On March 27, 2025, Kim Jeong-Shik, widely recognized as DJ Tukutz from the acclaimed South Korean hip-hop trio Epik High, received accolades for his valiant intervention during a violent incident.
Recent reports from various media outlets have shed light on DJ Tukutz’s brave actions as he stepped in to shield an elderly security guard from a vicious assault near a Gangnam apartment complex in Seoul.
The troubling event came to public attention through a segment on JTBC’s Crime Chief and was later confirmed by Tukutz himself in an Epik High YouTube post dated March 26, 2025.
The Incident Unfolds
The confrontation began when a delivery driver, disregarding the building’s regulations, rode his motorcycle onto the property. When the security guard, a man in his sixties, attempted to enforce the rules, the situation rapidly deteriorated.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that the delivery driver reacted with aggression, launching a physical assault on the security guard. Witnesses heard him tauntingly shout, “Don’t you know who I am?”as he unleashed punches and kicks.
When Tukutz, who was later identified by bystanders, intervened, the assailant turned his aggression towards him, forcefully striking Tukutz’s head against the wall before fleeing the scene. As a result of the altercation, the elderly security guard suffered facial injuries that would necessitate three weeks of recovery.
Tukutz’s Casual Revelation
Tukutz nonchalantly referred to his involvement during a barbecue session shared on Epik High’s official YouTube channel, where he showed the news clip of the altercation to his fellow bandmates, Tablo and Mithra Jin.
Public Reaction and Support
The online community has expressed overwhelming admiration for Tukutz’s courageous actions in rescuing the elderly security guard. Fans took to X to voice their support:
“HUGE RESPECT!!”
“Wow mad Respect for DJ Tukutz,”a fan commented.
“Respect to DJ Tukutz for stepping up and doing the right thing,”another praised.
“Tukutz mentioned he appeared in the news. Some were unaware that he intervened as the concerned citizen who stopped an assault,”noted a fan.
“Reason number 2837 why Tukutz is awesome,”wrote another.
“Who would dare to intervene in such a situation? Tukutz ran in to save the old man. This truly shows his strength of character. Huge respect for Tukutz,”another fan added.
About Epik High
Epik High is a leading force in the South Korean music industry, particularly within the hip-hop realm. Established in 2001, the group comprises rapper and songwriter Tablo (Lee Sun-Woong, a.k.a. Daniel Armand Lee), lyricist Mithra Jin (Choi Jin), and DJ and producer DJ Tukutz (Kim Jeong-Shik).
Renowned for their impactful lyrics, innovative fusion of hip-hop with alternative and electronica styles, and their advocacy on pressing social issues, Epik High has cultivated a dedicated fanbase both domestically and worldwide.
Initially emerging from Seoul’s underground hip-hop scene, Tablo and Mithra Jin were first introduced through the “Movement Crew,”a collective striving to raise social and political awareness through music.
Tukutz, recognized for his DJing talents since 1995, later joined the pair. Though the group faced several challenges, including financial hardships, they officially debuted in 2003 with their critically acclaimed album, Map of Human Soul.
Over the years, Epik High has consistently pushed musical boundaries while garnering numerous accolades. Their notable projects, like Swan Songs (2005), featuring the hit single “Fly,”which gained fame from the FIFA 07 video game soundtrack, and Remapping the Human Soul (2007), have solidified their status in music history.
Their most recent release, PUMP COLLECTOR’S EDITION, hit the shelves in October 2024, following their two-part album Epik High Is Here, released in 2021 and 2022.