Seven (South Korean singer)
Encyclopedia
Choi Dong-wook better known by his stage name Se7en, is a South Korea
n singer from YG Entertainment
. He has released songs in South Korea, Japan, China and the United States.
at the age of fifteen. After four years of training in voice and dance, he made his debut in 2003. He released his debut album Just Listen
on March 8, 2003.
, Jinusean
and Gummy
) have made an appearance on MTV K
, followed by 3 concerts in Washington DC, New York City, and Los Angeles, to celebrate YG Family's 10th Anniversary and to help promote Seven before his American debut. The MTV K
documentary aired on December 11, 2006.
Seven is a featured guest on Amerie
's Take Control
on her album, Because I Love It
, which was released in May 2007.
This remix is available on Asian versions of the album.
Yang Hyun Suk, (CEO of YG Entertainment
) had announced that Fabolous
will be featured in Seven 's first U.S. single. However, due to a leak in March 2007 of his US debut song, "This is My Year" featuring Fabolous, which is produced by Rich Harrison
and Lionell Davis, on Myspace and YouTube, this caused some changes in Seven's U.S. debut.
Se7en has been working with former CEO of LaFace Records, Mark Shimmel and Grammy-winner Rich Harrison
and Richcraft producer Lionell Davis on his first American album. A new production team called Noize Trip, who produced The Black Eyed Peas
' Disco Club has also contributed some work. It was also reported that Teddy from 1TYM
has produced a song for Seven's American album and possibly will make more songs. Darkchild has also joined the team and produced songs for Se7en. It was also reported from Far East Movement
's blog that they, as well as Three 6 Mafia
will also participate in his upcoming English album. Other blogs report that singer Franklin Ramos, better known as Frankshizzle, will feature Se7en and Tae Yang on his upcoming album Here I Come.
YG Entertainment and Se7en also took necessary steps to ensure his debut such as trademarking his name in America.
Seven began promoting his English songs through a U.S. album preview party tour with his first stop at the Hiro Ballroom in New York City on March 14, 2008 (produced by Swerve Media and Base NYC). Three of his U.S. album tracks were played at this preview party. He is currently holding other album preview parties across the U.S. and Canada. Verizon Wireless
has been sponsoring his preview parties and autograph signings by Seven for a charitable cause.
On March 10, Seven 's first single "Girls" featuring Lil' Kim
was released through digital stores such as iTunes and Amazon MP3. The music video for "Girls" was also released on Myspace that same day.
Seven 's "Girls" music video premiered on BET
106 & Park
on June 2, 2009.
Goong S
, a spinoff of the drama Goong
. The first episode of Goong S premiered on January 10, 2007 on MBC
; the average nationwide rating for the entire series was 9.7%.
Goong S was the most searched and rewatched drama online; it ranked higher than its competition: KBS2 Dal Ja's Spring and SBS Surgeon Bong Dal Hee. The drama has also gained a wide variety of support from international fans in the U.S., Thailand, Malaysia, Brazil, Australia, and Singapore.
Se7en has stated an intention to continue acting in the near future. Seven had said that even though the drama was not of much of a success, he does not ever regret accepting the role of his character in the drama. It even helped Seven to sing with more emotion during performances. He also mentioned that he was thankful to have a chance to work with the drama crew and take his career to a new level by acting.
range. His voice can be described as smooth, mellow, and sometimes mildly abrasive (see vocal belting) when songs, such as "Crazy," "La La La," "Hikari" and "I Know," call for it. He often sings with a vibrato
in his voice that American R&B singers are known for, and also incorporates beatboxing
into many of his songs such as "Passion." Seven maintains an adamant belief that he should not lipsync during his live performances.
In June 2009, Seven acknowledged on his website that he and actress Park Han-byul had been in a relationship for over nine years, with the couple having first met when they were seniors in high school. Seven had previously denied rumours that they were a couple in order to protect Park's privacy and let the relationship grow naturally. Han-byul was featured in Se7en's music video for his song "I'm Going Crazy".
Korean Extended Plays
Korean Singles
Japanese studio albums
Japanese Singles
Chinese studio albums
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
n singer from YG Entertainment
YG Entertainment
YG Entertainment is a record label and talent agency founded by Korean band Seo Taiji & Boys member Yang Hyun Suk and based in Seoul, South Korea. It specializes in producing R&B and hip hop music. YG stands for Yang Goon and are also the initials of the chief executive officer, Yang Hyun Suk...
