Im Guk-hee, a pioneering figure in South Korean radio broadcasting and the original voice behind some of MBC’s most beloved programs, has passed away at the age of 88. Her death on June 3, 2026, was confirmed by the Korean Announcers Club, marking the end of an era for the nation’s radio landscape. The news, reported by outlets including Hankyung, JoongAng Ilbo, Kookmin Ilbo, Seoul Shinmun, and Yonhap News, has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, listeners, and the wider broadcasting community.
Born in 1938, Im Guk-hee’s journey to becoming a household name began with her graduation from Gyeonggi Girls’ High School and the Department of History at Sungkyunkwan University. According to JoongAng Ilbo, she entered the broadcasting world in 1961 as a new announcer at KBS. Just three years later, she made a pivotal move to MBC, where her career would truly flourish.
It was at MBC that Im’s warm, empathetic voice became synonymous with late-night radio. She quickly rose to prominence as the host of “Hanbamui Eumakpyeonji” (Midnight’s Music Letter) and, later, “Yeoseong Salon Im Guk-hee Yeyo” (Ladies’ Salon, This is Im Guk-hee). These programs, which aired through the 1960s and 1970s, established her as the “queen of midnight radio,” a title echoed in Yonhap News and Seoul Shinmun.
Her presence behind the microphone was more than just a voice in the night; it was a source of comfort for countless listeners. MBC itself, in a 2011 special documentary commemorating the radio station’s 50th anniversary, described Im as “the pioneer of female DJs in Korea’s late-night radio.” This recognition, as reported by multiple outlets, underscored her role in breaking new ground for women in broadcasting at a time when the industry was largely male-dominated.
Im’s programs were not only popular but influential. “Yeoseong Salon,” which she began hosting in April 1975, quickly became a staple for MBC’s radio audience. Its mix of music, candid talk, and gentle encouragement resonated deeply, earning Im the MBC Radio Acting Award for Best DJ in 1983 and the Korean Broadcasting Awards Social Contribution Award in 1984, according to JoongAng Ilbo. Her unique approach fostered a sense of community among listeners, many of whom tuned in nightly for her signature blend of warmth and wisdom.
The legacy of “Yeoseong Salon” is perhaps best seen in its evolution. After Im stepped down from the show in April 1988, the program was rebranded as “Yeoseong Sidae” (Women’s Era), which continues to this day as one of MBC’s longest-running radio programs. As Kookmin Ilbo and Yonhap News detail, the roots of “Yeoseong Sidae” can be traced back even further, to the 1957 launch of “11siui Huimang Eumak” (11 O’Clock Hopeful Music), which later became “Im Guk-hee’s Music Salon.” This lineage underscores the enduring impact of Im’s work, shaping the culture of Korean radio for generations.
Im’s influence was not confined to the airwaves. She was a dedicated mentor and leader within the broadcasting community, serving as a director of the Foundation for Broadcast Culture from 2003 to 2006 and as the eighth president of the Korean Announcers Club from 2015 to 2019. Her commitment to fostering new talent and advocating for the profession was widely recognized. In 2014, MBC awarded her the prestigious “Golden Mouse” honor, reserved for those who have contributed over 20 years to the company’s radio legacy.
Her personal life was marked by partnership and family. Im was married to Seong Dae-gyeong, the former chairman of the Commission for the Investigation of Collaborations with Imperial Japan, who passed away in 2016. She is survived by a daughter, Seong Eun-ae, and a son, Seong Ji-dong, as reported by JoongAng Ilbo and Seoul Shinmun. Her family, along with countless admirers, now mourns the loss of a matriarch whose voice was a constant companion through decades of social change and personal challenge.
The funeral arrangements reflect her stature in the broadcasting world. Im’s memorial was initially set up in Room 9 of the Samsung Seoul Hospital funeral hall, with plans to move to Room 17 on the morning of June 4 to accommodate the many mourners expected to pay their respects. The funeral procession is scheduled for June 6 at 6:30 a.m., with her final resting place at Yongmi-ri Natural Cemetery, according to Yonhap News and Hankyung.
Colleagues and listeners alike have reflected on Im’s remarkable career and the doors she opened for women in media. Her pioneering work as a female DJ in the 1960s and 1970s—an era when such roles were rare—helped normalize the presence of women in broadcasting and inspired many to follow in her footsteps. MBC’s 2011 documentary, as cited by Kookmin Ilbo, lauded her as the “origin of Korea’s late-night female DJ tradition.”
Im’s enduring appeal lay in her ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. Whether offering solace during turbulent times or sharing moments of joy and laughter, her broadcasts became a nightly ritual for many. The programs she helped create not only entertained but also provided a vital sense of community—something especially important in the rapidly changing Korea of the late 20th century.
Her leadership extended beyond the studio. As president of the Korean Announcers Club, Im championed professional standards and supported young broadcasters, ensuring that her legacy would live on through the next generation. Her work with the Foundation for Broadcast Culture further cemented her reputation as a steward of Korea’s broadcasting heritage.
As the nation bids farewell to Im Guk-hee, her life’s work stands as a testament to the power of radio to inform, comfort, and unite. The programs she hosted, the awards she won, and the countless lives she touched all speak to a career defined by passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her craft. Her voice may have fallen silent, but the echoes of her influence will continue to shape Korean media for years to come.
Im Guk-hee’s story is one of quiet revolution—a reminder that sometimes, the most profound changes begin with a single voice in the night.