Eric Nam

Eric Nam (Hangul: 에릭남; born November 17, 1988) is an American singer, songwriter and television host of Korean descent. He was named "2016 Man Of The Year" by GQ Korea,[1] honored "30 Under 30 Asia 2017" by Forbes,[2] and YouTube Music's Global Trending "Artist on the Rise."[3]

Eric Nam
Nam at Marie Clare Photoshooting in 2019.
Born
Nam Yoon-do

(1988-11-17) November 17, 1988
Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
EducationBoston College
Occupation
  • Singer
  • Songwriter
  • Host
Musical career
Genres
Years active2011–present
Labels
WebsiteOfficial website
Korean name
Hangul
남윤도
Hanja
南允道
Revised RomanizationNam Yun-do
McCune–ReischauerNam Yundo

Early life

Eric Nam was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Eric has two younger brothers, Eddie and Brian Nam, both of whom are soccer players. Eddie played varsity soccer for Wofford College and Northeastern University,[4]whereas Brian played soccer for Columbia University.[5] Eric graduated from The Lovett School in 2007[6] and from Boston College in 2011 with a major in International Studies, a minor in Asian Studies,[7] and spent a year abroad at Peking University in Beijing, China. He had accepted a position as a business analyst at Deloitte Consulting in New York City, before deferring to participate in microfinance initiatives in India. After this, he decided to pursue a career in entertainment.[7] Eric is fluent in English, Korean, and proficient in Spanish.[8]

Career

2011–2012: Pre-Debut

Following a viral YouTube cover, MBC invited Eric to Seoul to compete on the popular program, "Star Audition:Birth of a Great Star 2", a show similar to X Factor.[7][9] After eight months, Eric placed within the Top 5 contestants and jump-started his career in South Korea.

On September 25, 2012, he signed under B2M Entertainment as a solo artist.[10]

2013–2015: Debut with Cloud 9 and hosting

On January 23, 2013, Eric made his debut with the release of his first EP Cloud 9 with lead single "Heaven's Door".

For 2013 to 2016, Eric was the MC of Arirang TV's After School Club and its spin off, The ASC After Show, an interactive show for K-pop artists and their fans, broadcast in 188 countries. The live shows regularly trend worldwide number one on Twitter. Eric would leave to focus on his music career. Eric has created his niche as the "go to" personality for international celebrity interviews in South Korea through his role on MBC's Section TV – Entertainment Relay. To date, Eric has interviewed stars such as Robert Downey Jr., Miranda Kerr, Matt Damon, Jamie Foxx, Andrew Garfield, Amanda Seyfried, Paris Hilton, Barbara Palvin, Emma Stone, Noel Gallagher, Ki Hong Lee, Benedict Cumberbatch and many more. Eric's interviews, both international and Korean, have garnered rave reviews due to his wit and ability to connect with interviewees on a personal level; they have also become viral hits, regularly taking over Korea's real-time issue charts. He thus became a way for the American and Korean media to interact with one another and their respective actors and actresses.

In April 2014, Eric returned with his first digital single, "우우 (Ooh Ooh)", and his sold out stage at the Seoul Jazz Festival alongside names such as Chris Botti, Damien Rice, Jamie Cullum, Paolo Nutini, and Craig David. In December, he released his second digital single "Melt My Heart".[11]

In February 2015, Eric was featured on Amber Liu's EP Beautiful on the song "I Just Wanna". In March, he released his single "I'm OK" and its accompanying music video.[12] In May, Eric released his single, "Dream", featuring 15&'s Park Ji-min for Charity Project.[13]

In December 2015, Eric signed an exclusive contract with CJ E&M.

