Kim Chang-wan
Kim Chang Wan is a South Korean singer, actor, and writer.
Early life and education
Kim along with his younger brothers Kim Chang-hoon and Kim Chang-ik, began composing music during their mid-teens, and formed the band Mui when they were college students.Kim graduated from Seoul National University in 1975 with a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Studies, major in Natural Fiber.
Career
1975–1984: Debut Sanulrim and commercial success and disbandment
After Kim graduated in 1975, he and his brothers made their professional career debut and changed their band's name to Sanulrim. Kim Chang-wan took the role of lead vocalist and guitarist, Kim Chang-hoon played rhythm guitar, bass and keyboards, and Kim Chang-ik played drums.In 1977, Sanulrim released their first album What, Already?, which became a critical and commercial success. The band's psychedelic rock/hard rock sound was music Koreans hadn't heard before, and Sanulrim revitalized the Korean music scene, which was currently devastated after several major musicians were arrested for marijuana possession in the 1970s.
From 1977 to 1984, they released more than 10 albums and became one of the most influential and beloved figures in the Korean rock music scene. With the K-pop retrospective boom during the 1990s, all of their albums were reissued and a tribute album was released. They held a 30th anniversary concert in 2007 and made plans to release a 14th album.
1982–present: Writing, disbandment of Sanulrim, eponymous band and acting career
His 1990 book I Want to Live Just Until 20 Years Old was adapted into a 1992 film.On January 29, 2008, drummer Kim Chang-ik was killed in a traffic accident in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Sanulrim disbanded after his death.
In 2008, Kim founded the eponymous Kim Chang-wan Band, with himself on vocals, keyboardist Lee Sang-hoon, bassist Choi Won-sik, drummer Kang Yoon-gi and guitarist Yeom Min-yeol. They released one album, Bus, and several EPs. Kim also contributes to soundtracks and collaborates with younger artists, such as IU.
Having worked as a music director and film score composer in the early 1990s, Kim Chang-wan also began acting onscreen. He has appeared in supporting roles in film and television, notably in dramedy The Happy Funeral Director, omnibus Beating Heart, medical drama Behind the White Tower, and romantic comedies Coffee Prince, Queen of Housewives, and My Love from the Star.
In 2013, he played the leading role of a psychopathic plastic surgeon in the slasher film Doctor. The versatile Kim has also starred in a stage play, hosted variety shows and radio programs, and written several books.