Seo In-young (
Hangul
The Korean alphabet, known as Hangul, . Hangul may also be written as following South Korea's standard Romanization. ( ) in South Korea and Chosŏn'gŭl in North Korea, is the modern official writing system for the Korean language. The ...
: ; born on September 3, 1984), also known as Elly, is a South Korean singer, dancer, model, television host, and actress. She was a member of girl group
Jewelry
Jewellery (British English, UK) or jewelry (American English, U.S.) consists of decorative items worn for personal adornment, such as brooches, ring (jewellery), rings, necklaces, earrings, pendants, bracelets, and cufflinks. Jewellery may be at ...
and featured on the reality show ''
We Got Married
''We Got Married'' () was a South Korean reality variety show that aired on MBC from 2008 to 2017. The show paired up celebrities who pretended to be married couples and completed various challenges together. The show ran for four seasons and ...
'' with Crown J. In May 2012, Seo established her own private entertainment company, IY Company. Seo also hosted the beauty program ''Star Beauty Show'' (2012).
Career
2007: ''Elly Is So Hot''
On February 26, 2007, Seo In-young released her first solo album, ''
Elly Is So Hot
''Elly Is So Hot'' is Seo In-young
Seo In-young (Hangul: ; born on September 3, 1984), also known as Elly, is a South Korean singer, dancer, model, television host, and actress. She was a member of girl group Jewelry and featured on the rea ...
''. Despite being known as the 'sexy dancer' of
Jewelry
Jewellery (British English, UK) or jewelry (American English, U.S.) consists of decorative items worn for personal adornment, such as brooches, ring (jewellery), rings, necklaces, earrings, pendants, bracelets, and cufflinks. Jewellery may be at ...
, she stated she wanted to move away from her strong dance image and become a softer, elegant and more sensual entertainer. The first single from the album was "I Want You" ("너를 원해"), which was written, composed, and produced by Jung Yeon-joon of
Uptown
Uptown may refer to:
Neighborhoods or regions in several cities
United States
* Uptown, entertainment district east of Downtown and Midtown Albuquerque, New Mexico
* Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina
* Uptown, area surrounding the University of C ...
.
The song, which has a mix of Latin and R&B styles, was promoted as a dance remix near the end of her promotional activities.
2008: ''Elly Is Cinderella''
In February 2008, it was announced that the singer would be participating in the popular
MBC variety show ''
We Got Married
''We Got Married'' () was a South Korean reality variety show that aired on MBC from 2008 to 2017. The show paired up celebrities who pretended to be married couples and completed various challenges together. The show ran for four seasons and ...
''. She was paired with Korean urban artist Crown J. The couple was later coined as the 'Ant Couple'. The couple later released a digital single titled ''Too Much'', which was eventually used as the theme song for the show. A club remix version was released on her second solo album.
On July 23, 2008, Seo In-young released her second solo album, ''
Elly Is Cinderella''. The music video of the lead single, ''Cinderella'', was composed by
PSY. The song continued her success as solo artist.
2009: Departure from Jewelry
On December 11, 2009, it was announced that Seo In-young, as well as fellow
Jewelry
Jewellery (British English, UK) or jewelry (American English, U.S.) consists of decorative items worn for personal adornment, such as brooches, ring (jewellery), rings, necklaces, earrings, pendants, bracelets, and cufflinks. Jewellery may be at ...
member
Park Jung-ah, would be leaving the group to fully commit to their solo careers. Both members left the group after finishing promotional activities for the song ''Sophisticated''.
2010: ''Lov-Elly'' and ''Ellythm''
On May 12, 2010, Seo In-young pre-released, "Goodbye Romance", the lead single from her upcoming album. On June 6, 2010, her third album, ''Lov-Elly'', was released. (This was her first release since leaving
Jewelry
Jewellery (British English, UK) or jewelry (American English, U.S.) consists of decorative items worn for personal adornment, such as brooches, ring (jewellery), rings, necklaces, earrings, pendants, bracelets, and cufflinks. Jewellery may be at ...
.) The album, which consists of all ballads, showed a soft, but powerful side to the singer.
"Goodbye Romance" experienced enormous chart success and eventually peaked at No. 1 on the music program
M! Countdown
''M Countdown'' () is a South Korean music program broadcast by Mnet. The show features appearances by popular music artists who also perform live on stage. It is broadcast from CJ E&M Center Studio in Sangam-dong, Mapo District, Seoul.
...
, earning the singer her first solo award.
In July 2010, the singer joined the SBS reality show ''
Heroes''. She received a lot of negative press for her feisty and headstrong persona.
On December 12, 2010, Seo In-young released her first single album, ''Ellythm''. It includes the lead single ''Into The Rhythm''.
2011: ''Wash'' and ''Brand New Elly''
In early 2011, the Jongno branch of Cheil Industries named Seo In-young as the creative director of their imports division. She worked with French luxury brand 'Nina Ricci' to design a limited edition handbag line named 'Nine Ricci x Seo In-young'.
On May 6, 2011, Seo In-young released her second single album ''Wash''. The emotional song showcased her exceptionally powerful vocals. The music video was said to be filmed in Thailand, with a concept of multiple emotions, such as an elegant woman underwater and a sad woman in front of a mirror.
Star Empire Entertainment released a music video teaser and a behind the scenes video, however, no official music video was released.
