Five Years On, Beloved Actor Song Jae-ho's Legacy Continues to Shine

It has been five years since actor Song Jae-ho, fondly remembered as the 'Nation's Father,' passed away.

Song Jae-ho passed away on November 7, 2020, at the age of 83, after a year-long battle with illness.

Born in Pyeongyang, North Pyongan Province, in 1937, Song began his career as a KBS Busan Broadcasting Station voice actor in 1959. He transitioned to acting in 1968 as a KBS special talent, gracing both the big and small screens with his compelling performances.

He left an indelible mark in cinematic history with works like 'The Age of Woman' (1975), 'People of the Slums' (1982), and 'The Winter That Year Was Warm' (1984). His portrayals resonated deeply, capturing the universal emotions of Koreans, from young men enduring the struggles of their era to the steadfast fathers who protected their families and the resilient patriarchs overcoming life's hardships.

In the 2000s, he captivated audiences once more with his seasoned acting in films such as 'Memories of Murder' (2003), where he played a veteran detective, and 'I Love You' (2011), as the pure-hearted elder Jang Bun-bong. His image as a kind and benevolent 'Nation's Father' was firmly established, further illuminated by a Special Contribution Award at the KBS Drama Awards in 2020 and the Eungwan Order of Cultural Merit in 2021.

Beyond his acting career, Song Jae-ho's life was a testament to dedication and service. He possessed a unique background as a marksman and held international shooting referee qualifications, actively participating in the 1986 Asian Games and the 1988 Seoul Olympics. He also served diligently as a goodwill ambassador for Holt Children's Services and the head of the Anti-Poaching Task Force.

Despite facing personal tragedy with the loss of his youngest son in a traffic accident in 2000, which led to temporary memory loss, Song Jae-ho steadfastly pursued his passion for acting. His performances were more than just character portrayals; they were the portraits of fathers in our times and the embodiment of an ordinary yet extraordinary human life. His presence and performances will forever be cherished.

Netizens expressed their fond memories, commenting things like, "It's hard to believe it's been 5 years already," "I still feel touched when I think of Teacher Song Jae-ho," and "We wish him peace and will never forget him."