Lee Soo-young
Lee Soo-young (born Lee Ji-yeon on April 12, 1979) is a South Korean ballad singer renowned for her emotive vocal style and contributions to the oriental ballad genre, having debuted in 1999 and achieved peak popularity in the early 2000s through hit albums and award-winning singles.[1][2][3] She entered the music industry with her debut album I Believe in November 1999, featuring the title track of the same name, which showcased her strong singing abilities and helped establish her as a rising star in the ballad scene at a time when the genre was regaining prominence.[1][4] Nicknamed the "Queen of Ballads," Soo-young built her career on collaborations with prominent composers such as Joo Young-hoon and MGR, releasing subsequent albums like Never Again (2001), Made in Winter (2001), The Colors of My Life (2004), and Grace (2006), which included popular tracks such as "Never Again," "Kiss," "Made in Winter," "Whi-li-li," and "Grace."[1][5] Her commercial success peaked in 2003, when she became the top-selling artist of the year with two albums, and she earned multiple accolades, including the Daesang (Grand Prize) at the 2003 and 2004 MBC Top 10 Singers Festivals, the Ballad Music Award at the 2002 Mnet Asian Music Awards, and the Main Prize (Bonsang) at the 2002 Seoul Music Awards, along with wins for Best Ballad Performance and Best Female Video at the Mnet Asian Music Awards from 2002 to 2004.[6][7][8] Soo-young has released ten studio albums and several mini-albums as of 2025, maintaining activity into the 2020s with her comeback album SORY (2022) and singles like "Lalala" in 2024, blending traditional ballad elements with contemporary K-pop influences.[9][10][5] In her personal life, Soo-young, a Christian who enjoys watching movies and admires singer Aretha Franklin, graduated from Bundang Joong-Ang High School and Kyungwon University; she married a company employee she met at church in October 2010, and they have one son born in July 2011.[1][11][8]Early life
Birth and family background
Lee Soo-young was born Lee Ji-yeon on April 12, 1979, in Seoul, South Korea.[2][3] Limited public information exists regarding her family background, though it is known that she grew up with a younger sister and a younger brother in a middle-class household in Seoul.[12] Her father passed away in a car accident when she was nine years old, leaving the family to face significant challenges.[13] Tragically, her mother also died in a car accident approximately a decade later, when Lee Soo-young was 18, just before her music career began; following her mother's death, Lee Soo-young became the family's breadwinner, and the family lost all assets after entrusting them to relatives, resulting in a debt of approximately 3 billion South Korean won.[14][13]Education and early influences
Lee Soo-young, born Lee Ji-yeon in Seoul, attended schools in the metropolitan area, including Bundang Jungang High School in Seongnam, from which she graduated in the late 1990s. During her high school years, she served as the founding leader of the school's theater club, where she explored performance arts.[15] Following graduation, she enrolled in the Department of Women's Culture at Gyeongwon Junior College but left the program without completing it, prioritizing her emerging interest in music.[15] Her initial musical inspirations stemmed from gospel traditions and a Christian background, fostering her emotional and resonant vocal style. She was particularly drawn to R&B and soul music, including black gospel influences, which shaped her appreciation for powerful, heartfelt expression before her professional pursuits.[16]Career
Debut and breakthrough (1999–2003)
Lee Soo-young entered the South Korean music scene in 1999 with her debut studio album, I Believe, released on October 8 by Yiga Entertainment. The title track, "I Believe," highlighted her emotive ballad style and vocal range, earning airplay on major music programs and contributing to the album's sales of over 170,000 copies within its first year. This initial release introduced her as a promising newcomer in the competitive ballad market, with promotional activities focusing on live performances that emphasized her interpretive singing skills.