Iconiq

Iconiq
Birth name Ayumi Itō
Also known as Ayumi Lee, Yumi Ito, Ahyoomee
Born August 25, 1984
Origin Tottori Prefecture, Japan
Genres Pop, R&B
Occupation(s) Singer, actress, dancer, MC, model
Years active 2002-present
Labels Starworld (Korea) (2002-2007)
SM Entertainment (Korea)
Rhythm Zone (Japan)
United Asia Management
Associated acts Exile Atsushi, SM Town, Sugar, Verbal
Website iconiq.jp (Japanese)
Korean name
Hangul 이아유미
Hanja 李亞由美
Revised Romanization I Ayumi
McCune–Reischauer Yi Ayumi
Japanese name:
Itō Ayumi (伊藤亜由美 or 伊藤あゆみ)

Ayumi Itō[1] (伊藤 亜由美 Itō Ayumi) (born August 25, 1984[2]), better known by her stage name Iconiq (stylized ICONIQ), is a Japanese singer of Korean ethnicity in Japan. She was a member of the Korean girl-group Sugar. Ito was born as a third generation Korean resident[3] and raised in Japan for much of her younger life and is the reason for her Japanese accent, although she is now fluent in both languages. Although Ayumi's name is commonly believed to be Japanese in origin, she has explained that her name is hanja-based.[4]

Biography

Iconiq was born in Tottori Prefecture on August 25, 1984, to Korean parents. She lived in Japan until she was 15, after which she moved to South Korea. She attended Korea Kent Foreign School.[5]

Korean debut

She was scouted by entertainment company Starworld at a H.O.T. concert,[1] debuting as part of the girl group Sugar in 2002.[2] The band released two albums in Japan and three in Korea, however were met with only moderate commercial success.

In 2006, the group disbanded, and Iconiq released two solo singles as Ayumi.[1] The first, a cover of the theme song for Cutie Honey (in the style of the Kumi Koda's 2004 version), was released on July 13, 2006, however was criticized by Korean media for her "heavy accent" and the overall Japanese feel of performances.[6] Her second digital single, "Jalmotdoen Mannam" (Korean: "잘못된 만남", "Wrongful Meeting") was released on November 7, 2006, and is a cover of Kim Gun Mo's hit from 1995.

She switched labels in February 2007, moving from Starworld to SM Entertainment and started collaborating with SM Town on their summer and winter albums that year.[7] However, she did not release any solo material in this time. In 2008, Iconiq moved to Los Angeles to study dance, and find new inspiration as a musician.[1][8]

Japanese debut

In late 2009, she changed her stage name to Iconiq, and debuted in Japan under Rhythm Zone. Her first promotions were for Shiseido's Maquillage cosmetics line, for which her song "I'm Lovin' You" (a duet with Exile vocalist Atsushi) was used in commercials, and Iconiq's images used in billboards.[9][10][11] Iconiq was marketed around her buzz cut hair-style, often called "baby short hair" (ベビーショートヘア),[10][12][13] along with the catch-phrase "Watashi ga kawaru. Ongaku de kawaru." (私が変わる。音楽で変わる。 I change. I change through music.).[14][15] Her hair style was suggested by her management as a strong image to compliment her desire for a theme of change.[1][16]

Iconiq's official Japanese profile did not mention her past as a member of Sugar or her Korean heritage, however vaguely references starting activities "overseas" in 2002.[8] Concerns about the motives of this were raised in the Korean media. Korean netizen reactions were mixed, with some seeing the decision as "embarrassment" of her past, while others reasoned Iconiq's Japanese career's stylistic differences were the cause.[17][18][19] Tokyo Sports ran an article about Iconiq's past as a Korean idol, however later apologised to Iconiq's record label.[20]

After two more promotional songs used in Maquillage commercials, "Change Myself" and "Bye Now!," she released her debut album, Change Myself, on March 10, 2010. The album debuted at #3 on Oricon's albums chart, the highest debut position since Yui Aragaki's Sora in late 2007.[12] Since then, she has released her debut single "Tokyo Lady," and released an EP called Light Ahead in September. The EP was promoted with three music videos directed by Diane Martel, including "Tokyo Lady."[21][22]

Iconiq won a new artist award at the 52nd Japan Record Awards in 2010, alongside Girls' Generation, Madoka Kikuchi and S/mileage.[23]

In January, 2011, her official homepage featured a sample of an unreleased song. Days later, it was removed without explanation. Since then, the homepage stated "New Song this Spring" and has revealed the title "I will love".[24]