. He has released songs in South Korea, Japan, China and the United States.
2003: Debut
He began training under the management agency YG EntertainmentYG Entertainment
YG Entertainment is a record label and talent agency founded by Korean band Seo Taiji & Boys member Yang Hyun Suk and based in Seoul, South Korea. It specializes in producing R&B and hip hop music. YG stands for Yang Goon and are also the initials of the chief executive officer, Yang Hyun Suk...
at the age of fifteen. After four years of training in voice and dance, he made his debut in 2003. He released his debut album Just Listen
Just Listen (album)
Just Listen is the first album by Korean pop and R&B singer Seven, released on March 8, 2003, under YG Entertainment. It produced three singles: "와줘" , "한번 단 한번" and "Baby I Like You Like That".- Track listing :...
on March 8, 2003.
2007-2009: American Debut
Seven and YG Family (including Big Bang, 2NE12NE1
Both the song and the group became popular online: Fire topped Mnet's online chart and 2NE1 became a popular search term. The group was awarded three Cyworld Digital Music Awards; "Lollipop" and "Fire" both won "Song of the Month" and the group won "Rookie of the Month" for May 2009...
, Jinusean
Jinusean
Jinusean is a well-known Korean hip hop duo from YG Family. The duo is made up by Jin-woo Kim and Noh Seung-hwan .-History:In 1994, Jinu debuted in Korea as a solo artist with the popular song: "I Was the Captain"...
and Gummy
Gummy (singer)
Park Ji Yeon , better known by her stage name Gummy , is a South Korean recording artist under YG Entertainment.-2003-2009: Debut and Breakthrough Success:...
) have made an appearance on MTV K
MTV K
MTV K was a channel dedicated to mainly Korean Americans, Asian Americans and K-Pop lovers that showcased the best of Korean culture while providing a platform for Korean American talent...
, followed by 3 concerts in Washington DC, New York City, and Los Angeles, to celebrate YG Family's 10th Anniversary and to help promote Seven before his American debut. The MTV K
MTV K
MTV K was a channel dedicated to mainly Korean Americans, Asian Americans and K-Pop lovers that showcased the best of Korean culture while providing a platform for Korean American talent...
documentary aired on December 11, 2006.
Seven is a featured guest on Amerie
Amerie
Amerie Mi Marie Rogers , known professionally as Amerie or Ameriie, is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. She debuted in 2002 with the album All I Have, primarily co-written and produced by Rich Harrison, and was well-received in the urban market...
's Take Control
Take Control
"Take Control" is a song by American R&B singer-songwriter Amerie from her third studio album, Because I Love It . Written by Cee-Lo Green, Mike Caren, and Amerie and released as the album's lead single in late 2006, the Caren-produced track contains excerpts from Brazilian musician Tom Zé's 1970...
on her album, Because I Love It
Because I Love It
Because I Love It is the third studio album by American R&B singer-songwriter Amerie. Originally set for an autumn 2006 release, and originally to be called None of the Above, the album was released in the United Kingdom on May 14, 2007. The album was released in the U.S. on different dates to...
, which was released in May 2007.
This remix is available on Asian versions of the album.
Yang Hyun Suk, (CEO of YG Entertainment
YG Entertainment
YG Entertainment is a record label and talent agency founded by Korean band Seo Taiji & Boys member Yang Hyun Suk and based in Seoul, South Korea. It specializes in producing R&B and hip hop music. YG stands for Yang Goon and are also the initials of the chief executive officer, Yang Hyun Suk...
) had announced that Fabolous
Fabolous
John David Jackson , better known by his stage name Fabolous, is an American rapper of African American and Dominican descent. He grew up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Part of his early popularity arose from his hit single "Can't Deny It" in 2001, from his debut...
will be featured in Seven 's first U.S. single. However, due to a leak in March 2007 of his US debut song, "This is My Year" featuring Fabolous, which is produced by Rich Harrison
Rich Harrison
Rich Harrison is a Grammy Award-winning record producer and songwriter from Washington, D.C.. He is primarily an R&B/Hip-Hop producer...
and Lionell Davis, on Myspace and YouTube, this caused some changes in Seven's U.S. debut.