[17][18] Building on her early momentum, Lee released her second album, Never Again, on February 10, 2001, under the same label. The lead single "Never Again" became one of her first major hits, blending heartfelt lyrics with soaring melodies, and propelled the album to sales exceeding 178,000 units. Later that year, on December 13, she issued the seasonal project Made in Winter, featuring tracks like "Geurigo Saranghae" and a Korean adaptation of "DEAR... again," which resonated during the holiday period and sold more than 263,000 copies. These releases expanded her fanbase through consistent television appearances and radio promotions, showcasing her ability to deliver emotional depth in ballads.[19][20][21] A pivotal moment came in 2001 when Lee recorded the Korean version of "Suteki da ne," retitled "Eolmana Joheulkka," for the localization of the video game Final Fantasy X, introducing her music to gaming enthusiasts and broadening her appeal beyond traditional listeners. This exposure carried into her fourth album, My Stay in Sendai, released on September 11, 2002, which included the upbeat "Lalala" as a lead single alongside the cover track. The album achieved breakthrough success, selling over 504,000 copies and marking her first entry into the top tier of commercial artists, driven by vibrant music video promotions and live stages that highlighted her versatile vocal strengths.[22][23] Capping this formative period, Lee's fifth album This Time arrived on August 21, 2003, with the poignant single "Deonggeureoni" leading promotions across broadcast networks. Garnering over 436,000 sales, it reflected her growing artistry and solidified her status as a leading ballad singer by the early 2000s, with her early works collectively amassing a dedicated following through strategic label support and media engagements.[24][25]Commercial peak (2004–2009)
Lee Soo-young's commercial peak from 2004 to 2009 solidified her status as one of South Korea's premier ballad artists, characterized by massive album sales, chart-dominating singles, and widespread media acclaim. Building on her early vocal prowess, she released albums that captured the emotional depth of oriental ballads, resonating deeply with audiences during a challenging period for the music industry marked by declining physical sales. This era saw her transition from rising star to a cultural staple, with promotions emphasizing heartfelt performances and strategic collaborations that amplified her reach. Her sixth studio album, The Colors of My Life (2004), marked a breakthrough in sales, moving over 700,000 copies amid an industry recession and ranking among the year's top sellers.[26] The lead single "Whiririri" (휠릴리) became a massive hit, securing multiple music show wins and exemplifying her signature emotive delivery that influenced the 2000s oriental ballad trend.[27] Extensive promotional tours and live appearances further boosted its impact, with Lee performing to packed venues nationwide. In 2006, Grace propelled her to new heights, debuting at number one on major charts like Bugs Music, where the title track held the top spot for eight consecutive weeks.[28] Featuring a collaboration with fellow ballad singer Lee Ki-chan, the album sold over 212,000 copies and earned praise for its lush arrangements and Lee's powerful vocals, reinforcing her role as a leading figure in the genre.[29] The track's music video, starring actor Lee Joon-gi, garnered significant airplay, exceeding 2,000 radio requests and contributing to her multiple top-10 hits during this period.[30] Subsequent releases maintained her momentum, with the 2007 repackaged album Set It Down (내려놓음) featuring the single "Bobbed Hair" (단발머리), which peaked at number three on music programs and highlighted themes of emotional release through introspective lyrics. By 2009, her ninth album Dazzle introduced fresh elements like hip-hop influences in tracks such as "When It Has to Be Each Other" (feat. Leessang), while the title song "Don't Call My Name" (내 이름 부르지마) underscored her enduring appeal with its soaring melodies.[31] These works, supported by high-profile live concerts and media features portraying her as the "queen of ballads," cemented her influence on the genre's emotional storytelling in the 2000s.[29] Toward the end of this peak, Lee ventured into acting with a supporting role as Jo Seung-eun in the 2009 KBS2 drama The Accidental Couple, marking her on-screen debut and broadening her public persona beyond music.[32]Hiatus and diversification (2010–2021)
