Kang Gary: The "father" of Hip Hop to the unique "Peaceful Gary" of Running Man

Before becoming a phenomenon that stirred up the Asian entertainment wave thanks to his participation in the program "Running Man", Kang Gary was known to the public as a member of Leessang, the duo known as the "father" of the Hip Hop district. in the Land of Kim Chi.

Kang Gary's real name is Kang Hee Gun, before he fell in love with art and became one of the pride of Korea, Kang Gary was also an amateur boxer for more than ten years and successfully wore a triangle belt. class.

Early years of music career with LeeSsang

In 1997, with the desire to pursue a career in art activities, Gary decided to try out at the X-Teen program. This opportunity gave him the opportunity to meet Gil, the remaining "piece" of LeeSsang and promises to change the Korean industrial order later.

The duo released two albums in 1998 and 2000, respectively, but luck was still not smiling on both when at that time, the group was still not really noticed by the public.

After their first failure, the duo decided to join the group Honey Family along with Diggity, Miryo, Park Muyng Hou, Jura, Young Poon and Su Jung.

Until now, Honey Family is still considered by the Korean public as one of the best Hip Hop groups of all time thanks to the harmonious combination of many different musical personalities.

After the success with Honey Family, Gary, Gil and Diggity continued to collaborate and debuted as a group under the name Leessam Trio.

This time, the trio quickly released their first product called 2000 Korea, but this album has not really resonated.

Not long after, Diggity's sudden decision to leave the group made Gary and Gil decide to change the group's name to LeeSsang.

As horizontal players who were not properly invested in production techniques, the two had to spend more than four hundred hours inside the studio to practice as well as create their first "masterpieces".

After a period of painstaking preparation, in June 2002, the debut album LeeSsang of Honey Family marked a new chapter in the duo's musical career officially "on the shelves".

Many people believe that the perfect blend of the vocals of Jung In, Gil and Gary is one of the reasons for the song's irresistible charm. This is also the song that started LeeSsang's long-term cooperation with Jung In.

Rush also became one of the most performed songs in LeeSsang's brilliant musical career.

Although the duo achieved certain success in the field of Hip Hop Mainstream, both still mainly operate in the Underground world.

In an episode of the show Strong Heart, Gary even revealed that at that time LeeSsang was so "unknown" that he was stopped by security when he stepped on stage to receive his first music award.

The duo even won Song of the Month at the Cyworld Digital Music Awards when the song Black Sun from their fourth studio album held the top of all domestic charts for four years. consecutive weeks.

With the great success that stirred the Korean music market at that time, LeeSsang caught the eye of "legend" Hip Hop Tiger JK (also known as Drunk Tiger) and quickly signed a contract. exclusive to Jungle Entertainment.

In November of the same year, the sixth studio album, Hexagonal with the "national" hits Girl Who Can't Break-Up and Boy Who Can't Leave featuring Jung In, broke all the records. reputation rankings in the country.

A new journey begins with Running Man

Not possessing an "idol" standard appearance, but since the success of Hexagon, Asura Balbalta and Unplugged, LeeSsang has been noticed by the domestic media.

It can be said that Gary and Gil are the most vivid witnesses to the saying that appearance does not determine the success of each person.

Especially in the Korean music industry, when external beauty is a sharp weapon to help successful Kpop idols win the love of fans.

The news that the LeeSsang duo officially "went their separate ways" made the public of the land of Kimchi in particular and the fans couldn't help but be stunned.

The disagreement between Gil and Gary as well as the controversy surrounding the building owned by LeeSsang Company is believed to be the reason behind the duo's disbandment.

Before the announcement of the official disbandment, Gil and Gary began to focus on building their solo music careers after the song "Kaleidoscope" was released in July 2015.

While still active as a "piece" of LeeSsang, Kang Gary decided to enter the entertainment industry and became an official member of the variety show Running Man right from the first episode with Kim Jong Kook, Lee Kwang Soo, Yoo Jae Suk, Haha, Kim Suk Jin, Song Joong Ki and Song Ji Hyo.

Overcoming the ups and downs with low views in the early days of the broadcast, the seven members with seven completely different personalities along with sincerity and wit have gradually touched the hearts of fans.

Running Man has quickly become a "great explosion" of the Korean variety industry with its influence spreading throughout Asia.

With a not-so-handsome but good-looking appearance and a burning heart for the show, Kang Gary gradually won the hearts of fans who have been following Running Man since the first episodes.

After seven years of being with the show, Gary decided to leave the show at the end of October 2016 so that he could focus on developing his own music career.

October 31, 2016 was the day of his farewell and his last recording as a permanent member of the show.

This news made fans around the world, especially those who love Monday Couple, surprised and disappointed. Because seven years is not too long, but it is enough to build a unique Kang Gary in the hearts of the members and the whole Running Man team.

The male artist is not only famous for his bravery on the show, or his inherent peaceful demeanor, but also known for the cuteness of Monday Couple with Song Ji Hyo.

Gary and the family man picture

In April 2017, Kang Gary revealed on his social media account that he was married to a woman outside the entertainment industry.

In July of the same year, he continued to inform fans that his family had welcomed the first "little angel" when he posted a picture of a newborn baby's feet on his personal Weibo.

After three years of absence from the Korean entertainment industry, Kang Gary recently re-appeared and reappeared on the small screen through the hit reality show The Return Of Superman with his first son. .

On this show, for the first time, Kang Gary also shared about the reason he broke up with Running Man and stopped working.

"I've been working for twenty-five years and by that point I felt pressured and overwhelmed. I took a break from everything. That was also when I got married and had children. I became a father so I decided to take a break. I planned to take a break for more than three years. During that break, I didn't feel happy at all. Because I only felt happy when I was at home, I realized that real joy was only around me."

It can be said that Kang Gary really burned with his youth with music and a small but warm family which is the most worthy reward and the greatest happiness that each person wishes for.

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