Leo (singer)

Jung Taek-woon (Korean: 정택운; born on November 10, 1990),[1] better known by his stage name Leo (Korean: 레오), is a South Korean singer, songwriter and musical theatre actor, signed under Jellyfish Entertainment. Leo debuted as a member of the South Korean boy group VIXX in May 2012,[2] and began his acting career in 2014 in the musical Full House as Lee Young-jae.[3] In 2015 he began his songwriting career,[4] and with VIXX member Ravi formed the group's first official sub-unit VIXX LR.[5]

Leo
정택운
Leo at WFMF concert in September 2016
Born	Jung Taek-woon[1] November 10, 1990 Seoul, South Korea
Education	Baekseok University
Occupation	Singer songwriter actor
Musical career
Genres	K-pop dance
Instruments	Vocals keyboards
Years active	2012–present
Labels	Jellyfish
Associated acts	VIXX VIXX LR

Early life

Born in Yangjae-dong, Seoul, South Korea, his family consists of himself, his parents and three older sisters. Leo studied music composition at Baekseok University and was a member of the National Youth Soccer Players from 2004 to 2007. Growing up, Leo was actively involved in swimming, boxing, taekwondo (blue belt), and soccer.[6][7] While recovering from an injury, he developed an interest in becoming a singer after listening to Wheesung's "Walking in the Sky".[8]

Career

2012–2014: Career beginnings

Leo was one of ten trainees who were contestants in Mnet's survival reality show MyDOL. Leo was one of the six contestants who were chosen to be a part of the final line-up of the new boy group VIXX. The group debuted with "Super Hero"[9] on May 24, 2012[2] on M! Countdown.[10][11] During MyDOL, Leo was featured in Brian Joo's "Let This Die" and Seo In-guk's "Shake It Up" music videos.[12][13] After his debut with VIXX, Leo appeared in episode 4 of SBS' television drama The Heirs alongside his group members.

As an avid sports fan, Leo has appeared in several athletic variety shows with other idols such as Dream Team and Idol Athletics Championship.[14][15]

In 2014, Leo had a cameo role in SBS' television drama Glorious Day alongside Hyuk and was cast in the musical Full House in the lead role of Lee Young-jae from April to June at the Hongik Daehakro Art Center, Grand Theater in Seoul.[3] Later that year, Leo also participated in the Y.Bird from Jellyfish Island project created by Jellyfish Entertainment CEO Hwang Se-jun by collaborating with Lyn on her self-composed single "Blossom Tears" (Korean: 꽃잎놀이); their single Y.BIRD from Jellyfish with LYn X Leo was the fourth in the series. In the haunting music video, he played a psychopath who killed the women he loved so that he could keep them.[4]

2015–2016: Composing, VIXX LR and musical

In 2015, Leo composed the song "On a Cold Night" (Korean: 차가운 밤에) for VIXX's fifth single album Boys' Record. Originally written as a duet between him and Ken, a studio version was released with the rest of the members performing for that album.[4]

On August 7, 2015, Jellyfish Entertainment released a video trailer on VIXX's official website after a mysterious countdown with a silhouette of VIXX's last special album Boys' Record. As time went by, members of VIXX disappeared until finally only Leo and Ravi were left behind, which caused fans to speculate that it meant another comeback for all six members. A video trailer of VIXX LR was then revealed.[16]

VIXX LR was confirmed by Jellyfish Entertainment to be VIXX's first official sub-unit composed of rapper Ravi and vocalist Leo. Their debut EP, Beautiful Liar, was released on August 17, 2015.[17][18][19] On the same day VIXX LR held their first showcase for Beautiful Liar at Yes24 Muv Hall in Seoul′s Mapo-gu.[20][21]

In 2016 Leo was cast in the musical Mata Hari in the lead role of Armand from March 25 to June 12 at the Blue Square in Seoul. It was confirmed that he would be shedding his stage name and using his birth name Jung Taek Woon for the role instead, unlike his previous musical role in Full House where he was credited as Leo.[22][23]

On September 20, 2016, Leo collaborated with actress and DJ Park So-hyun to celebrate SBS Power FM’s 20th Anniversary and released the song "That's All" (Korean: 그뿐야) as part of SBS Power FM's 20th Anniversary song project.[24]

Leo was cast in the musical Monte Cristo in the supporting role of Albert from November 19, 2016 to February 12, 2017 at the Chungmu Arts Center Grand Theater.[25][26]

