Renowned Composer Bae Sang-tae Passes Away at 86

Bae Sang-tae, a celebrated composer known for numerous hit songs such as ‘돌아가는 삼각지’ (Returning to Samgakji) and ‘비 내리는 명동’ (Myeongdong in the Rain), has passed away at the age of 86. According to reports from the music industry, he died on March 26 due to chronic kidney disease and other health issues.

Born in 1939 in Seongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Bae began his career as a singer with KBS in Daegu in 1956 before pursuing composition studies at Seorabeol College. He made his debut as a composer in September 1963 with the song ‘송죽부인’ (Songjuk Lady) performed by Song Chun-hee.

His breakthrough came in 1967 with ‘돌아가는 삼각지’, a poignant song that captures the emotions of a couple parting ways. Despite its enduring popularity, Bae initially struggled to find a singer for the track, facing rejections from top artists of the time, including Nam Jin and Nam Il-hae. Eventually, he found Baek Ho, a singer living in a small room in Cheongnyangni, who recorded the song despite health challenges. Baek Ho's powerful vocals resonated with the public, leading to the song's immense success.

Later that year, Bae composed ‘안개 낀 장충단 공원’ (Foggy Jangchungdan Park), which also became a hit, recorded under challenging circumstances due to Baek Ho's deteriorating health. Bae continued to collaborate with Baek Ho on several other successful tracks, including ‘황토십리길’ (Hwangto 10-Mile Road) and ‘비겁한 맹서’ (Cowardly Oath).

Over his prolific career spanning more than four decades, Bae Sang-tae composed around 2,000 songs, including notable works for artists like Kim Sang-hee and Kang So-hee. His contributions to the music industry were recognized in 2016 when he received the Order of Cultural Merit from the Republic of Korea.

Bae is survived by his wife and three children. His funeral will be held at 8 AM on March 30 at the funeral hall of Gangdong Sacred Heart Hospital.