Rain
Info
🙂 Native Name: 정지훈 (Jung Ji-hoon)
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Male
🎂 Born: June 25, 1982
🏠 Birth Place: Seosan, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Cancer
📏 Height: 6 feet 0 inches (1.85 m)
💍 Spouse: Kim Tae-hee (married on January 19, 2017)
👶 Children: Two daughters with Kim Tae-hee
First daughter: Born on October 25, 2017
Second daughter: Born on September 19, 2019
Biography
Born on June 25, 1982, in Seosan, South Korea, Jung Ji-hoon, widely known by his stage name Rain, is a celebrated singer, actor, and producer. He debuted in 2002 with the album Bad Guy, and his single “Bad Guy” quickly garnered attention for its unique blend of R&B and pop. His electrifying performances and talent cemented his reputation as a rising star in the K-pop industry. Rain’s career breakthrough came in 2004 with his third album, It’s Raining, which topped charts across Asia and sold over 1 million copies.
Rain’s success was not confined to music. He expanded into acting with notable performances in Korean dramas such as Full House (2004) alongside Song Hye-kyo, which became a global hit. His ability to seamlessly transition between music and acting earned him the nickname “Asia’s Prince.” Rain’s Hollywood debut in Speed Racer (2008) and the lead role in Ninja Assassin (2009) brought him international fame, making him one of the few Asian artists to achieve crossover success.
Aside from his artistic achievements, Rain is known for his philanthropy and commitment to social causes. Despite facing financial hardships in his early years, he has actively contributed to charity, focusing on education and disaster relief efforts. His military service, completed between 2011 and 2013, further endeared him to the public, proving his dedication to his country.
Rain’s personal life took the spotlight when he married Kim Tae-hee, a prominent South Korean actress, in January 2017. The couple has since welcomed two daughters, born in 2017 and 2019. Rain continues to inspire through his music, acting, and entrepreneurial ventures, maintaining his status as a beloved icon in South Korea and beyond.
Hobbies
- Dancing: Rain is known for his incredible dance skills. He spends hours perfecting choreography, which has become a trademark of his performances.
- Cooking: He enjoys experimenting in the kitchen and often prepares meals for his family, showing his love for food and creativity outside his career.
- Fitness: Rain dedicates a significant part of his day to working out. He enjoys weightlifting and cardio to maintain his chiseled physique.
- Traveling: Rain loves exploring new places, whether for work or leisure. He appreciates learning about different cultures and cuisines.
- Gaming: In his downtime, Rain enjoys playing video games, particularly strategy and action genres, to relax and unwind.
Interests
- Fashion: Rain has a keen eye for fashion and frequently collaborates with top designers. He even started his own fashion brand, Six to Five.
- Music Production: Beyond singing, he is passionate about producing music and mentoring young talents in the entertainment industry.
- Technology: Rain is fascinated by the latest gadgets and often incorporates advanced tech into his stage performances.
- Martial Arts: His preparation for Ninja Assassin sparked a deep interest in martial arts, which he continues to practice.
- Photography: Rain enjoys capturing moments and landscapes during his travels, showcasing his artistic side outside of performing.
Facts
- Self-Made Icon: Rain faced rejection multiple times due to his looks, but he persevered and became one of the most influential figures in K-pop.
- First Solo Artist to Win at MTV Asia Awards: In 2005, Rain made history by becoming the first Korean solo artist to win at this international event.
- Fluent in Japanese and English: Apart from Korean, he is fluent in these languages, helping him connect with fans globally.
- Acting Debut in Hollywood: Rain is one of the few Korean stars to land a lead role in a Hollywood film (Ninja Assassin).
- Global Influencer: He was included in Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” list twice, in 2006 and 2011.
Secrets
- Shy Off-Stage: Despite his confident stage persona, Rain is naturally shy and often prefers quiet, intimate settings over large gatherings.
- Unrevealed Struggles: Rain seldom speaks about the hardships he faced after losing his mother, using those struggles as motivation to succeed.
- Personal Songs: Many of his songs are inspired by personal experiences, including heartbreaks and life lessons, though he rarely admits it.
- Family First: Rain prioritizes his wife and daughters above all, often keeping them away from the public eye to protect their privacy.
