Lee Mi-ja’s Grand Finale: A Moment of History
On the last weekend of April, the Grand Theater at Seoul’s Sejong Center was filled with emotions as the legendary singer Lee Mi-ja, known as the “Queen of Elegy,” delivered her final performance. Having faithfully carried the legacy of traditional Korean pop music (trot) for 66 years, Lee bid a heartfelt farewell to her fans.
Passing the Torch to the Next Generation
The concert, titled “Mak(脈) – The Pulse of Tradition”, took place on April 26 and 27. It wasn’t just a goodbye—it was a symbolic gesture of passing on the roots of traditional Korean music to the next generation of singers. Lee Mi-ja opened the show with her 30th-anniversary song, “Singing Is My Life,” setting the emotional tone for the evening.
Star-Studded Tribute by Junior Artists
Famed singers like Joo Hyun-mi, Jo Hang-jo, Jeong Seo-ju (winner of Miss Trot 3), and Kim Yong-bin (winner of Mister Trot 3) joined Lee on stage, electrifying the audience. They performed heartfelt renditions of classic hits such as “Lady’s Life,” “Marine Girl from Heuksando,” and “Miss”—reviving timeless emotions through modern interpretations. The audience responded with roaring applause and cheers throughout the night.
Highlight Performances and Emotional Goodbyes
Midway through the show, songs reflecting historical ordeals such as the Japanese occupation and the Korean War took the stage, reminding the audience of Korea’s turbulent journey. Lee Mi-ja then led the night with her iconic tracks: “Nineteen Pure Love” (her debut song), “Twilight Blues,” “Migratory Bird Father,” and finally, “Camellia Girl,” stirring heartfelt memories with her soulful voice.
A Legendary Legacy that Lives On
Toward the concert’s end, Lee expressed her gratitude, saying, “It’s because of your unwavering love that I could stand here for 66 years.” For the final act, she performed “The Island Village Teacher” alongside her juniors, closing the evening with a touching farewell message displayed behind her: “Thank you for creating this precious day. I will remember today for a long, long time.” Overwhelmed by emotion, the audience gave Lee a standing ovation as the curtain fell.
From Debut to Cultural Icon
Debuting in 1959 with “Nineteen Pure Love,” Lee left an indelible mark on Korean pop history with mega-hits like “The Island Village Teacher,” “The Journey,” and “Camellia Girl.” In 2023, she was awarded the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit, the highest honor for a pop artist in Korea—an acknowledgment of her profound contributions over the decades.
Ongoing Honors: Netizen Awards
Meanwhile, Lee Mi-ja ranked 12th in the April Netizen Awards for the Grand Star category, continuing to earn admiration from fans. As of 6:05 PM on April 28, singers like Cho Yong-pil, Kim Wan-sun, and Park Nam-jung held the top ranks, showcasing the timeless love for these legends of Korean music.
Though Lee Mi-ja’s live performances have drawn to a close, the pulse of her music beats on through the voices of her successors—and through the hearts of those touched by her songs.
