Eru (singer)

Jo Seong-hyeon (Korean: 조성현; born July 5, 1983) better known as by his stage name Eru (Hangul: 이루), is an American-born South Korean singer and actor based in South Korea.[1][2]His stage name Eru has the meaning that he would accomplish his dreams as a musician.[3]Its also a name that is made from Lee(李) which is the surname of his mother and lu(鏤), which means to inscribe his name on something.[4] He is known as "Indonesia's Prince," given his popularity in that country.[5]

In this Korean name, the family name is Jo.
Eru
Birth nameJo Seong-hyeon
Born (1983-07-05) July 5, 1983
New York City, United States
OriginSouth Korea
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • actor
Years active2005–present
LabelsEru Entertainment
The Awesome Entertainment
Korean name
Hangul
조성현
Revised RomanizationJo Seong-hyeon
McCune–ReischauerCho Sŏnghyŏn

Biography

Eru was born Jo Seong-hyeon on July 5, 1983 in New York City, United States to South Korean parents.[6][1] He is the second and youngest son of one of the most popular veteran South Korean trot singers, Tae Jin-ah.[7]

Eru lived in New York until he was 7 years old,[8] then his family moved to South Korea, where he attended numerous international schools including Seoul American High School. In 2003, Eru attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music (Piano Department) in Boston.[8][9][10] Eru entered the K-Pop scene himself during a break from Berklee.[9]

In late December 2007, Eru released a statement revealing his intentions of fulfilling his military service duties in the latter half of 2008, since he became a Korean citizen 2 years ago.[1]

On May 1, 2008, Eru entered the boot camp to start his mandatory military service at Nonsan Military Training Center. Eru stayed there for four weeks to receive basic training and was subsequently assigned to public service duty.[11] He completed his duty within two years, and returned home on May 27, 2010.[12]

In addition to his singing activities, he was attending Dankook University.[13]

Career

Pre-debut

Eru wanted to be a producer so he composed many songs.[7] But after a while, he decided that he did not want other people to sing his songs. He wanted to sing them himself. He thought that the person who composes the songs understands them better. That's when he decided to become a singer.[7]

Eru went through two years of training before making his debut as a singer in 2005.[9] Eru's debut album included works from musicians such as Joo Young-hoon, Lee Hyun-jung (the composer of Big Mama's "Break Away"), and vocal trainer No Young Joo, who trained BoA, Fly to the Sky and Lee Soo-young.[9] A 100-member string orchestra also participated in his debut album.[9]

Debut

Eru debuted with released his first single from his 1st album was "다시 태어나도" (""If I Was Reborn"") on September 5, 2005. Eru released his 2nd album Level II on September 16, 2006. The first single from his 2nd album, "까만안경" ("Black Glasses") which features singer Daylight, gained significant popularity among young people and topped on- and offline charts.[14] The song would later be showered with numerous awards, including Jukeon's song of the month (October 2006) and SBS's Bonsang Award.[15] The music video for "까만안경" was also popular among his fans, as it featured Kim Hyun Joong of SS501, Lee Young Ah and Ahn Sung Ki.

After the huge success of "까만안경", Eru released his second single "흰눈" ("White Snow"), which he wrote himself.[16] "흰눈" was also successful, reaching #1 on various online charts and winning several awards, including Cyworld's Song of the Month (January 2007).[17][18] The music video for "흰눈" was shot in Sapporo, Japan[16] and featured Eru and entertainer Lee Hyun-ji. Aside from his own music videos, Eru appeared in female singer Magolpi's debut music video "Flight Girl", where his role was as a composer, along with six other Korean artists, including Yoochun of TVXQ, Kangin, Heechul and Shindong of Super Junior, Park Joon-hyung of g.o.d, and Kim Jang-hoon.

In March 2007, Eru received an offer to appear in a Japanese movie titled Three Tattoos. Eru's agency stated that the offer was quite tempting, as the movie was being directed by Sukimori Hitomi and would likely be exported overseas. However, Eru's agency also stated that Eru would reject the offer as he has yet to establish himself in Korea as an artist.[19]

Eru released his 3rd album Eru Returns on September 19, 2007 and it became the #1 album during October 2007, selling 42,228 copies in South Korea.[20] The lead single from this album, "둘이라서" ("Because We Are Two"), enjoyed enormous popularity, winning SBS's Bonsang Award.[21] The music video for this song featured celebrities Ahn Sung-ki, Bong Tae-gyu and Park Joong-hoon. Eru also released "겨울나기" ("Wintering") and "마네킹" ("Mannequin")" as singles from Eru Returns. The star-studded music video cast for "겨울나기" included Eru, actresses Lee So-yeon and Kim Ja-ok, actor Park Sang-myun, trot singers Tae Jin-ah and Song Dae-kwan, comedians Lee Kyung-kyu and Ji Sang-ryeol, singer Kim Heung-gook, and others.[22]

His first solo concert took place on February 16, 2008 in South Korea.[23]

Eru has released a music video titled "White Tears," his single for his fourth album. His fourth album was released on August 23, 2010.

