The 'Popeye' Lee Sang-yong has passed away at the age of 81. His appearance two years ago while mourning the late Hyun-mi also brings back a sense of sadness.
On the afternoon of the 9th, Lee Sang-yong collapsed while returning from a nearby hospital in Seocho-gu, Seoul, and was urgently transported to Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, but he ultimately closed his eyes.
The news of his passing leaves an even deeper emotional resonance. He appeared in the TV Chosun's 'Star Documentary My Way,' broadcast last May, mourning the death of his close friend, the late Hyun-mi, and cautiously mentioned, "Now, I think about whether my turn will come next," as he spoke about the end of life.
At that time, Lee Sang-yong found the empty space where Hyun-mi stayed to say his last goodbye. "I came to see my favorite singer, the late Hyun-mi, whom you all loved so much," he recalled. "She cherished and liked me as a close friend." Following the family's wishes to hold her memorial in the United States, Hyun-mi left without a memorial in South Korea, and Lee Sang-yong quietly continued his private mourning, bringing photos and corn to the place where she once stayed.
He vividly recalled how he was always called 'Sang-yong's younger brother' on stage and remembered introducing Hyun-mi on stage. "Whenever the music of 'Night Fog' played, she would pop out from behind the stage. A true entertainer, a living singer. It felt like she would pop out as soon as I introduced her," he said, adding with tears, "Sister, who was more beautiful than flowers, please become an immortal singer."
Lee Sang-yong mentioned, "As I watched one person after another go, I thought it would be my turn too. So I want to live humbly and with a spirit of service," saying, "I was born in the most difficult circumstances in the world, but I find pride and joy in being the healthiest Popeye now."
And about two years later, he left this world in his own way, just as he had said. Remaining as the nation's 'Popeye,' a broadcaster, and a philanthropist who spread good influence. Lee Sang-yong has passed away, but the warm traces he left behind will long live on in the memories of many.
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