Obituary – Death – Cause of death News :

Octogenarian Rapper Seo Mu-seok Passes Away at 87

Seo Mu-seok, the inspiring octogenarian rapper who captured the hearts of many with her pursuit of musical dreams in her late 80s, sadly passed away on October 15 at the age of 87. Her journey came to an end in a hospital in Daegu, South Korea, after battling stage three lymphoma, a diagnosis she received in January with a prognosis of only three months to live.

Last year, Ms. Seo made her musical debut as part of the group Suni and the Seven Princesses, a seven-member act consisting of eight women with an average age of 85. The group, which met while attending a class for senior citizens to learn how to write, gained fame for their unique style as “rapping grannies,” captivating audiences with their performances on various platforms.

Ms. Seo’s personal story resonated with many as she shared her struggles of not being able to learn the Korean alphabet during Japan’s colonial rule over the Korean Peninsula due to poverty and discrimination against women. Despite her illness, she continued to perform, even taking the stage just days before her passing at the opening ceremony of 2024 Hangeul Week in Seoul.

Her daughter, Jeon Gyeong-suk, revealed that the family did not try to stop her from pursuing her passion as a rapper because of the joy it brought her. Ms. Jeon expressed that her mother’s final year was filled with happiness, something she had never experienced before.

As a tribute to Seo Mu-seok, Suni and the Seven Princesses were set to perform at her funeral, honoring her legacy and the impact she had on the music industry at an age where many would have chosen to retire.

Who was Seo Mu-seok and what was her impact on others?

Seo Mu-seok was an octogenarian rapper who inspired many by pursuing her musical dreams well into her late 80s. She passed away on Oct 15 at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy of determination and passion for music. Her story serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to follow your dreams, no matter your age.

What was the cause of Seo Mu-seok’s death?

Seo Mu-seok died in a hospital in Daegu, South Korea, after battling stage three lymphoma. She had been given a prognosis of three months to live back in January, but she continued to perform and pursue her love for music until the very end.

What was Seo Mu-seok’s musical journey like?

Seo Mu-seok made her musical debut as a member of the group Suni and the Seven Princesses, a seven-member musical act consisting of eight women with an average age of 85. The group gained national attention for their unique style as “rapping grannies,” and they performed at various events and broadcasts. Their lyrics often reflected their experiences growing up without being able to learn Hangeul and the joy of finally learning it later in life.

What challenges did Seo Mu-seok face in her life?

Born in 1937 during Japan’s colonial rule over the Korean Peninsula, Seo Mu-seok faced hardships in her early years. Poverty and discrimination against women prevented her from learning the Korean alphabet, a struggle that shaped her journey and fueled her passion for music later in life.

How did Seo Mu-seok handle her terminal illness?

Despite being diagnosed with fatal cancer, Seo Mu-seok chose not to disclose her illness to anyone outside of her family. She continued to perform with Suni and the Seven Princesses, spreading joy through her music. Even when her condition worsened, she remained dedicated to her passion until the very end.

What was Seo Mu-seok’s family’s perspective on her musical career?

Seo Mu-seok’s eldest daughter, Jeon Gyeong-suk, shared that the family did not try to stop her from performing because they saw how happy it made her. Despite the grim prognosis she received, Seo Mu-seok found happiness and fulfillment in rapping, making her final year a truly special one.

How was Seo Mu-seok honored after her passing?

Suni and the Seven Princesses planned to perform at Seo Mu-seok’s funeral, fulfilling her wish and paying tribute to her remarkable life. Her legacy as a pioneering octogenarian rapper will continue to inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter their age.

Sources: The Straits Times, The Korea Herald