Hwangbo Hye-jeong (Korean: 황보혜정; born on 16 August 1980),[2] better known as Hwangbo, is a South Korean singer and rapper. She debuted in 1999 as a rapper in the group Bros,[3] before joining the K-pop girl group Chakra in 2000. After Chakra disbanded in 2006,[4] Hwangbo released the solo album Lady In Black in 2007.[5] She has acted in South Korean dramas including Between Miss and Ma'am (2004)[6] and Could Love Become Money (2012).[7] She was also a cast member on the variety shows We Got Married (2008)[8] and Infinite Girls (2008–2013).[9][10]

Hwangbo
Hwangbo in October 2019
Born
Hwangbo Hye-jeong

(1980-08-16) August 16, 1980 (age 44)
Other namesEstella
Alma materUniversity of Seoul (Film & Theater)
Occupations
  • Singer
  • rapper
Years active1999 (1999)–2013 (2013), 2016–present
AgentYGKPlus[1]
Musical career
Genres
Years active1999 (1999)–2010
LabelsShimty Company
Korean name
Hangul
황보혜정
Hanja
Revised RomanizationHwangbo Hye-jeong
McCune–ReischauerHwangbo Hyejŏng
Signature
Hwangbo Hyejung's signature

Career

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1999: Pre-debut

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While working in a pasta restaurant, Hwangbo was discovered by producer and comedian Lee Sang-min. Before her debut, she was an apprentice to Lee Sang-min while she was part of the band Bros in 1999.

2000–2006: Debut

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In 2000, Hwangbo debuted as part of the female group Chakra. She started as a vocalist and rapper, and later became the leader of the group. Hwangbo went into a period of depression after Chakra dissolved in 2006 due to financial difficulties.[citation needed] She became involved in various volunteer work, especially in Africa and the Middle East. She appeared in few shows such as X-Man and Love Letter. During this time, she cultivated an unfeminine image, due to her strong gestures of frankness and simplicity. This led her to be nicknamed "general" in the Korean entertainment scene.[citation needed]

2007–2010: Solo career

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Three years after Chakra's fourth studio album, her solo debut album, titled Lady in Black, was released in March 2007. The success of "Sorry For The Tears" marked a change in her public image. The solo debut album consisted of thirteen songs.

In May 2008, Hwangbo joined the Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) reality show We Got Married, where she was paired with SS501 leader Kim Hyun Joong. They received the MBC Entertainment Award for best couple on 28 December 2008. On 14 December, Joong and Hwangbo departed from the show due to programming conflicts.[11] At the same time, her popularity as a singer continued to rise in Asia. She released the digital single Gift for Him the same year. Her song "Get Hot" ("뜨거워 져") took her stardom to Europe, becoming the first Korean to achieve it.[clarification needed] The dance became very popular among the Korean public that led to the popular fashion dance, Tecktonik (known as the Tecktonik wave). The remix and the dance was presented by Koo Junyup. Also on Gift for Him was her hit "Mature".

On 18 August 2009, she released an extended play mini-album EP, titled R2song, in South Korea, which included her previous hits. The track "R2song" was released on 7 August 2009 for the first time in the United Kingdom, ranking No. 1 on the main European charts. This was the first time that an Asian singer achieved this position in Europe, which was considered a feat by the Asian media. Eventually, three other versions of "R2song", mixed by the producer Postino, were released. The main single was successful in Korea, ranking No. 1 on the "Mnet" account and No. 11 on the "K-Chart" singles list, in addition to entering the top 20 and top 10 on several popularity charts. It was also cataloged by the best DJs in Europe as the No. 1 dance theme.

She hosted several television programs such as Nodaji, Finding Delicious, and Human Mentor. In 2008 and 2009, she was a member of the first season of Infinity Girls, a female version of Infinite Challenge, broadcast by MBC Every 1. In 2010, she was one of the five MCs of Midnight Idols along with Kim Hyung Jun of SS501, Kim Chang Ryul, Eun Ji-won, and Kim Sung-soo of Cool.

A year after the release of "R2song", the digital single "I'm Still Beautiful" was released in late October 2010. The song topped several popularity charts in Canada.

2011–2013: Acting

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Hwangbo in 2012

In 2011, Hwangbo appeared in the Seoul Broadcasting System comedy Oh My God, playing the role of a charismatic wife, demonstrating extraordinary charm and attracting a vast audience.[citation needed] In November, she participated in the musical Nun Feeling, which lasted about three months and was praised for strong singing power.[by whom?] In 2012, she participated in the Maeil Broadcasting Network drama Can Love become Money, playing a leading role and getting a good evaluation.[by whom?] Hwangbo participated in the third season of Infinity Girls, after which she moved away from the entertainment industry.

