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Lee Gi-kwang
이기광
Lee in September 2024
Born	(1990-03-30) March 30, 1990 (age 34) Gwangju, South Korea
Occupations	Singer songwriter actor
Musical career
Genres	K-pop dance
Instrument	Vocals
Years active	2008–present
Labels	Around Us Cube
Member of	Highlight
Musical artist
Korean name
Hangul	이기광
Hanja	李起光
Revised Romanization	I Gi-gwang
McCune–Reischauer	Yi Kigwang

Lee Gi-kwang (Korean: 이기광; born March 30, 1990), known professionally as Gikwang or Kikwang, is a South Korean singer, songwriter and actor. He originally debuted as solo singer with the stage name AJ (Ace Junior), releasing his first mini album First Episode: A New Hero on April 4, 2009. In October 2009, he debuted as the main dancer, visual and a lead vocalist of boy group Beast, which was renamed Highlight in February 2017.

He began his acting career with a supporting role in the popular television sitcom High Kick Through the Roof (2009–10) and had supporting roles in dramas My Princess (2011), Me Too, Flower! (2011), Mrs. Cop (2015), Monster (2016), Circle (2017), and Lovely Horribly (2018), He also became an MC for various shows such as Hot Brothers and Inkigayo.

Early life and career

Lee Gi-kwang was born on March 30, 1990 in Naju, South Korea. Gi-kwang found interest in hip hop and had particular liking to many classic hip hop acts. At first he was backed by his family to pursue a musical career but eventually he passed an audition and became a trainee. He was trained under JYP Entertainment for four years before being eliminated. He was asked by the former president of Cube Entertainment to join the agency without auditioning, making him the company's first trainee.

He was known as the solo singer AJ or Ace Junior when he debuted and released a mini-album First Episode: A New Hero on April 4, 2009. He made his debut on April 2, 2009 on Mnet M!Countdown, and dubbed by Korean media as the next Rain. However he met controversies when his name created dispute among netizens for having a similar name with Paran's AJ (who later became a U-KISS member). He now goes with his original name when he re-debuted with Beast. On June 17, 2009, AJ opened for Lady Gaga's Korean showcase. Fellow Beast members Yoon Doo-joon, Yong Jun-hyung, Jang Hyun-seung and Yang Yo-seob participated as backup dancers for AJ before debuting in Beast. AJ also featured in reality show, Diary of AJ, which was hosted by MTV. The show ran on two episodes on May 9, 2009 with a total of two episodes showcasing his journey on his debut as AJ.

Career

2009–2016: Debut with Beast and solo activities

Six months after debuting as soloist, Gi-kwang was chosen to debut as member of Beast, originally known as B2ST, an acronym for "Boys 2 Search the Top". However, their name was changed to BEAST (acronym for "Boys of East Asia Standing Tall"). The group debuted in October 2009. Gi-kwang made his acting debut in the MBC sitcom High Kick Through the Roof, which aired in 2009 and 2010.

In 2010, Gi-kwang featured in K.Will's music video for the song, "Present". He was also selected as the MC for MBC's Sunday Sunday Night segment Hot Brothers and the KBS talk show Win Win. In May, Gi-kwang was chosen as the model for the 'Ice Tea Tio' from DongSuh Foods. In August, Gi-kwang featured on Ahn Jinkyung's single "Love is Pathetic" from the mini album Be the Voice as a rapper. He, Yoon Doojoon and IU appeared as special hosts on Music Core on August 21, 2010. On December 29, Gi-kwang was awarded with Popularity Award from the 2010 MBC Entertainment Awards.

Gi-kwang, together with IU, were selected to be new MCs of Inkigayo in replacement of CNBlue's Jung Yonghwa from March 20, 2011. The two were paired with the existing MCs, 2AM's Jo Kwon, and f(x)'s Sulli. He was also chosen as the leading man in A Pink's music video, "I Don't Know" Sunny Hill's music video for "Midnight Circus". In July, Gi-kwang was featured on Brave Brothers' song "Break Up" alongside Electroboyz, as a part of Brave Brother's sixth project album on July 12, 2011.

Also in 2011, Gi-kwang was cast in the romantic comedy drama My Princess starring Song Seung-hun and Kim Tae-hee; and played Lee Ji-ah's patrol partner in the drama Me Too, Flower!. Gi-kwang won the Best New Actor award at the SBS Drama Awards for his performance in My Princess.

