Gary
Born (1978-02-24) February 24, 1978
South Korea
EducationYong In University
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
  • entrepreneur
  • record producer
  • television personality
Spouse
Kim Se-eun
​
(m. 2017)​
Children1
Musical career
GenresHip hop
Instrument(s)Vocals
Years active1996–present
Labels
Korean name
Hangul
개리
Revised RomanizationGaeri
McCune–ReischauerKaeri
Birth name
Hangul
강희건
Hanja
Revised RomanizationGang Hui-geon
McCune–ReischauerKang Hŭigŏn

Kang Hee-gun (Korean: 강희건; born February 24, 1978),[1] better known by his stage name Gary (Korean: 개리, often spelled as Garie[2]), is a South Korean rapper, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur, and television personality. Besides being a solo artist, he is also the rapper and lyricist of the former hip hop duo Leessang. Since their formation in 2002, the group has produced a total of eight albums and had several hits under their belt. In 2014, Gary made his debut as a solo artist with the mini-album Mr.Gae. Despite the album being banned by all major TV broadcast stations for its 19+ content, his songs still managed to top several charts.[3] He and long time collaborator Jung-in later went on to form the duo, Jung In & Gary. The two released the singles "Your Scent" and "Bicycle."[4][5]

Aside from his own work, Gary has been featured in works by famous artists such as Psy, Baek Ji-young, Lee Hyori, Dynamic Duo, and MC Mong. He is also a former cast member of the variety show Running Man.[6]

Early life

Gary was born on February 24, 1978. His nickname in middle school was "Gae" (meaning "dog" in Korean), which he adapted to become his stage name, after deciding between "gaemi" (ant) and "Gary". In his younger years, he was more interested in dancing than rapping.[7] Gary revealed that he participated in a dance competition and actually won, defeating other competitors, Jang Woo Hyuk and Moon Hee Jun, who eventually became members of H.O.T. Lee Soo Man scouted all three boys, and offered them a contract to SM Entertainment. Ultimately, Gary rejected the offer.[8] Gary went to Yong In University and trained as a bodyguard.[9][10] He was an amateur boxer for 10 years.[11]

Musical and film career

1997–2001: X-Teen and Honey Family

In 1997, Gary joined X-Teen, a hip-hop group where he met his future Leessang partner, Gil. Gary participated in the group's album release in 1998 before being dropped along with Gil.[12] In an interview, Gary said they had neither the look or the talent which made them quit the group.[13]

Afterwards, Gary and Gil ended up joining "Honey Family" and released two albums in 1999 and 2000. Gary took part of the responsibility for the break up of the group by stating that he "started feeling like a celebrity" after their initial success.[13] Gary, Gil, and fellow Honey Family member Diggity decided to form "Leessam Trio" ("sam" means "three" in Korean). They released a compilation album called 2000 Korea, in the year 2000. When Diggity left the group, Gary and Gil changed the name to LeeSsang.[14]

2002–2017: Leessang

Leessang was created in 2002 by Gary and Gil. So far, the group has produced eight albums with numerous hits. Although the duo achieve critical success from their earlier albums, they remained underground. Their last three albums, Hexagonal, Asura Balbalta, and Unplugged broke numerous records and guided their entry to the mainstream Korean music industry.[15][16] The title song from Asura Balbalta, "Turn Off the TV" managed to stay at the top of the Melon chart for 25 days in a row.[13]

2010-2017: Running Man

In 2010, Gary joined Running Man, an urban variety show, as a co-host, along with 6 other original cast members, including Yoo Jae-suk, Haha, Ji Suk-jin, Kim Jong-kook, Lee Kwang-soo and Song Joong-ki while the only female member, Song Ji-hyo, joined the cast a few episodes afterward. The popularity of Running Man helped Gary and the rest of the cast gain international recognition.[17]

In October 2016, the producers of Running Man announced the departure of Gary, who wanted to focus on his music career after being a regular member for nearly 7 years. His last filming with the main cast was for episode 324.[18] However, he made a brief return in the following episode 325 as a guest.

