Kan Mi-youn

Kan Mi Youn
Background information
Born February 2, 1982
Origin South Korea
Genres Pop
Occupation(s) Singer, Model, Radio Host
Years active 1997–Present
Labels Source Music
Associated acts Baby V.O.X
Website Source Music
Kan Mi-youn
Hangul 간미연
Hanja 簡美妍
Revised Romanization Gan Mi-yeon
McCune–Reischauer Kan Miyŏn
This is a Korean name; the family name is Kan.

Kan Mi Youn (Hangul: 간미연, Hanja: 簡美妍, born February 2, 1982) is a South Korean singer, model, radio show host, designer and business woman. Kan was the leader singer in legendary girl group Baby V.O.X from 1997 to 2006.[1] Following the group's breakup, Kan moved on to pursue a career as a solo artist.

Biography

1997–2006: Baby V.O.X. Days

Kan Mi Youn debuted in 1997 as a member of the legendary girl group Baby V.O.X, replacing ex-member Cha Yu-Mi, who was injured on stage during a performance.[2] Kan was given the title of 'princess' by her fellow members and fans, and was known for her cute and comical traits. Kan was considered the main, and best, vocalist of the group, due to her ability to hit high notes.[3]

Following the release of Baby V.O.X's third studio album, Come Come Come Baby, the lead single, Get Up, reached number one on Korea's pop charts, securing their spot as one of Korea's top pop music groups. The group gained a vast loyal fan base in Korea, China, Thailand and other Asian markets.[4][5]

Despite garnering a large fan base, Kan was a frequent target of anti-fans.[6] The most shocking incident was in 1999, when Kan was targeted for murder by a fan of the Korean boy group H.O.T.[7] Kan was rumored to be dating H.O.T member Moon Hee Joon, which attracted many anti-fans and negative press. She received an envelope containing razor blades and a letter threatening to murder her.[8]

2006: Establishing a Solo Music Career

In 2006, Kan made the decision to pursue a solo career, and signed with a new record label, thus ending her eight years of activities as a member of Baby V.O.X. Following her departure, Baby V.O.X released one final album and disbanded.[9]

On September 15, 2006, Kan released her first solo album, Refreshing. The album was a reflection on her personal life and maturing as a woman.[10]

Following the release of her album, and after learning how to fluently speak in Mandarin, Kan made the decision to break into the Chinese music market.[11][12]

2007–2009: A Career in China

While focusing on the Chinese market, Kan managed to reach a significant level of success.[13] One of Kan's most notable feats was winning a famous Mandarin singing competition, 名声大震, with Chinese singer Anson Hu.[14] It was this show that shot her into stardom, securing her as a successful artist in the Chinese music market.[15]

In January 2008, Kan released a Chinese version of her debut Korean album, Refreshing.

Following the Sichuan earthquake in China, Kan collaborated with various Asian artists to release "Promise" and "I Love Asia" for a fund raising project that supported the victims of the earthquake.[16][17][18]

2010: Returning to Korea; Going Crazy

On July 1, 2010, Kan Mi Youn made her comeback in South Korea after a three year absence. Despite her hiatus, Kan proved that she was still hot in the Korean industry. With her new short hair and sexy image, Kan released her first digital single, Going Crazy (ft. Mir of MBLAQ).[19][20] The music video, which featured Lee Joon and Mir of MBLAQ, recorded over 200,000 views in under an hour on GomTV.[21]

The song proved to be quite successful, and managed to peak at #11 on Korea's top music chart, Gaon.

On July 15, 2010, Kan officially launched her own fashion line named Kanderella. The line was eventually sold on exclusive websites and was reported to be in high demand.[22]

2011: WATCH and OBSESSION

On February 8, 2011, Kan released a music video teaser for Sunshine (ft. Junsu of 2PM), a pre-release single for her upcoming album. The full-length music video and song were released the following day.[23]

On February 14, 2011, a music video teaser for her lead single, Paparazzi, was released.[24] Two days later, the full-length music video of Paparazzi, (starring Kim Hyung-jun of SS501), was released. The full-length mini-album, WATCH, was digitally and physically released the following day.[25][26] Promotions for Paparazzi began on February 18, 2011, on M! Countdown.[27] The song experienced much attention and even placed Kan in the top spots on music stations, as well as digital music charts.