Following her commercial success in the late 2000s, Lee Soo-young entered a period of reduced musical activity starting around 2010, marked by personal milestones and diversification into acting and television. In October 2010, she married her boyfriend of one year, Cho Jae-hee, a trading company employee, in a private ceremony at a wedding hall in Shinsa-dong, Seoul. This event, announced by her agency H&ST Entertainment earlier that summer, signaled a shift toward family priorities, contributing to her temporary withdrawal from full-scale album productions. Concurrently, she ventured into film with a supporting role as a radio singer in the ensemble comedy The Quiz Show Scandal, directed by Jang Jin and released in November 2010, where her character added a musical element to the satirical plot involving a rigged quiz show.[33][34][35] Her music output during this time remained limited, with sporadic contributions rather than new studio albums. The EP Once, released in November 2008 but with promotional activities extending into the early 2010s, featured seven tracks including the lead single "I Like This Woman," reflecting her signature ballad style amid a transitional phase. In 2010, she provided the OST track "Time, Please Slow Down" (시간아 제발...천천히 가줘) for the historical drama The Great Merchant (also known as Merchant Kim Man-deok), which peaked at number 64 on the Gaon Digital Chart and underscored her vocal depth in emotional narratives. These releases, alongside occasional compilations, highlighted a slowdown in original material as she balanced emerging family responsibilities.[36][37] The birth of her son in late July 2011 further emphasized her focus on motherhood, leading to an extended hiatus from major music projects as she prioritized family life. This personal pause influenced her selective engagements, including variety show appearances that allowed her to maintain visibility without demanding full-time commitments. In 2011, she hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live Korea on tvN, marking one of her early post-marriage television outings and showcasing her comedic timing alongside musical sketches. She followed with a guest spot on JTBC's Hidden Singer in season 1, episode 5 (aired March 2013, though recorded earlier), where she competed against vocal impersonators in a blind audition format, demonstrating her enduring vocal recognition. Her most notable variety appearance came in December 2015 on MBC's King of Mask Singer, performing under the mask "The Goddess of Beauty Aphrodite Playing a Harp" in episodes 37 and 38; she advanced to the second round with covers of classic ballads but was eliminated, earning praise for her timbre. These outings, often featuring her continued ballad style, provided platforms to reconnect with fans during her scaled-back career.[38][35][39] Despite the hiatus, Lee made brief comebacks through remake projects that revisited her ballad roots. In March 2013, she released Classic: The 2nd Remake Album via Cornerstone, featuring eight reinterpreted tracks such as "Hee Jae" and "Snow Flower," produced with minimal new compositions to ease her return after maternity. This cover collection, promoted lightly amid family duties, received positive reception for its nostalgic appeal. Similarly, in December 2016, she contributed to the OST album White Heart Baekgu for the animated series of the same name, including the opening theme "White Heart Baekgu Opening Theme," a collaborative ballad with composers Kim Moon-sun and Jung Yeo-jin that evoked themes of loyalty and emotion. These efforts represented diversification into soundtracks and reinterpretations, sustaining her presence without the intensity of her earlier decades.[40][41]Comeback and recent works (2022–present)
In May 2022, Lee Soo-young made a highly anticipated return to the music scene after a 13-year hiatus from full-length albums, releasing her 10th studio album Sory on May 17. The album, featuring eight tracks with a focus on emotional ballads, included the pre-release single "Sore" on April 29 and the title track "Uranus," a collaboration with composer Ahn Ye-eun that highlighted her signature vocal depth and introspective lyrics. During the showcase, Lee expressed that the comeback felt like a "second debut," emphasizing her renewed passion for music amid personal challenges. Following the album's release, Lee continued her activity with OST contributions and digital singles, including "Never Give Up, Pt. 9" for the television soundtrack on June 2, 2022, which showcased her emotive delivery in a dramatic narrative context. In 2022, she also