2017–present: Solo debut

On October 16, 2017, it was announced that Leo had been cast in the musical The Last Kiss as Crown Prince Rudolf.[27]

On July 21, 2018, it was announced that Leo will be releasing his first solo EP titled Canvas on July 31, 2018.[28]

From August 31 to September 2, Leo had his first ever solo concert LEO 1st SOLO CONCERT [CANVAS] which was held at Blue Square Eye Market Hall[29]

On May 14, 2019, Leo announced about his 2nd Solo Concert [MUSE] which will be on June.[30] Leo's 2nd mini album MUSE will be released on June 17.[31]

Leo will enlist for his mandatory military service on December 2, serving as a public service worker due to severe panic disorder and depression.[32][33]

Discography

Extended plays

Title	Details	Peak chart positions			Sales
		KOR Gaon [34]	TW [35]	US World [36]
Canvas	Released: July 31, 2018[28] Label: Jellyfish Entertainment, CJ E&M Formats: CD, digital download Track list Touch & Sketch Cover Girl (Feat. LE) Free Tempo Give Me Something 나는 요즘 (Nowadays) Gesture 꿈 (Dream)	2	5	7	KOR: 45,094[37]
Muse	Released: June 17, 2019 Label: Jellyfish Entertainment Formats: CD, digital download Track listing "Romanticism (로맨티시즘)" "This About To Happen (다가오는 것들)" (ft. Choiza) "Nostalgia (향수병)" "Tight (타이트해)" "Muse" "The Flower" (ft. Maximilian Hecker)	6	—	—	KOR: 32,634[38]
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region.

Singles

Title	Year	Peak chart position	Sales	Album
		KOR Gaon [39]
As lead artist
"Touch & Sketch"	2018	—	N/A	Canvas
"You are There, but not There" (있는데 없는 너) (feat. Hanhae)		—		Non-album single
"The Flower" (feat. Maximilian Hecker)	2019	—		Muse
"Romanticism" (로맨티시즘)		—
"All of me"		—		Non-album singles
"December, The Night of Dreams" (12월 꿈의 밤)		—
Collaborations
"Blossom Tears" (꽃잎놀이) with LYn	2014	11	KOR: 156,798+[40]	Y.BIRD from Jellyfish with LYn X Leo
"That's All" (그뿐야)[upper-alpha 1] with Park So-hyun	2016	—	N/A	Non-album single
"We, the Reds" (우리는 하나) (with Sejeong)	2018	—		2018 National Football Team Cheering Album 'We, the Reds'
"Feel Love"	2019	—		Space Project (공간) part 3.
Soundtrack appearances
"I Belong to Me" (나는 나만의 것)	2019	—	N/A	Musical Elizabeth 2018
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region.

Compilation appearances

Title	Year	Peak chart position	Sales	Album
		KOR
"The Last Game" (마지막 승부) (with Rich)	2016	—	N/A	King of Mask Singer Episode 49
"To Heaven"		—		King of Mask Singer Episode 50
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that reg

Songwriting credits

Year	Album	Song	Artist	Lyrics		Music		Notes
				Credited	With	Credited	With
2015	Boys' Record	"On a Cold Night"	VIXX	Yes	Ravi (rap)	Yes	N/A	[42]
	Beautiful Liar	"Words to Say"	VIXX LR	Yes	N/A	Yes	N/A	[43]
		"My Light"		Yes	Ravi	Yes	MELODESIGN
2016	Depend on Me	"Shadow"	VIXX	Yes	N/A	Yes	N/A	Limited Edition A Bonus Track[44]
	Hana-Kaze (花風)	"Moonlight"		Yes	N/A	Yes	N/A
	That's All	"That's All"	Leo x Park So-hyun	Yes	N/A	Yes	Jo Yong-ho	[45]
	Kratos	"Romance is Over"	VIXX	Yes	Ravi	Yes	N/A	[46]
2017	Whisper	"Beautiful Night"	VIXX LR	Yes	Ravi	Yes	AVGS
		"Feeling"		Yes	Ravi	Yes	AVGS
2018	Canvas	"Touch & Sketch"	Leo	Yes	N/A	No	Andreas Stone Johansson, Matt Wong, Jamie Jones, G'harah "PK" Degeddingseze	[47]
		"Cover Girl" (ft. LE)		Yes	LE (rap)	Yes	AVGS
		"Free Tempo"		Yes	N/A	Yes	AVGS
		"Give me something"		Yes	N/A	No	Kevin Charge, Justin Reinstein
		"Nowadays" (나는 요즘)		Yes	N/A	Yes	Ryan IM
		"Gesture"		Yes	N/A	Yes	AVGS
		"Dream" (꿈)		Yes	N/A	Yes	AVGS