2014–2016: Entrepreneur

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On 21 March 2014, she established the personal clothing store BO! GO! and a private "muah puntual" coffee shop was opened in the Mapo area in Seoul.[citation needed]

2016–present: Return

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Hwangbo in 2021

Hwangbo returned to the entertainment industry after a sabbatical of 3 years. She continues working as a model, participating at the Seoul Fashion Week. Since 2017, she has appeared as a recurring guest on various shows such as the Knowing Bros. In August 2018, she paired up with Nam Bo-ra in Secret Unnies.[citation needed]

Charity work

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Hwangbo is part of "Compassion", a charity group, since 2007. She actively helps people seeking refuge in Seoul, and directs money to the Revival Project.[citation needed]

Personal life

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Hwangbo actively participates in community activities. On 5 February 2011, Hwangbo entered the restaurant business with her trusted friend and colleague, Shim Tae Yoon.[citation needed] She is currently the co-owner of the branch, Shimsontang, in the Mapo district, situated in the northwest of Seoul, South Korea.[citation needed] In 2014, she launched BO! GO!, an online fashion clothing store, a coffee shop and pub.[citation needed]

Discography

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Studio albums

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Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales
KOR
[12]
Lady in Black
  • Released: 3 March 2007
  • Label: Fantom Entertainment
  • Format: CD, cassette
Track listing
  1. Prologue
  2. Alone
  3. 연애할까요
  4. 아픈 말
  5. Chance
  6. 겨울
  7. 사랑이 변하니
  8. 눈물도 미안해서
  9. 거품
  10. 부탁해
  11. It Girl
  12. 소매
  13. Goodbye
"—" denotes release did not chart.

Singles

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Title Year Peak chart positions Album
KOR
[13]
"Sorry for the Tears" 2007 Lady in Black
"Getting Hot" (뜨거워져) 2008 Non-album singles
"Words I Can't Believe" (믿을 수 없는 말) 2009
"R2Song" (아리송) R2Song single album
"Still Beautiful" 2010 64 Non-album single
Chart data not available prior to 2010.

Filmography

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Films

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Year Title Role Ref.
2003 Love Impossible Seong Hye-mi [14]

Television dramas

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Year Title Role Ref.
2004 Between Miss and Ma'am Hye-jeong [6]
2011 Oh My God New wife [15]
2012 Can Love Become Money Gwak Seong-ran [7]

Television variety shows

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Year Title Role Ref.
2007 Make It Beauty (메이크 잇 뷰티) Host [16]
2008-2009 Infinite Girls Season 1 Cast member [9]
2008 We Got Married Season 1 Cast member (with Kim Hyun-joong) [8]
2008 Law of Inflexibility (연애 불변의 법칙) Season 6 Host [17]
2009 Nodaji (노다지) Cast member [18]
2010-2013 Infinite Girls Season 3 Cast member [10]
2016 Human Documentary People Are Good (휴먼다큐 사람이 좋다) Subject of 4 December episode [19]
2018 Secret Unnie (비밀언니) Cast member (with Nam Bo-ra) [20]
2023 Tomorrow's Winning Shot (내일은 위닝샷) Player [21]

Web series

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Year Title Role Ref.
2022 Office Cooking Hwangdo [22]

Stage musicals

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Year Title Role Ref.
2011-2012 Nun Sensation (넌센세이션) Sister Robert [23]

Radio shows

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Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2022–present Cultwo Show Regular guest 14.00-16.00PM KST [24]

Awards

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Year Award Category Work Result Ref.
2008 Korean Entertainment Arts Awards Best Dancer-Singer "Getting Hot" Won [25]
MBC Entertainment Awards Best Brand Award (with We Got Married cast and crew) We Got Married Won [26]
Best Couple Award (with Kim Hyun-joong) Won [26]
2009 Korea Culture and Entertainment Awards K-pop Division Award Won [27]