- Hidden Talent: He is excellent at drawing, a skill he rarely shows but occasionally uses to design concepts for his work.
Funny Things
- Fear of Ghosts: Rain once admitted he avoids horror movies because he’s easily scared, making it a source of humor among his friends.
- Awkward Laugh: His signature laugh is contagious and often leads to a chain reaction of laughter during interviews.
- Impersonations: Rain is skilled at impersonating other celebrities, often leaving fans in stitches with his hilarious impressions.
- Dance Mishaps: He has humorously shared stories of slipping during practice or on stage but always recovers gracefully.
- Cheesy Jokes: Rain loves cracking dad jokes, which his friends and family often find endearingly cringe-worthy.
Fears
- Disappointing Fans: Rain is deeply committed to his career and often worries about not meeting the expectations of his devoted fans.
- Heights: While he performs on elevated stages, Rain has admitted he feels uneasy about extreme heights outside of controlled environments.
- Failure: As a perfectionist, he fears failing in any project or performance, which drives his relentless dedication to his work.
- Losing Loved Ones: After losing his mother at a young age, Rain has a heightened fear of losing those close to him.
- Public Speaking: Despite his charisma, he sometimes feels nervous during large-scale public events or speeches.
News
Rain Announces ‘Still Raining’ Comeback Tour: In September 2023, Rain revealed plans for his “Still Raining” tour, marking his first series of concerts since 2016. The tour includes performances in the United States, with shows scheduled in Atlantic City and Las Vegas in November 2023.
Rain’s Return to the U.S. After 15 Years: Rain expressed excitement about reconnecting with his American fanbase after a 15-year hiatus. He emphasized his eagerness to perform live and share his evolved artistic vision with international audiences.
Rain Reflects on Retirement Considerations: In March 2024, Rain candidly discussed contemplating retirement from the music industry. He shared insights into his career journey and the factors influencing his thoughts on stepping back from the spotlight.
Rain Shares Insights on Maintaining Marital Happiness: In September 2024, during an appearance on his YouTube channel “Season B Season,” Rain offered personal anecdotes about his marriage to actress Kim Tae-hee. He highlighted the importance of simple gestures, such as helping with household chores and expressing affection, in keeping their relationship strong.
Rain’s Viral Resurgence with ‘Gang’: In mid-2020, Rain’s 2017 song “Gang” experienced a viral resurgence, leading to renewed popularity and a series of parody videos. Embracing the attention with humor, Rain’s engagement with the trend showcased his adaptability and connection with a new generation of fans.
Movies
Music / OST
Rain, born Jung Ji-hoon on June 25, 1982, is one of South Korea’s most iconic musicians, whose influence has extended far beyond the borders of his home country. He debuted in 2002 with his album Bad Guy, which introduced him as a talented R&B artist with a distinctive style. The album’s lead single, “Bad Guy,” marked the beginning of a career that would redefine K-pop on the global stage.
Rain’s breakout moment came in 2004 with the release of his third album, It’s Raining. The album sold over 1 million copies across Asia, solidifying his status as a pan-Asian superstar. The title track became a massive hit, and Rain’s electrifying performances further showcased his unmatched talent as a dancer and entertainer. His growing popularity in countries like Japan, China, and Southeast Asia earned him the nickname “Asia’s King of Pop.”
Rain’s global success expanded with his World Tour Rain’s Coming in 2006-2007, which took him to cities across the United States, Europe, and Asia. The tour highlighted his ability to captivate international audiences with his dynamic stage presence and multilingual songs. In 2006, he was included in Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” list, a significant milestone for a South Korean artist.
In addition to his music, Rain has contributed as a producer, mentor, and label owner. He founded his own entertainment company, J.Tune Entertainment, in 2007, aiming to discover and nurture new talents. Over the years, Rain released several successful albums, including Rainism (2008) and Rain Effect (2014), which featured chart-topping tracks such as “Love Song” and “30 Sexy.” These albums demonstrated his versatility as an artist, blending R&B, pop, and electronic elements seamlessly.
Rain’s influence in the music industry remains unparalleled, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of K-pop artists. His ability to innovate while staying true to his roots has made him a timeless icon, proving that Rain’s impact will endure for years to come.
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