▲ This file photo shows South Korean music critic Kim Young-dae, widely known for his active commentary on idols and the K-pop industry, particularly the global success of BTS. Kim passed away on Dec. 24, 2025. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, Dec. 25 (Yonhap) -- Renowned Korean music critic Kim Young-dae passed away on Wednesday. He was 48.

 

News of his death was announced Thursday morning through the late critic’s social media accounts, which said, “We share the news of Kim Young-dae’s passing.”

 

The circumstances surrounding his sudden death have not been disclosed.

 

Kim graduated from the Department of Business Administration at Yonsei University and earned a doctoral degree in ethnomusicology from the University of Washington in the United States. He was widely known for his active commentary on idols and the K-pop industry, particularly the global success of BTS.

 

▲ This file photo shows South Korean music critic Kim Young-dae, widely known for his active commentary on idols and the K-pop industry, particularly the global success of BTS. Kim passed away on Dec. 24, 2025. (Yonhap)

 

Drawing on his deep musical expertise, he also served as a commentator for Korean television broadcasts of major U.S. pop music award shows, including the "Billboard Music Awards," the "American Music Awards" and the "Grammy Awards."

 

He ran a YouTube channel titled "Kim Young-dae’s School of Music" and authored several books, including "Idols as Artists Here and Now" and "The Songwriters."

 

A funeral altar has been set up in Room 6 of the funeral hall at Chung-Ang University Hospital in Seoul. The funeral procession is scheduled for Friday.

 

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