Korea's oldest celeb to host singing contest to mark 70 years on stage
Song Hae / Korea Times file
By Park Si-soo
South Korea’s oldest celebrity Song Hae, 90, will host his namesake singing contest this month in a show of appreciation to fans who have stood behind the singer-turned-emcee through thick and thin for seven decades.
The Song Hae Singing Contest is offering 8.5 million won ($7480) for the best four singers.
Preliminary auditions are under way, through which 18 contenders (individual or team) will advance to the final round in central Seoul on Sept. 17.
“The event is sort of my expression of appreciation to those who have supported me for the past seven decades,” Song said at a press briefing, Wednesday.
“Looking back, I was saddened and depressed when those who had graced the stage with me passed away one after another. Also there were many occasions I felt euphoria and happiness. That’s why I call my on-stage life an encapsulation of life.”
Winners will be given an opportunity to release their albums. Part of proceeds from the contest will be donated to help underprivileged children.
Song was born in 1927 in Haeju, which is now in North Korea. His family fled the North during the 1950-1953 Korean War and settled in Seoul.