Rapper Jerry.K (real name Jin-il Kim) has passed away after battling glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor. He was 42.
According to his family on the 27th, Jerry.K died that day. He is said to have fought the disease for about two years. In May 2024, he personally revealed his brain tumor diagnosis and surgery on social media, writing, "I hope I can get better, even little by little."
Born in 1984, Jerry.K graduated from Seoul National University’s Department of Communication and started his career in 2001 as the rap duo Loquence with his high school classmate Makesense. He later rose to prominence as a founding member of the hip-hop crew Soul Company and built a distinctive career as a solo artist.
His first full-length album in 2008, 'Mawang', left a strong mark with its blunt takes on social structures and human nature. In 2011, he founded the independent label Daze Alive, expanding his activities alongside junior artists. He continued to stand out with music that directly confronted real-world issues, including social criticism and feminism.
His artistic achievements followed. His third studio album, 'Reality, Enemy', was nominated for Best Rap & Hip-Hop Album at the Korean Music Awards, and the title track 'Call Center' from his fourth album, 'Emotional Labor', was also nominated for Best Rap & Hip-Hop Song. In 2020, he released his fifth studio album, 'Home' (HOME), carrying messages of calm and recovery.
Jerry.K’s wake is being held at the Sinchon Severance Hospital funeral hall, and the funeral service is scheduled for the 29th.