By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Ballad singer Lee So-ra plans to repay her fans who came to watch her sing, literally.
Lee, 39, said she would refund all those who purchased tickets for her concert on Friday at Sogang University, because she was not up to her usual standards.
After singing some 20 songs, Lee told the audience that she was not happy with her performance.
``I don't like my songs today. It's a shame to sing like this to those who came here. I don't think I should be receiving admission fees,'' she said at the end of the concert.
Although some fans disagreed and insisted there was no need for a refund, Lee stepped down from the stage saying that she would pay back her fans.
``Lee was not in her best condition that day. She finished the show, but we think she felt sorry for the audience. A full house would be 400 seats, and as the tickets are 50,000 won per person, the refund would be approximately 20 million won. This is all coming from Lee herself,'' an official from Lee's agency told Yonhap News. The refunds started Monday.
In the past, concertgoers have received refunds when there was an evident problem with the performer, or if there was a technical problem during the show. For a singer like Lee to decide to give the refund herself is quite unusual.
Lee made her debut in 1991 and has been recognized as a talented female ballad singer with her emotional lyrics and dramatic sounds. She recently quit her post as a DJ for the radio show ``Lee So-ra's Afternoon Discovery'' to prepare for her concerts, which continue through May 17. She will begin her national tour in June.