'Eternal Oppa' Song Hae Becomes Oldest Host of TV Music Program

Guinness World Record Registration "Thanks to Viewers Who Cherished 'Jeon-guk Norae Jarang'"
Warm and Humble Without Emphasizing Authority... Recently Considering Leaving Due to Health Decline

Broadcaster Song Hae (95), who hosted KBS’s ‘National Singing Contest’ for 34 years, has been listed in the Guinness World Records as the oldest TV music program host.

KBS announced on the 23rd that Song was recorded in the Guinness Book last month as the “Oldest TV music talent show host.” A KBS official explained, "The public announcement was somewhat delayed due to the Guinness Association’s operational delays caused by the spread of COVID-19." Song expressed his gratitude, saying, "It is thanks to the viewers across South Korea who have cherished the National Singing Contest for such a long time."

Song was born in 1927 in Jaeryeong, Hwanghae Province, as the second of three siblings. His real name is Song Bok-hee (宋福熙). He studied vocal music at Haeju Arts School in North Korea but fled alone to the South during the January 4th Retreat. On the way, he cooked rice with seawater and changed his name to ‘Hae (海),’ meaning sea. He served as a communications soldier at the Daegu Army Headquarters and debuted as a singer in 1955 with the Changgong Opera Troupe. From 1975, he hosted KBS’s traffic program ‘Garosureul Nubimyeo’ for 17 years and appeared on MBC’s ‘Smile Brings Luck,’ contributing to the revival of Korean comedy.

Song gained nationwide popularity after becoming the host of the National Singing Contest in 1988. Despite his weathered face, protruding belly, and small stature, he receives applause and kisses whenever he steps on stage. He is called ‘oppa’ (older brother) by everyone from middle school girls to grandmothers. His secret is his warm-heartedness without any sense of authority. He does not hesitate to show playful charm and strives to communicate. He said, "I always go out to the field to listen to people’s stories and try to ease their hearts."

The National Singing Contest receives 1,500 to 2,000 applicants just for the preliminary round. Only about fifteen make it to the finals. Song carefully observes every move of these contestants from the preliminaries. He meets them one-on-one to discuss in advance what to talk about on stage. He communicates at their level and evokes laughter to open their hearts. His sincerity and proper language habits have made him a role model for many broadcasters.

Song’s health has recently declined. Due to COVID-19 and other reasons, he has been repeatedly admitted to and discharged from hospitals and is considering stepping down from the program. He has already informed the production team that he will likely be unable to participate in the upcoming regional field recordings scheduled for early next month. It is reported that he recommended broadcasters Lee Sang-byeok and Lee Soo-geun as MCs to succeed him.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.