Yunho
Template:Short description Template:For Template:Use mdy dates Template:Family name hatnote Template:Infobox person
Jung Yunho<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> (Template:Korean; born February 6, 1986), better known by his stage name U-Know Yunho (Template:Korean) or simply U-Know, is a South Korean singer-songwriter, actor, and a member of the pop duo TVXQ. Born and raised in Gwangju, South Korea, Yunho started his musical training under the talent agency SM Entertainment in 2001 and joined TVXQ in 2003 as the band's leader.<ref name="Russell2014">Template:Cite book</ref> Fluent in Korean and Japanese, Yunho has released chart-topping albums throughout Asia as a member of TVXQ. He has made occasional acting appearances in television dramas.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Early life
Yunho was born and raised in Gwangju, South Korea. He has one younger sister. Several members of Yunho's family worked in the legal industry, and Yunho's own childhood dream was to be a prosecutor.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
When he was in middle school, he and a few other friends formed the dance team A+, and they competed in various dance competitions around the country.Template:Citation needed After winning a prize at the 1st Annual SM Best Competition in 1999, Yunho signed with S.M. Entertainment and officially started his training in 2001.Template:Citation needed
His family, who suffered greatly from the 1997 Asian financial crisis, were initially against his decision to become a singer.Template:Citation needed To provide for himself while he trained in Seoul, Yunho took up various part-time jobs in the city, such as doing snow removal in the morning and working as a waiter at night.Template:Citation needed He spent most of his high school vacations in Seoul training and only returned to Gwangju for school.Template:Citation needed Sometime later, Yunho suffered a hormonal imbalance in his throat and underwent surgery, which affected his vocal cords. After losing his voice, Yunho considered giving up his training.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Throughout his years as a trainee, Yunho was put in four temporary groups—all of which later disbanded. In late 2001, at the age of fifteen, Yunho was featured as a rapper and backup dancer in Dana's debut single "Diamond", and briefly toured with her.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2002, Yunho was selected to be a backup dancer for Shinhwa and was chosen to be part of the project boy band Four Seasons, which consisted of fellow trainees Kim Jae-joong, Kim Hee-chul, and Kangin.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Citation needed The project group was dropped when Yunho and Jaejoong joined TVXQ in early 2003.Template:Citation needed
Yunho's stage name "U-Know", a nickname he has been using since high school, reflected Yunho's position as the leader, who was always trying to understand others.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Music career
TVXQ
The final line-up of TVXQ consisted of Yunho, Max Changmin, Jaejoong, Park Yoo-chun, and Kim Jun-su. The group officially debuted on December 26, 2003, during a BoA and Britney Spears showcase. They performed their debut single "Hug", which became a hit in South Korea. TVXQ have been releasing number one albums in Korea since their second studio album Rising Sun (2005), which was also the album that gave the group their first Daesang (대상), or Grand Award, at the Mnet KM Music Festival. Their fourth Korean album Mirotic (2008) was the Album of the Year at the 2008 Mnet KM Music Festival and the 2008 Golden Disc Awards. The album features the group's most well-known and best-selling single, "Mirotic".
In 2005, TVXQ made their Japanese debut with the single "Stay with Me Tonight", debuting at number 37 on the Oricon Singles Chart. They grabbed their first number-one single in Japan with "Purple Line" (2008). Their fourth Japanese album The Secret Code spawned two platinum-selling singles "Dōshite Kimi o Suki ni Natte Shimattandarō?" and Share the World" (2009), with the latter being a theme song for the anime One Piece.
TVXQ was plunged into legal turmoil when members Jaejoong, Yoochun, and Junsu filed an injunction against their Korean agency in July 2009. This led to their much-publicized departure from the group in 2010. A year later, Yunho and Changmin returned as a duo, releasing albums in both Korean and Japanese. As a duo, TVXQ set sales records and concert attendance records in Japan, becoming the country's best-selling and highest-grossing foreign music act.
