A Musician and Conscience Remembered by the Times

The social mourning for the late Shin Hae-chul remains valid.
President Lee Jae-myung left a message of remembrance on Facebook a day before the 11th anniversary of his death, expressing that "Shin Hae-chul, a musician and conscience of the times, was a symbolic figure who awakened 'the power of thinking' in young people and 'the courage to reflect' in the older generation."
Shin Hae-chul was more than just a musician; he was a figure who posed uncomfortable questions within society, opening the door to contemplation for the public. Like the nickname 'Ma Wang' (Devil King) that followed his name, his very existence shook the spirits of many.
A Message of Courage Against an Imperfect Reality
The President emphasized the weight of his music and remarks, saying, "The questions he posed to the world were never light."
He added, "In particular, he confronted problems that no one could easily answer, imperfect realities that everyone ignored, and told us to choose courage instead of fear."
Shin Hae-chul sometimes stood at the center of controversy, but in the process, he played a role in exposing the social contradictions that the public was turning away from. The sincerity and courage he showed continue to be highlighted even after time has passed.
Continuing Tasks and the Ideal of Community
The President mentioned Shin Hae-chul's worldview, saying, "The free and just world he dreamed of, a community where no one is alienated, remains a task before us."
His lyrics contained concerns about the community, worries about social divisions, and affection for the marginalized.
The President stated, "I believe that the message conveyed by his life will continue to be a beacon illuminating the path we must take," emphasizing that Shin Hae-chul's philosophy is still valid in today's era.
The Healing Power of Art
In the middle of his post, the President left the sentence, "I think again about the fundamental question of 'Can art change the world?'" reflecting on the social meaning of art.
He also quoted the words of the recently deceased actor Robert Redford: "Art, not politics, is the power of healing." This once again shows that art can move people's hearts and be a driving force for changing society.
The reason why Shin Hae-chul constantly tried to connect art, philosophy, and society during his lifetime is also related to this.
Past Memories and Present Symbols
Meanwhile, on the 23rd, photographer Kang Young-ho posted a photo taken in 2022 with the title 'Shin Hae-chul and Lee Jae-myung' on his Instagram.
In the photo, President Lee Jae-myung was wearing Shin Hae-chul's stage costume, which caught the attention of many.
This is interpreted not as a simple photo, but as a scene showing the heart of a musician symbolizing an era and another person trying to share the message he left behind.
Although 11 years have passed, the name Shin Hae-chul still exists as a bridge connecting generations.

Source :https://blog.naver.com/plug_and_play_life/224054813002
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