In 2005, "My Bratty Princess" was a rising star, starring Alec Su and Jang Nara. The show was a ratings smash upon its release, and Jang Nara became an overnight sensation across China. In 2008, after donating millions to the Wenchuan earthquake relief efforts, Jang Nara was invited to record the Beijing Olympics theme song "Beijing Welcomes You," becoming the only foreign artist to receive this honor. At that time, she was arguably the most beloved Korean artist in the eyes of many Chinese people.
However, in 2009, Jang Nara was banned overnight after saying on a Korean TV program that she would come to China if she had no money. All the good reputation she had built up was destroyed by that one sentence. Even after the truth was revealed—it was all due to a translator's mistake—Jang Nara's acting career suffered a severe blow, and she remained silent in the Korean entertainment industry for over a decade. Coincidentally, also in 2009, another popular Korean actress was banned and forced to withdraw from the Chinese market because of a comment about bandits.
This person is none other than Lee Jung-hyun, the pioneer of the Korean Wave. As the saying goes, "I envy neither the lovers nor the immortals, but only the daily lives of those in wealthy families." Born in 1980 into a powerful South Korean conglomerate, Lee Jung-hyun's family's wealth is said to be enough to buy half of the Korean entertainment industry. Her acting career began in 1996 when, at only sixteen years old, she starred in the film "Petals," winning numerous newcomer awards, including the Grand Bell Awards—a true debut at the peak of her career.
In the following two years, she starred in many television dramas, but just when everyone thought she would continue her career in the film and television industry, Lee Jung-hyun embarked on another journey. In 1999, at the age of nineteen, she officially entered the music scene and released her first solo album, "Let's Go to My Star," in July of that year. The album's sudden release not only amazed the Korean music scene but also sparked a Korean wave throughout Asia.
Her hit songs "Wow" and "Change" not only became instant sensations but also topped the music charts for three consecutive weeks, breaking the record for the longest-running song on Korean radio. Back then, Lee Jung-hyun became a top advertising queen in Korea within three months, earning over 100 million won at one point, and even served as a Korean peace ambassador. Besides her immense popularity in Korea, Lee Jung-hyun also secured a place in the global entertainment industry. Just how popular was Lee Jung-hyun back then? From Southeast Asia to the Americas, her voice was everywhere. Starting in 2004, she held numerous solo concerts, large and small, in China, Japan, and the United States.
Because Lee Jung-hyun habitually places the microphone on her pinky finger while singing, extends her pinky finger to her mouth, and performs fan dances, she quickly created a phenomenon where a single pinky finger became a global sensation. However, the Chinese market remains her most popular destination. After Sammi Cheng covered her hit song, Lee Jung-hyun came to China to develop her career. Besides collaborating with Chinese actors in numerous films and television dramas, she also learned Mandarin, sang Chinese songs, and released Chinese albums.
In the early 2000s, she held solo concerts in many Chinese cities, and her songs were played on radio stations and streets throughout China. Her new albums always sold out quickly. While single-handedly opening the door to the Chinese music scene and being hailed as the pioneer of the Korean Wave, Lee Jung-hyun's songs also supported half of the Chinese music industry. A host of celebrities, including Sammi Cheng, Cyndi Wang, Jordan Chan, A-do, Rainie Yang, Eva Hsu, Cheng Hsi-yi, and Wallace Chung, have covered her songs. Sammi Cheng's energetic dance tracks "Unique" and "Eyebrows Dancing" are covers of her songs.
These two songs, released in 2000, became instant hits across China, sweeping through streets and alleys. Even now, they remain catchy and evoke a flood of memories. However, both are cover versions; the original singer is Lee Jung-hyun, a pioneer of the Korean Wave.
Ok Joo-hyun, a sexy goddess, was also an original idol.
Sung Yu-ri, the "National Fairy," is in the same group as Lee Hyori. She's undeniably beautiful, has a stunning figure, and is the epitome of sexiness.
Goodness, Lee Soo-man really went all out. The quality of the girls who came today is so high that even a South Korean chaebol might not be able to hire them.
Among the remaining girls, Shen Fang also spotted Kim Hee-sun, Son Ye-jin, and Song Hye-kyo!
Shen Lanlan was so excited that she wiped her drool without caring about her image and grabbed Shen Fang's arm.
"Uncle!!! This is a high-level game!!!!! You're practically my own uncle!!!!!!!!!"
Sinking Square? Wasn't I originally one?
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