Kim Ryeo-wook (born June 21, 1987[1]), better known by the mononym Ryeowook, is a South Korean singer, songwriter, and musical actor. He is best known as a member of boy group Super Junior and its subgroups, Super Junior-K.R.Y. and Super Junior-M. Along with four other Super Junior members, he is one of the first Korean artists to appear on Chinese postage stamps.[2] He began a solo career in 2016 with his first EP The Little Prince.
Career
Pre-debut
Ryeowook was discovered through the CMB Youth ChinChin Festival in 2004 and signed a contract with SM Entertainment soon afterwards, impressing the judges with his singing talent.[3] Before Kyuhyun was added in 2006, Ryeowook was the last to join Super Junior several weeks before their debut in 2005.[citation needed]
2006–2009: Debut with Super Junior, K.R.Y and Super Junior-M
Ryeowook made his debut as part of the 12-member project group Super Junior 05 on 6 November 2005 on SBS' music programme Popular Songs, performing their first single, "Twins (Knock Out)".[4][5] Their debut album SuperJunior05 (Twins) was released a month later on 5 December 2005 and debuted at number three on the monthly MIAK K-pop album charts.[6]
In late 2006, Ryeowook, along with fellow Super Junior members Kyuhyun and Yesung, formed a subgroup named Super Junior K.R.Y., a group specializing in R&B ballads. The trio debuted on 5 November 2006 on KBS' Music Bank, performing the Hyena soundtrack called "The One I Love".[7] Ryeowook made his acting debut in 2007 in the film Attack on the Pin-Up Boys, a high-school comedy/mystery film, in which he plays the eccentric vice president of the student council.[8] He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor and Best Comedic Performance at the Korean Movie Awards.
In April 2008, he was put into seven-member sub-group Super Junior-M, a Mandopop subgroup of Super Junior for the Chinese music industry. They debuted in China at the 8th Annual Music Chart Awards at the same time as the release of their first music video, "U", on 8 April 2008. This was followed by the release of the debut Chinese-language studio albumMe in selected provinces in China on 23 April and 2 May in Taiwan.[9]
In November 2012, Super Junior K.R.Y. held a concert tour in Japan, Super Junior K.R.Y. Special Winter Concert. They announced that they would be releasing their first single six years after debut. The teaser for Promise You was released on 21 November 2012, followed by the single on 23 January 2013.[10] It debuted at number two on the Oricon's daily singles chart.[11]
2009–2018: Solo activities
Ryeowook's first composition to be officially released was "Love U More", in the repackaged Sorry, SorryVersion C.[12] Ryeowook made his musical theatre debut in Temptation of Wolves alongside Park Hyung-sik of ZE:A and Lim Jeong-hee. It ran from 14 July to 30 October 2011 at the COEX Artium.[13]
On 16 and 23 June, following the footsteps of bandmates Yesung and Kyuhyun, Ryeowook joined KBS' Immortal Songs 2 with Sunggyu of Infinite, where singers render their own versions of songs from music legends, and winners are selected by voting.[14] He took first place in the 11 August episode where singers Lee Sang-woo and Lee Sang-eun were guests.[15] He recorded his last episode on 16 August, which was broadcast on 25 August.[16]
Ryeowook's debut solo album's title is The Little Prince. The release of The Little Prince was anticipated not only as Ryeowook's first official solo album since his debut 11 years ago but also because it was the first release under Super Junior's own label, Label SJ, established by SM Entertainment in 2015 during the group's 10th anniversary.[18][unreliable source?][19] The title track, bearing the same name as the album, is a ballad inspired by French author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's novel The Little Prince.[20] The title track "The Little Prince" is a ballad song and a conversation between a man in pain from love and The Little Prince.[21][unreliable source?]
In addition to Ryeowook's solo promotions and album release, he held his first solo concert through SMTOWN's The Agit series called "Ever Lasting Star - RyeoWook" from 19 February until 21 February at the SMTOWN's Coex Artium in Samseong-dong, Seoul.[20]
On January 2, 2019, Ryeowook released his second solo album, Drunk on Love.
