'Tae Jin-ah, Rival of Song Dae-gwan, Mourns the Late Singer'
"Song Dae-gwan Was a 'Companion' to Me"
Democratic Party Member Park Ji-won Also Deeply Saddened
"Daegwan, How Could You Leave So Suddenly?"
“National singer” Song Dae-gwan passed away on the morning of the 7th at the age of 79, prompting fellow singers to express their sorrow and pay tribute to the late artist.
Tae Jin-ah, who was known as a representative duo in the trot music scene with the late Song Dae-gwan during their lifetimes, said in a phone interview with Yonhap News, “No matter what anyone says, when you mention senior singer Song Dae-gwan, he was a heroic singer from Honam and a star among stars in the Korean trot scene.” He added, “It really breaks my heart. I had set the breakfast table this morning, but I couldn’t even pick up my spoon,” showing his deep sorrow.
Tae Jin-ah was famous for forming a rivalry with Song Dae-gwan that boosted their popularity. In reality, the two were close friends who often appeared together on TV variety shows and music stages, showcasing their wit, and even held joint performances under the name “Rival Concert.”
Tae Jin-ah said, “Senior Song Dae-gwan was like a ‘companion’ to me in life,” adding, “He described our relationship as ‘thread and needle,’ and for nearly 30 years, we were rivals on broadcasts. Because of that, we held rival concerts together and even filmed several commercials side by side.”
In a phone call with MyDaily, Tae Jin-ah also expressed his sadness, saying, “We talked just a month ago. We asked each other how we were doing. I asked, ‘Are you doing well, hyungnim?’... He said the surgery went well... I have to get to the funeral home quickly. This is a big loss,” repeatedly expressing his deep grief.
On April 9, 2020, singer Song Dae-gwan (right) is campaigning in support of Park Ji-won, then a Minsaeng Party candidate running for the Mokpo electoral district in Jeonnam. Photo by Yonhap News
Park Ji-won, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, also mourned the late singer, saying, “Daegwan-ah! How could you leave so suddenly?” On social media, Park posted, “You were the one who was ‘the bright and sunny day,’ yet you too have finally gone.” He continued, “I forgive you,” and recalled, “When I scolded your wife, you said, ‘Hyungnim, she is from a wealthy family with a university dance major, but she married and raised children with a humble person like me. I never blame my wife,’ showing your love and protecting her. When there was a report about a financial dispute with overseas compatriots, I stepped up to pay it off, and you cried calling me hyungnim.” He added, “You never hesitated to support election campaigns no matter how far the distance, and even now, I quote your song lyrics in my writings. I can’t believe you’re gone like this.” He concluded, “Rest in peace now. Take a rest. Please watch over your wife and nephews from heaven.”
“Filial daughter singer” Hyun Sook also could not hide her grief over the sudden news, saying, “My heart aches so much, it hurts.” Hyun Sook recalled, “Song Dae-gwan oppa lived his life with clear self-confidence and pride. He had strong pride but also guided juniors well.” She added, “Every time I met oppa, he would always pat my back and warmly say, ‘Work hard~,’ which I remember fondly.” She said, “Because Song Dae-gwan and I are from nearby hometowns, I relied on him a lot during my singing career. So today’s news of his passing felt like the sky was falling. My heart aches deeply and painfully.”
Singer Kim Heung-guk expressed his sorrow, comparing Song Dae-gwan’s rise to stardom with his hit song “Haettulnal” after a long period of obscurity to his own hit “Horangnabi” gaining recognition years after its release. Kim said, “Hyun-chul hyung also passed away not long ago, and now this sad event has happened again.” He added, “Song Dae-gwan was a warm person who was very down-to-earth, kind, and treated juniors well, so it breaks my heart.” He continued, “As a junior, I hope he goes to a good place and continues to sing many good songs.”
According to the bereaved family, Song visited the emergency room at Seoul National University Hospital the day before due to poor condition and suddenly passed away from a heart attack on the morning of the day during treatment. It was also reported that Song had been hospitalized recently for candidiasis but was discharged after his condition improved.
Song Dae-gwan debuted in 1967 with “Injeong Maneun Ajusshi” and rose to fame in 1975 with the hit “Haettulnal.” He released many hit songs such as “Nebakja,” “Yuhaengga,” and “Chapyohanjang,” and was called one of the “Big Four Kings of Trot” alongside Tae Jin-ah, Hyun-chul, and Seol Woon-do. Despite battling cancer and various illnesses for years, which weakened his health, Song continued to actively appear on TV music programs until recently.
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