Lee Chae-yeon explained

Chae Yeon
Birth Name:Lee Jin-Sook
Alias:Jinny Lee
Birth Date:10 December 1978
Birth Place:Seoul, South Korea
Genre:K-pop
Occupation:Singer
Past Member Of:UltraCats
Years Active:2001–present
Label:Cai Entertainment
Korean name
Hangul:이채연
Hanja:李蔡姸
Rr:I Chae-yeon
Mr:Yi Ch'aeyŏn

Chae-yeon Lee (Korean: 이채연; born Lee Jin-Sook (Korean: 이진숙, Hanja: 李珍淑); December 10, 1978), best-known mononymously as Chae Yeon, is a Korean pop singer who rose to fame with her hit single "Two of Us" (Korean: 둘이서) in 2004.

Career

Beginning of career

Lee originally began her career in Japan as part of (ブランニュービスケット), debuting in Japan on January 1, 2001, as part of a six-member lineup. Brand New Biscuits included also another Korean singer, Yuny Han. Lee was also member of the group under the name of or from 2001 to 2002.

Having passed an audition held by an entertainment management company in Japan, Lee first appeared on a show called (ウッチャンナンチャンのウリナリ!!) on Japanese NTV. She appeared on the show for almost three years. Along with the television show, she performed as a singer, releasing three singles and one mini-album in Japan.

Pursuing career as an entertainer in Korea

She returned to Korea with her first official album It's My Time under her new stage name, Chae Yeon. Initially, she was simply viewed as yet another "sexy concept" singer, as many female singers were at that time. Her debut song "위험한 연출" ("Dangerous Directing") did well, but her real success came when her second album released late in 2004. "Two of Us (둘이서)", the lead single, pushed her to No.1 on many music charts in the spring of 2005. The music video for "Two of Us" was controversial for being too "racy" in conservative Korea, as it contained scenes showing her full back and exposed underwear.[1] Subsequently, the video was banned on television, and the airing time was limited to after 10:00 p.m. on some cable channels.[2] Becoming heavily played on radio, the song became so popular that a signature move from the choreographed dance became known as the "Na-na-na" dance, named after the hook of the song. It managed to hit the top of various music charts in Korea. The follow-up single "Come to Me (다가와)" was released soon after and was also popular, riding on the wave of its predecessor.

She returned after a brief break to release her third album III, which came in the fall of 2005. The first single, "오직 너", fared poorly on the charts. The record company then quickly switched to the "Disco Mix" of the song, which helped sustain its life on the charts, although not by much. The second single, "Third Love (세번째 사랑)", also fared poorly. However, this can be attributed to the fade of sexy R&B music in Korea at the time, as ballads were once again the style of choice for Korean singers.

Lee has continually participated in variety shows such as SBS's X-Man and Love Letter. She ended her official schedule with her last X-Man episode on September 25, 2005, to concentrate on recording her fourth album.

Although briefly hospitalised due to exhaustion, she made her comeback at the end of March 2006. Her lead single from her fourth album was "My Love", which was a Latin-tinged dance song. The single was extensively performed, with a remix promoted from May onwards; she then followed up with "Clumsy Love (Korean: 서투른 사랑)". The album sold 12,346 copies in 2007, placing 68th for the year.[3] She continued to remain a "sexy" singer, saying that she does not mind the label.[4] In addition to promoting her album, Lee joined the cast of Hi-Five, part of KBS's Happy Sunday line-up. On the reality-variety show, which also starred Hyun Young, the stars attempted to succeed in various tasks, including starring in a musical, becoming flight attendants, and performing action movie stunts. She remained a part of the show until its cancellation in 2008.

Later that year, she drew media attention with her investment into, and direct involvement with Bequem, a fashion company. She is a spokesperson for the brand, promoting its stylized caps and bags. Moreover, her portfolio with a sexy "Party" concept hit record sales by mixing her sexy image with feminine touches.

