Lee Hi

LeeHi
Lee performing for SBS Radio in September 2021
Born
Lee Ha-yi

(1996-09-23) September 23, 1996 (age 30)
Bucheon, Gyeonggi, South Korea
EducationSchool of Performing Arts Seoul
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Musical career
Genres
InstrumentVocals
Years active2012–present
Labels
Formerly ofHi Suhyun
Korean name
Hangul
이하이
Hanja
李遐怡
RRI Hai
MRI Hai
Signature

Lee Ha-yi (Korean: 이하이; born September 23, 1996), known by her stage name LeeHi, is a South Korean singer and songwriter.

She first garnered attention as the runner-up of the first season of K-pop Star. She debuted with the single "1, 2, 3, 4" on October 28, 2012, and reached number one with first week sales of 667,549 downloads. Her first full-length album First Love was released in two parts: the first on 7 March 2013 and the second on 28 March 2013. Her second full-length album Seoulite, released 20 April 2016, featured chart-topping "all-kill" single "Breathe", written by Kim Jong-hyun of SHINee.

In 2020, she signed to hip-hop and R&B record label AOMG, where she released the studio album 4 Only (2021), including hit lead single "Only". As of March 2026, she is the co-founder of 808 HI RECORDINGS with rapper Dok2.

Early life

Lee Ha-yi was born on 23 September 1996, in Bucheon, Gyeonggi, South Korea. She has one older sister.

Career

2011–2015: Career beginnings and Hi Suhyun

In December 2011, Lee auditioned for SBS reality survival program K-pop Star, where she finished as runner-up behind Park Ji-min. Soon after she was signed to YG Entertainment by Yang Hyun-suk. Ahead of her debut, Lee was featured on labelmate Epik High's single "It's Cold", which was released on 8 October 2012.

On 24 October, YG Entertainment announced Lee would be debuting as a solo artist under the stage name 'LeeHi' with digital single "1, 2, 3, 4" on 28 October. Lee's first music show appearance was on SBS' Inkigayo on 4 November 2012, soon after claiming her first music show win on 8 November 2012 through Mnet's M Countdown. The song charted number one on the monthly Gaon Digital Chart for November, thus earning her the Song of the Year - November award from Gaon Chart K-Pop Awards. Following success of debut single "1, 2, 3, 4", Lee released a second digital single written by Park Jin-young titled "Scarecrow" on 22 November.

In spring 2013, YGE revealed Lee's debut album First Love would be released digitally on 7 March 2013 consisting of five tracks, including lead single "It's Over", and a physical release on 28 March with ten tracks including lead single "Rose". Promotions began with first stage at SBS' K-pop Star 2 on March 10. In December 2013, it was revealed LeeHi and 2NE1's Park Bom would debut as the sub-unit BOM&HI, releasing the digital single "All I Want For Christmas Is You" on 20 December 2013. In November 2014, Lee and Akdong Musician's Lee Su-hyun formed the sub-unit Hi Suhyun and released digital single "I'm Different" featuring iKon's Bobby. The duo's first stage was at SBS' Inkigayo on 16 November, following their first win on 23 November.

LeeHi at Incheon Airport on January 18, 2013

2016–2018: Career breakthrough

On 9 March 2016, Lee released half-album Seoulite produced through the YGE sublabel HIGHGRND established by Epik High. Seoulite saw the success of lead singles "Hold My Hand" and "Breathe", the latter of which was written by SHINee's Kim Jong-hyun. "Breathe" won Lee the Digital Bonsang award at the 31st Golden Disk Awards. Lee began promotions for both singles on Mnet's M! Countdown on 10 March. On 20 April, the second half of Seoulite was released, now a studio album, featuring lead single "My Star".

On 28 May 2016, Lee featured on Gill's single "Refrigerator" alongside Verbal Jint. On 19 September, SBS drama Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo released Epik High and Lee's soundtrack "Can You Hear My Heart", following Lee's soundtrack "My Love" on October 3. On 31 December, Lee appeared on MBC's Infinite Challenge Hip-hop & History special as a featured guest for Yoo Jae-suk and Dok2's stage.

