South Korean trot singer Lee Chan-won brought his signature energy to the Gyeongsangbuk-do region this week, marking a significant homecoming for the artist often referred to as the “son of Gyeongbuk.” On April 3, 2026, Lee performed at the opening ceremony of the 64th Gyeongbuk Provincial Sports Festival, an event designed to foster community spirit and athletic passion among residents.
The ceremony took place at 4:30 p.m. At Saemaul Square, located within the Gyeongbuk Provincial Government complex in Pungcheon-myeon, Andong. This appearance marks Lee’s third time performing at the provincial sports festival, having previously appeared at the 60th and 62nd iterations of the event. His participation highlights a continued professional and personal connection to the region, as Lee was born in Ulju, Ulsan, and raised in Daegu according to reports from Star News Korea.
Lee Chan-won, who first rose to national prominence after finishing seventh on the 2020 competition Mr. Trot, shared the stage with other notable performers including Jang Min-ho, Norazo, and Haiki. The performance was curated to provide a blend of emotional ballads and high-energy songs, aiming to “heal” the audience and celebrate the arrival of spring in the region.
A Community Celebration in Andong and Yecheon
The 64th Gyeongbuk Provincial Sports Festival was co-hosted by the cities of Yecheon and Andong. Organized as a four-day event, the festival served as a hub for resident passion, featuring a variety of programs accessible to all ages. Beyond the athletic competitions and the opening ceremony performances, the event included experience booths, food trucks, agricultural specialty markets, and permanent concert halls.
The choice of Andong as a primary venue underscores the cultural significance of the region, while the inclusion of popular entertainers like Lee Chan-won helps bridge the gap between traditional sports festivals and modern entertainment, drawing larger and more diverse crowds to the Saemaul Square festivities.
From Mr. Trot to Regional Ambassador
Lee Chan-won’s trajectory from a 2020 contestant to a staple of regional celebrations reflects his enduring popularity in the trot genre. Known by the nickname “Chantobaegi”—a play on the song “Jintobaegi” by Lee Sung-woo which he performed during Mr. Trot—Lee has cultivated a brand rooted in authenticity and a deep connection to his roots as detailed in his professional biography.
His career has been marked not only by musical success but also by a commitment to philanthropy. Throughout 2022 and early 2023, Lee made a series of donations to “Good Han Star” (also referred to as Sunhan Star), providing financial support for children suffering from leukemia, pediatric cancer, and other rare incurable diseases. These donations, ranging from 1.5 million to 2 million won per month, were often the result of prize money from singing competitions.
Upcoming Schedule and Concerts
While the Gyeongbuk Provincial Sports Festival provided a moment of regional celebration, Lee Chan-won is currently in the midst of a broader concert series. He recently concluded the “Hymn: A Brilliant Day” concert held in Daejeon from March 28 to 29, 2026.
Fans can look forward to the next major milestone in his touring schedule: an encore concert in Seoul. These performances are scheduled to accept place from May 9 to 10, 2026, where he is expected to reunite with his supporters following his recent regional appearances.
Key Event Timeline
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| March 28–29 | “Hymn: A Brilliant Day” Concert | Daejeon |
| April 3 | 64th Gyeongbuk Provincial Sports Festival | Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do |
| May 9–10 | Encore Concert | Seoul |
The next confirmed checkpoint for fans is the Seoul encore concert starting May 9. We invite readers to share their thoughts on Lee Chan-won’s regional performances in the comments below.