Photo: Igor Moukhin / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
Viktor Tsoi, born on June 21, 1962 in Saint Petersburg, Russia, was a poet, actor and singer. Viktor Tsoi died on August 15, 1990, aged 28. Notable works include The Star Called Sun.
My Take
Viktor Tsoi feels less like a musician and more like a generational pressure valve, and that is why his legend has only grown since his death in 1990. Co-founding Kino, he gave Soviet youth a voice that was urgent yet strangely tender, and the fact that he died at just 28 froze him forever in that defiant prime. His mixed Russian and Koryo-saram heritage adds a layer of outsider authenticity I find compelling. Songs like The Star Called Sun transcend language for me; you feel the longing before you understand a word. He is a true cultural lodestar.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Viktor Tsoi
- Name (Japanese)
- ヴィクトル・ツォイ
- Reading
- ゔぃくとる・つぉい
- Born
- June 21, 1962 – August 15, 1990
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Gemini / Tiger
- Origin
- Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Occupation
- poet / actor / singer / guitarist / composer
2. Works & records
| Category | Title | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notable work | The Star Called Sun | — |
3. Links
4. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-17
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.
Frequently asked questions
When was Viktor Tsoi born?
Born June 21, 1962.
When did Viktor Tsoi die?
Died August 15, 1990, aged 28.
Where was Viktor Tsoi from?
Viktor Tsoi was from Saint Petersburg, Russia.
What did Viktor Tsoi do?
Viktor Tsoi worked as poet, actor, singer, guitarist, composer.
What was Viktor Tsoi known for?
Notable works include The Star Called Sun.
Poet — see all → · Actor — see all → · More people from Russia →