Choi Woo-seop, Pioneer of Korean Heavy Metal and Leader of Band 'Mudang', Passes Away at 71

Choi Woo-seop, the guitarist and vocalist who pioneered Korean heavy metal sound and led the legendary rock band 'Mudang', has passed away at the age of 71.

The sad news began circulating on the 16th through acquaintances in the music industry, deeply close to the deceased, drawing sorrow from fans and fellow musicians.

According to industry sources, the late Choi Woo-seop passed away in the United States, not in Korea.

The news is particularly shocking as reports indicate he was discovered belatedly at his home by the band's drummer, who visited after being unable to contact him, as Choi lived alone. An acquaintance shared on social media, "He passed away alone, and when the drummer couldn't reach him, he went to his house and found him. Later, relatives came to handle the arrangements and funeral," conveying the somber circumstances of his final moments.

Born Korean-American, Choi Woo-seop formed the rock band 'Mudang' in San Francisco in 1975 with members like Han Bong and Ji Hae-ryong. 'Mudang' is recognized for being the first band to introduce the unfamiliar sound of heavy metal to the Korean popular music scene in the early 1980s.

Their emergence delivered a powerful shock to the domestic music scene, which was dominated by folk and soft rock at the time, acting as a catalyst for broadening the horizons of Korean rock. Through their first album 'Mudang' in 1980 and their second album 'Don't Stop' (translated) in 1983, they showcased their unique musical world and explosive energy, leaving an 'immortal influence' on countless heavy metal and rock musicians who followed.

The late Choi Woo-seop also appeared as an award presenter at the '13th Korean Music Awards' in 2016.

Fans are expressing their grief with comments like "Rest in peace," "He was a legend of Korean rock, so heartbreaking," and "The music of Mudang was truly the best." The sudden news has deeply saddened the music community.