Ok Hee, Seoul Sisters leader and early Korean pop pioneer, dies at 73

Ok Hee, born Kim Kwang Sook, has died following a battle with kidney cancer. She was 73.

According to industry sources, she passed away around 8:40 p.m. KST on June 20 at a hospice ward in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province. Singer Jang Mi Hwa, a close friend of the late singer, said she had visited her that afternoon and later received word that she had passed away, adding that Ok Hee's family was by her side at the time of her death.

Born in 1953 in the wartime refuge city of Busan to parents who performed in a traveling theatrical troupe, Ok Hee entered the entertainment industry through the U.S. Eighth Army shows after meeting singer Hyun Mi as a middle school student. She debuted in 1968 as the leader of the five-member girl group Seoul Sisters, performing across the world, including in Las Vegas, and was regarded as one of the pioneers of Korean pop music. She was affectionately known abroad as "Kitty Kim," a nickname reflecting her cute, cat-like image.

After returning to Korea, she made her solo debut in 1974 with 'I Don't Know' and rose to stardom with her powerful vocals, winning an MBC Top 10 Singer Award. She went on to enjoy widespread popularity with a string of hits.

Ok Hee also drew significant public attention for her highly publicized romance with former boxing world champion Hong Soo Hwan. The two had a daughter together in 1978 before splitting up, then dramatically reunited 16 years later in 1995, drawing renewed attention. Hong Soo Hwan is known to have stayed by her side and devotedly cared for her throughout her battle with kidney cancer following her diagnosis last year.

Even while undergoing treatment, Ok Hee appeared on KBS's 'Gayo Stage' in March of this year to perform, never losing her passion for music. She ultimately succumbed to the illness. She is survived by a son and a daughter from her relationship with Hong Soo Hwan. A memorial altar will be set up at Asan Medical Center, and the funeral will be held under the auspices of the Korean Singers Association.