(C) Lee Eun-kyung

In October, as the waves of the Han River added to the deepening autumn atmosphere, a familiar face was spotted at the ‘The Han River Flows’ Han River Culture Forum. It was Lee Eun-kyung, Chairperson of the K-Yodel Association, widely beloved by the public by her friendly nickname, the ‘Kiss Kiss Kiss (Popopo) Yodel Sister.’ Chairperson Lee, who is currently enjoying a second heyday following the release of her new book, Live Like a Yodel, drew enthusiastic cheers and thunderous applause from the audience at the event with her signature bright energy and explosive vocal performance.

A Culmination of 50 Years in Yodeling: South Korea’s First Specialized Yodel Book, Live Like a Yodel
Live Like a Yodel, published by Chairperson Lee Eun-kyung, is more than just a memoir; it is a comprehensive guide containing the experience and expertise of an author who has walked the single path of yodeling for over 50 years. This book holds significant academic and cultural value as the first single-volume publication in Korea dedicated specifically to the subject of yodeling.

The book covers everything from the origins and history of yodeling to detailed vocal techniques, ranging from basic to advanced levels. Notably, the inclusion of QR codes throughout the text allows readers to directly access video lectures by the author, enhancing their understanding. Furthermore, it has gained popular appeal through the author's engaging writing style, featuring exciting episodes and moving behind-the-scenes stories from her time as a ‘yodel mentor’ to numerous stars, including Pengsoo, Yoo Jae-suk, and Kian84.

(C) Lee Eun-kyung

The Creation of ‘K-Yodel’… Harmonizing Korean Sounds with Alpine Melodies
Chairperson Lee is leading the globalization and modernization of yodeling through the recently founded ‘K-Yodel Association.’ The ‘K-Yodel’ she advocates is an original genre that integrates the traditional yodel of the Swiss Alps with the unique Korean sentiments found in the ‘breaking notes’ (kkeok-neun-sori) of Pansori, folk songs, and Trot.

This innovative attempt has already proven its competitiveness on the global stage. Her performance of ‘Yodel Arirang’ at the 2022 USA National Games for the Disabled (Special Olympics) left a deep impression on many American audience members with its exquisite blend of Eastern and Western vocal styles. “My mission is to add the cheerfulness of yodeling to ‘Arirang,’ which contains the soul of our nation, and to spread content that people all over the world can enjoy together,” she stated regarding her ambitions.

From a Connection with ‘Yodel Godfather’ Kim Hong-chul to a Three-Generation Yodel Family
Lee Eun-kyung’s yodel journey began in the 1980s when she joined the Edelweiss Yodel Club. After meeting the singer Kim Hong-chul, known as the godfather of Korean yodeling, she entered the world of yodeling in earnest. She later built public recognition as the ‘Yodel Sister’ through appearances on MBC’s Popopo (Kiss Kiss Kiss) and EBS’s TV Kindergarten.

To build a deeper musical foundation, she traveled to the United States to major in conducting. Upon her return, she established yodel courses at various cultural centers, laying the groundwork for the popularization of yodeling as a peerless star instructor. Her passion continues through her family: her daughter, singer Kang Dong-hye—who is gaining great popularity as the ‘Yodel Sister’ by adding yodeling to Trot—and even her granddaughter. They are famous as a ‘Three-Generation Yodel Family’ that communicates through music. Currently, they are active in performances and volunteer work both domestically and internationally under the name ‘Lee Eun-kyung and K-Yodel Friends.’

(C) Lee Eun-kyung

Relentless Dedication: Spreading Hope to the World Through Yodeling
Chairperson Lee’s diary remains packed with no room to spare. In addition to her work nurturing the next generation as Chairperson of the K-Yodel Association and permanent conductor of the Korea Children’s Yodel Choir, she is dedicated to various social contribution activities, including serving as a professional member of the Global Village Sharing Movement and as a public relations ambassador for the Korea Association of the Blind.

Her career is nothing short of brilliant. In addition to her broadcasting activities across terrestrial and cable networks—such as MBC’s Popopo, EBS’s Giant Peng TV, and SBS’s Running Man—she has proven her top-tier capabilities as a conductor, winning Gold Prizes at the KBS National Choral Competition and the Ministry of Unification’s Uni-Music Race. Her awards from the Minister of Education and the Minister of Unification serve as a testament to her contributions to the development of culture and arts in our society.

Concluding the interview, Chairperson Lee said with a bright smile, “Yodeling is not just a technique for singing; it is a messenger that conveys life’s vitality and positivity. I will pour all my energy into helping more people find happiness through yodeling.”

As Chairperson Lee continues to color the world with her clear voice that remains unchanged by time, all eyes are on her future steps in spreading the sounds of Korea globally through the new genre of ‘K-Yodel.’

 
[Major Profile of Lee Eun-kyung]

Current Positions: Chairperson of the K-Yodel Association, Permanent Conductor of the Korea Children’s Yodel Choir, Advisory Member of the Seocho Cultural Foundation, etc.
Broadcasting Career: ‘Yodel Sister’ on MBC’s Popopo, Yodel Teacher for Pengsoo on EBS, Yodel Teacher on SBS’s Running Man, and many others.
Awards: Minister of Education Award, Minister of Unification Award, Grand Prize at the KBS Korea Storytelling Contest, etc.

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