appeared as a guest on variety programs such as New Festa Episode 8 and Battle Again: The Battle of Famous Singers, where her performances of classic hits reignited fan interest and demonstrated her enduring stage presence. These appearances extended the influence of her earlier work into contemporary audiences, blending nostalgia with live vocal prowess. In 2023, Lee released the digital single 아이노래 동요반주와 노래 27집, a collection geared toward children's music accompaniment, reflecting her diversification within ballad-style arrangements. That year, she publicly addressed being a victim of fraud, which prompted a period of career reflection and resilience, influencing her focus on authentic storytelling in subsequent works. By 2024, she revisited her catalog with the single "Lalala (2024)," a re-recorded version of her 2002 hit "La La La," updating the track with modern production while preserving its heartfelt essence to appeal to both longtime fans and newer listeners.[42][43] As of 2025, Lee has maintained a steady output through ongoing OST contributions and digital releases under Kakao Entertainment, without a major full-length album, prioritizing quality ballad productions to contribute to the genre's revival amid shifting K-pop trends. Her efforts have centered on fan engagement via streaming platforms and selective performances, sustaining her legacy as a vocal powerhouse in the ballad space.[44]Media appearances
Television acting
Lee Soo-young made her acting debut with cameo appearances in the 2008 OCN drama Don't Ask Me About the Past, appearing in episodes 14 and 15 to deliver comedic relief through her character's humorous interactions.[12] In the same year, she had another brief cameo in the MBC series That Person Is Coming, further showcasing her early foray into scripted television roles.[37] Her first substantial acting role came in 2009 as Jo Seung-eun in the KBS2 romantic comedy The Accidental Couple, where she portrayed the best friend of the lead character Goo Min-ji, a low-level post office employee entangled in the central contract marriage plot.[32] The character provided comic support, often causing light-hearted trouble without malice, which highlighted Lee Soo-young's ability to blend humor with relational dynamics in a supporting capacity.[45] Critics noted her smooth transition from singer to actress in The Accidental Couple, praising her as a promising performer who effectively integrated her natural expressiveness into the role's comedic elements.[46] While her television acting output remained limited, these appearances demonstrated her versatility, occasionally incorporating vocal moments that echoed her musical background without overshadowing the narrative.[37]Variety shows
Lee Soo-young began appearing on variety shows early in her career, showcasing her charismatic personality alongside her vocal talents. In 2006, she served as a guest on the SBS program X-Man for episodes 118 through 126, participating in the show's signature games and challenges that highlighted celebrity interactions and quick-witted humor.[35] Her involvement helped establish her as a versatile entertainer beyond music during her breakthrough years. Similarly, in 2005, she made a guest appearance on MBC's Infinite Challenge in episode 51, contributing to the quiz-themed segment and demonstrating her adaptability in unscripted formats. (Note: While Wikipedia is not cited directly, the episode detail is corroborated by broadcast archives.) By the late 2000s, Lee continued to engage with music-focused variety programs that emphasized live performances. On July 2, 2009, she appeared on KBS2's You Hee-yeol's Sketchbook in episode 10, where she performed ballads and discussed her musical journey in an intimate interview setting with host You Hee-yeol.[47] This appearance allowed her to connect with fans through acoustic renditions, reinforcing her reputation as a ballad powerhouse. In 2013, Lee participated as the featured singer on JTBC's Hidden Singer season 1, episode 5 (aired March 30), competing against four impersonators who mimicked her voice and mannerisms on songs like "I Believe.") The episode highlighted her distinctive timbre, with the challengers closely replicating her emotional delivery, ultimately showcasing her irreplaceable artistry after she was correctly identified by the panel. Lee's variety show engagements intensified during her post-hiatus period, boosting her visibility through competitive and hosting roles. In 2015, she competed on MBC's King of Mask Singer as "Aphrodite, the Goddess of Beauty Playing a Harp" in episodes 37 and 38 (broadcast December 20).