Remembering Popai Lee: A Legacy in Korean Broadcasting
Lee Sang-yong, affectionately known as “Popai” (Pop-eye), passed away on May 9, 2025, at the age of 81. His death marked the end of an era in Korean broadcast history. A familiar face on KBS and MBC for decades, Lee made a name for himself with his animated hosting style, warm personality, and tireless dedication to uplifting others—most notably through his work on the beloved military variety show Stage of Friendship.
News of his sudden passing due to cardiac arrest shocked many in Korea. For thousands, Lee wasn’t just a TV host—he was a comforting presence who bridged civilians and soldiers, entertainers and patriots.
Shining Moments: Lee's Cultural Legacy
Laughs, Songs, and Honor
Lee's most influential contribution came through Stage of Friendship, a military entertainment program that aired from 1989 to 1997. Performing for soldiers stationed across Korea, Lee brought joy and a sense of connection to young men far from home. At a time when military service was isolating and difficult, Lee made sure those serving their country felt appreciated and included.
His career began in the 1970s, when he appeared as a supporting MC on MBC’s popular show Uplifting Team Match. By 1975, he had gained the nickname "Popai" for his upbeat, eccentric presence on Let’s Gather and Sing. He wasn’t just funny—he was downright therapeutic.
More than just an entertainer, Lee stood as a rare representative of national empathy—someone who used mass media to foster emotional unity. His shows were less about ratings and more about reaching hearts.
Sudden End, Lingering Questions
Lee’s sudden death reignited concerns about elderly health in Korea. While he remained active in recent years, his cardiac arrest was unexpected and left fans wondering if more should be done to care for retired entertainers.
But beyond personal health, his loss symbolizes something larger: the fading presence of broadcasters built on sincerity and public service. Many fans worry that today’s fast-paced, algorithm-driven entertainment world has little room left for old-school warmth.
Generational Shift: Legacy Meets the Digital Era
What the Old School Got Right
Lee represented a broadcasting era that emphasized connection over self-promotion. He didn’t go viral, and he didn’t chase cameo deals or social media antics. Yet his influence ran deep. His work uplifted soldiers, comforted the elderly, and entertained families. His laugh, his signature cardigan, and his irrepressible optimism were part of a national identity for many Koreans in the ’80s and ’90s.
His approach—to entertain with integrity—showed that mass media could uplift without being flashy. This is precisely what is lacking in many of today’s YouTube-driven, influencer-based ecosystems, where content is often short-lived and shallow.
Why He Doesn’t Fit the TikTok Age
The modern viewer scrolls fast. Algorithms crave quick wins. And in this world of bite-sized content, the long-form sincerity Lee was known for can feel outdated. Today’s hosts are expected to be personal brands as much as performers. They tweet, vlog, and engage with fans 24/7. Lee’s style didn’t include any of that—and that’s exactly why many treasured him.
But for younger viewers raised on Netflix, TikTok, and YouTube shorts, it's harder to see the value in a performer who took things slow, focused on service, and rejected self-aggrandizement. The tools have changed. So have the standards.
Finding Harmony Amid Change
While Popai Lee may be gone, his values shouldn’t die with him. As Korean—and global—entertainment evolves, there's a lesson in his career: Not all content must be flashy to be meaningful. Not all hosts must be controversial to be remembered.
New generations of broadcasters can learn from him to produce work that connects, encourages, and uplifts. His shows were a public service, not a vanity project. Blending this old wisdom with modern tools may be the best way forward—one that balances entertainment with empathy.
Lee Sang-yong left behind more than catchphrases and nostalgic memories. He left behind a challenge: to care for viewers, not just capture them. And that’s a challenge worth accepting.
