한 Lee Mija

Lee Mija (이미자) is a South Korean Female Soloist who debuted solo in 1959.

Born in Gyeongseong (modern-day Seoul), trot legend Lee Mija discovered her talent for music at an early age, winning a local talent competition during her elementary school years and entered the music industry during the post-war era.

Her early years as a recording artist were defined by rigorous performance schedules across radio broadcasts and regional stages, establishing her signature vocal stability, emotive control, and mastery of traditional Korean vocal ornamentation.

Her definitive breakthrough came in 1964 with the release of "Camellia Lady" (동백아가씨). The song achieved unprecedented popularity, holding the top position on national music charts for 35 consecutive weeks and solidifying her status as a cultural icon. Throughout her career spanning several decades, she recorded thousands of songs and released over one hundred albums, earning titles such as the "Queen of Trot" for her foundational role in defining the genre's classic landscape. Recognized for her vast contributions to Korean popular culture, she became the first popular music artist to receive the prestigious Eungwan Order of Cultural Merit, cementing a legacy defined by enduring artistic discipline and landmark vocal heritage.