Harisu

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In this Korean name, the family name is Lee.
Harisu
Gyeonggi-do, Korea
Other namesHe Li Xiu (Chinese name)
Spouse
Micky Jung
​
​
(m. 2007; div. 2017)​
Modeling information
Height1.68 m (5 ft 6 in)
Hair colorblack
Eye colorbrown
Korean name
Hangul
이경은
Hanja
Revised RomanizationI Gyeong-eun
McCune–ReischauerYi Kyŏngŭn
Stage name
Hangul
하리수
Hanja
Revised RomanizationHarisu
McCune–ReischauerHarisu

Lee Kyung-eun (born February 17, 1975), better known by her

pop singer, model, and actress. In 2002 she became the second person in Korea to legally change their gender
. Her stage name is an adaptation of the English phrase "hot issue".

She first gained public attention in 2001, after appearing in a

filmmaker
Yonfan. On May 19, 2007, Harisu married Micky Jung, but the couple divorced in 2017.

Early life and transition

Harisu was born in

sex reassignment surgery, rhinoplasty, and surgery to increase the size of her hips.[1][b]

Harisu lived in

talent agency,[7][8] and soon after she began her career as a model.[1][9] After returning to Korea in 2000,[1] she signed with management company TTM Entertainment, and first began using the stage name "Harisu", derived from the English phrase "hot issue".[9][10][c]

Career

Debut

Harisu first gained public attention when she appeared in this TV commercial for DoDo cosmetics. The appearance of an Adam's apple was added digitally.

Harisu made her acting debut in 1991—while still living as a boy—as a

extra during the 1990s.[12]

Her big break came in early 2001, when she appeared in a

TV commercial for DoDo cosmetics. The commercial hinted at the fact she is transgender, zooming in to reveal her Adam's apple (although this was added digitally, since Harisu herself does not have a prominent Adam's apple).[2][7] DoDo were initially cautious about using the commercial and had been prepared to withdraw it if the response was negative, but the commercial turned out to be a big success and quickly established her as a celebrity. As the Republic of Korea's first transgender entertainer, there was a great deal of media interest in Harisu, and she was routinely described as being "more beautiful than a woman".[7][13] Explaining her reasons for "coming out", she said, "I don't want to face people dishonestly. I won't be able to hide it after all. It's better to make it clear from the start."[13] In June 2001, Harisu was the subject of a television documentary produced by KBS, which covered her childhood, family relationships, and debut as an entertainer.[4]

Later that year she was cast in the film

soundtrack, Harisu played a transsexual who goes on the run after the apparent death of a convenience store owner. Regarding her decision to appear in the film, she said, "I wanted to break the stereotype of transsexuals — the demureness and extreme weakness with which they are often portrayed."[6]
The film was released on July 21.

Also in 2001, Harisu published her

slow ballads, which peaked at number 32 on the MIAK (Music Industry Association of Korea) K-pop albums chart.[14] She released her second album, Liar, in October 2002, describing it as "a high-energy dance record with a very upbeat rhythm."[7] Liar became her biggest domestic chart success, reaching number 23 in its first month of release.[15]

2003–2005

In October 2003, Harisu made the decision to leave her management company, TTM Entertainment. However, TTM claimed to hold the rights to her stage name, and announced their intentions to use that name to promote other artists.

hip-hop/R&B style,[7] with Harisu saying "now I am on my own, and showing my true colors, doing exactly the kind of music that I've always wanted."[16]
The album, however, failed to make the top 50 in the Korean charts.

In 2004, Harisu began to develop her career overseas, expressing frustration at being "pigeon-holed" as a transsexual in Korea. She starred in the

advertisements for Taiwanese company UFT, for which she was paid an estimated ₩100 million per ad. Although she had been initially reluctant to take on the project, observers hailed the casting of a trans woman in such a campaign as a sign of progress.[17][18] Towards the end of the year Harisu appeared in Yonfan's Colour Blossoms, an erotic drama film from Hong Kong in which she shared a role with veteran Japanese actress Keiko Matsuzaka. Released on October 18, 2004, it was poorly received at the box office and by the media, though it had some success at film festivals, and picked up several awards and nominations.[19]

Harisu made a return to Korean screens in early 2005, after being cast in the

feature films and secured the Malaysian release of her album.[9][21]

2006–present

After a prolonged absence from the Korean music scene, Harisu returned in January 2006 with her fourth,

digital single, "Winter Story",[d] and marked a change in her image, with an emphasis on being "cute" rather than "sexy".[22] Harisu charted at number 46 in Korea,[23] and as with her previous album it was released in Taiwan and China with extra songs recorded in Mandarin. Her fifth Korean album, Summer
, was released just six months later, though it failed to chart in the top 50.

