Lee Min Woo

This is a Korean name; the family name is Lee.

Lee Min Woo
Birth name	이민우 (李珉宇)
Also known as	M
Born	28 July 1979 (1979-07-28) (age 32)
Origin	South Korea
Genres	K-pop, J-pop, Dance, R&B
Occupations	singer, actor, dancer, songwriter, lyricist, entrepreneur
Years active	1998–present
Labels	SM Entertainment (1998-2003) Good Entertainment (2004-2007) M Rising Entertainment (2007-present) Shinhwa Company (2011-present)
Associated acts	Shinhwa

Korean name
Hangul	이민우
Hanja	李珉宇
Revised Romanization	I Min-u
McCune–Reischauer	Yi Min-u

Lee Min Woo (Hangul: 이민우, Hanja: 李珉宇), mononymously credited as M as a solo artist, was born on 28 July 1979. He is a South Korean entertainer, known as a member of six-member boy band Shinhwa. Lee was the fourth member picked for the group. As part of Shinhwa, he has recorded nine studio albums as a vocalist and a rapper. Though he left the group's management company in early 2007, Lee has stated that he is still part of Shinhwa and that the band will never disband.

Lee first started his solo act in 2003 when Shinhwa was on hiatus. He has since released three studio albums. Aside from singing, Lee has also appeared in Korean television dramas and movies, with and without his bandmates. Throughout his career with Shinhwa, Lee has changed his looks along with his bandmates. From having a cute image in the early days and transitioning to various looks, Lee and his bandmates never lost their strong fanbase.

Biography

Debut with Shinhwa

Main article: Shinhwa

While dancing for his group, Dicky Ducky, as a student at JunJoo Fine Arts School for the Everland dancing competition, Lee was spotted by some SM Town members and became a part of the much known boy band, Shinhwa. Although he started out as a rapper and a singer, he stopped rapping as Shinhwa continued to release albums. When Shinhwa first came out, the fans (which later name themselves Shinhwa Changjo) quickly chose Lee as the cutest one in the group, with him garnering much attention. However, as time passed time, each of the members began gaining attention, with them having equal popularity as of today. As a skilled dancer, he has choreographed some of Shinhwa's most technically challenging dances. He has released 9 albums (eight full Korean albums and one Japanese album) with Shinhwa and is currently working on their ninth album.

2003-2005: Going solo and commercial success

Lee became the first member out of Shinhwa to go solo, debuting in late 2003, during a break from Shinhwa's activities. Choosing the stage name of "M", he joined forces with other "M" companies (such as Korea's music television network M-Net) to heavily promote his first album. The record company depended on Lee to be successful, and he ended up surpassing expectations. His first album, Un-Touch-Able, sold in excess of 100, 000 copies (according to the January 2004 Music Industry Association of Korea chart,^[1] the last time the album charted).

"Just One Night", the lead single from the album, was very successful, and it also had "M" show a very different side to him. As opposed to Shinhwa's music, which tended to be very dance/R&B-oriented, "Just One Night" was a jazzy slow groove song showing a more sophisticated Lee. In addition, the performances for the various network music shows were very choreographed, showing that Lee was putting a lot of effort into his solo debut. However, the second single from the album, "비야" (Oh Rain), was not. Although the record company released a slightly remixed version of the single, promotion for it was light at best. Soon into 2004, Lee stopped promoting the album altogether and joined his Shinhwa bandmates in preparing for their 7th album, eventually released in August 2004.

After the success of Shinhwa's Brand New, Shinhwa went into another hiatus. During this time, Lee recorded and released a single, "If You...", in March 2005. Sales did not reach album levels, but the single managed to sell over 30 000 copies. Again, Lee heavily promoted the single, with many performances of the song "If You...", complete with special dance intros performances of other songs. As opposed to the sophisticated image from his first album, Lee promoted this single with a "handsome" image, as the song was a light pop song. However, when fellow Shinhwa member Shin Hye Sung released his solo debut, Lee stopped performing in order to avoid competing with him.

