Lee Mu-jin (Korean: 이무진; born December 28, 2000) is a South Korean singer-songwriter.^[1] He rose to prominence after finishing third on the JTBC audition program Sing Again in 2020.^[2] Lee made his debut as a solo artist on May 14, 2021, with the single "Traffic Light" (신호등), which topped the Gaon Digital Chart for three weeks.^[3] Since then, he has released several extended plays, including Episode (2023) and Youth (2024), and remains active in music and media as of January 2026.^[4][5]

Life and education

Early life

Lee Mu-jin was born on December 28, 2000, in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, where he was raised and attended local schools including Pungdong Elementary School, Pungsan Middle School, and Baekma High School before pursuing specialized arts education.^[6] His family's support for his musical interests began early, with his father providing an old guitar that sparked his initial practice.^[6]

Education

In 2019, Mu-jin enrolled at the Seoul Institute of the Arts, majoring in practical music, after succeeding on his second attempt to gain admission.^[7] During his student years, he honed self-taught guitar skills initially developed as a hobby through community center classes that lacked structured assignments, allowing him to learn independently by ear and practice.^[7] These skills evolved into songwriting practice, as he began composing original pieces while balancing academic demands. A pivotal moment came in July 2020 when Mu-jin and a friend recorded a casual cover of Sting's "Englishman in New York" in a Seoul Institute of the Arts hallway, which went viral on YouTube and social media, amassing widespread online attention.^[8] Amid his studies, he continued uploading music online.

Career

Pre-debut activities

Lee Mu-jin initiated his music career with an independent release of his debut single "Strolling" (산책) on April 5, 2018, a track he composed and produced entirely on his own, reflecting his early songwriting talents.^[9] This low-profile entry into the industry garnered limited attention at the time but served as the foundation for his self-directed efforts as a budding singer-songwriter.^[10] While pursuing his studies in practical music at Seoul Institute of the Arts, Lee participated in several minor auditions for music programs, though he was typically eliminated in the preliminary rounds, providing him with valuable experience in performance and preparation.^[7] Concurrently, he engaged in local performances through youth cultural initiatives in his hometown of Goyang, including contributions to a high school volunteer performance team organized by the city's Joinhand youth alliance, where he earned recognition for his involvement in planning and staging events.^[11] These activities, spanning his high school years and early college period, honed his stage presence amid a modest local scene. Lee remained independent, continuing to upload original compositions and covers to online platforms such as YouTube during 2018 and 2019, building a small but dedicated online following through self-produced content.^[12] Following his appearance on Sing Again, he signed with Show Play Entertainment in early 2021, transitioning to structured professional management that supported his debut releases and development.^[13]

Rise to prominence

Lee Mu-jin entered the public consciousness as one of the "nameless" contestants on JTBC's audition program Sing Again in 2020, competing under the identifier Singer #63 to showcase his talent among lesser-known artists seeking revival in the music scene.^[14][15] His acoustic reinterpretations of classic Korean songs, particularly a soulful cover of Lee Moon-sae's "Is There Anybody" delivered with guitar and distinctive phrasing, went viral and propelled him through the competition stages, ultimately earning him third place.^[16][17] After the program's finale, a pre-existing video of Lee singing in his university hallway resurfaced amid heightened interest, fueling post-show buzz and rapid fan mobilization that boosted his social media presence from obscurity to thousands of followers overnight.^[14] In early media interviews, Lee elaborated on his "nameless" persona as a symbol for overlooked musicians and highlighted his preference for an intimate acoustic style, focusing on raw vocals and guitar-driven narratives to connect emotionally with listeners.^[14] Prior to the audition, these elements were evident in his independent YouTube releases, which served as preparation for the show's challenges.^[14]