On 28 February 2017, Lee featured on Code Kunst's single "X" from his studio album Muggles Mansion. On March 28, Lee featured on Dok2's single "On & On" off studio album Reborn, for which she participated in writing and composing. On 9 March 2017, Lee teamed up with MAC for the Future Forward Collection, creating a special matte red lipstick. Later that year, Lee held a fansign event at Lotte World in Seoul and a small concert event in collaboration with the brand. On 17–18 June, SBS' K-pop Star held a 'K-pop Star and Friends' concert, including performances by LeeHi and label-mate AKMU. On 20 August, Lee appeared on SBS' Party People where she shared that she had suffered from minor panic attacks, inspiring the creation and writing of her 2016 hit single "Breathe". On 23 October, Lee featured on Epik High's single "Here Come the Regrets" off studio album We've Done Something Wonderful.

On 21 March 2018, Lee's self-titled Japanese debut album was released, beginning her first Japan tour. On 19 October, Lee collaborated with the film Bohemian Rhapsody and released a cover soundtrack of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody".

2019–2025: Continued success and label changes

On 15 January 2019, Lee released digital single "XI" with Code Kunst, the track was sung live for the first time on MBC Dreaming Radio.

LeeHi made a comeback with her EP 24°C on 30 May 2019. The lead single, "No One" (featuring former iKON member B.I), topped all charts in South Korea, including Melon, Genie and Mnet. Among the tracks, she released the self-written and produced song "20Min". Lee received her first music show win for single "No One" through Mnet's M Countdown on 6 June.

On 31 December 2019, it was announced that Lee's contract with YG Entertainment had ended and she did not renew.

In June 2020, Lee joined as a cast member for the fourth installment of JTBC show Begin Again from episode 4 to 6.

On 22 July 2020, AOMG revealed that they had signed an exclusive contract with LeeHi and released her comeback single "Holo". "Holo" peaked at number 7 on the Gaon Digital Chart and won R&B Track of the Year at the Korean Hip-hop Awards. On 9 September 2021, Lee released her third studio album 4 Only, including hit single "Only", charting on Gaon, Melon, Bugs, and more. In March 2022, "Only" won 'R&B Track of the Year' at the Korean Hip-hop Awards. On 24 May 2023, Lee featured on digital single "DO" by Padi. In March 2024, Lee chose not to renew her contract with AOMG and subsequently departed the label.

On 23 September 2024, Lee signed an exclusive contract with independent music label Duover, established by former AOMG labelmates Code Kunst, GRAY, and Woo Won-jae, to manage her future activities. Video content of previously unreleased track "One Thing" was released on LeeHi's YouTube channel to celebrate her 28th birthday.

2026–present: Establishment of 808 HI RECORDINGS

In March 2026, Duover announced that LeeHi had departed the label.

In spring 2026, Lee revealed her years-long relationship with rapper Dok2 and the establishment of their co-founded label 808 HI RECORDINGS. The pair released their first collaboration under the label, digital single "You & Me", on 28 March 2026.

Lee held her first solo concert in eight years, HI-biscus Garden Live vol. 1, on 3 October 2026.

Discography

Studio albums

Filmography

Television shows

Date Title Notes Ref.
2011 K-pop Star Contestant
2017 Relationship Appeal Cast member
King of Mask Singer Contestant
2020 Begin Again Cast member (Season 4, Episodes 4–6)