By fall of 2005, Lee was ready for his "comeback special" and released his second album, entitled IInd Winds. Initially released in two versions (including a limited "Lineage II" edition), the album's liner notes showed off a sexier Lee Minwoo, as his new muscular body was clearly displayed; there were many pictures of him in partial attire. Lee used the sexier image for his lead single "Bump!!!", which was a club-oriented dance hit. Complete with an intense video and heavily choreographed performances, the song pushed Lee to the top of the various network charts, and his album sold 80 000 copies in the month of September. To capitalize on this success, Good Entertainment (via EMI Korea, their distributor) released yet another version of the album. However, this one had a completely new cover and special bonus tracks; in addition, there was a bonus VCD. This "Girl Friend edition" was released as Lee moved onto his second single, "Girl Friend", a ballad about a lost love. Lee changed his image once again, displaying a rougher, yet sensitive, image. "Girl Friend" was fairly successful as well, allowing Lee to promote his album for over four months, a rarity in Korea's music industry. The album was ultimately a strong seller, placing 12th in MIAK's year-end charts with over 120,000 copies sold.

2006-2008: Expanding solo activities and leaving Good Entertainment

Lee kicked off the year 2006 with a solo concert entitled "M's Girlfriend", promoted as his "first live concert". Held at the Seoul Olympic Gymnasium, he was able to perform two live concerts in early January, in which he performed not only his solo hits, but also songs from other groups (including New Kids on the Block). The concert was released on DVD in the summer.

After promotions, Lee focused on his acting skill, as he filmed his first movie Wontak's Angel, released in summer of 2006. In addition, he rejoined his group members as Shinhwa released their 8th album, also in the summer. Into early fall, Lee continued to promote the album overseas and performing in many Shinhwa concerts around Asia.

Starting in November, Lee began to perform as a solo artist again, including a concert in Shanghai on the 4th.^{[citation needed]} A promotional concert was held at Seoul Melon AX on December 2.^[2][3] Lee also had participated in new singer Sat's first single.^[4]

In the beginning of 2007, Lee left his bandmate's label Good Entertainment to create his own, naming it M RISING Entertainment.^[5] By creating his own entertainment, Lee concetrated on his solo career more.

Once again Lee's band Shinhwa went on hiatus, thus allowing Lee to once again go solo. He was chosen to perform with American singer Christina Aguilera at her Seoul Concert on June 24, giving Lee high publicity.^[6] Aguilera had viewed numerous video clips sent in by various Korean stars, as she wanted to choose only the best. The artists were viewed by their dancing and singing abilities and how well their album sales were.^[7] Aguilera then chose Lee as the male to perform with her while singer Ivy was chosen as the female counterpart.^[8][9]

In mid-July 2007, Lee finally release his third album Explore, which was in the R&B/dance vein of his previous albums. He had composeed 9 songs by himself. The album debuted at #3 on the chart. Although he intended to release it in the U.S., with the U.S. via CJ Music and CJ Entertainment's global network,^[10] it was released in Korea instead. Because it was released around the same time as another Shinhwa band member, Kim Dong Wan, the two considered themselves in a friendly rivalry (another Shinhwa member, Shin Hye Sung, soon joined in the friendly rivalry with the release of his second album in early August).

Lee's third album sold over 30,000 copies in just three days, with 25,000 being pre-orders. Lee's first single from the album was call Stomp, where it was #1 for two consecutive days on an online chart. His second single, “The M Style” was also quite popular as well, climbing up the charts just as quickly. Though his songs manage to chart well, the album sales were not as strong as its two predecessors, with the album dropping off the Korean Monthly Chart rather quickly. Lee released his first mini-album, The Sentimental Reason in February 2008 to coincide with Valentine's Day and White Day. Giving only a limited 13,000 copies, it sold out in less than a month. The mini-album was successful enough for Lee to promote it with two singles, "Just One More Night" and "Believe In Love."....

