Lee Alice

Lee Eum-jeon (; 1910 – March 31, 2009), better known by the stage name Lee Aerisu , was a Korean singer and stage actress. Known for her works during the Japanese colonial period in Korea. She is widely regarded as Korea's first "national star" and the "mother of Trot music" also a foundational figure of the Trot genre. Her 1932 masterpiece recording of "Hwangseong Old Site" (황성의 옛터) became the first major hit in Korean recording history, serving as a powerful anthem of national identity during the occupation.

Early life Lee Aerisu was born Lee Eum-jeon

By her mid-teens, she had become the troupe's primary intermission singer. The two singers frequently shared the stage and recorded together, defying the "rivalry" narrative constructed by the press. To the shock of the nation, the 98-year-old woman was confirmed to be Lee Aerisu.

Personal life At the peak of her fame in 1933, Lee became involved in a highly publicized relationship with Bae Dong-pil, a student at Yonhi College. Her wake was held at the Seoul National University Hospital Funeral Hall in Bundang.

Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes 1928 Chun-hee So-hong Japanese-produced; her debut feature role.

Legacy and Influence Lee Aerisu is credited with establishing the Trot genre (originally known as Yuhaeng-ga).

Lee's song "Hwangseong Old Site" is still regularly covered by modern artists and is considered a mandatory part of the Korean musical canon. Lee is credited with establishing the emotional and technical blueprint for the Trot genre. Her use of the minor pentatonic scale and her signature "tremolo" vocal style influenced generations of subsequent artists, including Lee Nan-young.