In January 2017, Gary appeared for Member's Week on episode 336.

2014–present: Solo career

In January 2014, he released a mini album, Mr.Gae.[19] Three major TV broadcast stations, MBC, KBS, and SBS, all deemed the album unfitting for broadcast, stating reasons such as explicit lyrics and being too sexually provocative. Despite the ban, Gary's title track “Shower Later” clenched the number 1 spot on 8 real-time music charts.[20]

Gary later commented on the ban saying that he felt confined by his image and wanted to break the mold.

In May 2014, Gary and Jung-in released their first collaboration "Your Scent." The lyrics was penned by Gary while Jung-In and Duble Sidekick produced the music.[21] Despite not having any live promotions, Gary and Jung-In took the win on June 7 Music Core. In a testament to its popularity, the Gaon Chart ranked the single #6 on the year end national digital single ranking.[22] The two later released their second collaboration "Bicycle" in September 2014.[23]

In September 2015, Gary released his second solo album, 2002. The title track of the album is "Get Some Air" featuring Mi-woo of Leessang Company. Several other tracks in this album also featured Koonta, Deepflow, Skull, Jay Park, DJ Pumkin, Park Myung-ho Double K, Don Mills, Jung-in, John Park and Young-jun of Brown Eyed Souls.

In January 2016, Gary released a single, "Lonely Night" featuring Gaeko of Dynamic Duo. A music video was released on the same day, featuring actress and fellow castmate of Running Man, Song Ji-hyo. Gary was nominated as a no.1 candidate on SBS Inkigayo on January 10, 2016, and subsequently won the award.

On January 6, 2020, KBS announced that Gary would be joining the cast of The Return of Superman after a three-year broadcasting hiatus.[24] Gary and his family appeared on the show until their departure in December.

In March 2020, Million Market revealed that they had signed a non-exclusive contract with Gary through his agency Double 8. Contract negotiations were concluded when Gary joined as a cast member of The Return of Superman.[25]

Personal life

On April 5, 2017, Gary revealed on his social media account that he had married a non-celebrity woman known as "Miss Kim" who worked at Gary's company named 'Leessang' for 5 years before their marriage.[26] Their first child, a son named Kang Ha-oh was born on October 15, 2017.[27]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role
2008 Dachimawa Lee Cameo
2014Wonderful RadioCameo

Television series

Year Title Role
2014 Emergency Couple Cameo
2015 A Girl Who Sees Smells Cameo with Running Man members

Variety shows

Year Title Notes
2010–2016, 2017 Running Man Cast member (ep. 1–324)
Guest (ep. 325, 336)
2017 Kang Ceremony[28] Chinese reality show [29]
2020 The Return of Superman Cast member with his son, Kang Ha-oh (ep. 315–362)[30]
2020 Law of the Jungle in Zero Point Cast member with Kim Byung-man, Heo Kyung-hwan, Ki Do-hoon, Lee Seung-yoon, Pak Se-ri, Yoon Eun-hye[31]
2021 Law of the Jungle in Ulleungdo & Dokdo Cast member with Kim Byung-man, Chanyeol, Go Joon-hee, Julien Kang, Park Mi-sun[32]
2022 Artistock Game User agent[33]

Discography

Studio albums

Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales
KOR
[34]
2002
  • Released: September 21, 2015
  • Label: Leessang Company
  • Formats: CD, digital download
 3

Extended plays

Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales
KOR
[34]
Mr. Gae
  • Released: January 15, 2014
  • Label: Leessang Company
  • Formats: CD, digital download
 4
2020
  • Released: October 15, 2020
  • Label: Double Eight
  • Formats: CD, digital download

