"Overcoming War and Poverty... The Broadcaster Who Was Like Family to Koreans" Foreign Media Highlights the 'Human Song Hae'

NYT Shares Heartbreaking Family Story
Longed for Hometown Hwanghaedo but Ultimately Could Not Visit

Broadcaster Song Hae, the oldest active MC of the nationwide singing contest, passed away on the 8th at the age of 95.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] The New York Times (NYT) in the United States highlighted the life of the late Song Hae, known as Korea's 'national MC,' while reporting his passing.

Recently, the NYT reported, "Song Hae, who overcame war and poverty to become a beloved TV host, has passed away," recounting his life story.

The outlet described Song Hae as "a cheerful ordinary man who smiled with sagging cheeks and spoke in a down-to-earth language, becoming like family to all Koreans after hosting 'National Singing Contest' in 1988."
The NYT also shed light on Song Hae's poignant family history. The outlet noted, "Song Hae left behind his mother and younger sister in North Korea," adding, "Even after surpassing 90 years of age, he would shed tears whenever family matters were mentioned."

Born in Hwanghae Province, Song Hae fled at the age of 23 to avoid conscription when the Korean War broke out in 1950. During this escape, he was separated from his mother and younger sister. He boarded a UN military landing ship heading south but did not know the destination. It is said that while gazing at the sea, he chose the name Song Hae.

In 1986, he lost his son in a traffic accident. This tragedy led him to attempt extreme measures, enduring a difficult period. However, overcoming his pain, he took on the role of host for KBS 1TV's 'National Singing Contest' in 1988. Song Hae served as the longest-running MC for about 35 years until 2022, earning global recognition as the 'Oldest TV music talent show host.'

The NYT explained, "Song Hae was present wherever the Korean diaspora existed, not only throughout Korea but also in Japan, China, and even Paraguay, Los Angeles, and New York," adding, "He remained a host until the COVID-19 pandemic forced a hiatus."

However, he was never able to set foot on his beloved hometown soil. In August 2003, during a Liberation Day special filming in Pyongyang, North Korea, he visited the country but could not go to his hometown due to the strict atmosphere.

The Washington Post (WP) also expressed condolences on the 8th (local time) along with the news of Song Hae's passing. WP stated, "His past of being separated from his family during the war and fleeing south reflects the reality of the Korean Peninsula's division," and added, "By putting ordinary people from diverse backgrounds?who mainstream media had not always shown?on stage, he aimed to provide greater inclusivity to the homogeneous Korean society."

Meanwhile, on the morning of the 10th at 4:30 a.m., a solemn farewell ceremony for the late broadcaster Song Hae was held at the funeral hall of Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The burial site is Song Hae Park in Dalseong County, Daegu, where he was laid to rest beside his spouse Seok Ok-yi, who passed away in 2018.

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