"This Is Your World"... Recording Song Hae's Final Story

The People's MC Who Always Dreamed and Worked Hard
First Film Challenge Last Year
A Story of Hope Until the End
"I Want to Comfort and Be with the Public"

Song Hae/Photo by Studio DHL

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] The "oldest active broadcaster" became a movie protagonist for the first time in 66 years since his debut. 95-year-old MC Song Hae (real name Song Bok-hee) greeted the world with his first-ever film, the small-distribution movie "Song Hae 1927." Although the premiere did not attract a rush of media coverage, I brought my laptop, feeling it was a must-attend event. "I love you. Stay healthy. This is your world." That was the last time I covered Song Hae. His voice still vividly echoes in my ears.

Song Hae passed away at the age of 95 on the 8th at his home in Dogok-dong, Seoul. He had been receiving treatment for a chronic illness since January and was diagnosed with COVID-19 in March. Last month, he was hospitalized at Seoul Asan Medical Center. The funeral will be held at Seoul National University Hospital's funeral hall, with the ceremony conducted as a comedian's funeral.

The late Song Hae's final official engagement was the press screening of the film "Song Hae 1927," which tells the story behind his dazzling stage career. The movie chronicles his 33 years as the MC of KBS1's "National Singing Contest," where he traveled nationwide with witty remarks and a warm demeanor.

At the premiere held on November 9 last year at Lotte Cinema Konkuk University in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Song Hae took the microphone and said, "I want to empathize with the public's pain and offer comfort." Reflecting on his childhood, he recalled, "I was a mischievous kid." "While watching the movie, tears flowed uncontrollably. Looking around, I noticed young people interested in my story. I don't even remember how the scenes passed from start to finish. It's embarrassing."

The film also includes the story of 1986 when Song Hae, then a radio DJ for "Roaming the Streets," had to bury his son who died in a traffic accident on Hannam Bridge in Seoul. During filming, Song Hae learned about the music his son had completed, dreaming of becoming a singer. "My son had a traffic accident on Hannam Bridge, and afterward, my heart ached so much that I couldn't cross the bridge. Parents should understand their children's hearts, but I couldn't. He wrote lyrics and arranged music, but I didn't know about it. Regret keeps knocking on my heart..."

Born in 1927, Song Hae lived 66 years as a popular culture figure out of his 95 years. He shared his unique reflections. "In four years, I will have lived 100 years. Looking back, I wonder when the time passed so quickly."

Photo by Studio DHL

Photo by still from the movie 'Songhae 1927'

Until the end, Song Hae spoke of hope and dreamed. "Recently, singers from 'National Singing Contest' have soared in popularity, and I want to dedicate myself to this struggling field. We have suffered from COVID-19, but I hope a bright path of hope will open for future generations. I want to continue comforting those in pain and be with the public."

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, large gatherings became difficult, and KBS's "National Singing Contest" recordings were suspended from March 2020. Song Hae reportedly waited for the situation to improve to resume filming. He showed a strong will to return to the stage until the end, but when his health deteriorated again last month, he declined to participate in the resumed recordings and conveyed his intention to step down to the production team.

Even without "National Singing Contest" recordings, Song Hae remained active without rest by filming the movie. During his lifetime, he received numerous honors, including the Special Achievement Award at the Korea Entertainment Arts Awards, the Achievement Award at the KBS Entertainment Awards, the Achievement Award at the Baeksang Arts Awards, the Achievement Award at the Korea Broadcasting Awards, and the Silver Cultural Medal at the Popular Culture and Arts Awards.

Though he has left us, we will forever remember Song Hae, the "born broadcaster," who dreamed and strived until the very end.