Debut and breakthrough

Lee Mu-jin made his solo debut on May 14, 2021, with the self-written single "Traffic Light," which he composed and arranged following his third-place finish on the audition program Sing Again in 2020. The track, a reflective ballad about life's uncertainties, quickly resonated with listeners and debuted at number one on South Korea's Gaon Digital Chart, where it maintained the top position for three consecutive weeks.^[18] The song's success extended internationally, topping the Billboard K-Pop Hot 100 for seven consecutive weeks and becoming the longest-running number one by a rookie artist that year. "Traffic Light" also achieved significant streaming milestones, ranking eighth on the Gaon Digital Chart year-end list for 2021 with over 616 million points. Lee promoted the single through appearances on major music programs, securing four wins, including a triple crown on SBS's Inkigayo.^[19][20] Building on this momentum, Lee released follow-up singles that further solidified his breakthrough. In June 2021, he contributed "Rain and You" to the soundtrack for Hospital Playlist Season 2, which peaked at number 11 on the Gaon Digital Chart and ranked 55th on the year-end list with over 320 million points. Later that year, in early December, "When It Snows" featuring Heize debuted, reaching number six on the chart and earning platinum certification from the Korea Music Content Association. These releases, alongside his rookie wins at the 2021 Melon Music Awards and High1 Seoul Music Awards, marked Lee's rapid ascent as a prominent vocalist in the Korean music scene.^[20][7][21]

Establishment and recent work

Following his breakthrough in 2021 with hits like "Traffic Light," which topped the Billboard K-Pop 100 for seven weeks, Lee Mu-jin solidified his presence in the entertainment industry through diverse media ventures and consistent musical output.^[19] In 2022, Lee launched and began hosting the web series LeeMujin Service, a talk show and live music program aired on KBS Kpop, where he interviews celebrities and features collaborative performances of their songs alongside covers and originals.^[22] The show, which continues to the present, has become a platform for intimate artist interactions, attracting guests from groups like (G)I-DLE, TWICE, and BTS.^[23] That same year, Lee released his debut extended play Room Vol.1 on June 23, marking his first full project under BPM Entertainment and exploring introspective themes through five tracks.^[24] He followed with the single "Ordinary Confession" in May 2023, a heartfelt ballad that resonated with listeners for its emotional vulnerability.^[25] In 2024, Lee issued the single "Propose" in April, blending acoustic elements with romantic lyrics, and "Coming of Age Story" later that year as part of his evolving narrative style.^[26] Lee's second EP, Youth, arrived on October 7, 2024, delving into themes of growth and reflection across multiple tracks. Extending into 2025, he released the single "Bird on the Edge" on May 27, a poignant piece co-written and composed by Lee himself, capturing bittersweet introspection.^[27] In September 2025, he featured on BIG Naughty's single "Bye Bye," and in November, contributed the OST "Remember" to the drama Last Summer.^[28][29] These works, alongside his hosting role, have expanded his collaborations with fellow artists and reinforced his status as a versatile entertainer blending music and media.^[30]

Artistry

Musical style

Lee Mu-jin's music primarily blends folk, pop, and ballad genres, often incorporating acoustic elements, jazz influences, and occasional rock sensibilities. His songs typically feature introspective lyrics delivered through warm vocals and live instrumentation, creating an organic and relatable sound.^[31][32]

Influences and songwriting

Lee Mu-jin's musical influences draw heavily from the music of previous generations, particularly those emphasizing live instrumentation and harmonious vocal blends. In a 2023 interview, he described his primary muse as "the music of previous generations that mainly revolves around live sounds," highlighting the beauty in the interplay between instruments and vocals that creates a cohesive, organic sound.^[33] This appreciation stems from his early exposure to his father's eclectic tastes in music, as well as soul icons.^[7] During his elementary school years, Mu-jin also found inspiration in prominent K-pop groups like TVXQ and Big Bang, whose dynamic performances and vocal harmonies captivated him and sparked his initial interest in music.^[7] As a self-taught songwriter, Mu-jin has composed and written lyrics for all his major releases, establishing himself as a hands-on creator who infuses personal experiences into his work. His debut single "Traffic Light" (2021), for instance, was entirely self-written and composed, using the metaphor of traffic signals to depict life's pauses, progresses, and detours.^[14] Similarly, his first mini-album Room Vol. 1 (2022) features five tracks—all penned and produced by Mu-jin—serving as a narrative window into his life story and emotional world.^[21] This approach allows him to craft songs that resonate universally while remaining rooted in authenticity. Mu-jin's songwriting often explores personal narratives centered on love, personal growth, and everyday emotions, drawing from his own reflections to create relatable tales. He has noted that his music acts as "a gateway to my emotions," aiming to convey untold stories and thoughts that connect with listeners' lived experiences.^[7] In "Traffic Light," these themes manifest through the portrayal of youthful uncertainty and the small anxieties of navigating early adulthood, blending introspection with a lighthearted tone to evoke empathy.^[14] This focus on intimate, story-driven lyrics underscores his commitment to music as a medium for emotional expression and shared human moments.

