TV Chosun ‘Miss Trot 4’

The story hidden behind the nickname ‘AI’ of singer Lee Sona has been revealed.

On the individual match in Round 2 of the Legend Mission on TV Chosun ‘Miss Trot 4’, aired on the 19th, Lee Sona confessed, “My mother was diagnosed with Parkinson disease in her early 40s.”

After overcoming many years as an unknown and earning the affectionate nickname ‘Jin Sona’, she came to be called ‘AI’ for delivering unwavering performances in any situation. However, that day she began by saying, “Does not everyone have something they cannot talk about?”, then added, “That is why I must do even better,” her eyes welling with tears.

A video released before the performance showed the daily life of Lee Sona. Her mother appeared to have difficulty moving, and she supported her with a practiced touch.

Lee Sona said, “My mother developed Parkinson disease at an early age, in her early 40s. Having given birth to and raised me and my younger sibling at a young age may also have played a part,” and she tearfully added, “I feel it is my fault that my mom is sick.”

Her mother said, “I only wait for the day you appear on TV. Listening to your songs makes me happy and brings me comfort,” conveying her deep affection for her daughter. In response, she said, “My mother has been battling illness for a long time, and my father is also having a hard time. Even if I have a hard time, I want to become someone who can take responsibility,” and reaffirmed, “So here, I must do even better.”

Her sincere feelings for her mother continued in the semifinal aired on the 26th. Explaining why she chose the song ‘Chilgapsan’ by Joo Byung-seon, Lee Sona said, “When I think about the lyrics, I always picture the back of a woman in some field in the countryside. It feels like it could be my mom, and it could be me.”

That day, as soon as she finished singing, Lee Sona finally burst into tears. It was the moment when she first revealed the deep feelings she had been calmly holding back. Master Park Ji-hyun, who watched the performance, offered heartfelt praise, saying, “You seem to hide your emotions a lot usually, but I was very grateful that you poured them all out on the stage today.”

Lee Sona placed second overall in the semifinal and secured a spot in the TOP5. Upon seeing the ranking, she shed tears of joy once again.

This outcome was a hard-won achievement born of her sense of responsibility toward her family and her earnest longing for the stage, and it was a performance that revealed the real Lee Sona hidden behind the nickname ‘AI’.

Meanwhile, the final of TV Chosun ‘Miss Trot 4’, in which Lee Sona is appearing, is scheduled to air at 9:30 p.m. on the 5th.