Choi Gu-hee, guitarist for Deulgukhwa and Gwaejjagdeul, dies at 67 after stomach cancer battle

Deulgukhwa guitarist Choi Gu-hee dies at 67 after stomach cancer battle, leaving behind “You and Me”

Funeral held in Jeju on the 16th; acclaimed musician who joined 1986’s second album, “Deulgukhwa II,” leaves behind a legacy of inspired melodies

Genius guitarist who played nature’s sounds enters eternal rest

Choi Gu-hee, the real name of Choi Dong-hee, a former member of Deulgukhwa, the band that led South Korea’s golden age of rock music, and a gifted guitarist, has died at 67 after battling stomach cancer, according to reports that emerged later.

Jeju-language singer Yang Jeong-won, who shared a deep musical connection with Choi during his lifetime, told reporters on the 24th that “he was diagnosed with stomach cancer and underwent surgery, but after the disease spread to other organs, he ultimately died on the 16th.” The funeral for the musician, who left a significant mark on the history of Korean popular music, was held quietly in Jeju, where he had lived until the end.

Distinctive melodies that completed Deulgukhwa’s heyday

Choi Gu-hee developed his own distinctive musical world through prominent bands including Mideum Somang Sarang, which he formed with Joo Chan-kwon and Lee Hwan-gyu, as well as Gwaejjagdeul. His breakthrough moment came when he played on Deulgukhwa’s first album, released in 1985. The following year, he officially joined the band as a member beginning with its second album, “Deulgukhwa II”, and became a central force behind its explosive popularity.

The second album’s tracks “You and Me” and “Quiet Heart”, in particular, are acclaimed songs that he wrote and composed himself, demonstrating his exceptional talent as a singer-songwriter. His musical passion did not fade after his time with Deulgukhwa. Starting with “My Friend” in 1989, he steadily released solo albums, including “Volume One - Sandeulbaram” in 2009 and “From Hallasan to Baekdusan”, released last year, quietly following the path of a lifelong seeker.

Free-spirited artistic soul that embraced traditional Korean instruments

Fellow musicians remember him as a “free-spirited artist” who refused to be confined by convention. Yang Jeong-won recalled that “he was the finest performer, shaping every sound of nature with his fingertips using nothing but a guitar,” and expressed deep condolences for the “true master” who also had profound knowledge of traditional Korean instruments, including the gayageum and geomungo.

Choi Gu-hee adorned the brightest moments of Korean popular music with his guitar melodies. Although the maestro has left the stage, the masterpieces he created will continue to resonate in the hearts of listeners across generations.