Song Gil-yong has become a symbol of parental devotion in South Korea during his 25-year quest to find his daughter, Song Hye-hee, who vanished in 1999. His persistent efforts have come at a high personal cost, including the loss of his wife and strained family relationships.
A Father's Endless Search: 25 Years for Song Hye-hee
A Father's Endless Search: 25 Years for Song Hye-hee
The heartwrenching journey of a father who has dedicated his life to finding his missing daughter in South Korea.
The blue-and-yellow banners fluttering across South Korea portrayed Song Hye-hee, a 17-year-old girl with gentle eyes and a captivating smile that has remained unchanged since her disappearance on a winter night in 1999. Beside her image, urgent red letters implored, “Please help me find Song Hye-hee!”
Her father, Song Gil-yong, transformed the search for his missing daughter into his life’s mission. He tirelessly traveled across the country, erecting banners and replacing those worn down by time and weather. His once youthful face now carries the deep creases and tan of a man who has dedicated a quarter-century to this profound quest.
The banners have evolved into a poignant symbol of unwavering parental devotion in South Korea. "He was always hopeful that she was out there somewhere," attested Na Joo-bong, chairman of a national missing children organization and a close ally of Mr. Song. "He had one wish: to hold her hand one day."
Mr. Song's arduous journey has not come without personal sacrifices. Tragically, his wife succumbed to despair, taking her own life, while the relationship with his eldest daughter fractured over the years. Financially, Mr. Song has also felt the impact; his life savings diminished as he continually purchased new banners and spent significant time driving in his small white truck, searching for any sign of Hye-hee.
As office workers rush by, many now recognize the name on the banners—the enduring testament of a father's love in a society where missing persons remain a painful reality. His story, marked by heartache and hope, continues to resonate with the community, keeping the memory of Song Hye-hee alive as her devoted father refuses to give up on their reunion.