Singles

Title Year Peak chart positions Album
KOR
[37]
As lead artist
"Shower Later" (조금 이따 샤워해)
feat. Crush		 2014 1 Mr. Gae
"Zotto Mola" (XX몰라) 5
"Get Some Air" (바람이나 좀 쐐)
feat. Miwoo		 2015 1 2002
"JOA" (엉덩이)
feat. Jay Park		 8
"Lonely Night" (또 하루)
feat. Gaeko		 1 Non-album singles
"Worry" (고민) 2017 61
"Sun" (태양)
feat. Chancellor		 2018 64
"Purple Bikini" 2019 TBA
Collaborations
"Where Do You Wanna Go" (어디 갈래)
with Crush, Taewan		 2013 20 Non-album singles
"Your Scent" (사람냄새)
with Jung-in		 2014 1
"Bicycle" (자전거)
with Jung-in		 6

Soundtrack appearances

Title Year Peak chart positions Album
KOR
[37]
"Tantara" (딴따라)
feat. Miwoo		 2016 58 Entertainer OST

Featuring

YearArtistSong
2002Brown EyesI Wanna Fall in Love With You
2004Kim Bum-sooAbout Eternity
2005BMKRainbow
Dynamic DuoIt's Alright
Eun JiwonGotta Go
2006Jang Hye-jinFirework
2009Fly to the SkyHide and Seek
2010Lee HyoriSwing
Kim Jong-kookCome Back to Me
Dynamic DuoKeep The Change
2011PrimaryHappy Ending
2012MiryoParty Rock
Baek Ji-youngVoice
C-Luv, CrushWhere Do You Wanna Go?
Kim Jong-kookWords I Want to Say to You
Haha, TawLove
2013Jung-inLet's Walk a Little
2014MC MongBroken Fan
2015YoungjunThinking of You
2016Park Myung-hoBed Room
San ELike An Airplane
2021HeizeLike The First Time
TRADE LDirection

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryNominated workResult
2002Mnet Music Video FestivalHip-Hop Artist of the YearLeessangWon
2003Hip-Hop Artist of the YearNominated
2005Korean Music AwardsHip-Hop Song of the YearNominated
2007Mnet/KM Music AwardsHip-Hop Song of the YearNominated
Music Video of the YearNominated
Song of the YearNominated
2007Cyworld Digital Music AwardsSong of the MonthWon
2009Best Collaboration of the YearWon
MIAK Golden Disc AwardsHip-Hop Artist of the YearNominated
Album of the YearNominated
Mnet Asian Music AwardsMusic Video of the YearNominated
Hip-Hop Artist of the YearWon
20104th SBS Entertainment AwardNew Star AwardRunning ManWon[38]
Cyworld Digital Music AwardsBonsangLeessangWon
Cyworld Digital Music AwardsBest Collaboration of the YearWon
2011MelOn Music AwardsTop 10 ArtistsWon
Mnet Asian Music AwardsBest Rap PerformanceWon
4th SBS Entertainment Award Netizen Popularity Award Running Man Nominated[39]
20125th SBS Entertainment AwardExcellence Award in VarietyWon[40]
2013NATE AwardsBest Couple with Song Ji-hyoWon
7th SBS Entertainment AwardsBest Couple Award with Song Ji-hyoNominated
7th SBS Entertainment AwardsViewer's Most Popular Award (with Running Man members)Won
Melon Music AwardsRap/Hip-Hop AwardLeessang – "Tears"
(Korean: 눈물)		Nominated
MelOn Music AwardsSong of the YearNominated
2014Mnet Asian Music AwardsBest Rap Performance"Shower Later"Nominated
Best Collaboration with Jung-in"Your Scent"Nominated
Singapore Entertainment AwardsOMY Hot Star with Song Ji-hyo[41][42]Nominated
2nd Annual DramaFever AwardsBest Kiss with Song Ji-hyoRunning ManWon
Best Couple Not Meant To Be with Song Ji-hyoNominated
20152014 Youku Night AwardsEntertainment Spirit Award[43]Won
Mnet Asian Music AwardsBest Rap Performance[44]"Get Some Air"
(Korean: 바람이나 좀 쐐)		Nominated
UnionPay Song of the Year[45]Nominated
9th SBS Entertainment AwardsTop Excellence Award in Variety with Song Ji-hyo[46]Running ManWon
2016Mnet Asian Music AwardsBest Rap Performance"Lonely Night"Nominated
UnionPay Song of the YearNominated