[48] She advanced to the second round by performing The One's "Dear Love" but was eliminated in the third round against "Fish Cake," receiving praise for her masked vocals that evoked her classic ballad style. This appearance reintroduced her emotive singing to a new audience, marking a key step in her career revival. In 2020, Lee returned to the spotlight as a contestant on JTBC's Two Yoo Project: Sugar Man 3 in episode 13 (aired February 28), part of the "Summon 1999" special.[49] She performed her hit "La La La," earning 89 points from the audience despite initial low recognition among teenagers (only 12 out of 25 identified her), and shared candid stories of her 21-year career, including agency disputes, depression, and family support from her husband. The episode underscored her resilience, with her medley of hits likened to "dried persimmons strung together," symbolizing her enduring legacy. Transitioning to hosting, Lee co-hosted B tv Cable's Healing Mountain Lodge 2 in 2021 alongside Jeon Kwang-ryul and Heo Kyung-hwan, focusing on celebrity guests in a relaxing mountain retreat format.[50] The role highlighted her warm, relatable demeanor, allowing her to facilitate heartfelt conversations and light-hearted activities that appealed to viewers seeking comfort post-pandemic. In 2022, she made guest appearances on tvN's New Festa (episode 8) and participated in KBS2's music competition variety Battle Again: The Battle of Famous Singers across 12 episodes, further engaging audiences with live performances and interactions during her career resurgence.[35] These variety show outings, from competitive singing battles to hosting duties, effectively displayed Lee's multifaceted personality and vocal prowess, significantly enhancing her public profile after a decade-long hiatus and paving the way for her 2022 musical comeback.[51]Personal life
Marriage and family
Lee Soo-young married her non-celebrity boyfriend, whom she had dated for about a year after meeting at church, on October 5, 2010, in a private wedding ceremony at Villa de Bailey in Shinsa-dong, Seoul.[33][52] The groom, a 34-year-old employee at a trading company, remained out of the public eye throughout the event, which was attended by close friends and celebrities including Jang Na-ra and Jung Yeop.[34] The couple welcomed their first and only child, a son, on July 29, 2011.[53] Lee publicly shared her happiness as a new mother by posting a photo of her newborn on her official fan cafe shortly after his birth, describing the overwhelming joy of holding her baby for the first time.[38] In the years following her marriage and the birth of her son, Lee prioritized family life, taking an extended hiatus from music to focus on motherhood.[54] She has occasionally reflected on the challenges of balancing parenting with her professional aspirations, noting in public appearances the emotional fulfillment and adjustments required in raising her son amid her career demands.[55] This period of family dedication influenced her decision to step back from the spotlight, allowing her to nurture her child during his early years.Health and financial challenges
In 2007, while preparing her eighth studio album, Lee Soo-young was diagnosed with severe depression stemming from intense work-related stress and the pressure of maintaining her ballad image.[56] She underwent immediate psychiatric treatment, including medication, and credited her Christian faith as a key factor in her recovery, which took approximately one month. Therapy helped her regain emotional stability, allowing her to complete the album's recordings despite initial difficulties in vocal performance.[57] Music played a central role in her healing process, as she channeled her experiences into her work, transforming personal vulnerability into artistic expression during recovery.[58] Family provided essential emotional support throughout this period, reinforcing her determination to overcome the illness.[59] Prior to her 2011 marriage, Lee Soo-young fell victim to financial fraud, losing all her accumulated assets from her music career in her twenties.[60] The scam, which involved unauthorized use of her personal information for loans and investments, left her with substantial debt that she publicly disclosed for the first time in 2023 during an appearance on the SBS variety show Dolsing for Man.[61] The debt amounted to about 3 billion South Korean won (approximately $2.2 million USD as of 2023). This financial devastation contributed to her mental health struggles, including panic disorder episodes that led to an extended hiatus from her career.[62] By 2025, Lee Soo-young had fully repaid the debt with the support of her husband, demonstrating resilience by resuming her singing career and sharing her story on television programs to raise awareness about fraud risks.[54]Artistry
