On the October 19th episode of TV Chosun's 'Miss Trot 4', during the second round of the Legend Mission, Lee Sona revealed, 'My mother was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in her early 40s.'
Having overcome a long period of obscurity to earn the nickname 'Jin Sona', she gained the 'AI' moniker for her unwavering performances. However, on this day, she opened up by saying, 'Everyone has something they can't talk about,' and added, 'That's why I have to do better,' as she teared up.
A video shown before her performance depicted Lee Sona's daily life, including her assisting her mother, who appeared to have difficulty moving.
Lee Sona shared, 'My mother developed Parkinson's disease at the early age of her 40s. Having children at a young age might have contributed to it,' and tearfully added, 'I feel like it's my fault that she's sick.'
Her mother expressed, 'I only wait for the day you appear on TV. Listening to your songs makes me happy and comforts me,' conveying her deep affection for her daughter. Lee Sona responded, 'My mother's illness has been prolonged, and my father is also struggling. Even if it's hard for me, I want to be someone who can take responsibility,' reaffirming her determination to excel.
In the semifinals aired on October 26th, her sincerity towards her mother continued. Lee Sona explained her song choice of Joo Byung-sun's 'Chilgapsan', saying, 'When I think of the lyrics, I always picture the back of a woman in a rural field. It reminds me of my mother and myself.'
After finishing her song, Lee Sona finally broke down in tears, revealing her deep emotions for the first time. Master Park Ji-hyun, who watched the performance, praised her, saying, 'You usually seem to hide your emotions, but I'm grateful you poured them all out on stage today.'
Lee Sona secured the second place in the semifinals, making it to the TOP 5. Upon seeing her ranking, she shed tears of joy once again.
This result is a precious achievement born from her sense of responsibility towards her family and her earnestness for the stage, showcasing the real Lee Sona behind the 'AI' nickname.
Meanwhile, the finals of TV Chosun's 'Miss Trot 4', featuring Lee Sona, are set to air on November 5th at 9:30 PM.