Uiryeong County, First-Time Contestant ... Bomi Kim Wins Grand Prize at 10th Ho-Seop Lee Song Festival

Taking the Stage at Her Father's Wish

"A Miracle to Honor My Father and Win the Grand Prize"

The Ho-Seop Lee Song Festival, a gateway for aspiring singers held in Uiryeong County, South Gyeongsang Province, celebrated its 10th anniversary by producing yet another new star.

At the 10th Ho-Seop Lee Song Festival, held on a special stage at Uiryeong County Residents’ Park on April 19, Bomi Kim (21, Anseong, Gyeonggi Province) won the coveted Grand Prize.

This was Kim’s first attempt at a song festival. Encouraged by her father, who teaches singing at a lifelong education center, she entered the competition. Having always enjoyed trot music, Kim took the stage at her father's suggestion and ultimately achieved the valuable result of winning the Grand Prize.

From the left, Kim Bomi holding a bouquet, Pyo Juyeop, Deputy Governor of Uiryeong County, and composer Lee Hoseop on the right.
Photo by Uiryeong County

In particular, Kim is currently awaiting her military commission, putting her at a crossroads between pursuing a singing career and another path. She commented, "I never expected this result, so it still feels unbelievable," adding, "I am deeply considering my future direction."

The award held even greater significance for her family. Her father, who has recently been battling illness, has long admired composer Ho-Seop Lee, a native of Uiryeong. When his daughter won the Grand Prize at a festival named after Lee, he expressed great joy. The award is said to have provided her father with much-needed encouragement as well.

Kim said, "It was my father's wish for me to perform on this stage. I thought that simply preparing for the festival together was a way to be a good daughter, so actually winning the Grand Prize feels nothing short of a miracle." She added, "Even as I was stepping onto the stage, my father was the first person who came to mind."

10th Lee Hoseop Song Festival Grand Prize Winner Bomi Kim.
Photo by Uiryeong County

The Ho-Seop Lee Song Festival, co-organized by composer Ho-Seop Lee from Uiryeong and Uiryeong County, has become a nationwide event, celebrating its 10th year in 2026. Over the past decade, the festival has produced many talented singers such as Ahyeon Bae, Soohyun Chae, and Lyewon Gil, establishing itself as a representative music festival for the region.

Kim remarked, "The coaching and feedback from the judges during the preliminary rounds were extremely helpful. Every stage was an opportunity for growth."

This year as well, participants flocked from across the country — including Seoul, Daejeon, and Gangwon — leading to fierce competition in the preliminaries and once again proving the festival’s prestige.

The Grand Prize winner receives 5 million won in prize money, a singer’s certificate, and support for the production and promotion of two new songs.

Governor Tae Wan Oh stated, "The Ho-Seop Lee Song Festival is more than just a competition; it is a stage where new dreams are created. We will continue to develop it into a nationwide music festival where talented individuals can grow."

Meanwhile, at the 10th Ho-Seop Lee Song Festival, Sena Gil (25, Daejeon) won the Gold Prize for her performance of "Jalgara," Okhwa Kim (39, Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province) won the Silver Prize with "Naejangsan," and Hwan Lee (34, Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province) received the Bronze Prize for "Irrevocable Time."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.