South Korean singer Ok Hee, known for 1970s hits, dies at 73

Singer Ok Hee, a beloved figure in South Korean music known for her 1970s hits 'I Don't Know' and 'Neighborly Friend,' passed away on May 20 at the age of 73. She had been battling kidney cancer and died in a hospice in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, surrounded by her family.

Born in Busan during the Korean War, Ok Hee's musical journey began after moving to Seoul. She debuted in 1968 as the leader of the five-member group Seoul Sisters, performing internationally across Hong Kong, the Middle East, the United States, and Canada. Reflecting on her early career in a 2019 television appearance, she described the group as pioneers of K-pop, touring the world.

Returning to South Korea, Ok Hee launched her solo career in 1974 with the hit song 'I Don't Know,' composed by the renowned Kim Hee-gap. This success was followed by other popular songs like 'Speak Only with Your Eyes,' 'Where Do You Think You Are,' 'Neighborly Friend,' and 'Let's Hold Hands,' solidifying her status as a top artist in the 1970s.

Her personal life also garnered significant public attention, particularly her relationship with boxing world champion Hong Soo-hwan in the late 1970s. They had a daughter in 1978 but separated shortly after. The couple remarried in 1995, attracting renewed media interest. They collaborated on a joint album and performed at charity concerts in the early 2000s.

Ok Hee was diagnosed with kidney cancer last year and continued to release new music into the 2000s. Her final songs, 'Grateful Love' and 'Life Train,' were released in 2024. Despite her illness, she appeared on the KBS 'Gayo Stage' program in March, demonstrating her enduring passion for singing and performing until the end. She is survived by her husband, son, and daughter. The funeral will be held under the auspices of the Korea Singers Association at Seoul Asan Medical Center.

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We were the original K-pop artists, touring the world.