On February 8, 2012 Gi-kwang appeared in Ailee's debut music video, "Heaven". Gi-kwang also hosted SBS K-Pop Super Concert in America on November 10 alongside Tiffany Hwang and Jung Yong-hwa and Melon Music Awards with Infinite's Woohyun, Moon Hee-jun, and Danny Ahn.

In 2013, Gi-kwang had a role as a terminally ill patient with leukemia on KBS Drama Special My Friend is Still Alive. In 2014, he starred in the mobile drama 20's (Twenty Years Old).

In 2015, Gi-kwang was cast in SBS's drama Mrs. Cop as the youngest detective on the team. He next starred as the younger version of Kang Ji-hwan's character in the 2016 MBC drama Monster, and the web drama Momin's Room.

2017–present: Return to solo music career

In September 2017, Gi-kwang returned as a soloist with his first mini album One. The lead single was a future R&B single titled "What You Like". Gi-kwang reportedly participated in 6 out of 8 tracks on the album. He held his first solo concert Lee Gikwang Mini Live 2018 One in January 2018.

Also in 2017, Gi-kwang was cast in tvN's science fiction drama Circle. In 2018, Gi-kwang was cast in KBS' horror romance drama Lovely Horribly.

On April 18, 2019, Gi-kwang began his mandatory military service as a conscripted police officer. He was discharged on November 18, 2020.

In 2022, Lee became a DJ on Gikwang's Song Plaza, which began in March and will end his duties as a DJ on April 16, 2023.

Discography

Studio albums

Single albums

Extended plays

Singles

As lead artist

As featured artist

Collaborations

Music videos

Songwriting credits

Filmography

Film

Television series

Television shows

Web shows

Radio show

Hosting

Concerts

Korean tours

• LEEGIKWANG Mini LIVE 2018 <ONE> - Blue Square I Market Hall, Seoul (January 27–28, 2018)
• LEEGIKWANG LIVE 2019 - Blue Square I Market Hall, Seoul (March 23–24, 2019)

Japan tours

• LEEGIKWANG Mini LIVE 2018 <ONE> in Japan - Mynavi BLITZ Akasaka, Tokyo (July 22, 2018)
• LEEGIKWANG LIVE 2019 in Japan - Toyosu PIT by Team Smile, Tokyo (13 April 2019)

Taiwan tours

• LEEGIKWANG LIVE 2019 in Taiwan - Taiwan TICC Hall, Taipei (30 March 2019)

Awards and nominations

Notes

1. "Don't Close Your Eyes (D.C.Y.E)" did not enter the Gaon Digital Chart, but it peaked at number 57 on the component Download Chart.
2. "Predator" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but it peaked at number 12 on the component Download Chart.