On August 20, 2011, the singer participated in the popular television show ''Immortal Songs 2''. The episode, dubbed 'female vocalist special', showcased seven of South Korea's top female vocalists. Seo In-Young's rendition of ''Just Like The First Time'' won the hearts of viewers and was declared as the best performance of the episode.
On October 4, 2011, two comeback photos of the singer were released ahead of her official comeback. In early November, she pre-released the song ''Loser''. On November 13, 2011, the singer officially released her third album, ''Brand New Elly'', with the lead single ''Oh My Gosh''.
2012: IY Company, ''ANYMORE'' and ''Let's Dance''
On May 18, 2012, it was announced that Seo In-young would be establishing her own private entertainment company, IY Company. She is no longer associated or under contract with
Star Empire Entertainment.
On August 13, 2012, Seo In-young became the main MC of 'SBS E! – Star Beauty Show'. The show focuses on beauty and fashion tips.
On August 13, 2012, a music video teaser for Seo In-young's digital single, ''ANYMORE'', was released. It was later revealed the song was produced by popular producer Kush. The single was officially released on August 19, 2012. The full-length music video was released two days later. The single quickly experienced enormous success, securing the No. 1 spot on every single Korean music chart, achieving the coveted 'all-kill'.
On October 15, 2012, Seo In-young revealed a music video teaser for ''Let's Dance''. The song, which was digitally released on October 17, 2012, is a dance track combining elements of electronic disco as well as post disco, further showing the musical style changes Seo In-young has been going through. On October 18, 2012, Seo In-young took to the stage and began promotions on M! Countdown, where she performed ''ANYMORE'' and ''Let's Dance''.
2013: ''Forever Young'' and ''Love Me''
In early 2013, Seo In-young became a main voice coach for ''Voice Korea Kids'', a spin-off of ''
The Voice of Korea''. The show aired from January 4, 2013, to February 1, 2013.
On May 2, 2013, Seo In-young announced that she would be making her first comeback of the year with the release of concept photos and a music video teaser. Her company, IY Company, stated, "With her talents, this will be an album that showcases her new potential." On May 14, 2013, Seo In-young released her first mini-album in two years, titled ''Forever Young''. The album is considered Seo In-young's return to ballads and contains the promotional single "Let's Break Up."
On September 23, 2013, it was announced that Seo In-young would be returning to the music scene with a digital single titled "Love Me". According to Seo In-young, the song is "an upbeat dance track through which she puts aside her previous ballad concept". On October 3, 2013, Seo In-young debuted her new song, "Love Me", through a pre-release performance on
Mnet's ''M! Countdown''. The single and music video were officially released the following day. "Love Me" was instantly met with positive reviews and quickly climbed digital charts.
2016: ''Back to Star Empire Entertainment, Comeback''
Seo in Young returned to Star Empire after 4 years, stating it was a "move of loyalty".
Personal life
On December 26, 2022, Seo announced that she will hold a wedding ceremony with her boyfriend on February 26, 2023.
Discography
Studio albums
Extended plays
Singles
Promotional singles
Collaborations
Soundtracks
Filmography
Drama
*2009: ''
Style
Style is a manner of doing or presenting things and may refer to:
* Architectural style, the features that make a building or structure historically identifiable
* Design, the process of creating something
* Fashion, a prevailing mode of clothing ...
'' (Cameo)
*2011: ''
Bravo, My Love!'' (Cameo)
*2016: ''
One More Happy Ending'' (Leading role)
Variety
*2008: ''
Music Bank'' (Main MC; August 29, 2008 – January 9, 2009)
*2009: ''
We Got Married
''We Got Married'' () was a South Korean reality variety show that aired on MBC from 2008 to 2017. The show paired up celebrities who pretended to be married couples and completed various challenges together. The show ran for four seasons and ...
'' (S1; EP 1–41)
*2009: ''Seo In-young's Kaist''
*2009: ''Seo In-young's Best Friend''
*2010: ''
Heroes'' (EP 1–40)
*2012: ''Star Beauty Show'' (Main MC)
*2013: ''
The Voice Kids Korea
''The Voice Kids'' () was a South Korean reality singing television competition for children aged 6 to 14 on Mnet
M-Net (an abbreviation of Electronic Media Network) is a South African pay television channel established by Naspers in 1986. ...
'' (Coach)
*2013: ''
Immortal Songs 2''
*2015: ''
King of Mask Singer
''The King of Mask Singer'' () is a South Korean singing competition program presented by Kim Sung-joo, with introductions by voice actor . It airs on MBC on Sunday, starting from April 5, 2015 as a part of MBC's '' Sunday Night'' programming ...
'' (Daebak Change 1+1 ; EP 9)
*2016: ''
Real Men Real Men may refer to:
* ''Real Men'' (film), a 1987 film
* ''Real Men'' (British TV series), a 2003 UK TV miniseries
* ''Real Man'' (TV series), also known as ''Real Men'', a 2013 South Korean TV series
* ''Real Men'' (album), a 1991 album by ...
'' (cast member, Navy
NCO special)
*2016: ''
With You'' (S2; 78-present with
Crown J)
*2022: ''We Are Family'' (MBC, Cast Member)
Awards
Mnet Asian Music Awards
References
External links
*
Discography on Naver Music
*
{{DEFAULTSORT:Seo, In-young
1984 births
Living people
Jewelry (band) members
South Korean female dancers
South Korean female idols
South Korean women pop singers
South Korean television actresses