Kim Tae-won: The Resilient Leader of ‘Buhwal’ Returns After 1.5 Years of Health Struggles

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Kim Tae-won (61), a living legend of Korean rock and the leader of Boohwal, appeared before cameras looking gaunt after an 18-month absence, prompting concern among fans.

Hospitalized four times… the story behind an 18-month gap

On April 24, the YouTube channel \”Kim Tae-won Class\” posted a video titled \”My Daughter’s Wedding, a Father’s Last… and Boohwal.\” In the clip, Kim announced Season 4 of the channel and offered a rare public greeting.

He told viewers, \”I missed you all, so I’m back. Thank you for staying loyal all this time.\”

Asked why he’d been absent, he hesitated and then spoke plainly: \”It’s awkward to say, but I was hospitalized four times. I felt guilty about Boohwal’s 14th album and wanted to make amends. I wanted to give that back to our fans.\” He added that the guilt over breaking promises to fans had weighed heavily on him.

He reassured listeners: \”I’m still here. I wanted to make new music and share it, but I broke too many promises and had to step back. Think of it as a pause. As long as Boohwal exists, Kim Tae-won Class won’t stop. Don’t worry.\”

He went to the ER the day before the Shin Hae-chul memorial show… colleagues sounded the alarm

In January, Boohwal vocalist Park Wan-kyu appeared on tvN STORY’s \”What Good Is Leaving\” and updated viewers on Kim’s condition. Park said, \”It didn’t make the news, but it was risky. Tae-won collapsed twice this year. He was suddenly rushed to the ER the day before the 11th anniversary memorial for the late Shin Hae-chul.\”

Shin Hae-chul was a close friend and a central figure in Korean rock. That Kim was taken to the emergency room on the eve of the memorial underscored the seriousness of his condition. Park described Kim’s state as troubling and said, \”He keeps saying, ‘I came back without crossing that river.’ Every time I hear that, it breaks my heart.\”

My father’s death hit me hard… physical pain and emotional wounds

Kim’s struggles were not limited to illness. After his father’s death last year, he said, \”My father’s passing was a tremendous shock. As I live and remember him, I’ll do my best to create music that comforts others who had similar fathers.\”

The last 18 months brought both physical illness and emotional pain. He acknowledged, \”I have a strange habit of holding onto painful memories more than the good ones,\” and said he plans to channel his grief into music.

Stomach cancer, sepsis, alcohol shock… a long battle with illness

Kim’s health decline did not begin recently. He has fought various illnesses over decades.

During a comprehensive checkup on KBS’s \”Qualifications of Men\” in 2011, doctors discovered early-stage stomach cancer and he underwent surgery. In 2019, complications flared again after a 2016 bout of sepsis, leaving lasting aftereffects.

He has previously said he nearly died three times because of alcohol. On one occasion, he collapsed onstage from sepsis and suffered alcohol shock, falling unconscious with foam at his mouth during a performance.

Kim began drinking heavily after the death of Boohwal’s third lead vocalist, the late Kim Jae-gi, who died in 1993. That sudden loss left a deep wound and contributed to years of alcohol dependence.

He surprised many by revealing he has been sober for six years to protect his health. \”I used to never finish a movie I liked, but after I stopped drinking, movies became so enjoyable. I’m happier,\” he said.

His daughter is happy in the U.S., and he’s proud of his son-in-law

Amid the worrying updates, Kim shared a warm family note: his daughter, who married an American last year, is doing well. \”My daughter is doing well in the U.S. Maybe I’m lucky with a son-in-law—we get along. He has a mature soul,\” Kim said.

When Kim added, \”Money isn’t everything—having that is enough,\” it sounded like the candid wish of a 61-year-old father who has weathered many ups and downs. Viewers who recall his earlier, public friction with his daughter on TV will likely find the current family harmony especially welcome.

An autistic son, a \”goose dad\”… the private burdens he carries

Kim’s family life has often resembled a drama. He married a non-celebrity in 1993 and has one son and one daughter. His younger son is on the autism spectrum. To focus on his younger son’s treatment and education, the rest of the family moved to the Philippines while Kim remained in Korea—making him a \”goose dad,\” separated from his family as they lived abroad. Onstage he projects rock-star charisma; offstage he quietly holds down his home in Seoul alone.

Boohwal at 40: a legend that won’t stop

Formed in 1986, Boohwal marks its 40th anniversary this year. As the band’s leader, guitarist and producer, Kim Tae-won wrote and composed most of Boohwal’s signature songs. Tracks like \”Heeya,\” \”Never Ending Story,\” and \”The More I Love\” helped define generations and the history of Korean rock.

The band has weathered countless crises: members left, health failed, loved ones passed away. Yet, true to their name, they have repeatedly risen again.

To celebrate 40 years, Boohwal is on a nationwide tour, kicking off at Seoul Olympic Park’s Olympic Hall on July 11, then stopping in cities including Jeonju and Gimhae. This fall, they plan to release the second part of their 14th album, which will include five tracks—news that has excited fans.

Four hospitalizations, the shock of his father’s death, and a gaunt appearance—yet he remains resolute: \”As long as Boohwal exists, we won’t stop.\” Viewers left comments under the video such as \”Please stay healthy,\” \”Keep performing for a long time,\” and \”I’m relieved to see your health improving,\” offering their support.