The funeral arrangements for 'Popeye Uncle' Late Lee Sang-yong, who has passed away, will be made. It is expected that many from the entertainment industry as well as the public will see him off on his final journey.
Lee Sang-yong passed away on the 9th at the age of 81, but the funeral schedule was somewhat delayed as his family resides in Hong Kong. The funeral will be held at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital in Seocho-gu, Seoul. The burial will take place on the 12th.
Born in 1944, Lee Sang-yong was known to have had no major health issues, as he had even attended a lecture on the 8th. He passed away due to respiratory distress while receiving treatment for cold symptoms the day before.
Upon hearing the sad news, comedian Eom Yeong-soo expressed his sorrow in a phone call with Maeil Business Newspaper's Star Today, saying, "Teacher Lee Sang-yong had trouble with his legs due to diabetes. Although he had leg issues, his speech and humor were still intact, so hearing the sudden news of his passing is truly shocking."
Born in Seocheon, Chungcheongnam-do, and a former officer in the Korea University ROTC, Lee Sang-yong entered the broadcasting industry in 1973 as a co-MC for MBC TV's 'Joyful Cheongbaekjeon.'
Afterward, Lee Sang-yong began to communicate with the public as 'Popeye' on KBS children's singing program 'Let's Sing Together' (1975-1984).
Additionally, Lee Sang-yong served as the MC for KBS1's 'National Singing Contest' for about a year before the late Song Hae took over in 1985.
In particular, Lee Sang-yong hosted MBC TV's military consolation program 'Stage of Friendship' starting in 1989, earning the title of 'Original Military Prince.' The program is well-known for its background music, "When I miss my mom, I take out a picture of her."
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
