[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Broadcaster Song Hae, known as the 'oldest active MC,' passed away on the 8th at the age of 95.
According to police and medical sources, Song passed away at his home on that day.
Song, who had been hospitalized and treated at Seoul Asan Hospital last month, had been subject to ongoing health concerns after his physical strength weakened following a COVID-19 diagnosis in March.
At that time, his agency stated that he had been regularly hospitalized for treatment and examinations to manage his chronic pneumonia, and that his condition was not critical.
Song's absence from the outdoor filming of KBS1's music program 'National Singing Contest' Yangju episode, held on the 7th at Yangju Byeolsandae Nori Madang in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province, sparked renewed health rumors.
He was reported to have recently told the production team of National Singing Contest, "I am not confident in my health, so I think it is time to quit." He also did not appear at the filming of the National Singing Contest Yeonggwang County episode held on the 4th at the special stage in Beopseongpo New Town, Yeonggwang County, Jeollanam-do.
On that day, Song Hae's side stated that there was no major health issue, but the long journey to Jeonnam was burdensome, so he could not accompany them. Instead of confirming his departure, the production team was continuing discussions on various options, including participation in studio recordings.
Song Hae was born in 1927 in Jaeryeong, Hwanghae Province. He studied vocal music at Haeju Arts School and debuted in 1955 on the stage of the 'Changgong Opera Troupe.' During the Korean War in 1951, he fled to Busan with the evacuation group. He appeared in dramas and variety shows such as 'Single Ne Beongle Ne' (1981), KBS 2TV's 'Look Back at Me,' MBC TV's 'Semobang: All the Broadcasts in the World,' and TV Chosun's 'Bukae Jeonseong Sidae.' In 2015, he received the Special Award at the 10th Korea Social Contribution Awards.
Since 1988, he had hosted KBS 1TV's 'National Singing Contest,' establishing himself as the oldest active MC. Except for about six months from May to October 1994, when announcer Kim Seondong hosted due to a program reorganization, he maintained the public recording stage for 34 years, meeting over 10 million people.
In recognition of this, Song Hae was listed in the Guinness World Records in April as the 'Oldest TV music talent show host.' At that time, Song said, "It is thanks to the viewers of the Republic of Korea who have cherished National Singing Contest for many years."
Besides National Singing Contest, Song actively appeared in various variety programs and dramas as a cameo. In 2011, he showcased his remarkable vitality by holding a nationwide solo concert tour. As a vocal music major, he also demonstrated outstanding singing skills as a singer with 12 album releases.
He is survived by two daughters. His wife, Seok Oki, passed away in 2018. His son, Changjin, died earlier in 1994 in a motorcycle accident.
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