On May 3, 2022, Ryeowook released his third solo album A Wild Rose.[22][unreliable source?]
Artistry
With three octaves in his range,[23] Ryeowook is a lyric tenor.[citation needed] He has also been known for his frequent usage of falsettos.[24][25] South Korean operatic singer Sumi Jo, whom he collaborated with for a formal performance, praised his musicianship. She called his skills "outstanding" and acknowledged his professionalism on stage.[26]
Ryeowook received his secondary education from Deokwon Arts High School and graduated in February 2006.[27] The same year, he entered Inha University and graduated on 24 February 2012, with a major in theater and film studies.[27][28] Ryeowook enlisted for his military service on 11 October 2016,[29] and was discharged on July 10, 2018.[30]
Ryeowook first publicly acknowledged his relationship with Ari, a former member of Tahiti, in 2020.[31] On March 29, 2024, Ryeowook announced their forthcoming marriage through an Instagram post, where he conveyed the news to his fans via a handwritten letter.[32] The couple married on May 26, 2024.[33]
^Lee, Sul-young (4 June 2009). 디지털케이블TV쇼 개막…케이블TV, 집 밖으로 나오다 [Opening of digital cable TV... Cable TV from houses]. Naver (in Japanese). Archived from the original on 14 June 2023. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
^ abLee Eun-jung (23 January 2006). 슈퍼주니어 려욱 인하대 연영과 합격 [Super Junior's Ryeowook passed Inha University's Department of Acting]. Naver News (in Korean). Yonhap News Agency. Archived from the original on 27 January 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
^Jeong, Yu-jin (26 May 2024). 려욱♥아리, 오늘(26일) 결혼 "너무 아름다운 신부"... 한경·기범·강인도 참석 [Ryeowook ♥ Ari getting married today (26th) "A very beautiful bride"... Hankyung, Kibum, and Kangin are also attending]. News1 (in Korean). Retrieved 26 May 2024 – via Naver.
^2016년 상반기 결산 Download Chart [First half of 2016 Download Chart]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). p. 2. Archived from the original on 15 August 2016. Retrieved 5 February 2019.
^Super Junior リョウク、日本オリジナル曲配信リリース 来月から来日7公演 [Super Junior Ryeowook, released original Japanese song, 7 performances in Japan from next month]. Oricon (in Japanese). 19 October 2022. Archived from the original on 19 October 2022. Retrieved 20 October 2022.
^2011년 31주차 Download Chart [Week 31 of 2011 Download Chart]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on 30 October 2016. Retrieved 5 February 2019.
^Kim Soo-jin (28 July 2022). 슈주 려욱, 오늘(28일) 로맨스판타지 웹툰 '모든 게 착각이었다' 첫 OST 주자 출격 [공식] [Ryeowook of Suju, the first OST runner of the romance fantasy webtoon 'Everything Was Misunderstanding' today (28th) [Official]] (in Korean). MT Star News. Archived from the original on 28 July 2022. Retrieved 28 July 2022 – via Naver.
^ abc2016년 01월 Download Chart (국내) [January 2016 Download Chart (Domestic)]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). p. 4. Archived from the original on 15 August 2016. Retrieved 5 February 2019.
^ ab2016년 05주차 Download Chart [5th week of 2016 Download Chart]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). p. 2. Archived from the original on 15 August 2016. Retrieved 5 February 2019.
^슈주 려욱-비스트 손동운 '슈퍼 아이돌 차트쇼' MC 발탁 [Ryeowook of SuJu and Son Dong-woon of Beast are selected as MCs for 'Super Idol Chart Show']. Kyunghyang Shinmun (in Korean). 29 January 2014. Archived from the original on 15 September 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2022 – via Naver.
^Park Joo-eun (9 June 2015). '프로듀사' 9회 카메오,케이윌ㆍ려욱ㆍ박보검 출연...기대 만발 ['The Producers' episode 9 cameo, K.will, Ryeowook, Park Bo-gum appeared... Full of anticipation]. Segye Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 16 September 2022.
