National Tenor Park In-su, Former Seoul National University Professor, Who Sang 'Hyangsu', Passes Away

National tenor Park In-su, former professor at Seoul National University, has passed away at the age of 85.

According to the vocal music community on the 2nd, Professor Park In-su passed away from old age on the 28th of last month (local time) at a hospital in Los Angeles, USA.

Born in Seoul in 1938, he entered Seoul National University College of Music in 1959 through self-study. After debuting as a vocalist in 1962, he gained recognition in 1967 as the lead role in Weber's opera "Der Freisch?tz" with the National Opera Company.

He moved to the United States in 1970 and studied at the Juilliard School and Manhattan School of Music. He performed leading roles in numerous operas such as "La Boh?me," "Tosca," and "Rigoletto" in the US and Canada.

Appointed as a professor in the vocal music department at Seoul National University in 1983, he released "Hyangsu" (Nostalgia) together with singer Lee Dong-won, which created a great sensation. Although there was criticism at the time that it "disrespected vocal music," it was also praised for popularizing classical music through its great popularity.

"Hyangsu (鄕愁)," a poem by poet Jeong Ji-yong set to music by composer Kim Hee-gap, has sold over 1.3 million copies since its release in 1989, becoming a steady seller.

After retiring from Seoul National University in 2003, he served as a distinguished professor at Baekseok University and as dean of the graduate school of music. He was awarded the Silver Crown Cultural Medal in 2011.

He is survived by his wife Ahn Hee-bok, honorary professor at Hansei University College of Music, and his son, flutist Park Sang-jun. The funeral service will be held locally in LA on the 3rd at 6 p.m.