References

1. Mark Russell (April 29, 2014). K-Pop Now!: The Korean Music Revolution. Tuttle Publishing. p. 52. ISBN 978-1-4629-1411-1.
2. "Former Wonder Girls member Hyunah supports AJ". Newsen (in Korean). June 5, 2009. Retrieved March 19, 2010.
3. "Singers Use New Unique PR Strategies". Korea Times. Retrieved October 12, 2009.
4. "New Singer AJ finally changes name after same-name controversy". Newsen (in Korean). June 5, 2009. Retrieved March 19, 2010.
5. "레이디가가 "한국가수 AJ, 무대 기대돼요" – 손에 잡히는 뉴스 눈에 보이는 뉴스 – 뉴스엔". Retrieved March 19, 2010.
6. "이기광, "내 백댄서였던 비스트 멤버들…미안해" : 네이트 뉴스". Retrieved December 26, 2010.
7. "My name… BEAST – Part 2". TenAsia. November 27, 2009.
8. ^ "Lee Kikwang "The end of 'High Kick' on the 18th...it's sad to part"". Star News (in Korean). March 10, 2010. Retrieved March 15, 2010.
9. "BEAST's Lee Kikwang – UKISS's Dongho – MBLAQ's Thunder, Attention Explosion of the Confessions of Their Ideal Types". Newsen (in Korean). March 8, 2010. Retrieved March 15, 2010.
10. ^ "Roof Kick Lee Gi kwang selected as MC for Sunday Night Hot Brothers". Star News (in Korean). March 4, 2010. Retrieved May 19, 2011.
11. ^ "Kim Sungsoo, Jung Jaeyong, and Lee Ki Gwang, chosen as the new MC for the KBS show 'Win Win'". Osen. August 2, 2010. Retrieved August 8, 2010.
12. "Lee KiKwang, chosen as the model for the Ice Tea Tio from DongSuh Foods". Newsis (in Korean). May 9, 2010. Retrieved May 10, 2010.
13. "BEAST's Lee Gi-kwang collaborates with Ahn Jinkyung… "We will be anticipating the avatar rap"". Asiae (in Korean). August 23, 2010. Retrieved August 23, 2010.
14. "Yoon Doojoon, Lee Kikwang and IU to appear as special hosts on Music Core". Newsen (in Korean). August 18, 2010. Retrieved August 23, 2010.
15. "Beast's Lee Kikwang, "This is the American Dance"". Newsen (in Korean). December 30, 2010. Retrieved December 30, 2010.
16. ^ "아이유·이기광, '인기가요' MC발탁..정용화 하차". Nate (in Korean). March 9, 2011.
17. "Lee Kikwang appears in A Pink's teaser, the meeting of 'fairies' and 'beast'". Sports Today (in Korean). April 15, 2011. Retrieved December 30, 2010.
18. "B2ST'S Kikwang to participate in Brave Brothers' new project". Newsen (in Korean). July 12, 2011. Retrieved July 13, 2011.
19. ^ "Lee Kikwang joins the 'My Princess' production team!". Korean Kyungjae (in Korean). December 12, 2010. Retrieved December 13, 2010.
20. ^ "[HD인터뷰] '나도 꽃' 이기광 "제복 입은 상체킹, 보면 반할걸?"". The Star (in Korean). November 9, 2011.
21. ^ Ko, Kyoung-seok (January 3, 2011). "Ko Hyun-jung wins grand prize at SBS Drama Awards". 10Asia. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
22. "BEAST Lee Ki Kwang Appears on Ailee's "Heaven" Music Video". Soompi. February 27, 2012.
23. "[PHOTO] INFINITE Woo-hyun, BEAST Lee Gi-kwang Team Up to Host the 2012 Melon Music Awards". TenAsia. December 14, 2012.
24. ^ "'드라마스페셜' 이기광 "내 연기, 손발이 오글거려 보기 힘들었다"". Xports News (in Korean). June 10, 2013.
25. ^ "BEAST Lee Gi-kwang, Lee Dain to Turn Adorable in Mobile Drama". TenAsia. December 10, 2013.
26. ^ "Lee Gi-kwang to appear in 'Mrs. Cop'". Korea JoongAng Daily. July 9, 2015.
27. "'Mrs. Cop' releases behind-the-scenes of Lee Gi-kwang". Kpop Herald. August 23, 2015.
28. ^ "Lee Gi-kwang gets part in upcoming drama". Korea JoongAng Daily. January 22, 2016.
29. ^ "이기광·백성현, OCN '모민의 방' 주연". Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). October 25, 2016.
30. "Returning to the Music Industry as Lee Gikwang from 'Junior'". MSN. BNT News. September 4, 2017.
31. "'A lot of my opinions went into my solo album': Lee Gi-kwang". Kpop Herald. August 23, 2017.
32. "[공식] 이기광, 데뷔 9년만에 첫 단독 콘서트 개최…새해 활동 시작". Xports News (in Korean). January 8, 2018.
33. ^ "Alien sci-fi drama 'Circle' enjoys fandom". The Korea Times. June 18, 2017.
34. ^ "Lee Gi-kwang Confirmed for "Lovely Horribly"". Hancinema. June 5, 2018.
35. "Update: Highlight's Lee Gikwang Enlists In The Military + Gifts Fans With "Nothing" MV". Soompi. April 18, 2019. Retrieved September 8, 2019.
36. 이정호|기자|. "하이라이트 이기광, 오늘(18일) 의경 만기 전역 "기다려준 팬들 감사"". n.news.naver.com (in Korean). Retrieved January 30, 2022.