^Kim Joon-suk (16 October 2015). '더 프렌즈 in 스위스' 이특-려욱, 활동 10주년 맞아 스위스 절친 여행 ['The Friends in Switzerland' Intimate trip to Switzerland coincide with 10 years anniversary of Leeteuk's and Ryeowook's activity]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on 1 February 2021. Retrieved 24 December 2019.
^Sun Mi-kyung (20 February 2015). 슈퍼주니어 려욱, '엔터-K' MC 됐다..내달 1일 첫방 [Super Junior's Ryeowook became 'Enter-K' MC.. First broadcast on the 1st of next month]. OSEN [ko] (in Korean). Archived from the original on 15 September 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2022 – via Naver.
^Choi Jung-ah (16 March 2016). 려욱 '아주 사적인 TV' 출연 "신동 소개팅 제안 거절해 폭풍후회" [Ryeowook appears on 'Very Private TV' "Rejecting Shindong's blind date offer, huge regret"]. Sports World (in Korean). Archived from the original on 15 September 2022. Retrieved 15 September 2022 – via Naver.
^Jang Ah-reum (15 March 2016). '꽃미남 브로맨스' 려욱·박형식, 절친들의 연애史 폭로전 [Ryeowook and Park Hyung-sik reveals the love story of best friends in 'Celebrity Bromance']. News1 (in Korean). Archived from the original on 15 September 2022. Retrieved 15 September 2022 – via Naver.
^Gil Hye-seong (17 January 2016). '복면가왕' 3R 아쉬운 탈락 '골든타임'은 슈주 '려욱'이었다 [Disappointing elimination in 'King of Mask Singer' 3R, 'Golden Time' is SuJu's Ryeowook]. Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on 15 September 2022. Retrieved 15 September 2022 – via Naver.
^Seo Dong-woo (10 March 2019). '복면가왕' 클림트 3연속 가왕... 장영실 정체는 려욱(종합) ['King of Masked Singer' Klimt 3 singers in a row... Chang Young-sil identity is Ryeowook (full story)]. News1 (in Korean). Archived from the original on 15 September 2022. Retrieved 15 September 2022 – via Naver.
^Cheon Yoon-hye (23 September 2018). [첫방]'팔아야 귀국' 지석진팀vs이특팀, 한류★→글로벌 완판王 변신 성공 [[First broadcast] 'Sell to return' Jee Seok-jin team vs Leeteuk team, Korean wave → Successful transformation of global sold-out king]. Herald POP (in Korean). Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 16 September 2022 – via Naver.
^Choi Yoon-na (21 September 2018). 슈퍼주니어 려욱, '어 송 포유 시즌5' MC 발탁 [Super Junior's Ryeowook selected as MC for 'A Song For You Season 5']. Sports Dong-a (in Korean). Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 16 September 2022.
^Choi Yoon-na (16 July 2019). '동네앨범' KCMX권혁수X려욱X수정의 빛나는 '찰떡 케미' ['Perfect chemistry' of KCM X Kwon Hyuk-soo X Ryeowook X Su-jeong in 'Neighbourhood Album']. Sports Dong-a (in Korean). Archived from the original on 15 September 2022. Retrieved 15 September 2022 – via Naver.
^Woo, Bin (1 March 2023). 슈퍼주니어, 사우디 관광청과 손잡고 여행 예능 '램프의 기사' 론칭 [Super Junior, in partnership with the Saudi Tourism Board, launches a travel entertainment show called 'The Knight of the Lamp]. Ten Asia (in Korean). Archived from the original on 1 March 2023. Retrieved 1 March 2023 – via Naver.
^Jang Jin-ri (30 May 2011). 려욱, 뮤지컬 배우 신고식...'늑대의 유혹' 캐스팅 [Ryeowook, musical actor announcement... Cast for 'Temptation of Wolves']. joynews24 (in Korean). Archived from the original on 11 June 2022. Retrieved 11 June 2022 – via Naver.
