. The following year, in 1989, he released his first solo album.
His songs were popular for their sentimental lyrics that critics said "portrayed individuals' sorrow and frustration at a time when the society was struggling in its early stage of democracy following rapid industrialization." He sold over 5 million records, an impressive number for a South Korean musical artist.
He died by suicide in 1996.
