Jiyoul Leo
Lee

“Authoritative and temperamental.”

Fernando Sans Rivière — Ópera Actual

Korean baritone Jiyoul Leo Lee has established himself as an emerging international artist through performances across Europe and Asia, earning recognition for his commanding stage presence, warm lyricism, and bright high-baritone timbre.

Born in Busan, South Korea, Lee discovered his passion for singing at an early age, beginning with children's songs before naturally progressing toward the performing arts. Prior to his classical career, he built a successful career in musical theatre, performing leading roles throughout Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Vietnam while attracting a fan community of over 500 supporters.

Following his graduation from Baekseok University of Arts in Musical Theatre, the COVID-19 pandemic brought live theatre to an unexpected halt. During this period, Lee expanded his artistic career into film, television, and voice acting for games and animation, while also pursuing semi-professional mixed martial arts. This unique background later contributed to his dynamic physicality and expressive stage presence as an opera performer.

Determined to dedicate himself fully to classical singing, Lee earned his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Myongji University before continuing his operatic studies at the prestigious Conservatori del Liceu in Barcelona. There he studied with distinguished artists Joan Martín-Royo, Luciana Serra, and Diego Martín, refining both his vocal technique and dramatic interpretation.

During his studies in Barcelona, Lee made a successful appearance as Publio in Mozart's La clemenza di Tito. His performance received praise from Spain's leading opera magazine Ópera Actual, whose editor Fernando Sans Rivière described his portrayal as “authoritative and temperamental,” highlighting his convincing characterization and stage presence.

Lee has since appeared in numerous gala concerts and opera productions throughout Spain, including performances at the renowned Palau de la Música Catalana.

After relocating to Bulgaria, he became involved in productions of Madama Butterfly, Lucia di Lammermoor, La Traviata, and other operatic works, while also performing in the Varna Rock Opera Concert, the Gorna Oryahovitsa Cultural Exchange Concert, and the celebration of the 35th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Korea and Bulgaria, where he had the honor of performing the Korean national anthem as the representative Korean vocalist.

In Slovenia, Lee performed the title role of Don Giovanni, further expanding his operatic repertoire. Recognized for his bright high-baritone voice that combines the warmth of a lyric baritone with the brilliance often associated with the tenor repertoire, he continues to build an international career through opera, concert, and crossover performances across Europe and beyond.

Currently based in Bulgaria, Lee also works as a choral conductor, leading the Balkan Sori Choir, and is active as a vocal coach. In Korea he has coached K-pop idol trainees and professional musical theatre performers at institutions including Blackstone Entertainment and CMNYXX Entertainment, and he brings the same passion to vocal coaching that he brings to the stage.

Lee is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) at California Arts University, continuing to deepen his artistic and academic research alongside his performing career. He remains active internationally, performing across South Korea, the United States, Slovenia, Serbia, Estonia, Austria, Greece, North Macedonia, and beyond.