Lee Seung-yoon crowned the winner of JTBC’s 'Sing Again'

Singer Lee Seung-yoon was crowned the winner of JTBC's audition show ″Sing Again." [JTBC]

Lee Seung-yoon was crowned the winner of JTBC’s hit audition program “Sing Again” (2020-21) and took home prize money of 100 million won ($89,000).

In the final episode of “Sing Again,” which aired on Monday, Lee performed “Water” (2020) by Lee Juck. He was chosen as the winner based on the judges’ scores, early online voting and live text voting.

The usually talkative Lee could only manage to repeat the words "thank you" when he was announced as the winner. He later posted a long letter of appreciation on his social media thanking the production staff, the viewers as well as all the other contestants who took part.

Lee debuted in 2016 with his song “What Should I Steal” (translated) and released several more albums before participating in “Sing Again,” an audition program for already-debuted singers whose fame fizzled out. Lee impressed judges and viewers alike with his fresh interpretations of existing songs.

Lee’s personal background also became the center of attention when he was revealed to be the third son of Lee Jae-cheol, the former lead pastor of the 100th Anniversary Memorial Church in Mapo District, western Seoul.

Pastor Lee is considered to be one of the key figures of Korean Christianity. When information on Lee's four successful sons became public — his first son is a lawyer, his second son is a popular YouTuber, the third is now a K-pop star and the fourth is studying art — Koreans, especially parents, began to look up Pastor Lee's old sermons and speeches related to his philosophy on raising children.

Pastor Lee's book "A Father Who Learns from his Children," which was first published in 1995, was republished on Jan. 26.

The top 10 finalists of “Sing Again” will go on tour starting from March 19 in Seoul and head to 13 other major cities over the following four months. Tickets will be available on online mall Interpark from Feb. 15 at 2 p.m.

BY HALEY YANG [yang.hyunjoo@joongang.co.kr]