November 1 is remembered as a day when an unusually large number of stars passed away. Singer the late Yu Jae-ha, the late Kim Hyun-sik, comedian the late Seo Young-chun, and singer the late Ham Jung-ah are among them.
First, Yu Jae-ha died in a traffic accident on Nov. 1, 1987. He was 25. He released the album "Because I Love You" in August that year as his debut and final work, and even after his death it is regarded as a masterpiece in Korea's popular music history. The Yu Jae-ha Music Competition honoring Yu Jae-ha has continued since 1989, and the scholarship foundation established with the competition's revenue has continued Yu Jae-ha's intent by discovering singer-songwriters.
Kim Hyun-sik also died of cirrhosis on Nov. 1, 1990, exactly three years after Yu Jae-ha's death. He was 32. He debuted in 1980 with the first album "Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter" and left behind many classic songs such as "I Loved You," "Like Music Like Rain," and "My Love, By My Side," showing the essence of Korea's popular music. His posthumous album sold more than 1 million copies, proving that his music remains alive.
Meanwhile, comedian Seo Young-chun also died of liver cancer on the same day in 1986. He was a first-generation comedian representing the 1960s and 1970s and was called the "emperor of comedy." His signature work "If You Smile, Blessings Come" was the most popular program at the time, and he received national affection through programs such as "Sunday Night Parade" and "Great Laughter Operation." His contributions were also recognized with a special TV award at the 1987 Baeksang Arts Awards.
Also, singer Ham Jung-ah died at Busan Paik Hospital on Nov. 1, 2019, after battling liver cancer. He was 68. Known for the beloved song "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," he appeared on TV CHOSUN's "Life Documentary My Way" during his lifetime and said, "My liver was weakened by heavy drinking when I was young," while sharing his recent condition.
In this way, Nov. 1 is the day when artists who left a large mark on Korea's popular culture passed from our midst.
[Photo] Yu Jae-ha, Kim Hyun-sik album covers
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