Lee Ji-hyun (Korean: 이지현; born 12 December 1986),[2] better known by her stage name Qri (Korean: 큐리), is a South Korean singer and actress. She debuted as a member of girl group T-ara in July 2009. Since 2009, Qri has been active in the entertainment industry from acting and variety shows to music to modeling. Her most notable works include her supporting role in hit drama Queen Seondeok the show received near-universal acclaim, winning over 20 awards and solidifying Qri's career in the field.
Qri | |
|---|---|
| 이지현 | |
.jpg) Qri in June 2017 | |
| Born | Lee Ji-hyun 12 December 1986 Goyang, South Korea |
| Occupations |
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| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instrument(s) |
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| Years active | 2009–present |
| Labels | |
| Member of | |
| Korean name | |
| Hangul | 큐리 |
| Revised Romanization | Kyuri |
| McCune–Reischauer | K'yuri |
| Birth name | |
| Hangul | 이지현 |
| Hanja | |
| Revised Romanization | I Ji-hyeon |
| McCune–Reischauer | Yi Chihyŏn |
Qri showed high interest in fashion design in 2018 and ended up designing several commercial products.[3] Qri launched her self-produced jewelry brand "Qriel" in 2021.[4]
Early life and education
Lee Ji-hyun was born on 12 December 1986.[5] She has studied at Juyeob High School, and then attended Myungji University, enrolling in the Department of Theatre and Visual Arts, the same class as fellow group member, Boram.[citation needed] She was a model, bassist of the rock band Six Color, and a famous ulzzang before her debut as a T-ara member.
Music career
T-ara
Qri was the last of the three new members to be added to the group after two former members Jiae and Jiwon quit in mid-2009.[6] It was later mentioned on tvN's Taxi that she was introduced to the CEO of Core Contents Media by her original company.[citation needed] In July 2013, Qri became the new leader of T-ara under the group's rotating leadership system.[7]
QBS
Qri, Boram and Soyeon formed a subgroup called QBS in May 2013, focused on the Japanese market.[citation needed] The subgroup released their debut single titled "Kaze no You ni" (風のように, Like the Wind) on 26 June 2013.[citation needed]
Solo career
In 2021, Qri released her very first solo digital single "Suri Suri". Qri was revealed to have participated in the writing and production of the song. There wasn't a music video filmed for the song.
On 29 September, Qri expressed her gratitude to her fans for the song's success through Instagram. The song topped iTunes Vietnam for 3 days as well as charting in other countries. The song also debuted at #1 on multiple Chinese weekly charts including Migu China.[8]
Acting career
In September 2009, Qri made her acting debut in the drama Queen Seondeok as Kim Yu-shin's wife.[9] She made a cameo appearance alongside other members of T-ara in the drama Master of Study in 2010,[10] and was then given a lead role on KBS's drama Southern Trader Kim Chul Soo's Update.[11] Qri also made a cameo appearance alongside group member Soyeon in SBS' drama Giant.[12] She was cast alongside groupmate Eunjung for KBS' drama King Geunchogo in 2011, starting from episode 47.[13]
Other ventures
Endorsements
Prior to her debut as a singer with T-ara, Qri worked with several brands and shopping malls. Qri has worked with many Korean brands including Casamia Furniture and Galbanara, as well as international brands such as LG Group and Maybelline New York.[14] In 2021, Qri became an advertising model for Castellbajac, she filmed multiple videos for the brand which were all released online.[4]
Fashion design
In 2018, Qri announced the launch of her first self-designed product collection with "Celebrity hat brand" Sebs named "Seb.Q" . The collection featured colored hats and hoodies. It was announced that Qri participated in both the designing and production of the products.[3] The project was a huge success with all products selling out and constantly being restocked since 2018.[15] In 2021, Qri established her own jewelry brand named "Qriel" for which she modeled herself.[4]
Discography
| Year | Album | Song | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Bunny Style! | "Shabondama no Yukue" (シャボン玉のゆくえ) | with Boram |
| "Do we Do we" | Solo | ||
| 2017 | What's My Name? | "Diamond" | |
| 2021 | Non-album single | "Suri Suri" |
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Death Bell 2: Bloody Camp | Cameo | |
| 2011 | Gisaeng Ryung |
Television series
| Year | Network | Title | Role | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | MBC | Queen Seondeok | Young Mo | Supporting role | [9] |
| 2010 | KBS | Master of Study | — | Cameo | [10] |
| KBS | Southern Trader Kim Chul Soo's Updates | Lee Kyung | Main role | [11] | |
| SBS | Giants | — | Cameo | [12] | |
| 2011 | KBS | King Geunchogo | Princess Bu Yeo-jin | Supporting role | [13][16] |
Web series
| Year | Network | Title | Role | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Daum TV | Bubi Bubi | Herself | Main role | [17] |
| 2015 | Naver TV | Sweet Temptation | [18] |
Variety shows
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | M! Countdown | Special Host | K-Chart announcer | |
| Mnet Scandal | Cast | With Hyomin | ||
| 2012 | M! Countdown | Special Host | With Boram | [19] |
| 2016 | Idol Intern King | Main Cast | [20] | |
| 2021 | South Korean Foreigners | Contestant | Girl group generations special | [21] |
Music videos
| Year | Title | Artist | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Even If We're Apart | Shin Tae-kwon | Song for You |
Accolades
Awards and nominations
| Award Ceremony | Year | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LBMA Star Awards | 2017 | Korean Wave Star Award | Qri | Won | [22] |
Listicles
| Publisher | Year | List | Placement | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forbes China | 2017 | Global Idol Chinese Popularity Ranking | 37th | [23] |
References
External links