Solo career
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On May 25, 2015, it was announced that Yunho would release his first Japanese solo extended play U Know Y.<ref name="uknowy">Template:Cite news</ref> Consisting of seven tracks, the mini album includes five songs that were previously performed by Yunho during TVXQ's concerts and solo events in Japan. The new track "Burning Down" was selected to be the album's lead single. Bundled with a DVD that includes a music video and behind-the-scenes footage, U Know Y received a limited release, and was only made available for purchase to members of TVXQ's Japanese fanclub, Bigeast. The mini album was released on July 8, 2015.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On July 20, 2015, Yunho releases the music video "Champagne" with then SM Rookie member, Park Jisung,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> currently a member of NCT.
On May 3, 2019, Yunho announced plans to release his first solo Korean-language album. Yunho's debut extended play, True Colors, was announced on May 28 and was released on June 12 alongside its lead single "Follow".<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
On December 17, 2020, Yunho announced that he would make his comeback in January 2021.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Yunho's second extended play, Noir, was released on January 18, 2021, alongside its lead single "Thank U".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On February 9, 2022, Yunho released his second Japanese extended play You Go Ahead.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
On August 7, 2023, Yunho will release his third korean extended play Reality Show, alongside its lead single "Vuja De".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Acting career
Yunho had brief acting cameos on the first few years of his career. He appeared in the MBC sitcom Nonstop 4, and participated in the television drama Vacation and movie Dating on Earth starring all of the members of TVXQ.<ref name=rising />
Yunho made his official acting debut in 2009, playing the male lead in romantic comedy series Heading to the Ground.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> However, the series was a commercial flop and sparked criticism from netizens for his lack of acting skills.<ref name=rising>Template:Cite web</ref>
From September to December 2010, Yunho starred in his first musical, a remake of the South Korean television drama Goong.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> From November 2012 to January 2013, Yunho starred in his second musical Gwanghwamun Sonata, a story set in South Korea during the democratic movement in the 1980s.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2012, Yunho starred in melodrama King of Ambition, playing a wealthy heir with ice hockey skills.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> His performance earned him a People's Choice award at the 2013 Seoul International Drama Awards.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2014, Yunho starred in the historical action drama Diary of a Night Watchman, playing a swordsman.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Yunho was widely praised for his acting, managing fierce action scenes and effectively portraying the delicate emotions of his character.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
For his last project before enlistment, Yunho chose to star in the web series I Order You, playing a chef.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The series premiered on Naver TVcast in July 2015.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In May 2017, Yunho was confirmed to star in Orion Cinema Network's upcoming romantic mystery drama, Meloholic.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In May 2023, Yunho starred in the mini series "RACE", playing the role of company CEO Seo Dong Hoon.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The series premiered on Star (Disney+), Disney+ Hotstar in South-East Asia and Hulu in the US. "RACE" marked Yunho's acting comeback after 6 years.
Artistry
Yunho has been given the name "K-pop's dancing king" by critics.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He was also the only Asian performer invited to Michael Jackson's tribute concert This Is It, and performed in the Korean leg. He trained in Los Angeles and Las Vegas with Genevieve Gleary, Morris Pleasure, and others who once worked closely with Jackson.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Other ventures
Ambassadorship
In 2014, Yunho was named honorary ambassador of National Assembly Library.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Philanthropy
On March 7, 2022, Yunho donated 50 million won to the Community Chest of Korea for Fruit of Love to help the victims of the massive wildfire that started in Uljin, Gyeongbuk and has spread to Samcheok, Gangwon.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Personal life
