Kim Kwang-seok was a popular and influential South Korean folk rock singer. Born in Daegu, his family moved to Seoul in 1968. In elementary school, Kim studied the violin, oboe, and flute, and in high school he joined the choir. In 1982, he enrolled in Myongji University to study business, during which time he got a part-time job singing at a café. In 1984, Kim joined the Seoul National University singing association and took part in Kim Min-ki's musical play Gaettongi (개똥이).
He joined the army in 1985, and was discharged following the death of his eldest brother. Kim then returned to school and joined the student activist folk band Noraereul Channeun Saramdeul (노래를 찾는 사람들) in 1987.

In 1988, Kim Kwang-seok and other student musicians formed a folk rock band called Dongmulwon (동물원). The band caught the attention of Kim Chang-wan, the main singer of influential South Korean rock band Sanulrim, who publicly supported Dongmulwon, helping the band become more popular. Kim Kwang-seok released two albums with the band in 1988 before leaving to pursue a solo career. He then released his first solo album in 1989 followed by two more in 1991 and 1992 and then in 1994. He earned his fame by singing at concerts along with release of records rather than appearing in TV music show giving thousands of concerts during his career.

On January 6, 1996, Kim was found dead in his house. The police deemed it a suicide. However, allegations by his family members were made that it was a murder, all of which were unsubstantiated. He received a posthumous Presidential commendation in 2014.

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