Broadcaster Lee Geum-hee [Newsis]
Broadcaster Lee Geum-hee [Newsis]

Broadcaster Lee Geum-hee has lost her mother.

According to broadcasting industry sources, Lee's mother, Kang Sun-sik, died Monday at the age of 93.

At the time of her passing, Lee was in Uzbekistan filming a documentary special for Hangul Day. Following her family's wishes, she completed the scheduled shoot before returning to Korea, where she set up a memorial altar Thursday.

"My mother passed away just before her 93rd birthday," Lee said. "I share this news with a heavy heart and ask that you pray for her peaceful rest."

According to Lee's autobiographical essay collection "I Don't Want to Stand Out," her mother raised five daughters largely on her own — taking up hairdressing, sewing and other work to make ends meet while her father earned a modest salary as a low-ranking police officer. Lee, the fourth of the five daughters, grew up singing and playing at her mother's side, and has described her mother as the greatest pillar of her life.

The memorial is being held at the funeral home of Cheongu Sacred Heart Hospital in Galhyeon-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul. Condolence visits are available from 10 a.m. Thursday. The coffining ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, and the funeral procession will depart at 7 a.m. Saturday.

Meanwhile, Lee's KBS Cool FM radio program "Saranghagi Joeun Nal Lee Geum-hee-imnida," a daily music and talk show, pre-recorded its broadcasts for the duration of the mourning period.


jshan@heraldcorp.com