'Eternal National MC' Song Hae Passes Away... Wave of Netizen Tributes Continues

"Feeling melancholic as if a long-time close acquaintance has departed"
"Thankful for bringing joy to the entire nation as the master of ceremonies for a traveling theater troupe, wandering across the country like a 'Napalkkot' life"

Broadcaster Song Hae, known as the oldest active MC and the eternal national MC.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Gun-chan] Netizens are expressing their condolences following the news of the passing of broadcaster Song Hae (95), known as the oldest active MC and the eternal national MC.

Netizens mourned, saying, "Thank you so much for sharing joys and sorrows with the nation all this time," "Thank you for entertaining the people," and "We sincerely pray for the repose of Song Hae, who always brought joyful laughter with positive energy."

They also paid tribute with comments such as, "He was the best MC in South Korea," "Please continue hosting Heavenly Singing Contest in heaven," "We hope you go to a good place and take charge of similar programs there," and "Thank you for giving happiness on Sunday lunchtime since I was young."

On the same day, memorial posts continued on the KBS National Singing Contest viewer comments board. One netizen wrote, "My heart feels heavy as if someone I have known for a long time has left," and "I will remember you for a long time." Another netizen said, "It was a long-running program that made the whole nation laugh and cry as a traveling troupe starting at 12 noon on sunny Sunday mornings with the ding-dong sound," and added, "Like a 'Morning Glory Life,' he traveled nationwide all his life, setting the stage as the host of the traveling troupe, bringing joy to the entire nation. Thank you."

The Korean Film Archive posted on its official social media about Song Hae’s passing, sharing a photo of Song Hae along with actors Heo Jang-gang, Joo Seon-tae, Yang Hoon, and Hwang Jeong-soon. The archive stated, "Actor Song Hae has passed away. He was an icon as the MC of National Singing Contest and the oldest MC listed in the Guinness World Records, but he was also a first-generation comedian alongside Goo Bong-seo and Lim Hee-chun. He appeared in many comedy films in supporting roles. We respectfully pray for the deceased’s soul."

Song Hae had hosted KBS 1TV’s National Singing Contest since May 1988, leading the program for about 35 years. In April, he was registered in the Guinness World Records as the "Oldest TV music talent show host" at age 95 while still active.

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