Eun Ji-won 은지원 |
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Background information | |
Also known as | G1, G, G-One, Eun Cho-ding (은초딩) |
Born | June 8, 1978 |
Origin | South Korea |
Genres | K-pop, hip-hop, R&B, rap |
Occupation(s) | Rapper |
Years active | 1997–2000, 2016- (group member) 2000–present (soloist) |
Labels |
Daesung Entertainment (1997-2000) GYM Entertainment (Current) YG Entertainment (Group) |
Associated acts | Sechs Kies, Movement, Clover, HOTSechgodRG |
Korean name | |
161210 Eun Ji-won at Yellow Note Concert
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Korean name | |
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Hangul | 은지원 |
Hanja | |
Revised Romanization | Eun Ji-won |
McCune–Reischauer | Ŭn Chiwŏn |
Eun Ji-won (born June 8, 1978) is a South Korean rapper, host, dancer, composer and leader of the first generation idol group Sechs Kies (젝스키스). After the group's disbandment in 2000, Eun pursued a solo career in 2001 with his first single ("A-Ha") and has mainly focused on hip-hop ever since. In addition to his music career, he has appeared on hit shows like 2 Days & 1 Night, Reply 1997 and New Journey to the West.
On April 14, 2016, Sechs Kies held a reunion concert for fans 16 years after their disbandment through the popular program Infinite Challenge. They have since returned to promote as a group and have signed a contract with renowned label YG Entertainment.
Eun attended Hawaiian Mission Academy, from Grade 9 to 12. He was schoolmates with fellow Sechs Kies member, Kang Sung-hun.
His granduncle is former South Korean president Park Chung-hee; his aunt from his father's side of the family is former South Korean President Park Geun-hye, the daughter of the late President Park who serving as president until her Impeachment. His mother used to be part of a girl group called, "Lily Sisters".
Eun Ji-won's nickname in Sechs Kies was "Soy Sauce" (깜시) because of his dark skin. "Eun Choding" ("Kid Eun") was a later nickname on the reality-variety show Happy Sunday: 1 Night 2 Days because of his childish behavior.
Eun Ji-won and Kang Sung-hun were discovered by a Daesung Entertainment's president, Lee Ho Yeon, who was vacationing in Hawaii. Lee formed a six-member group in which Eun became the leader, main rapper and sub-vocalist.
The group debuted in 1997, and disbanded in 2000. Eun described his time with Sechs Kies as hectic, recalling that members would retreat to their parents' homes to avoid the demanding schedule. He said the group's record label planned many of their media appearances without consulting the members. During this time, the group's popularity rivaled that of H.O.T.