Discography

Extended plays

Singles

As lead artist:

Soundtrack appearances

Lee Mu-jin has made notable contributions to Korean drama soundtracks, leveraging his songwriting skills to create emotionally resonant tracks that complement narrative themes of romance, longing, and introspection. His OST work often involves composition and lyrics, enhancing his reputation as a versatile artist beyond solo releases. As of November 2025, he has appeared on seven drama soundtracks, with several achieving commercial success on major streaming platforms.^[31] One of his breakthrough OSTs is "Rain and You," released in June 2021 as Part 1 of the Hospital Playlist Season 2 soundtrack. Composed, written, and performed by Lee Mu-jin, the ballad captures the series' themes of quiet reflection and subtle heartache through its acoustic guitar-driven melody and poignant vocals, evoking rainy, melancholic scenes. The track garnered significant attention, peaking at number 11 on the Circle Digital Chart and accumulating over 83 million streams on YouTube Music as of November 2025.^[3][18][34] In 2022, Lee contributed "Sweet" to A Business Proposal as OST Part 1, a lighter, upbeat romance track that aligns with the drama's comedic and flirtatious tone. Featuring whimsical instrumentation and his signature warm delivery, it highlights his ability to adapt to varied emotional palettes. The song peaked at number 169 on the Circle Digital Chart.^[35] Subsequent appearances include "Come Rest with Me" for Now, We Are Breaking Up (2021), offering solace and emotional support amid the drama's themes of heartbreak and reconciliation; "Rest" for Castaway Diva (2023), providing a soothing respite amid the plot's intensity; "Lilac" for Love Your Enemy (2024), a nostalgic ballad reflecting unresolved emotions; "Meant To Be" for Heavenly Ever After (2025), blending fate and tenderness; and two tracks for Last Summer—"Remember" (지나왔던 추억이 사랑이 되고) and "Memories That Have Passed Become Love" (both 2025)—which deepen the drama's romantic retrospection through his emotive phrasing. These contributions demonstrate Lee's consistent chart impact and compositional depth in the OST genre.^{[36][37][38][39]}

Compilation appearances

Filmography

Television shows

Lee Mu-jin rose to prominence as a contestant on the JTBC music audition program Sing Again in 2020–2021, where he performed anonymously as Singer #63 and delivered notable covers that highlighted his emotive vocal style and guitar accompaniment.^[14] His performances, including renditions of songs like "Whistle" by Yoon Jong-shin, contributed to his advancement through the competition's tiers, culminating in a third-place finish in the finale.^[40] The show's format, which emphasized reinterpreting popular tracks, helped establish his reputation as a versatile singer-songwriter among viewers and industry professionals.^[14] Building on his Sing Again success, Lee Mu-jin joined the cast of the JTBC variety show Famous Singer in 2021, a spin-off featuring the program's top three finalists—himself, Lee Seung-yoon, and Jeong Hong-il—in performance-based segments.^[41] As a regular cast member, he participated in collaborative and competitive musical challenges, often reworking classic hits with personal flair, such as his take on "Mercury Lamp," which showcased his ability to blend contemporary arrangements with emotional depth.^[42] The series aired for multiple parts, allowing him to further demonstrate his growth as a performer post-audition.^[41] In 2022, Lee Mu-jin served as a music teacher on the Olive TV reality-variety program Baby Singer, mentoring preschool-aged children in vocal techniques, song interpretation, and stage presence through interactive lessons and group activities.^[43] His role involved guiding young participants in preparing performances, emphasizing fun and foundational skills.^[43] This position marked a shift toward educational content, leveraging his post-Sing Again fame to inspire the next generation of singers.^[43] Lee Mu-jin also made a guest appearance on JTBC's Playlist Season 2 in late 2022, serving as the featured traveler in a four-episode arc set in Ireland, where he explored local music scenes, engaged in busking, and reflected on his artistic journey through acoustic performances and cultural immersions.^[44] In 2025, Lee Mu-jin appeared as a guest on Mnet's Live Wire (episode 2).^[2] He also guest-starred on Workdol Season 4 (episode 5).^[2]