Notes

1. "That’s All" was Part 2 of SBS Power FM's 20th Anniversary Song Project.[41]

Filmography

Television

Year	Title	Role	Network	Notes
2014	The Heirs	Himself	SBS	Cameo ep. 4
2016	King of Mask Singer	Contestant as "Heungbu Be Stifled"	MBC	Episodes 49-50[48][49]
2017	Singing Battle – Victory	Contestant	KBS2	Episodes 16–17

Musicals

Year	Title	Role	Notes
2014	Full House	Lee Young-jae	Lead role, credited as Leo
2016-17	Mata Hari	Armand	Lead role, credited as Jung Taek Woon Returned for a second run in 2017[50]
2016-17	Monte Cristo	Albert	Supporting role, credited as Jung Taek Woon
2017-18	The Last Kiss	Prince Rudolf	Lead role, credited as Jung Taek Woon
2018-19	Elisabeth	Der Tod	Lead role, credited as Jung Taek Woon
2019	Marie Antoinette	Count Axel Von Fersen	Lead role, credited as Jung Taek Woon [51]

References

1. Leo Official Profile
   • "Leo Official Profile (Korean Site)". Jellyfish Entertainment. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
   • "Leo Official Profile (Japanese Site)". Jellyfish Entertainment. Archived from the original on May 6, 2016. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
2. "Upcoming group VIXX releases 3rd video teaser for "Super Hero"". allkpop. 20 May 2012.
3. Hong, Grace Danbi (5 March 2014). "B2ST Yang Yo Seop, A Pink Jung Eun Ji, VIXX Leo, Joo, and More to Star in Musical Full House". enewsWorld. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 2014-03-06.
4. "A Bitter Serenade". Ceci Magazine (in Korean). September 2014.
5. "VIXX's First Subunit LR Composed of Leo and Ravi, Releases Teasers and More". soompi.com. Retrieved 16 August 2015.
6. "VIXX's Leo revealed to be a sports prodigy". Allkpop. 2012-06-25. Retrieved 2015-06-20.
7. "Idols That Had Completely Different Careers Before They Made Their Debut — Koreaboo". Koreaboo. 2016-12-31. Retrieved 2017-01-01.
8. "[My Name is] 빅스(2) 레오텐아시아 | 텐아시아". 10Asia (in Korean). 2013-05-02. Retrieved 2015-06-20.
9. "VIXX to watch the last episode of 'Mydol' with their fans at a movie theater". allkpop. 31 May 2012.
10. "VIXX to share download links for their music and teasers on Twitter". allkpop. 20 May 2012.
11. "Finalists from 'Mydol' reveal official group name, Vixx". allkpop. 10 May 2012.
12. Brian Joo (브라이언) - Let This Die (Extended Eng Ver.). 31 Jan 2012.
13. Seo In Guk (서인국) "SHAKE IT UP" Music Video. 8 Aug 2011.
14. "빅스 레오 '아육대' 부상현장 포착, 깁스후 목발짚고 절뚝절뚝". Nate (in Korean). 2013-09-04. Retrieved 2015-06-20.
15. "Kangin's basketball team defeats Yonghwa's team with Michael Jordan style". Allkpop. 2015-02-19. Retrieved 2015-06-20.
16. "VIXX starts a mysterious countdown - perhaps to a comeback?". allkpop.com. Retrieved 2015-08-08.
17. "VIXX′s First Unit LR to Debut on August 17". mwave.interest.me. Archived from the original on 2015-08-08. Retrieved 2015-08-08.
18. "VIXX's sub-unit LR unveils teaser photo for their upcoming debut!". allkpop.com. Retrieved 2015-08-08.
19. "VIXX's first subunit LR releases tracklist for 'Beautiful Liar' mini album". allkpop.com. Retrieved 2015-08-08.
20. "VIXX LR Holds Its First Showcase". bntnews.co.uk. Retrieved 2015-08-17.
21. "LR′s Leo and Ravi Reveal Why They Formed VIXX′s First-Ever Unit". mwave.interest.me. Archived from the original on 2015-09-07. Retrieved 2015-08-17.
22. "VIXX's Leo to Shed His Idol Stage Name for Upcoming Musical Role". soompi.com. Retrieved 19 November 2015.
23. "VIXX Leo to star in musical 'Mata Hari'". koreaherald.com. Retrieved 19 November 2015.
