Bang Sil-i (real name Bang Young-soon), a singer known for her hit songs “Seoul Tango” and “First Bus,” has passed away. She was 61 years old.
According to the Korean news agencies, on February 20, Bang Sil-i passed away at a nursing hospital in Ganghwa, Incheon on the morning of the 20th. She had been battling cerebral infarction since 2007.
Born in Ganghwado in 1963, Bang Sil-i graduated from Ganghwa Girls’ High School. She had excellent singing skills from a young age and performed on US military bases.
Later, she formed the female trio “Seoul Sisters” with Park Jin-suk and Yang Jeong-hee. The group released their first regular album “First Bus” in 1986 and gained attention with the title track of the same name, written and composed by Shin Sang-ho. With her refreshing vocals and energetic dance, Bang Sil-i gained popularity among male fans.
However, the group disbanded in 1990 due to the marriages of other members. Bang Sil-i went solo and continued her popularity with hit songs such as “Seoul Tango.” However, in 2007, she collapsed due to cerebral infarction caused by overwork and muscle pain. She was later diagnosed with quadriplegia.
Last year, on TV Chosun’s “Star Documentary My Way,” she revealed that she had lost her sight due to retinitis pigmentosa. Bang Sil-i’s close friend, actor Lee Dong-joon, expressed his regret on the show, saying, “I thought Bang Sil-i would be able to sing again after five years (after her stroke), but 16 years have already passed.”
The funeral home is located at Special Room 1 of the Ganghwa Chamsarang Funeral Home in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon. The funeral is scheduled for noon on February 22.
