Sunmi

Lee Sun-mi^[1] (born May 2, 1992), better known mononymously Sunmi or Mimi, is a South Korean singer. She was best known as a member of the South Korean girl group Wonder Girls. In August 2013, Sunmi made her debut as a solo artist with the digital single "24 Hours". She subsequently released her debut extended play Full Moon in 2014.

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

2006–2009: Career beginnings with the Wonder Girls

In May 2006, Sunmi was revealed as a fourth member of Wonder Girls, a girl group managed by JYP Entertainment. The group debuted with the single "Irony", officially debuted on MBC's Show! Music Core on February 10, 2007. The group quickly rose to stardom with their hits "Tell Me", "So Hot" and "Nobody" in less than 2 years from their debut.

2010–2012: Hiatus

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 Sunmi to return and comeback as a member of the Wonder Girls.^[2]

2013–2014: Solo debut with 24 Hours and Full Moon

In August 2013, Sunmi was announced would return to her music career, debuting as a solo artist.^[3] Sunmi made her official solo debut stage on August 22 on Mnet's M! Countdown. Her debut single "24 Hours" was released on August 26, 2013.^[4] The single also ranked at #1 on major online music services in South Korea.^[5]

Subsequently, her debut extended play Full Moon was released on February 17, 2014. The title track of the same, featuring former JYP trainee Lena Park, peaked at number two on the Gaon Digital Chart^[6] and at number three on Billboard's K-pop Hot 100.^[7]

2015–2017: Return to the Wonder Girls and departure from JYP Entertainment

On June 24, 2015 JYP Entertainment announced that Sunmi would be re-joining Wonder Girls, after withdrawing in 2010, for their comeback after the group's two-year hiatus.^[8] The group returned with a band concept.^[9] In August, the group's album REBOOT was released, with Sunmi co-writing and co-producing three of its tracks.

In 2016, Sunmi once again received songwriting and producing credits for a Wonder Girls release, this time for two songs present on the band's EP single Why So Lonely, including the title track of the same name.

On January 26, 2017, it was announced that Wonder Girls were to disband after unsuccessful contract renewal negotiation with member Yeeun and Sunmi herself. The group released their final single "Draw Me" on February 10; it also serves as a celebration for their 10th anniversary since debut.^[10][11]

2017–present: Return to solo career under MakeUs Entertainment

On March 14, 2017, it was announced that Sunmi had signed with MakeUs Entertainment around the end of February. Home to singers like Park Won and Urban Zakapa, Sunmi commented, “At my new agency, I will work hard on my music and show everyone a new side of myself. Ahead of that, I would like to thank my previous agency, fans, and acquaintances for their support.”^[12]

It was later revealed that Sunmi will release a single on August 22, her first solo comeback after three years.^[13]

Discography

EPs

• Full Moon (2014)

Singles

Songwriting and composing credits

Filmography

Television/variety show appearances

Awards and nominations

^[16][17]

Music programs

Inkigayo

Inkigayo (인기가요; The Music Trend) is a music television program aired by Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS).

CF / Advertisements

• [2013] Dragon Friends^[19]
• [2014] Bobbi Brown
• [2014] Make Up For Ever
• [2016] Avène

References

External links

• Official website