References

  1. ↑ "Kang Gary / 개리". DramaFever. Retrieved April 9, 2018.
  2. ↑ 리쌍 개리 "뒤풀이! 독수리 오남매" (in Korean). 이투데이. November 8, 2011.
  3. ↑ "Gary's "Shower Later" Ranks 1st on Music Charts Even Without TV Promotion". KpopStarz. January 21, 2014. Archived from the original on May 18, 2015. Retrieved May 9, 2015.
  4. ↑ "Gary and Jung In achieve an all-kill with the release of collaborative digital single 'Your Scent'". AllKpop. May 27, 2014.
  5. ↑ "Leessang's Gary and Jung In collaborate again with 'Bicycle'". AllKpop. August 31, 2014.
  6. ↑ "Running Man Official SBS website" (in Korean). July 11, 2010. Retrieved January 9, 2014.
  7. ↑ "연예/스포츠 - 아시아경제". asiae.co.kr. Archived from the original on November 3, 2013. Retrieved February 6, 2013.
  8. ↑ "LeeSsang's Gary Was Supposed to Be a H.O.T. member?". mwave. May 23, 2012.
  9. ↑ Ji Sung-hee (August 5, 2011). "개리 과거사진,아마추어 복싱선수?…'날렵한데'". OSEN (in Korean). JoongAng Ilbo. Retrieved April 5, 2017.
  10. ↑ "개리 권투 실력, 경호학과 나온 '10년차 복서'... "연예인 누구누구 이겼지?"". The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). October 14, 2013. Retrieved April 5, 2017.
  11. ↑ '리쌍' 개리 예능감 뽐내...'입담마다 웃음 터져' : 네이버 뉴스 (in Korean). News.naver.com. September 29, 2009. Retrieved August 18, 2013.
  12. ↑ 힙합 듀오 리쌍 6집 음반 ‘헥새거늘’ 발표... 신곡 가요프로 1위 돌풍-국민일보 쿠키뉴스 (in Korean). News.kukinews.com. October 21, 2009. Retrieved August 18, 2013.
  13. 1 2 3 "[INTERVIEW] LeeSSang member Gary". www.tenasia.com(User: editorial). September 9, 2011. Retrieved January 9, 2014.
  14. ↑ [스타백과사전2.0] 리쌍, 사람 마음을 쥐락펴락 ‘진정한 광대 (in Korean). enews24.interest.me. May 25, 2012. Archived from the original on December 20, 2013. Retrieved January 9, 2014.
  15. ↑ "Leessang's 7th album, 'AsuRA BalBalTa', achieves a perfect all-kill". allkpop.com. August 24, 2011. Retrieved December 5, 2013.
  16. ↑ "Latest K-pop news, Korean drama & movie – enewsworld". M.enewsworld.interest.me. May 25, 2012. Retrieved December 5, 2013.
  17. ↑ The Jakarta Post (July 12, 2020). "Running Man: A decade of celebs chasing each other". The Jakarta Post. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
  18. ↑ "Gary To Leave "Running Man" After 6 Years". soompi. soompi. October 25, 2016. Retrieved October 25, 2016.
  19. ↑ "Gary Reveals Jacket Photo and Album Name for His First Solo Project". www.soompi.com. January 7, 2014. Retrieved January 9, 2014.
  20. ↑ '19금 티저' 내건 개리 '조금이따샤워해', 8개 차트 1위 '대박' (in Korean). xportsnews.hankyung.com. January 15, 2014. Archived from the original on January 21, 2014. Retrieved January 19, 2014.
  21. ↑ "Gary and Jung In achieve an all-kill with the release of collaborative digital single 'Your Scent'". May 27, 2014. Retrieved May 9, 2015.
  22. ↑ "Gaon Chart releases Yearly Album, Digital Ranking, Download, and Streaming Charts for 2014". AllKpop. January 13, 2015. Retrieved May 9, 2015.
  23. ↑ "Leessang's Gary and Jung In to return with new duet 'Bicycle'". AllKpop. August 27, 2014. Retrieved May 9, 2015.
  24. ↑ "개리, 아들 하오와 '슈퍼맨이 돌아왔다' 출연 확정…"2월 첫 공개"(공식)". MK스포츠 (in Korean). January 7, 2020. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
