[Report] "Born for the Stage, May You Be Happy in Heaven" Jongno Songhae-gil Filled with Memorial

"Watching National Singing Contest, Crying and Laughing... Great Comfort", "Big Brother, Like a Father"
Jongno Songhae-gil Merchants... Mourning While Remembering Songhae's Humble Charm
Non-face-to-face Performances at 'Silver Theater' Amid COVID-19 Situation

In the Nakwon-dong area of Jongno-gu, where Song Hae-gil is located, you can see caricatures and photos of Song Hae everywhere. Photo by Joo Eun, Intern Reporter jooeun126@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy reporters Seunggon Han, intern reporters Jueun Lee and Gunchan Kim] "I really feel as if my own father has passed away, my heart feels so heavy."

'The Man of Sunday' Song Hae passed away on the 8th at the age of 95. The area around 'Songhae-gil' in Jongno-gu, Seoul, where his footsteps remain intact, was filled with a somber atmosphere. Because he was known for his humble demeanor and freely mingling with the public, those mourning him described Song Hae as a "truly wonderful teacher," "a fatherly figure," and "a big brother," expressing their condolences.

Song Hae, also famous as a drinker, often visited gukbap (soup with rice) restaurants. Kim, the owner of the well-known gukbap restaurant 'Somunnan Jip,' expressed deep sorrow upon hearing the news of his passing. He said, "(Song Hae) came here from 2015 to 2019," adding, "Recently, he was hospitalized, so he couldn't come." He recalled, "Sometimes he came alone, and other times he came with others."

Song Youngja (65), who has been running a cafe near Nakwon Arcade for 12 years, said, "The teacher always had his office here on the second floor in this neighborhood, so he would come and go, and whenever he came here, he spoke well and was always healthy." She added, "He came with guests and people from KBS National Singing Contest. He would have lunch, then guests would come and have a cup of tea..." reminiscing about his humble demeanor during his lifetime.

'The Theater That Sells Memories' features the poster 'Youth Is Right Now.' In the center of the picture, Song Hae is smiling brightly. Photo by Jooeun Lee, intern reporter jooeun126@asiae.co.kr

Kim Jeonghee, team leader of the movie theater for the silver generation 'Cinema Selling Memories,' expressed gratitude, saying the late occasionally performed there. Kim said, "I often saw Song Hae having meals near Songhae-gil," adding, "It is saddening that he suddenly passed away." She continued, "He used to come about once every two months and mainly performed non-face-to-face shows. Even when he was unwell, he consistently performed every two months."

Song Hae’s behavior, which was informal and humble, making others shine, was a key factor in his immense popularity among the public. In fact, he took subway line 3 almost daily from near Maebong Station, where his home was, to Jongno 3-ga Station near Nakwon-dong, where the Senior Entertainers Association office is located. Moreover, Song Hae visited barbershops charging only 4,000 won to groom himself and dined at 2,000 won gukbap restaurants with soju, continuously communicating with the public.

Citizens found comfort in his presence. Kim, a company employee in his 40s, said, "Song Hae talked freely with anyone and always brought laughter," adding, "I remember feeling energized by that." Park, a self-employed person in his 50s, also said, "Who hasn't watched the National Singing Contest? Watching the participants and Song Hae interacting with them made me think, 'Ah, others laugh and cry just like me.' I learned a lot," expressing gratitude to Song Hae.

Inside the "Theater Selling Memories," where Teacher Song Hae has consistently performed for the elderly, a poster of Teacher Song Hae is displayed. Photo by Joo Eun, Intern Reporter jooeun126@asiae.co.kr

Meanwhile, tributes from various sectors continue for the late. His funeral parlor was set up on the 8th at Seoul National University Hospital Funeral Hall rooms 2 and 3, and condolences have been received since the afternoon. Even before the parlor was fully prepared, from early afternoon, people from the broadcasting and political sectors visited to pay their respects.

The Yoon Seok-yeol administration posthumously awarded Song Hae, the 'National MC' who hosted 'National Singing Contest' for 34 years, the Gold Crown Cultural Medal (1st class) in recognition of his contribution to the development of Korean popular culture and arts. President Yoon said in a condolence message, "I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of comedian the late Song Hae. For over half a century, he served as a singer, comedian, and national MC, bringing great laughter and emotion to the people."

Park Bo-gyun, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, visited the funeral parlor to mourn. He said, "Song Hae expressed the joys and sorrows of our people for many years. That is why he became a legend even during his lifetime," paying tribute.

Comedians Yoo Jae-suk and Jo Se-ho visited for about an hour and left the funeral parlor without saying much. Singers Kim Heung-guk, Cho Young-nam, Johnny Lee, and broadcaster Lee Sang-byeok also visited to pay their respects.

Lee Sang-byeok said, "If it was a one-hour program, he would come out first an hour early; if it was a two-hour program, two hours early, preparing for the broadcast. He was a respectable person who stayed on stage until the very last moment," and Kim Heung-guk said upon leaving, "Song Hae was the father of the entertainment world, the broadcaster most respected and admired by our juniors. Seeing him hold the microphone until the end and travel nationwide was a tremendous example for us."

The funeral hall for Song Hae, the longest-serving host of KBS's long-running program 'National Singing Contest' and the oldest active host, was set up on the afternoon of the 8th at the funeral hall of Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The funeral procession will be on the 10th. Photo by Joint Press Corps [Image source=Yonhap News]

Trot singer Song Ga-in said, "The teacher who first recognized and guided my talent. Even after I succeeded, he sincerely congratulated me. I will never forget my gratitude. Rest peacefully in a good place."

Song Hae’s funeral will be held as a comedian’s funeral (comedian’s funeral rite). The funeral committee chairman is Um Young-soo, president of the Comedian Association. Comedians Seok Hyun, Kim Hak-rae, Lee Yong-sik, Choi Yang-rak, Yoo Jae-suk, Kang Ho-dong, Lee Soo-geun, Kim Gu-ra, KBS comedy director Kim Sung-gyu, MBC comedy director Go Myung-hwan, and SBS comedy director Jung Sam-sik will serve as funeral committee members.

The funeral procession is scheduled for the morning of the 10th, and the burial site is Songhae Park in Okpo-ri, Dalseong-gun, Daegu. Songhae Park is also where Song Hae’s wife, Mrs. Seok Ok-yi, is buried.

Song Hae was born in Jaeryeong, Hwanghae Province. He debuted in 1955 through the Changgong Opera Troupe and hosted 'National Singing Contest' for 35 years from May 1988, becoming the longest-serving MC and beloved by many. He received numerous awards including the Korea Entertainment Arts Award Special Merit Award, KBS Entertainment Awards Merit Award, Baeksang Arts Awards Merit Award, Korea Broadcasting Awards Merit Award, and the Silver Crown Cultural Medal at the Popular Culture and Arts Awards. In April of this year, at age 95, he was registered in the Guinness World Records as the 'Oldest TV music talent show host' as an active MC.

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