South Korean musicians died when they were 79

Here are 3 famous musicians from South Korea died at 79:

Shin Sang-ok

Shin Sang-ok (October 18, 1926 Chongjin-April 11, 2006 Seoul) also known as Sang-Ok Shin, Simon Sheen, Shen Hsiang Yu, Shin Sang-okk, Simon S. Sheen, Prince of Korean Cinema, Sin Sangok, Xing San Oak, San Sin Ok, Shin Sang-Ok, Sin Sang-ok, Shin Sang Ok, Shin Sangok or Shin Tae-seo was a South Korean film producer, film director, screenwriter, film editor and cinematographer. He had four children, Jeong Kyun Sheen, Shin Ji-young, Shin Sang-kyun and Shin Seung-ri.

Shin Sang-ok is perhaps best known for his significant contribution to the Korean film industry during the 1950s and 1960s. He began his career as a scriptwriter, but soon made his mark as a talented director, attracting both critical and commercial success. His films often provided a sharp social commentary on contemporary Korean society, and tackled issues such as corruption, labor disputes, and class struggle. In 1978, Shin and his then-wife, actress Choi Eun-hee, were abducted by North Korean agents, as part of a larger effort to build up the country’s film industry. After five years of captivity, during which they continued to make films under duress, the couple managed to escape while on a trip to Vienna. Upon their return to South Korea, they were celebrated as national heroes. Notably, Shin’s 1961 film “The Housemaid” is widely regarded as one of the best Korean films of all time, and has been cited as a major influence by many contemporary filmmakers.

During his captivity in North Korea, Shin Sang-ok and his wife, Choi Eun-hee, were forced to work on propaganda films for the regime, including the famous film "Pulgasari". Despite the strain and danger of working under such conditions, the couple managed to secretly plan their escape with the help of an Austrian film festival. Once they fled North Korea, they were awarded political asylum in the United States, where they continued to work in the film industry. Shin oversaw several Hollywood productions, such as Three Ninjas Kick Back (1994), 3 Ninjas Knuckle Up (1995), and 3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain (1998). He also became involved in the production of joint South-North Korean films, using his personal experience to promote discussion and understanding between the two countries. Throughout his career, Shin won several awards for his contributions to the film industry, such as the Asia-Pacific Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 and the Grand Bell Special Award in 2001.

During his captivity in North Korea, Shin Sang-ok and his wife, Choi Eun-hee, were not only forced to work on propaganda films for the regime but also experienced intense surveillance and control. Despite the strain and danger of working under such conditions, the couple managed to secretly plan their escape with the help of an Austrian film festival. Once they fled North Korea, they were awarded political asylum in the United States, where they continued to work in the film industry. Shin oversaw several Hollywood productions, such as Three Ninjas Kick Back (1994), 3 Ninjas Knuckle Up (1995), and 3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain (1998). He also became involved in the production of joint South-North Korean films, using his personal experience to promote discussion and understanding between the two countries. In addition to his work as a filmmaker, Shin was also dedicated to promoting film education and developing young talent. Throughout his career, Shin won several awards for his contributions to the film industry, such as the Asia-Pacific Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 and the Grand Bell Special Award in 2001. He died of liver failure caused by hepatitis at the age of 79.

He died caused by hepatitis.

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Park Wansuh

Park Wansuh (October 20, 1931 South Korea-January 22, 2011 Guri) was a South Korean personality.

Park Wansuh was a renowned novelist, essayist, and literary critic. He was known for his frank, honest, and often taboo-breaking portrayals of South Korean society and the human experience. Park was the recipient of numerous literary awards, including the prestigious Manhae Literature Prize and the Korean National Literature Award. Some of his most notable works include "Who Ate Up All the Shinga?" and "A Sketch of a Prophet". Furthermore, Park was an influential figure in South Korea's literary scene and a mentor to many aspiring writers. He remained active in his literary pursuits until shortly before his passing.

Park Wansuh was born in South Korea during the Japanese occupation. His early life was marked by poverty and struggle, and he did not receive a formal education until he was in his twenties. However, Park's passion for literature and writing led him to become one of the most celebrated writers in South Korean history. He gained international recognition for his works, which often explored themes of tradition and modernity, as well as the social, political, and economic issues facing post-colonial South Korea.

