'Legend of Trot' singer Song Dae-kwan has been gone for a year now. His absence, which left a significant mark on the South Korean music scene, still lingers with deep regret.
The late Song Dae-kwan passed away on February 7, 2025, at the age of 78. Notably, he had received a cancer-free diagnosis after battling bile duct cancer, but while recovering his health, he suddenly experienced a health crisis and went to the emergency room, ultimately passing away from a heart attack, shocking and saddening his fans.
Born in 1946, he made his debut in 1967 with 'A Kind Lady', taking his first step into the music industry. After enduring a long period of obscurity, he rose to stardom with the release of 'The Day the Sun Rises' in 1975, which was loved by the entire nation. This song, which sang of hope overcoming life's adversities, provided great comfort to the public at the time and became a classic symbolizing the era.
Afterward, he solidified his position as a national singer by continuously hitting the charts with every song he released, including 'Four Beats', 'One Ticket', 'Popular Song', 'Good Atmosphere', and 'Just Right'. He was referred to as one of the 'Four Kings of Trot' alongside Tae Jin-ah, Seol Woon-do, and Hyun Chul, leading the genre's golden age. In particular, the delightful chemistry he shared with his good-natured rival and close friend Tae Jin-ah was beloved on entertainment programs as well.
His final musical legacy is the regular album 'Wallet Brother', released in 2024. He never let go of his passion for music during his lifetime, showing his sincerity towards the stage until the very end, deeply engraving himself in the hearts of his fans.
The late Song Dae-kwan, who dedicated his life solely to trot, bringing laughter and emotion to the public. The numerous hit songs he left behind continue to resonate in the ears of the public even today, on the first anniversary, adding to the longing for the 'Eternal Emperor of Trot'.