2016–2017: Interview and US release

Eric released his second EP, Interview with the title track "Good For You" on March 24, 2016.[14] That same month, he also took part in S.M. Entertainment's digital music channel SM Station by releasing "Spring Love", a duet track with Red Velvet's Wendy.[15]

On April 16, 2016, Eric hosted and performed at SNL Korea, receiving one of the highest ratings of the season. In late April, Eric joined the virtual marriage show We Got Married with Solar from Mamamoo as his partner.[16]

On June 10, 2016, Eric released his first U.S. single, "Into You" in collaboration with electronic band, KOLAJ. "Into You" premiered worldwide on Beats 1 Radio and The Fader, subsequently leading to a number one charting on Hype Machine. Following the success of the track, he received coverage from notable publications such as Buzzfeed, LA Times, NBC News, Fuse TV, Hypebeast, Fusion, USA Today, TIME Magazine, and more. Later that month, Eric Nam headlined KCON NY 2016 and performed five of his songs, including "Into You" to a sold out Prudential Center. He then followed-up on the success of "Into You" by releasing his digital single, "Can't Help Myself" in July 2016, with the lyrics written by Epik High's Tablo and featuring AOMG rapper Loco. Eric Nam also headlined KCON LA 2016 and performed "Can't Help Myself" and "Into You" with KOLAJ to a sold out Staples Center.

Eric became the host of the new Mnet's talk show Yang and Nam Show with comedian Yang Se-hyung in November 2016. Additionally, he premiered his collaboration with Grammy award-winning producer Timbaland titled "Body" at the 2016 Mnet Asian Music Awards.

In 2017, Eric collaborated with Gallant and Tablo on the single release of "Cave Me In". "Cave Me In" premiered worldwide on Zayn Lowe's Beats 1 Radio Show and was trending globally on YouTube and Facebook for over 72 hours upon release. The music video was shot in Hong Kong.[17] He also featured on Seohyun's WP Don't Say No on the song "Hello", and collaborated with Jeon So-mi for the release of the single "You, Who?". Furthermore, Eric featured on DJ / dance producer, Arty's single, "Idea Of You".

Eric performed three sold-out shows in New York City and Atlanta in August 2017, featuring Alec Benjamin as his opener. These shows sold out in one minute during the presale. Due to overwhelming demand, Eric added an additional date in Atlanta and increased the venue size in New York City.[18]

2018–2019: Honestly and North American Tour

At the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea, Eric was named as an Honorary Ambassador.[19] Additionally, Eric was featured on American broadcasting network NBC primetime, in which he provided an in-depth look at K-pop with interviewers Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski.[20]

On April 11, 2018, Eric released his third EP Honestly. Fronted by singles "Honestly" and "Potion", the latter of which features rapper Woodie GoChild and was released ahead of the album on April 9, Honestly plays up the artist's synth and electro-pop leanings while bringing in some dancehall and reggaeton influences. Eric worked with numerous notable songwriters on the album, including Brian Lee, Tablo, Jake Torrey, and more.[21] Additionally, Eric stated that the members of BTS helped provide him with numerous feedback as he was creating the album.[22] In the first week, the album debuted at number six on the Billboard World Album charts.[23]

From June 5 to June 29, Eric embarked on his 2018 North American Honestly Tour, which encompassed 15 shows in 14 cities. The tour featured special guests Loote [24]

Additionally, Eric released the song FLOAT, which he co-wrote with the producer Kool Kojak. Kojak has produced for artists such as Katy Perry, Flo Rida, Kesha, and Nicki Minaj. The song was picked up by Sony Pictures and featured in the official soundtrack for the movie Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation. Upon release, the movie was number one at the US box office.[25][26]

Eric also featured on a remix for "Your Side of the Bed" with Island Records pop duo Loote.[27]

On July 21, 2018, Eric performed at We The Fest in Jakarta, Indonesia. He was the only Korean act on the lineup, and performed along acts such as Lorde, James Bay, Miguel, SZA, and ODESZA.[28]

2019–present: Before We Begin, Podcasts, World Tour and The Other Side

On April 8, 2019, Eric released the digital single, “Runaway.”

On April 17, 2019, he debuted his podcast show titled “K-Pop Daebak w/ Eric Nam.” With episodes releasing every Monday, it quickly gained a sizable audience. K-Pop Daebak was named “New & Noteworthy” and “Best Listens of 2019” by Apple Podcasts, as well as “Top 10 Music Podcasts” by Spotify in 2019.

On November 14, 2019, Eric released his first English album Before We Begin, which includes "Love Die Young" (featured on Song Exploder) and "Congratulations” featuring R&B singer-songwriter Marc E. Bassy. Notable co-writes on this album include Ari Leff (Lauv), Michael Pollack, Boy Matthews, Annika Wells, and Jake Torrey— to name a few.

