Legendary Korean Singer Song Dae-kwan Passes Away at 78

Renowned Korean singer Song Dae-kwan has passed away at the age of 78.

According to sources, Song experienced unusual symptoms, including diarrhea, starting on the 6th. He was receiving treatment at the emergency room of Seoul National University Hospital when he succumbed to a heart attack on the morning of the 7th. Song had previously battled bile duct cancer but had recently been declared cancer-free and was on the path to recovery.

His funeral will be held at Room 1 of the Seoul National University Hospital Funeral Hall. He is survived by his wife, Lee Jeong-sim, and his sons, Song Jin-hyung and Song Jin-seok. The funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on the 9th, with the burial at Seoul Memorial Park.

Song Dae-kwan debuted in 1967 with the song 'Kind-hearted Uncle' and rose to fame in 1975 with 'Sunny Day,' earning the title of Singer of the Year. He became one of the 'Four Kings of Trot' alongside fellow artists Hyeon-cheol, Tae Jin-ah, and Seol Woon-do, with hits like 'Because of Love,' 'One Ticket,' 'Loud Bang Bang,' and 'My Hometown is South.' He continued to release popular songs such as 'Four Beats' in 1998 and 'Popular Song' in 2003, endearing himself to fans over the decades.

Reported by Choi Ji-ye, TenAsia journalist wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr