Beloved 1970s singer Ok-hee, a pioneering figure in Korean pop music, has died at the age of 73 after a battle with kidney cancer. She passed away at a hospice ward in Suwon, Gyeonggi, South Korea, with her family by her side.
A Life Dedicated to Music
Ok-hee debuted as the leader of the five-member girl group Seoul Sisters in the 1970s before launching a successful solo career. She became best known for her hit song "I Don't Know" and was credited as a main force in introducing Korean pop music to the world at an early stage. The group performed at a Las Vegas hotel show, considered a dream stage even among overseas singers of the time, and were featured in US Billboard hits.
She famously said on a broadcast during her lifetime, “We were the original K-pop stars.”
Tributes and Memories
Tributes have flooded in for the star. Actor Han Ji-il said on social media, "My beloved younger sister, Ok-hee, a singer, left us for heaven. I pray for the repose of the deceased."
Close friend and singer Jang Mi Hwa visited her on Saturday, June 20th, and was told she had passed away after her exit. Jang Mi-hwa recalled that Ok-hee, despite being seriously ill, was determined to keep performing for fans until the end. She said: "During the rehearsals for 'Song Stage', her condition kept deteriorating, and everyone around her tried to stop her, but she insisted on performing until the end. She was taken to the emergency room right after her appearance. Before she got cancer, she travelled around the country promoting her songs through singing classes. She was such a passionate friend who devoted her body to singing."
Personal Life and Legacy
Ok-hee was married to former boxing world champion Hong Soo-hwan. The pair separated after welcoming their daughter in 1978, but reunited in 1995 and had been together since. She is survived by one son and one daughter.
Her funeral will be held at Asan Medical Centre in Seoul, with the president of the Korean Singers Association officiating. Her legacy as a K-pop pioneer and beloved performer will be remembered by fans worldwide.
