Korean rock star’s treasured guitar on display in Hollywood

One of Hollywood’s most famous rock-and-roll landmarks is displaying a guitar owned by a South Korean rock musician, the artist said Thursday.

Kim Se-hwang, a 42-year-old guitarist with South Korean rock band “N.E.X.T.,” said his treasured electric guitar has recently become one of the memorabilia items displayed in the flagship Guitar Center store’s front windows in the heart of Hollywood.

The music store hosts Hollywood’s RockWalk, a hall of fame honoring musical artists. Kim is the first Korean guitarist ever honored by the center.

“My guitar was placed in the same show window as world-renowned guitarists such as Eddie Van Halen, Steve Lukather, Kirk Hammett and Slash,” Kim told Yonhap News Agency. “It’s a huge honor for me because this will provide me a chance to be recognized in the guitar-heavy U.S. pop music market.”

Debuting in 1993, Kim has established his career as a guitarist with the Korean bands “N.E.X.T.” and “Novasonic.” He gained attention in the U.S. after collaborating with American rock star Joe Lynn Turner for his new single “Forever” last year. (Yonhap)