Composer of 'Longing for Geumgangsan,' Choi Young-sup, Dies at 97

Choi Young-sup, the composer behind the widely cherished Korean art song 'Longing for Geumgangsan,' passed away on Tuesday morning due to old age. He was 97.

Born in Ganghwa, Gyeonggi Province, in 1929, Choi was a prominent figure in the history of Korean art songs. He studied composition at Seoul National University and later pursued conducting studies at the Vienna National University of Music and Performing Arts. He nurtured future generations as a professor at Hanyang University's Music Department and an adjunct professor at Chung-Ang University's Music Education Department, while also active as a conductor.

'Longing for Geumgangsan,' set to a poem by Han Sang-ok in 1961, became immensely popular for its depiction of longing for the northern Korean landscape and the desire for reunification after the division of the peninsula. It has since become a staple repertoire for vocalists and a favorite piece for school and citizen choirs, earning the title 'national art song.'

Choi also composed numerous other art songs and choral works, including 'Land of the Morning Calm' and 'Oh! My Beloved Homeland.' He published art song collections and held composition recitals, contributing to the expansion of Korean art songs that blend Korean poetry with melody. He was respected as a senior figure in the Korean art song community, maintaining his passion for creation until his later years.

His son, Choi Sung-won, is a well-known musician, a member of the rock band Deulgukhwa, and the composer of popular songs such as 'Everyday with You,' 'That's My World,' and 'Blue Night of Jeju Island.' The funeral service is being held at Yonsei Severance Hospital in Shinchon, Seoul, with the burial scheduled for July 1.