On the 8th, Original 'National MC' Song Hae Passes Away at Age 95
Led Nationwide Singing Contest for 34 Years Since 1988
"A True Great Star and Mentor"... Waves of Condolences Continue
Broadcaster Song Hae, the oldest active MC of the nationwide singing contest, passed away on the 8th. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Song Hae (95, Song Bok-hee), known as the "Man of Sunday" who was responsible for the nation's weekend afternoons, has passed away. Having called himself an entertainer throughout his life, he shared the joys and sorrows of the entire nation with his eloquent storytelling and humble smile. The number of citizens he met through the singing contest stage alone reached a staggering 10 million.
Song Hae was born in Jaeryeong, Hwanghae Province in 1927 and majored in vocal music at Haeju Arts School. During the Korean War, he fled alone to the South and debuted in 1955 through the Changgong Opera Troupe. He was a veteran broadcaster who had been active in the entertainment industry for 66 years.
Despite his advanced age, the late Song Hae was known for his excellent stamina, often traveling to regional recordings using public transportation. However, his health began to decline this year. He was hospitalized for health issues in January and last month and received treatment. In March, he was diagnosed with COVID-19, causing widespread concern. The nationwide singing contest recordings, which had been suspended for some time due to COVID-19, resumed last month after about two years, but Song Hae reportedly expressed his intention to step down to the production team due to his age and physical condition. He passed away on the morning of the 8th at his home in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
Song Hae first took the microphone in May 1988 during the nationwide singing contest in Seongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do. He became the fifth MC of the nationwide singing contest, following Lee Han-pil, Lee Sang-yong, Go Kwang-soo, and Choi Seon-gyu. Except for a six-month break in 1991 due to poor health, he never missed a recording until his later years, showing great dedication and sincerity to the program. Over the past 34 years, he traveled across the country, delivering laughter and emotion while connecting with contestants and audiences.
Many contestants who became topics of conversation are as historic as the program itself. In 2017, a contestant who appeared in Hampyeong, Jeollanam-do, became famous as the "Bee Man" after coming out covered in a swarm of bees. In 2019, Ji Byung-soo, who appeared in Jongno-gu, Seoul, earned the nickname "Hal(dad) Dambi" by performing Son Dam-bi's "Crazy" with his unique rhythm. Singer-songwriter Lee Jung-kwon earned the nickname "Salmon Master" by singing Kang San-ae's "Like the Strong Salmon Swimming Upstream" during the Gangneung, Gangwon-do episode in 2015.
The nationwide singing contest led by the late Song Hae was a "generation-integrating stage" enjoyed by people of all ages. Grandma Lee Hwa-rye, the "oldest contestant" at 115 years old, showcased outstanding dance skills in the Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi-do episode. The video of 3-year-old Shim Jin-hwa, the youngest contestant, charmingly performing Jang Yoon-jung's song "Eomeona" with choreography, recently went viral, garnering over 6 million views. After the stage, Song Hae warmly comforted Shim, who burst into tears, leaving viewers touched.
It was also a genuine "star gateway" that produced many trot stars. Countless stars have passed through this stage, including Lim Young-woong, Song Ga-in, Lee Chan-won, Jung Dong-won, and Park Sang-chul. In 1993, Park Sang-chul, who was working as a hairdresser at the time, appeared in the Samcheok episode and won the grand prize, leading him to pursue a career as a singer. Lim Young-woong won the grand prize in the Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do episode in 2016. Song Ga-in won the grand prize by passionately singing "Jeongmal Johaenne" in the Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do episode, and Lee Chan-won won the grand prize after four attempts since his first appearance at age 13 in 2008.
On the 8th, a citizen is viewing exhibition items at the Songhae Memorial Hall within Songhae Park, Okyeonji, Dalseong-gun, Daegu. [Image source=Yonhap News]
As the late Song Hae once said, "Even if you have nothing, knowing many people is wealth," a wave of condolences from celebrities connected through broadcasting followed after the news of his passing was announced.
After hearing the sad news, Song Ga-in expressed her condolences on her Instagram, saying, "Thank you for being the first to recognize my talent and guide me. I will never forget your sincere congratulations even after I succeeded." Comedian Lee Yong-sik, who met Song Hae 47 years ago, also posted on social media, "Please shout out the nationwide singing contest you loved so much powerfully in heaven as the 'Heavenly Singing Contest.' That elder was the sea. I love you." Broadcaster Lee Hyun-woo said on his KBS radio show, "I think many will miss Song Hae, a true great star and mentor."
Meanwhile, Song Hae was recognized for his contributions with awards such as the Korea Entertainment Arts Awards Special Achievement Award, KBS Entertainment Awards Achievement Award, Baeksang Arts Awards Achievement Award, Korea Broadcasting Awards Achievement Award, and the Order of Cultural Merit, Silver Crown. His funeral will be held at Seoul National University Hospital's funeral hall and conducted as a comedian's funeral by the Comedians Association.
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