President Yoon Posthumously Awards Gold Crown Cultural Medal to Song Hae: "No Way to Hold Back Sadness" (Comprehensive)

Minister Park Bo-gyun of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Presents Medals and Condolences to Bereaved Families
"An Opportunity for Domestic Popular Music to Embrace Various Age Groups and Develop"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] President Yoon Suk-yeol mourned the passing of the oldest MC, Song Hae, who died on the 8th, and posthumously awarded him the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit.

The Presidential Office announced that afternoon, "The Yoon Suk-yeol administration posthumously awards the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit to the late comedian Song Hae in recognition of his contributions to the development of Korean popular culture and arts."

The Order of Cultural Merit is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of culture and arts and the enjoyment of culture by the public, with the 'Geumgwan' being the highest grade of the order.

President Yoon sent a condolence letter along with the medal to the bereaved family through Park Bo-gyun, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

In the condolence letter, President Yoon said, "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 beloved national MC, bringing great laughter and emotion to the people."

He continued, "In particular, he hosted 'National Singing Contest,' the longest-running broadcast program in Korea, creating an opportunity for domestic popular music to develop across various age groups. He also worked to protect the rights of popular culture artists and devoted himself to various social contribution activities."

He added, "It is very regrettable that we can no longer see the passionate presence of the late Song Hae, but the heartfelt songs and stories shared by our neighbors every Sunday afternoon under his warm hosting will remain in the hearts of the people for a long time."

Furthermore, he expressed, "I sincerely offer my condolences to the bereaved family who are immersed in grief and respectfully pray for the eternal peace of the late Song Hae."

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