Her next film—the first as part of the deal with Hock Star Entertainment—was

theme song, though it was necessary for her dialogue to be spoken in Korean and later dubbed. She was praised by director Bjarne Wong for her hard work and professionalism, and has hinted that they may collaborate on another film in the future.[24][25]

In early 2007, Harisu was cast as the lead actress in Police Line, a Korean drama series produced for

cable network On-Media. The series, based around a special unit for victims of sexual abuse, starred Harisu as a policewoman who was molested as a child by her stepfather.[26][27] Filming for Police Line began in April 2007, and the series was launched in June with Harisu's husband Micky Jung making a cameo appearance.[28] In December 2007, Harisu released a digital mini-album, Winter Special, which featured a duet with her husband on the track "First Snow".[29]

Harisu published a collection of essays in Japan in March 2008, titled Haris Beauty (sic). The essays formed a comprehensive guide to beauty, diet and fashion, and contained photographs of Harisu taken by Yamagishi Shin, who had traveled to Seoul the previous December for a four-day photo shoot.[30] Harisu also provided narration for the visually impaired for the 2008 film If You Were Me: Anima Version 2, an animated film about human rights.[31]

As of 2008, Harisu believed that she still faced discrimination within the entertainment industry, saying on television, "Many people pretend to smile and welcome me, but after the filming, they'd scold me behind my back".[29]

Personal life

Harisu's decision to undergo sex reassignment surgery placed a strain on her relationship with her family, and she noted that when her parents first found out they "were very upset. They weren't angry, but very sad."[3][e] Her father in particular had great difficulty accepting his child as a daughter, but her family have since accepted this and show great pride in her career.[4][7]

Harisu has been given credit for raising social awareness of transgender people in the Republic of Korea,[32] and has said in interviews that she hopes to be a role model for other trans people.[11] In April 2007, she came to the aid of a Chinese trans woman unable to afford surgery, giving her the financial support needed to complete her transition.[33] Affected by the 2008 suicides of gay actor Kim Ji-hoo and transgender television personality Jang Chae-won, Harisu opened a transgender club "Mix-Trans" in Apgujeong-dong, southern Seoul, in June 2009.[34]

Legal recognition of gender

On November 29, 2002, Harisu filed a petition with the

identification card in public... I couldn't get a passport, visa or even my own bank accounts because I was legally a man".[38]

Marriage

Since her debut in 2001, Harisu has consistently expressed a desire to marry and have a family of her own.

netizens.[42][43]

On May 19, 2007, Harisu and Jung were married at Central City Millennium Hall in the

Daum, 58% of 8,094 respondents were against the idea.[42] Harisu and Jung divorced in 2017 after ten years of marriage.[44][45]

Welfare and politics

In November 2007, Harisu unveiled plans to build and run an

Gyeonggi-do, and studied for a community service license.[46] Harisu campaigned for the New Progressive Party in the 2008 Republic of Korea legislative elections, supporting the legalization of marijuana.[47]

Discography

As of 2007, Harisu has released five Korean language studio albums, though her song lyrics typically include English as well. While her early work has been described as "techno-flavored K-pop", her more recent albums have leaned towards the R&B, hip-hop, and

Chae Rina in high esteem.[7]

Studio albums

Title Release date Chart position Sales Notes
Temptation September 22, 2001[48] 32[14] 25,474[49]
(as of October 2001) 		Also released in Taiwan.
Liar October 28, 2002[48] 23[15] 15,760[15]
(as of October 2002)
Foxy Lady February 2, 2004[48] — — Released in Taiwan, China and Malaysia in 2005, with extra tracks recorded in Mandarin.
Harisu January 24, 2006[48] 46[23] 1,596[23]
(as of January 2006) 		Also released in Taiwan and China, with extra tracks recorded in Mandarin.
Summer July 25, 2006[48] — —

Other releases

Title Release date Notes
Yellow Hair 2 OST July 23, 2001[48]
Film soundtrack
by various artists; includes two songs by Harisu, "Paradise" and "Sad Love".
The First Live Concert July 29, 2002[50] Live
VCD
.
Dance Fever #01 June 12, 2003[50] Compilation by various artists; includes Harisu's version of "The Cheeky Song", originally recorded by The Cheeky Girls.
"Winter Story" December 5, 2005[50]
Digital single
, taken from the album Harisu.
Winter Special December 6, 2007[48] Five track digital mini-album; includes a
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
".