On September 26, 2011, a music video teaser for Kan's new song, Won't Meet You, was released. Two days later, the full-length music video to Won't Meet You, as well as her second mini-album, OBSESSION, were released. Promotions for Won't Meet You began on September 29, 2011, on M! Countdown.

On October 24, 2011, Kan took over from Noh Hong-chul as DJ for MBC FM4U's Close Friends radio program. The program invites popular Korean singers to showcase their talents and interact with fans. Kan celebrated her 300 day anniversary in August 2012 and reported the program's ratings were higher than ever. Kan ended her position and handed over the baton to UV's Muzie on October 22nd, 2012. The show has since been canceled and replaced by FM Date.[28][29][30][31][32]

2014

In May 2014, Kan signed a contract with Mako Amusement to further both her musical and acting career. She joins her fellow ex-Baby V.O.X. member Shim Eun-jin who is also signed with Mako.[33][34]

Discography

For Kan Mi Youn's works with Baby V.O.X., see Baby V.O.X..

Korean Discography

Studio Albums
  • Refreshing (2006)
Extended Plays
  • WATCH (2011)
  • OBSESSION (2011)
Singles
  • Winter (2007)
  • Going Crazy (2010)
  • Sunshine (ft. Junsu) (2011)

Chinese Discography

Studio Albums
  • Refreshing (2008)

Television Programs

Awards

All Awards listed below are referenced from Source Music & Naver[35][36]

Years Awards
1998
  • Sports Seoul Music Awards: New Artist Award
  • SBS Music Awards: Choice Award & Vocalist Award
  • KBS Music Awards: New Artist Award
1999
  • 10th Seoul Music Awards: Best Singer Award
  • SBS Music Awards: Choice Award
  • KBS Music Awards: Choice Award
  • MBC Music Awards: Choice Award
  • KMTVMusic Awards: Choice Award
  • M-net Music Awards: Choice Award
2000
  • 제1회 애견문화인의 상
  • 11th Seoul Music Awards: Most Popular Award
  • SBS Music Awards: Choice Award
  • KBS Music Awards: Choice Award
  • ITV Music Awards: Choice Award
2001
  • MBC Music Awards: Choice Award
  • KBS Music Awards: Choice Award
  • 2001 Golden Disk Awards: Most Popular Award
  • Award Model Line: Best Dressed Singer
  • 2001연기SPORTS가요대상: 선행상
2002
  • SBS Music Award: Most Popular Song Award
  • KBS Music Award: Choice Award
  • 2002 Golden Disk Awards: Choice Award
  • KMTV Music Awards: Hallyu Special Award
  • 13th Seoul Music Awards: Choice Award
2003
  • KMA Korean Music Awards: Best Singer of the Year
  • 14th Seoul Music Awards: Choice Award
  • SBS Music Award: Choice Award
  • KBS Music Award: Choice Award
  • 2003 Golden Disk Awards: Choice Award
  • 2003연기SPORTS 가요대상:본상
2004
  • 15th Seoul Music Award: Hallyu Award
  • Channel V Thailand: Asian Sensation Award
2006
  • 2006 International Audio Visual Exposition of China: Special Award
2007
  • 2007 Chinese University Music Festival: Most Popular Foreign Singer
  • 2007 Chinese TV Singing Competition "名声大震": Champion (with Anson Hu)
  • 2007 International Entertainment Online: Best Upcoming Korean Female Star
2009
  • 7th Southeast 동남 경폭 Music Awards: Best International Artist Award