Discography

Studio album

List of albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak positions Sales (JPN)[25][upper-alpha 1]
JPN
[26]		 KOR
[27]		 KOR
Overseas
[28]		 TWN East Asian
[29]
Change Myself
  • Released: March 10, 2010 (JPN)
  • Label: Rhythm Zone
  • Formats: CD, CD/DVD, digital download
 3 47 15 20 64,000

Extended play

List of albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak positions Sales (JPN)[25]
JPN
[26]
Light Ahead
  • Released: September 15, 2010 (JPN)
  • Label: Rhythm Zone
  • Formats: CD, CD/DVD, digital download
 18 12,000

Singles

List of singles, with selected chart positions
Title Year Peak chart positions Sales (JPN)[25] Album
JPN Oricon
[26]		 JPN Hot 100
[30][upper-alpha 2]		 JPN RIAJ
Digital
Track
Chart
[upper-alpha 3][upper-alpha 4]
"Cutie Honey"[upper-alpha 5] 2006 — — — Non-album singles
"Jalmosdoen Mannam" (Korean: 잘못된 만남, "Wrongful Meeting")[upper-alpha 5] — — —
"I'm Lovin' You" (Iconiq x Exile Atsushi) 2010 — 47 8 Change Myself
"Change Myself" — 73 20
"Bye Now!" — 8 47
"Tokyo Lady" 19 21 — 10,000 Light Ahead
"Light Ahead" — 49 62
"Ladies" 2012 — — — Non-album singles
"Make It Right" — — —

Awards

Japan Record Awards

The Japan Record Awards is a major music awards show held annually in Japan by the Japan Composer's Association.

Year Recipient Award Result
2010 Iconiq "Change Myself" New Artist[39] style="background: #99FF99; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="yes table-yes2"|Won
Best New Artist style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated

