Have You Seen This Man Before?
If you’ve watched popular Korean dramas like My Love from the Star (별에서 온 그대) or It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (사이코지만 괜찮아), you may recognize Kim Chang-wan as the wise and eccentric older character (Sometimes evil). His roles in these dramas have made him familiar to international audiences, but what many may not realize is that he is not just an actor—he is also a legendary musician in South Korea. While younger generations and foreign fans may not know his full legacy, Kim Chang-wan is a key figure in Korean music history. Let’s explore his remarkable career.
Music Career: From Rock Legend to Children’s Songs
The Beginning with Sanullim (산울림)
Kim Chang-wan started his music career as the frontman of Sanullim, a rock band he formed with his two brothers in 1977. Their debut album, Already Now (아니 벌써), made a huge impact on the Korean music scene with its raw sound, playful lyrics, and psychedelic rock influences. At a time when Korean pop music was dominated by ballads and folk tunes, Sanullim brought a fresh and rebellious energy that connected with young listeners. Their unique blend of garage rock and experimental sounds has since influenced countless Korean musicians.
Already Now – 1st track of the album ‘Already Now’
Childrens’s Music Career
In 1977, Sanullim (산울림) had to find songs that could pass strict censorship by government , leading them to create a children’s song-style pop track. His warm voice and storytelling ability made his children’s music both entertaining and educational, proving his versatility as an artist.
Here are the representative children’s music of Sanullim.
Sanullim continued their creation until 1997 making 13 albums. In 2006, Sanullim announced their reunion to prepare for their 14th album. However, in 2008, drummer Kim Chang-ik tragically passed away in an unexpected accident in Canada, leading to the band’s official disbandment.
Kim Chang-wan Band (김창완 밴드): A New Rock Chapter
Never one to stop making music, he formed Kim Chang-wan Band in the 2008 returning to his rock roots with a modern twist. The band still performs, keeping his legacy alive while attracting new fans who appreciate his timeless energy and artistry.
Editor’s favourite performance of the Kim Chang-wan Band
A Lasting Influence on Korean Music
Meaning of You (너의 의미) by IU with Kim Chang-wan (song originally from Sanullim’s 10th album)
Kim Chang-wan’s impact on Korean music extends beyond his own performances. Many contemporary artists, including Jang Ki-ha and the Faces (장기하와 얼굴들), Lee Juck (이적), and IU (아이유), have cited him as an inspiration. In fact, IU even collaborated with him on the song Meaning of You (너의 의미), a heartfelt remake of his classic hit. His ability to bridge generations of musicians has secured his status as a major pioneer in Korean pop and rock.
Kim Chang-wan’s Acting Career: The Familiar Face from K-Dramas
His music career alone is enough to make him legendary. In addition to that, he has built an impressive acting portfolio. He has appeared in numerous dramas, often playing eccentric, wise, or mysterious characters that leave a lasting impression.
Notable Works for International Audiences
- My Love from the Star (별에서 온 그대) (2013-2014) – Played the role of Jang Young-mok (장영목), a trusted friend of the alien protagonist.
- It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (사이코지만 괜찮아) (2020) – Played Dr. Oh Ji-wang (오지왕), a compassionate yet quirky psychiatrist.
This one is not really notable yet highly recommended.
- Behind the White Tower (하얀 거탑) (2007) – Played Dr. Woo Yong-gil (우용길), a dedicated and experienced medical professional in the hospital’s hierarchy.
His ability to bring depth and charm to his roles has earned him recognition in the Korean entertainment industry.
A Legend in Music and Entertainment
Kim Chang-wan is a true Renaissance man—an artist whose influence spans multiple generations and industries. Whether through the innovative music of Sanullim, known for its raw sound and experimental rock influences, his solo works, or his charismatic performances in dramas, he has made a lasting impact on Korean culture. For those who only know him from K-dramas, exploring his music will reveal another side of this incredibly talented artist. Kim Chang-wan is not just an actor, but a living legend in Korean music history.
I would like to finish the article with his heart touching advice to the radio listener of his.
To the Listener,
Hello, this is Kim Chang-wan. Hearing that you’ve lost so much weight that your bones are showing makes me feel concerned for you. But I think it might be because you’re being too sensitive—perhaps even a perfectionist. Life doesn’t unfold as neatly as if it were measured with a ruler.
Try to be a little more flexible.
Right now, I’ll start drawing circles freely in the empty spaces.
I ended up drawing forty-seven circles. Among them, only two with check marks look somewhat decent.
Work life is similar—out of forty-seven days of work, if just two of them feel smooth and perfect, that’s already something.
Don’t get too caught up in every single day.
Even so, would you call the circles I drew squares or triangles instead? No, they are still circles—just a bit misshapen.
And that’s what our daily lives are like as well.
From Chang-wan.