Concerts and tours

Awards and nominations

Name of the award ceremony, year presented, edition, category, nominee of the award, and the result of the nomination
Award ceremony Year Category Nominee/Work Result Ref.
Asia Artist Awards 2021 Female Solo Singer Popularity Award LeeHi Nominated
Cyworld Digital Music Awards 2012 Song of the Month – October "It's Cold (춥다)" (Epik High featuring LeeHi) Won
Gaon Chart Music Awards 2012 Song of the Year – November "1, 2, 3, 4" Won
2016 Song of the Year – March "Breathe" Nominated
2020 Song of the Year – July "Holo" Nominated
Genie Music Awards Best R&B/Soul Track Won
Golden Disc Awards 2012 Best Rookie Award "1, 2, 3, 4" Won
2016 Digital Song Bonsang "Breathe" Won
2020 "Holo" Nominated
Curaprox Popularity Award LeeHi Nominated
Korean Hip-hop Awards 2021 R&B Track of the Year "Holo" Won
2022 "Only" Won
R&B Album of the Year 4 Only Nominated
Korean Music Awards 2013 Best R&B Soul Song "1, 2, 3, 4" Nominated
2014 Female Musician of the Year – Netizen Vote LeeHi Won
Best R&B Soul Album First Love Nominated
Best R&B Soul Song "It's Over" Nominated
2022 "H.K.S.T" Nominated
Melon Music Awards 2016 Top 10 Artist LeeHi Nominated
Best R&B / Soul Song "Breathe" Nominated
Mnet Asian Music Awards 2013 Best New Female Artist Lee Hi Nominated
Best Vocal Performance – Female "1, 2, 3, 4" Nominated
2016 Best Female Artist LeeHi Nominated
2020 Worldwide Fans' Choice Top 10 Nominated
Best Hip Hop & Urban Music "Holo" Nominated
Seoul Music Awards 2012 New Artist Award "1, 2, 3, 4" Won
2020 Best R&B Hip-Hop Award "Holo" Nominated
World Music Awards 2012 World's Best Song "1, 2, 3, 4" Nominated
World's Best Video Nominated

