From Song Jiwoo to Lee Jihoon, the artists’ eyes sparkled as they spoke about dreams big and small. Lee Yeji, Lee Jihoon, and Song Jiwoo—who made it into the Top 6 on SBS sshow, Our Ballad—are only just getting started as they kick off full-fledged activities through their nationwide tour. Having gained recognition through the show, what kind of artists—and what kind of music—will they present to the public moving forward? We sat down to hear their honest stories and aspirations.
Recently, Herald Muse met with Lee Yeji, Lee Jihoon, and Song Jiwoo at Herald Square in Huam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Lee Jihoon shared, “I recently went to see Park Hyo Shin’s concert. I’d never really had a desire for high notes before, but watching him made me wish I had that kind of range too.”
Lee Yeji said she’s currently into the band Jannabi: “There’s a video of them performing at the Blue Dragon Film Awards, and it was so amazing—I was in awe. What stood out was how much they seemed to enjoy themselves on stage. I also loved how they experiment with different genres.”
Song Jiwoo added, “I’ve been listening to a lot of Lee Chan-hyuk lately. It’s really cool how he makes the music he likes and isn’t afraid to experiment.”
Though all three began with ballads, they’re eager to explore other genres as well. Lee Jihoon said, “My goal is to build a concert setlist. I want to create rhythmic songs that audiences can sing along to.” Song Jiwoo shared, “I want to move the audience to tears.” Influenced by Jannabi, Lee Yeji said her goal is to pursue band music.
What kind of artists do they see themselves becoming in five years? Each shared their vision, both big and small. Lee Jihoon said, “I want to be an artist whose lyrics are clearly heard. These days, a lot of songs make it hard to catch the words. I’d love to see another singer like Kim Kwang-seok emerge. I want to be an ‘MZ-generation Kim Kwang-seok’—a free-spirited troubadour who holds regular performances in small theaters.”
Song Jiwoo described herself as wanting to be “a hideout-like artist,” adding, “Rather than any label, I want to hear people say, ‘Wait, I thought I was the only one who knew this singer.’ I’m aiming to be a rising singer, someone whose lyrics and melodies are beautiful.”
Lee Yeji said, “I want to make the music I love without feeling chased or pressured. The attention from audition programs tends to fade. Five years from now, I hope to go on overseas tours with songs I’ve created myself. My dream is to be called ‘a true artist.’”
Our Ballad is currently recruiting contestants for Season 2, and the three also offered advice based on their experience: “Rather than focusing on rankings, concentrate on showing your own music. Grand performances or flashy techniques can actually work against you on Our Ballad. Try not to be too nervous.”
Finally, Lee Yeji didn’t forget to promote the upcoming Our Ballad Top 6 nationwide tour in May: “Please come to our concert—we’re preparing really hard. After the last tour, everyone felt it ended too soon, so this time we’re making it even better. We’d love for you all to join us!”
Reported by Herald Muse Staff Kim Na-yul
Reviewed and edited by Herald Muse Team Leader Kim Hae-yeon
nayul@heraldcorp.com
