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Kim Jin-woo (Korean: 김진우; born October 23, 1971), better known by his stage name Jinu, 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.
JINU | |
---|---|
김진우 | |
Born | Kim Jin-woo October 23, 1971 |
Nationality | American |
Education | Louisiana State University |
Occupations |
|
Spouse |
Kim Jun-hee
(m. 2006; div. 2008) |
Family | Paik Nam June (grandfather) |
Musical career | |
Genres | |
Years active | 1994–present |
Labels | YG Entertainment |
Website | JINUSEAN |
Korean name | |
Hangul | 김진우 |
---|---|
Revised Romanization | Gim Jinu |
McCune–Reischauer | Kim Chinu |
Stage name | |
Hangul | 지누 |
Revised Romanization | Jinu |
McCune–Reischauer | Chinu |
Early life edit
Kim was born in California. He is fluent in English and Korean.[1]
Career edit
1994: Solo debut edit
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 edit
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 edit
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 his first 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 edit
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 edit
Solo album edit
Year | Album Information | Track Listing |
---|---|---|
1994 | Kim Jin Woo Vol. 1
|
Track listing
|
Singles edit
As a lead artist edit
Title | Year | Sales | Album |
---|---|---|---|
"I was Awesome" | 1994 | — | Kim Jin Woo Vol. 1 |
As a featured artist edit
Title | Year | Sales | Album |
---|---|---|---|
"가요 톱 10"
(Turbo featuring. Lee Ha-neul, Jinu, and Lee Sang-min) |
2015 | — | 10집 Again |
Filmography edit
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 edit
- ^ a b c "Jinusean's Profile". Archived from the original on October 26, 2014. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
- ^ "지누션" [Jinusean]. Mnet (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 17, 2016. Retrieved May 30, 2016.
- ^ Kim, Jae-heun (April 16, 2015). "Hip-hop duo Jinusean returns after 11 years". Korea Times. Archived from the original on August 3, 2016. Retrieved May 30, 2016.
- ^ "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".