37. Jeong Ga-young (April 3, 2023). "가요광장' DJ 이기광, 16일 막방 "청취자들께 감사" [Gayo Square’ DJ Lee Gi-kwang, last broadcast on the 16th “Thanks to the listeners] (in Korean). Sports World. Retrieved April 3, 2023 – via Naver.
38. "Circle Album Chart – Week 16, 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved April 27, 2023.
39. "Download Albums [ 2023/04/26 公開]". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved April 28, 2023.
40. Cho, Yong-jun (April 3, 2023). "Lee Gi-kwang from Highlight to release solo album 'Predator'". Korea JoongAng Daily. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
41. Cumulative sales of Predator:
    • "Circle Album Chart – Week 16, 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved April 27, 2023.
    • "Circle Album Chart – Week 17, 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved May 4, 2023.
    • "Circle Album Chart – Week 18, 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved May 18, 2023.
    • "Circle Album Chart – Week 19, 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved May 18, 2023.
42. "이기광, 새 디지털 싱글 [I] 18일 발매‥트랙리스트 공개[공식]" [Lee Gi-kwang's new digital single will be released on the 18th...Track listing revealed ]. Herald Pop (in Korean). March 13, 2019. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
43. Peak chart positions (EPs):
    • ONE: "2017년 36주차 Album Chart". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 11, 2022. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
44. "Oricon Chart". Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved September 14, 2017.
45. "신예 AJ "댄싱슈즈 인트로 안무, 비가 짜준 것"" [Rookie AJ's 'Dancing Shoes' intro choreography was created by Rain]. No Cut News (in Korean). April 20, 2009. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
46. "2017년 09월 Album Chart". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 13, 2017. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
47. オリコンランキング情報サービス「you大樹」 －CD・ブルーレイ・DVD・書籍・コミック－. Oricon Style (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved September 15, 2017.
48. Peak chart positions (singles):
    • "What You Like": "2017년 36주차 Digital Chart". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 7, 2019. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
49. "2017년 36주차 Download Chart". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 6, 2019. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
50. "2019년 12주차 Download Chart". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 28, 2019. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
51. "Circle Download Chart – Week 16, 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved May 4, 2023.
52. Charted songs:
    • "Love Is Pathetic". Gaon Chart. August 29 – September 4, 2010.
53. Charted songs:
    • "Let It Snow". Gaon Chart. December 26, 2010 – January 1, 2011.
    • "Should I Hug or Not". Gaon Chart. May 1–7, 2011.
    • "Break Up". Gaon Chart. July 17–23, 2011.
    • "Yesterday". Gaon Chart. December 30, 2012 – January 5, 2013.
    • "Baby It's You". Gaon Chart. July 3–9, 2016.
54. Cumulative Sales for Should I Hug or Not:
    • "2011 Gaon Download Chart – Week 19". Retrieved May 3, 2017.
    • "2011 Gaon Download Chart – Week 20". Retrieved May 3, 2017.
    • "2011 Gaon Download Chart – Week 21". Retrieved May 3, 2017.
    • "2011 Gaon Download Chart – Week 22". Retrieved May 3, 2017.
    • "2011 Gaon Download Chart – Week 23". Retrieved May 3, 2017.
55. Cumulative sales for "Break Up:
    • "Gaon Download Chart – July, 2011". Retrieved August 16, 2017.
56. Cumulative sales for "Yesterday:
    • "2013 Gaon Download Chart – Week 1". Retrieved August 16, 2017.
    • "2013 Gaon Download Chart – Week 2". Retrieved August 16, 2017.
    • "2013 Gaon Download Chart – Week 3". Retrieved August 16, 2017.
    • "2013 Gaon Download Chart – Week 4". Retrieved August 16, 2017.
57. Cumulative sales for "Baby It's You":
    • "2016 Gaon Download Chart - Week 28". Retrieved August 16, 2017.
