17 years have passed since Turtleman (real name Lim Seong-hoon), a member of the mixed group Turtle, known as the 'happy song master,' passed away.

Turtleman, who debuted with the title track 'Seasons' from their first album in 2001, showcased not only unique rapping but also versatile abilities as a producer, lyricist, composer, and arranger. With exciting melodies and hopeful lyrics in songs like 'Come On,' 'Why This,' 'Bingo,' 'Airplane,' and 'Sing Rala,' Turtle received love from people of all ages.

In April 2005, Turtleman, who had left his residence in Jamwon-dong, Seoul, suddenly collapsed and was rushed to the hospital. Transported to the intensive care unit, Turtleman had to undergo surgery twice that year due to myocardial infarction. He appeared healthier than anyone on stage, but his health was precarious.

As a result, Turtleman suspended activities for over a year to recover his health. Fortunately, due to consistent treatment and rehabilitation after surgery, his condition improved. Meanwhile, Turtle was embroiled in a dispute with their former agency regarding the contract for over a year and eventually received a court ruling on Jan. 18, 2007, ordering them to pay 400 million won to their former agency.

Despite this, Turtle continued its activities, releasing their fifth album in 2008. However, on April 2 of that year, a manager stopping by the house due to a schedule found Turtleman collapsed without breathing and rushed him to the hospital, but he eventually left his loved ones. The cause of death was myocardial infarction.

The hospital estimated that Turtleman passed away around 2 a.m. on the 2nd. At the mortuary, condolences poured in from Turtle members Kumbi Corporation and Gii, as well as Lee Young-ja, Kang Won-rae, Hong Rok-gi, Girls' Generation, Super Junior, and Kim Chang-ryeol, among others from the music industry. The deceased was cremated at Suwon Yeonhwa Temple and is currently resting at the Utopia Memorial Hall in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province.

Later, Kumbi noted on a broadcast, “I often think of the weight and responsibility he bore at that time. I still haven't been able to say thank you even once. I believe I am here because of him.”

Subsequently, Turtleman's posthumous album was released to the world. Centered around 'Shoulders Back,' the album included 13 existing hit songs such as 'Airplane,' 'Bingo,' 'Sing Rala,' and 'It’s Been a While.' The agency discovered the posthumous work that the deceased was working on during the sorting of personal belongings at the end of May, and female members Kumbi Corporation and Gii recorded the vocal and rap parts for the posthumous album.

Thus, the masterpieces created and sung by Turtleman have enjoyed consistent love from music fans both then and now.

[Photo] provided

[OSEN]