"Be Happy There"... Hyunmi's Colleagues and Fans Pay Tribute

Singer Hyunmi (real name Kim Myung-sun) passed away at the age of 85, prompting tributes from fellow singers and fans.

On the morning of the 4th, at around 9:37 a.m., Hyunmi was found collapsed at her home in Ichon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, and was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Late Hyunmi [Photo by Yonhap News]

Hyunmi had returned home after a singing class performance in Daegu on the 3rd, and passed away on the 4th. Fellow singers and fans expressed disbelief at her sudden passing and continued to mourn. Lee Ja-yeon, president of the Korea Singers Association, said, "She was a senior who always looked after juniors with a positive outlook," expressing sorrow. She added, "It is heartbreaking that we can no longer see her warm welcome. I regret not being able to do more for her," paying tribute.

Singer Jung Hoon-hee said, "Among singers who sing well, she was someone born with talent," and mourned, "She cared for me like a youngest sibling, and it is devastating that she left so suddenly."

Yoo Ji-na said, "She was always a positive senior and a good mentor," and expressed condolences, "All the juniors are saddened by the sudden news."

Kim Heung-guk said, "She was like a warm mother or older sister who always praised juniors and told them to 'work hard on singing' and 'take good care of your throat and health to sing for a long time,'" adding, "My heart aches."

Kim Soo-chan said, "Hyunmi teacher always said that I was the only one who helped her on and off the stage and took care of her meals. Please be happier there," expressing sorrow.

Fans recalled Hyunmi’s appearance on TV Chosun’s 'My Way' last year, where she said, "I will sing for my fans until the day I die," and expressed sadness. They also continue to pay tribute online, remembering the late singer who appeared on Channel A’s 'Pure Age' just two weeks ago on the 20th of last month, sharing her secrets to maintaining health.

Born in 1938 in Pyongyang, the late singer began her career at age 20 in 1957 with a US 8th Army morale-boosting performance. In 1962, her first album, which included the hit song "Night Mist," achieved great popularity.