Biography
Gary is a South Korean rapper, songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, and TV personality. He was the rapper and lyricist of the former hip-hop duo Leessang, which released eight albums since debuting in 2002. In 2014, Gary launched his solo career with the mini-album Mr.Gae. Despite being banned by major TV stations for its mature content, the album topped several charts. He later formed the duo Jung In & Gary with singer Jung In, releasing the singles “Your Scent and Bicycle.”
In addition to his own music, Gary has worked with renowned artists such as Psy, Baek Ji Young, Lee Hyori, Dynamic Duo, and MC Mong. He also gained recognition as a cast member on the variety show “Running Man.”
Profile
- Name: Kang Gary
- Birth name: Kang Hee-gun
- Birthday: February 24, 1978
- Zodiac Sign: Pisces
- Height: 174 cm
- Instagram: @kanggary_yangban
Career
Kang Gary embarked on his music career in 1997 as a member of the hip-hop group X-Teen, where he met Gil, his future partner in Leessang. After contributing to an album in 1998, both Gary and Gil were dropped from the group. Reflecting on this period, Gary later admitted that they lacked the looks and skills needed to succeed at the time.
Following their departure from X-Teen, Gary and Gil joined the hip-hop group Honey Family, with whom they released two albums in 1999 and 2000. However, the group eventually disbanded, and Gary took partial responsibility, admitting that he had become too caught up in their initial success. He, Gil, and fellow Honey Family member Diggity then formed Leessam Trio, releasing a compilation album in 2000. When Diggity left, Gary and Gil renamed the group Leessang and officially debuted in 2002.
Leessang went on to release eight albums, achieving underground success with their earlier works before breaking into the mainstream with later albums like Hexagonal, Asura Balbalta, and Unplugged. Their hit song “Turn Off the TV” from Asura Balbalta dominated the Melon chart for 25 consecutive days, solidifying their place in the Korean music industry.
Aside from his music career, Gary gained widespread recognition as an original cast member of the variety show “Running Man,” which he joined in 2010. The show’s popularity skyrocketed, earning him and his fellow cast members international recognition. After six years on the show, he announced his departure in 2016 to focus on his music career. His final episode as a main cast member was episode 324, but he made surprise appearances in later episodes, including a special guest spot in episode 325 and another for Member’s Week in episode 336 in 2017.
Gary’s solo career took off in 2014 with the release of his mini-album Mr.Gae, which was banned by major broadcast stations due to explicit content. Despite this, his title track “Shower Later” topped multiple music charts. That same year, he collaborated with singer Jung-in on “Your Scent,” which achieved commercial success without any live promotions. The song ranked sixth on the Gaon Chart’s year-end national digital single ranking. The duo later released another track, “Bicycle,” in September 2014.
In 2015, Gary released his second solo album 2002, featuring artists like Jay Park, Skull, Deepflow, and Jung-in. The album’s title track, “Get Some Air,” featured Mi-woo from Leessang Company. The following year, he dropped the single “Lonely Night” with Gaeko of Dynamic Duo, accompanied by a music video starring his former “Running Man” co-star Song Ji-hyo. The song performed well, earning him a win on SBS Inkigayo.
After a three-year break from broadcasting, Gary returned to television in 2020 as a cast member of “The Return of Superman,” where he appeared with his family until their departure in December. That same year, his agency Double 8 secured a non-exclusive contract with Million Market. Throughout his career, Gary has remained a respected figure in Korean hip-hop, balancing his work as a rapper, songwriter, and television personality.
Personal Life
Early Life
During middle school, Gary earned the nickname “Gae” (which means “dog” in Korean) and later chose it as his stage name after considering “Gaemi” (ant) and “Gary.” Initially, he was more passionate about dancing than rapping. He once competed in a dance contest and won, defeating Jang Woo-hyuk and Moon Hee-jun, who later became members of H.O.T. All three were scouted by Lee Soo-man and offered contracts with SM Entertainment, but Gary ultimately declined the offer. He later attended Yong In University, where he trained as a bodyguard, and spent 10 years as an amateur boxer.
Relationships
One of the most iconic aspects of Gary’s career was his on-screen relationship with Song Ji-hyo on Running Man, which earned them the beloved nickname “Monday Couple.” The name originated from the show’s filming schedule, as episodes were recorded every Monday. Their chemistry, affectionate interactions, and Gary’s open admiration for Song Ji-hyo fueled dating rumors, with fans across Asia hoping they were a real couple. Despite six years of playful moments and strong fan support, neither confirmed a relationship beyond the show.
In October 2016, Gary left “Running Man” to focus on his music, marking the end of Monday Couple. Then, in April 2017, he shocked fans by announcing his marriage to a non-celebrity. His sudden departure and lack of contact with the Running Man cast sparked disappointment, with Song Ji-hyo admitting she only learned of his marriage through the news.
Following his wedding, Gary stepped away from the entertainment industry, choosing to focus on his family. Though his quiet exit initially faced criticism, fans eventually accepted his decision, supporting his new chapter in life.
Filmography
Film
- Dachimawa Lee (2008)
- Wonderful Radio (2014)
Television series
- Emergency Couple (2014)
- A Girl Who Sees Smells (2015)
Variety shows
- Running Man (2010 – 2016)
- Kang Ceremony (2017)
- The Return of Superman (2020)
- Law of the Jungle in Zero Point (2020)
- Law of the Jungle in Ulleungdo & Dokdo (2021)
- Artistock Game (2022)
Fun Facts
- He may be known as a tough rapper, but off-stage he is very calm and funny.
- He’s good in giving surprises.
- He has a range of merchandises for sale that were being publicised on “Running Man.”