Besides his native Korean, Yunho is fluent in Japanese. He graduated from Myongji University in 2011.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He has pursued a master's degree at Chungwoon University.Template:Citation needed
On March 12, 2021, Yunho violated COVID-19 restrictions when he visited a bar with friends in Gangnam after 10 pm. He posted a public apology on his Instagram.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On September 2, 2021, Yunho was cleared of criminal charges and paid a small fine for his curfew violation.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Cyanoacrylate drink poisoning
While TVXQ was filming a variety show on October 14, 2006, Yunho was rushed to the hospital after drinking a beverage laced with super glue, given to him by an anti-fan.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The female suspect, whose surname is Ko, was apprehended on October 16. She was a member of an anti-TVXQ website for over two years.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Yunho contacted the police and requested to not press charges against Ko in spite of the potentially severe consequences of what she did. Ko was the same age as Yunho's younger sister, and Yunho stated that the entire event "affected [him] more mentally than physically" while he was recovering from the shock.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Circumstances were unclear as to how the culprit managed to enter the set of the variety show.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Military service
Yunho was inducted into the Republic of Korea Armed Forces on July 21, 2015.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He received five weeks of basic training at Yangju, Gyeonggi Province, and was the leader of his squad. A completion ceremony for the recruits was held on August 27, and Yunho was awarded with the "Best Recruit" honor.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Yunho officially joined the military band for the 26th Mechanized Infantry Division on August 31.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He was honored as a Special Warrior on May 9, 2016.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Yunho was honorably discharged from service on April 20, 2017.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Discography
Studio albums
| Title | Details | Peak chart positions | Sales | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR <ref name="circle"/> |
JPN <ref name="OriconA"/> | |||
| I-Know |
|
8 | 37 |
|
Extended plays
| Title | Details | Peak chart positions | Sales | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR <ref name="circle">Peak positions on the Circle (formerly Gaon) Album Chart:
|
JPN <ref name="OriconA">Peaks on the Oricon Albums Chart: | |||
| Korean | ||||
| True Colors |
|
1 | 5 |
|
| Noir |
|
1 | — |
|
| Reality Show |
|
6 | 5 |
</ref>
|
| Japanese | ||||
| U Know Y |
|
— | — | Template:N/A |
| Kimi wa Saki e Iku (Template:Lang) |
|
— | 1 |
|
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region. | ||||
Singles
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions |
Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR <ref name="gaon_digital_chart">Template:Cite web</ref> |
JPN <ref name="oricon_chart">Template:Cite web</ref> | |||
| "Korean" | ||||
| "Drop" | 2017 | — | — | Template:Non-album singles |
| "Follow" | 2019 | 142 | — | True Colors |
| "Thank U" | 2021 | 131 | — | Noir |
| "Eeny Meeny" | — | — | Template:Non-album singles | |
| "Vuja De" | 2023 | — | — | Reality Show |
| "Body Language" | 2025 | — | — | I-Know |
| "Stretch" | — | — | ||
| "Japanese" | ||||
| "Kimi wa Saki e Iku (君は先へ行く)" | 2022 | — | — | Kimi wa Saki e Iku |
| "Thank U" Template:Small |
2023 | — | — | Template:Non-album singles |
Songwriting credits
| Title | Year | Artist(s) | Album | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "넌 언제나 (You Always)" | 2004 | TVXQ | Tri-Angle | Co-writer (rap) |
| "Love After Love" | 2005 | Rising Sun | ||
| "태양은 가득히 (Red Sun)" | 2006 | SM Town | 2006 Summer SMTown | |
| "Sky" | Tohoshinki | Five in the Black | ||
| "Snow Dream" | SM Town | 2006 Winter SMTown – Snow Dream | ||
| "Summer Dream" | 2007 | Tohoshinki | T | |
| "Spokesman" | Yunho featuring Donghae | The 2nd Asia Tour Concert "O" | Co-writer (music, lyrics) | |
| "Wrong Number" | 2008 | TVXQ | Mirotic | Co-writer (rap) |
| "사랑 안녕 사랑 (Love Bye Love)" | ||||
| "이별…넌 쉽니 (Heartquake)" | 2009 | Super Junior featuring U-Know Yunho and Micky Yoochun |
Sorry, Sorry | |
| "Checkmate" | Yunho | Template:N/a | Co-writer (music, lyrics) | |
| "Santa Revolution" | 2013 | U KNOW Y | Co-writer, co-producer | |
| "뒷모습 (Steppin')" | 2014 | TVXQ | Tense | Co-writer (rap) |
| "11월...그리고 (November With Love)" | Yunho | Spellbound | Co-writer (music, lyrics) | |
| "Shout Out!" | Template:N/a | |||
| "Bang!" | U KNOW Y |
Soundtrack appearances