In 2013, Eru collaborated with Indonesian comedian Sule in a multi-lingual music video titled "Saranghaeyo".[24]

In 2017, Eru had a supporting role in the drama series You Are Too Much, where his character Park Hyun-Sung had increased screen time in later episodes, and he also sung the end credits song "Sad Love".

Scandal

In September 2010, Eru was accused by ex-girlfriend Choi Hee-jin, a song lyricist, that Eru's father Tae Jin-ah forced her to get an abortion after she became pregnant, and tried to give her US$2,000 that she claimed she didn't accept. Choi first exposed the scandal on her Cyworld account.[25][26][27][28] Choi Hee-jin was later arrested for online slander and blackmail of Tae Jin-ah and Eru.[29]

Discography

Studio albums
Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales
KOR
[30][31]
Begin to Breathe
  • Released: September 5, 2005
  • Label: Jinah Production
  • Format: CD, cassette
Track list
  1. If I Was Reborn (다시 태어나도)
  2. Sorry (미안해)
  3. Finding Lost Memories (숨은추억찾기)
  4. What Do I Do? (어떡해)
  5. Speak (말해요)
  6. The Similar Person (내가 닮은 사람)
  7. If I Could Go Back (돌아갈 수 만 있다면)
  8. Life
  9. You Don't Know (모르잖아요)
  10. Until Forever After (영원 그 다음까지)
  11. Always (내내)
 21
Level II
  • Released: September 28, 2006
  • Label: Eru Entertainment
  • Format: CD, cassette
Track list
  1. Black Glasses (까만안경)
  2. Come Back to Me (돌아와 내게)
  3. Not to be Late (늦지 않기를..)
  4. I'll Promise
  5. Leave (떠나가)
  6. With You
  7. Heartbreak (가슴앓이)
  8. White Snow (흰눈)
  9. Because I Love You (사랑하니까)
  10. Okkyungi (옥경이)
 10
Eru Returns
  • Released: September 20, 2007
  • Label: Jinah Production
  • Format: CD, cassette
Track list
  1. Because We Are Two (둘이라서)
  2. Did you love me (사랑했나요)
  3. Wintering (겨울나기 )
  4. Love is sad talk (사랑이라는 슬픈얘기)
  5. Mannequin (마네킹)
  6. I Love You (사랑해)
  7. Disguise (가면)
  8. I'm Happy (행복합니다)
  9. She's Crying 그녀가 울어요
  10. One Word (한마디)
  11. Greetings (인사말)
 1
Got To Be
  • Released: August 19, 2010
  • Label: Eru Entertainment
  • Format: CD, digital download
Track list
  1. Time (feat. Shorry J of Mighty Mouth)
  2. 'White Tears (하얀 눈물)
  3. Confession (고백)
  4. After Being Late (늦은 후회)
  5. Love Melody (사랑 멜로디) (KBS 2TV 솔약국집 아들들 OST)
  6. Even If I Say I Love You Again (다시 사랑한다 말해도)
  7. If Only..
  8. Think About It (feat. Joohee of 8Eight) (생각해봐요)
  9. I Hate You (내가 밉다)
  10. Love Me Even If We Separate (이별마저 사랑해줄게)
  11. I Believe In Love (사랑을 믿어요)
  12. White Tears (하얀 눈물) (Inst.)
 6 N/A

Extended plays
Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales
KOR
[31]
Feel Brand New
  • Released: April 24, 2011
  • Label: Eru Entertainment
  • Format: CD, digital download
Track list
  1. Countrified And Immature (촌스럽고 유치하게)
  2. Beautiful (feat. Sangchu of Mighty Mouth) (예뻐요)
  3. Try To Forget (잊으려고)
  4. Strong Woman (독한 여자)
  5. Countrified And Immature (촌스럽고 유치하게) (Inst.)
 1
Feel Brand New Part 2
  • Released: August 8, 2012
  • Label: Eru Entertainment
  • Format: CD, digital download
Track list
  1. I Hate You (feat. Junhyung) (미워요)
  2. Drive (feat. Shorry J of Mighty Mouth) (드라이브)
  3. Don't Say It (하지마요)
  4. Highlight (feat. Ailee) (하이라이트)
  5. So Bad
 16

Singles

Filmography

Television series
Year Title Role Network
2017You Are Too MuchPark Hyun-sungMBC
2018Four Men[37]Moon Ho-seongTBA
2019Angel's Last Mission: LoveKo Sung-minKBS2

Awards
YearAward
2005
2006
  • Jukeon Digital Music Awards - Digital Music Award "Black Glasses" (December 22)
  • MTV 16th Seoul Music Awards - Digital Music Award (December 1)
  • MTV 16th Seoul Music Awards - Bonsang Award (December 1)
  • Mnet 21st Golden Disk Awards - Digital Popularity Award (December 14)[40][41][42]
  • SBS Gayo Daejun - Bonsang Award (December 29).[15]
2008
  • 17th Seoul Music Awards: Bonsang Award (January 31)[21]