Se7en has been working with former CEO of LaFace Records, Mark Shimmel and Grammy-winner Rich Harrison
Rich Harrison
Rich Harrison is a Grammy Award-winning record producer and songwriter from Washington, D.C.. He is primarily an R&B/Hip-Hop producer...
and Richcraft producer Lionell Davis on his first American album. A new production team called Noize Trip, who produced The Black Eyed Peas
The Black Eyed Peas
The Black Eyed Peas are an American pop group , formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1995. The group includes rappers will.i.am, apl.de.ap, and Taboo, and singer Fergie. Since the release of their third album Elephunk in 2003, the group has sold an estimated 56 million records worldwide...
' Disco Club has also contributed some work. It was also reported that Teddy from 1TYM
1TYM
1TYM is a four-member Korean hip hop group. The four members are: Oh Jin Hwan , Park Hong Jun , Song Baek Kyoung , and Im Taebin . Leader Teddy and lead vocalist Danny originated from the United States and moved to South Korea when they were accepted under YG...
has produced a song for Seven's American album and possibly will make more songs. Darkchild has also joined the team and produced songs for Se7en. It was also reported from Far East Movement
Far east movement
Far East Movement is an Asian American electro hop quartet based in Los Angeles. The group formed in 2003 and consists of Kev Nish , Prohgress , J-Splif , and DJ Virman...
's blog that they, as well as Three 6 Mafia
Three 6 Mafia
Three 6 Mafia are an Academy Award-winning, American rap group originating from Memphis, Tennessee. Formed in 1991 as Triple 6 Mafia, by DJ Paul, Juicy J, & Lord Infamous, the group at its most featured six members including; Crunchy Black, Gangsta Boo and Koopsta Knicca...
will also participate in his upcoming English album. Other blogs report that singer Franklin Ramos, better known as Frankshizzle, will feature Se7en and Tae Yang on his upcoming album Here I Come.
YG Entertainment and Se7en also took necessary steps to ensure his debut such as trademarking his name in America.
Seven began promoting his English songs through a U.S. album preview party tour with his first stop at the Hiro Ballroom in New York City on March 14, 2008 (produced by Swerve Media and Base NYC). Three of his U.S. album tracks were played at this preview party. He is currently holding other album preview parties across the U.S. and Canada. Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless
Cellco Partnership, doing business as Verizon Wireless, is one of the largest mobile network operators in the United States. The network has 107.7 million subscribers as of 2011, making it the largest wireless service provider in America....
has been sponsoring his preview parties and autograph signings by Seven for a charitable cause.
On March 10, Seven 's first single "Girls" featuring Lil' Kim
Lil' Kim
Kimberly Denise Jones , better known by her stage name Lil' Kim, is an American rapper and actress who was a member of the group Junior M.A.F.I.A.....
was released through digital stores such as iTunes and Amazon MP3. The music video for "Girls" was also released on Myspace that same day.
Seven 's "Girls" music video premiered on BET
Black Entertainment Television
Black Entertainment Television is an American, Viacom-owned cable network based in Washington, D.C.. Currently viewed in more than 90 million homes worldwide, it is the most prominent television network targeting young Black-American audiences. The network was launched on January 25, 1980, by its...
106 & Park
106 & Park
106 & Park is a Top Ten Hip-Hop and R&B music video show, set up in a countdown format, that airs weekdays at 6:00 PM on BET . Since its inception, it was the network's #1 rated show...
on June 2, 2009.
