Seo Jae-min Death Confirmed: First-Generation Hip-Hop Producer Artisan Beats Passes at 47
Feb. 25, 2026 — Seoul, South Korea — Seo Jae-min, professionally known as Artisan Beats (also spelled Atison Beats), a pioneering figure in Korean hip-hop, died on February 17, 2026, at the age of 47, according to multiple reports confirming the Seo Jae-min death.
The news of the Seo Jae-min death surfaced belatedly on February 24 when the official Facebook page of the Bulhandang crew announced his passing, prompting tributes from longtime colleagues including rappers A.J. (Kim Ji-hong) and Minos (also known as Mainos or Myuno). No cause was disclosed in the reports.[1][2]
Tributes from Colleagues
A.J., who collaborated with Seo Jae-min for 30 years at Master Plan Allstarz, posted on social media:
Jaemin, thank you for hanging out with me for 30 years. Rest comfortably now.
Minos shared a similar sentiment:
I hope you rest in peace, hyung.
Music critic Kang Il-kwon mourned the loss, calling Seo Jae-min a “witness to Korean hip-hop”:
One of the witnesses of Korean hip-hop, half of Da Crew and a member of Bulhandang Crew, Artisan Beats has passed away… May he rest in peace.[3]
The Seo Jae-min death also spotlighted past connections, such as comedian Defconn’s 2012 mention on Radio Star of rooming with someone nicknamed “Satan,” Seo’s early stage name.[4]
Career Highlights
Born in 1979, Seo Jae-min was part of the early Korean hip-hop scene, known for his “muk-tong” (dark, heavy) production style. He debuted with the duo Da Crew alongside Seven, performed at Master Plan Allstarz club, and was affiliated with the Bulhandang crew. Initially using the alias “Satan” for his darker tracks, he later adopted Artisan Beats due to family religious concerns.
Notable releases included the 2014 single “Jimmy Chu” with Bon Kim and the 2015 EP Choon (Spring). Planned follow-ups for summer, autumn, and winter seasons remained unreleased at the time of the Seo Jae-min death.[5]
The Seo Jae-min death has left the Korean hip-hop community in mourning, with outlets like allkpop, Maeil Business Newspaper, and Xports News covering the tributes and legacy as details emerge.
