Three Years Since Song Hae Passed Away on June 8, 2022
A Festive Atmosphere Filled with Songs and Dances
It has been three years since Song Hae, who was recognized as the "original national MC" and the "oldest active entertainer" for hosting KBS 1TV's "National Singing Contest" for over 30 years, passed away on June 8, 2022.
On the 8th, the "3rd Anniversary Memorial Ceremony for the Late Song Hae" was held at Songhae Art Hall in Guro-gu, Seoul.
On the morning of the 8th, the "3rd Anniversary Memorial Ceremony for the Late Song Hae" was held at Songhae Art Hall in Guro-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
Yonhap News reported that the memorial ceremony was filled with songs and dances, creating a festive atmosphere befitting the late Song Hae, a master of wit and laughter. During the Jino-gwigut ritual, shaman Park Sumudang said, "It seems that everyone here came because they miss me. It is so wonderful that so many people have not forgotten me and came here like this," while gently holding the hands of the attendees.
Through her own voice, she conveyed the words of the deceased and slowly looked around the audience of about 200 seats, as if capturing the last sights of this world.
On stage, a ritual table was set with flowers, fruit, and rice cakes, and a photo of the late Song Hae holding a microphone was displayed. As traditional music played, Park Sumudang comforted the spirit of the deceased and, at times, conveyed his feelings, heightening the atmosphere.
Under the direction of master shaman Lee Pyeongja, shamans dressed in colorful ritual attire performed abbreviated versions of traditional rituals such as "Baegarugi" and "Doryeongdolgi," which are meant to open the way for the deceased to peacefully cross over to the afterlife.
After more than an hour of the ritual, those who had connections with the late Song Hae paid their respects with deep bows and shared drinks, concluding a long farewell.
Kim Seongho, chairman of the Songhae Culture and Arts Promotion Association, encouraged everyone to partake in the ritual drink, saying, "I hope we can carry on Song Hae's spirit."
On the morning of the 8th, the "3rd Anniversary Memorial Ceremony for the Late Song Hae" was held at Songhae Art Hall in Guro-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
Following this, a concert titled "Song Hae Love Music Concert" was held, featuring performances by singers. The event was attended by singer Hyun Sook, singer and actor Kim Seonghwan, Jeong Gayoung, Choi Youngcheol, and others.
Previously, Song Hae passed away at his home in Dogok-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on June 8, 2022. He was 95 years old. He was laid to rest next to his wife's grave at Songhae Park in Dalseong-gun, Daegu.
Born in 1927 in Jaeryeong-gun, Hwanghae-do, Song Hae entered Haeju Arts School in Hwanghae-do at the age of 22 in 1949 to study vocal music. During the Korean War, he fled to Yeonpyeongdo and then traveled by US Navy ship to Busan. As a displaced person who crossed the sea, it is said that he chose "Hae" (meaning "sea") as his stage name from that time.
In 1988, Song Hae became the MC of "National Singing Contest," earning nationwide love as the "national MC." He hosted the program for 34 years until 2022, traveling across the country, and set a record as the longest-serving host in the history of Korean broadcasting. He was also listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the "Oldest TV music talent show host," drawing widespread attention.
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