Notes

  1. ↑ Sales provided by Oricon database and are rounded to the nearest thousand copies.
  2. ↑ Sources for chart positions are as follows: "I'm Lovin' You",[31] "Bye Now!",[32] "Change Myself",[32] "Tokyo Lady",[33] "Light Ahead".[34]
  3. ↑ The RIAJ Digital Track Chart is a depreciated chart that ran from 2009 until early 2012 and tracked full-length cellphone downloads.
  4. ↑ Sources for chart positions are as follows: "I'm Lovin' You",[35] "Change Myself",[36] "Bye Now!",[37] "Light Ahead".[38]
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Released in South Korea under the name Ahyoomee.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "Rising Star Set to Shine". The Japan Times. 2010-05-28. Retrieved 2010-07-24.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Sugar profile at Toy's Factory
  3. ↑ Ayumi is in love with J.League soccer star, Koreanmovie.com
  4. ↑ Ayumi explains the origin of her name on KBS's Star Golden Bell.
  5. ↑ 엠파스 - 인물검색
  6. ↑ Chosun Ilbo. Ayumi's Hit Solo Debut Divides Online Critics. Retrieved 10 November 2006.
  7. ↑ (Korean) Sports Chosun.'큐티 하니' 아유미, 亞무대 활동위해 보아 소속사와 계약. Retrieved March 9, 2007.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "PROFILE – ICONIQ Official Website" (in Japanese). Rhythm Zone. Archived from the original on August 20, 2010. Retrieved August 20, 2010.
  9. ↑ "謎の"坊主"女性アーティスト、ICONIQ。ATSUSHI （EXILE） とのコラボ曲が、資生堂「マキアージュ」CM曲に決定" (in Japanese). CDJournal. 2009-11-24. Retrieved 2010-07-24.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "ATSUSHI（EXILE）の心を動かした新人・ICONIQが、2009年新人最高DL記録を樹立" (in Japanese). Barks. 2009-12-17. Retrieved 2010-07-24.
  11. ↑ "新人美女アーティストがEXILE・ATSUSHIとの"丸刈り2ショット"で衝撃デビュー" (in Japanese). Oricon. 2009-12-09. Retrieved 2010-07-21.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "新人・ICONIQが初登場3位、デビューアルバムTOP3入りは新垣結衣以来2年3ヶ月ぶり" (in Japanese). Oricon. 2010-03-16. Retrieved 2010-07-21.
  13. ↑ "ICONIQ、レコチョクウィークリーも2作品連続1位獲得" (in Japanese). Barks. 2010-01-28. Retrieved 2010-07-24.
  14. ↑ "ICONIQがMASERATI、スターバックス、kitsonら7企業とコラボCMを制作" (in Japanese). Barks. 2010-03-09. Retrieved 2010-07-24.
  15. ↑ "資生堂「マキアージュ」キャスティング＆楽曲タイアップ決定！". Rhythm Zone. January 20, 2010. Archived from the original on July 24, 2010. Retrieved July 24, 2010.
  16. ↑ "NOをYESに変えるICONIQアルバム「CHANGE MYSELF」インタビュー" (in Japanese). Chocoage. March 2010. Retrieved 2010-07-24.
  17. ↑ 아유미 일본 공식 홈피, 신상정보에 한국 활동 언급 없어 (in Korean). Max Movie. December 10, 2009. Retrieved August 20, 2010.
  18. ↑ 아유미 日활동 시작, 과거 한국활동 안밝혀 ‘대체 왜?’ (in Korean). Newsen. January 22, 2010. Retrieved August 20, 2010.
  19. ↑ "韓国での過去は恥部？ 坊主頭の新人歌手ICONIQにバッシングと"悪行暴露"" (in Japanese). Men'z Cyzo. Archived from the original on August 20, 2010. Retrieved August 20, 2010.
  20. ↑ "「ICONIQは元韓国アイドル」報道で東スポがエイベックスに全面降伏していた" (in Japanese). Livedoor. Archived from the original on August 21, 2010. Retrieved August 20, 2010.
  21. ↑ Daily Sports (September 10, 2010). "ＩＣＯＮＩＱ最新ミニアルバムＰＶで魅せた". Livedoor. Archived from the original on September 15, 2010. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  22. ↑ "ＩＣＯＮＩＱのＰＶに世界的スタッフ". Daily Sports. August 23, 2010. Retrieved September 18, 2010.
  23. ↑ "「レコ大」大賞候補にいきもの、AKB48、植村花菜ら". Natalie. November 20, 2010. Retrieved November 21, 2010.
  24. ↑ http://iconiq.jp/2011/01/new-song.html
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 "オリコンランキング情報サービス「you大樹」" [Oricon Ranking Information Service 'You Big Tree']. Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved September 29, 2014. (subscription required (help)).
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 "ICONIQのリリース一覧" [List of Iconiq's Releases]. Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved September 29, 2014.
  27. ↑ "2010년 13주차 Album Chart 종합". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved August 16, 2014.
  28. ↑ "2010년 13주차 Album Chart 국외". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved August 16, 2014.
  29. ↑ "G-Music J-Pop Chart" (in Chinese). G-Music. 2010 week 13. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
  30. ↑ "Hot 100｜JAPAN Charts｜Billboard JAPAN" (in Japanese). Billboard.
  31. ↑ "Japan Billboard Hot 100". Billboard (in Japanese). December 16, 2009. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 "Japan Billboard Hot 100". Billboard (in Japanese). March 17, 2010. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
  33. ↑ "Japan Billboard Hot 100". Billboard (in Japanese). August 18, 2010. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
  34. ↑ "Japan Billboard Hot 100". Billboard (in Japanese). September 22, 2010. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
  35. ↑ "レコード協会調べ 2010年01月27日～2010年02月02日 ＜略称：レコ協チャート（「着うたフル(R)」）＞" [Record Association report: 2010.01.27~2010.02.02 <abb. Reco-kyō Chart 'Chaku-uta Full'>] (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. February 5, 2010. Archived from the original on September 29, 2014. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
  36. ↑ "レコード協会調べ 2010年03月03日～2010年03月09日 ＜略称：レコ協チャート（「着うたフル(R)」）＞" [Record Association report: 2010.03.03~2010.03.09 <abb. Reco-kyō Chart 'Chaku-uta Full'>] (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. March 12, 2010. Archived from the original on September 29, 2014. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
  37. ↑ "レコード協会調べ 2010年03月31日～2010年04月06日 ＜略称：レコ協チャート（「着うたフル(R)」）＞" [Record Association report: 2010.03.31~2010.04.06 <abb. Reco-kyō Chart 'Chaku-uta Full'>] (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. April 9, 2010. Archived from the original on September 29, 2014. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
  38. ↑ "レコード協会調べ 2010年09月15日～2010年09月21日 ＜略称：レコ協チャート（「着うたフル(R)」）＞" [Record Association report: 2010.09.15~2010.09.21 <abb. Reco-kyō Chart 'Chaku-uta Full'>] (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. April 9, 2010. Archived from the original on September 29, 2014. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
  39. ↑ Winners announced for the 52nd Japan Record Awards

External links