Lee Ho-Yeon

Lee Ho-Yeon, born Lee Yeon-Hwa on November 1, 1956, in Seoul, is a beloved Korean traditional music master and educator, holding the prestigious title of holder of Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 57 for Gyeonggi Minyo (folk songs). A Seoul native who started her journey at 17 under legendary teachers like An Bi-Chwi for Gyeonggi Minyo and Yi Chang-Bae for seonsori, she graduated from Dongguk University's Buddhist Music program and has poured her heart into preserving and sharing these soulful tunes for over 40 years.

She's swept up major awards like the 1999 KBS National Music Grand Prize, the 1998 National Folk Song Competition Presidential Award, and the 2021 Korea Arts and Culture Award in traditional music, while leading spots like the Lee Ho-Yeon Korean Music Academy and performing worldwide to spread the magic of minyo. Catch her recent albums like *이호연 민요* series and *통일 아리랑*, blending classics with gayageum and piri for that timeless vibe.