The singer came back after a two-year hiatus from the music world with her mini-album Shake. Continuing to stay within the "sexy singer" concept, the lead single "Shake (Heundeullyeo)" is an electronic dance song.[5] The music video was labelled by major networks to be unfit for broadcast without parental advisory warnings.[6]

On December 8, 2009, Lee had her first live mini concert in China. She performed her songs to a sold-out crowd.

On July 22, 2010, Lee made her comeback on M! Countdown. She performed "Crazy" and "Look Look Look" from her new album. It was well received by fans. She continued to perform on various music programs and promote her album. Her second mini album "Look at" was released on July 29, 2010.

She has stated that although she felt awkward and uncomfortable with her sexy image initially, she feels more at ease now, and has stated that she feels sexier the more she relaxes.

In 2015, after a five-year hiatus, Lee made a comeback with the single "Obvious".

On October 17, 2016, she signed with A9 media. She had been promoting mostly in China for a while, so through this label, Lee began promoting actively in Korea through variety shows, dramas, and musicals.

In 2018, she made a comeback with the single "Bazzaya".

On August 20, 2019, her agency Cai Entertainment announced that she will be releasing a new song monthly until December. Her new single "Empty Heart (텅텅빈맘)" was released on August 20, 2019. On September 10, 2019, she released the single "Fly High".

On June 1, 2020, Lee released the single "Pink Monster (핑크몬스터)".

On October 18, 2021, after a three-year hiatus, Lee made a comeback with the ballad single "Sometimes I Cry".[7]

Personal life

Lee was born in Seoul on December 10, 1978.[8] She is a graduate of the Department of Broadcasting & Entertainment, Seoul Arts College. Her family consists of her parents and her older brother.

Discography

Studio albums

TitleAlbum detailsPeak chart positionsSales
KOR
[9]
It's My Time
  • Released: August 20, 2003
  • Label: CJ Media Line
  • Format: CD, cassette
Virginalness Bloom
  • Released: December 13, 2004
  • Label: CJ Media Line
  • Format: CD, cassette
Chae Yeon
  • Released: November 18, 2005
  • Label: CJ Media Line, Yecheon Media
  • Format: CD, cassette
16
My Love
  • Released: March 30, 2007
  • Label: CJ Media Line, Yecheon Media
  • Format: CD
11

Extended plays

TitleAlbum detailsPeak chart positions
KOR
[12]
Shake
  • Released: May 13, 2009
  • Label: Vitamin Entertainment
  • Format: CD
Look At 10

Singles

TitleYearAlbum
"Dangerous Directing" (위험한 연출)2003It's My Time
"Two Of Us" (둘이서)2004Virginalness Bloom
"Only You" (오직너)2005Chae Yeon
"Third Love" (세번째 사랑)2006
"My Love"2007My Love
"Shake" (흔들려)2009Shake
"Look Look Look" (봐봐봐)2010Look At
"Obvious" (안봐도 비디오)
feat. Huh In-chang
2015
"Bazzaya" (봤자야)2018Bazzaya
"Sometimes I Cry" (난 가끔 눈물을 흘린다)2021

