Recently, j-hope and BTS have been at the center of the global music scene as their title track “Swim” simultaneously topped both the Billboard 200 and the Billboard Hot 100. This impressive achievement once again confirms the group’s solid position in the international market.
BTS are currently continuing to actively promote their album “ARIRANG” through a wide range of diverse and creative content. The group has also excited fans by announcing the return of their iconic series “Run BTS,” while preparing to kick off a year-long global tour starting on April 9 in South кσяєα.
Despite their busy schedules, the members were still seen making time for family and close friends. V was spotted attending Park Hyo Shin’s concert, while Jimin attended a musical starring Lee Saeon. Meanwhile, on April 5, j-hope drew attention for a heartfelt gesture toward a friend in the music industry.
Specifically, just hours ago, кσяєαn media reported that j-hope sent a condolence wreath to the funeral of the father of rapper Gaeko (of Dynamic Duo) to express his sympathy. According to sources in the music industry, Mr. Kim Sam-ryeon—the father of Gaeko (45 years old, real name Kim Yoon-sung)—pαѕѕed away earlier today, leaving a great loss for his family and close acquaintances.
For many longtime fans, Gaeko is regarded as a “hip-hop mogul” in South кσяєα, as he is one of the pioneering artists who helped bring the genre closer to the public. He debuted in 2000 as part of the three-member hip-hop group CB Mαѕѕ alongside Choiza and Curbin, before forming Dynamic Duo with Choiza in 2004. Since then, Gaeko has left a strong mark with numerous нιт songs such as “Guilty,” “Confession,” “Smoke,” “BAAM,” and more, becoming a highly influential figure in the hip-hop scene.
Meanwhile, j-hope and Gaeko previously collaborated on the track “NEURON” from the album HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1, released on March 29, 2024. Gaeko not only featured on the track but also took part in its songwriting and production alongside j-hope. This contributed to “NEURON”’s distinct old-school hip-hop sound, blending j-hope’s energetic rap style with Gaeko’s seasoned and experience-rich delivery. Their synergy highlights the song’s central theme: a journey back to artistic roots, particularly the pαѕѕion for street dance—an element closely tied to j-hope’s past.
For this reason, to j-hope, Gaeko is not only a collaborator but also a close friend, a senior in the industry, and a respected mentor. In the face of the immense loss that Gaeko and his family are experiencing, j-hope expressed his sincerity and sympathy through the condolence wreath.
In addition to j-hope, many other well-known artists also sent wreaths to pay their respects, including Brown Eyed Soul, Epik High, Boom, Sik-K, Lee Hyun-do, BewhY, the couple Kang Jae-jun and Lee Eun-hyung, Kid Milli, Giriboy, Tiffany Young, Zico, and actor Jo Woo-jin, among others.
The funeral hall is currently set up at Room 31 of St. Mary’s Hospital in Seoul. The funeral procession is scheduled to take place at 8:10 a.m. on April 7, followed by burial at Cheong-ah Park in Ilsan.
Following the news, ARMYs have also expressed their deepest condolences to Gaeko, commenting: "My sincere condolences", "My deepest condolences to Gaeko and his family during this painful time. May he rest in peace", "My condolences to Gaeko… and much respect to j-hope for standing by his friend", "Prayers for Gaeko’s family. j-hope showing up like this says so much about their friendship", "My thoughts and prayers are with Gaeko and his family", "Their friendship is truly meaningful. o sorry for your loss, Gaeko",...