24. [SBS]'파워FM 20주년 쏭 프로젝트' 2탄 소현이레오(박소현X빅스 레오), 스페셜 음원 ‘그뿐야’ 티저. Sep 12, 2016.
25. "빅스 레오, 뮤지컬 '몬테크리스토' 캐스팅". Aug 24, 2016.
26. "'몬테크리스토', 류정한-엄기준-신성록-카이-조정은-린아-정택운 등 초특급 캐스팅의 완결판 공개". Aug 24, 2016.
27. "EXO's Suho, f(x)'s Luna, And VIXX's Leo To Star In Musical "The Last Kiss" | Soompi". www.soompi.com. Retrieved 2017-11-11.
28. "[공식입장] 빅스 레오, 31일 첫 솔로 미니앨범 발매...티저 기습 공개". OSEN (in Korean). July 21, 2018.
29. http://www.jelly-fish.co.kr/sub/artist_singer08.php?prof_id=26&num=#!
30. http://officiallykmusic.com/vixxs-leo-unveils-coming-soon-poster-second-concert-muse/
31. "Update: VIXX's Leo Sings New Song "The Flower" Featuring Maximilian Hecker In Studio Clip".
32. "빅스 레오, 12월 2일 사회복무요원 입대 "공황장애 치료 중" [전문]". Naver (in Korean). November 14, 2019. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
33. "VIXX's Leo to Enlist as Public Service Worker, Reveals He is Suffering from Panic Disorder & Depression". KoogleTV. November 14, 2019. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
34. "Gaon Album Chart – Week 31, 2018". Gaon Chart (in Korean). Retrieved August 9, 2018.
    • "Muse (2019)". Gaon Chart (in Korean). Retrieved June 27, 2019.
35. "FIVE-MUSIC Korea-Japan Album Chart" (in Chinese). Five Music. Retrieved January 19, 2017.
    To access, select the indicated week and year in the bottom-left corner:
    • Canvas (2018): "The 31st Week of 2018"
36. "World Albums". Billboard charts.
37. "2018년 08월 Album Chart".
38. "gaon chart". 2019-08-09. Archived from the original on 2019-08-09. Retrieved 2019-08-29.
39. "Gaon Digital Chart". Gaon Chart (in Korean). Korea Music Content Industry Association. Archived from the original on August 27, 2015. Retrieved July 1, 2015.
40. Total Download sales for Blossom Tears:
    • "Gaon Download Chart: Week 33, 2014". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
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    • "Gaon Download Chart: Week 35, 2014". Gaon Chart. Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved 1 December 2016.
41. "[Mnet] 그뿐야 - 박소현,레오(빅스)". mnet.com. Archived from the original on 2 January 2017. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
42. "Special Single Album: Boys' Record". Jellyfish Entertainment. February 24, 2015. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved 2015-05-21.
43. "VIXX LR MINI ALBUM: Beautiful Liar". Jellyfish Entertainment. August 17, 2015. Archived from the original on November 17, 2015. Retrieved 2015-08-17.
44. "VIXX 日本1stオリジナルアルバムのタイトルが「Depend on me」に決定、収録曲も発表". vixx.cjve.jp (Official site). 15 December 2015. Archived from the original on 28 April 2016. Retrieved 18 December 2015.
45. "[Mnet] 그뿐야 - 박소현,레오(빅스)". mnet.com. September 22, 2015. Archived from the original on August 14, 2017. Retrieved 2016-09-22.
46. "3rd Mini Album: Kratos". Jellyfish Entertainment. October 31, 2016. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
47. "RealVIXX on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 2018-08-28.
48. "Male Idol Group Member Charms Listeners With His Sweet Voice on "King of Mask Singer"". soompi. March 13, 2016. Retrieved 2015-03-14.
49. "'복면가왕' 흥부 빅스 레오, "새로운 숲 하나 점령한 느낌"". nate.com (in Korean). March 13, 2016. Retrieved 2015-03-14.
50. "Check Leo of VIXX Turn to a Tough Soldier in a New Musical "Mata Hari" • Kpopmap". www.kpopmap.com. Retrieved 2018-04-26.
51. https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=117&aid=0003236258

External links