Endorsements

Filmography

Television shows

Awards and nominations

AwardYearCategoryNominated work / nomineeResult
KBS Music Awards2005Singer of the YearChae Yeon[14]
Mnet Asian Music Awards2003Best New Artist"Dangerous Directing"[15]
2005Best Female Artist"Two Of Us"[16]
2007"My Love"[17]
2009"Shake"[18]
SBS Gayo Daejeon2005Dance AwardChae Yeon[19]
2006[20]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 금주 핫 이슈, 섹시 논란 '채연' . September 2, 2006 . February 15, 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20060215232140/http://tvnews.media.daum.net/entertv/200412/23/etn/v7998332.html . dead .
  2. http://news.media.daum.net/entertainment/broadcast/200308/15/hankookis/v4807340.html '속옷 논란' 채연, 뮤비 방송 금지
  3. Music Industry Association of Korea. 2007 Album Sales Chart . Retrieved May 11, 2008.
  4. http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200704/200704270016.html Four Sexy Divas and How They Do It
  5. Web site: Han . Sang-hee . 2009-06-09 . Singer Chae-yeon Brings Sexy Back . 2022-12-08 . . en . December 8, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221208034002/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2022/12/688_46506.html . live .
  6. News: [AM7] 채연, 활동도 '흔들려~ ]. AM7: Chae Yeon, Her Promotions Also "Shaky" . June 13, 2009 . . June 12, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110714143349/http://www.munhwa.com/news/view.html?no=20090612MW084110265687 . July 14, 2011 . Korean.
  7. Web site: 채연, '난 가끔 눈물을 흘린다'로 컴백…첫 발라드 타이틀. Kim Su-jeong. Chaeyeon, comeback with 'Sometimes I Cry'... first ballad title. No Cut News. Naver. October 18, 2021. October 18, 2021. ko. October 18, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211018111316/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=079&aid=0003564063. live.
  8. Web site: 네이버뮤직 :: 채연 . December 13, 2015 . August 11, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210811163325/https://vibe.naver.com/today . live .
  9. Music Industry Association of Korea monthly chart positions:
    • Web site: Chae Yeon charting. https://web.archive.org/web/20090518070947/http://www.miak.or.kr/stat/kpop_200511.htm. May 18, 2009. June 26, 2019. dead.
    • Web site: My Love charting. https://web.archive.org/web/20080612160749/http://www.miak.or.kr/stat/kpop_200704.htm. June 12, 2008. June 26, 2019. dead.
  10. Web site: January 2006 K-pop Album Sales Volume. Recording Industry Association of Korea. ko. https://web.archive.org/web/20081205042355/http://www.miak.or.kr/stat/kpop_200601.htm. December 5, 2008. dead. October 13, 2018.
  11. Web site: 2007 K-pop Album Sales Volume. Recording Industry Association of Korea. ko. https://web.archive.org/web/20090228004543/http://miak.or.kr/stat/kpop_2007_2.htm. February 28, 2009. live. October 13, 2018.
  12. Gaon Album Chart positions:
    • Bazzaya: Web site: 2018년 46주차 Album Chart . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20190909144225/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&targetTime=46&hitYear=2018&termGbn=week . September 9, 2019 . June 29, 2023 . . ko.
    • Look At: Web site: 2010년 32주차 Album Chart . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20150704192447/http://www.gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&targetTime=32&hitYear=2010&termGbn=week . July 4, 2015 . October 13, 2018 . . ko.
  13. Web site: 별들의 등장'…'쇼킹나이트', 붐→이특 메인 포스터 오픈. Hong. Eun-hye. 'Stars appear'...'Shocking Night', Boom→Leeteuk Man Main Poster Open . Et News. Naver. July 3, 2023. July 5, 2023. ko.
  14. Web site: 2005-12-31 . 채연, '2005 KBS 가요대상'서 '올해의 가수상' 수상 . Chae Yeon wins Singer of the Year at 2005 KBS Music Awards . 2023-06-30 . Star News . ko.
  15. http://mwave.interest.me/mnettv/videodetail.m?searchVideoDetailVO.clip_id=6493 "2003 MMF part 1"
  16. http://mwave.interest.me/mnettv/videodetail.m?searchVideoDetailVO.clip_id=6499 "2005 MKMF part 1"
  17. http://mwave.interest.me/mnettv/videodetail.m?searchVideoDetailVO.clip_id=75123 "2007 Mnet KM Music Festival Part1"
  18. http://mwave.interest.me/mnettv/videodetail.m?searchVideoDetailVO.clip_id=100689 "2009 Mnet Asian Music Awards Part1"
  19. Web site: 2005-12-29 . 채연, SBS '가요대전' 댄스부문상 수상 . Chae Yeon wins Dance Award at SBS Gayo Daejeon . 2023-06-30 . Joy News 24 . ko . Naver News.
  20. Web site: 2006-12-29 . 채연, SBS가요대전 댄스부문상 수상 . Chae Yeon wins Dance Award at SBS Gayo Daejeon . 2023-06-30 . Star News . ko.