Rising Star Lee Sona Opens Up About Family Struggles on 'Miss Trot 4'

Lee Sona has captured the public's attention after revealing her family struggles.

On the October 19th episode of TV Chosun's 'Miss Trot 4', Lee Sona shared her personal story for the first time.

After dropping from her usual first place to seventh in the first round, Lee Sona aimed for a comeback by choosing Choi Jin-hee's breakup song 'Gone You'. Master Kim Hee-jae noted, "She seems to have been living with hidden emotions due to her story."

In the broadcast, Lee Sona was seen tenderly caring for her ailing mother at home. She revealed, "My mom was diagnosed with a serious illness in her early 40s," disclosing her mother's battle with Parkinson's disease. Lee Sona tearfully admitted, "I feel like my mother got sick because of me."

Lee Sona impressed viewers with her powerful high notes and flawless singing ability. Having overcome a long period of obscurity, she is gaining popularity on 'Miss Trot' under the nickname 'Jin Sona'. As a trainee of Korea's Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 57, Gyeonggi Minyo, Lee Sona has dedicated over 20 years to traditional Korean music.

She first encountered the geomungo and samgomu (three-drum dance) in elementary school and stood out early by winning first place in the Korean music category at the 2004 Gangwon-do Middle and High School Comprehensive Performance Competition while attending Chuncheon Girls' Middle School. She continued her 'elite traditional music course' through the National Traditional Arts High School and the Korea National University of Arts.

Meanwhile, Lee Sona performed a medley of 'Yeongam Arirang' and 'Gangwon-do Arirang', securing first place in the second round and becoming a top contender for the win.
Jung Da-yeon, Ten Asia Reporter light@tenasia.co.kr