Se7en (세븐) (born Choi
Dong Wook (최동욱) November 9, 1984) is a South Korean
pop and R&B singer. Se7en began training under a
management agency YG Family at the age of 15. After
4 years of intense training in voice and dance,
Se7en made his debut in 2003. He was an instant hit
throughout Asia due to his smooth vocals, dance
moves, and boyish good looks. He has released a
total of 4 albums, various singles, and aims to
become a world-renowned artist.
Career
Ever since Se7en's debut, he has been under the YG
Family label. Much of his career is comprised of
constant promotions for his songs through live
performances on TV, radio shows, and occasionally,
concerts. He began learning Japanese at an early age
in preparation for his promotional activities in
Japan, and is one of the few South Korean artists
who can speak Japanese fluently and thus, cross the
language barrier that hinders most South Korean
artists. His English is also fairly good. Danny Im,
member of 1TYM, is a Korean-American who can speak
English fluently, but lacks Koreans speaking skills.
Danny and Se7en are extremely close and help each
other learn the different languages together.
Se7en is constantly traveling throughout Asia,
particularly Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, and China. He
has also performed a few times in the United States,
specifically Los Angeles and New York City.
In addition to performing, he has been featured on
numerous gameshows in South Korea and Japan, and
various commercials such as Anycall, Baskin Robbins,
Coca Cola, LG telecom and most recently, Sprite. He
has held a total of five concerts in Japan: one held
in 2005 at Yokohama, and for the year 2006, two held
in Tokyo and two in Osaka. He held a total of three
concerts for his "24/SE7EN" album promotion June
2006 in Seoul, South Korea. His popularity has
earned him an award for the Most Popular Korean
Singer in the MTV Asia Awards 2006 at Bangkok,
Thailand, and the MTV Best Buzz Asia Award 2006.
As of June 28th, 2006, Se7en is residing in Los
Angeles for three months so as to improve his
English prior to his entrance into the American
music industry. He will be releasing his fourth
Korean album in October 2006.
Profile
Stage name: SE7EN (세븐)
Real name: Choi Dong Wook (최동욱)
Nickname: 7-Eleven
Blood Type: B
Height: 5' 11"
Weight: 141 lb
Family: Grandmother, parents, two older sisters
Hobbies: Just music
Talents: Singing, Dancing, Rapping, Beatboxing
Favorite Sports: Basketball, Snowboarding, Swimming
Favorite Singers: Usher, Justin Timberlake, Alicia
Keys, Dru Hill
Religion: Christian
Favorite Colors: Black, White
Ideal Girlfriend: He prefers a good personality over
a pretty face
Prized Possession: His collection of 1000+ CDs
Future Goal: Changing the world with his music
Motto: "Always be humble, have the best dreams."
Artistry
Voice
Se7en's impressive vocal range distinguishes him
from other South Korean pop artists. His voice can
be described as smooth, mellow, and sometimes mildly
abrasive (see vocal belting) when songs, such as
"Crazy" and "I Know," call for it. He often sings
with a vibrato in his voice that American R&B
singers are known for. He is also famous for his
beatboxing, especially in his wildly popular single,
"Passion." Although he does not possess the most
powerful voice amongst South Korean artists, his
vocal strength has steadily improved since he first
debuted.
Dance
Se7en's signature handstandAdditionally, Se7en is
known for his dance moves. His dance style, like his
vocals, can also be described as smooth and leaning
more towards freestyle rather than heavy
choreography. Some dance techniques he sports during
live performances are gliding, popping of the chest,
and various one-handed handstands. His signature
handstand, which he executes during his "Come Back
to Me" performances, is the Nike (see picture). Most
recently, he has been executing the gainer and the
pike (see breakdancing) during his "I Know"
performances. Finally, even when the song involves a
large dance routine, Se7en never lipsyncs during
live performances, believing that "lipsyncing is no
different from watching a dubbed movie." His dynamic
stage presence, by far, is what separates him from
other artists.
Discography
Korean Discography
Volume 1 | Just Listen (2003.03.08)
Volume 2 | Must Listen (2004.07.07)
Volume 3 | 24/SE7EN (2006.03.08)
Volume 4 | October 2006
Korean Singles
NOTE: Below are a list of SE7EN's singles that he
has released to the radio. Commercial singles are
not available for purchase. The only commercial
single that has been released is "Crazy", and it is
only available through digital download purchase.
Baby I Like You Like That (debut single)
안녕 featuring Gummy (Goodbye, English title)
한번 단 한번 (One More Time, English title)
Come Back To Me
문신 (Tattoo, English title)
열정 (Passion, English title)
Crazy - (2004.12.01) - 1st Commercial Korean Single,
digital download only
난 알아요 featuring Teddy (I Know, English title)
와줘 Part 2 (Come Back To Me Part 2, English title)
Japanese Discography
Awards
2003 November 27 : M.net Music Video Festival New
male Artist Music Video Award
2003 December 5 : The 18th Golden Disc New Artist
Award
2003 December 10 : KMTV Korean Music Awards New Male
Vocalist Award
2003 December 12 : Seoul Music Awards New Artist
Award
2003 December 29 : SBS TV 2003 Popular Song Awards
New Singer Award
2003 December 29 : MBC TV 2003 Entertainment Awards
Pop Singer Section - Special Award
2003 December 31 : MBC TV 2003 Top Ten Vocalist
Awards New Vocalist Award
2004 December 2 : The 19th Golden Disc Main Award +
Popular Music Video Award
2004 December 4 : M.net & KM Music Video Festival
Male Solo Vocalist Award
2004 December 30 : KBS TV 2004 Korea Pop Award Main
Award
2004 December 31 : MBC TV 2004 Top Ten Vocalist
Award Main Award
2005 May 28 : Channel V Thailand Awards Asian
Sensation Award
2006 January 14 : 2005 China Original Music Ranking
Chart SPRITE Awards Best Artist in Asia
2006 March 9 : 2005 Japan Golden Disc Special Award
2006 May 6 : MTV Asia Awards - MAA 2006 Favorite
Artist Korea
2006 May 27 : MTV Video Music Awards Japan - VMAJ
2006 Best Buzz Asia from Korea
