Korean-American singer Sam Kim dedicated his song 'Don't Worry' – originally written for his mother – to his late father. Photo: Handout
Korean-American singer Sam Kim's father, Kim Han-soo, was shot dead during a robbery that took place at a teriyaki restaurant in Seattle, Washington in the United States. He was 58.
The news was confirmed by Sam's agency, Antenna Music, in a statement on Thursday (Jan 26).
"We have confirmed that the news reported about the death of Sam Kim’s father is true. We would be grateful if you could convey your condolences to Sam Kim who lost his father so that your warmth could reach him and pray for the deceased. May he rest in peace," the statement read.
Reports say that the armed robbery happened on Jan 13 at around 8.30pm.
Sam's father, who's also the co-owner of the restaurant, was shot in the chest and succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
According to Allkpop, the funeral was held at a church in Seattle on the evening of Jan 24 and was attended by 200 people from the Korean-American community, including Seo Eun-ji – the current Consul General of the Republic Of Korea Consulate General in Seattle.
Sam has since changed the lyrics of his song, Don't Worry – which was originally written for his mother – to now be dedicated to his late father.
The 24-year-old gained popularity in 2014 after emerging as the first runner-up in the South Korean reality television competition show, K-pop Star 3.
Sam is known for songs like 4:30, No Sense and These Walls. He also served as the opening act for Charlie Puth's Nine Track Mind Tour concert in Seoul in 2016.
