In loving memory of Song Hae
By Sho Chang-young
A few days ago, I saw a poster ad hanging at a bus stop in Seoul. It showed a picture of the late Song Hae, the world's oldest TV music talent show host, walking on a beach holding a surf board while smiling brightly. Song passed away early this month at age 95. I stopped unknowingly and looked at it, reminiscing for a moment.
I searched for the poster on the internet as soon as I got home and found out that it was a screenshot from an advertising video that had been produced by a travel agency using artificial intelligence technology not long before Song's death. In order to continue the commercial, comedian Kang Ho-dong reportedly filmed it again on behalf of Song. Kang apparently donated to charity all of the money he received for appearing in the ad.
To be honest, I was not originally a fan of Song Hae, a comedian who eventually emceed the long-running KBS program, "National Singing Contest.” To me, he was just another celebrity.
My opinion of him changed dramatically one summer nearly 20 years ago. My wife and I were heading to Ulleung Island for our summer vacation when we happened to encounter his group on a ship. As it turned out, he was going there with the staff to film an episode of "National Singing Contest." He looked like a gentle and caring uncle (or grandfather) who lives next door. But it was the very next day that he actually left a deep impression on me.
We were strolling along a beach on Ulleung Island and bumped into the KBS film crew starting to shoot the program. At first, we thought about moving on, but ended up becoming fascinated by Song's dexterity in dealing with contingencies and charismatic persona that overwhelmed the entire audience. We ended up staying there for more than four hours, completely changing our schedule for that day. But we had no regrets. Since then, I've considered him to be a very talented senior entertainer.
He was a witness to the history of the Korean entertainment industry, from the days of roving troupes of performers to the recent Korean wave (hallyu). What made all of this possible was his immensely healthy mindset and physical condition. In commemorating his life's achievements, we may rethink the meaning of our twilight years.
Thanks to the developments of science, medical technology and economic abundance, the life expectancy of human beings has increased significantly. Although it has not yet been found to be true, the U.N.'s “New 5 Levels by Age” was once largely talked about. According that gauge, Song Hae could be said to have passed away in his middle age, and this writer, who is in his 60s, is still a young man.
When our socia securityl system can effectively support the elderly according to the stages of their lives, the majority of older people will be able to lead rewarding lives and meet death with dignity.
Once again, I offer my deepest condolences to the late Song's familly. And I wish more of us could reach the ends of our lives as gracefully as he did.
The writer (
sochan57@naver.com
) is a retired principal of Gunsan Girls' High School.