Lee Nan-young

Quick Facts: Who was Lee Nan-young?

Subject:

Lee Nan-young

Known for:

Pioneering Korean singer and actress famous for the hit trot song "Tears of Mokpo".

Born:

1916-06-06

Died:

1965-04-11

Century / Era:

1916s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Lee Nan-young (Korean: 이난영; June 6, 1916 – April 11, 1965) was a Korean singer and actress most famous for the 1935 hit trot song "Tears of Mokpo", which sold 50,000 copies. Lee was born in Mokpo, Zenranan Province, Korea, Empire of Japan. Her name at birth was Lee Ok-soon (이옥순), but it was later changed to Lee Ok-rye (이옥례). Her father's name was Lee Nam-soon (이남순) and she had a brother, Lee Bong-ryong, who was a composer. She had a difficult childhood and did not graduate from school.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

She became an actress in 1930, and debuted as a singer under OK Records in 1932, with the stage name Lee Nan-young. She was also a member of Jeogori Sisters, considered to be Korea's first girl group. She was the original singer of "Tears of Mokpo," one of the hit songs in the history of Korean popular songs. She married Kim Hae-song, a singer, composer and a conductor, in 1937. The couple had seven children, including Sook-ja Kim and Ai-ja Kim of The Kim Sisters.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

During the Korean War, the family lost their home in the bombing, and Kim Hae-song was captured and killed by the North Korean army. To earn money, Lee and her children sang for the American troops. She later performed in Busan nightclubs with her oldest daughters, Young-ja and Sook-ja. She died in 1965 in Seoul, and is buried in Lee Nan-young Park in Samhakdo, Mokpo. Portrayed by Cha Ji-yeon in the 2016 film Love, Lies.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1916 (1916-06-06): Birth of Lee Nan-young — Pioneering Korean singer and actress famous for the hit trot song "Tears of Mokpo".
2. 1930: 1930 Milestone — She became an actress in 1930, and debuted as a singer under OK Records in 1932, with the stage name Lee Nan-young.
3. 1937: 1937 Milestone — She married Kim Hae-song, a singer, composer and a conductor, in 1937.
4. 1965 (1965-04-11): Passing & Historical Legacy — Lee Nan-young passed away on 1965-04-11, leaving an enduring historical legacy.
5. 2016: 2016 Milestone — Portrayed by Cha Ji-yeon in the 2016 film Love, Lies.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Lee Nan-young

True or False: “Lee Nan-young's stage name, Lee Nan-young, was her original given name at birth.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Her name at birth was actually Lee Ok-soon (이옥순), which was later changed to Lee Ok-rye (이옥례).

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Frequently Asked Questions about Lee Nan-young