Chae Yeon

Chae Yeon

Chae Yeon performing in 2010
Background information
Birth name Lee Jin-Sook
Born (1978-12-10) December 10, 1978[1]
Seoul, South Korea
Origin Seoul, South Korea
Genres K-pop
Occupation(s) Singer
Years active 2000–present
Labels A9 Media
Korean name
Hangul 이채연
Hanja 李蔡姸
Revised Romanization I Chae-yeon
McCune–Reischauer Yi Ch'ae-yŏn

Lee Chae-Yeon (Korean: 이채연, born December 10, 1978[1]), better known as Chae Yeon, is a Korean pop singer who rose to fame with her hit single "Two of Us" (Korean: 둘이서) in 2004 and her wave dance style.

Biography

Beginning of career

Chae Yeon was born Lee Jin-Sook (Korean: 이진숙, Hanja: 李珍淑), in Seoul in 1978. It took her many years to attain her current level of fame in Korea's entertainment industry. In fact, she had to start out in Japan first. She was part of a singing group called Brand New Biscuits (ブランニュービスケット), debuted in Japan on January 1, 2001, when it had six members. Brand New Biscuits included also another Korean singer, Yuny Han (Han Tae Yoon). Chae Yeon was also member of group UltraCats (ウルトラキャッツ) under the name of "Jinny" (ジニー) or "Jinny Lee" (ジニー・リー) from 2001 to 2002.

Having passed an audition held by an entertainment management company in Japan, Chae Yeon first appeared on a popular show called "Uchan Nanchan no Urinari!" on Japanese NTV. She appeared on the show for almost three years. Along with the television show, Chae Yeon (then Jinny) 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. Debuting late in 2003, nobody expected her to be successful as she is now. Initially, she was simply viewed as yet another "sexy concept" singer, as many female singers were at that time. However, unlike many others, she had a fairly successful debut. She proved to be a great dancer, and she showed off her vocals in her ballad songs and live performances. Her title song "위험한 연출" (Dangerous Presentation) did well, but her real success came when her second album released late in 2004. "둘이서" (Two Of Us) the lead single, pushed her to No.1 on many music charts in the spring of 2005. The music video for "둘이서" was controversial for being too "racy" in conservative Korea (for it contained scenes showing her full back and exposed underwear).[2] Subsequently, the video was banned on television, and the airing time was limited to after 10:00 p.m. in some cable channels.[3] 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 "다가와" (Come to Me) was released soon after and was also popular, riding on the wave of its predecessor.

She returned after a brief break in order to release her third album III, which came in the fall of 2005. The first single, "오직 너", fared poorly on the charts, as it was not a strong dance single, lacking a catchy hook. 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, "세번째 사랑" (Third Love), also fared poorly, despite the fact that it had a very sexy video and was a bit more uptempo than the lead single. 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; albums by other "sexy concept" singers.

Chae Yeon has maintained her popularity by continually participating in variety shows, such as SBS's X-Man (TV series) and Love Letter, where she portrays both cute and sexy images. Her appearances on these variety shows allowed her to display her bubbly and positive personality. She ended her official schedule with her last X-Man episode on September 25, 2005, in order 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 "서투른 사랑" ("Clumsy Love"). The album sold 12,346 copies in 2007, placing 68th for the year.[4] She continued to remain a "sexy" singer, saying that she does not mind the label.[5]

Chae Yeon performing in the closing ceremony of the 2009 East Asian Games

In addition to promoting her album, Chae Yeon has also joined the cast of Hi-Five, part of KBS's Happy Sunday line-up. On the reality-variety show, which also stars Hyun Young, the stars attempt 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 has hit record sales by elegantly 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 "Heundeullyeo" ("Shake") is an electronic dance song.[6] The music video was labelled by major networks to be unfit for broadcast without parental advisory warnings.[7]

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

On July 22, 2010 Chae Yeon made her comeback on M! Countdown. She performed Crazy & Look Look Look from her new album. It was well received by fans. Chae Yeon will continue to perform on various music programs and promote her album. Her new 2nd 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.[6]

In 2015, after five years hiatus. She made a comeback with single, Obvious.

On the 17th of October 2016, she had signed a new contract with A9 media. The label revealed on the 17th that they've signed one of Korea's iconic sexy divas onto their label. She's been promoting mostly in China for a while, so through this label, Chae Yeon will be promoting actively in Korea through variety shows, dramas, and musicals.

Profile

Discography

Album Info Track listing;
It's My Time
  • Released:

August 20, 2003
  1. 시간 (Sigan) [Time] (Intro)
  2. 위험한 연출 (Wiheomhan Yeonchul) [Dangerous Act]
  3. 사랑느낌 (Sarangneukkim) [Feeling of Love]
  4. 소중한 사랑 (Sojunghan Sarang) [Precious Love]
  5. 남자의 사랑 (Namjaui Sarang) [Men's Love]
  6. 세잎 클로버 (Seip Keullobeo) [Clover]
  7. 기도 (Gido) [Prayer]
  8. 너만의 매력 (Neomanui Maeryeok) [Your Very Own Charm]
  9. 상처 (Sangcheo) [Injury]
  10. 오래된 연인 (Oraedoen Yeonin) [Old Couple]
  11. 소문 (Somun) [Rumors]
  12. 휴식 (Hyusik) [Relaxation] (Outro)
Virginalness Bloom
  • Released:

December 13, 2004
  1. 둘이서 [The Two of Us]
  2. 지독한 외면 (Jidokhan Oemyeon) [Damm Exterior]
  3. 다가와 (Dagawa) [Come to Me]
  4. 보고싶어 (Bogosipeo) [I Want To See]
  5. 믿어 (Mideo) [Trust] ft. D-Low
  6. 다 끝났어 (Da kkeutnasso) [It's Over]
  7. 행복한 눈물 (HaengbokHan Nunmul) [Happy Tears]
  8. Dance All Night
  9. 널 사랑할게 (Neol Saranghalge) [You'll Love]
  10. 사랑인가봐! (Sarangingabwa!) [I Love Sugar!]
  11. 추억만으로 (Chueongmaneuro) [Only Memories] ft. D-Low
  12. 바보 (Babo) [Fool]
III
  • Released:

November 18, 2005
  1. 오직 너 (Only You)
  2. 하얀눈 (White Snow)
  3. 덫 (Trap)
  4. 욕심쟁이 (Greedy One)
  5. 세번째 사랑 (Third Love Feat. Red Roc)
  6. 너땜에 (Because of You)
  7. 가지마 (Don't Go)
  8. 미궁 (Labyrinth)
  9. 사랑이 오려나봐 (Maybe Love Is Coming)
  10. You
  11. 나쁜여자 (Bad Girl)
  12. 오직너(디스코 클럽) (Only You [Disco Club Remix])
Best & Figure

Released: May 23, 2006
  1. 가지마
  2. 하얀눈
  3. 보고 싶어
  4. 행복한 눈물
  5. 욕심쟁이
  6. 소중한 사랑
  7. 널 사랑할게
  8. 세 번째 사랑 [Remix]
  9. 둘이서
  10. 오직 너 [Remix]
  11. 너땜에
  12. 다가와
  13. 사랑인가봐
  14. 위험한 연출
  15. 사링느낌
  16. 남자의 사랑
My Love

Released: April 1, 2007
  1. My Love
  2. 한 사람 (One Person)
  3. 부탁 (Request)
  4. 낯설은 거짓말 (A Strange Lie)
  5. 게임 (Game)
  6. 아련한 기다림 (Subtle Waiting)
  7. 서투른 사랑 (Clumsy Love)
  8. Tell Me
  9. 고귀한 사랑 (Precious Love)
  10. 서글픈 이별 (Lonesome Break Up)
  11. Party tonight
  12. My Love (Global Re-mix)
  13. 낯설은 거짓말 (Benny Re-mix) (A Strange Lie)
  14. 서투른 사랑 (Mojo House Re-mix) (Clumsy Love)
  15. My Love (Bossa Re-mix)
Shake

Released: May 13, 2009
  1. 흔들려 (Shake)
  2. 울랄라 (Ooh La La)
  3. 바보야 (Fool)
  4. 이별예감 (Parting Premonition)
  5. 변심 (Change Of Mind)
  6. 서투른 이별 (Clumsy Parting)
  7. 잊자 (Let's Forget)
  8. 흔들려 (Shake) (DJ Koo Club Radio Remix Ver.)
  9. 흔들려 (Shake) (DJ Koo Club Extend Remix Ver.)
  10. 울랄라 (Club Radio Remix Ver.)
  11. 울랄라 (Club Extend Remix Ver
Look At

Released: July 29, 2010
  1. 요즘 여자 Nowadays women
  2. Come and Get Me
  3. 거짓말 Lie (feat A.minor)
  4. 봐봐봐 Look Look Look
  5. Crazy
  6. Ma Lover (feat A.minor)
Obvious

Released: June 26, 2015

Endorsements

Awards

Mnet Asian Music Awards

Year Category Work Result
2003 Best New Female Artist "Dangerous Directing" (위험한 연출)[8] Nominated
2005 Best Female Artist "Two Of Us" (둘이서)[9] Nominated
2007 "My Love"[10] Nominated
2009 "Shake"[11] Nominated

References

  1. 1 2 3 http://music.naver.com/artist/intro.nhn?artistId=8804
  2. ↑ 금주 핫 이슈, 섹시 논란 '채연'
  3. ↑ '속옷 논란' 채연, 뮤비 방송 금지 Archived March 12, 2007, at the Wayback Machine.
  4. ↑ Music Industry Association of Korea. 2007 Album Sales Chart Archived October 11, 2008, at the Wayback Machine.. Retrieved May 11, 2008.
  5. ↑ Four Sexy Divas and How They Do It Archived June 10, 2009, at the Wayback Machine.. Chosun Ilbo. April 27, 2007. Retrieved June 13, 2009.
  6. 1 2 Han, Sang-hee. Singer Chae-yeon Brings 'Sexy Back' Archived June 13, 2009, at the Wayback Machine.. The Korea Times. June 9, 2009. Retrieved June 13, 2009.
  7. ↑ (in Korean) [AM7] 채연, 활동도 ‘흔들려~’ (AM7: Chae Yeon, Her Promotions Also "Shaky"). Munhwa Ilbo. June 12, 2009. Retrieved June 13, 2009.
  8. ↑ "2003 MMF part 1". Mwave. Retrieved 2014-08-20.
  9. ↑ "2005 MKMF part 1". Mwave. Retrieved 2014-08-28.
  10. ↑ "2007 Mnet KM Music Festival Part1". MAMA. Retrieved 2014-12-14.
  11. ↑ "2009 Mnet Asian Music Awards Part1". MAMA. Retrieved 2014-12-18.
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