By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
South Korea's pioneer opera singer, Oh Hyun-myung, passed away Wednesday evening due to chronic disease. He was 84.
Oh is recognized for partaking in the development of the local arts scene and education while serving as assistant principal at Seoul Arts High School and dean of the College of Music at Hanyang University.
Born in Manchuria, China on Oct. 10, 1924, Oh graduated from Seoul National University in 1948. The same year, he starred in the country's first Western opera production ``La Traviata.'' He has appeared in 60 operas and directed more than 50 works. He also headed the National Opera of Korea from 1964 to 1982.
Oh was particularly noted for his love of ``gagok'' or local folk songs. Dubbed ``gagok ambassador,'' he featured gagok-only programs in his post-1960s recitals.
The late musician is survived by three sons _ opera director Yeong-in, businessman Yeong-seok and opera singer Yeong-jin _ and one daughter, Sun-bang.
A ceremonial funeral hall for Oh has been set up at Hanyang University Medical Center in Haengdang-dong, Seoul. The funeral cortege is slated to leave the hospital at 8 p.m., Saturday. Call (02) 2290-9442.
Meanwhile, Oh's memoir ``Dashi Bureugo Shipeun Norae'' (Songs I Want to Sing Again), was released Thursday. The book focuses on his passion for gagok as well as his philosophy on music and life. It features anecdotes, background information and sheet music for his favorite songs.