'Follow your heart': Lee Hyo-ri gives inspirational speech to Kookmin graduates

Singer Lee Hyo-ri makes a commencement speech during Kookmin University's graduation ceremony on Wednesday. [NEWS1]

Singer Lee Hyo-ri told Kookmin University graduates to follow their heart during the university's graduation ceremony, also performing her popular song "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" (2010).

Lee attended the university's graduation ceremony on Wednesday to make a commencement speech, delivering her address in a cynical but playful tone.

"People sometimes don't listen to their parents, close friends or even words of wise people, so why would you need to listen to someone lecturing you just because they're famous?" said Lee. "Just go and follow your heart."

"The person that's going to cherish you and properly guide you down the right path is no one other than you."

Lee is an alumna of Kookmin University, graduating from the School of Performing Arts in 2006.

She debuted as a member of girl group Fin.K.L in 1998 and launched her solo career in 2003 with popular songs such as "10 Minutes" (2003), "U-Go-Girl" (2008) and "Bad Girls" (2013).

She also advised students to have faith in themselves.

"I sometimes also get affected by negative self-sabotaging voices in my head, telling me I'm weak, stupid or someone that can't improve," said Lee. "But there's also voices guiding me in the right path, telling me that I'm doing my best and deserve to be loved."

"Try to listen to those voices. You might not be able to hear them right away, but eventually you will if you continue to believe in yourself."

She further emphasized the importance of experiencing new things as students graduate from university.

"Words mean nothing, and only things you actually experience and go through in life will really become yours," said Lee. "Go out to the world, get hurt, experience a lot of things and learn in the process."

"I'll always be giving you my warmest support."

Lee ended her speech by saying she will "stop talking and just sing a song," performing "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" for the students.

BY LEE TAE-HEE [lee.taehee2@joongang.co.kr]