"'National MC' Song Hae's Funeral Hall Sees Continuous Condolences from Entertainment and Political Circles"

As Soon as the Funeral Hall Was Set Up... Condolences from Entertainment and Political Figures

On the 8th, the funeral hall at Seoul National University Hospital in Yeongeon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, was prepared as the resting place for 'National MC' Song Hae.

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] Condolences from figures in the entertainment and political sectors have continued at the funeral hall of the late 'National MC' Song Hae, who was loved for his uniquely friendly hosting style.

On the 8th, at the funeral hall of Seoul National University Hospital in Yeongeon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, where Song Hae's funeral was held, many juniors from the entertainment industry came after hearing the news of his passing. Comedians Yoo Jae-suk, Jo Se-ho, Eom Young-soo, singers Kim Heung-guk and Johnny Lee, among others, paid their respects, and politicians including Park Bo-gyun, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, former Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, and National Assembly member Joo Ho-young also visited the funeral hall.

The first to visit the funeral hall was singer Kim Heung-guk, who recalled the deceased as "a broadcaster most respected and admired by our juniors." He added, "If COVID-19 had not lasted this long and he had continued hosting 'National Singing Contest' while traveling nationwide, he might have lived to be over 100, even 150 years old," and mourned him as "the most respected figure in the entertainment industry of this era, who would have a shot of soju with anyone regardless of age or seniority whenever they met."

Yoo Jae-suk and Jo Se-ho also visited the funeral hall with somber expressions to pay their respects. After about an hour of condolence, they left the funeral hall without saying much.

'National MC' Song Hae passed away on the 8th at the age of 95. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Johnny Lee also visited the funeral hall to mourn the deceased. He said, "He was active until the age of 95, which is truly remarkable and he was a great person." He added, "I met him often recently. When I went to Jongno, I would visit his office, greet him, and have a drink together," and said, "Our senior (Song Hae) will surely go to heaven. I will pray for him."

Former Prime Minister Hwang also paid his respects. Coming out of the funeral hall with a stern expression, Hwang said, "It is very regrettable that his health suddenly deteriorated and he could no longer be with us," and added, "It is truly heartbreaking that he collapsed so suddenly."

Song Hae was found collapsed in the bathroom of his home in Dogok-dong, Seoul, that morning. He was transported to the hospital after his daughter’s report but ultimately passed away. He was 95 years old. He hosted KBS 1TV's 'National Singing Contest,' which airs every Sunday, for 35 years. In April, he was also registered in the Guinness World Records as the oldest active MC of a TV music talent show.

The funeral will be held for three days as a comedian association funeral (Heukgeukinjang). The funeral committee chairman is comedian association president Eom Young-soo, and the funeral committee members include Seok Hyun, Lee Yong-sik, Kim Hak-rae, Choi Yang-rak, Kang Ho-dong, Yoo Jae-suk, Kim Gu-ra, Lee Soo-geun, Kim Sung-kyu (KBS Comedy Department Head), Ko Myung-hwan (MBC Comedy Department Head), and Jung Sam-sik (SBS Comedy Department Head).

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