Web shows

Lee Mu-jin has hosted the KBS Kpop web series LeeMujin Service since 2022, a talk show and live music program featuring guest artists performing covers and originals. In episode 197, aired on January 13, 2026, SEVENTEEN member Dokyeom (DK) appeared as a guest, performing songs including "Blue" from DK x Seungkwan, "Some Day in the 21st Century" by LUCY, "Home" by SEVENTEEN, and a duet of EXO's "For Life" with host Lee Mu-jin. Official promotions were shared by PLEDIS Entertainment and the show's account.^[5] As of January 2026, the show continues to air weekly episodes.^[23]

Concerts and live performances

Solo concerts and tours

In 2025, Lee Mu-jin held his first overseas solo concert, titled 2025 Lee Mu-jin Concert [Byeolchaek Burok], on March 8 at Zepp New Taipei in Taipei, Taiwan.^[45] Later that year, he announced a small theatre solo concert, 2025 Lee Mu-jin Small Theatre Concert [Oneul-ui, eMUtion], scheduled for December 20 and 21 at Mesa Hall in Seoul, South Korea.^[46]

Festival appearances

Lee Mu-jin has made several notable appearances at music festivals following his rise to prominence on the 2020 audition program Sing Again, where he showcased his songwriting and vocal talents in multi-artist settings. Early post-showcase performances included a rendition of "Episode" at the 2024 Korean Festival organized by KBS World TV, highlighting his growing appeal in global K-pop events.^[47] In July 2024, he performed at the K-POP Super Live in Boryeong, drawing enthusiastic crowds with high-energy sets amid the Mud Festival atmosphere.^[48] In 2025, Lee Mu-jin expanded his festival presence with a series of high-profile domestic and international engagements. At the Weverse Con Festival on June 1 at Discovery Park in Incheon, South Korea, he delivered a set featuring "Is There Anybody," "Traffic Light," "Ordinary Confession," "Bird on the Edge," "Episode," and "Coming of Age Story," captivating fans with his emotive ballads and upbeat tracks in a celebration of K-pop legacies.^[49] Later that month, on June 21, he appeared at MyK Festa 2025 at KSPO Dome in Seoul, contributing to the multi-artist lineup with performances that emphasized his signature introspective style.^[50] His international debut at festivals came with KOSTCON 2025, a Korean OST concert series marking his first major overseas multi-artist events. On August 2 in Jakarta, Indonesia, at the Indonesian Arena, Lee performed "Episode" and "Sweet" (from the drama Business Proposal), eliciting strong audience sing-alongs and emotional responses from K-drama fans.^[51][52] The tour continued to Manila on August 6 at SM Mall of Asia Arena, where his OST renditions further solidified his appeal in Southeast Asia, followed by a September 5 show in Dubai at Coca-Cola Arena.^[53][54] Domestically, Lee joined the Asia Top Artist Festival on September 27 in Seoul alongside acts like 10cm and Jannabi, performing select hits that blended his folk-pop sound with the event's diverse lineup.^[55] In October, at the dingo music CONCERT Killing Voice 2025 on October 18 at Jamsil Arena in Seoul, he shared the stage with artists including Kwon Jin-ah, Taemin of SHINee, and Highlight, featuring special collaborative elements and a standout solo of "Bird on the Edge" that highlighted raw vocal power in the 160-minute show.^[56][57] He also performed at Soundberry Festa '25 on July 20 at KINTEX in Goyang, contributing to the summer festival vibe with crowd-engaging tracks.^[58] Closing out the year, Lee appeared at the Brilliant Festival: The Light of Youth on November 5, delivering "Traffic Light," "When It Snows," and "Episode" to an outdoor crowd that reacted with exclamations of awe, underscoring his ability to connect emotionally in festival settings.^[59] Just days later, on November 2 at SEOUL MUSIC FESTIVAL 2025 at Oil Tank Culture Park in Seoul, his set drew significant attendance and positive buzz for its highlights from his discography, reinforcing his status in Korea's festival circuit.^[60] These appearances often tied into promotions for his recent singles, blending festival energy with his narrative-driven songwriting.