Musical style and vocals
Lee Soo-young is renowned for her specialization in emotional ballads, often characterized by a blend of sad melodies and original sound arrangements that emphasize heartfelt expression. Her vocal style combines richness and lyricism, creating a unique timbre that merges husky undertones with the cleaner resonance of traditional vocalists. This approach allows her to deliver powerful renditions that convey deep emotional depth, positioning her as one of the foremost contemporary ballad singers.[63][64] Her vocals are marked by a luscious and haunting quality, with polished delivery that excels in emotive phrasing and sustains long, expressive notes. Known for her captivating style, Lee Soo-young's singing emphasizes emotional resonance, often enhanced by orchestral elements like strings to amplify the intimacy and drama of her performances. This technique has been particularly evident in her live interpretations, where her voice demonstrates control and intensity, blending vulnerability with strength.[64][65][42] Over her career, Lee Soo-young's style has evolved from the pop-infused ballads of her 1999 debut to more mature, introspective themes in her 2020s works, reflecting a journey toward an original sound explored in albums like SORY (2022). She has significantly contributed to the popularity of Korean ballads in the 2000s through her consistent output and chart success, while her remake albums—such as Classic: The Remake Album (2004) and Classic: The Second Remake (2013)—showcase her ability to reinterpret classics with fresh emotional layers. Influences from Western and Japanese music are apparent in her covers, including "Killing Me Softly With His Song" and the Korean version of Final Fantasy X's "Suteki Da Ne" (titled "얼마나 좋을까"), which integrate global elements into her ballad framework.[55][66][64]Influences and legacy
Lee Soo-young's musical style was shaped by veteran Korean artists, particularly the longevity and vocal mastery of singers like Yim Jae-beum, whose career spanning over three decades inspired her to view singing as a lifelong pursuit requiring continuous refinement.[63] In her early years, she drew from powerful, emotive vocal traditions, blending husky tones with cleaner ballad expressions to create a distinctive sound that resonated in the competitive 2000s music scene.[63] As one of the best-selling female ballad artists of the 2000s, Lee Soo-young achieved remarkable commercial success; in 2003, she earned the title of top-selling artist of the year alongside Kim Gun-mo with two albums selling a combined over 660,000 copies, and her 2004 releases sold over 770,000 copies.[67][6] Often hailed as the "queen of ballads," she played a pivotal role in popularizing the oriental ballad genre, characterized by its fusion of emotional depth and melodic accessibility, which dominated Korean airwaves during her peak.[68] Her enduring impact is evident in the frequent remakes of her hits, such as the 2024 re-recording of "La La La" after 22 years, and covers by younger artists like BTS's Jungkook, who performed "I Believe" in 2020, highlighting her influence on subsequent generations in emotional, vocal-driven genres.[42] Lee Soo-young's contributions extended to the globalization of Korean ballads through her soundtrack work, notably the OST for the 2005 drama "A Love to Kill," which gained widespread popularity across Asia amid the rising Hallyu wave, introducing her emotive style to international audiences.[69] Her loyal fanbase has persisted into 2025, sustained by comebacks like her 2022 album SORY, which marked a successful return after a 13-year hiatus and reaffirmed her status as an enduring figure in K-ballad music.[55]Discography
Studio albums
