South Korean musicians died when they were 77
Here are 2 famous musicians from South Korea died at 77:
Lee Byung-chul
Lee Byung-chul (February 12, 1910 Uiryeong County-November 19, 1987 Seoul) a.k.a. Lee Byung-Chull or Byung-Chull Lee was a South Korean businessperson. He had three children, Lee Myung-Hee, Lee Kun-hee and Lee Maeng-hee.
In 1938, Lee founded Samsung in Daegu, with only 30,000 won (roughly $27) from his father. Samsung started as a small export business in fish, noodles, and vegetables, but eventually expanded into electronics, semiconductors, construction, and more. Under Lee's leadership, Samsung became one of the largest chaebols (conglomerates) in South Korea, and the world.
Lee was known for his philosophy of "change everything except your wife and children," which emphasized the importance of innovation and adapting to the rapidly changing world. Despite facing numerous challenges, including the Korean War, Lee kept Samsung afloat and continued to focus on research and development.
Lee passed away in 1987, but Samsung remains a major player in the global economy, with revenues exceeding $200 billion in 2020. Lee's legacy as a visionary entrepreneur and pioneer in the tech industry has left a lasting impact on South Korea and the world.
Lee Byung-chul's legacy also includes his contribution to the development of South Korea's economy. He believed in investing in human capital and established several schools and institutes, including the Samsung Economic Research Institute and the Samsung Life Insurance Research Institute. Lee also played a pivotal role in creating job opportunities and transforming South Korea's rural economy. His commitment to social responsibility is evident through the numerous scholarships and grants established by Samsung Foundation, which continues to support research, education, and community development initiatives. In addition to the success of Samsung, Lee's entrepreneurial spirit inspired many other business leaders, making him a symbol of Korea's economic rise.
Additionally, Lee Byung-chul's leadership style was characterized by his emphasis on creating a positive corporate culture and treating his employees well. He believed that the success of a company was largely dependent on the satisfaction and motivation of its workers. To that end, Lee implemented several policies to improve the lives of Samsung employees, including establishing a profit-sharing program, providing housing and healthcare benefits, and promoting from within the company. As a result, Samsung became known for its loyal and dedicated workforce. Lee's commitment to corporate social responsibility and enhancing the quality of life of his employees set a precedent for other Korean companies to follow, and his legacy continues to inspire business leaders around the world.
Throughout his life, Lee Byung-chul received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to South Korea's economic development and the global business community. He was awarded the Order of Merit for Industrial Service in 1966, and posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame by the American Electronics Association in 1997. Lee's passion for innovation and entrepreneurship has had a profound impact on the global tech industry, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of business leaders. His philosophy of "change everything except your wife and children" is still widely quoted today and serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to innovation and adaptation. Without Lee's pioneering spirit and visionary leadership, Samsung and South Korea's economy could have looked very different. Lee's contributions to the business world will always be remembered, and his name will forever be synonymous with success, innovation, and corporate responsibility.
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Kim Wol-ha
Kim Wol-ha (February 8, 1918 Gyeonggi Province-January 1, 1996) otherwise known as Kim Duk-sun was a South Korean singer.
She was considered as one of the most influential figures in the Korean traditional music scene. Wol-ha's passion for music started at a young age, and she pursued it despite the initial disapproval of her father. After winning several local singing competitions, she eventually became a professional singer and recorded numerous albums over the course of her career. She was particularly known for her renditions of "Arirang," a traditional Korean folk song that she popularized to a wider audience during her live performances and recordings. In addition to her musical career, Wol-ha was also devoted to teaching traditional Korean music to younger generations and served as a mentor to many aspiring singers. Her contribution to Korean culture was acknowledged in 1983 when she received the Order of Cultural Merit, the highest award given by the Korean government for achievements in art and culture.
Wol-ha's success as a singer was not limited within South Korea but also spread across the world as she toured several countries including Japan and the United States. Her performance at the Lincoln Center in New York was highly praised, and she even received a standing ovation from the audience. She was often referred to as the "queen of Korean folk music" and played a significant role in the popularization of Korean traditional music on a global scale.
Wol-ha also participated in various cultural exchange programs and events, showcasing the beauty of Korean traditional music to the world. Her dedication to preserving and promoting Korean cultural heritage made her an iconic figure in the country's music industry, and her influence is still evident today.
Despite passing away in 1996, Wol-ha's legacy lives on, and her contribution to the Korean music industry is still celebrated today. She inspired numerous young artists to pursue Korean traditional music, and many still consider her as a role model in the field.
Wol-ha's popularity continued to soar even after her passing, with her music still being played and admired by many music enthusiasts. She was also the first Korean traditional musician to perform at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City. In addition to her musical accomplishments, Wol-ha was also a prolific writer, penning numerous essays and books about her experiences in the music industry, her life, and her belief in the importance of preserving traditional Korean culture. She was also active in philanthropy and was involved in various charitable organizations, using her influence to help others and give back to the community. Her legacy continues to inspire many Koreans to embrace their cultural heritage and to pursue their passions with dedication and perseverance.
Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles, Kim Wol-ha's passion for music and dedication to preserving Korean cultural heritage proved to be a driving force in her life. She was a trailblazer in the Korean music industry and paved the way for future generations of traditional Korean musicians. Her impact was not only evident in the popularity of her music but also in the recognition she received from governments and organizations around the world. In 1994, she was honored with the Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize, which recognizes individuals or organizations that have contributed to the development and promotion of Asian culture. Her music and legacy continue to inspire audiences around the globe, and she remains a beloved and celebrated figure in Korean music and culture.
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