'Hal-dambi' Ji Byeong-soo, Star of 'National Singing Contest', Passes Away at 82

Ji Byeong-soo, affectionately known as 'Hal-dambi' (Grandpa Dambi) for his iconic performance of Son Dam-bi's 'Crazy' on KBS1's 'National Singing Contest,' has passed away at the age of 82.

According to Yonhap News on the 17th, the late passed away from old age on October 30th at the National Medical Center.

Born in Gimje, Jeollabuk-do, Ji Byeong-soo attended Hanyang University's Department of Trade, though he did not complete his degree. His life was marked by diverse experiences, including working for a construction company, managing a department store named 'Duvan' in Myeongdong, and running a bar in Sinchon. He even learned traditional dance and performed in Japan.

However, his life took a difficult turn after he lost his fortune due to three instances of fraud and co-signing loans. He lived as a recipient of basic livelihood security benefits. Although he never married, he raised two adopted sons and lived alone in a rented room in Jongno-gu, Seoul in his later years. He had a particular fondness for clothes, dedicating two of his three rooms to storing his wardrobe, which included 30 suits, 50 shirts, and 100 pairs of shoes.

A turning point came on March 24, 2019, when he appeared on the Jongno-gu episode of 'National Singing Contest.' Introducing himself as 'Jongno's dandy,' his energetic rendition and dance to Son Dam-bi's 'Crazy' garnered immense attention, earning him the Popularity Award. This performance led to him being widely known as 'Hal-dambi,' a portmanteau of 'grandfather' and 'Son Dam-bi.'

Following his newfound fame, Ji Byeong-soo appeared on various programs, including KBS2's 'Entertainment Relay,' launched his official YouTube channel, became a model for Lotte Home Shopping, and featured in tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block' and KBS 1TV's 'Human Documentary - Hal-dambi is Crazy.'

Song Dong-ho, whom he met through 'National Singing Contest,' served as his manager. In October 2019, Ji Byeong-soo also released a new song titled 'Wake Up.'

Although his funeral was held without immediate family, Song Dong-ho and his adopted sons served as the chief mourners. The funeral procession took place on November 15th, and he was interred in a columbarium at the Seoul Municipal Cemetery in Byeokje.

Korean netizens expressed their condolences, with comments like, 'It's heartbreaking to hear of Hal-dambi's passing. We won't forget the passion you showed on National Singing Contest,' and 'I can feel the weight of life behind those vibrant performances. May he rest in peace.'