Singer Ok Hee Dies at 73: K-Pop Pioneer and Seoul Sisters Member Succumbs to Kidney Cancer; Know Her Best Songs

South Korean music mourns the loss of an icon. Ok Hee, the celebrated singer whose real name was Kim Kwang Sook and was also known as Kitty Kim, passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the age of 73. The veteran artist succumbed to kidney cancer in a hospice ward located in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, with her family by her side. Ok Hee's passing has sent ripples of sadness across the industry and among her devoted fanbase, who remembered her as a formidable vocalist and a trailblazer in the nascent stages of Korean pop music. ‘Sing Again 4’ Contestant Kim Yoon Seol Dies at 27.

Ok Hee's Trailblazing Career

Born in Busan in 1953, Ok Hee began her illustrious journey in the entertainment world through the U.S. Eighth Army shows. She made her official debut in 1968 as the dynamic leader of the five-member girl group Seoul Sisters. The group quickly gained international recognition, performing across various regions including Hong Kong, the Middle East, the United States, and Canada, even gracing the stages of Las Vegas hotels as "Kitty Kim" and being featured in the U.S. Billboard.

Reflecting on her early career, Ok Hee once proudly stated on a broadcast, “We were the original K-pop stars.” After establishing the Seoul Sisters as pioneers, she embarked on a successful solo career in 1974 with her hit song “I Don't Know,” which earned her an MBC Top 10 Singer Award in 1975.

Ok Hee Hit Songs and Enduring Popularity

Ok Hee's powerful vocals and emotional delivery led to a string of popular singles throughout the 1970s and beyond. Her significant songs include:

• "I Don't Know" (1974)
• "Speak with Your Eyes Only" (1975)
• "Where Could You Be" (1976)
• "Ah, That Day" (1976)
• "Hold Both My Hands" (1977)
• "Neighborly Relatives" / "Neighbor's Cousin" (1977)
• "A Love Like a Novel" (2003)
• "Because of Money" (2007)
• "Train of Life" (2017)

Ok Hee Personal Life and Final Performances

Beyond her musical achievements, Ok Hee's personal life also garnered public attention, particularly her relationship with former boxing world champion Hong Soo-hwan. The couple, who had a daughter in 1978, separated briefly before dramatically reuniting in 1995, 16 years later. They even collaborated on the album Ok Hee & Hong Soo-hwan Praise Album in 2000 and performed together at charity concerts. Who Was Park Bo-Ram? All You Need to Know About the K-Pop Singer of Reply 1988 OST Who Died at 30.

Ok Hee Cancer Diagnosis

Ok Hee was diagnosed with kidney cancer in February 2025 and continued to demonstrate her unwavering passion for music despite her illness. In March 2026, despite her declining health, she made a poignant appearance on KBS's 'Gayo Stage,' performing "Flower of Passion" (originally by Lee Geum-hee), which became her final terrestrial stage. Close friend and singer Jang Mi Hwa recounted, "During the rehearsals for 'Song Stage,' her condition kept deteriorating, and everyone around her tried to stop her, but she insisted on performing until the end."

Ok Hee Funeral Details

Ok Hee is survived by her husband, Hong Soo-hwan, and their son and daughter. The memorial altar has been set up at Room 22 of the funeral hall at Asan Medical Center in Seoul. The funeral, to be held under the auspices of the Korean Singers Association, is scheduled for June 24, with the coffin to be borne at 11 AM.

'Seoul Sisters' Singer Ok Hee Dies After Battle With Cancer - Watch Local News Coverage:

Actress Han Ji-il paid tribute on social media, saying, "My beloved younger sister, singer Ok Hee, has left our side for heaven. We offer our deepest condolences for her repose."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 22, 2026 06:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).