One Year On: Jeonramhoe's Seo Dong-wook Remembered with Heartfelt Tribute from Kim Dong-ryul

It has been a year since Seo Dong-wook, a member of the renowned group Jeonramhoe, known for their hit song 'Study of Memory,' passed away.

December 18, 2025, marks the first anniversary of the late Seo Dong-wook's passing. He left this world on December 18, 2024, at the age of 50, due to a chronic illness.

While attending Yonsei University in 1993, Seo Dong-wook, alongside his high school friend Kim Dong-ryul, participated in MBC's 'University Song Festival,' winning the Grand Prize and a Special Award for their song 'In a Dream.' The following year, they formed Jeonramhoe and made their official debut.

Jeonramhoe's debut album sold an impressive 1.5 million copies. Their title track, 'Study of Memory,' garnered immense love and experienced a resurgence in popularity in 2012 when it was used as an OST for the film 'Architecture 101.'

Jeonramhoe disbanded after releasing their third album, 'Graduation,' in 1993. Seo Dong-wook participated in the first album of the project group Carnivul, formed by Kim Dong-ryul and Lee Juck, as well as Kim Dong-ryul's first solo album. However, he did not continue his career as a singer. After leaving the music industry, he pursued a Master's degree in Business Administration at Stanford University in the United States.

Subsequently, Seo Dong-wook built a successful career, working at global consulting firm McKinsey & Company, Doosan Group, and Morgan Stanley, before serving as the representative of Alvarez & Marsal's Korea office.

Following his passing, Kim Dong-ryul shared a poignant tribute. "Dong-wook, could my youth even exist without you? High school, university, military service, and Jeonramhoe. We were always together during our youngest, most beautiful, and brightest times. Whenever I was struggling and falling apart, you were always by my side. I hope I was by your side when you were struggling too. I'm so sorry if there were moments I wasn't. I'm angry and resentful that you left me too soon. What am I supposed to fill your void with? I miss you so much, Dong-wook. I love you, I'm sorry, and thank you," he expressed.

Korean netizens shared their grief, with comments like "I can't believe it's already been a year," "May he rest in peace," and "I still think of Seo Dong-wook whenever I hear 'Study of Memory.'"