2010: Korean comeback
Se7en made an official comeback in Korea after a 3 year long hiatus on July 31, 2010 with his 1st mini-album "Digital Bounce." It has been popular online and offline music charts since its release in mid July, followed by "I'm Going Crazy". The album consisted of 6 songs including a song from his American debut titled 'Money Can't Buy Me Love'. His title song 'Better Together' won an award on M!Countdown as well. His 2nd track 'Digital Bounce' featured the rapping skills of Big Bang's TOP. Se7en began his follow up promotions in October with the song 'I'm Going Crazy' which featured his long time girlfriend Park HanByul as the main actress in the music video. Throughout his comeback, Se7en attended many variety shows such as Strong Heart, Knee Drop Guru, Running Man, and even featured in fellow labelmate 2NE1's hit reality show 2NE1TV, and told his stories of his hardships in America and his hiatus. Se7en ended his 2010 comeback promotions on the 30 of October with Digital Bounce and Better Together.2011:Japanese Comeback
Se7en has recently revealed, by means of 2NE1's Nolza Japan Concert, that he is planning a comeback in Japan after his four year hiatus since 2007. He has revealed that this album will have a Pop concept and that his first official fanmeet will be on November 6 of this year. Se7en has also revealed that he will be releasing a digital single named 'Angel' in November of this year, and will release a full Japanese album along side a Korean album in January of 2012.Acting career
Seven accepted the lead role for the Korean dramaKorean drama
Korean drama refers to televised dramas, in a miniseries format, produced in the Korean language. Many of these dramas have become popular throughout Asia and have contributed to the general phenomenon of the Korean wave, known as "Hallyu", and also "Drama Fever" in some countries...
Goong S
Goong S
Goong S is a spinoff of Goong. It is produced by PD Hwang with the production company Group Eight. The main cast includes Se7en , Heo Yi Jae, Park Shin-hye, and Kang Doo. The series began its season on January 10, 2007, on MBC, and airs consecutive episodes on Wednesdays and Thursdays...
, a spinoff of the drama Goong
Princess Hours
Princess Hours is a 2006 Korean drama starring Yoon Eun Hye, Joo Ji Hoon, Kim Jeong Hoon and Song Ji-hyo. It was based on manhwa Goong by Park So-Hee. It was broadcast from 11 January to 30 March 2006 on MBC.Princess Hours was one of MBC's most popular dramas of 2006, second only to Jumong...
. The first episode of Goong S premiered on January 10, 2007 on MBC
Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation
Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC (Hangul : 문화방송주식회사, Munhwa Bangsong Jushikoesa) is one of four major national South Korean television and radio networks. Munhwa is the Korean word for "culture". Its flagship terrestrial television...
; the average nationwide rating for the entire series was 9.7%.
Goong S was the most searched and rewatched drama online; it ranked higher than its competition: KBS2 Dal Ja's Spring and SBS Surgeon Bong Dal Hee. The drama has also gained a wide variety of support from international fans in the U.S., Thailand, Malaysia, Brazil, Australia, and Singapore.
Se7en has stated an intention to continue acting in the near future. Seven had said that even though the drama was not of much of a success, he does not ever regret accepting the role of his character in the drama. It even helped Seven to sing with more emotion during performances. He also mentioned that he was thankful to have a chance to work with the drama crew and take his career to a new level by acting.
Artistry
Voice
Seven 's vocal range can be classified in the tenorTenor
The tenor is a type of male singing voice and is the highest male voice within the modal register. The typical tenor voice lies between C3, the C one octave below middle C, to the A above middle C in choral music, and up to high C in solo work. The low extreme for tenors is roughly B2...
range. His voice can be described as smooth, mellow, and sometimes mildly abrasive (see vocal belting) when songs, such as "Crazy," "La La La," "Hikari" and "I Know," call for it. He often sings with a vibrato
Vibrato
Vibrato is a musical effect consisting of a regular, pulsating change of pitch. It is used to add expression to vocal and instrumental music. Vibrato is typically characterised in terms of two factors: the amount of pitch variation and the speed with which the pitch is varied .-Vibrato and...
in his voice that American R&B singers are known for, and also incorporates beatboxing
Beatboxing
Beatboxing is a form of vocal percussion primarily involving the art of producing drum beats, rhythm, and musical sounds using one's mouth, lips, tongue, and voice. It may also involve singing, vocal imitation of turntablism, and the simulation of horns, strings, and other musical instruments...
into many of his songs such as "Passion." Seven maintains an adamant belief that he should not lipsync during his live performances.
Personal life
In June 2009, Seven acknowledged on his website that he and actress Park Han-byul had been in a relationship for over nine years, with the couple having first met when they were seniors in high school. Seven had previously denied rumours that they were a couple in order to protect Park's privacy and let the relationship grow naturally. Han-byul was featured in Se7en's music video for his song "I'm Going Crazy".
