Lee Hong-gi

Lee Hong-gi
Background information
Birth name Lee Hong-gi
Born (1990-03-02) 2 March 1990[1]
Gwangju, Gyeonggi, South Korea
Genres
Occupation(s)
Instruments vocals
Years active 2002–present
Labels FNC Entertainment
AI Entertainment (Japan)
Associated acts F.T. Island
Website fncent.com/leehonggi
Korean name
Hangul 이홍기
Hanja 李弘基
Revised Romanization I Hong-gi
McCune–Reischauer Yi Hong-ki

Lee Hong-gi (Hangul: 이홍기; Hanja: 李弘基; pronounced [iː hoŋɡiː ]; Japanese:イ•ホンギ) is a South Korean singer-songwriter, the main singer of the South Korean band F.T. Island. Lee released his first solo extended play FM302 in South Korea on 18 November 2015 and his Japanese album AM302 on 9 December 2015.

Acting career

Before Lee Hong-ki debuted as a singer with the band F.T. Island, he was a child actor, making his acting debut in 2002 in the KBS2 TV series Magic Kid Masuri as Masuri's friend.[2] This sitcom gained popularity among elementary school students. He was also featured in Kkangsooni, where he played the character of Eo Soo-bong, and sang for the sitcom's OST.

In 2008, he was offered the lead role in Master of Study, the Korean adaptation of Japanese drama Dragon Zakura. Master of Study should have aired in the beginning of 2009 but due to preproduction difficulties, the drama was postponed to the beginning of 2010 which led FNC Entertainment to refuse Lee's role because of his busy schedule with the band.

Lee then played Lysander in a Korean musical theatre version of A Midsummer Night's Dream,[2] where he showcased his singing, acting and dancing skills. In 2009, after a five-year break, he made his acting comeback and took the role of the quirky but loveable drummer Jeremy in You're Beautiful.[3] To promote the drama, he also contributed solo tracks to the OST, such as "Promise" and "Still/As Ever."[4] He received a New Star Award at the 2009 SBS Drama Awards for his performance. You're Beautiful recorded modest ratings in South Korea, but it became an international success and with it, Lee's worldwide popularity increased.

In April 2011, Lee starred in the TBS Japanese drama Muscle Girl! opposite Yui Ichikawa.[5] This was followed by a 90-minute Korean-Japanese co-production titled Noriko Goes to Seoul, in which he played a young aspiring singer who meets an older woman (Takashima Reiko) who inspires him through hardships to achieve his dream.[6]

In June 2013, he made his big screen debut in the movie Rockin' on Heaven's Door (Korean title: Passionate Goodbye), with Baek Jin-hee, in which Lee portrayed as a rebellious music star who is sent to work in a hospice.[7][8]

Lee began filming Bride of the Century with Yang Jin-sung. He went on a four-week rest after he dislocated his shoulder and suffered facial fractures during December 2013.[9][10] He resumed shooting in January 2014, and the drama aired that February.[11][12]

Lee also starred in SBS Modern Farmer alongside Park Min-woo, Lee Ha-nui, and others. The drama aired from 18 October 2014 to 21 December 2014, at 20:40 on Saturdays and Sundays.

Music career

Lee in 2012

F.T. Island

In 2007, Lee debuted in the band F.T. Island as the lead singer. He can also rap and beatbox.

Lee decided to pursue a career in singing after he starred in Kkangsooni, for which he sang a song for the soundtrack. At the end of the drama, he performed the song live on stage. He was 13 years old at that time. Impressed by his powerful vocal ability, a few people approached him, not wishing to waste his talent for singing. Then-fledgling label company FNC Entertainment Music signed Lee and fully trained him to become the lead singer of F.T. Island.

