The broadcaster Lee Sang-yong, beloved for 'The Stage of Friendship' and 'The Man from Nowhere,' has passed away at the age of 81.
Born in 1944, Lee Sang-yong was from Seocheon, Chungcheongnam-do, and served as an army officer after graduating from Korea University ROTC, debuting in 1971 as a master of ceremonies for CBS Christian Broadcasting. He became known by the nickname 'The Man from Nowhere' while hosting KBS's children's singing program 'Let's Sing Together' in 1975.
The deceased also hosted KBS's 'National Singing Contest' before the late Song Hae, and starting in 1989, he actively engaged with the public as 'The Man from Nowhere' on MBC's military visit program 'The Stage of Friendship.' This program received much love from military personnel and their families.
Lee Sang-yong hosted 'The Stage of Friendship' until 1996, but he had to stop his activities due to a sudden embezzlement incident. He was wrongfully accused of embezzlement at 'Pobai Family,' a publishing and support organization for children with heart disease that he founded, as well as at the 'Children's Protection Association' (now Save the Children Korea), an organization supporting disadvantaged children. This allegation subsided after he was cleared of charges three months later, but Lee was reported to have been shocked and moved to the U.S. to work as a tour guide to earn his living.
After returning to Korea and resuming broadcasting, Lee Sang-yong hosted various programs, showcasing his lively spirit. In 2019, he launched a YouTube channel 'Pobai Lee Sang-yong TV,' sharing his daily life.
The sudden passing of Lee Sang-yong, who had appeared on broadcasts in good health, was reported on the 9th. Lee collapsed while on his way to a hospital near his home in Seocho-gu, Seoul, due to health reasons and was urgently transported to Seoul St. Mary's Hospital for emergency treatment, but he passed away. He was reported to have given a lecture in good health the day before, heightening the sadness over the shocking news.
In relation to this, Lee Sang-yong's close associate communicated with OSEN, stating, "It is true that the teacher has passed away." He added, "He went to the hospital due to a cold and suddenly experienced this on his way out," explaining, "He did not have any chronic illness on a usual basis."
However, a funeral hall has not yet been arranged. In response, the associate stated, "It is expected to be set up at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, but they say there are currently no available rooms. They say it will be possible starting tomorrow afternoon."
Furthermore, "Additionally, his son resides in Hong Kong, not Korea. Upon receiving the news, he is currently on his way to Korea and plans to coordinate the arrangement of the funeral hall once he arrives," provided the reason for the lack of immediate funeral arrangements.
[Photo] TV Chosun, broadcast capture
[OSEN]