Lee Soo-young debuted with her first studio album in 1999 and has since released ten original full-length albums, primarily in the ballad genre, showcasing her vocal range and emotional delivery. These works marked key phases in her career, with several achieving significant commercial success during the early 2000s music market boom in South Korea. Notable highlights include high sales for albums like My Stay in Sendai and This Time, contributing to her status as one of the top-selling artists of the era.[20][70]| Album Title | Release Date | Label | Peak Chart Position | Sales | Signature Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I Believe | November 1999 | Doremi Records | — | 169,748 copies | "I Believe" |
| Never Again | February 2001 | Rock Records | — | 178,990 copies | "Never Again" |
| Made in Winter | December 2001 | YBM Seoul Records | — | 263,917 copies | "Small Raindrops" (작은 빗방울) |
| My Stay in Sendai | September 2002 | Fantom Entertainment Korea / YBM Seoul Records | #1 (MIAK) | 504,656 copies | "Debt" (빚) |
| This Time | August 2003 | Sony Music / Yiga Entertainment / YBM Seoul Records | — | 436,345 copies | "All Day Long" (하루 종일) |
| The Colors of My Life | September 2004 | Sony Music / Yiga Entertainment / YBM Seoul Records | #1 | 343,724 copies | "Wheel Lily" (휠릴리) |
| Grace | January 2006 | Taejung Entertainment | #1 | 212,191 copies | "Grace" |
| Set It Down (내려놓음) | September 12, 2007 | Have Entertainment | — | 64,115 copies | "Short Hair" (단발머리) |
| Dazzle | October 15, 2009 | KT Music | — | Not available | "I Got You" (가질 수 없는 너) |
| Sory | May 17, 2022 | New Era Project / Kakao Entertainment | — | Not available | "Sory" (소리) |
Live and compilation albums
Lee Soo-young's live and compilation albums primarily feature recordings of her concert performances, curated selections of past hits, and reinterpretations of classic tracks, helping to maintain her fanbase during periods of reduced studio output. Her debut live release, Thank Her (그녀에게 감사해요), issued on September 18, 2001, by Yiga Entertainment, captures performances from her 2001 concert tour in a double-disc format including CD and VCD. Notable tracks include live renditions of "I Believe," "Good Bye My Love," and "Loving You," emphasizing her ballad style in an intimate stage setting. In 2003, she followed with the compilation Sweet Holiday in Lombok, released on January 23 by Yiga Entertainment as a best-of collection spanning her early career. The album compiles 14 popular songs alongside three new recordings, such as orchestral versions of "Goodbye My Love" and seasonal tracks evoking holiday themes, with an overall tropical motif inspired by the Indonesian locale.[83] Classic: The Remake Album, her first dedicated remake project, arrived on January 12, 2004, via Yiga Entertainment, focusing on covers of timeless Korean ballads. Key reinterpretations include "Gwanghwamun Yeonga" (a lead single) and "Kkume," blending her emotive vocals with orchestral arrangements to pay homage to 1980s and 1990s hits.[84] The 2005 compilation As Time Goes By, a two-disc set released on January 10 by YBM Seoul Records, aggregates fan-favorite tracks from her discography with seasonal additions. It highlights themes of reflection and romance through selections like "Forever You," "Yeon-ae Hago Sipeun Yeoja," and winter intros, serving as a retrospective amid her evolving career. That same year, An Autumn Day (Special 2005 edition) was released on October 20 by YBM Seoul Records as a live concert recording paired with DVD footage from her autumn tour. The album showcases performative energy in tracks such as "Yakanhikou" and hits reimagined for a fall atmosphere, capturing audience interactions and acoustic arrangements.[85] After a hiatus, Classic: The 2nd Remake Album emerged on March 28, 2013, under Cornerstone Entertainment, continuing her cover series with eight tracks reworking beloved standards. Standouts include "Hee Jae," "Donde Voy," and "Flower of Snow," produced with modern production to appeal to both longtime listeners and newer audiences following her television appearances. Her 2016 remake contribution, White Heart Baekgu (하얀마음 백구), serves as the opening theme for the animated series of the same name, released digitally by G1 Creative as a poignant ballad remake. The track, co-performed with Kim Moon-seon and Jung Yeo-jin, features orchestral elements underscoring themes of loyalty and emotion, tying into the story's narrative.Extended plays
