Kim Chang-ik

Kim Chang-ik, 50, a member of the Korean rock trio Sanulrim, has died in Vancouver, Canada. The cause of his death has not yet been confirmed, but it is believed that he succumbed to injuries sustained in a car crash.

Sanulrim also spelled as Sanullim, is a South Korean power trio rock band comprising three brothers.

They are listed as the first rock band to gain a wide following from K-pop or Korean pop. The name of the group means “Mountain Echo’’ in Korean and the three members are all brothers _ Kim Chang-wan, the oldest, sang vocals and played guitar, while Kim Chang-hun played rhythm guitar, bass and keyboards and Kim Chang-ik, the drums
``We heard that it might have been a traffic accident or an accident that happened while removing snow. Kim Chang-wan is leaving for Canada on Jan. 30,’’ said an unnamed representative of Sanulrim, according to the Korea Times.

The rock trio debuted in 1977 with the album “Anibeolsseo’’ (Ah! Already?). After that the group released many hit songs over 30 years ranging from rock songs and ballads to children’s songs.

Kim Chang-wan is currently active as a musician and actor in Korea. Last year, he starred in the hit dramas ``Behind the White Tower’’ and ``Coffee Prince.’’

Kim Chang-hun resides in Los Angeles with his family.

The late Kim Chang-ik’s last public appearance in Korea was the “Sanulrim 30th Anniversary Concert” in 2006.

He is survived by his wife and two sons, Shin-young,16 and Shin-hwan 22.