Solo debut

In 2015, Lee announced through social media that he was working on both a Korean and Japanese album, which was released in November and December respectively.[13] The mini Korean album was revealed to be FM302, and the album was released on 18 November 2015,[14] while the Japanese album was revealed to be AM302, and it was released on 9 December 2015.[15] 'FM302' combines the radio terminology frequency modulation (FM) with Lee's birthday which is on 2 March, to create the effect of his own radio frequency that resonates his music across the world. The title song "Insensible" is a ballad track and it tells the sad story of a man who is unable to forget his previous love. The music video was published on 18 November 2015.[16] The lead actress of the music video is actress Park Shin-hye.[17] Prior to his official music video release, a showcase was organised.[18] Upon the release of FM302, it topped both Naver's real-time search chart, as well as Hanteo sales chart. The album still retained its position next week, selling more than 19,000 albums within two weeks. Moreover, six days after the release of the album, Lee won first place on SBS MTV's The Show for the first time.[19] The album charted at No. 2 on Gaon Chart's national physical albums ranking, as well as No. 5 on the Gaon Social Chart in the 3rd week of November.[20]

On the other hand, the PV for the Japanese album AM302, was published on YouTube on 11 November 2015. It was titled "イ・ホンギ (Monologue)" and it was published on F.T. Island's Official Japanese channel. The Japanese album contained some tracks from the Korean album FM302, but was translated into Japanese. The album is also available in three different sets, namely, the original version, Primadonna version (for fans), and the limited edition DVD version.[21] Upon release, it charted at #4 in the Oricon charts.

Soundtrack appearances

Lee has sung many OSTs for different dramas such as You're Beautiful, Heartstrings and The Heirs.

On 21 May 2015, Dal Shabet's official YouTube channel uploaded a video titled Joker in Rock Version. The video was a collaboration with Lee and Subin singing Joker in rock version.[22] It was believed that the two decided on a collaboration when Lee and Subin met on Hello Counselor.

Compositions and lyric-writing

In recent years, Lee has also begun composing music, contributing the songs "Black Chocolate" and "Orange Sky" to F.T. Island's Japanese album Rated FT, as well as the title track "Memory" and the song "Always With You" on F.T. Island's Korean mini-album Thanks To, "Siren" from their album The Mood and title song "Wind" from their album Over 10 Years .[23][24] He also composed Japanese songs "On My Way", "Just Please" and "Born to be a Rock n Roller".[25][26]

Personal life

Lee Hong-gi in Paris in 2015 at La Cigale

Lee was enrolled in Kyunghee University studying theatre and film.[2]

Lee started his own fashion brand 'Skullhong' in June 2014. He designs accessories, jewelry and various nail products.[27] It was originally based in Seoul, but has since expanded its business to Hong Kong, and Tokyo, Japan.[28]

Discography

Lee Hongki at the Music Core Concert in Hanoi, Vietnam, in November 2012

Albums

  • 2015: AM302 (Japanese)

EPs

Soundtrack contributions

YearFilm/Drama/MovieSong's Title
2004KangsooniTo My Friend
2007Unstoppable MarriageLately I
2009You're BeautifulStill,
Promise
2011HeartstringsEven If It's Not Necessary
2013The HeirsI'm Saying
Rockin' on Heaven's DoorJump,
Goodbye
2014Bride of the CenturyWords I Have Yet To Say
Modern FarmerWhen Love Comes,
Do Or Die
2018Switch: Change the WorldRaise Me Up

Filmography

Television series

YearNetworkTitleRoleNotes
2002EBSTV Original Fairytale: Bicycle ThiefEducational TV series
KBS2Magic Kid MasuriMasuri's friendMain cast
2004EBSThere's Light at the Tip of My Fingernails
EBSKkangsooniEo Soo-bongEducational TV series
MBCFreezing PointHwan-yiSupporting role
2005EBSFlower Butterfly and SunflowerEducational TV series
EBSWinter ChildEducational TV series
2008KBS2Unstoppable MarriageHwang Sa-baek's friendCameo, Ep. 62
SBSOn AirhimselfCameo, Ep. 1
2009SBSStylehimselfCameo, Ep. 6
SBSYou're BeautifulJeremyMain cast
2010MBCMore Charming By the Daychicken delivery guyCameo, Ep. 111
SBSMy Girlfriend Is a Nine-Tailed FoxJeremyCameo, Ep. 16
2011TBSMuscle Girl!Yoo Ji-hoLead role
KBS2Noriko Goes to SeoulKim Min-haLead role
2013tvNCheongdam-dong 111himselfReality show
2014TV ChosunBride of the CenturyChoi Kang-jooLead role
SBSModern FarmerLee Min-kiLead role
2015SBS MTVComing Out FTISLANDhimselfReality show (with F.T. Island members)
2017tvNA Korean OdysseyP.KMain cast[29]

