The 'Queen of Elegy' Lee Mi-ja has put a period on her brilliant musical journey that has lasted 66 years.
On the 26th (Saturday) and 27th (Sunday), Lee held the 'Lee Mi-ja Traditional Music Tribute Concert "Connecting the Pulse (脈)"' at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Jongno, Seoul, and shared her final goodbyes with over 6,000 fans.
The 'root of traditional music,' Lee Mi-ja continued the tradition of Korean music for 120 minutes alongside junior artists Joo Hyun-mi, Jo Hang-jo, 'Mistrot 3' winner Jeong Seo-joo, and 'Mr. Trot 3' winner Kim Yong-bin.
Lee, who took the stage for her final performance after 66 years as a singer, opened with the 30th anniversary song 'Song Is My Life' alongside an accordion solo by the An Gi-seung band. After the opening stage with junior artists, the audience erupted in thunderous applause and cheers. Lee captivated the audience with her rich tones and unwavering vocal ability, like a tree with strong roots.
Joo Hyun-mi, Jo Hang-jo, Jeong Seo-joo, and Kim Yong-bin later presented a tribute performance for their elder, Lee Mi-ja. They reinterpreted Lee's hit songs, including 'A Woman's Life,' 'Black Island Lady,' 'Path,' 'If Tears Were Pearls,' 'Hwangpo Flagpole,' 'Anemone,' and 'Freezing Point,' adding a special emotional touch.
In the middle of the concert, a stage highlighting traditional music that captured the pains of the era from the Japanese occupation to the Korean War followed. The grants featured acclaimed songs representative of the times, including 'Hwangseong Old Site,' 'Returning Ship,' 'Liberated Stagecoach,' 'Song of the Front Lines,' and 'Goodbye, 38th Parallel,' reflecting on the value of Korean traditional music.
Lee selected precious songs that have touched the hearts of the public over the years, providing unforgettable memories for her fans. Starting with her debut song 'Nineteen Pure', she sang 'Twilight Blues', 'Goose Father', and her biggest hit 'Camellia Lady' in her unique, poignant voice, providing a deep resonance. Each word she delivered on stage was filled with sincere emotion, once again proving the dignity of the 'Queen of Elegy.'
Before her final stage, Lee said, 'There were many joyful moments during the 66 years of singing, but there were also many heartbreaking times. I was able to create this happy stage today because of the continuous love from all of you. I sincerely thank you.'
Lee then concluded the performance in a choir of 'Island Village Teacher' with her junior artists. On the screen behind the stage, a message flowed: 'Thank you for creating such precious moments. I will remember today for a long time. I sincerely appreciate and love you.'
Amid the audience's standing ovation, Lee passed on the crown of the queen to her juniors, and Joo Hyun-mi, Jo Hang-jo, Jeong Seo-joo, and Kim Yong-bin promised to steadfastly continue the tradition of Korean music as they concluded the performance.
Meanwhile, Lee Mi-ja, who debuted in 1959 with 'Nineteen Pure', has left numerous hit songs such as 'Island Village Teacher', 'Path', 'A Woman's Life', and 'Black Island Lady', protecting the roots of Korean traditional music for 66 years. In particular, 'Camellia Lady' has set remarkable records by surpassing 1 million in album sales and maintaining the number one spot on the popularity chart for 35 consecutive weeks, solidifying its position as a national song representative of the era. In 2023, she became the first popular musician to be awarded the Gold Crown Cultural Medal, marking a significant milestone in the history of Korean popular music.
[Photo] Show Dang ENT provided
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