^Seo Hye-rim (12 May 2013). 려욱·루나·이재진 '하이스쿨 뮤지컬' 주역 [Ryeowook, Luna, and Lee Jae-jin as the protagonists of 'High School Musical']. Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). Archived from the original on 11 June 2022. Retrieved 11 June 2022 – via Naver.
^Heo Seol-hee (21 March 2014). 뮤지컬 '여신님이 보고계셔' 돌아온다, 완벽 라인업 공개 [Musical 'Goddess Is Watching' returns, complete lineup revealed]. My Daily (in Korean). Archived from the original on 11 June 2022. Retrieved 11 June 2022.
^Kim Geum-yong (25 May 2015). 슈주 려욱, 창작 뮤지컬 '여신님이 보고 계셔' 출연 [SuJu Ryeowook to appear in creative musical 'Goddess is Watching']. CNB News (in Korean). Archived from the original on 14 June 2023. Retrieved 11 June 2022.
^Heo Seol-hee (24 February 2015). '아가사' 려욱 "노래·연기 부족, 뮤지컬 선배들과 매일 통화해" ["Lack of singing and acting, I call my musical seniors every day" said Ryeowook regarding 'Agatha']. My Daily (in Korean). Archived from the original on 11 June 2022. Retrieved 11 June 2022 – via Naver.
^Yoo Byung-chul (24 November 2015). 슈퍼주니어 려욱, 연극 '한밤중에 개에게 일어난 의문의 사건' 매진 공약 이행 [Super Junior's Ryeowook fulfills the promise to sell out the play 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time']. Korea Economic TV (in Korean). Archived from the original on 11 June 2022. Retrieved 11 June 2022 – via Naver.
^Lee Seul-bi (29 September 2018). 신원호, '광염 소나타' 뮤지컬 데뷔전…려욱과 더블 캐스팅 [Shin Won-ho's musical debut in 'Flaming Sonata'... Double cast with Ryeowook]. Sports Dong-a (in Korean). Archived from the original on 11 June 2022. Retrieved 11 June 2022 – via Naver.
^Kim Hyun-jung (26 April 2019). '광염소나타' 려욱·켄·이지훈... 26일 개막 전 열정의 연습 현장 [Ryeowook, Ken, Lee Ji-hoon in 'Flaming Sonata'... Passion practice before the opening on the 26th]. Xports News (in Korean). Archived from the original on 11 June 2022. Retrieved 11 June 2022 – via Naver.
^Kim Hyun-jung (18 August 2020). '광염소나타' 김지철·려욱·후이·유회승 첫공 성료 "연습생 시절 돌아봐" ['Flaming Sonata' Kim Ji-cheol, Ryeowook, Hui, and Yoo Hoe-seung successfully completed the first performance, "Look back to your trainee days"]. Xports News (in Korean). Archived from the original on 11 June 2022. Retrieved 11 June 2022 – via Naver.
^Go Jae-wan (10 December 2021). 슈주 려욱, 창작뮤지컬 '팬레터' 주인공 10일 첫 공연 [Suju's Ryeowook, the main character of the creative musical 'Fan Letter', first performance on the 10th] (in Korean). Sports Chosun. Archived from the original on 10 December 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2021 – via Naver.
^ abKim Kwan-myung (14 October 2007). '타짜' 조승우 김혜수, 대한민국영화연기대상 남녀주연상 수상 ['Tazza' Cho Seung-woo and Kim Hye-soo win the Best Actor Award at the Korean Movie Stars Awards]. Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on 27 May 2021. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
^Kim Hye-in (26 December 2015). [KBS연예대상] 슈퍼주니어 려욱, 라디오DJ상 수상 '이특 대리 수상' [[KBS Entertainment Awards] Super Junior Ryeowook received the Radio DJ Award, 'award received by Leeteuk']. Korea Economic Daily (in Korean). Archived from the original on 17 August 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2022 – via Naver.
External links
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