Kim Dong-ryul Remembers ‘First Love’ and Lost Friend Seo Dong-wook – Breaking News & Korean Music Legacy
SEOUL, South Korea – December 19, 2025 – In a deeply moving tribute, singer-songwriter Kim Dong-ryul has publicly honored the first anniversary of the passing of his longtime friend and musical partner, Seo Dong-wook. The remembrance, shared via social media and during his recent concert series, highlights the profound impact of their collaboration and the enduring power of music to transcend loss. This breaking news story resonates with fans of Korean music and offers a poignant reflection on friendship and artistic legacy. For those following Google News, this story is quickly gaining traction.
The Birth of Exhibition: ‘First Love’ and a Lasting Bond
Kim Dong-ryul revealed that their iconic duo, Exhibition (often stylized as 展), was born from a simple act of musical appreciation. As a high school student, Seo Dong-wook sent Kim a detailed review of his demo tape, specifically focusing on the song “First Love.” This sparked a friendship and, ultimately, a groundbreaking musical partnership. “’First Love’ is a song that became a decisive moment for the birth of the exhibition,” Kim shared. This anecdote underscores the serendipitous nature of creative collaboration and the importance of recognizing talent in its early stages – a lesson relevant for aspiring musicians and SEO professionals alike, who understand the power of connection.
Kim Dong-ryul and Seo Dong-wook during their Exhibition days. [Image source needed]
A Concert Series Marked by Remembrance
During his recent ‘Walking’ concert series at the KSPO Dome in Seoul, Kim Dong-ryul performed “First Love” and “Study of Memories” as a direct tribute to Seo Dong-wook. He displayed a photograph dedicated to his friend, touching the hearts of the 70,000 attendees over seven nights. The performance wasn’t without its challenges; Kim confessed that “First Love” proved particularly difficult to perform, representing the weight of his grief. Remarkably, the audience joined him, filling in the parts he struggled to sing, creating a shared moment of remembrance and healing. This demonstrates the powerful connection between artist and audience, and the communal aspect of mourning.
From University Song Festival Champions to Separate Paths
Exhibition rose to prominence after winning the grand prize at the 1993 MBC ‘University Song Festival’ with their hit song “In a Dream.” They officially debuted in 1994, releasing three critically acclaimed albums before disbanding in 1997. Their discography includes beloved classics like “Etudes of Memory,” “Travel,” and “Resolution,” songs that continue to resonate with Korean audiences today. After the group’s dissolution, Kim Dong-ryul formed the successful duo Carnival with Lee Juk, while Seo Dong-wook transitioned to a career in finance, holding positions at McKinsey & Company, Doosan Group, and Morgan Stanley Private Equity. This divergence in career paths highlights the multifaceted nature of individuals and the diverse opportunities available even after achieving artistic success.
A Legacy Beyond Music: Remembering Seo Dong-wook
Kim Dong-ryul plans to commemorate the anniversary of Seo Dong-wook’s death with a private gathering of friends and loved ones, including a mass and a shared meal. He reflected that the process of performing “First Love” wasn’t about achieving perfection, but about finally being able to say goodbye. He also suggested that the shared experience of grief and remembrance was felt by everyone present, not just himself. Seo Dong-wook’s passing serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing relationships. His story, and the enduring music of Exhibition, will continue to inspire and move listeners for generations to come. This is a developing story, and Archyde will continue to provide updates as they become available. Stay tuned for more breaking news and in-depth features.