On December 10, 2019, Eric released his second podcast, “I Think You're Dope w/ Eric Nam,” featuring guests such as Jenny Han, Agnez Mo, Phil Rosenthal, Alec Benjamin, Jeremy Zucker, Gallant, Maia & Alex Shibutani, etc. With new episodes dropping every Tuesday, the show reached #1 on the Music Podcast Charts in over 25 countries including the US, U.K., and South Korea.

On January 9, 2020, Eric began his first official World Tour spanning 34 cities across Asia, North America, and Latin America.

On March 16, 2020, Eric announced the cancellation of the Latin American leg of his World Tour due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Los Angeles dates of the North American leg of the tour were postponed to September 10 and 12, 2020.

On July 30, 2020, Eric released his fourth EP, The Other Side. Nam said of the album in an interview "I think this one is a little more playful, a little more upbeat, a little brighter." The tracks "The Other Side" and the lead single "Paradise" were hits in South Korea and other countries around Asia. Day6 vocalist YoungK co-wrote 4 of the songs with Nam.[29][30]

Discography
Main article: Eric Nam discography

Extended plays
  • Cloud 9 (2013)
  • Interview (2016)
  • Honestly (2018)
  • Before We Begin (2019)
  • The Other Side (2020)

Filmography

Television
Year Network Title Role Note
2011-2012 MBC Birth of A Great Singer 2 Contestant
2013-2016 Arirang TV After School Club Host Left to focus on music career.[31]
2014 MBC Section TV
2014–2015 We Got Married 4 Panelist
2015 King of Mask Singer

(May 3, Ep 5)

 Contestant As "Hello Mr. Monkey"
2015–present Olive TV No Oven Dessert 2 Host
2016 MBC We Got Married

(April 9-November 19, Ep 316–348)

 Cast Member with Mamamoo's Solar[32]
tvN Daddy and I

(June 2-June 30, Ep 1–5)
SBS Law of the Jungle in Mongolia

(October 7-October 28, Ep 234–237)
MNET Yang and Nam Show

(November 18-present)

 Host
2017–2018 MBC Wizard of Nowhere

(Ep 15 - 35)

 Member
2018 KBS2 Battle Trip

(Ep 85–86)

 Special MC [33]
2018–2019 Grandma's Restaurant in Samcheong-dong

(Ep 1 - 12)

 Employee

Awards and nominations

Forbes
Year Nominated work Category Result
2017 Himself Forbes 30 Under 30 Won

GQ Korea
Year Nominated work Category Result
2016 Himself GQ Korean Men of the Year Won

KBS Entertainment Awards
Year Nominated work Category Result
2018 Grandma's Restaurant in Samcheong-dong Best Newcomer Award - Variety Won

MBC Entertainment Awards
Year Nominated work Category Result
2016 We Got Married Best Couple (with Solar) Won

Mnet Asian Music Awards
Year Nominated work Category Result
2016 "Spring Love" Best Collaboration (with Wendy) Nominated
"Good For You" Best Vocal Performance – Male Solo Nominated