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Sales | Album | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR |
KOR Songs Template:Efn |
US World | ||||
| "Waterfall" | 2023 | — | — | — | RACE OST | |
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region. | ||||||
Filmography
Film
| Film | Year | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dating on Earth | 2009 | Yunho | Direct-to-video |
| Haru: An Unforgettable Day in Korea | 2010 | Stunt actor | Television film for Korean Tourism<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> |
| Chorus City | Yunho | Short film for Shanghai Expo<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| I AM. | 2012 | Himself | Documentary film |
| Make Your Move | 2013 | U-Know | Cameo |
| Ode to My Father | 2014 | Nam Jin | Cameo<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| SMTOWN The Stage | 2015 | Himself | Documentary film |
Television series
| Title | Year | Role | Notes | Template:Abbr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banjun Drama | 2005–06 | Various roles | Main role | |
| Nonstop 4 | 2006 | Yunho | Guest role (Episodes 62, 64) | |
| Vacation | Himself | Episode: "Cassiopeia" | ||
| Heading to the Ground | 2009 | Cha Bong-Goon | Main role | |
| Poseidon | 2011 | Kang Eun-chul | Guest role | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Living Among the Rich | Himself | Cameo (Episode 1) | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Welcome to the Show | Himself | Cameo (Episode 1) | ||
| King of Ambition | 2013 | Baek Do-hoon | Main role | |
| Saki | Cafe customer | Cameo (Episode 11) | ||
| Diary of a Night Watchman | 2014 | Kang Moo-seok | Main role | |
| I Order You | 2015 | Yeo Gook-dae | Main role | |
| Meloholic | 2017 | Yoo Eun-ho | Main role | |
| Go Back | Salesman | Cameo (Episode 2) | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Tensai Bakabon 3 | 2018 | Hotel porter | Cameo | |
| Race | 2023 | Seo Dong-hoon | Main role | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Low Life | 2025 | Jang Beol-gu | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
Variety show
| Title | Year | Roles | Notes | Template:Abbr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorers of the Human Body | 2007 | Cast member | 2 episodes | |
| Kim Yuna's Kiss & Cry | 2011 | Contestant | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Dunia: Into a New World | 2018 | Cast member | <ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | |
| Invention King | 2020 | Host & Inventor | ||
| The Representative | 2023–present | Host |
Other shows
| Title | Year | Notes | Template:Abbr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72 Hours of TVXQ | 2018 | Himself | |
| Analog Trip | 2019 | Himself | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 2020 KBS Song Festival | 2020 | Co-host | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Check This Out | 2021 | Himself | <ref>Template:Cite news</ref> |
| Nae Muttaero | 2025 | Himself / panelist | <ref>Template:Cite news</ref> |
Musical theatre
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Goong: Musical | Crown Prince Lee Shin | Theatre Yong (September 8 – October 24, 2010) |
| 2012–13 | Gwanghwamun Sonata (Japan) | Sang-hoon | Also known as Gwanghwamun Love Song Osaka, Shin Kabukiza Theatre (November 20Template:Snd21, 2012) Tokyo, Meijiza Theater (January 26, 2013) |
Accolades
Template:More citations needed section
Awards and nominations
| Award | Year | Category | Recipient | Result | Template:Abbr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baeksang Arts Awards | 2010 | Most Popular Actor | Heading to the Ground | Template:Nom | |
| 2013 | King of Ambition | Template:Nom | |||
| Barbie & Ken Awards | 2012 | Korean Ken Award | Jung Yunho | Template:Won | |
| Brand Customer Loyalty Awards | 2021 | Best Male Solo Artist | Jung Yunho | Template:Nom | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| MBC Drama Awards | 2014 | Excellence Award, Actor in a Special Project Drama | Diary of a Night Watchman | Template:Nom | |
| Seoul International Drama Awards | 2013 | Most Popular ActorTemplate:SndSouth Korea | Jung Yunho | Template:Won |
State and cultural honors
| Country or organization | Ceremony | Year | Honor | Template:Abbr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea | National Day of Finance – Savings Day | 2020 | Presidential Commendation |
Notes
References
Template:Reflist <references group="fn"/>
External links
- Pages with broken file links
- 1986 births
- Living people
- Japanese-language singers of South Korea
- Musicians from Gwangju
- People from Gwangsan District
- Popping dancers
- South Korean male idols
- South Korean male pop singers
- South Korean rhythm and blues singers
- South Korean male film actors
- South Korean male television actors
- South Korean male musical theatre actors
- South Korean male web series actors
- SM Entertainment artists
- TVXQ members
- Male actors from Gwangju