South Korean musicians died when they were 73
Here are 4 famous musicians from South Korea died at 73:
Han Bong-soo
Han Bong-soo (August 25, 1933 Incheon-January 8, 2007 Santa Monica) also known as Han Bong-Soo, 한봉수, Han Bong-su, Han Pong-su, Grand Master Bong Soo Han, Master Bong Soo Han, Bon Soo Han of Korea, Snow Tiger or Bong Soo Han was a South Korean actor.
In addition to his acting career, Han Bong-soo was also a renowned martial artist. He was the founder and creator of the martial art known as Hapkido, which combines various techniques from other martial arts styles such as judo, aikido, and taekwondo. He started training in martial arts at a young age and became the personal bodyguard of the South Korean president Syngman Rhee in the 1950s. Han Bong-soo later moved to the United States in 1967 and continued to teach Hapkido to students around the world. He was also a stunt coordinator and choreographer for various Hollywood films, including "The Last Dragon" and "Billy Jack Goes to Washington". Throughout his career, Han Bong-soo was recognized and awarded for his contributions to martial arts and the entertainment industry.
Han Bong-soo was born into a family of farmers in Incheon, South Korea. He showed an interest in martial arts from a young age and began practicing judo and kendo as a teenager. He eventually became a black belt in judo and began studying aikido and taekwondo.
In the 1950s, Han Bong-soo became a personal bodyguard to the South Korean president Syngman Rhee, where he used his martial arts skills to protect the president. He also taught martial arts to the Korean military and police force.
In 1967, Han Bong-soo moved to the United States to teach Hapkido and expand his knowledge of martial arts. He founded his own martial arts school in Burbank, California, where he taught celebrities such as Chuck Norris and Steve McQueen. He also taught Hapkido to law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the LAPD.
Aside from his martial arts career, Han Bong-soo was also a successful actor in both Korea and the United States. He appeared in films such as "Kentucky Fried Movie" and "The They Call Me Bruce?" as well as in TV shows like "M*A*S*H" and "The A-Team".
Han Bong-soo passed away in 2007 in Santa Monica, California, at the age of 73 due to complications from pneumonia. He is remembered as a pioneer in the martial arts world and for his contributions to the entertainment industry.
After moving to the United States, Han Bong-soo became a sought-after martial arts instructor and trained many Hollywood actors, including Sean Connery, Ed Parker, and Henry Silva. He was also a decorated competitor, winning several championships throughout his career, including the Korean National Judo Championship and the Los Angeles City Judo Championship. Han Bong-soo is widely regarded as one of the most influential martial artists of his time and was inducted into several martial arts halls of fame, including the Black Belt Hall of Fame and the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He continued to teach and promote Hapkido until his passing, leaving behind a legacy that has inspired generations of martial artists. In honor of Han Bong-soo's contributions to martial arts, the city of Burbank, California, dedicated a street in his name, Grand Master Bong Soo Han Avenue.
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Jin Yan
Jin Yan (April 7, 1910 Seoul-December 27, 1983 Shanghai) a.k.a. Raymond King, Kim Duk Rin or Yan Jin was a South Korean actor. He had one child, Jin Jie.
Jin Yan was considered one of the most prominent actors during the Golden Age of Chinese cinema in the 1930s. He appeared in over 200 films, starting his career in silent films and later transitioning to talkies. He was often referred to as the "Asian Clark Gable" due to his charming and dashing on-screen persona. Jin Yan was not only an actor, he was also a director and producer, and he founded his own film production company, the Xinhua Film Company. After the establishment of communist China in 1949, Jin Yan moved to Hong Kong and continued his career in filmmaking. In the 1980s, his films enjoyed renewed popularity and he was recognized for his contribution to Chinese cinema. Today, he is remembered as a trailblazer and pioneer in the film industry across Asia.
