Seoul Metro will continue using the recorded voice of the late Kang Hee-sun for subway announcements, despite online speculation that her death would trigger an immediate replacement. Kang, who provided the voice for Seoul Subway Lines 1 through 8 since 1996, passed away on July 4 at age 65. Seoul Metro officials confirmed there are no current plans to phase out her recordings.
Why the confusion over subway voice announcements?
Following Kang’s death, unverified claims spread across social media suggesting that Seoul Metro maintains an internal policy requiring the immediate replacement of announcement voices upon an actor’s passing. A Seoul Metro official explicitly dismissed these rumors, stating, “There has been no discussion about changing the announcement voice,” according to The Korea Herald. The operator confirmed that Kang’s existing recordings will remain in use across the network for the foreseeable future.
Kang Hee-sun was known to many Koreans as the voice of Misae Nohara, the mother in the popular animated series Crayon Shin-chan. Her work also included roles in Anne of Green Gables and The Rose of Versailles.
How does Seoul compare to global transit standards?
The public desire to retain Kang’s voice draws comparisons with the London Underground, where some announcements recorded by the late Phil Sayer, including his well-known “Mind the Gap” warning, have remained familiar to passengers years after his death in 2016. Similar to the London Underground, many Seoul commuters view these familiar audio cues as an essential part of the city’s subway experience.
While Kang’s recordings remain the standard, Seoul Metro has already begun integrating other voices for specific needs. Late last year, following health complications that prevented Kang from recording new material, the transit operator introduced recordings by actor Jeong Mi-sook at select stations, including Seongsu, Euljiro 4-ga, Sinsa, and Dongnimmun. Seoul Metro selected Jeong due to the perceived similarity in their vocal tones.
What is the legacy of a public voice?
For many residents, the subway announcement serves as more than just logistical information. Social media users have noted that because Kang voiced a prominent maternal character in animation, her voice became deeply ingrained in the public consciousness. One user on X described the experience of hearing her voice during a morning commute as a way to connect with memories of the animated character, noting that the relationship with her voice evolved as listeners transitioned from childhood into adulthood.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will Seoul Metro replace the subway voice? No. Seoul Metro officials have confirmed there are no current plans to change the announcements.
- Who was the voice of the Seoul subway? The voice was provided by the late Kang Hee-sun, who provided the voice for the network since 1996.
- Are other voices used on the subway? Yes. At specific stations like Seongsu, Euljiro 4-ga, Sinsa, and Dongnimmun, the operator uses recordings by actor Jeong Mi-sook.
Listen closely during your next commute. While the main network uses Kang’s legacy recordings, you can identify the newer segments voiced by Jeong Mi-sook at select stations.
Do you have a favorite memory associated with the sounds of your daily commute? Share your thoughts in the comments section below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on city infrastructure and transit culture.