  25. ↑ "개리, MC몽 소속 밀리언마켓과 손 잡았다". tvdaily.co.kr (in Korean). March 30, 2020. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
  26. ↑ "[Breaking] Gary of Leessang announces marriage!". allkpop.com.
  27. ↑ "Gary and wife welcome their first baby!". allkpop.com.
  28. ↑ "KBS WORLD Radio". m.world.kbs.co.kr. Retrieved November 16, 2017.
  29. ↑ "Gary to make appearance on Chinese reality show". rki.kbs.co.kr. Retrieved February 10, 2020.
  30. ↑ "개리, 아들 하오와 '슈퍼맨이 돌아왔다' 출연 확정…"2월 첫 공개"(공식)". MK스포츠 (in Korean). Retrieved January 7, 2020.
  31. ↑ Han Jeong-won (October 5, 2020). "'정글' 측 "이근X개리X윤은혜X허경환 출연, 지난주 촬영 완료"(공식)". Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved October 6, 2020.
  32. ↑ Lee Da-gyeom (December 8, 2020). "'정글의 법칙', 울릉도·독도 간다...엑소 찬열→박미선 출격". Star Today (in Korean). Retrieved December 8, 2020.
  33. ↑ Park, Se-yeon (September 29, 2022). "[종합]음악, 주식을 만나다…'아티스탁 게임', 발칙하지만 더없이 순수한" [[General] Music meets stocks... 'Artistock Game', quirky but supremely pure] (in Korean). Star Today, Maeil Business News. Retrieved October 2, 2022 – via Naver.
  34. 1 2 "Gaon Album Chart". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean).
  35. ↑ "2015년 10월 Album Chart". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Retrieved May 28, 2019.
  36. ↑ Cumulative sales of "Mr Gae":
  37. 1 2 "Gaon Digital Chart". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean).
    As lead artist: Collaborations: Soundtrack appearances:
  38. ↑ Choi, Joon-yong (December 30, 2010). 아이유-조권-민호 등 10명, 첫 신설된 SBS 예능 뉴스타상 수상 [10 people, including IU, Jo Kwon, and Minho, received the first newly established SBS Entertainment New Star Award]. Asiae (in Korean). Retrieved February 5, 2023 – via Naver.
  39. ↑ Jang Chang-hwan (December 28, 2011). SBS, '연예대상' 17개 수상 부문 발표 [SBS announces 17 award categories for 'Entertainment Awards']. Naver (in Korean). Retrieved December 19, 2022.
  40. ↑ Choi Bo-ran; Yoon Sang-geun (December 30, 2012). '런닝맨' 지석진·개리, SBS연예대상 버라이어티 우수상 ['Running Man' Jee Seok-jin and Gary, SBS Entertainment Awards Variety Excellence Award]. Naver (in Korean). Retrieved December 25, 2022.
  41. ↑ Singapore E-Awards 2014 / 《新加坡e乐大赏》. Sgeawards.omy.sg (April 9, 2014). Retrieved on 2015-10-14.
  42. ↑ Singapore Entertainment Awards 2014 Winners. sph.com.sg
  43. ↑ EXO, GOT7, and Kang Gary win awards at "2014 Youku Night" – Koreaboo. Koreaboo.com. Retrieved on October 14, 2015.
  44. ↑ "Nominees for Best Rap Performance Category". CJ E&M Mwave. Archived from the original on October 31, 2015. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
  45. ↑ "Voting page for all categories (see category #17 in page 5 for relevant information)". CJ E&M Mwave. Archived from the original on October 29, 2016. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
  46. ↑ 정유진 (December 31, 2015). [포토엔]런닝맨 팀 등장에 코엑스가 들썩~(SBS연예대상2015). Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved January 3, 2016.
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