Lee Yong-bok (born June 27, 1952) is a South Korean singer who gained prominence as the country's first blind pop star. Born with congenital childhood glaucoma, he lost his sight completely at the age of eight due to an accident and later attended a school for the visually impaired. He made his debut as a singer in January 1970 while in high school, initially attracting attention due to his disability but soon gaining recognition for his musical talent. By 1971, he had won several rookie awards, solidifying his status as a respected artist. Lee was also a skilled guitarist, contributing to Yang Hee-eun's debut album Morning Dew by playing the 12-string guitar. In addition to his music career, he was known for his sharp intellect and eloquence, frequently appearing on the popular radio show Cheerful Reception Room, where his witty conversations captivated audiences. Early in his career, he gained popularity with Korean adaptations of foreign songs, such as "Mother, Why Was I Born?" and "Playground in My Mind". His hit songs include "Evening Primrose", "Sunlight on Your Face", "Lawn", "The Last Letter", and "I Like the Rain". In 2011, he released Lee Yong Bok Best Album, a collection of his most beloved songs, further cementing his legacy in South Korean music history.