2009-Present: Comeback

After failing to garner much acclaim with his 2008 "M Rizing" project album, Shinhwa's Lee Minwoo made a come back in June with a mini album, Vol 4.5: MINNOVATION. Minwoo and American producer Outsidaz collaborated to produce the hit track, “Minnovation,” infused with electronica and hip hop beats. In his comeback performances, Lee showed a variety of fresh dance moves and innovative ‘laser beam’ gloves that caught the eyes of many viewers. It is said that he spent a staggering 1.5 million won on the gloves. Lee Minwoo’s mini album garnered pleasant results during the first week of sales and topped the Hanteo sales chart.

In January 2010 it was reported that Minwoo was in a serious car accident on Christmas Eve, in which he sustained some serious injuries. He has since been discharged and is recovering at home.

On February 25, 2010, Minwoo enlisted for the army where he is currently serving as a public service officer in Yongsan, Seoul.

Awards

Years	Awards
2004	Buzz Award MTV Music Award Japan "Best Buzz In Asia"
2005	Golden Disk award MKMF Award SBS Music award
2006	Channel V Thailand: Best Asian Artist DongNam Hottrack music award (China) The most favourite Asia artist chosen by the China citizen "Asia Star Family Love Concert Shanghai"
2007	Netizen August MVP artists (3rd Place) Viewer's Choice Award MKMF 2007 Award: Dance Candidates (nominated) MKMF 2007 Award: Song Of The Year (nominated for the song, "Stomp")

Discography

Singles

Single #	Single Information	Track Listing
1st	Title: If You Released: March 10, 2005 Label: EMI Music Korea Ltd Released Under: Good Entertainment Sales: 30,000 Language: Korean	If You... Overdoze Un-Touch-Able (Acoustic Edition) If You (D-South Remix) Un-Touch-Able (Instrumental)

Albums

Album #	Album Information	Track listing
1st	Title: Un-Touch-Able Released: November 22, 2003 Label: EMI Music Korea Ltd Released Under: Good Entertainment Sales: 100,000 copies Language: Korean	Intro Punch One in a Million (1/1000000) Just One Night Sweet Girl 비야 착각 un-touch-able 처럼 Option To Y... ...없게 만들어요 For you (to my lovely fans...)
2nd	Title: IInd Winds Released: September 3, 2005 Label: EMI Music Korea Ltd Released Under: Good Entertainment Sales: 120,000 copies Language: Korean	Fighter 蜃氣樓 (신기루) Last, First Kiss Bump!!! Let me Love you Girl Friend Interlude Sometimes Battle (Jump! Jump!) L.U.V Sweet Sound Overdoze – Remix
3rd	Title: Explore M Released: July 10, 2007 Label: EMI Music Korea Ltd Released Under: Good Entertainment Sales: 41,007 copies Language: Korean	Showdown (Feat. Eric) The "M" Style (Feat. Tablo of Epik High) Boyfriend Stomp La Noche Bonita AM 07:05 Play My Song (Feat. Tiger JK) 너뿐이라고 (Untouchable Part II) Pretty Woman One Last Cry L.O.V.E My Child (98/03/24)
4th	Title: M Rizing Released: September 25, 2008 Label: EMI Music Korea Ltd Released Under: M Rising Entertainment Language: Korean	I'm Here 남자를 믿지마 (Feat. BigTone) I “M” U (Feat. MightyMouth) 용서해 멋진 인생 가면 무도회 (Feat. BigTone) 윙크 쇼 Honey 꼬시기 - Feat. 유빈 (Wonder Girls) Sad Song 반한 Girl 나의 여백(M’s Epilogue) ...없게 만들어요 Hot! (Feat. 손담비)...)

Mini Albums

Mini Album #	Mini Album Information	Track listling
1st	Title: The Sentimental Reason Released: February, 2008 Released Under: M Rising Entertainment Sale: 13,000 Copies Language: Korean	Just One More Night Believe in love 사랑이란 예쁜 두 글자 Back to the Funk — M’s Life Believe in Love (M’s Sentimental Version） Just One More Night（M’s Romanticize Version)
2nd	Title: Minnovation Released: June 22, 2009 Released Under: M Rising Entertainment Sale: 13,000 Copies Language: Korean	Minnovation Love Me Ice Cream Summer Time 나 집으로 가는 길 가면 무도회 – Outsidaz Club Remix The "M" Style – BK Remix

