Seo Yu-seok (80), a first-generation folk singer in Korea, has been elected as the 8th chairman of the Mapo Cultural Foundation.
The Mapo Cultural Foundation announced on the 11th that Seo Yu-seok officially took office as the new chairman on June 1, with a two-year term ending on May 31, 2027.
Chairman Seo Yu-seok, who marks his 57th anniversary since debuting as a first-generation folk singer, was awarded the Order of Civil Merit, Magnolia Medal, in 2022 for his contributions to public safety. He debuted in 1968 as a folk pop singer at an underground live club and released numerous hit songs such as "Samohaneun Maeum," "Tabaknae," "Ganeun Sewol," "Areumdaun Saram," and "Hollo Arirang."
He hosted radio programs for about 40 years, including MBC's "Blue Traffic Light," TBS Seoul Traffic Broadcasting's "Start Seoul Grand Parade," and TBN Korea Traffic Broadcasting. Last year, after a 20-year hiatus, he released a new song titled "Why Do They Have to Cry (Why)" and performed on stage at the Mapo Arts Center Art Hall Mac with younger folk singers.
Chairman Seo stated, "Mapo is a place where the roots of art run deep and youthful creative energy thrives. As chairman, I will do my utmost to serve as a strong support that nurtures the region's cultural diversity and the potential of artists, so that citizens can enjoy culture and the arts in their daily lives and to contribute to the cultural development of Mapo District."
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