JINU
김진우
Jinu in 2015
Born
Kim Jin-woo

(1971-10-23) October 23, 1971
California, United States
NationalityAmerican
EducationLouisiana State University
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
  • entrepreneur
Spouse
Kim Jun-hee
​
​
(m. 2006; div. 2008)​
FamilyPaik Nam June (grandfather)
Musical career
Genres
Years active1994–present
LabelsYG Entertainment
WebsiteJINUSEAN

Kim Jin-woo (Korean: 김진우; born October 23, 1971), better known by his stage name Jinu, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He debuted in 1994 as a solo singer before teaming up with Sean to create a hip-hop duo Jinusean in 1997 under YG Entertainment.

Korean name
Hangul
Revised RomanizationGim Jin-u
McCune–ReischauerKim Chin-u
Stage name
Hangul
Revised RomanizationJinu
McCune–ReischauerJinu

Early life

Kim was born in California. He is fluent in English and Korean.[1]

Career

1994: Solo debut

On March 9, 1994, Kim Jin-woo released his first album "Kim Jin Woo Vol. 1" with "I Am Awesome" (나는 캡이었어) as his first single.[1] After hearing about his album, Yang Hyun-suk, former Seo Taiji and Boys' member, pick Kim Jin-woo to be in a hip hop duo under his label, YG Entertainment with Sean.

1997: Jinusean debut

Jinu and Sean debuted as Jinusean with the single, "Gasoline," in 1997 under the guidance of YG Entertainment CEO and former Seo Taiji and Boys member Yang Hyun-suk and former Deux member Lee Hyun Do.[2] Their second single, "Tell Me" (featuring singer Uhm Jung-hwa), was the duo's first hit and propelled them to stardom.[3]

2004–present: Extended hiatus and Work at YG Entertainment

Between 2004 and 2014, the duo went on an extended hiatus. They remained at YG Entertainment working in various behind-the-scenes roles. Jinu was appointed as the Director of Overseas Operations. He was in charge of matters overseas including auditions and concerts.[4] He discovered Bobby of iKon in New York then brought him to Korea to train under YG Entertainment.[5]

In 2014, Jinusean made his first appearance in 10 years on a Korean variety TV show called Infinite Challenge.[6] In 2015, they released the single "Tell Me One More Time" which marked the end of their hiatus.[7]

As of 2018, Jinu is confirmed to star in a new series by Netflix and YG Entertainment, YG Future Strategy Office.[8]

Personal life

He is the grandson of Nam June Paik, a Korean-American artist, with his first wife.[9]

On May 14, 2006, Jinu married actress Kim Jun-hee. They divorced in 2008, after two years of marriage due to irreconcilable differences.[10]

Kim is a Christian.[1]

Discography

Solo album

Year Album Information Track Listing
1994 Kim Jin Woo Vol. 1
  • Released: March 9, 1994
  • Label: RIAK
  • Language: Korean
Track listing
  1. Mo' Bass (Instrumental)
  2. I was Awesome
  3. Dangerous Curiosity (The Innocence of Desire)
  4. Escape
  5. Farewell Alone
  6. Blue Sunday (Interlude)
  7. Afternoon with Freesia Scent
  8. Automatic Responding Telephone
  9. Trial and Error
  10. Can't See You Again
  11. Sweet Dream (Outro)
  12. Dangerous Curiosity

Singles

As a lead artist

Title Year Sales Album
"I was Awesome" 1994 — Kim Jin Woo Vol. 1
Title Year Sales Album
"가요 톱 10"

(Turbo featuring. Lee Ha-neul, Jinu, and Lee Sang-min)

 2015 — 10집 Again

Filmography

Year Channel Title Role Note
2014-2015 MBC Infinite Challenge Himself Saturday, Saturday's: I am a Singer
2015 MNET Show Me the Money 4 Judge Team YG (with Sean of Jinusean and Tablo)
2017 SBS Fantastic Duo 2 Himself with Sean of Jinusean
2018 Netflix YG Future Strategy Office Cast member

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Jinusean's Profile". Archived from the original on October 26, 2014. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
  2. ↑ "지누션" [Jinusean]. Mnet (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 17, 2016. Retrieved May 30, 2016.
  3. ↑ Kim, Jae-heun (April 16, 2015). "Hip-hop duo Jinusean returns after 11 years". Korea Times. Archived from the original on August 3, 2016. Retrieved May 30, 2016.
  4. ↑ "Jinusean appearance at Yoo Hee-yeol's Sketchbook".
  5. ↑ "iKON's Bobby was scouted by Jinusean's Jinu".
  6. ↑ "Jinusean to reunite with Uhm Jung-hwas for Infinite Challenge after 17 years".
  7. ↑ "Jinusean Makes First Comeback in 11 Years with "Tell Me One More Time" MV".
  8. ↑ "Netflix teams up with YG for a variety show".
  9. ↑ "The relationship between Jinusean's Jinu and Nam June Paik".
  10. ↑ "Jinu and Kim Jun Hee call it quits too".

Jinu on Instagram

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