Popular military TV personality Lee Sang-yong passes away at the age of 81.
Rewritten Article:
Hey there! Let's chat about a famous figure in the South Korean entertainment industry, Lee Sang-yong. Known for his distinctive cropped hair, he earned the endearing nickname "Popeye ajeossi" (roughly translates to "Popeye middle-aged man").
Lee began his career in 1973 and achieved nationwide recognition for hosting MBC’s "Stage of Friendship," a popular show for soldiers, from 1989 to 1996. Beyond his TV career, he was also deeply involved in charitable works, like fundraising for children with heart disease, and received accolades such as the Order of Civil Merit in 1987.
In 2009, he established "Popeye's Traveling Troupe," a group of veteran artists who performed free shows across the country. Unfortunately, Lee passed away at the age of 81 on May 9, 2025, following a hospitalization after collapsing[1].
Fun fact! Another prominent television personality, Song Hae, also passed away around the same time, at 95 years old. However, there's no evidence to suggest that these two figures were related. Both Lee and Song Hae made significant impacts on the Korean TV scene and will be fondly remembered[1].
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- Lee Sang-yong, a notable figure in the South Korean entertainment industry, was recognized for his contributions beyond television, including charity work like fundraising for children with heart disease and receiving the Order of Civil Merit in 1987.
- The television host, known for his distinctive cropped hair and the nickname "Popeye ajeossi," began his career in 1973 and is best remembered for hosting MBC’s "Stage of Friendship" from 1989 to 1996.
- In a touching tribute to the veteran artist, Lee established "Popeye's Traveling Troupe" in 2009, a group of fellow artists who performed free shows across the country.
- Tragically, Lee Sang-yong passed away at the age of 81 on May 9, 2025, following a hospitalization after collapsing.
- Around the same time, another significant figure in Korean TV, Song Hae, also passed away at 95 years old, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and television scene.
