Sunmi

Sunmi
Sunmi in 2013
Born	Lee Sun Mi (1992-05-02) May 2, 1992 Iksan, North Jeolla, South Korea
Other names	Mimi
Occupation	Singer dancer model lyricist
Musical career
Genres	K-pop dance
Instruments	Bass guitar
Years active	2006 (2006)–2010 2013–present
Labels	JYP Entertainment
Associated acts	Wonder Girls
Website	sunmi.jype.com

Lee Sunmi (Hangul: 이선미; hanja: 李宣美; born May 2, 1992),^[1] commonly known by her stage name Sunmi or Mimi, is a South Korean singer, model and composer. She graduated from Dongguk University. She is a member of the South Korean girl group Wonder Girls, which debuted under JYP Entertainment in 2007. Her debut EP Full Moon was released in 2014 and produced singles "24 Hours" and "Full Moon".

Early life

Sunmi was born on May 2, 1992 in Iksan, North Jeolla, South Korea. She attended Hwangnam Elementary School, Chung Dam Middle School and Chung Dam High School and currently attends Dongguk University, majoring in musical theater.

Career

2006–2010: Wonder Girls

Wonder Girls performing "Irony" at Hanyang University in March 2007. From left to right: SoHee, HyunA, YeEun, SunYe and SunMi

In 2007, Sunmi made her debut with the Wonder Girls, a girl group managed by JYP Entertainment, as the group's vocalist. She participated in the songs of the group's debut album The Wonder Begins that released in February 2007, the first full-length album The Wonder Years that released in September 2007, the second mini album So Hot that released in June 2008 and the third mini album The Wonder Years: Trilogy that released in September 2008. She also participated in Wonder Girls 1st Wonder Tour in 2009.^[2] She also joined Shin Hye Sung encore concert in 2007 and Live Tour Side 1 – Live and Let Live in 2008, Park Jin-young 2008 and 2009 concert tour as a special guests with Wonder Girls member and becoming an opening act for Jonas Brothers World Tour 2009. She also was a part of the group's television shows MTV Wonder Girls for three seasons, Wonder Bakery, and also Welcome to Wonderland.

In 2009, she also with Wonder Girls member becoming a guest and performed at The Wendy Williams Show and So You Think You Can Dance (season 6). On 2009, Sunmi along with Wonder Girls member debuted a music video for "Now", a cover of Fin.K.L's single from their third album and they also created a commercial for LG from that song. They also released an English version of "Nobody" on June 26, 2009.

In January 2010, JYP announced that Sunmi would be postponing her musical career to pursue her academic career, but she will continue until February in order to complete scheduled events.

On January 13, 2012 a JYP representative stated: "Sunmi has remained within the company and continues to sharpen her musical talents." JYP Entertainment later stated that there are no plans for Sun Mi to return and comeback as a member of the Wonder Girls.^[3] However, in June 2015, JYP Entertainment announced that Sunmi would return to Wonder Girls after the departure of Sunye and Sohee.

2013–2014: Solo debut and Full Moon

In August 2013, it was announced that she would return to her musical career as a solo artist under JYP Entertainment, and Park Jin-young himself would take over her complete production, including dance, MV, outfits, and the song.^[4] On August 11, 2013, JYP Entertainment released the teaser pictures of Sunmi for her debut single "24 Hours" and in that image it looked that Sunmi's colour hairstyle is bright pink hair and she wearing a top that reads "But I'm Shy".^[5] For the following day, two more teaser image were released through her website.^[6] After released 4 different teaser image, the first MV teaser for her upcoming track featuring her new hairdo - a short pink bob were released.^[7] The second MV teaser were released next two day after the released of the first MV teaser.^[8] Sunmi 24 Hours is confirmed to be released on August 20, 2013, followed by her comeback stage on August 22, on M! Countdown. The digital single will be released on August 26, 2013. Sunmi's solo debut MV "24 Hours" was officially released on August 20, 2013.^[9]

After its released MV for "24 Hours" ranked at #1 on MV sites like MelOn and Olleh and putting Sunmi over fierce competitors such as Seungri and the then-fad Crayon Pop.^[10] Although Sunmi has already been promoting "24 Hours" on music shows and by releasing the MV, the song itself wasn't released for sale online until August 26, 2013. Since its release, "24 Hours" has zoomed to the top of the charts and now sits comfortably at #1 on most of the major music retailers in Korea. The song is already in first place on Melon, Mnet, Olleh Music, Bugs, Soribada, Naver Music, and Daum Music.^[11]

For her solo debut Sunmi reveal that she tried gaining a few pounds. During a recent interview, Sunmi revealed, "While I was promoting as a member of the Wonder Girls, I once weighed below 40 kg (~88 lbs.). I normally went back and forth in the 41 kg (~90 lbs.) range, but to carry out my sexy concept and performance, I gained enough weight to be 47 kg (~103 lbs.)." She also tell that, "When I was at my heaviest, I was 52 kg (~114 lbs).^[12] Sunmi also revealed why she ended up going barefoot for "24 Hours". Sunmi shared, "I didn't originally intend to go barefoot. There is a part in my choreography where I stand on top of a male dancer's thigh. It would hurt if I were to wear heels so I took them off. Because I perform a choreography with elements of modern dance barefoot, it doesn't look too excessive."^[13]

After kicking off her solo debut with an explosive start with "24 Hours", JYP Entertainment has released a dance version of her music video.^[14]

On January 31, it has been announced that Sunmi will be releasing her first mini-album in the middle of February which will include 5 to 6 songs, and is expected to be making her comeback with a title song produced by Park Jin-young. A representative of Sunmi also commented, "We are trying to make her comeback within the month of February. Currently we are making final adjustments to the song, and preparing for an eye catching performance that is an upgrade from '24 Hours'."^[15][16][17] It has been scheduled that Sunmi will make comeback on February 17. JYP Entertainment revealed the news through a press release, stating, "Sunmi is set to make a comeback with a mini album on February 17. She will hold a Q&A session with fans through Twitter ahead of her comeback on the 6th."^[18][19][20] On February 6, Sunmi revealed two teaser photo for her new mini album Full Moon through her official Twitter account.^[21] On February 9, three new teaser photo were released through official JYP Entertainment Twitter account^[22][23] and JYP Entertainment also revealed the tracklist for her comeback album 'Full Moon,' revealing there to be a total of 7 songs and some of the song feature other JYP artists like Lena (member of JYP's new girl group), Wonder Girls' Yubin and Yenny, and Got7's Jackson. It was also revealed that her title track was produced by Brave Brothers and features Lena.^[24] On February 11, JYP Entertainment uploaded a short teaser clip for “Full Moon”.

2015–present: Return to Wonder Girls

On June 24, JYP Entertainment announced that the Wonder Girls would be making a comeback on August after a three-year hiatus and would be joined by Sunmi, marking her return to the group since withdrawing in 2010. The group will be returning as a quartet, in the absence of inactive member Sunye due to family reasons. The agency also revealed that they will take on a band concept instead of dance group. Sunmi will be playing the bass guitar.

Discography

EPs

• Full Moon (2014)

Singles

As lead artist

Guest appearances

Other charted songs

Composition

Filmography

Television/Variety Show Appearance

Awards and nominations

Music Programs

Inkigayo

TV commercials / advertisements

• [2013] Dragon Friends^[30]
• [2014] BOBBI BROWN
• [2014] Make Up For Ever

References

External links

• Official website