In addition to his literary achievements, Park was a dedicated social activist who championed human rights, democracy, and social justice. He supported various progressive causes and organizations, and his writing was often imbued with his social and political beliefs. Park also served as a professor of creative writing at Seoul Institute of the Arts and was an influential mentor to many young writers. Today, he is remembered as one of the most important literary figures in modern Korean literature.

Park Wansuh's works have been translated into multiple languages, including English, French, and Japanese, broadening his reach to a wider audience. His writing has been praised for its vividness, realism, and emotional depth, as well as its ability to capture the nuances and complexities of human nature. Park's literary legacy continues to inspire and influence a new generation of writers and readers alike. In addition to his literary and social contributions, Park was also a devoted family man and was survived by his wife and four children. Despite facing numerous obstacles throughout his life, he remained steadfast in his commitment to his art and his beliefs, leaving behind a lasting impact on South Korean society and the global literary community.

He died as a result of gallbladder cancer.

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Kim Yong-ki

Kim Yong-ki (September 5, 1908 Yangju-August 1, 1988 Seoul) was a South Korean personality.

Kim Yong-ki was a prominent figure in South Korea's political and cultural scene in the mid-20th century. He was a politician, educator, journalist, and writer, and was a founding member of the National Assembly in 1948. Throughout his career, he held various government positions, including Minister of Education and Minister of Culture and Public Information.

Kim Yong-ki was also an accomplished author and journalist, and was a prolific writer. He wrote several books and articles, many of which focused on Korean history and culture. His works were widely read and respected, and he was regarded as one of the leading intellectuals of his time.

In addition to his political and cultural contributions, Kim Yong-ki was also an advocate for social justice and equality. He fought for the rights of underprivileged and marginalized communities, particularly during the Korean War. He was widely respected for his tireless efforts to improve the lives of the Korean people.

Kim Yong-ki's legacy continues to be celebrated in South Korea, and he is remembered as one of the most influential figures of the country's modern history.

Kim Yong-ki was born in Yangju, which was then a part of the Korean Empire. He studied at Seoul National University where he earned a degree in political science. After graduation, he worked as a journalist and editor for several newspapers, including the Dong-A Ilbo and the Chosun Ilbo. He also served as the president of the Korean Writers Association.

During the Japanese occupation of Korea, Kim Yong-ki was active in the resistance movement, which fought against the colonial regime. He was arrested by the Japanese authorities in 1940 and sentenced to 10 years in prison. He was released in 1945 after Korea was liberated from Japanese rule.

After the establishment of the Republic of Korea in 1948, Kim Yong-ki played a key role in shaping the country's political landscape. He served as a member of the National Assembly from 1948 to 1954, and was appointed Minister of Education in 1950. He also served as Minister of Culture and Public Information from 1952 to 1953. In these positions, he worked to promote education and culture as a means of building a modern, democratic society.

Kim Yong-ki's literary works reflected his deep commitment to his country and its people. He wrote about the struggles of ordinary Koreans, as well as the complex social and political issues facing the country. His most famous work is the novel "The Soil," which tells the story of a family of farmers struggling to eke out a living in the harsh Korean countryside.

Kim Yong-ki's contributions to Korean society were recognized with numerous awards and honors, both during his lifetime and posthumously. In 1970, he was awarded the Order of Civil Merit by the Korean government, and in 1982, he received the Daesan Literary Award, one of the most prestigious literary prizes in Korea. Today, he is remembered as a towering figure in Korean literature and politics, and a champion of social justice and democracy.

Despite his passing in 1988, Kim Yong-ki’s legacy continues to live on in the modern era in South Korea. In 2008, the government named him as one of the nation’s top 100 historical figures, recognizing his substantial contributions to education, literature, politics, and social justice. His statue, situated in Seoul, depicts him sitting on a bench, seeming to listen and talk with those who approach him. Several schools and public projects have been named after him as well, and his life of political and social activism has influenced generations of young Koreans to pursue careers in public service and be at the forefront of social change.

He died caused by cancer.

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