Film

YearTitleRoleNotes
2013Rockin' on Heaven's DoorChoong-uiLead role
2014How to Steal a DogSeok-guSupporting role

Variety show

YearTitleNetworkNotes
2008Good DaddySBSCast member
2009InkigayoSBSRegular MC
Mnet Scandal Idol ShowMnet
2010100 Points Out of 100 aka Oh! My SchoolKBS2Cast member (Ep. 1 – Ep. 12)
Oh My SchoolKBSCast member
2013We Got Married Global EditionMBCCast member (with Fujii Mina)
2015King of Mask SingerMBCContestant as "Blow Hot and Cold Bat Human" (Ep. 3)
2017King of Mask SingerMBCContestant as "Lupin the Phantom Thief" (Ep. 105–106)[30]
The Life AcademytvNCast member
Night GoblinJTBCCast member (Episode 2-present)
2018Legendary BowlingTV ChosunCast member
Find F.T. IslandFNC Ent. (Youtube)Cast member
Produce 48MNETCast member (Vocal Trainer)

Radio show

Year Title Network Notes
2016-2018 Lee Honggi Kiss The Radio (Hongkira) KBS Cool FM DJ from 17 October 2016 to April 2018

Musical theatre

YearTitleRoleNotes
2009A Midsummer Night's DreamLysanderMain role
2014Vampire[31]DraculaMain role
2016Those Days[32]MooyoungMain Role

Bibliography

YearTitleNote(s)
2013Lee Hong-gi's Nail Art[33]
2014Hongstargram[34]

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Nominated work Result
2009 17th Korean Culture and Entertainment Awards[2] Top 10 Singers N/A Won
SBS Drama Awards[35] New Star Award You're Beautiful Won
2010 16th Korean Entertainment Arts Awards[2] Best Male Singer N/A Won
2013 27th Golden Disk Awards InStyle Fashionista Award[36] N/A Won
2014 9th Seoul International Drama Awards Outstanding Korean Drama OST "I'm Saying" Nominated
16th Seoul International Youth Film Festival Best OST by a Male Artist Nominated

Music programs

The Show

Year Date Song
2015 24 November "Insensible"

Music Bank

Year Date Song
2015 4 December "Insensible"

