YeinJee's Asian blog

Asian Culture, Lifestyle and Entertainment

Obituaries

Obituary archives - Tributes, in memories of some good people and tragic deaths

Norman Borlaug (1914-2009)

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Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug, often credited as the man who saved a billion lives, died on Saturday (Sept 12) at age of 95. Rest in peace.

The American agricultural scientist won the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize for pioneering the Green Revolution and developing high-yielding crops that helped to prevent hundreds of millions of people from dying through famine. More about him on Wiki.

Scientists are often unsung heroes. We should sometimes reflect on what we are enjoying these days and thanks those folks that make things happen for us.

Yasmin Ahmad (1958 – 2009)

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Acclaimed Malaysian director-screenwriter Yasmin Ahmad died on late Saturday at the age of 51 from a stroke she suffered on Thursday. A great storyteller whom I personally admired, and a wonderful (sometimes controversial) filmmaker adored by people regardless of race or religion. Rest in peace.

Sharing one of her last works, Funeral, a heart-warming TV commercial for Singapore’s Ministry of Community Development…

Michael Jackson (1958-2009)

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Pop legend Michael Jackson died on Thursday. He collapsed at his home in LA and pronounced dead at 2:26 pm local time. He died of cardiac arrest, with suspicion of overdosed on his prescription in some news reports.

I grew up listening to his songs, and despite all the controversies surrounding his life, Michael will always be the King of Pop in my heart… he will be sorely missed.

Rest in peace Michael.

Shek Kin (1913-2009)

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Veteran Hong Kong actor Shek Kin passed away on June 3 at the age of 96. Most famous for his numerous villain roles, Shek had starred in more than 300 dramas and movies in a career that spanned over 50 years. Rest in peace.

Westerners would probably known him for his play in 1972 film Enter The Dragon as the nemesis of another Chinese legend, Bruce Lee…

Despite being synonymous with his evil roles, Uncle Kin, as he was affectionately called, was popularly known as a nice guy and great role model in real life.

On side note, does the claws (in the video) remind you of Wolverine? The film was made a year before Wolverine first appeared in a comic… coincidence?

Former S. Korean President dies in suspected suicide

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Former South Korean President Roh Moo-hyunFormer South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun died after falling from a mountainside on Saturday morning.

Roh left a suicide note on his computer that he was going through hard times, apparently referring to the recent bribery probe surrounding him and his family, more on YonhapNews.

Roh, 62, was South Korea’s President in 2003-2008. He moved to Bongha Village, near his birthplace, after leaving the office in March 2008.

Reports have suggested that investigation on Roh and his family is likely to be ended following his death; and it might be what Roh was hoping for.

His death still sounds fishy though… leaving a suicide note on PC instead of a hand written one? And amusingly discovered by his aides in hours? Who would bother to check his PC shortly after his death? It’s just a bit too convenient imo.

Another Korean celebrity suicide

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Young actress Woo Seung-yeon was found dead on April 27th in an apparent suicide; she was just 24 (or 26 according to different sources).

Korean actress Woo Seung-yeon suicide

Woo’s family revealed that she was suffering from serious depression because of both work and relationship issues, and was receiving treatment at a hospital.

Wonder when this suicide trend is going to end; as mentioned by Javabeans, “it’s a sad day when news like this is no longer shocking…” couldn’t say it any better.

Rest in peace.