“He didn’t drink or smoke, and he was very thorough in his health management. I really thought he would live until 100…” Colleagues in the broadcasting industry who had closely observed him since the days of ‘Stage of Friendship’ could not hide their shock and sadness.
‘Popeye’ Lee Sang-yong left this world, leaving behind hundreds of humor notebooks.
Lee Sang-yong, a broadcaster etched in the memories of the Korean people with the name ‘Popeye’, passed away on the 9th at the age of 75.
Upon hearing the news of his passing, colleagues and juniors in the broadcasting industry expressed their sorrow, saying, “I still can’t believe it.”
Former MBC PD Joo Cheol-hwan said, “Lee Sang-yong never drank or smoked and always maintained a strong body through exercise,” adding, “I really thought he would live until 100.” He recalled his memories with Lee Sang-yong during the production of ‘Stage of Friendship’, saying, “When it came to military hosts, Lee Sang-yong was the best. He had an extraordinary ability to dominate the stage.”
Eom Young-soo reminisced, “Popeye hyung was the one who always came in first in the ice-laying endurance game,” and added, “Last year, he mentioned his blood sugar was high, but his sense of humor and memory were still perfect.”
He recalled, “Hyung had hundreds of notebooks filled with humor. When I asked him to copy some, he said, ‘I’ll give them to you when I get old and can’t broadcast anymore.’” He was not just a simple comedian, but a craftsman who recorded and studied humor.
Singer Hyun-sook said, “He was the one who visited me at the hospital at 5 AM when I had an accident,” with tears in her eyes. Jin-sung also said, “During consolation performances, he always gave opportunities to unknown singers. He was a benefactor who invited me to that program.”
Lee Sang-yong was a model of thorough self-management, having won bodybuilding competitions during his college years. However, he was loved more for his solid sense of humor and warm relationships than for his muscles. The equation of ‘military base = Popeye Lee Sang-yong’ stemmed from his overwhelming energy on stage and his flavorful storytelling.
What he left behind was not just countless memorable scenes. “A person who always prepared humor suitable for the situation, anywhere and anytime,” “A senior who would tell funny stories in the waiting room so that singers wouldn’t feel down,” “A loyal person who took the lead in caring for celebrations and condolences.” He was more than a broadcaster; he was a warm person.
Though he has left the stage, his laughter and spirited “Fighting!” still echo in the minds of many. His spring days will forever be remembered, embraced by the stage.
[Kim Seung-hye, MK Sports Reporter]
