One of the nation’s iconic veteran solo artists, Lee Sun-hee, will make a comeback next month with the release of her 15th studio album, her first in five years, in commemoration of her 30th year in the music industry.

“This year marks the 30th anniversary so it’s very meaningful,” stated a representative from the singer’s agency Hook Entertainment. “She is currently working on the upcoming album, which will feature all new songs. The album will pay tribute to her music from the past 30 years.”

Oftentimes referred to as Korea’s national diva, Lee made her debut in 1984 with the single “To J” and won the top prize at the fifth annual MBC Gangbyeon Song Festival that year. A year later, she released her first studio album “Ah! It’s Old Times.” She steadily released a number of hit records over the past 25 years. and gradually became one of the most popular ballad singers toward the late ’80s and the early ’90s. Lee is also highly credited in her hand for scouting beloved ballad singer and TV host Lee Seung-gi who made his debut with Lee’s agency in 2004.

In 2009, the 49-year-old singer-songwriter released her last studio album “My Love ...” to celebrate the 25th anniversary since her debut. Through the album Lee brought back her trademark resonant vocals as well as trying out a more modern-day twist to her sound with the track “You Too,” featuring local hip-hop artist Tiger JK. Since the album’s release, the artist has been featured on a number of TV drama soundtracks as well as performing live shows.

In 2011, she became only the third Korean singer ― following legendary rock star Cho Yong-pil and R&B singer Insooni ― to hold a concert at the Carnegie Hall in New York.

After Cho’s monstrous comeback success last year, Lee is looking to ride the comeback trend for veteran singers’ with her upcoming 15th album next month.

“We know it’s been a long time since she last released a full studio album and she has been working very hard on it,” said Hook Entertainment officials. “We hope her fans are really looking forward to its release.”

By Julie Jackson
(juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)