Ok-hee, Legendary Leader of Seoul Sisters, Dies at 73

The South Korean entertainment industry is mourning the loss of veteran singer Ok-hee (Kim Gwang-sook), who passed away on June 21, 2026, at the age of 73 after battling kidney cancer.

Ok-hee died in a hospice ward in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, where she had been receiving treatment following her diagnosis last year.

Born in 1953 in Busan during the difficult years of the Korean War, Ok-hee grew up in a family deeply connected to the performing arts. Her parents performed with a theatrical troupe, and after the war the family settled in Seoul. Her journey into music began at a young age when an introduction to legendary singer Hyun Mi inspired her to audition for the U.S. 8th Army Show circuit, a program that gave many Korean performers their first professional opportunities.

In 1968, she debuted as the leader of Seoul Sisters, one of the pioneering female groups of the era. The group performed not only in Korea but also internationally, appearing in Hong Kong, the Middle East, the United States, and Canada. Their success helped open doors for future generations of Korean female artists.

After returning to Korea, Ok-hee launched her solo career in 1974 with the hit song I Don't Know. She quickly became one of the most recognizable voices of the 1970s, releasing a series of popular songs including Speak with Your Eyes, Where Could You Be, Ah, That Day, and Hold Both My Hands.

Her warm vocal style and emotional performances earned her a loyal fanbase and established her as one of the notable female singers of her generation.

Beyond music, Ok-hee's personal life also attracted public attention. In 1978, she began a relationship with professional boxer Hong Soo-hwan. The couple had a daughter together before eventually separating. Nearly sixteen years later, they reunited, a story that captured the hearts of many fans.

Even after the peak of her popularity, Ok-hee remained active in music. She continued releasing songs throughout the 2000s and 2010s, including A Love Like a Novel (2003), Because of Money (2007), and Train of Life (2017), demonstrating her enduring passion for performing.

Many Korean music fans remember Ok-hee not only for her successful solo career but also for helping pave the way for female artists in an era when opportunities for women in the industry were far more limited than they are today.

She is survived by her son and daughter. Her passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Korean popular music history, but her influence and contributions will continue to be remembered by generations of fans and artists alike.

Legacy of a Pioneer

Long before the global rise of K-pop, artists like Ok-hee helped establish the foundations of Korea's modern music industry. Through her work with Seoul Sisters and her successful solo career, she became part of a generation that introduced Korean popular music to international audiences and inspired countless performers who followed.

Her voice, dedication, and pioneering spirit remain an important part of Korea's musical heritage.