'Queen of Elegy' Lee Mi-ja has put an end to her brilliant 66-year musical journey.
On the 26th and 27th, Lee Mi-ja held a tribute concert titled "Connecting the Pulse" at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Jongno, Seoul, where she bid farewell to over 6,000 fans.
As the 'root of traditional music', Lee Mi-ja shared the stage for 120 minutes with junior singers Joo Hyun-mi, Jo Hang-jo, Jin Jeong-seo-joo from 'Miss Trot 3', and Jin Kim Yong-bin from 'Mr. Trot 3', continuing the legacy of traditional music.
On her final stage after 66 years as a singer, Lee Mi-ja took the stage with an accordion solo by the An Gi-seung Band, opening with her 30th-anniversary song "Song is My Life." After the opening performance with junior singers, the audience erupted in thunderous applause and cheers. With a deep tone and unwavering vocal power, Lee Mi-ja captivated the audience like a tree with strong roots.
Following this, Joo Hyun-mi, Jo Hang-jo, Jeong Seo-joo, and Kim Yong-bin presented a tribute performance for their senior, Lee Mi-ja. They reinterpreted Lee's hit songs, which are the very essence of Korean music history, including "Ah-ssi," "A Woman's Life," "Heuksando Girl," "Journey," "If Tears Were Pearls," "Hwangpo Sail," "Anemone," and "Ice Point," adding a special emotional touch.
In the middle of the concert, a segment highlighting traditional songs that reflect the pain of the era from the Japanese occupation to the Korean War followed. The performers revisited the value of Korean traditional music through iconic songs that represented the times, such as "Hwangseong Old Site," "Return Ship," "Liberated Stagecoach," "Frontline Night Song," and "Go, 38th Parallel."
Lee Mi-ja selected timeless masterpieces that have resonated with the public over the years, providing fans with unforgettable memories. Starting with her debut song "Nineteen Pure Love," she passionately sang her greatest hits, including "Twilight Blues," "Goose Father," and her iconic song "Camellia Lady," delivering a profound emotional impact with her unique poignant voice. Each word she sang was filled with sincerity, reaffirming the dignity of the 'Queen of Elegy.'
Before her final stage, Lee Mi-ja expressed, "There have been many joyful moments during these 66 years of singing, but there have also been many heartbreaking moments. It is because of your continuous love that I could have this happy stage today. I sincerely thank you."
Lee Mi-ja concluded the performance by singing "Island Village Teacher" in chorus with junior singers. A message on the screen behind the stage read, "Thank you for creating such precious moments. I will remember today for a long time. I sincerely thank and love you," leaving a lasting impression.
Amidst the audience's standing ovation, Lee Mi-ja passed the crown of the queen to her juniors, and Joo Hyun-mi, Jo Hang-jo, Jeong Seo-joo, and Kim Yong-bin pledged to steadfastly continue the legacy of traditional music as the concert came to a close.
Debuting in 1959 with "Nineteen Pure Love," Lee Mi-ja has left behind numerous hit songs such as "Island Village Teacher," "Journey," "A Woman's Life," and "Heuksando Girl," preserving the roots of Korean traditional music for 66 years. Notably, "Camellia Lady" achieved a remarkable record of over 1 million album sales and topped the popularity charts for 35 consecutive weeks, establishing itself as a representative national song of the era. In 2023, she became the first popular musician to receive the Gold Crown Cultural Medal, marking a significant milestone in the history of Korean popular music.
[Lee Da-kyum, Star Today Reporter]