Live album

Album #	Information	Tracks
1st	Title: Live Works Released: March 2007 Released Under: M Rising Entertainment Sales: 9,583 Language: Korean	DISC 1 Untouchable Punch Fighter 신기루 One In A Million If you... Last First Kiss 처럼 NewKidsOnTheBlock Medley (Please don't go girl/The right stuff/Cover girl) DISC 2 Just One Night Let Me Love U So sick Jazz cafe Sexy Back Sweet Sound 아름다운 이별 + Girl Friend Bump 흐린 기억속의 그대 Battle

Various Editions

• 2nd Winds Lineage II Limited Design (CD+DVD)
  • DVD
    • Region code: all
    • Battle (Jump! Jump) Music Video, (Lineage II Version)
    • Lineage II Client Program

• 2nd Winds Girl Friend Edition (CD+VCD+Photobook)
  • Girl Friend (Piano Remix)
  • Previously un-released MVs
  • M Showcase
  • M Behind the Story clips
  • ...

Activities

Filmography

He acted in various TV series and movies.

• Starred in 'Haeng Jin' - Sitcom 2000.
• Starred in 'Nonstop' - Sitcom 2001.
• Starred in 'Nonstop 5' - Sitcom 2005.
• Starred in 'WonTak's Angel 원탁의 천사' (also known as 'Holy Daddy') - Movie 2006.

Concerts

• 2006 First Live Concert: Girl Friend (15 January 2006 - Seoul KBS 88 Gymnasium)
• M Showcase for 2nd album September 2005
• M first Live Concert 2006 M’s Girlfriend in Seoul January 14 to January 15, 2006
• M Live Works Concert in Seoul December 2 to December 3, 2006
• M Live Works Concert in Osaka, Japan March 28, 2007
• M Live Works Concert in Tokyo, Japan April 1, 2007
• M Explore Concert in Seoul August 25 to August 26, 2007
• M STYLE "HEY!Get Wild！Dance！Scream！” in Seoul December 23 to December 25, 2007
• EXPLORE M~2008 M Style Japan Live~ in Tokyo,Japan January 10 to January 11, 2008
• Wolf M Concert in Seoul February 16 to February 17, 2008
• Back to 'M' Concert in Seoul May 30 to May 31, 2008
• M Rizing Tour Step 1: Club Concert (2 Showings) September 25, 2008
• M Rizing Tour Step 2: Concerts in Tokyo December 17 to December 18, 2008
• M Rizing Tour Step 3: Adieu 2008 in Seoul (2 Showings) December 31, 2008

Songs composed and arranged

Lee is arguably a good composer, lyricist, and producer. He has written many songs for Shinhwa and for other Korean singers.

• For Solo Album:

1. 1st album : Punch, Sweet Girl
2. 2nd album : Fighter, Bump, Let me love you, Sometimes, Battle (Jump, jump), LUV, Shingiru
3. 3rd album : Showdown, The "M" Style, Boyfriend, Stomp, Pretty Woman, My Child (98/03/24)
4. 4th album : I'm Here, I'M'U, Forgive Me, HOT, Wonderful Life, Wink Show, Seducing Honey, Sad Song
5. Mini album: Back to the Funk — M’s Life

• For Shinhwa’s Album:

1. 1st concert : My Everything
2. 2nd concert : Make Money, Yo
3. 3rd album : Soul
4. 4th album : Reminiscence
5. 5th album : Free
6. 6th album : Lost in Love, Later, 79
7. 7th album : All of My, Oh, U
8. 8th album : Paradise
9. 9th album : Run, SO IN LOVE, Destiny of Love

• For other singers:

1. Jewelry : Superstar, One More Time
2. Lyn : Sunshine (feat. Eric)
3. SAT : Eraser (As a producer)
4. Kim Dong Wan : My Love (feat. Eric)
5. Wonder Girls : Move
6. Andy Lee: Never Give Up (feat. Eric,Dongwan,Minwoo)
7. V.O.S :Beautiful Life

