He was a symbol of KBS 1TV 'National Singing Contest'

Song Hae, a 95-year-old veteran TV presenter, passed away on June 8 at his home in Dogok-dong, Seoul. The deceased, was born in 1927 in Jaeryeong, Hwanghae Province.

He studied vocal music at Haeju Arts School. After the division into North and South Korea after Korea’s liberation from the Japanese colonial rule, he fled alone during the Korean War in 1951.

Song Hae, a 95-year-old veteran TV presenter, passed away on June 8 at his home.
Song Hae, a 95-year-old veteran TV presenter, passed away on June 8 at his home.

After serving three years and eight months in the military, he made his debut in the 'Changgong Orchestra' in 1955.

As an MC, he gained experience while singing and began broadcasting activities in earnest on Dong-A Broadcasting and MBC.

KBS 1TV 'National Singing Contest', which is a symbol of the deceased, has been in place since May 1988 in Seongju, North Gyeongsang Province.

Through 34 years of public filmed TV broadcast, he has met over 10 million people.

He was dubbed 'Sunday's Man' and was recognized as a national MC.

In August 2003, as part of the Liberation Day special of the 'National Singing Contest', he co-hosted with North Korean host Jeon Seong-hee on the outdoor stage of Moranbong Park in Pyongyang, North Korea..

Last month, he was listed as the 'Oldest TV music talent show host' in the UK Guinness World Records.

But this year, his health hasn't been good. He was hospitalized and discharged in January and he was confirmed with COVID-19 in March.

The 'National Singing Contest', which had been continued through studio recordings during the COVID-19 period, held an outdoor recording on June 4, the first in two years, but he was unable to attend.

Song Hae recently announced his intention to leave the 'National Singing Contest' due to health reasons.

Last year, a documentary film 'Song Hae 1927', which shed light on the life of the deceased, was released.

The film also tells the story of the late Song Chang-jin, his son who suffered from a hit-and–run accident while riding a motorcycle in 1986.

He received the Korea Entertainment Arts Award Special Achievement Award, KBS Entertainment Award Achievement Award, Baeksang Arts Award Achievement Award, Korea Broadcasting Award Achievement Award, and Popular Culture and Arts Award, Eunkwan Cultural Medal.

The burial place and funeral for the late Song Hae have not been decided yet.

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