Gained Popularity as Host of "Stage of Friendship" and "慰問列車"
Broadcaster Lee Sangyong, known as "Popeye Ajussi," passed away on the afternoon of May 9. He was 81 years old.
According to a representative from his agency, Emade Entertainment, Mr. Lee suddenly collapsed around 12:45 p.m. that day while returning from a hospital near his home in Seocho-gu, Seoul. He was transported to the emergency room but ultimately passed away.
It has been reported that his family members, who reside overseas, are currently returning to Korea after hearing the news.
Born in 1944 in Seocheon, South Chungcheong Province, Mr. Lee made his debut as an MC on CBS Christian Broadcasting in 1971. He gained attention in 1973 when he appeared as an assistant MC on MBC's "Cheerful Cheongbaekjeon."
He earned the nickname "Popeye" while hosting children's programs in the 1970s. From 1975, he hosted the KBS children's song program "Let's Gather and Sing" for nine years. In an interview with the Chosun Ilbo last year, he commented on the "Popeye" moniker, saying, "I liked how Popeye, though small in stature, stood up confidently to the big Bluto, and the fact that he was always with his tall girlfriend Olive reminded me of my own wife, who is taller than me. When I introduce myself as 'Popeye,' no one fails to recognize me, so I think I've lived a good life."
Mr. Lee received nationwide love as the host of MBC's "Stage of Friendship," which aired from 1989 to 1997. In order to comfort soldiers, he visited 4,300 military units, and 800 military uniforms were custom-made for him. During filming, even helicopters and tanks were mobilized. In the mid-1980s, he also served as the second MC for KBS's "National Singing Contest."
In 1999, on MBC's "Beautiful Life," he was active as a "silver broadcaster," serving as a companion to the elderly and bridging generations. At the end of last year, he appeared as an award presenter at the MBC Entertainment Awards, offering words of encouragement to his juniors.
The funeral will be held in Room 1 at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital.
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