Music videos

• 2003 1st Album – Biya
• 2003 1st Album - Just One Night
• 2005 Single - If You
• 2005 2nd Album - Last, First Kiss
• 2005 2nd Album - Bump!!!
• 2005 2nd Album - Battle
• 2005 2nd Album – Girl Friend
• 2005 2nd Album – Sometimes
• 2006 Cici Wang feat Minwoo - Cinderella's Magic
• 2007 SAT & M – Eraser
• 2007 Minwoo at HyeRyung's album song title "A ring".
• 2007 3rd Album - Stomp
• 2007 3rd Album - M Style
• 2008 4th Album - Don't Trust Men Ft. Big Tone

TV Shows

TV

• 2000 Minwoo Show
• 2003 Minwoo – Free
• 2003 Minwoo – Karaoke show
• 2005 Minwoo - Talk and performance
• 2005 ManWon Haengbok
• 2005 Nonstop 5
• July 2006 Infinity Challenge - Quiz Challenge with Shinhwa - MBC
• 2007 Park Kyung Rim's Wonderful Outing
• 2007 Hidden Camera
• 2008 Infinity Challenge
• 2009 SNSD Hello Baby

Game shows

• 2005 Love Letter
• 2005 X-Man - SBS
• 2005 Vitamin
• 2006 Jihwaza
• 2006 Gold Fishery
• 2006 Heroine 6
• 2006 Shoot Dori Football Germany
• 2006 New X-Man - SBS
• 2008 Kko Kko Tour

References

1. ^ "Album Sales For The Month Of January (2004)" (in Korean). MIAK. 2006-07-18. Archived from the original on 2007-06-01. http://web.archive.org/web/20070601045043/http://www.miak.or.kr/stat/kpop_200401.htm. Retrieved 2007-06-19. 
2. ^ "M Plans to Give Concert". KBS GLOBAL. 2006-07-18. http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1423429_11858.html. Retrieved 2007-06-19. 
3. ^ "The Six Men In My Life Now - Shinhwa". Lee Minwoo concert's line up, of glamous guest stars. 2006-07-18. http://shinwashi.blogspot.com/2006/12/lee-minwoo-concerts-line-up-of-glamous_04.html. Retrieved 2007-06-19. 
4. ^ "The Six Men In My Life Now - Shinhwa". MinWoo, Eraser MV New Image. 2006-07-18. http://shinwashi.blogspot.com/2006/12/minwoo-eraser-mv-new-image.html. Retrieved 2007-06-19. 
5. ^ "The World of Lee Minwoo (M)". ...eNam-wangJa Family. 2006-07-18. http://www.shinhwa-indonesia.com/minwoo.php. Retrieved 2007-06-19. 
6. ^ "Aguilera to Hold Concert in Seoul June 23–24". KBS Global. 2006-07-18. http://english.kbs.co.kr/scontents/society/events/1461538_11684.html. Retrieved 2007-06-19. ^{[dead link]}
7. ^ "신화 이민우(M) 크리스티나 아길레나의 남자로 낙점" (in Korean). DAUM. 2006-07-18. http://news.media.daum.net/entertain/music/200706/12/newsen/v17057252.html. Retrieved 2007-06-19. 
8. ^ "Ivy to sing at Christina Aguilera’s Seoul concert". Star East Asia Entertainment News. 2006-07-18. http://news.stareastasia.com/tag/lee-min-woo/. Retrieved 2007-06-19. 
9. ^ "K-pop stars to open Aguilera's Seoul concerts". The Korea Herald. 2006-07-18. https://www.koreaherald.co.kr/SITE/data/html_dir/2007/06/15/200706150008.asp. Retrieved 2007-06-19. 
10. ^ "Singer M to Advance to US". KBS GLOBAL. http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1454135_11858.html. Retrieved 2007-07-05. 

External links

• Minwoo Lee at the Internet Movie Database
• M Rising Entertainment - Minwoo's Entertainment's Official Site
• M 3집 Review on KoME
• M Artist File on KoME

Persondata
Name	Lee, Min Woo
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	July 28, 1979
Place of birth
Date of death
Place of death