Legendary Singer Han Myung-sook, Icon of Korean Pop, Passes Away at 90

Han Myung-sook, the revered singer known for her timeless hit 'The Man in the Yellow Shirt', has passed away at the age of 90. Her passing was confirmed by music industry insiders, marking the end of an era for Korean pop music. Born in 1935 in Jinampo, South Pyongan Province, Han Myung-sook began her singing career after moving south, performing with the Sunyang Music Troupe and later on U.S. Army stages.

Her breakthrough came in 1961 with 'The Man in the Yellow Shirt', a collaboration with composer Son Seok-woo, which became a massive hit and was even adapted into a theatrical film the following year, featuring Han herself. This song not only catapulted her to stardom but also paved the way for her extensive overseas tours, earning her the title of 'The First Hallyu Star'.

Despite undergoing two vocal cord surgeries, Han continued to perform actively until the mid-1980s. In 2013, she made a comeback with the album 'Youth! Those Beautiful Days...', showcasing her enduring passion for music. With a repertoire of over 300 songs, including hits like 'Our Village', 'Snow is Falling', and 'Sentimental Guitar', Han Myung-sook's contributions to Korean music were monumental.

Her dedication to promoting Korean culture through music was recognized in 2000 when she was awarded the National Culture Medal, a testament to her lasting impact on the industry and her role in elevating Korean music on the global stage.