Lee Sang-mi Revives University Song Festival Memories, Echoing a Voice Across 20 Years
The moment the stage lights came on, it felt as though time had rewound to 2005.
Back then, she was a young woman who swept through the University Song Festival with youthful passion and innocence, singing 'Please Take Care of Me' as the vocalist for the band EX.
That young woman stood on that stage once more. Lee Sang-mi.
On the MBC show '2025 University Song Festival: Igniting Youth,' which aired on the 26th, Lee Sang-mi graced the opening stage, perfectly recreating the emotion of that day 20 years ago.
Though much time has passed, her performance held an unchanging sincerity.
The checkered outfit, pigtails, and her signature refreshing smile – everything mirrored the 2005 stage, delivering both nostalgia and thrills to viewers.
Taking the stage, Lee Sang-mi performed EX's signature song, 'Please Take Care of Me,' captivating the audience with explosive energy. Her clear yet powerful vocals remained as strong as ever, and she was every bit the 'legend' on stage.
The cheers and applause echoing from the audience proved that she was an icon of that era.
Lee Sang-mi first made her name known to the world at the 2005 MBC University Song Festival.
As the vocalist for the band EX, Lee Sang-mi won the grand prize with 'Please Take Care of Me,' instantly rising to national stardom.
Back then, the University Song Festival was more than just a competition; it was a stage for the dreams, hopes, and passions of youth. And at the heart of it all was Lee Sang-mi's voice.
Her clear and powerful tone conveyed the message that 'we can do it too' to those living in that era.
Now, 20 years later, many were moved to tears as that voice resonated once again.
Lee Sang-mi still knew how to enjoy the stage. Her seasoned gestures, natural smile, and relaxed interaction with the audience were all present.
Her song wasn't just a recreation; it was a moment where her past and present selves merged into one.
In particular, her soaring vocals in the high-note sections were proof of her undiminished passion. Her tone still held the light of youth, warming the hearts of those who watched.
After the broadcast, social media and online communities were filled with praise for Lee Sang-mi's performance.
Comments included: "I really felt like I went back to that time," "Her voice is exactly the same. So touching," "Pigtails too… I was so happy to see her," and "I never thought I'd hear EX's 'Please Take Care of Me' again."
The fans' reactions weren't just simple nostalgia but also conveyed the feeling that 'a page of youth' had been reopened. To those who remembered the stage from 20 years ago, her appearance was like a bridge connecting the past and present.
Lee Sang-mi has consistently pursued a path in music since the University Song Festival. Even after her band activities, she has maintained her unique style as a singer-songwriter, with OSTs and solo albums.
From the animation 'Jang Geum's Dream' OST to the single 'Call Me' and the full-length album 'Tell The Story,' her music has always retained her signature 'Lee Sang-mi-ness.'
Recently, she signed an exclusive contract with New Era Project, preparing for a new musical leap. Her actions aren't just a comeback but are leading to another 'beginning.'
The expression on her face as she sang on stage was just as bright and clear as it was back then.
But within that smile was a deeper sense of ease and strength.
"I'm so grateful that I can still sing even after time has passed." These words she left behind lingered in the hearts of many.
Youth passes for everyone, but for those who cherish that spirit, youth returns. Lee Sang-mi showed that firsthand.
The 2025 University Song Festival wasn't just a revival of the past but a message to a new generation.
"Your stage isn't over yet."
Lee Sang-mi opened the stage, conveying hope to her juniors through her song. As her song began, the venue was filled with enthusiastic applause and cheers.
It wasn't just the success of one performance but a 'true stage of youth' that returned after 20 years.
Her voice isn't just a memory; it's still present at this moment.
Lee Sang-mi didn't dwell on the glory of the past. Embracing the youth of that time, she sang again as her present self.
That is why the emotion hasn't faded even after time has passed.
After her song ended, the applause filling the audience didn't stop for a long time.
That applause wasn't just 'longing' but encouragement that "this moment is also your stage."
Source :https://blog.naver.com/yooju0913/224055613275
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