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Jang Sa-ik Honors Han Seung-heon: A Musical Tribute to a Human Rights Icon

Daniel Kim Views  

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Jang Sa-ik answers interview questions on April 20. / Cho Hyun-wook

“I hope we continue to honor and carry on Mr. Han Seung‑heon’s spirit.”

At the fourth anniversary memorial for Sanmin Han Seung‑heon, singer Jang Sa‑ik—who performed the tribute songs—recalled his relationship with Han and offered those words.

At Jinsudang Hall at Jeonbuk National University on April 20, Jang paid tribute to the late Sanmin Han Seung‑heon with three songs: “My Path,” “Spring Days Have Passed,” and “Gomoryeong Ridge.” Attendees listened attentively and reflected on Han’s life as a human-rights lawyer and man of letters. 

Jang said their friendship began because they lived in the same neighborhood and that Han loved music.

“Because I’m a singer, our first connection came through song,” he said. “He really enjoyed my music, and he lived less than a five-minute drive away, so I saw him often until he passed.” 

“At first I thought he might be stern, but he had a warm sense of humor and a deep love of music,” Jang added. “He was an elder I admired greatly.”

Notably, the first song Jang performed, “My Path,” sets music to a poem Han gave him during his lifetime.

“‘My Path’ captures Mr. Han’s dreams and hopes, and his sorrow about having limited time left,” Jang said. “At the time, he gave me the poem and asked me to turn it into a song and perform it at a big celebration.” He added, “The second song, ‘Spring Days Have Passed,’ was one of his favorites in life, and I chose the third song as something people would enjoy.”

Jang emphasized that Han’s influence has been positive both in life and after his death, and he hopes that legacy will continue.

“Mr. Han did much while he was alive, and after his death the Sanmin Prize has helped inspire many to contribute to society and do meaningful work,” Jang said. “We remember him as one of Jeonbuk’s great elders, and we hope his spirit endures.”

Jang Sa‑ik, who debuted in 1994 with “The Road to the Heavens,” released hits including “Wild Rose,” “Spring Days Have Passed,” “Spring Rain,” and “Flower Viewing.” He won the KBS Gugak Grand Prize (Gold) in 1995 and the National Assembly Popular Culture and Media Gugak Award in 2006. He also performed the national anthem at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics closing ceremony.

Daniel Kim
content@tenbizt.com

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