Okhee Funeral Held

The funeral service for the late singer Ok Hee was held on the morning of the 24th at the Asan Medical Center Funeral Hall in Seoul, presided over by the Korea Singers Association. As the deceased was a devout Christian, the funeral service was conducted in a worship format, with Park Sang-chul, president of the Korea Singers Association, reading a eulogy and an association director delivering a memorial address. Attendees included her husband Hong Soo-hwan, as well as Yoo Hyun-sang, Kang Jin, Lim Hee-sook, Jang Mi-hwa, and Kang Hye-yeon, who were close to the late singer during her life.

In his farewell speech at the funeral, Hong Soo-hwan said, "I believe Ok Hee has gone to heaven," adding, "​I wonder if I lived with such a wonderful singer. Even after living together for 30 years, I see even more amazing aspects of her." He also expressed his deep affection for his wife, saying, "​If my wife goes before God and is asked, 'What is your hit song?', she will answer, 'Neighborly Friend.' Then, I think they will say, 'Show her to a special room.'"

Ok Hee, who was diagnosed with kidney cancer last year, passed away on the 20th at the age of 73 in a hospice ward in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, surrounded by her family. Ok Hee debuted in 1968 as the leader of the girl group The Seoul Sisters and later released hit songs such as "I Don't Know," "Speak Only with Your Eyes," and "Neighborly Friend" during her solo career. Even while battling illness, she never lost her passion for performing, appearing on KBS1's "Gayo Stage" in March.

The funeral procession for the late Ok Hee was held on the morning of the 24th at the Asan Medical Center Funeral Hall in Seoul. Prior to the procession, at the funeral service organized by the Korea Singers Association, President Park Sang-chul paid tribute to the deceased, stating, "I stand here with deep sorrow and condolences as we bid farewell to Ok Hee, a precious star in the music industry." He described Ok Hee as "​a precious artist who has given love and inspiration by being a part of Korean popular music for a long time," and recalled, "​Her beautiful voice, outstanding singing ability, and passionate dedication to music left a deep resonance in the hearts of many."

Her husband, Hong Soo-hwan, began by saying, "Did I live with such a wonderful person?" He humorously remarked about his wife, "​Actually, she didn't say much to me. She was very proactive in other people's affairs, but often wouldn't say a word to me and our family all day long." He added, "​I cried a lot, but I think my wife, if asked by God, 'What is your hit song?', would say, 'Neighborly Friend.'" He concluded, "​I believe she has gone to heaven."