'Saluinui Chueok' and 'Yeongja-ui Jeonseongsidae' Song Jae-ho Passes Away on the 7th
Frequently Portrayed the Minimal Conscience Tormented by the Era's Misfortunes
Inspired Courage in Many Beyond the Screen
The film Memories of Murder (2003) sheds light on the Hwaseong serial murders. Despite the establishment of a special investigation headquarters, the whereabouts of the culprit remain unknown. When Detective Shin Dong-cheol (played by Song Jae-ho) takes charge, the investigation gains momentum. They identify a pattern where incidents occur every time Yoo Jae-ha’s “Melancholy Letter” plays on the radio program Evening Popular Songs. Upon hearing “Melancholy Letter” once again, Detective Shin urgently makes a phone call. “Hey, declare a state of emergency and send two companies of riot police. It’s because we have information, isn’t it? It’s tonight. It’s going to happen immediately.”
The investigation does not proceed as planned. Detective Shin frowns and lights a cigarette. “There’s not a single soldier left. The riot police have all gone out to suppress protests in downtown Suwon.” Another woman is murdered. A victim unprotected in a bleak era of oppression. An indelible historical record and wound. Detective Shin hangs his head in despair like a sinner. When asked about the direction of the investigation by reporters, he cannot say a word.
The helplessness portrayed by veteran actor Song Jae-ho is not unfamiliar. It is the face of those of us who have suffered long under dictatorship and corruption. It points to the minimal conscience that agonized over the misfortunes of the era. With a heavy and generous expression, he conveys futility and emptiness.
Song, who candidly depicted the joys and sorrows of life, passed away on the 7th at the age of 83. He was born in Pyongyang. After graduating from Dong-A University with a degree in Korean Language and Literature, he worked as a voice actor at KBS Busan Broadcasting Station starting in 1959. He embarked on his acting career with the 1964 film Haksa Jujeom. In 1968, he was selected as a special recruit talent by KBS.
He often pointed to turbulent times on the silver screen. With a sorrowful face, he made audiences reflect on painful memories. His role as Chang-su in the film Yeong-ja’s Heydays (1975) is a representative example. Chang-su embraces Yeong-ja (played by Yeom Bok-soon), who is driven to the edge. Yeong-ja symbolizes the marginalized youth who faced countless setbacks during the economic development of the 1970s. After becoming disabled due to a tragic traffic accident, she falls into prostitution. Chang-su is both a window into a tragic life and a savior. He takes Yeong-ja to the hospital to treat her venereal disease and frequents the red-light district daily, as she cannot refuse clients. He even secretly takes her to a bathhouse late at night to bathe her.
“I’ve been giving myself up like this, so I don’t even feel ashamed. What would others say if they saw me? These days, I keep worrying about what others think for no reason. Everything I do feels embarrassing. Until recently, I didn’t care about others’ opinions. Maybe it’s because of Chang-su.” “Because of me? Why?” “I don’t know. But ever since Chang-su appeared, I keep feeling ashamed for no reason.”
With a kind face, he warmly embraces the hardships women endured at the time. He regards the woman he loves not as an object of desire but as a human being, becoming her support. Off-screen, he inspired many people with courage. In particular, in 2012, as a member of the Korean Broadcasting Actors Union, he did not hesitate to participate in a filming boycott to demand overdue payments from KBS. In an interview during his lifetime, he said, “I personally don’t worry about making a living, but I made this decision for the junior actors who need this money to survive.”
He was also deeply interested in the environment and children. In 1999, he served as a publicity committee member for the Hanam International Environmental Expo Organizing Committee, and until recently, he was president of the Wildlife Management Association. In 2010, he served as an ambassador for Holt Children’s Services and the Cultural Heritage Love Children’s Creative Song Festival, among other roles.
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