Lee Eun-mi (singer)

1.1. Birth and Early Life

Lee Eun-mi was born on May 19, 1966. While her exact birthplace is not specified in detail, she is a native of South Korea. Her early life experiences contributed to her development as an artist, leading her to the underground music scene.

1.2. Education

Lee Eun-mi graduated from Dongmyeong Girls' High School in 1985. Her educational background, though not extensively detailed, precedes her entry into the music industry.

2.1. Debut and Early Activities

Lee Eun-mi first debuted as a blues rock singer in underground live house clubs in 1988. She gained early recognition as a guest vocalist for the band Sinchon Blues before making her official debut in 1992 with her first album, 기억 속으로 (Into the Memories).

2.2. Discography and Major Songs

Lee Eun-mi has released several studio albums throughout her career, many of which feature songs that have achieved significant popularity and critical acclaim. Her studio albums include:

• 1992: 기억 속으로 (Into the Memories)
• 1993: 어떤 그리움 (Some Longing)
• 1997: 자유인 (Free Person)
• 1998: Beyond Face
• 2001: Noblesse
• 2005: Ma Non Tanto
• 2009: Walking Atop The Sound

Among her most notable hit songs is "I Have a Lover" (애인 있어요_{Aein Isseoyo}^Korean), which became immensely popular in South Korea. The song experienced a resurgence in popularity in 2008 when it was chosen as the title track for the MBC television drama The Last Scandal of My Life, leading to what was described as her "second heyday." According to data from Kumyoung (KY) karaoke, "I Have a Lover" was the most frequently sung song in karaoke rooms from January 2008 to August 2009. Other well-known songs include "In the Middle of Breaking Up," "Into the Memories," and "Nocturn."

2.3. Concerts and Live Performances

Lee Eun-mi is renowned for her powerful and captivating live performances, which she has prioritized throughout her career over television appearances. In 2009, to commemorate her 20th anniversary in music, she embarked on the Lee Eun Mi - 20th Anniversary Concert tour, which covered over 70 cities across South Korea. This tour also extended internationally to Canada and the United States. Her dedication to live shows led her to achieve a remarkable record of 600 performances, solidifying her reputation as a "live performance addict." In 2006, she became the first Korean singer to be invited to perform at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel, further underscoring her esteemed status as a live performer.

2.4. Nicknames and Musical Evaluation

Lee Eun-mi is widely known by several popular nicknames that reflect her distinctive musical artistry and stage presence. She is most famously called "the barefoot diva" (맨발의 디바_{Maenbal-ui Diba}^Korean), a moniker earned due to her preference for performing barefoot. Other nicknames include "Jeanne d'Arc of the stage" (무대 위의 잔다르크_{Mudae Wi-ui Jandarukeu}^Korean) and "Queen of Live" (라이브의 여왕_{Raibeu-ui Yeowang}^Korean), both highlighting her powerful and unwavering stage presence. Public and critical assessments consistently praise her strong vocals and passionate delivery. Her firm stance on issues related to K-pop, including her opposition to lip-syncing on air, has also been noted, revealing a strong and sometimes stubborn persona, though her later television appearances showed a "softer side." Her fan club is named 'Barefoot'.

2.5. Musical Influences

Lee Eun-mi has cited specific artists and musical genres that have influenced her unique style and artistic development. She has mentioned being particularly inspired by the American pop duo The Carpenters and the late South Korean folk singer Kim Kwang-seok. These influences have contributed to her distinct sound, blending elements of rock, ballad, and folk music.

3.1. Audition Program Activities

Lee Eun-mi has actively participated in popular audition programs, contributing her insights as a judge and mentor.

• In 2010, she served as a judge on MBC's Star Audition The Great Birth.
• In May 2012, she began hosting the second season of MBC's I Am a Singer. She performed her song "Nocturne" on the first night and received praise for her emcee style. Despite her relative inexperience as an emcee compared to previous hosts, the show's creative director was impressed by her "comforting and effortless" talking style, convincing her to continue in the role after initially being a temporary replacement.
• In 2020, she joined MBC's Trot Nation as a judge.

3.2. Other Broadcast and Media Activities

Lee Eun-mi has made numerous appearances in various television programs, talk shows, and radio, illustrating her diverse engagement with the public.

• In 2017, she was a guest on JTBC's Kim Je-dong's Talk to You - Don't Worry! My Dear.
• In 2019, she hosted the Traffic Broadcasting System radio show With Lee Eun-mi.
• In 2023, she appeared as a cast member on KBS2's Golden Girls.
• In 2024, she was a guest on MBC's Radio Star and SBS's Dolsing Fourmen.

4.1. Marriage

On January 12, 2011, Lee Eun-mi married her long-time friend and lover, a Korean-American businessman in his mid-40s. The wedding ceremony took place in Santa Barbara, California. Following their marriage, the couple established their residence in Samseong-dong, Seoul, South Korea.

5.1. Books

Lee Eun-mi has ventured into the literary world, publishing works that offer insights into her artistic and personal reflections.

• In 2007, she released Meeting Poems Barefooted, a collection of photos and poems.
• In February 2012, she published her memoir, Barefoot Diva. In this book, she reflected on her public image, stating, "For a time, people called me a tiger in that I always seemed ready to criticize and fight. I think then, I believed that kind of attitude was the only way I could keep doing music the way I wanted to."

5.2. Film Music Participation

Lee Eun-mi has also contributed to the cinematic arts by participating in film music.

• In 1989, she was involved in the music production for the film Good Morning President.
• In 1995, she contributed to the music for the film Runaway.

5.3. Social Activities

Lee Eun-mi has demonstrated her commitment to public discourse and societal issues through her engagement in social and political causes. In 2011, she participated as a mentor in the election campaign committee for Park Won-soon, the unified opposition candidate for the Seoul mayoral by-election.

6.1. Major Awards

• In 2002, she received the Today's Young Artist Award from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Culture Day.
• In 2023, she was honored with the Best Female Rookie Award in the Show & Variety category at the KBS Entertainment Awards.

6.2. Special Invitations and Commemorations

• In 2006, Lee Eun-mi became the first Korean singer to be invited to perform at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel, a significant recognition of her international standing.
• In May 2012, at the age of forty-six, she held her first fan meeting, Lee Eun-mi Story, in Osaka and Tokyo, Japan, marking a special commemorative event for her Japanese fanbase.

7.1. Influence on Later Generations

Lee Eun-mi's distinctive vocal style, powerful stage presence, and unwavering commitment to live performances have profoundly inspired subsequent artists and shaped contemporary music trends in South Korea. Her emphasis on raw, authentic artistry over commercial appeal has set a precedent for many younger musicians.

7.2. Relationship with Fellow Singers

Within the music industry, Lee Eun-mi maintains professional relationships with fellow singers. She is noted to have a senior-junior relationship with singer Lee Yong. Her long-standing career has positioned her as a respected veteran, often offering insights and mentorship to newer generations of artists, as seen in her roles as a judge on audition programs.