'The Ballad of Us' Lee Ye-ji expressed her thoughts on winning.
The country's first ballad audition program on SBS, 'The Ballad of Us,' which ended on the 2nd, offered viewers deep and resonant moments by presenting classic hits from that era that stirred nostalgia among older generations through the sincere voices of contestants with an average age of 18.2.
Among them, 19-year-old Lee Ye-ji from Sindori, Jeju, who challenged 'The Ballad of Us' under the nickname "Dad's truck Jeju girl," claimed the final victory after leaving a strong impression with sincere vocals and outstanding emotional expression in every round.
■ 19-year-old Jeju girl who moved to the capital alone brings the stage to tears
Lee Ye-ji, who moved to Seoul alone a year ago for music, said she bravely adapted, "At first I was scared, but now the environment where I don't know anyone actually helped me." The song she chose for round 1 was Im Jae-bum's 'For You,' and she said she selected it recalling memories of riding in her father's truck, who worked as a delivery driver, on the way to school.
Although there were concerns that it was a difficult song centered on male vocals, Lee Ye-ji overwhelmed the stage at once with her characteristic husky tone and explosive singing power. Even judge Cha Tae-hyun, famous for not crying, was moved to tear up and praised her, and through that performance she emerged as a strong dark horse, receiving an overwhelming 146 out of 150 votes.
■ tremor of emotion and explosive power... a voice that filled the stage
Lee Ye-ji freely moved between delicate emotional lines and a rough-yet-warm tone, fully conveying on stage her deep affection for the father who raised her alone in Jeju. In the much-anticipated final live broadcast, she reinterpreted Yoon Jong-shin's 'Uphill Road' with her husky voice, delivering another deep resonance.
Showing steady growth throughout the program and drawing attention with highly immersive performances, Lee Ye-ji ultimately proved her presence by becoming the inaugural winner. Lee Ye-ji, who hinted at challenges in various genres as well as ballads, shared her winning thoughts along with 'The Ballad of Us' behind-the-scenes for viewers' enthusiastic support.
Below is a Q&A with Lee Ye-ji related to 'The Ballad of Us.'
Q. How do you feel about becoming the inaugural winner of 'The Ballad of Us'?
A. Actually, I still can't quite believe I'm the winner, and I am truly grateful for everything. But I feel more ambition to work harder and reach even higher places, so I think I've developed a steely determination.
Q. Which moment from the stages you performed on 'The Ballad of Us' do you remember most and why?
A. I remember singing 'For You' as my first-round opening stage. From that first performance, people who liked me started to appear, and many told me they cried. That's why it remains the most memorable.
Q. During the competition, when did you feel you were in crisis and why?
A. Round 2 felt like a crisis. I cried while singing, and when I heard Eun-bin unnie's song during rehearsal, I thought, "I might lose." After rehearsal I immediately went to find my vocal friends from school and asked for feedback on my stage, so it remains a very difficult round in my memory.
Q. In what ways do you feel you grew through 'The Ballad of Us,' and if you were to rate your satisfaction out of 100, what would it be?
A. I want to give it 88 points. I learned a lot about expressing emotion in lyrics. By singing various ballads I came to see the depth of the lyrics, and by interpreting them in different ways I was able to try various expressions. Preparing for 'The Ballad of Us' allowed me to study ballads more, and I am very, very satisfied.
Q. How did your father react after your win, and what would you like to say to him?
A. My father came to the set to watch the final live broadcast, and we had promised he wouldn't cry when filming started. He didn't cry while I was singing, but after the winner was announced he shed tears. He told me I really worked so hard and was extremely proud. I want to tell him it's still early to be surprised and ask him to keep supporting me from beside me!
Q. What kind of musical color do you want to show in the future, and what goals do you want to achieve?
A. I want to show rock music. I am someone who sings while playing guitar, and I want to share many songs I like and enjoy in the future. My goal is to do a world tour within five years.
Q. Please say a word to the viewers and fans who supported you.
A. I will surely repay the love the fans have given me. Please continue to watch over me. I sincerely thank you once again for your support!
Meanwhile, Lee Ye-ji signed an exclusive management contract with SM C&C and announced active activities. In 2026 she will meet fans across the country through 'The Ballad of Us national tour concert,' performing in four cities: Seongnam on Jan. 10, Daegu on Jan. 24, two days in Seoul on Feb. 7 and 8, and Busan on Feb. 28, delivering spectacular stages.
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