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Lee Mi-ja, known as the ‘Queen of Elegy,’ has concluded her remarkable 66-year musical career.

Lee Mi-ja held a ‘Lee Mi-ja Traditional Song Tribute Performance ‘Lee Mi-ja (脈) Ieum’ at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 26th and 27th and greeted more than 6,000 fans.

`The Roots of Traditional Songs’ Lee Mi-ja continued the tradition of traditional songs by filling the stage for 120 minutes with junior singers Joo Hyun-mi, Jo Jeong-jo, ‘Miss Trot 3’Jin Jeong-ju, and ‘Mr Trot 3’Jin Kim Yong-bin.

As Lee Mi-ja stepped onto the final act of her remarkable 66-year musical journey, she performed an accordion solo alongside the An Ki-seUNG band, kicking off their 30th anniversary celebration with the heartfelt rendition of “Music Is My Lifeline.” Once this initial performance featuring younger artists concluded, the crowd erupted into enthusiastic cheers and resounding applause. Her powerful, unwavering vocals—comparable to sturdy ancient trees—and rich tonality immediately captivated the hearts of all present admirers.

Joo Hyun-mi, Jo Jeong-jo, Seo Jeong-ju, and Kim Yong-bin presented a tribute performance honoring veteran artist Lee Mi-ja. They revamped popular tracks by Lee Mi-ja, including “Asi,” “A Woman’s Life,” “Heuksando Lady,” “Yeoro,” “If Tears Are Pearls,” “Hwangpo Anchor,” “Anemone,” and “Bing Point.” Their renditions infused these well-known Korean tunes with their own distinct flair.

During the show, a segment highlighted traditional tunes that encapsulated the hardships endured during the period spanning Japan’s colonization up until the Korean War. Through iconic pieces symbolizing those eras—such as ‘Hwangseong Yeoteo’, ‘Return to Korea’, ‘The Liberated Trolley’, ‘Jeonseon Yagok’, and ‘Go Sampalseon’—the performers contemplated the significance of these traditional Korean melodies.

Lee Mi-ja selected masterpieces like jade that have touched the hearts of the public for a long time, giving fans unforgettable memories. Starting with the debut song ’19 Innocence’, the best hit song ‘When the Camellia Lady’ was sung in a unique mournful voice following ‘Bruce’ at dusk’ and ‘Goose Dad’, giving a deep resonance. The stage with all the sincerity in each word proved the dignity of ‘Queen of Elegy’.

Lee Mi-ja, who is only about to perform on the last stage, said “There were many happy moments while singing for 66 years, but there were also many heartbreaking moments. Thanks to you who have consistently loved me, I was able to prepare this happy stage today. Thank you from the bottom of my heart”He gave a warm greeting to his fans.

Lee Mi-ja finished the performance by singing ‘Island Village Teacher’ with her junior singers. The screen behind the stage reads “Thank you so much for making this precious time for me. I will remember today for a long time. Thank you so much and I love youThe message ” flowed and left a lingering impression.

As the crowd applauded enthusiastically, Lee Mi-ja handed over the queen’s crown to her younger counterparts, after which Joo Hyun-mi, Jo Jo Moon-jo, Seo Jeong-ju, and Kim Yong-bin closed out the show by vowing to uphold the legacy of traditional music.

Lee Mi-ja, who debuted in 1959 with ’19 Pure Love’, has kept the roots of traditional Korean songs for 66 years, leaving behind numerous hits such as ‘Sum Village Teacher’, ‘Yeoro’, ‘A Woman’s Life’, and ‘Heuksando Lady’. In particular, ‘Dongbaek Lady’ has established itself as a representative national song of the times, surpassing 1 million album sales and topping the popular charts for 35 consecutive weeks. In 2023, he became the first popular musician to receive the Geumgwan Order of Cultural Merit, marking a milestone in the history of Korean pop music.