Compilation albums

The Queen/11th Anniversary(2012)

Single albums

Re:Su(2018)

Music videos

  • "History" by Turbo (2001)
  • "Temptation" (2001)
  • "Always" by Kang Sung (2002)
  • "Liar" (2002)
  • "Foxy Lady" (2004)
  • "Reaction" (2006)
  • "Shopping Girl" (2012)
  • "Make Your Life" (2018)

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
2001 Yellow Hair 2 J Also performed two songs on the soundtrack.
2002 City Horror Series (TV) General Bai Lan Appeared in "The Song of the Dead".
Emergency Act 19 Herself Brief cameo appearance.
2004
Hi! Honey
 (TV) 		Lu Jia Ling
Colour Blossoms Madam Umeki
Free As Love
2005 Beating Heart (TV) Kim Hae-jung Appeared in episodes 3, 4, 9 and 12.
2006 Possessed Lisu Also sang the films main theme song.
2007 Police Line (TV)
2009 The Return of Iljimae (TV) Ki Seon-nyeo

Bibliography

  • Eve from Adam (2001) Dai San Media,
    ISBN 89-372-0868-7
  • Beauty Goddess's Change (2002) Taiwan Kadokawa,
    ISBN 986-7993-33-0
  • Perfect Woman (2005) Bo Shi,
    ISBN 986-7224-80-9
  • Haris Beauty (2008) Takeshobo,
    ISBN 978-4-8124-3425-3

Awards

Year Award-Giving Body Category Work Result
2001
Mnet Asian Music Awards
Best New Female Artist[51]
 "Temptation" Nominated
2002
Mnet Asian Music Awards
Best Dance Performance[52]
 "Liar" Nominated

