South Korean pop star Lee Hyori performs in Vietnam

The South Korean artist’s performance started at 11 p.m. on Sunday. The first thing she said when she appeared on the stage was: "I didn’t expect to have this many concert-goers this late. It’s already 1 a.m. in South Korea."

She spoke humbly and gratefully.

"Thank you so much, I didn’t think I had as many fans in Vietnam as this."

Performing with a dance crew that she brought with her from South Korea, Lee then sang and danced to several of her most popular songs, including "10 Minutes," "U-Go-Girl," and "ChittyChitty BangBang." The crowd cheered and applauded each tune enthusiastically.

Her performance lasted an hour, and she joked to fans that she was "only 20 years old" and thus, had good endurance.

The artist also thanked Vietnamese fans, saying she was touched to receive gifts from them. She added that she enjoyed Vietnamese food, including pho, spring rolls, and coffee.

"I hope I have the chance to return to Vietnam in the future," she said.

Hoang Huong, 35, an audience member at the concert, said she was glad to see her idol in person.

"I liked her [Lee’s] music when I was a student and downloaded many of her songs to my music player," Huong said. "A lot of memories came back when I sang along to her songs tonight."

Lee, 44, came from a poor family background. She debuted as the leader of the idol girl group Fin.K.L in 1998 and was dubbed South Korea’s "sexy icon."

She launched a successful solo career after Fin.K.L disbanded and was called the "Britney Spears of Asia" by the press and the public.

Taking place on Nov. 4-5, GENfest attracted an estimated attendance 30,000 people. The event’s lineup included South Korean artists HyunA and Zion.T, and Vietnamese rapper B Ray.

 

 

South Korean pop star Lee Hyori performs in Vietnam

Lee Hyori khiến fan reo hò khi hát "10 Minutes"