References

  1. ↑ Mark Russell (29 April 2014). K-Pop Now!: The Korean Music Revolution. Tuttle Publishing. p. 60. ISBN 978-1-4629-1411-1.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 "F.T. Island". Korea Tourism Organization. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
  3. ↑ Choi, Ji-eun (27 October 2009). "A.N.JELL actors brighten up Minamishineyo". TenAsia. Retrieved 2014-02-22.
  4. ↑ "Lee Hong Ki Sings You're Beautiful's "Still" In Mandarin". Soompi. 19 July 2010. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
  5. ↑ "Ichikawa Yui and F.T. Island's Lee Hong-gi at the press conference for Muscle Girl". Tokyo Hive. 14 April 2011. Retrieved 2014-02-22.
  6. ↑ Hong, Lucia (10 August 2011). "FTIsland's Lee Hong-ki to star in upcoming KBS one-act drama". TenAsia. Retrieved 2014-02-22.
  7. ↑ Hong, Lucia (30 July 2012). "FTIsland Lee Hong-ki to make big screen debut". TenAsia. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
  8. ↑ Sunwoo, Carla (24 May 2013). "Not all is grim when the reaper pays a visit". Korea JoongAng Daily. Retrieved 2014-02-22.
  9. ↑ Lee, Sun-min (17 December 2013). "Lee Hong-ki injured on ice". Korea JoongAng Daily. Retrieved 2014-02-22.
  10. ↑ Hwang, Hye-jin (10 January 2014). "FT Island's Lee Hong Gi Resumes Drama Filming After Injury". enewsWorld. Retrieved 2014-02-22.
  11. ↑ Lee, Na-rae (19 February 2014). "FT Island's Lee Hong Gi Chooses Yang Jin Seong Over Park Shin Hye as Ideal Type". enewsWorld. Retrieved 2014-02-22.
  12. ↑ Han, Ji-hee (20 February 2014). "Interview: Bride of the Century Lee Hong-Ki – Yang Jin-Sung". Get It K. Archived from the original on 7 July 2014. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
  13. ↑ "F.T. Island's Hongki to make his solo debut!". Allkpop.com. 2015-11-04. Retrieved 2017-06-30.
  14. ↑ "FTISLAND official website". Ftisland-official.jp. Retrieved 2017-06-30.
  15. ↑ "FNC Music Japan INC". Twitter.
  16. ↑ "F.T. Island's Hongki reveals solo debut MV for 'Insensible' starring Park Shin Hye". Allkpop.com. Retrieved 2017-06-30.
  17. ↑ "이홍기-박신혜, '미남이시네요' 이후 6년 만에 연기 호흡. 이홍기 뮤비에 박신혜 우정 출연 :: 네이버 TV연예". Entertain.naver.com (in Korean). Retrieved 2017-06-30.
  18. ↑ "Super Junior's Heechul to MC Lee Hong Ki's First Solo Showcase – Soompi". Soompi.
  19. ↑ "Lee Hong Ki Takes 1st Solo Win With "Insensible" on "The Show" – Soompi". Soompi.
  20. ↑ "Gaon Chart releases chart rankings for November 15 - November 21". Allkpop.com. 2015-11-28. Retrieved 2017-06-30.
  21. ↑ "KPOP NEWS - FT Island′s Lee Hong Gi to Release First Solo Album ′AM302′ in Japan | Mwave". Mwave.interest.me. 2016-02-16. Retrieved 2017-06-30.
  22. ↑ "Subin and Lee Hongki's flawless rock version of 'Joker' ~ Daily K Pop News". Dkpopnews.net. 2015-05-22. Retrieved 2017-06-30.
  23. ↑ "FT Island to release EP". Korea Herald. 10 September 2013. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
  24. ↑ "FT Island Beats miss A and Trouble Maker to Top Weekly Sales Chart". Soompi. 25 November 2013. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
  25. ↑ blog.koreaboo.com "Ft Island Releases Track list For Their "FTISLAND Japan Best All About" Album
  26. ↑ kpopstarz.com 5.30.14"Band FTISLAND New Japan Album 'New Page' Tops Japan Ring Tone Chart"
  27. ↑ "FTISLAND's Lee Hong Ki Launches Website for His Fashion Brand "Skull Hong"". Soompi. 10 June 2014. Retrieved 2015-03-23.
  28. ↑ Irene Kok (2011-08-17). "FTISLAND李洪基時尚品牌SKULL HONG 即將進軍日本 - KSD 韓星網 (明星)". Koreastardaily.com. Retrieved 2017-06-30.
  29. ↑ "[이슈IS]'화유기', 오늘 주연진 첫 만남 "이승기 제외"". Ilgan Sports (in Korean). Retrieved October 18, 2017.
  30. ↑ Hwang Hye-soo (9 April 2017). "'복면가왕' 여심잡은 '괴도루팡' 정체는 '이홍기'". News1 Korea (in Korean). Retrieved 9 April 2017.
  31. ↑ "FTISLAND's Lee Hong Ki to Star as Dracula in New Musical "Vampire"". Soompi. 1 July 2014. Retrieved 2015-01-20.
  32. ↑ "이홍기 '그날들'로 2년만 뮤지컬 복귀 - 손에 잡히는 뉴스 눈에 보이는 뉴스 - 뉴스엔". Newsen.com. 2016-06-17. Retrieved 2017-06-30.
  33. ↑ "FT Island boy publishes nail art book". Korea JoongAng Daily. 25 June 2013. Retrieved 2014-02-22.
  34. ↑ "FTISLANDのイ・ホンギ写真集『HONGSTARGRAM』12/3発売". 24 October 2014. Retrieved 19 September 2016.
  35. ↑ Ko Jae-wan (4 January 2010). "Jang Seo-hee wins grand prize at SBS Drama Awards". 10Asia. Retrieved 2014-07-23.
  36. ↑ "Winners from the 27th Golden Disk Awards (Day 2)". Allkpop. 16 January 2013. Retrieved 2013-01-16.
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