'National MC' Song Hae, Farewelled by Colleagues and Juniors... 'Left the Heaven's Singing Contest'

Funeral on the 10th, juniors mourn... "Going to heaven where countless stars shine"
Yong-sik Lee: "Our country has the East Sea, South Sea, West Sea, and Songhae"
Ja-yeon Lee: "A teacher to all... forever in our hearts"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo Mideum] 'National MC' Song Hae passed away on the 10th, accompanied by colleagues and juniors. The late Song Hae Funeral Committee held a farewell ceremony at 4:30 a.m. at Seoul National University Hospital Funeral Hall. The deceased was found collapsed in the bathroom of his home on the 8th and was taken to the hospital but passed away. He was 95 years old.

Colleagues and juniors who had been with the late during his lifetime mourned the loss. Um Young-su, president of the Korea Broadcasting Comedian Association, who regarded Song Hae as an older brother, said in his eulogy, “Teacher Song Hae gave laughter to countless adults nationwide. It is hard to believe that your gaze and touch, which had many places to go, have left like this.”

President Um choked up, saying, “Rest comfortably and freely in heaven where there is no cue sheet. I respect and love you.” He emphasized, “Teacher Song Hae never spoke negatively. He never once said, ‘I can’t do this because it’s too hard’ or ‘I will quit (National Singing Contest) halfway.’”

Comedian Lee Yong-sik said, “Many juniors and acquaintances who always missed you gathered in front of your portrait this early morning,” and added, “Now you have gone to heaven where countless stars shine. Please meet Teacher Gu Bong-seo, whom you called ‘hyung’ (older brother), and senior Lee Joo-il, and let them know that we juniors are doing well.”

He continued, “Meet your son and wife happily, and now rest without pain. Our country has the East Sea, the South Sea, the West Sea, and Song Hae.”

Lee Ja-yeon, president of the Korea Singers Association, said, “Last week, I wanted to meet and go eat something delicious...” and was unable to continue for a while.

She said, “For the past 70 years, Teacher Song was a teacher, a father, and an older brother to everyone. Although he has left, we cannot send him off. He will remain forever in our hearts.”

The pallbearers included juniors Kang Ho-dong, Yoo Jae-suk, Jo Se-ho, Choi Yang-rak, and Yang Sang-guk. The late’s remains will be laid to rest beside his wife Seok Ok-yi at Song Hae Park in Dalseong-gun, Daegu, which he regarded as his 'second hometown.'

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