See also

Notes

  • a.^ Although the cited source states that Harisu has an older brother, other sources refer to her as being an "only son".[4][8]
  • b.^ The exact dates that Harisu underwent surgery are unclear. Some sources state that she had sex change surgery in 1995,[11][12][53] while others give the year as 1998 (or when she was 23 years old).[1][2][9]
  • c.^ Harisu is sometimes written as Ha Ri-su, Ha Ri-soo, or Ha Risu.
  • d.^ The actual title for this song is in Korean. Alternative translations include "When it Snows" and "Falling Snow".
  • e.^ In a more recent interview, Harisu seems to contradict herself by saying that "There wasn't any reaction at all" from her family.[9]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Li Ee Kee, "Eve from Adam", The Star Online, September 19, 2005. A copy of this article can be read at TNUKdigest Archived 2021-04-05 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved on April 27, 2007.
  2. ^ a b c Kang Kyong-hee, "Makeup Ad Features First Transsexual on TV" Archived 2007-10-12 at the Wayback Machine, The Digital Chosun, March 29, 2001. Retrieved on April 27, 2007.
  3. ^ a b c Gina Choon, "Adam to Eve", Asiaweek.com, September 14, 2001. Retrieved on April 27, 2007.
  4. ^ a b c d Lee Seung-Heon, "Ha Ri-Soo, Who Became a Woman: Story Behind" Archived 2007-03-06 at the Wayback Machine, dongA.com, June 3, 2001. Retrieved on April 27, 2007.
  5. ^ Cindy Friedman et al., transcript for "NewsWrap" on This Way Out program #706 Archived 2007-10-12 at the Wayback Machine, October 10, 2001. Retrieved on May 5, 2007.
  6. ^ a b c Christopher Torchia, "Transsexual entertainer testing the boundaries of South Koreans' Confucian ideals"[permanent dead link], The Korea Times, September 20, 2001. Retrieved on April 27, 2007.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Markus Augustus, "Harisu Superstar", Giant Robot, issue #28 p.56-59.
  8. ^ a b c "Court makes it official – he's now a woman", The Straits Times, December 22, 2002. A copy of this article can be read at TNUKdigest. Retrieved on April 27, 2007.
  9. ^ a b c d e f Peter Yap, "She's a lady" Archived 2006-01-08 at the Wayback Machine, Sun2Surf, September 6, 2005. Retrieved on May 5, 2007.
  10. ^ a b "Who is the Real 'Hot Issue'?", Korea Now, November 29, 2003. Retrieved on May 5, 2007.
  11. ^ a b c Su Aziz, "10 Minutes With Harisu: A role model for transsexuals ", New Straits Times, August 12, 2006. A copy of this article can be read at TNUKdigest. Retrieved on May 5, 2007.
  12. ^ a b Anthony Faiola, "South Korea Loosens Its Collar Archived 2020-12-08 at the Wayback Machine, washingtonpost.com, December 16, 2003. Retrieved on May 5, 2007.
  13. ^ a b Park Soo-in, "Harisu Redefines Gender Identity"[permanent dead link], The Korea Times, June 28, 2001. Retrieved on May 6, 2007.
  14. ^ a b K-pop album chart, September 2001 Archived 2007-09-27 at the Wayback Machine, Music Industry Association of Korea. Retrieved on June 3, 2007. Note: although the information was verified on the retrieval date, the website has since been taken down and no archive copy is available.
  15. ^ a b c K-pop album chart, October 2002 Archived 2007-09-27 at the Wayback Machine, Music Industry Association of Korea. Retrieved on June 3, 2007. Note: although the information was verified on the retrieval date, the website has since been taken down and no archive copy is available.
  16. ^ a b c Krista Kim, "Harisu: Woman Revealed", The Korea Herald, February 11, 2004. A copy of this article can be read at TNUKdigest Archived 2021-04-05 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved on May 12, 2007.
  17. ^ Hwang Su-cheol, "Transgender Singer to Do Menstrual Pad Ads", Digital Chosunilbo, April 13, 2004. Retrieved on May 18, 2007.
  18. ^ Tom Musbach, "Transsexual star to do feminine hygiene ads", PlanetOut.com, April 13, 2004. Retrieved on May 18, 2007.
  19. ^ "TV Drama to Show Life of Transsexual", The Korea Times, March 21, 2005. A copy of this article can be read at TNUKdigest Archived 2021-04-05 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved on May 19, 2007.
  20. ^ Nurliana Kamaruddin, "The ‘Foxy Lady’ Spell In Malaysia" Archived 2011-09-30 at the Wayback Machine, Cinema Online, September 3, 2005. Retrieved on May 19, 2007.
  21. ^ Kim Yoon-mi, "Ha Ri-su makes comeback ", The Korea Herald, January 11, 2006. A copy of this article can be read at TNUKdigest. Retrieved on May 23, 2007.
  22. ^ a b c K-pop album chart, January 2006 Archived 2007-09-27 at the Wayback Machine, Music Industry Association of Korea. Retrieved on June 2, 2007. Note: although the information was verified on the retrieval date, the website has since been taken down and no archive copy is available.
  23. ^ "The singer" Archived 2020-05-10 at the Wayback Machine, The Star Online, November 24, 2006. Retrieved on May 23, 2007.
  24. ^ "The director" Archived 2020-05-10 at the Wayback Machine, The Star Online, November 24, 2006. Retrieved on May 23, 2007.