References

  1. ↑ "Biography: Baby Vox". Allmusic. Retrieved May 22, 2010.
  2. ↑ Profile of Baby V.O.X, JpopAsia
  3. ↑ KBS World: Kan Mi Yeon Profile
  4. ↑ Perfect People: Baby V.O.X
  5. ↑ Profile of Baby V.O.X, JpopAsia
  6. ↑ CBS News:'안티팬'이 부른 연예인 테러…과도한 집착이 보여준 단면
  7. ↑ sportsChosun News: SC 페이퍼진 연예인과 스토커
  8. ↑ Korean celebrities fear for their safety
  9. ↑ KBS News: Kan Mi-youn Returns as Soloist
  10. ↑ Sports Wordi News: 간미연 "섹시함? 쑥스러웠어요"
  11. ↑ KBS World: Kan Mi Youn Profile
  12. ↑ Metroseoul News: “홀로 선 무대 사실 두렵죠”
  13. ↑ KBS World: Kan Mi Youn Profile
  14. ↑ iFensi News:胡彦斌简美妍技压众星 《名声大震》夺冠
  15. ↑ KBS News: Kan Mi-youn Tops Chinese Popularity Poll
  16. ↑ Sohu News: 简美妍连夜录制赈灾歌曲 为灾区送祝福
  17. ↑ Korean Stars Sing to Deliver Message of Hope to Quake Victims
  18. ↑ SONGS FOR EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS (JUNE 5, 2008)
  19. ↑ Newsis: 이 간미연이 그 간미연? 환골탈태 '미쳐가'
  20. ↑ '컴백' 간미연, 엠블렉 미르와 섹시 퍼포먼스
  21. ↑ Daily Kpop News: Kan Mi Youn MV Hits 200,000 views in 1 Day
  22. ↑ NewDaily: 간미연도 '쇼핑몰 CEO' 변신?
  23. ↑ http://www.allkpop.com/2011/02/kan-mi-youn-releases-sunshine-mv-feat-2pms-junsu
  24. ↑ http://www.allkpop.com/2011/02/kan-mi-youn-reveals-paparazzi-mv-teaser-starring-ss501s-kim-hyung-joon
  25. ↑ http://www.allkpop.com/2011/02/kan-mi-youn-releases-paparazzi-mv-starring-ss501s-kim-hyung-joon
  26. ↑ http://www.allkpop.com/2011/02/kan-mi-youn-releases-first-mini-album-watch
  27. ↑ http://www.allkpop.com/2011/02/kan-mi-youn-makes-a-paparazzi-comeback-on-m-countdown
  28. ↑ <친한친구> DJ데뷔 간미연 위해 베이비복스 멤버들 '응원왔어요~' [<Close Friends> DJ Debut for Kan Mi Youn, BabyVox Members 'Come to give support'] (in Korean). Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation. 2011-10-26. Retrieved 2014-06-19.
  29. ↑ "Baby V.O.X. gathers to support Kan Mi Youn's radio DJ debut". Allkpop. 2011-10-27. Retrieved 2014-06-19.
  30. ↑ Jang, Young-Jun (2012-08-24). '간미연의 친한친구', 300일 특집 공개방송 'Thank U 4 U' 개최 ['Kan Mi Youn's Close Friends' holds 300-day feature broadcast 'Thank U 4 U']. TV Report (in Korean).
  31. ↑ UV, MBC라디오 ‘친한친구’ DJ 발탁…간미연과 바통 터치 [UV, MBC Radio 'Close Friends' DJ chosen...Kan Mi Youn passes the baton] (in Korean). The Dong-a Ilbo. 2012-10-16. Retrieved 2014-06-19.
  32. ↑ "Roy Kim and Jung Joon Young's 'Close Friends' gets canceled + 'FM Date' to be revived as its replacement". Allkpop. 2013-08-27. Retrieved 2014-06-19.
  33. ↑ 간미연, 마코어뮤즈먼트와 전속계약…베이비복스 심은진과 한솥밥 [Kan Mi Youn, exclusive contract with Mako Amusement...along with Baby Vox Shim Eun-jin] (in Korean). Korea Economic Daily. 2014-05-14. Retrieved 2014-06-19.
  34. ↑ "Kan Mi Youn's Artist Profile on Mako". Mako Amusement (in Korean). Retrieved 2014-06-19.
  35. ↑ Source Music: Kan Mi Youn Biography
  36. ↑ Naver: Baby V.OX Biography

External links