58. "BEAST's Lee Gi-kwang says "great thing about voice-dubbing is hiding behind screen"". TenAsia. July 26, 2012.
59. Kim, Chae-yeon (October 25, 2023). "박민영·나인우·이이경·송하윤, tvN '내 남편과 결혼해줘'로 뭉친다 [공식]" [Park Min-young, Na In-woo, Lee Yi-kyung, and Song Ha-yoon to unite for tvN's 'Marry My Husband' ] (in Korean). OSEN. Retrieved October 25, 2023 – via Naver.
60. 조, 지영 (June 23, 2023). "[공식] 강지영X이기광, '말죽거리 잔혹사' 감독 첫 드라마 '아이 킬 유' 캐스팅". 스포츠조선. Retrieved August 8, 2024 – via daum.
61. "Lee Gi-kwang, Gayoon enjoy shopping together". Kpop Herald. December 15, 2014.
62. ""은지원 권혁수 이기광 합류"...tvN 새 예능 '공조7' 라인업 완성". Herald Corporation (in Korean). February 16, 2017.
63. "'10살차이' 이기광 "학창시절 여자친구에 도시락 조공"". Sports Chosun (in Korean). February 8, 2017.
64. "D-DAY '더 댄서' 은혁X기광X태민, 와이낫 어벤져스 탄생 비화 공개(Ft. 밀당태민)". imbc (in Korean). May 5, 2018.
65. "공식입장] '축구의 신' 6월3일 첫방…'체육돌' 이기광x정진운, 첫 MC 호흡". News1 (in Korean). June 1, 2018.
66. "HIGHLIGHT Yoon Dujun & Lee Gi Kwang in Manchester, England! [Battle Trip]". KBSWORLD. March 16, 2018.
67. "'Dancing High' ready to welcome dancers". Kpop Herald. July 16, 2018.
68. "하이라이트 이기광, '아이돌 원더랜드' MC 발탁…전역 첫 활동". m.isplus.joins.com. October 28, 2020. Retrieved February 11, 2022.
69. Hwang Hye-jin (September 13, 2021). "[단독]김숙X이현이X이기광, 운동예능으로 뭉친다 '브래드PT&GYM캐리' MC" [ Kim Sook X Lee Hyun Yi X Kik Kwang unite through sports entertainment 'Brad PT&GYM Carry' MC]. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved September 13, 2021 – via Naver.
70. Jeong Bit (December 20, 2022). "[공식] 규현·티파니·박재범·송민호, '피크타임' 심사위원 출격…MC 이승기와 호흡" [ Kyuhyun, Tiffany, Jay Park, and Minho Song appear as judges for 'Peak Time'... Breathing with MC Lee Seung-gi] (in Korean). Sports Chosun. Retrieved December 20, 2022 – via Naver.
71. Hyeon-jong, Jo (May 15, 2024). "[MA1] 스페셜 MC 이기광 개막으로 공개된 35명 도전자의 감동 성장기 MAKEMATE1~!" [ The touching growth stories of 35 challengers revealed with the opening of Special MC Lee Gikwang MAKEMATE1~!]. Retrieved May 15, 2024 – via Naver.
72. Kang Kyung-rok (August 16, 2021). "하이라이트 이기광, '뮤지광 컴퍼니' 출연…예능감 '기대 UP" [Highlight Lee Gi-kwang to appear in ‘Mujikwang Company’… Sense of entertainment ‘Expectation UP’]. Edaily (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved August 16, 2021.
73. Jung Hee-yeon (December 1, 2021). "이진호·온유·이기광 '군필돌 캠프' 입소" [Lee Jin-ho, Onew, and Ki-kwang enlist at the 'Military Idol Camp] (in Korean). Sports Donga. Retrieved December 1, 2021 – via Naver.
74. Lee Nam-kyung (March 3, 2022). "이기광 DJ발탁, '가요광장' 정은지 후임 확정…3월 14일 첫방(공식)" [Lee Gi-kwang as DJ, ‘Gayo Plaza’ Jung Eun-ji’s successor confirmed… March 14 first broadcast (official)] (in Korean). MBN. Retrieved March 3, 2022 – via Naver.
75. Yoo Byung-chul (April 22, 2022). "하이라이트 이기광, 3회 연속 '케이콘' 무대 오른다…스페셜 MC 낙점" [Highlight's Lee Gi-kwang to step up on 'KCON' for the third time in a row... Special MC score] (in Korean). Korea Economy TV. Retrieved April 23, 2022 – via Naver.
76. Jo, Yoon-kyung (December 31, 2018). "[2018 KBS 연기대상] 김권·박성훈·박세완·설인아 신인상 수상" [ Kim Kwon, Park Seong-hoon, Park Se-wan, Seol In-ah Rookie of the Year Award] (in Korean). Sports Donga. Retrieved October 8, 2022 – via Naver.
77. Lee Seung-gil (December 24, 2022). "이기광x이민혁, '올해의 DJ상' 받았다 [2022 KBS 연예대상]" [Lee Ki-kwang x Lee Min-hyuk, received the 'DJ of the Year Award' ] (in Korean). My Daily. Retrieved December 24, 2022 – via Naver.
78. "Kang Ho-dong scores grand prize at SBS Entertainment Awards". Ten Asia. December 31, 2010.

External links

• Lee Gi-kwang at IMDb
• Lee Gi-kwang at HanCinema

• Best New Actor for MBC Drama Awards winners
• Highlight (band) members
• 1990 births
• Cube Entertainment artists
• K-pop singers
• Living people
• Musicians from Gwangju
• Male actors from Gwangju
• People from Naju
• Male actors from South Jeolla Province
• Musicians from South Jeolla Province
• 21st-century South Korean male singers
• South Korean male pop singers
• South Korean male television actors
• South Korean male film actors
• South Korean dance musicians
• South Korean male idols