The world's oldest TV music talent show host, Song Hae, died Wednesday at 95. He passed away in the morning at his home in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, according to police and medical officials.
Born in 1927 in South Hwanghae Province in present-day North Korea, Song was separated from his family during the 1950-1953 Korean War as he fled to the South. At the age of 25, he joined the Changgong musical troupe, where he learned how to sing, act and emcee and launched his career as a versatile entertainer.
It was KBS' "National Singing Contest" that marked a watershed in his life and career. He hosted the program for 34 years beginning at the age of 60. In April, he was recognized as the world's oldest TV music talent show host by Guinness World Records.
Celebrities have paid tribute to him, with many calling him "father." Online message boards have also flooded with comments from members of the public representing almost all generations.
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