KBS variety show "National Singing Contest" fan favorite Ji Byung-soo ― affectionately dubbed “Grandpa Dambi,” a nod to pop star Son Dam-bi ― died on Oct. 30, with news of his passing surfacing only recently. He was 82.
According to Yonhap, Ji had been battling a chronic illness on his own. He never married and raised two adopted sons; close acquaintances and his sons handled the funeral arrangements. After a service on Nov. 15, he was laid to rest in the columbarium at Byeokje Municipal Cemetery.
Ji became a household name after appearing on the Jongno District episode of KBS’s "National Singing Contest" in March 2019. Introducing himself as “the Dandy of Jongno,” he brought the house down with a spirited performance of Son Dam-bi’s “Crazy,” complete with slick dance moves. He won the show’s Popularity Award, went on to book variety programs and commercials, and launched a YouTube channel to connect with fans.
When longtime "National Singing Contest" host Song Hae passed away in June 2022, Ji was seen paying his respects. “The last time I saw him was about a month earlier,” Ji told reporters then. “He said, ‘You’re in your eighties too ― take care of yourself and stay healthy.’” The memory now feels especially bittersweet.
Tributes continue to pour in on his YouTube channel and across social media, with fans writing, “Thanks for all the laughs,” and “If there’s a next life, please become a singer.”
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
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