References
  1. "Eric Nam named one of GQ Korea's 'Men of the Year'". SBS PopAsia. Retrieved 2019-02-17.
  2. "Eric Nam features in Forbes '30 Under 30 Asia' list". kpopherald.koreaherald.com. Retrieved 2019-02-17.
  3. Nam), 에릭남 (Eric (2019-12-26). "I am trending right now as YouTube Music's "Artist On The Rise"! This is crazy...see y'all on tour. #CONGRATULATIONSpic.twitter.com/zpQnfJyVnK". @ericnamofficial. Retrieved 2020-03-23.
  4. "Eddie Nam - Men's Soccer". Northeastern University Athletics. Retrieved 2020-08-14.
  5. "Brian Nam - Men's Soccer". Columbia University Athletics. Retrieved 2020-08-14.
  6. "Korean Singer Eric Nam Discusses His Struggles With Racism In The United States". KpopStarz. 24 October 2015.
  7. Nam, Eric (14 January 2017). "Evening with Eric Nam". Boston College.
  8. Lee, Jinho (24 March 2016). "Eric Nam Talks About Being Called the ′Nation′s Boyfriend′". Mwave.
  9. Aran, Isha (30 June 2016). "Eric Nam could become the first K-pop artist to make it big in America". Splinter.
  10. Ho, Stewart (2012-09-25). "'The Great Birth 2's Eric Nam Joins Lee Hyori's B2M Entertainment". CJ E&M enewsWorld. Archived from the original on 2015-06-20. Retrieved 2015-02-24.
  11. "Eric Nam warms up the season with 'Melt My Heart' MV". Allkpop. December 9, 2015.
  12. Danbi Hong, Grace (2015-03-05). "[Video] Eric Nam Insists He′s Alright in ′I′m OK′ MV". CJ E&M enewsWorld. Archived from the original on 2015-04-02. Retrieved 2015-03-06.
  13. "Sweet Tune Collaborates with Eric Nam and 15&'s Park Ji-Min for Charity Project". Soompi. Retrieved 19 May 2015.
  14. "Eric Nam is 'Good For You' in his long-awaited comeback MV!". Allkpop.com. 2016-03-23. Retrieved 2016-05-19.
  15. "Red Velvet's Wendy and Eric Nam Featured in Next SM STATION Track". Soompi. 2016-03-02. Retrieved 2016-05-19.
  16. "'We Got Married' confirms Eric Nam & MAMAMOO's Solar as new couple, Kim So-Yeon & Kwak Si-Yang leaving". Allkpop.com. Retrieved 2016-05-19.
  17. Herman, Tamar (January 27, 2017). "Tablo & Eric Nam Discuss Gallant Collab "Cave Me In"". Billboard. Retrieved February 4, 2017.
  18. "Eric Nam Plays a Sold Out show at Irving Plaza". AXS. Retrieved 2018-04-11.
  19. "Eric Nam Shares His 2018 Goals And Excitement For The PyeongChang Winter Olympics". Soompi. Retrieved 2018-04-11.
  20. "Eric Nam teaches Johnny Weir & Tara Lipinski about K-Pop at the 'Pyeongchang Olympics' on NBC!". Allkpop.com. Retrieved 2018-04-11.
  21. Herman, Tamar (April 11, 2018). "Eric Nam Releases Romantic Electro-Pop 'Honestly' EP". Billboard. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  22. "Eric Nam Talks About Support He Received From BTS And Fellow Artists For New Album". Soompi. Retrieved 2018-04-11.
  23. "World Albums Chart EP". Billboard. April 29, 2018. Retrieved April 29, 2018.
  24. Herman, Tamar (5 April 2018). "K-Pop Star Eric Nam Announces 'Honestly' North American Tour". Billboard.
  25. "Eric Nam Wants to 'FLOAT' in New Song for 'Hotel Transylvania 3' Soundtrack: Premiere". Billboard. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
  26. D'Alessandro, Anthony (2018-07-15). "Why Dwayne Johnson Pic 'Skyscraper' Went Up In Flames At The B.O. With $25M+". Deadline. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
  27. "Loote & Eric Nam Team Up For Epic 'Your Side of the Bed' Remix: Listen". Billboard. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
  28. "Eric Nam To Fire Up Indonesia With His Performance On "We The Fest 2018!"". hellokpop. 2018-06-14. Retrieved 2018-08-03.
  29. Lim, J. "Eric Nam Drops "The Other Side" Tracklist + DAY6's Young K Revealed To Have Participated In 4 Songs". Soompi. Soompi. Retrieved 19 July 2020.
  30. "K-Pop Phenom Eric Nam Talks New Mini-Album 'The Other Side' And Life As One Of Korea's Biggest Stars". Recording Academy. Recording Academy. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
  31. Sung-mi, Ahn. "Singer Eric Nam leaves 'After School Club'". K-POP Herald. K-POP Herald. Retrieved 12 April 2016.
  32. C, Hong. "Eric Nam And Solar Say Goodbye To 'We Got Married' In The Language Of Flowers". Soompi. Soompi. Retrieved 19 November 2016.
  33. "[DAY컷] '배틀트립' 오늘 에릭남 스페셜MC…이지혜·붐 극과극 리액션". sports.donga.com (in Korean). 7 April 2018. Retrieved 5 June 2018.
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