Jerry.K (Kim Jin-il) has passed away at the age of 42 after battling glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, for about two years. The news was confirmed by his family on April 27.

Born in 1984, Jerry K graduated from Seoul National University with a degree in communications. He made his debut in 2001 as part of the rap duo Loquence with fellow rapper Makesense, whom he had known since high school. He later became an original member of the hip hop crew Soul Company and continued to pursue music steadily as a solo artist.

His first full length album ‘The Erlking,’ released in 2008, explored human nature and social issues through direct and unfiltered language, earning him nicknames such as “the critic” and “Ma Wang” within the hip hop scene.

In 2011, Jerry K founded the independent label Daze Alive and remained active in the music industry. He was widely recognized as a rapper who consistently examined various aspects of Korean society with a critical perspective.

He received a nomination for Best Rap & Hip Hop Album at the 12th Korean Music Awards for his third album ‘Reality, Enemy,’ and was also nominated for Best Rap & Hip Hop Song at the 14th Korean Music Awards for the track “Call Center (feat. Oohyo)” from his fourth album.

In 2020, he released his fifth full length album ‘HOME,’ which reflected themes of everyday recovery and peace.

The funeral is being held at the funeral hall of Severance Hospital in Sinchon, and the funeral procession is scheduled for April 29.