The show, which wrapped Dec. 2, spotlighted an 18.2-average-age lineup whose earnest vocals reimagined beloved classics and stirred nostalgia across generations. Among them, 19-year-old Lee Yeji from Shindori on Jeju Island emerged as the season’s breakout, pairing raw emotion with assured control to clinch the title.
▲ A 19-Year-Old from Jeju Who Brought the House Down
Lee moved to Seoul alone a year ago to chase music. “At first it was scary,” she says, “but having a fresh start with no one around me actually helped.” For her Round 1 song, she chose Yim Jae-beum’s “For You,” inspired by childhood memories of riding to school in her delivery-driver dad’s truck.
Despite concerns about tackling a powerhouse male-vocal staple, Lee’s husky tone and explosive range immediately seized the room. Even judge Cha Tae-hyun ― known for keeping his composure ― got misty, and Lee stormed to an early lead with 146 out of 150 votes, staking her claim as the season’s dark horse.
▲ From Fragile Tremor to Full-Throttle Power
Lee channeled bittersweet gratitude for the father who raised her largely on his own, weaving between grit and warmth with striking nuance. In the live finale, she reinterpreted Yoon Jong-shin’s “Uphill Road” with her signature rasp, delivering another gut-punch performance.
Consistent growth and immersive stagecraft carried her to the inaugural crown ― and she’s already hinting at ventures beyond ballads. Below, Lee reflects on her win and the road ahead in a candid Q&A.
Here’s "The Ballad of Us" winner Lee Yeji in her own words.
Q. How does it feel to be the first champion of "The Ballad of Us"?
A. It still doesn’t fully feel real. I’m grateful for everything ― but winning only made me hungrier. I’ve got a new fire to climb even higher.
Q. Which performance stands out the most for you, and why?
A. My very first stage with “For You.” From that moment, people started rooting for me, and I heard a lot of them were moved to tears. That memory stays with me.
Q. When did you feel most at risk during the competition?
A. Round 2. I cried while singing, and at rehearsal I heard Eunbin unnie’s performance and thought, “I might lose.” I immediately ran to my vocal classmates for feedback. It was a really tough round for me.
Q. In what ways did you grow on the show? If you had to grade your satisfaction out of 100?
A. I’d give it an 88. I learned so much about conveying lyrics. Singing different ballads helped me see deeper into the words and try new interpretations and expressions. Preparing for "The Ballad of Us" made me fall even more in love with the genre.
Q. How did your father react to the win, and what would you like to say to him?
A. He came to the live finale and promised he wouldn’t cry. He held it together during my song, but when they announced the winner, the tears came. He told me he was proud and that I’d worked so hard. I want to tell him it’s too early to be surprised ― please keep cheering me on right by my side!
Q. What kind of music do you want to show next, and what’s your goal?
A. Rock. I sing while playing guitar, and I want to share more of the music I truly love. My goal is to be on a world tour within five years.
Q. A message to viewers and fans?
A. I’ll repay the love you’ve given me ― please keep watching. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!
Lee has signed an exclusive management deal with SM C&C and is gearing up for an active year. In 2026, she’ll join the "The Ballad of Us" Nationwide Tour, meeting fans across four cities: Seongnam on January 10; Daegu on January 24; Seoul on February 7-8; and Busan on February 28.
Photo= Sihyunhada
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)