Lee Ha-yi (; born September 23, 1996), known by her stage name Lee Hi, is a South Korean singer and songwriter. She first garnered attention as the runner-up of K-pop Star season 1. She debuted with single "1, 2, 3, 4" on October 28, 2012, and reached number one with first week sales of 667,549 downloads.
In 2020, she signed to hip-hop R&B record label AOMG where she released the studio album 4 Only (2021).
Early life
Lee Ha-yi was born on September 23, 1996, in
Bucheon, Gyeonggi. In December 2011, Lee auditioned for SBS reality survival program
K-pop Star, where she finished as runner-up behind Park Ji-min. Soon after she was signed to
YG Entertainment by
Yang Hyun-suk.
Ahead of her debut, she was featured on label mate
Epik High's single "It's Cold", which was released on October 8, 2012.
Career
2012–2015: Career beginnings and Hi Suhyun
On October 24, 2012, it was announced Lee would be debuting as a solo artist under the stage name, "Lee Hi", with digital single "1, 2, 3, 4" on October 28. Lee's first music show appearance was on SBS'
Inkigayo on November 4, soon after claiming her first music show win on November 8 through Mnet's
M Countdown.
The song charted number one on the monthly Gaon Digital Chart for November, thus earning her the
Song of the Year - November award from Gaon Chart K-Pop Awards.
Following success of debut single "1,2,3,4", Lee released a second digital single written by
Park Jin-young titled "Scarecrow" on November 22.
On March 2, 2013, YGE revealed Lee Hi's debut album First Love, would be released digitally on March 7 consisting of five tracks with lead single "It's Over", and physical release on March 28 with ten tracks including lead single "Rose". Promotions began with first stage at SBS' K-pop Star 2 on March 10.
2016–2018: Career breakthrough
On March 9, 2016, Lee released half album
Seoulite with lead singles "Breathe" and "Hold My Hand", where "Breathe" went on to winning her the Digital Bonsang award at the 31st Golden Disk Awards.
Lee began promotions for both singles on Mnet's
M! Countdown on March 10.
On April 20,
Seoulite was released as a studio album with lead single "My Star". Among the tracks, Lee participated in writing and composing the song "Passing By".
On May 28, Lee featured on Gill's single "Refrigerator" alongside
Verbal Jint. On September 19, SBS drama released
Epik High and Lee's soundtrack "Can You Hear My Heart", following Lee's soundtrack "My Love" on October 3.
On December 31, Lee appeared on MBC's Infinite Challenge
Hip-hop & History special as a featured guest for
Yoo Jae-suk and Dok2's stage.
On February 28, 2017, Lee featured on Code Kunst's single "X" from studio album Muggles Mansion. On March 28, Lee featured on Dok2's single "On & On" off studio album Reborn, where she participated in writing and composing.
2019–present: Career resurgence and label changes
On January 15, 2019, Lee released digital single "XI" with Code Kunst, the track was sung live for the first time on MBC Dreaming Radio.
Lee Hi made a comeback with her EP,
24°C, on May 30, 2019. The lead single, "No One" (featuring B.I), topped all charts in South Korea, including Melon, Genie and Mnet.
Among the tracks, she released the self-written and produced song "20Min".
Lee received her first music show win for single "No One" through Mnet's M Countdown on June 6.
Following the end of Lee's contract with YG Entertainment, on December 31, it was revealed Lee had made the decision to not renew.
In June 2020, Lee joined as a cast member for the fourth installment of JTBC show Begin Again from episode 4 to 6.
On September 9, 2021, Lee released her third studio album 4 Only. In March 2022, she won R&B Track of the Year for "Only" at the Korean Hip-hop Awards.
In March 2024, Lee's exclusive contract with AOMG ended and it was revealed that she had made the decision to not renew.
On September 23, 2024, Lee had signed an exclusive contract with Duover to manage her future activities. In addition, a video content of her unreleased new song "One Thing" was released on her YouTube channel to celebrate her 28th birthday.
Endorsements
On March 9, 2017, Lee teamed up with highly known cosmetics brand
MAC Cosmetics's
Future Forward Collection in creating a special edition matte red lipstick under her stage name
Lee Hi.
The lipstick was available worldwide in store and online in respective countries.
On July 28, Lee held a fan sign with MAC at Lotte World Mall, Seoul, South Korea. On October 15, in collaboration with MAC and magazine
Marie Claire, Lee held an event showcasing stages of her songs as well as covers of other artists.
Discography
Studio albums
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First Love (2013)
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Seoulite (2016)
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Lee Hi Japan Debut Album (2018)
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4 Only (2021)
Filmography
Television shows
|
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| 2011 | K-pop Star | Contestant | |
| 2017 | Relationship Appeal | Cast member | |
| King of Mask Singer | Contestant | |
| 2020 | Begin Again | Cast member (Season 4, from episode 4) | |
Concerts and tours
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Lee Hi 1st Concert "Secret Live RE HI" (2013)
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Lee Hi 1st Japan Tour (2018)
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Follow The Movement: AOMG World Tour 2023 (2023; with Simon Dominic, Loco, Gray, and Yugyeom)
Awards and nominations
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|
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| 2016 | Song of the Year – March | "Breathe" | | |
| 2020 | Song of the Year – July | "Holo" | | |
|
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| 2016 | Digital Song Bonsang | "Breathe" | | |
| 2020 | "Holo" | | |
| Curaprox Popularity Award | Lee Hi | |
|
| 2022 | "Only" | | |
| R&B Album of the Year | 4 Only | | |
|
| 2014 | Female Musician of the Year – Netizen Vote | Lee Hi | | |
| Best R&B Soul Album | First Love | | |
| Best R&B Soul Song | "It's Over" | | |
| 2022 | "H.K.S.T" | | |
|
| Best R&B / Soul Song | "Breathe" | | |
|
| Best Vocal Performance – Female | "1, 2, 3, 4" | |
| 2016 | Best Female Artist | Lee Hi | | |
| 2020 | Worldwide Fans' Choice Top 10 | | |
| Best Hip Hop & Urban Music | "Holo" | |
|
| 2020 | Best R&B Hip-Hop Award | "Holo" | | |
|
| World's Best Video | |
External links
