Biography
Ailee is a Korean-American singer known for her powerful vocals and strong stage presence. She debuted in South Korea in 2012 with the hit song “Heaven,” which quickly gained popularity. Before her debut, she was active on YouTube, showcasing her singing talent.
Over the years, Ailee has released multiple successful albums and OSTs, earning her the title of “OST Queen” for her contributions to drama soundtracks. She has won numerous awards, including Best New Artist and multiple Best Female Vocalist awards. Ailee is also recognized for her ability to sing high notes effortlessly, making her one of Korea’s top vocalists. Despite facing challenges, she continues to grow as an artist and expand her musical style.
Profile
- Name: Ailee
- Birth name: Amy Lee
- Korean name: Lee Ye-jin (이예진)
- Birthday: May 30, 1989
- Zodiac Sign: Gemini
- Height: 164 cm
- Instagram: @aileeonline
- Twitter: @itzailee
Career
Ailee made her debut in 2012 with the single “Heaven,” which quickly gained widespread popularity. Her powerful vocals and emotional delivery helped her win several “Rookie of the Year” awards. Later that year, she released her first EP, Invitation, which featured collaborations with well-known artists. Over the next few years, Ailee continued to establish herself as a leading solo artist. Songs like “U&I” and “Singing Got Better” topped charts and earned her recognition for her outstanding vocal abilities.
Her career reached new heights in 2015 with the release of Vivid, her first full-length album. She also held her first solo concert and continued to gain industry recognition, winning the Best Female Vocal Award for three consecutive years. In 2016, she joined Superstar K 2016 as a judge and released the hit song “If You,” securing her fourth straight win for Best Vocal Performance.
In 2017, Ailee achieved massive success with her OST “I Will Go to You Like the First Snow,” which topped charts for weeks and won multiple awards. This further cemented her status as the “OST Queen.” Around the same time, she expanded her international career by performing in Taiwan, the U.S., and at major global events like the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games and the inter-Korean summit in Pyongyang.
Continuing her musical journey, Ailee released “Butterfly” in 2019 and later established her own agency, Rocket3 Entertainment. She went on to release albums like Amy (2021) and I’m Lovin’ Amy (2022), while also transitioning between agencies, eventually signing with Pop Music. Despite industry changes, she remains one of Korea’s most celebrated vocalists, consistently delivering powerful performances and memorable music.
Personal Life
Early Life
Ailee was born in Denver, Colorado, and raised in New Jersey. She first attended Palisades Park High School before transferring to Leonia. After graduating from Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, she enrolled at Pace University to study communications but later left to focus on her music career.
Relationships
On March 19, 2024, A2Z Entertainment confirmed that Ailee was in a relationship with a non-celebrity and that the couple planned to marry the following year. On May 14, it was revealed that her fiancé is businessman and former actor Choi Si-hoon, known for his appearance on the reality dating show Single’s Inferno. Later, on November 19, A2Z Entertainment officially announced that the couple would be tying the knot on April 20, 2025.
On April 20, 2025, singer Ailee and actor Choi Si-hoon tied the knot in a lavish wedding ceremony held in Gangnam, Seoul. The event was attended by numerous celebrities, including Yoo Jae-suk and Siwon, highlighting the couple’s prominence in the entertainment industry. Ailee captivated attendees by donning three different dresses throughout the celebration. Following the ceremony, the newlyweds embarked on their honeymoon, traveling through Dubai en route to the Maldives.
Nude Photos Controversy
In November 2013, a series of nude photos of Ailee were leaked online, causing a significant stir in the K-pop community. Despite the gravity of the scandal, Ailee received considerable support from her fans, a reaction that contrasted with the harsher public responses typically seen in similar situations involving other artists. Many fans attributed their continued support to Ailee’s exceptional talent and powerful vocals, which had earned her the nickname “Korean Beyoncé.” They viewed her as a genuine artist rather than merely an idol, leading to a more forgiving attitude.
Net Worth
Ailee has enjoyed a successful career in the South Korean music industry. As of May 2022, her net worth was estimated to be around $12 million, according to Idol Net Worth.
This substantial wealth is attributed to her extensive discography, which includes four studio albums, six Korean extended plays, and 26 singles, with six of them ranking within the top five on the Gaon Digital Chart. Additionally, her concert tours across South Korea, the United States, and Taiwan between 2015 and 2019 have contributed significantly to her financial success.
Filmography
Television Drama
- Dream High 2 (2012)
Television Shows
- Vitamin (2012)
- Great Marriage (2013–2014)
- MBC Music Ailee’s Vitamin (2014)
- Superstar K 2016 (K8) (2016)
- One Night Food Trip: Food Race (2017)
- Hyena on the Keyboard (2018)
- The Call (2018)
- Vocal Play (2019)
- Good Girl (2020)
- The Ghost and Molly McGee (2021)
Web Shows
- G-Star 2020 – Krafton (2020)
Fun Facts
- She has a younger brother.
- Ailee started singing seriously when she was 16 years old, and she started acting since she was 7 years old.
- Before she signed with YMC Entertainment, she had two YouTube accounts called “mzamyx3” and “aileemusic.”
- Ailee’s best friend is f(x) Amber.
- She is Christian.
- Her favorite color is pink.
- Her favorite food is Korean BBQ/Galbi.
- Hobbies: Singing, cooking and lurking on Facebook.
- She can play the piano, flute and drums (just a little bit).
- Her dream is to build an Ailee school.
- She loves vitamin water.
- Her favorite artists are BoA, 2PM, 2AN, 2NE1, and Lee Hyori.
- Ailee has been a fan of Taeyang’s for a long time and often names him as her ideal type in interviews. She has said she likes generous people with a good sense of humor. She also values fitness and health and would like someone who values them too.
