Farewell to Song Dae-kwan: A Heartfelt Goodbye from Fellow Artists
On February 9, 2025, the funeral service for the late singer Song Dae-kwan was held at the Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno, Seoul. Fellow artists gathered to pay their respects, singing his hit song '해뜰날' (The Day the Sun Rises) as a tribute. Among those present were singers Yang Ji-won, Seol Woon-do, Kang Jin, Moon Hee-ok, Park Sang-cheol, Lee Ja-yeon, and Tae Jin-ah. Tae Jin-ah, who shared a close bond with Song, delivered an emotional eulogy, saying, "Rest well, my eternal rival!"
The service began at 9:30 AM and lasted for about an hour and a half, attended by around 70 family members and fellow artists. Despite the hopeful lyrics of '해뜰날,' the atmosphere was filled with sorrow as attendees sang along, their faces reflecting their grief.
Emotional tributes continued throughout the ceremony. Lee Ja-yeon, co-chair of the funeral committee alongside Tae Jin-ah, expressed that future generations would remember Song's humor, warm smile, and timeless songs. Seol Woon-do reminisced about Song's dedication, stating, "He was destined to be the best in his field. A singer's life begins and ends on stage, and he left us doing what he loved. Though it hurts, I find comfort in that." Kang Jin described Song as a friendly and approachable figure, expressing his longing for the late artist.
The service also highlighted the struggles Song faced in recent years, as he continued to perform actively despite financial difficulties. Tae Jin-ah shared that they had planned a rival dinner show for May and had even discussed the setlist the day before Song's passing.
Song Dae-kwan, who rose to fame with hits like '해뜰날' (1975), '차표 한 장' (One Train Ticket), and '네 박자' (Four Beats), faced significant challenges in 2013 due to a fraud case linked to his wife's failed real estate investment. He revealed in 2021 that his debts had reached 28 billion won, yet he persevered, often eating simple meals in his car while performing up to five events a day. By 2020, he announced that he had cleared most of his debts and continued to grace the stage until his passing.
During the two-day mourning period, his two sons and wife, Lee Jeong-sim, were present, along with fellow artists and celebrities who came to pay their respects. Notable attendees included singers Na Hoon-a, Jo Yong-pil, and Lim Young-woong, who sent floral tributes.
Following the service, Song was laid to rest at the Utopia Memorial Hall in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province, a burial site arranged by his close friend and fellow artist Kim Seong-hwan.
