The late national singer Song Dae-kwan, known as one of the "Four Kings of Trot," has passed away from a heart attack, leading to a wave of mourning from all walks of life.
On the 7th, Song Dae-kwan's agency, Star Lineup Entertainment, announced, “Song Dae-kwan passed away around 10 AM due to a heart attack.” According to officials, the late Song Dae-kwan had been hospitalized the day before due to poor condition but suddenly left this world that morning. It was reported that he had no underlying health conditions.
He was actively participating in events, including an appearance on KBS1's "National Singing Contest" last month, and was scheduled to appear on KBS1's "Music Stage" next week, adding to the sadness.
In the wake of this sudden farewell, tributes have been pouring in from colleagues and peers in the entertainment industry, as well as from various sectors.
Following visits to the mortuary by singers Tae Jin-ah, Hye Eun-hee, and Kang Jin the day before, on the 8th, singers Ha Chun-hwa, Seol Un-do, and Bae Il-ho also paid their respects. Various figures, including broadcaster Kim Gu-ra, singers Park Gu-yoon, Lim Young-woong, Han Hye-jin, Son Tae-jin, Choo Ka-yeol, the president of the Korea Copyright Association, and lawmaker Bae Hyun-jin, sent floral tributes to express their condolences.
Ha Chun-hwa, who visited the mortuary that day, expressed her sorrow, saying, “It’s sad, and it’s hard to believe that something like this happened so suddenly when he was still so young. I feel very empty, and it feels like the music industry is hollow.”
Tae Jin-ah, who was also known as one of the "Four Kings of Trot," previously stated, “Song Dae-kwan was truly a figure who steadfastly watched over the establishment of the trot genre in South Korea. I believe he is the biggest star in the South Korean music industry. I firmly believe that he will watch over the path of South Korean singers from heaven.”
Tae Jin-ah's son, Lee Ru, posted on Instagram, “Uncle Song Dae-kwan, who has always treated me kindly and warmly since I was young, has left us so suddenly, and it breaks my heart.”
He added, “Seeing my father, who lost a lifelong friend and brother, unable to eat due to the shock and busy making calls in his sorrow, is heartbreaking. I really wanted to see the two of them singing together on stage again...”
Tributes continued on social media as well. Yang Ji-eun wrote on Instagram, “To the late Song Dae-kwan, who always treated his juniors warmly and kindly. May you rest in peace. I sincerely pray for the repose of your soul.”
Kim Yang also expressed, “Song Dae-kwan was like a father to me in the music industry... Around this time last year, my father went to heaven, and this year, I have to say goodbye to Song Dae-kwan. I had to undergo open surgery for uterine fibroids yesterday, so I couldn’t visit him, and it hurts so much. If it weren’t for him, I would never have been known as a singer named Kim Yang.” She added, “I am grateful, sorry, and I love you. I pray for the repose of your soul.”
In-soon wrote, “I will remember the countless memories and the warm senior. I couldn’t say goodbye as I was far away. I pray that you rest in peace with a heavy heart.”
Jo Hye-ryun also said, “I was happy to have you by our side, brother. You always smiled broadly at my jokes during recordings and praised me, which gave me courage. You always made us laugh by being the weaker one in the banter with Tae Jin-ah. Your faith in holding onto God and enduring even in difficult times was touching. Now, may you be forever happy in the warm embrace of the Lord in heaven. I love you, brother.”
Lawmaker Park Ji-won expressed her feelings on Facebook, saying, “Dae-kwan! How could you leave us so suddenly?”
Park Young-sun of the Democratic Party reminisced, “National singer Song Dae-kwan. I met him in Washington DC in the 1980s when I was in my 20s for training in the U.S. He was very warm-hearted. I have long remembered him with gratitude, as he would give me pocket money, saying, ‘It must be hard to study, so go eat something delicious.’ At that time, it seemed he wasn’t in a situation where he had much leisure while doing business in the U.S....”
She continued, “Decades later, when I met him at an event in Yeouido, I expressed my gratitude, and he welcomed me, saying, ‘Oh my! You’ve really made it big!’ Now, he has left us so suddenly. I mourn deeply.”
The broadcasting industry is also joining in the tributes. KBS2's "Immortal Songs" is set to air a tribute video for Song Dae-kwan on that day. KBS1's "National Singing Contest" will broadcast two episodes featuring the late Song Dae-kwan's performances recorded in October last year, on the 16th for the "Dangjin City" episode and on March 2 for the "Yeongdeungpo District" episode.
As the national singer Song Dae-kwan, who sang of hope with the lyrics “A bright and sunny day will return,” has left us, tributes continue to pour in from all sectors. Netizens also expressed their condolences with messages saying, “May he rest in peace.”
Song Dae-kwan debuted in 1967 with “The Kind Uncle.” After a period of obscurity, he rose to prominence in 1975 with the hit “A Bright Day.” He left behind numerous hits, including “One Ticket,” “Four Beats,” and “Popular Song.” Along with Tae Jin-ah, Seol Un-do, and the late Hyun-cheol, he was known as one of the "Four Kings of Trot." His funeral will be held at 9:30 AM on the 9th at the Korea Singer Association, with the burial taking place at 11 AM.