Awards and nominations

Awards won

Lee Mu-jin received the New Artist of the Year (Male) award at the 2021 Melon Music Awards, recognizing his breakthrough debut in the music industry.^[61] In 2022, he won the Digital Song Bonsang at the 36th Golden Disc Awards for his hit single "Traffic Light," which highlighted his songwriting and vocal talents.^[62] That same year, Lee Mu-jin earned the Digital Content Award at the 20th KBS Entertainment Awards for his web show LeeMujin Service, praised for its innovative format blending music and conversation.^[63] By 2024, he secured the Popularity Award at the 22nd KBS Entertainment Awards, reflecting strong viewer support for his ongoing contributions to entertainment.^[64] In 2025, he won Male Vocalist of the Year at the Brand of the Year Awards.^[65] As of November 2025, Lee Mu-jin has accumulated a total of 15 award wins across various music and entertainment categories.

Nominations

Lee Mu-jin has received over 30 nominations across prominent South Korean music awards, highlighting his consistent recognition in categories such as vocal performance, digital songs, and rookie artist honors, though he has not won in many of these instances. His nominations often reflect the popularity of his solo releases and OST contributions, with recurring nods in ballad and vocal-focused fields at events like the MAMA Awards and Seoul Music Awards.^[66][67] At the MAMA Awards, Lee Mu-jin has been a frequent nominee since his debut, particularly in vocal categories. In 2021, he earned nominations for Best Male Artist, Best Vocal Performance Solo for "Traffic Light," Song of the Year for "Traffic Light," and Best OST for "Rain and You."^[68][66][69] The following year, 2022, saw a nomination for Best Vocal Performance Solo for "When It Snows" (feat. Heize).^[70] This pattern continued in 2023 with Best Vocal Performance Solo for "Ordinary Confession," in 2024 for "Episode," and in 2025 for "Coming of Age Story," alongside additional nods for Song of the Year ("Coming of Age Story"), Artist of the Year, and Fans' Choice Male.^[67][71][72] For the Seoul Music Awards, Lee Mu-jin received multiple nominations in rookie and popularity categories early in his career, followed by broader recognition in later editions. In 2025's 34th ceremony, he was nominated in five categories, including potential nods for digital song and ballad works from his recent releases.^[73] Beyond these, representative nominations include Digital Song Bonsang at the Golden Disc Awards for "Traffic Light" in 2022 and several categories at the Melon Music Awards, such as Top 10 Artist in 2021, underscoring his impact in digital and OST realms without securing wins in those specific slots.^[9][74] Patterns in his nominations also extend to hosting recognition, as seen in nods for his work on music programs and web shows at various ceremonies.^[9]

Listicles

Lee Mu-jin has garnered recognition in various media rankings and listicles, highlighting his rapid rise as a singer-songwriter in the K-pop industry. In 2021, he was named the Billboard K-Pop 100 Rookie of the Year, acknowledging his breakout success with the single "Traffic Light," which dominated charts and resonated with audiences through its introspective lyrics.^[7] His debut track "Traffic Light" earned placements in year-end song compilations, such as Teen Vogue's list of the 54 Best K-Pop Songs of 2021, where it was praised as a "pop earworm" that captured the uncertainties of early adulthood with its sunny chorus and metaphorical storytelling.^[75] Additionally, industry polls recognized his rookie impact; he ranked third in K-Bizoom's Top 5 Best K-Pop Rookie Artists of 2021, as selected by 200 insiders for his vocal prowess and songwriting talent.^[76] On domestic platforms, Melon's 2021 year-end rankings included Lee Mu-jin in the Top 10 Artists (Bonsang), reflecting his chart-topping performance and popularity surge that year.^[61] Gaon Chart (now Circle Chart) data further underscored his dominance, with "Traffic Light" securing the number-one spot on the 2021 Digital Chart year-end tally, establishing it as one of the era's defining hits.^[77] In recent years, Lee Mu-jin has appeared in broader artist rankings, such as Gallup Korea's Top 10 Singers of 2024, where he placed tenth based on a nationwide survey of music preferences, signaling his sustained relevance as a key figure in contemporary Korean music.^[78] International outlets have also noted his evolution, with Songstats profiling him as a leading voice among Korea's new generation of singer-songwriters in 2024 analyses of streaming and collaboration trends.^[79]