  25. ^ "Harisu to star in TV series" Archived 2007-12-08 at the Wayback Machine, China Daily, March 28, 2007. Retrieved on May 23, 2007.
  26. ^ Kim Pil-kyu, "Korean dramas lock horns with their American rivals" Archived 2007-10-12 at the Wayback Machine, JoongAng Daily, April 14, 2007. Retrieved on May 23, 2007.
  27. ^ "Transgender Star and Fiancé Pose for Wedding Photos" Archived 2007-05-19 at the Wayback Machine, Digital Chosunilbo, April 13, 2007. Retrieved on May 23, 2007.
  28. ^ a b Chang May Choon, "Other transsexual celebs in Korea" Archived 2009-02-27 at the Wayback Machine, asiaone, January 31, 2008. Retrieved on February 23, 2010.
  29. ^ "Ha Risu to Publish Essay Collection in Japan" Archived 2008-04-10 at the Wayback Machine, KBS Global, March 6, 2008. Retrieved on February 23, 2010.
  30. ^ Lee Hyo-won, "Sensitive Consumption Products Appeal to Five Senses" Archived 2012-05-12 at the Wayback Machine, The Korea Times, April 27, 2008. Retrieved on February 23, 2010.
  31. ^ Howard W. French, "Doctor overhauls attitudes by changing Koreans' sexes" Archived 2011-05-25 at the Wayback Machine, San Francisco Chronicle, June 23, 2003. Retrieved on May 27, 2007.
  32. ^ Li Qian, "Wannabe woman funded by transsex celeb" Archived 2007-05-16 at the Wayback Machine, Chinadaily.com.cn, April 9, 2007. Retrieved on May 27, 2007.
  33. ^ Hyun Ji-hyang, "Ha Ri-su opens transgender club" Archived 2009-06-08 at the Wayback Machine, The Korea Herald, June 1, 2009. Retrieved on February 23, 2010.
  34. ^ "Ha Ri-soo Appeal to the Law" Archived 2007-10-12 at the Wayback Machine, dongA.com, December 4, 2002. Retrieved on May 24, 2007.
  35. ^ Park Don-kyu, "Ha Ri-su now Legally Female" Archived 2007-10-12 at the Wayback Machine, Digital Chosunilbo, December 13, 2002. Retrieved on May 24, 2007.
  36. ^ "Now, I am a Perfect Woman" Archived 2007-10-12 at the Wayback Machine, dongA.com, December 13, 2002. Retrieved on May 24, 2007.
  37. ^ Shim Sun-ah, "S. Korea in dilemma over transgender citizens' right to choose" Archived 2007-08-17 at the Wayback Machine, Yonhap News, May 23, 2006. Retrieved on May 24, 2007.
  38. ^ a b "Top transgender beauty ties the knot" Archived 2007-10-12 at the Wayback Machine, The Sunday Mail, May 19, 2007. Retrieved on May 26, 2007.
  39. ^ a b "Transgender Star to Tie the Knot in May" Archived 2007-06-18 at the Wayback Machine, Digital Chosunilbo, February 22, 2007. Retrieved on May 26, 2007.
  40. ^ a b Cathy Rose A. Garcia, "Harisu to Get Married Early Next Year", The Korea Times, November 15, 2006. A copy of this article can be read at empas Archived 2007-08-26 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved on May 5, 2007.
  41. ^ a b Kim Rahn, "Transgenders Face Difficulty in Adoption" Archived 2010-10-08 at the Wayback Machine, The Korea Times, April 24, 2007. Retrieved on February 23, 2010.
  42. ^ Cho Jae-eun, "A modern economy,an antiquated morality" Archived 2010-10-22 at the Wayback Machine, JoongAng Daily, September 13, 2007. Retrieved on February 23, 2010.
  43. ^ Kim, Jung-kyoon (June 13, 2017). "Harisu and Mickey Jung announce divorce". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on August 10, 2017. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
  44. ^ Maala, Jon (July 13, 2017). "Korea's first transgender celeb, husband divorce after 10 years". International Business Times. Archived from the original on July 23, 2017. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
  45. ^ Park Si-soo, "Transgender Singer to Open Orphanage" Archived 2012-05-12 at the Wayback Machine, The Korea Times, November 29, 2007. Retrieved on 23 February 2010.
  46. ^ Park Si-soo, "Stars Spruce Up Campaign Rally" Archived 2010-10-08 at the Wayback Machine, The Korea Times, April 6, 2008. Retrieved on February 23, 2010.
  47. ^ a b c d e f g Discography Archived 2007-05-20 at the Wayback Machine, Harisu Official Website. Retrieved on June 6, 2007. (in Japanese)
  48. ^ K-pop album chart, October 2001 Archived 2007-09-27 at the Wayback Machine, Music Industry Association of Korea. Retrieved on June 3, 2007. Note: although the information was verified on the retrieval date, the website has since been taken down and no archive copy is available.
  49. ^ a b c Harisu discography Archived 2005-11-13 at the Wayback Machine, Tube Music. Retrieved on June 6, 2007. Note: although the information was verified on the retrieval date, the website has since been taken down and no archive copy is available.
  50. ^ "2001 MMF part 1" Archived 2018-06-15 at the Wayback Machine. MAMA. Retrieved 2014-07-23.
  51. ^ "2002 MMF part 1" Archived 2014-08-19 at the Wayback Machine. Mwave. Retrieved 2014-08-17.
  52. ^ "Transgender Star Ties the Knot", Digital Chosunilbo, May 21, 2007. Retrieved on May 26, 2007. Archived May 24, 2007, at the Wayback Machine

External links

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