South кσяєα is home to a large number of veteran critics, scholars, and music writers. However, most of them come from backgrounds in rock, in∂ιє, jazz, hip-hop, or traditional forms of popular music. For a long time, idols and K-pop were not regarded as “serious subjects of criticism,” and finding someone inclined to publicly defend BTS has been even rarer.

Veteran music critic Kim Young Dae was among the few who approached BTS from academic, music-historical, and cultural perspectives. He produced numerous analyses and commentaries on the group that were well-grounded and, most importantly, never dismissed their core artistic value. BTS: The Review stands out as one of his most notable works on BTS. It has been widely described as “the most serious introductory book for understanding BTS as artists,” was reported to be a bestseller in South кσяєα, translated into multiple languages, and frequently cited in overseas research on BTS and K-pop.

ARMYs were also particularly impressed by a 25-minute in-depth discussion on BTS by the K-pop expert, which aired on Ttanjibangsongguk, a YouTube channel well known in South кσяєα for political and social commentary. During the program, Kim Young Dae offered profound insights into BTS’s success, praising the group for breaking down language barriers, competing on equal footing as one of the world’s leading pop acts, targeting the αмєяι¢αn mainstream, and expressing admiration for the remarkable sense of unity and connection between BTS and ARMY. He also highly valued the group’s consistent commitment to preserving their identity and telling authentic stories.

His respect for BTS, his unwavering support for the group over the years despite various circumstances, earned him deep gratitude from fans, who reciprocated that respect. Yet, tragically, “Whom the gods love ∂ιє young.” On the morning of the 25th, a post was υиєχρє¢тє∂ly published on Kim Young Dae’s SNS announcing the sad news: “We humbly bring the news that Kim Young Dae has pαѕѕed away. We are sorry that he could not greet you in person.” The announcement left ARMYs in profound ѕнσ¢к.

The critic pαѕѕed away at the age of 48. The cause of ∂єαтн has not been disclosed. His memorial altar was set up at the funeral hall of Chung-Ang University Hospital, and the funeral procession is scheduled to take place solemnly at 10 a.m. on the 27th.

Notably, the late Kim Young Dae had remained actively engaged until just one day prior, when he shared posts related to his recently published book The Songwriters and continued interacting with the public. In particular, a pre-recorded episode of Kim Hyun Jung’s News Show featuring him was broadcast on the morning of the 25th. The production team later stated that they received the news of his pαѕѕing only after the program aired and expressed their deepest condolences.

Many friends and fans also expressed their sorrow, leaving reactions such as, “Did you really leave after giving us such a wonderful book?”, “What happened? Was it an α¢¢ι∂єит?”, and “I can’t believe it. May he rest in peace.”

Beyond his connection with BTS, it is worth expanding on the biography of the late veteran critic Kim Young Dae (born in 1977). He completed his doctoral stu∂ιєs in ethnomusicology at the University of Washington in the United States. He contributed music criticism to a wide range of media outlets and appeared not only on domestic platforms but also on NBC, The Washington Post, Asahi Broadcasting, and others to introduce and explain the K-pop phenomenon.

From 2020, he served as a commentator for major award ceremonies such as the Billboard Music Awards and the αмєяι¢αn Music Awards. Beginning in 2023, he participated as a panelist for the кσяєαn broadcast of the Grammy Awards. In addition to BTS: The Review, he authored several other acclaimed critical works on the theme of idols as artists, including Here and Now, K-Culture Trend 2025, and most recently, The Songwriters.

The pαѕѕing of such an exceptional talent at such a young age has left many people heartbroken. Sharing the same sentiment as netizens on this day, ARMYs have expressed their boundless gяιєf and paid tribute to him in commemorative posts, hoping that he may rest in peace:

- It’s truly a waste to lose someone like him, one of the few critics who openly supported BTS. He pαѕѕed away at such a young age, which makes this loss even more нєαятвяєαкιиg. RIP

- Rest in peace. This is so sad. I remember he is the one who praise dynamite when other korean media wont do that

- He is a very familiar name to most of the army here. Condolences to the family.

- This is sad. He was pretty young and seemingly healthy. I'm surprised by this news. May he rest in peace

- I liked his writing about BTS and was delighted to learn that he was an Edmonton Oilers fan due to some time he spent living in Edmonton.

- He was widely recognized as the “national representative KPOP critic” for his consistent engagement with music fans. May he rest in peace.

- Thank you Kim Youngdae-nim for your support and love for our BTS. Your kindness will always be remembered, and my deepest condolences. May you rest in peace 

- Rest in peace to the ∂є¢єαѕєd and thank you for always rooting for BTS

- Kim Youngdae was a huge fan and supporter of BTS for so many years, from their group albums to their solo albums. He even wrote a book in their honor, BTS The Review,I hope he's resting in peace, thank you so much for everything sir we gonna miss you so much 

- Rest in Peace Kim Youngdae. Renowed Music Critic Kim Youngdae pαѕѕed away on Christmas Eve. My deepest condolences