Kim Hee-gap, who composed 3,000 songs over 60 years, a legend revived in a documentary "My Heart is Full"

National composer Kim Hee-gap's 60-year musical life is captured in the documentary film 'Words Carried by the Wind', shining a light on the living history of Korean popular music.

At the screening held on the 28th at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Seoul, composer Kim Hee-gap expressed his feelings, saying, "The time I have lived composing over 3,000 songs has flashed by like a slideshow," adding, "My heart is full." His eternal musical partner, lyricist Yang In-ja, was by his side.

Debuting in 1965, composer Kim Hee-gap is a master who has greatly contributed to the development of Korean popular music by composing over 3,000 songs, including 'Leopard of Kilimanjaro' (Jo Yong-pil), 'Tea House of That Winter' (Jo Yong-pil), 'White Magnolia' (Yang Hee-eun), and 'Tatata' (Kim Guk-hwan).

The documentary 'Words Carried by the Wind' vividly captures Kim Hee-gap's musical journey, spanning from his days as a guitarist in the U.S. 8th Army to various genres including trot, ballad, art song, and musical (The OST of Empress Myeongseong). Filmed over a decade, this work includes heartfelt testimonies from the best singers of the time, such as Jo Yong-pil, Yang Hee-eun, Hye-eun, Kim Guk-hwan, and his wife, lyricist Yang In-ja, conveying a deep resonance about music and life.

Director Yang Hee explained the production intention, stating, "Kim Hee-gap is not just someone who has created many songs, but a true artist who has expressed the emotions of each era and the joys and sorrows of the public through music. I wanted to document a living witness of Korean popular music history."

Composer Kim Hee-gap advised younger musicians to "find their own color rather than chasing trends," stating, "Authentic music is loved across generations."

The documentary 'Words Carried by the Wind' is set to premiere on November 5 in major theaters nationwide and is regarded as a significant work that reexamines the history of Korean popular music.