References

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  1. ^ Woo-bin (18 February 2021). "황보, YG 케이플러스 전속계약…배정남과 한솥밥 [공식]". Ten Asia (in Korean). Archived from the original on 18 February 2021. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
  2. ^ "황보". Daum Encyclopedia (in Korean). Archived from the original on 19 August 2022. Retrieved 19 March 2019.
  3. ^ Kim, Jin-seok (26 May 2018). "Hwangbo can do without celebrity : Former Chakra singer says she's happy running a cafe and exercising". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on 28 November 2018. Retrieved 28 November 2018.
  4. ^ "이은 정려원 황보, 10년전 샤크라 시절 공개 '한결같은 미모'[포토엔]". Newsen (in Korean). 14 January 2014. Archived from the original on 19 August 2022. Retrieved 19 March 2019.
  5. ^ "황보, "우울증도 마음 먹기에 달렸다"". No Cut News (in Korean). 9 March 2007. Archived from the original on 1 September 2024. Retrieved 19 March 2019.
  6. ^ a b "MBC 가정의 달 새형식 시트콤 2편". Yeongnam Ilbo (in Korean). 27 April 2004. Archived from the original on 1 September 2024. Retrieved 19 March 2019.
  7. ^ a b "미리 보는 '사랑도 돈이 되나요' 5·6회". Maeil Business Newspaper (in Korean). 14 March 2012. Archived from the original on 1 September 2024. Retrieved 19 March 2019.
  8. ^ a b "황보 "'우결' 출연 커플 진짜 사귈 확률 0%"". JoongAng Ilbo (in Korean). 18 July 2008. Archived from the original on 1 September 2024. Retrieved 19 March 2019.
  9. ^ a b "황보, 무한걸스 새 멤버로 합류!". The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). 11 April 2008. Archived from the original on 1 September 2024. Retrieved 19 March 2019.
  10. ^ a b "황보 "송은이, 나한테만 화내…'무한걸스' 없어지고 속 시원"". JoongAng Ilbo (in Korean). 31 October 2017. Archived from the original on 24 January 2018. Retrieved 19 March 2019.
  11. ^ 이현우. "김현중-황보 6개월만에 '우결' 하차 한라산 이별여행". Newsen. Archived from the original on 19 August 2022. Retrieved 18 November 2008.
  12. ^ "K-pop Album Sales Volume" (in Korean). Recording Industry Association of Korea. Archived from the original on 19 February 2009. Retrieved 17 March 2019.
  13. ^ "Gaon Digital Chart". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on 10 June 2021. Retrieved 17 March 2019.
  14. ^ "남남북녀". Naver Movies (in Korean). Archived from the original on 27 April 2005. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
  15. ^ "'오~마이갓!' 황보, 방송에서 '겨털' 면도 장면 공개!". Kyunghyang Shinmun (in Korean). 19 October 2011. Archived from the original on 1 September 2024. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
  16. ^ "뷰티 전문가들이 공개! 나만의 뷰티 시크릿". Woman Donga (in Korean). 13 August 2007. Archived from the original on 4 August 2022. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
  17. ^ "김창렬·황보 '연애불변~' MC 합류". Kyunghyang Shinmun (in Korean). 15 April 2008. Archived from the original on 12 April 2023. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
  18. ^ "황보, '노다지' 촬영 중 머리부상…검사 결과 '괜찮아'". Asia Business Daily (in Korean). 22 September 2009. Archived from the original on 1 September 2024. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
  19. ^ "황보, '휴먼다큐 사람이 좋다'서 TV 떠난 사연 공개". Sports Donga (in Korean). 2 December 2016. Archived from the original on 1 September 2024. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
  20. ^ ""잘 버텼어 아주 기특해"…'비밀언니' 황보, 남보라 향한 한 마디". The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). 25 August 2018. Archived from the original on 25 August 2018. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
  21. ^ Hyun Jung-min (3 April 2023). "황보·홍수아, '내일은 위닝샷' 합류…테니스 선수 뺨친다" [Hwangbo and Hong Soo-ah join 'Tomorrow's Winning Shot'... look like a tennis player] (in Korean). Sports World. Archived from the original on 8 April 2023. Retrieved 8 April 2023 – via Naver.
  22. ^ Son Jin-ah (16 May 2022). "오피스쿠킹' 따뜻한 웹드…'밥' 매개로 돈독해지는 과정 담아" [Office Cooking’ Warm Webde… Including the process of strengthening through ‘rice] (in Korean). MK Sports. Archived from the original on 1 September 2024. Retrieved 16 May 2022 – via Naver.
  23. ^ "송은이·황보 뮤지컬 '넌센세이션' 출연". Kyunghyang Shinmun (in Korean). 21 September 2011. Archived from the original on 1 September 2024. Retrieved 20 March 2019.
  24. ^ Go Jae-wan (22 July 2022). "[공식] 황보, '컬투쇼' 고정게스트 합류…金오후 책임진다" [[Official] Hwangbo joins 'Cultwo Show' as a regular guest... Responsible for the afternoon] (in Korean). Sports Chosun. Archived from the original on 1 September 2024. Retrieved 22 July 2022 – via Naver.
  25. ^ "황보". Melon (in Korean). Archived from the original on 19 March 2019. Retrieved 19 March 2019.
  26. ^ a b "강호동, KBS 이어 MBC 방송연예대상도 차지". The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). 30 December 2008. Archived from the original on 19 March 2019. Retrieved 19 March 2019.
  27. ^ "[포토엔]올블랙 의상 황보, 여신포스 작렬". Newsen (in Korean). 30 November 2009. Archived from the original on 1 September 2024. Retrieved 19 March 2019.
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