References
  1. "Eru to Join Military Next Year". KBS Global. December 26, 2007. Archived from the original on March 5, 2008. Retrieved March 14, 2008.
  2. Sunwoo, Carla (November 29, 2012). "Eru first K-pop star on Indonesian TV". Korea JoongAng Daily. Retrieved May 27, 2018.
  3. https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=076&aid=0000011934
  4. https://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=102&oid=001&aid=0001102066
  5. Park, Si-soo (February 25, 2014). "Eru, Tae Jin-ah to represent Indonesian Embassy". The Korea Times. Retrieved May 27, 2018.
  6. (in Korean) Sports Seoul. 이루, 미국에서의 어린 시절 (Eru, Childhood in the United States) Archived 2008-12-08 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 14, 2008.
  7. The Korea Times Soaring Higher than an Eagle, Eru. Retrieved March 15, 2008.
  8. (in Korean)Sports Hankooki.이루 음악위해 "45kg 체중 뺐다". Retrieved March 15, 2008.
  9. KBS World. Eru. Retrieved March 14, 2008.
  10. (in Korean) Epg.이루 (ERU) Archived 2007-05-18 at the Wayback Machine; retrieved March 15, 2008.
  11. KBS World.Eru Starts Military Duty Retrieved May 4, 2008
  12. Allkpop; retrieved May 29, 2010.
  13. (in Korean) Daum.이루 (ERU). Retrieved March 15, 2008.
  14. KBS World. Ballads Likely to Enjoy Popularity Archived 2007-02-20 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 14, 2008.
  15. (in Korean) MediaDaum News.이루, ‘2006 SBS 가요대전' 본상 수상 (Eru, 2006 Bonsang Award). Retrieved March 15, 2008.
  16. Arirang TV.Eru-White Snow Archived 2008-02-19 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 15, 2008.
  17. (in Korean) Empas News.이루 ‘흰눈’ 싸이월드 가장 인기있는 ‘Song Of The Month’ 수상 (Eru 'White Snow' Cyworld Most Popular 'Song Of The Month' Award). Retrieved March 15, 2008.
  18. (in Korean) My Daily.이루 "제 노래 알아봐준 네티즌에 감사" . Retrieved March 15, 2008.
  19. KBS World. Eru Offered Big-screen Role in Japan Archived 2007-04-03 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 14, 2008.
  20. (in Korean) Miak. Music Industry Association of Korea: Album Sales For The Month Of October 2007 Archived 2009-05-18 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 15, 2008.
  21. KBS Global.The 17th Seoul Music Awards Winners Archived 2008-02-07 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 15, 2008.
  22. Arirang TV. Another dream team stars in Eru's music video! Archived 2008-03-14 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved March 14, 2008.
  23. (in Korean) GoNews.이루, 첫 번째 단독콘서트 (ERU 1st Concert). Retrieved March 15, 2008.
  24. FalconMusicIndonesia (16 March 2013). "Eru 이루 Ft Sule - Saranghaeyo" – via YouTube.
  25. Cyworld
  26. "이루는 女스캔들로 태진아는 도박설로 '곤혹'".
  27. "Choi Hee Jin claims she was forced to abort Eru's baby - allkpop.com".
  28. "Choi Hee Jin has a warning for Eru and his father as well as their lawyer - allkpop.com".
  29. "Songwriter Choi Hee-jin Held in Blackmail Scandal".
  30. "K-Pop Album Sales Volume" (in Korean). Recording Industry Association of Korea. Archived from the original on 2018-04-18. Retrieved May 27, 2018.
  31. "Gaon Album Chart" (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved May 27, 2018.
  32. "2005 K-Pop Album Sales Volume" (in Korean). Recording Industry Association of Korea. Archived from the original on 2009-02-28. Retrieved May 27, 2018.
  33. "April 2007 K-Pop Album Sales Volume" (in Korean). Recording Industry Association of Korea. Archived from the original on 2008-06-12. Retrieved May 27, 2018.
  34. "December 2007 K-Pop Album Sales Volume" (in Korean). Recording Industry Association of Korea. Archived from the original on 2009-01-30. Retrieved May 27, 2018.
  35. "May 2011 Album Chart" (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved May 27, 2018.
  36. "August 2012 Album Chart" (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved May 27, 2018.
  37. [공식입장] 이루→조성현, '사자' 캐스팅…이기우 비서로 합류. News1 (in Korean). March 30, 2018.
  38. Arirang TV. The 20th Golden Disk Awards Archived 2009-02-03 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 15, 2008.
  39. KOFICE 2nd Asia Song Festival Archived 2011-08-16 at the Wayback Machine 11 November 2005. Retrieved 2011-10-12
  40. (in Korean) 일간스포츠.이루 디지털 음원 인기상 (Eru Digital Popularity Award) Archived 2009-01-29 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 15, 2008.
  41. (in Korean) KBS News.제21회 골든디스크상 대상 수상 (21st Golden Disk Award). Retrieved March 15, 2008.
  42. (in Korean) My Daily.이루, 골든디스크 디지털 최고인기 (Eru, Golden Disk Digital Popularity). Retrieved March 15, 2008.
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