Singer Hong Sinbok, who flavored the 70s with 'Naseonge Gamyeon,' passes away at 72...

Member of the Popular 1970s Group Sesam Trio
Loved by the Public for "Naseonge Gamyeon"
A Life Devoted to Music Despite 30 Years of Illness
Active as a Composer of Hits Like "Godokhan Yeonin"

Hong Sin-bok, a singer who was a member of Sesam Trio and dominated the 1970s music scene, passed away on the 6th at the age of 72.

He became known to the public with his hit song "Naseonge Gamyeon" and was a passionate artist who continued his musical activities despite a long battle with illness.

Born in Daegu in 1953, he formed the Sesam Trio in 1977 with Kwon Seong-hee and Jeon Hang. The following year, they released "Naseonge Gamyeon," a song composed by Gil Ok-yoon. The original title was "El-ei-e Gamyeon" (Going to L.A.), but it was changed to "Naseonge Gamyeon" (Going to Naseong) in accordance with the government's Korean language promotion policy at the time. This song was reappraised and widely loved by all generations when actress Shim Eun-kyung sang it in the 2014 film "Miss Granny."

After his activities with Sesam Trio, Hong Sin-bok formed the Rainbow Trio in 1980 with Kim Young-soo and Ham Young-mi, winning an award at the TBC World Popular Song Festival with the song "Sarang-ui Gilmok" (The Path of Love). Afterwards, he mainly worked as a composer, creating many hit songs such as Kim Soo-hee's "Godokhan Yeonin" (Lonely Lover) and "Iraedo Doeneun Geongayo" (Is This Okay?).

Having undergone dialysis treatment for 30 years due to kidney disease, he opened a YouTube channel in 2022 and consistently uploaded videos of himself singing, never losing his passion for music until the end.

He is survived by his spouse and son. The funeral is being held at Room 1 of Hanil Hospital Funeral Hall in Dobong-gu, Seoul.