Legendary soccer caster Song Jae-ik has passed away at the age of 83, as confirmed by family reports from Korea on the morning of March 18, 2025. Known for his iconic commentary and memorable quotes, Song succumbed to complications from cancer after battling the disease since his diagnosis last year. He died at 5 AM at his home located in Dangjin, South Korea.
Born in April 1942, Song began his broadcasting career with the Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) in 1970, initially covering boxing matches. He transitioned to soccer commentary and became one of South Korea's most beloved sports figures when he held the microphone for six consecutive World Cups, starting from the 1986 Mexico tournament all the way through to the 2006 Germany World Cup.
One of the highlights of his career came during the 1997 "Tokyo Match," part of the World Cup Asian Finals qualification. When Lee Min-sung scored a dramatic equalizer, Song famously exclaimed, "I think Mt. Fuji is getting heavier." This memorable comment not only captured the moment's intensity but also sparked excitement among viewers, leading to ratings of 56.9% during the match—a significant achievement for South Korean broadcasting at the time.
His partnership with fellow commentator Shin Moon-seon was instrumental to his success. Together, they created dynamic broadcasts and delivered enthralling commentary filled with vivid imagery. Shin characterized Song as having the ability to draw parallels between sports and worldly expressions, emphasizing his way with words.
Reflecting on his famous Mt. Fuji quote, Song recounted his intention to stir emotions, saying, "What came to my mind was wanting to lift Japan's self-esteem. I thought Mt. Fuji was about to collapse." This sentiment showed his strategic thinking and the playful rivalry present during such matches.
Despite retiring from MBC in 1999, Song rejoined the sports commentary scene with the SBS Sports channel starting from 2000. He also lent his voice to the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup broadcasts, solidifying his status as one of the country's leading commentators. His contributions to sports broadcasting extended beyond soccer as he covered various events throughout his career.
Song returned to live broadcasting during the 2019 K-League 2 season for the Korea Professional Football Federation, garnering praise for his passionate commentary. He continued to be active until his retirement from broadcasting at the age of 78, marking the end of over five decades of service.
The wake for Song Jae-ik is taking place at Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, with visitation starting on March 19. The funeral service is set for March 21 at Daehoji Memorial Park, allowing fans and family to pay respects to the esteemed broadcaster.
To those who tuned in to his broadcasts, Song Jae-ik will always be remembered not just for the specifics of his commentary, but for the heartfelt passion he brought to each match, creating enduring memories within the football community. His words and presence on screen will forever remain etched in the history of sports broadcasting.
He leaves behind his family, including his daughter and son. The legacy of Song Jae-ik transcends mere numbers and ratings; it envelops the spirit of sports commentary, capturing the heartbeats of matches and magnifying the emotional significance football holds for fans worldwide.
