Comedian and singer Kim Chul-min passed away three years ago after battling an illness. He left us on December 16, 2021, at the age of 54. In August 2019, he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and continued his battle against the disease. He garnered support and encouragement from many people when he expressed his determination to fight the illness, including by taking the animal dewormer fenbendazole.
Throughout his struggle, Kim Chul-min shared updates about his condition with the public through his social media accounts. Initially, after taking fenbendazole, he reported feeling better, but later revealed the unfortunate news that the dewormer did not cure the cancer.
In August 2021, he shared that he could no longer undergo chemotherapy and described the extensive treatments he had already endured, including 12 chemotherapy sessions, 5 cervical spine surgeries, 70 radiation treatments, and 10 CyberKnife treatments, yet he continued to endure the pain with unwavering spirit.
On November 1, he posted about “fighting the last battle,” and on December 10, he left a heartfelt message saying, “I was happy thanks to you. Thank you. I love you.” He later changed his profile picture to a smiling photo taken before his illness.
Despite the difficult treatments, Kim Chul-min remained positive, often sharing videos of himself singing with a guitar, offering hope to many. However, after over two years of fighting, he eventually passed away.
His close friends, including DJ Hashim, expressed their sorrow and hope that Kim Chul-min is now at peace, happily busking in the afterlife. Other fellow comedians, such as Kim Won-hyo, Jung Jong-chul, Kim Jae-wook, and Kim Tae-kyun, shared their tributes on social media.
In January last year, the TV Chosun program ‘Bokdungi-deul GO’ featured Yoon Hyo-sang, who shared Kim Chul-min’s last words and memories. Yoon recalled their 30-year history of performing together and revealed the guitar Kim Chul-min left him, moving many with the emotional memory.
Kim Chul-min debuted in 1994 as part of MBC’s 5th open recruitment for comedians and was active in programs like ‘Gag Ya’. Since the late 1980s, he was a beloved performer at Daehangno, known as the ‘Maronnier Gentleman,’ and released songs such as ‘It’s Okay’, spreading messages of hope.