Throughout his acting career, Jin Yan was known for his versatile acting skills, taking on roles from romantic leads to action heroes. He starred in some of the most iconic Chinese films of the time, including "Goddess" (1934), which was the first Chinese film to gain international recognition, and "Crossroads" (1937), which won the Best Picture award at the locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland. Jin Yan's influence on Chinese cinema extended beyond his on-screen performances. He was known for his progressive ideas and his efforts to modernize the industry. He supported the use of sound and technology in filmmaking and was a vocal advocate for the rights of actors and actresses. Later in his career, Jin Yan wrote several articles and books on his experiences in the film industry. Today, he is recognized as a true legend of Chinese cinema and a pioneer of Asian film.
Despite his massive success on screen, Jin Yan's life was not without tragedy. He was forced to flee Shanghai during the Sino-Japanese War in the late 1930s and lost most of his possessions in the process. In addition, his first wife, actress Fang Na, passed away at a young age. Jin Yan remarried and had a child, Jin Jie, who would also become an actress. Although Jin Yan passed away in 1983, his legacy lives on through his contributions to Chinese cinema. In 2005, a major biography titled "The King of Chinese Cinema" was published, further solidifying his place in film history. Today, he is remembered as a pioneering figure who paved the way for future generations of Asian actors and filmmakers. His influence continues to be felt in the film industry, both in China and beyond.
He died caused by stomach cancer.
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Nam June Paik
Nam June Paik (July 20, 1932 Seoul-January 29, 2006 Miami) also known as Paik, Nam June, Nam Jun Paik or Nam-jun Baek was a South Korean artist, actor, film director and visual artist.
His albums: Works 1958.1979.
He died in stroke.
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Tae-hong Choi
Tae-hong Choi (May 28, 1935 Seoul-March 8, 2009 Portland) was a South Korean personality.
He was primarily known for his work as a film director and screenwriter. Choi began his career in the film industry in the early 1960s and quickly became a prominent figure, known for directing films that tackled controversial topics such as political oppression and social injustice. Some of his most notable works include "The Road to Sampo" (1975), "To the Starry Island" (1993), and "A Promise" (1998).
Choi was also a dedicated teacher and mentor to many aspiring filmmakers. He taught at several universities in South Korea and the United States, including the Korean National University of Arts and Portland State University.
In addition to his work in film and education, Choi was also a respected author and poet. He published several books of poetry and essays on subjects ranging from politics to art.
Choi's contributions to the Korean film industry were recognized with numerous awards throughout his career, including the Korean Order of Cultural Merit in 1998. His legacy continues to influence filmmakers and artists both in South Korea and around the world.
Throughout his career, Tae-hong Choi was known for his commitment to telling stories that explored the human condition and challenged societal norms. His films often depicted the struggles of marginalized groups and individuals, including workers and farmers. Despite facing censorship and government interference, he persevered in his filmmaking and earned a reputation as a bold and uncompromising director.
In addition to his work in the film industry, Choi was also recognized for his contributions to education. He was a dedicated mentor to his students, encouraging them to pursue their artistic passions and find their voice as filmmakers. His teaching style was known for its emphasis on critical thinking and creative expression.
Choi's commitment to his craft extended beyond the confines of the film industry. He was also a respected author and poet, publishing several books of poetry and essays that explored a range of philosophical and political topics. His writing was known for its lyrical and contemplative style, and reflected his deep commitment to social justice and humanistic values.
Today, Tae-hong Choi is remembered as one of South Korea's most influential filmmakers and cultural figures. His legacy continues to inspire generations of artists, writers, and filmmakers around the world.
Choi's contribution to South Korean cinema was not limited to his own work alone. He was also a key figure in the foundation of the Korean Academy of Film Arts in the late 1980s. This institution has since become one of the most prestigious film schools in Asia, producing many renowned filmmakers who have followed in Choi's footsteps.
Choi's commitment to storytelling extended beyond his work in film and literature. He was also an advocate for human rights and social justice, and was involved in various movements throughout his life. He actively participated in protests against state violence and was a supporter of the democratization movement that brought down the authoritarian regime in South Korea in the 1980s.
Even after his passing, Choi's impact on the film industry and society at large continues to be felt. In 2019, the Korean Film Archive released a restored version of his film "A Promise" in honor of the film's 20th anniversary. The film was met with critical acclaim and renewed interest in his work. Choi's life and career serve as a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to challenge injustice and inspire change.
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