References

  1. ↑ "Gaon Chart's download". gaon. Archived from the original on August 25, 2012. Retrieved November 8, 2012.
  2. ↑ '괴물신인' 이하이, 데뷔무대 최초 1위하나. OSEN. November 8, 2012. Retrieved May 23, 2019.
  3. ↑ "Lee Hi unveils part 2 of her 1st album 'First Love'". Allkpop. Archived from the original on March 30, 2013. Retrieved April 20, 2013.
  4. ↑ "Lee Hi Tops Music Charts With "Breathe," Written by SHINee's Jonghyun | Soompi". www.soompi.com. Archived from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved June 6, 2026.
  5. 1 2 Baek, Suwon (April 29, 2012). "'K팝 스타' 준우승 이하이 "끝나서 너무 행복하고 시원 섭섭"" ["K-pop Star" runner-up Lee Hi "I am very happy that it ended and it was bittersweet"]. News 2day (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 22, 2022. Retrieved March 28, 2022.
  6. ↑ "'K팝스타' 톱3, 박지민 JYP·이하이 YG...백아연은?". Star News. May 21, 2012. Archived from the original on September 21, 2020. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
  7. ↑ 에픽하이-이하이, 10월 동시 출격...합작품도 있다. Joy News 24. September 28, 2012. Archived from the original on May 25, 2019. Retrieved May 23, 2019.
  8. ↑ 이하이 "양 사장님이 예쁜 척 하지 말라고..". OSEN. November 4, 2012. Archived from the original on May 25, 2019. Retrieved May 23, 2019.
  9. ↑ 신인 이하이, 엠카운트다운 1위 "양 사장님 짱이에요!". News1. November 9, 2012. Archived from the original on May 25, 2019. Retrieved May 23, 2019.
  10. ↑ "Gaon Chart releases chart rankings for the month of November 2012". Archived from the original on May 1, 2013. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
  11. 1 2 이하이, 오늘 발표 신곡 제목은 '허수아비'..박진영 작곡. OSEN. November 22, 2012. Archived from the original on November 27, 2020. Retrieved May 23, 2019.
  12. ↑ "Lee Hi is back with MV for first title track "It's Over" + Part 1 of 'First Love' album!". Allkpop. March 6, 2013. Archived from the original on March 10, 2013. Retrieved March 24, 2013.
  13. ↑ kimdebbie (March 28, 2013). "Lee Hi's "Rose" Ascends Quickly to No. 1 on Music Charts". Archived from the original on March 20, 2016. Retrieved April 20, 2013.
  14. ↑ '인기가요' 핫샷, 신인답지 않은 카리스마...'여심 올킬'. TV Report. November 16, 2014. Archived from the original on June 28, 2022. Retrieved May 23, 2019.
  15. ↑ "[31st 골든디스크] 여자친구·이하이, 음원 본상 수상 "팬분들 감사"". OSEN. January 13, 2017. Archived from the original on May 28, 2019. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
  16. ↑ "Who wrote "한숨 (BREATHE)" by LeeHi (이하이)?". Genius. Archived from the original on December 6, 2025. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
  17. ↑ "Singer Lee Hi tops iTunes charts in 8 Asian regions". The Korea Times. March 10, 2016. Archived from the original on April 4, 2023. Retrieved March 10, 2016.
  18. ↑ Ko, Jae-wan (July 4, 2016). 이하이 'SEOULITE' 풀앨범 공개...타이틀곡 'MY STAR' 기대감UP. Sports Chosun (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
  19. ↑ "Lee Hi and Epik High ask 'Can You Hear My Heart' for 'Scarlet Heart: Ryeo'". Archived from the original on May 25, 2019. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
  20. ↑ 이하이, '무한도전' 유재석-도끼 무대 피처링... 성숙한 패션 눈길. Kuki News. December 31, 2016. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
  21. ↑ '특급만남' 이하이, 도끼 새 앨범 참여..."직접 작사·작곡도". xsportsnews. March 27, 2017. Archived from the original on April 30, 2022. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
  22. ↑ cosmeticsdesign-asia.com (July 9, 2017). "MAC partners with South Korean pop star Lee Hi". cosmeticsdesign-asia.com. Archived from the original on October 18, 2021. Retrieved November 13, 2020.
  23. ↑ "MAC teamed up with Justine Skye, Dua Lipa and Lee Hi for its Latest Future Forward Collection". Fashionista. March 9, 2017. Archived from the original on March 23, 2024. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
  24. ↑ 이하이, 韓 뮤지션 최초로 MAC과 콜라보..립스틱 나온다. OSEN. July 21, 2017. Archived from the original on May 28, 2019. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
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  26. ↑ 이하이, '한숨'에 얽힌 비화 "숨 쉬기조차 힘겨웠던 때...". Sports Hankooki. January 11, 2018. Archived from the original on May 28, 2019. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
  27. ↑ "YESASIA: LEE HI JAPAN DEBUT ALBUM (ALBUM+DVD) (Japan Version) CD - Lee Hi - Japanese Music - Free Shipping". Archived from the original on January 5, 2019. Retrieved January 4, 2019.
  28. ↑ 이하이, 영화 '보헤미안 랩소디'와 특별 콜라보. Star News. October 17, 2018. Archived from the original on May 28, 2019. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
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  30. ↑ "MBC 라디오, 설 연휴 귀경길 책임진다...다채로운 특집+풍성한 게스트". Ten Asia. February 1, 2019. Archived from the original on May 29, 2019. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
  31. ↑ "퀸의 귀환"..이하이, 3년 공백 깨고 '누구없소' 음원차트 1위 올킬[美친차트]. OSEN. May 30, 2019. Archived from the original on May 31, 2019. Retrieved May 31, 2019.
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  33. ↑ '컴백 D-3' 이하이, 트랙리스트 공개...비아이 이어 트레저 최현석·지소울 '지원사격'. MyDaily. May 27, 2019. Archived from the original on September 13, 2020. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
