Jinu
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JINU | |
---|---|
김진우 | |
![]() Jinu in 2015 | |
Born | Kim Jin-woo October 23, 1971 |
Nationality | American |
Education | Louisiana State University |
Occupations |
|
Spouse | Kim Jun-hee (2006-2008) |
Family | Paik Nam June (great uncle) |
Musical career | |
Genres | |
Years active | 1994–present |
Labels | YG Entertainment |
Website | JINUSEAN |
Kim Jin-woo (Korean: 김진우; born October 23, 1971), is better known by his stage name Jinu. He is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He debuted in 1994 as a solo singer before teaming up with Sean to create a hip-hop duo Jinusean in 1997 under YG Entertainment.
Korean name | |
Hangul | |
---|---|
Revised Romanization | Gim Jin-u |
McCune–Reischauer | Kim Chin-u |
Stage name | |
Hangul | |
Revised Romanization | Jinu |
McCune–Reischauer | Jinu |
Early life
Kim was born in California. He is fluent in English and Korean.[1]
Career
1994: Solo debut
On March 9, 1994, Kim Jin-woo released his first album "Kim Jin Woo Vol. 1" with "I Am Awesome" (나는 캡이었어) as his first single.[1] After hearing about his album, Yang Hyun-suk, former Seo Taiji and Boys' member, pick Kim Jin-woo to be in a hip hop duo under his label, YG Entertainment with Sean.[citation needed]
1997: Jinusean debut
Jinu and Sean debuted as Jinusean with the single, "Gasoline," in 1997 under the guidance of YG Entertainment CEO and former Seo Taiji and Boys member Yang Hyun-suk and former Deux member Lee Hyun Do.[2] Their second single, "Tell Me" (featuring singer Uhm Jung-hwa), was the duo's first hit and propelled them to stardom.[3]
2004–present: Extended hiatus and Work at YG Entertainment
Between 2004 and 2014, the duo went on an extended hiatus. They remained at YG Entertainment working in various behind-the-scenes roles. Jinu was appointed as the Director of Overseas Operations. He was in charge of matters overseas including auditions and concerts.[4] He discovered Bobby of iKon in New York then brought him to Korea to train under YG Entertainment.[5]
In 2014, Jinusean made an appearance in 10 years on a Korean variety TV show called Infinite Challenge.[6] In 2015, they released the single "Tell Me One More Time" which marked the end of their hiatus.[7]
As of 2018, Jinu is confirmed to star in a new series by Netflix and YG Entertainment, YG Future Strategy Office.[8]
Personal life
He is the grandson of Nam June Paik, a Korean-American artist, with his first wife.[9]
On May 14, 2006, Jinu married actress Kim Jun-hee. They divorced in 2008, after two years of marriage due to irreconcilable differences.[10]
Kim is a Christian.[1]
Discography
Solo album
Year | Album Information | Track Listing |
---|---|---|
1994 | Kim Jin Woo Vol. 1
|
Track listing
|
Singles
As a lead artist
TItle | Year | Sales | Album |
---|---|---|---|
"I was Awesome" | 1994 | — | Kim Jin Woo Vol. 1 |
As a featured artist
TItle | Year | Sales | Album |
---|---|---|---|
"가요 톱 10"
(Turbo featuring. Lee Ha-neul, Jinu, and Lee Sang-min) |
2015 | — | 10집 Again |
Filmography
Year | Channel | Title | Role | Note |
---|---|---|---|---|
2014-2015 | MBC | Infinite Challenge | Himself | Saturday, Saturday's: I am a Singer |
2015 | MNET | Show Me the Money 4 | Judge | Team YG (with Sean of Jinusean and Tablo) |
2017 | SBS | Fantastic Duo 2 | Himself | with Sean of Jinusean |
2018 | Netflix | YG Future Strategy Office | Cast member |
References
- ^ a b c "Jinusean's Profile".
- ^ "지누션" [Jinusean]. Mnet (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2016-06-17. Retrieved 2016-05-30.
- ^ Kim, Jae-heun (2015-04-16). "Hip-hop duo Jinusean returns after 11 years". Korea Times. Archived from the original on 2016-08-03. Retrieved 2016-05-30.
- ^ "Jinusean appearance at Yoo Hee-yeol's Sketchbook".
- ^ "iKON's Bobby was scouted by Jinusean's Jinu".
- ^ "Jinusean to reunite with Uhm Jung-hwas for Infinite Challenge after 17 years".
- ^ "Jinusean Makes First Comeback in 11 Years with "Tell Me One More Time" MV".
- ^ "Netflix teams up with YG for a variety show".
- ^ "The relationship between Jinusean's Jinu and Nam June Paik".
- ^ "Jinu and Kim Jun Hee call it quits too".