Lee Jin-sook (; born December 10, 1978), better known as Chae Yeon, is a South Korean singer who rose to fame with her hit single "Two of Us" 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. Subsequently, the video was banned on television, and the airing time was limited to after 10:00 p.m. on some cable channels. '속옷 논란' 채연, 뮤비 방송 금지 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 ()". The album sold 12,346 copies in 2007, placing 68th for the year.Music Industry Association of Korea. 2007 Album Sales Chart . Retrieved May 11, 2008. She continued to remain a "sexy" singer, saying that she does not mind the label.Four Sexy Divas and How They Do It . Chosun Ilbo. April 27, 2007. Retrieved June 13, 2009.
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. The music video was labelled by major networks to be unfit for broadcast without parental advisory warnings.
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".
Personal life
Lee was born in Seoul on December 10, 1978. 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 Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales KORMusic Industry Association of Korea monthly chart positions:
It's My TimeReleased: August 20, 2003 Label: CJ Media Line Format: CD, cassette—Virginalness BloomReleased: December 13, 2004 Label: CJ Media Line Format: CD, cassette—Chae YeonReleased: November 18, 2005 Label: CJ Media Line, Yecheon Media Format: CD, cassette16KOR: 14,550My LoveReleased: March 30, 2007 Label: CJ Media Line, Yecheon Media Format: CD11KOR: 12,346
Single albums Title Album details Peak chart positions KORBazzayaReleased: November 13, 2018 Label: Cai Entertainment Format: CD, digital download70
Compilation albums Title Album detailsFigure + Best AlbumReleased: May 23, 2006 Label: Yecheon Media Format: CD, cassette
Extended plays Title Album details Peak chart positions KORGaon Album Chart positions:
Bazzaya: Look At: ShakeReleased: May 13, 2009 Label: Vitamin Entertainment Format: CD—Look AtReleased: July 29, 2010 Label: Stone Music Entertainment Format: CD, digital download10
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-chang2015"Bazzaya" (봤자야)2018Bazzaya"Sometimes I Cry" (난 가끔 눈물을 흘린다)2021
Endorsements D&G [Fashion Wear] Elle Korea Jinro Soju DnShop [Fashion Wear, Cosmetic Products] Make Up For Ever [Make-up Cosmetic] ChocoGem [Handmade Accessory]
Filmography Television shows Year Title Role 2023 Show King Night Judge
Awards and nominations Award Year Category Nominated work / nominee Result KBS Music Awards2005Singer of the YearChae YeonMnet Asian Music Awards2003Best New Artist"Dangerous Directing""2003 MMF part 1" . Mwave. Retrieved August 20, 2014.2005Best Female Artist"Two Of Us""2005 MKMF part 1" . Mwave. Retrieved August 28, 2014.2007"My Love""2007 Mnet KM Music Festival Part1" . MAMA. Retrieved December 14, 2014.2009"Shake""2009 Mnet Asian Music Awards Part1" . MAMA. Retrieved December 18, 2014.SBS Gayo Daejeon2005Dance AwardChae Yeon2006
References
External links
(archive) Online Star Focus Chae Yeon (Arirang) Teen (Korea) Times Interview on February 24, 2005 Star Interview earlier in Chae Yeon's career