Discography
Korean Studio Albums- Just ListenJust Listen (album)Just Listen is the first album by Korean pop and R&B singer Seven, released on March 8, 2003, under YG Entertainment. It produced three singles: "와줘" , "한번 단 한번" and "Baby I Like You Like That".- Track listing :...
(2003) - Must Listen (2004)
- 24/SE7EN (2006)
- Se7olution (2006)
Korean Extended Plays
- Digital Bounce (EP) (2010)
Korean Singles
- Come Back To Me (2003)
- One More Time (2003)
- Baby I Like You Like That (2003)
- Tattoo (2004)
- Passion (2004)
- Crazy (2004)
- I Know (Ft. Teddy) (2006)
- Come Back To Me - Part 2 (2006)
- All Night (2006)
Japanese studio albums
- FIRST SE7EN (2006)
Japanese Singles
- Hikari (2005)
- Style (2005)
- Start Line/ Forever (double A-side single) (2005)
- I wanna... (2006)
Chinese studio albums
- Must Listen (2006)
Tours
- 'FIRST SE7EN' JAPAN YOYOGI CONCERT (2006)
- 747 LIVE CONCERT (2007)
- 'Are U ready?' JAPAN TOUR CONCERT (2007)
Television
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Goong S Goong S Goong S is a spinoff of Goong. It is produced by PD Hwang with the production company Group Eight. The main cast includes Se7en , Heo Yi Jae, Park Shin-hye, and Kang Doo. The series began its season on January 10, 2007, on MBC, and airs consecutive episodes on Wednesdays and Thursdays... |
Kang Hoo/Lee Hoo |
| 2010 | Running Man | Guest (Ep 6) |
Awards
| Year | Awards |
|---|---|
| 2003 |
|
| 2004 |
Golden Disk Awards The Golden Disk Awards is an awards show founded in 1986 that is presented annually by the Music Industry Association of Korea for outstanding achievements in the music industry in South Korea... : Bonsang Golden Disk Awards The Golden Disk Awards is an awards show founded in 1986 that is presented annually by the Music Industry Association of Korea for outstanding achievements in the music industry in South Korea... : Popular Music Video Award M.net KM Music Festival The Mnet Asian Music Awards , is a major music award show that is held by Mnet Media annually in South Korea, involving the participation of some of the most well-known actors and singers... : Best Male Solo Artist Award KBS Music Awards The KBS Music Awards was a major music awards show that is held annually in South Korea.-KBS Music Awards, era:*2005: Kim Jong Kook*2004: Rain*2003: Lee Hyori*2002: Jang Nara*2001: g.o.d.*2000: g.o.d.*1999: Jo Sungmo*1998: H.O.T.... : Bonsang Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC (Hangul : 문화방송주식회사, Munhwa Bangsong Jushikoesa) is one of four major national South Korean television and radio networks. Munhwa is the Korean word for "culture". Its flagship terrestrial television... Music Awards: Bonsang |
| 2005 |
Channel V Channel [V] is the brand name for multiple international music television networks owned by STAR TV and Fox International Channels, fully owned subsidiaries of News Corporation.-Channel [V] International:... Thailand Music Awards: Asian Sensation Award |
| 2006 |
MTV Asia Awards The biannual MTV Asia Awards is the Asian equivalent of the Europe MTV EMA. Established in 2002, the show gives recognition and awards to Asian and international icons in achievement, cinema, fashion, humanitarian, and music. Just like the EMA, most of the awards are voted for by the viewers from... : Favorite Artist Korea MTV Video Music Awards Japan The MTV Video Music Awards Japan are the Japanese version of the MTV Video Music Awards.Like the MTV Video Music Awards in the United States, in this event artists are awarded for their songs and videos through online voting from the same channel viewers... : Best Buzz Asia (South Korea) Seoul Music Awards The Seoul Music Awards is an awards show founded in 1990 that is presented annually by the Sports Seoul for outstanding achievements in the music industry in South Korea.- Categories :... : Best Music Video Award (난 알아요) |
| 2007 |
M.net M.net refers to:* M.net - a South Korean cable channel of M.net Media dedicated to broadcasting and producing music-related entertainment programming 24 hours a day.... 20's Choice: Best Male Artist Award |
External links
- Hello7.com - Official website
- Se7en Official YouTube Channel