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  36. 1 2 Choo, Seung-hyeon (June 16, 2020), [공식] JTBC 측 "이하이, '비긴어게인 코리아' 27일 방송부터 등장" [JTBC "Lee Hi appears on Begin Again Korea from 27th"], Seoul Kyungje via Naver (in Korean), archived from the original on June 16, 2020, retrieved June 23, 2020
  37. ↑ Choi, Jiyeong (July 23, 2020). "YG→AOMG 이하이, 오늘 6시 신곡 '홀로' 발매" [YG→AOMG Lee Hi, releases new single "Holo" at 6PM today]. Munhwa Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 11, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  38. ↑ 2020년 31주차 Digital Chart [2020 Week 31 Digital Chart]. Gaon Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 11, 2020. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
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  40. ↑ "국내 대표 음악 차트 가온차트!". gaonchart.co.kr. Archived from the original on June 2, 2022. Retrieved June 6, 2026.
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  42. ↑ Amoeba Culture (아메바컬쳐) (May 24, 2023). [SUB] 페디(Padi) - 'DO (Feat. 이하이)' Dance M/V. Retrieved June 6, 2026 – via YouTube.
  43. ↑ 최, 재서 (March 28, 2024). 그레이·우원재·이하이·구스범스, AOMG 떠난다. Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 1, 2024. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
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  45. ↑ "Lee Hi parts ways with Duover Entertainment after two years, two months after 'unregistered one-person agency' controversy". allkpop. Archived from the original on March 14, 2026. Retrieved June 6, 2026.
  46. ↑ Daily, The Chosun (March 28, 2026). "Dok2 and Lee Hi Reveal Relationship with Debut Single". The Chosun Daily. Retrieved June 6, 2026.
  47. 1 2 "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
  48. ↑ Kim, Myeong-mi (July 11, 2017). '사이어필' 산다라박X이하이X이수현, 흥 넘치는 춘천여행 ["Relationship Appeal" Sandara Park X Lee Hi X Lee Suhyun, exciting Chuncheon trip]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 26, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
  49. ↑ Kang, Bora (July 16, 2017). '복면' 삼바걸, 음색 공주 이하이...산다라박 적중 ["Masked" Samba Girl, voice princess Lee Hi... Sandara guessed it right]. Herald Pop (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 22, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
  50. ↑ "Follow The Movement : AOMG World Tour Tickets - Concert Tour Dates". www.axs.com. Retrieved December 28, 2025.
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  53. ↑ Baek, Jong-mo (February 13, 2013). '무서운 신예' 이하이 '가온차트 K-POP 어워드' 11월 부문 상 수상 ["Scary rookie" Lee Hi wins "Gaon Chart K-pop Award" November category]. Xsports News (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 22, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  54. ↑ '골든디스크 음원 대상' 싸이, 신인상은 이하이... "YG가 휩쓸어" ["Golden Disk Digital Daesang" Psy, Rookie of the Year Lee Hi.. "YG swept the awards"]. The Dong-A Ilbo (in Korean). January 17, 2013. Archived from the original on April 22, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  55. ↑ Kim, Eun-gu (January 13, 2017). [골든디스크]'본상' 이하이 "2017년에도 좋은 음악 노력" [[Golden Disk] "Bonsang" Lee Hi "I will work hard for good music in 2017 too"]. Edaily (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 27, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  56. ↑ "Golden Disc Awards announce nominees - BLACKPINK, BTS, EXO, ITZY, NCT". bandwagon. August 3, 2022. Archived from the original on April 4, 2023. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
  57. ↑ 한국힙합어워즈 2022 수상작 [Korean Hip-hop Awards 2022 Winners]. Korean Hip-hop Awards (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 15, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  58. ↑ 한국힙합어워즈 2022 후보 [Korean Hip-hop Awards 2022 Nominees]. Korean Hip Hop Awards (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 20, 2022. Retrieved February 10, 2022.
  59. ↑ 이하이 '1,2,3,4 (원,투,쓰리,포)': 2013 최우수 알앤비&소울-노래 [Lee Hi '1,2,3,4': 2013 Best R&B Soul - Song]. Korean Music Awards (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 27, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  60. ↑ 이하이 'It's Over': 2014 네티즌이 뽑은 올해의 음악인-여자 [Lee 'It's Over': 2014 Artist of the Year Netizen Vote - Female]. Korean Music Awards (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 22, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  61. ↑ 이하이 [First Love]: 2014 최우수 알앤비&소울-음반 [Lee Hi [First Love]: 2014 Best R&B Soul - Album]. Korean Music Awards (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 27, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  62. ↑ 이하이 'It's Over': 2014 최우수 알앤비&소울-노래 [Lee Hi 'It's Over': 2014 Best R&B Soul - Song]. Korean Music Awards (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 27, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  63. ↑ 이하이 '머리어깨무릎발 (Feat. 원슈타인)': 2022 최우수 알앤비&소울-노래 [Lee Hi 'H.S.K.T (Feat. Wonstein)': 2022 Best R&B Soul - Song]. Korean Music Awards (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 22, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2022.