He aims to establish his musical identity while honoring Kim Kwang-seok's legacy.
Through the upcoming national concert tour, he wishes to deepen connections with his fans.
[TV Daily Kim Han-gil Reporter] Lee Ji-hoon, the runner-up of 'Our Ballad,' shared his feelings on the finale.
The show, which concluded on December 2nd, featured participants averaging 18.2 years old, bringing nostalgia to viewers through their heartfelt interpretations of classic ballads. Lee Ji-hoon, a 17-year-old student from the alma mater of the late Kim Kwang-seok, expressed his deep admiration for the artist and noted that he is creating his own songs rather than simply imitating.
Born to a Kazakhstan mother and Korean father, Lee's exotic appearance sometimes drew attention on stage, but he aims to focus solely on his music. His semi-final performance of Lee Moon-sae's 'Her Laugh' encapsulated raw emotions and showcased his familial love through a touching narrative.
When asked about being the runner-up, Lee expressed overwhelming joy at having recreated his dream stage at such a high level. He also revealed that his mother's influence plays a significant role in guiding his artistry. Lee hopes to create music that serves as a comforting bench for listeners, offering solace in their diverse emotional journeys.
Looking ahead, Lee Ji-hoon plans to connect with fans through the 'Our Ballad National Tour Concert' in 2026, performing in four cities including Seongnam, Daegu, Seoul, and Busan.
Lee Ji-hoon's musical journey exemplifies how he embraces the artistic legacy of the late Kim Kwang-seok while carving out his unique identity. His deep admiration for his mother's influence reveals a commitment to creating autobiographical music. This aligns well with the broader trend in contemporary music, where personal narratives and emotions play a significant role in bridging generational divides.
His ballads go beyond mere emotional delivery, exploring a spectrum of feelings that resonate with audiences. Lee Ji-hoon is poised to grow beyond being just a ballad singer, emerging as an artist who communicates messages rooted in humanity. This reflects his desire to engage with fans while navigating the complexities of love and sorrow.
Furthermore, his upcoming concert tour signifies an opportunity for Lee to establish his musical identity and strengthen connections with his audience. The 'Our Ballad National Tour Concert' represents not merely a stage but a platform for achieving his musical aspirations and drawing closer to his fans.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: Sihyeonada