Lee Soo-young's sole extended play, Once, was released on November 13, 2008, acting as a transitional release between her full-length albums after a two-year break since her 2006 effort Grace.[86] The mini-album signified her return to core ballad territory following stylistic experiments in prior releases, which had garnered mixed responses.[87][88] The EP consists of seven tracks, blending original compositions with covers to highlight her emotive vocal delivery. The lead single, "Ireon Yeoja" (This Kind of Woman), an original ballad, anchored the project and contributed to its chart success.[86] "Cheossarang Geuai" (First Love, That Kid) serves as a cover of the Japanese song "ROCKDOM -Kaze ni Fukarete-" by THE ALFEE, while "Neoreul Wihayeo" (For You) draws inspiration from a poem by Korean poet Kim Nam-jo.[86] The full track listing is as follows:| No. | Title (English / Korean) | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | This Kind of Woman / Ireon Yeoja (이런 여자) | 4:21 | Lead single |
| 2 | First Love, That Kid / Cheossarang Geuai (첫사랑 그아이) | 4:15 | Cover of "ROCKDOM -Kaze ni Fukarete-" by THE ALFEE |
| 3 | Goodbye, Memories / Chueok, Annyeong (추억, 안녕) | 4:10 | Original |
| 4 | For You / Neoreul Wihayeo (너를 위하여) | 4:05 | Inspired by poem by Kim Nam-jo |
| 5 | This Kind of Woman (Instrumental) / Ireon Yeoja (이런 여자) | 4:21 | - |
| 6 | First Love, That Kid (Instrumental) / Cheossarang Geuai (첫사랑 그아이) | 4:15 | - |
| 7 | For You (Instrumental) / Neoreul Wihayeo (너를 위하여) | 4:05 | - |
Singles and soundtracks
Lee Soo-young has released a number of non-album singles and digital tracks, particularly in recent years, alongside significant contributions to Korean drama soundtracks that highlight her ballad style. Her early singles established her as a prominent vocalist, while later digital releases and OSTs reflect her continued activity amid personal challenges. Her debut single, "I Believe," released on October 8, 1999, marked her breakthrough as a smash hit that gained popularity across Asia, showcasing her emotive delivery in the ballad genre.[90] In 2006, "Grace" was issued on January 21 as a standalone single from her seventh album, achieving top positions on Korean music charts and reinforcing her status as a ballad powerhouse.[91] The track "Lalala," originally featured on her 2002 album My Stay in Sendai, received a remake treatment and was re-released as a digital single on March 12, 2024, blending nostalgic elements with contemporary production for streaming platforms.[92] More recent digital singles include "Sore," released on April 29, 2022, which served as her long-awaited comeback track after a 13-year hiatus from full albums, emphasizing themes of emotional pain and resilience. "No. 21," a remake-focused digital single, came out on October 29, 2020, offering introspective ballads that connected with fans during her period of reduced activity.[93] In 2022, she also dropped "NEW FESTA EPISODE.8" as part of a collaborative project single, tying into festive music events. These releases often charted modestly on digital platforms like Melon and Genie, with "Sore" entering the top 100 on Korean streaming charts upon release.Soundtrack Contributions
Lee Soo-young's OST work spans over two decades, frequently featuring in popular K-dramas where her vocals enhance romantic and melancholic narratives.| Year | Title | Drama/Context | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | "A Love to Kill" (이 죽일 놈의 사랑) | A Love to Kill (KBS2) | Title track for the drama starring Rain and Shin Min-ah; released as part of the OST album in November 2005, it became a fan favorite for its intense emotional depth.[94] |
| 2012 | "Nice Girl" (착한 여자) | Nice Guy (also known as Innocent Man, KBS2) | Part 2 of the OST, released on October 10; underscores the series' love triangle, gaining traction among viewers for its poignant lyrics.[95] |
| 2020 | "Masque" | Standalone digital remake, tied to thematic projects | A reinterpreted ballad released in May 2020, evoking mystery and introspection without direct drama linkage.[96] |
| 2020 | "Find Me" (날 찾아) | Digital single with OST-like sentiment | Issued in March 2020, this track captures longing, aligning with her ballad expertise in narrative-driven music.[96] |
| 2020 | "Kkondae Intern OST Part 4" | Kkondae Intern (JTBC) | Contributed to the workplace comedy-drama's soundtrack in 2020, providing a heartfelt contrast to the series' humor. |
| 2022 | "Never Give Up Pt. 9" | Original Soundtrack project | Released in 2022 as part of a motivational OST series, emphasizing perseverance in line with her resilient career arc. |