'Eternal MC' Song Hae's Funeral Hall Filled with Visitors... "A True Adult Who Reached Out in Difficult Times"

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 Seoul National University Hospital Funeral Hall in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The funeral procession will take place on the 10th. Photo by Joint Press Corps [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo Mideum] The funeral hall for the “National MC” Song Hae has been set up at Seoul National University Hospital’s funeral hall in Yeongeon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, where a steady stream of mourners has been visiting. Figures from the broadcasting, music, and political sectors have come to pay their respects.

Yoo Jae-suk and Jo Se-ho visited the funeral hall at 3:48 p.m. on the 8th and stayed for about an hour before leaving quietly without any remarks.

Afterwards, singers Kim Heung-guk, Cho Young-nam, Johnny Lee, Seol Woon-do, Song Ga-in, Jang Min-ho, and Jung Dong-won visited the funeral hall. Broadcasters Lee Sang-byeok, Lim Baek-cheon, actors Yoo Dong-geun, Park Bo-gyun, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, former Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, People Power Party lawmaker Joo Ho-young, Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon, and others also paid their respects one after another. Veteran comedians Shim Hyung-rae, Kim Hak-rae, and Lee Yong-sik stayed at the funeral hall for a long time.

In front of the funeral hall, wreaths sent by various figures including President Yoon Seok-youl, comedians Yoo Jae-suk, Im Ha-ryong, Nam Hee-seok, Ji Sang-ryeol, Jo Se-ho, singers Na Hoon-a, Lee Mi-ja, Seol Woon-do, Yoo Hee-yeol, Song Ga-in, KCM, actor Ma Dong-seok, KBS President Kim Ui-cheol, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Park Bo-gyun, Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Jin, and former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum were placed.

Singer Kim Heung-guk said, “At that age, holding the microphone until the end and traveling across the country was a tremendous example for us,” and added, “It is most regrettable and heartbreaking that he could not return to his hometown.” Song Hae was a displaced person from Jaeryeong, Hwanghae Province.

Singer Cho Young-nam said, “There is no one in the world who is that active at that age. He was a unique presence,” paying tribute.

Shim Hyung-rae said, “He was not just a senior but like a parent,” and added, “He was a warm person who took care of juniors when they were struggling. When I was having a hard time, he called me separately and handed me an envelope. He was a true adult who reached out a hand when times were tough.”

Lim Baek-cheon said, “It is truly an amazing achievement to have done outdoor recordings for an unspecified large audience for decades,” and added, “I think he will be doing ‘Heaven’s Singing Contest’ in heaven.”

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Park Bo-gyun visited the funeral hall and delivered the Geumgwan Cultural Medal posthumously awarded by President Yoon Seok-youl and a condolence message sent to the bereaved family. The medal and condolence message were placed below the deceased’s portrait.

Song Hae, who passed away on the morning of the 8th at his home in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, will have his funeral held as the chairman of the Korea Broadcasting Comedians Association. The farewell ceremony will be held at 4:30 a.m. on the 10th.

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