1. Overview
Han Tae-yoon (한태윤Korean; born October 13, 1983), also known by her Japanese stage name Yuny Han (ユニー・ハンYuni HanJapanese), is a South Korean actress and former musician. She has pursued a dual career, gaining recognition for her activities in the Japanese entertainment industry as a member of musical groups before establishing herself as an actress in South Korea. This article details her early life, her career in Japan, her acting work in South Korea, and aspects of her personal life.
2. Early Life and Background
Han Tae-yoon's early life and educational pursuits laid the foundation for her later career in entertainment, which began with a significant move to Japan.
2.1. Birth and Early Life
Han Tae-yoon was born on October 13, 1983, in South Korea. Her upbringing in her native country preceded her venture into the international entertainment scene.
2.2. Education
Han Tae-yoon pursued higher education at Chung-Ang University, where she attended the Graduate School of Arts.
2.3. Move to Japan and Early Career
In 2000, Han Tae-yoon relocated to Japan to participate in the "Nanami-gumi" audition, an event that marked the beginning of her career in the Japanese entertainment industry. She arrived alongside fellow South Korean talent, Jinny Lee. During her activities in Japan, she adopted the stage name Yuny Han. She quickly became a popular figure, particularly through her appearances on the television program Ucchan Nanchan no Urinari!!, where she was known as "the natural Korean girl" for her earnest and wholehearted approach to the show's challenges. After her period of activity in Japan, she returned to South Korea and began using her birth name, Han Tae-yoon, for her professional endeavors.
3. Career in Japan
Han Tae-yoon's career in Japan saw her engage in various entertainment fields, including television, music, and film, where she achieved considerable popularity.
3.1. Television Appearances
Han Tae-yoon's most notable television work in Japan was her participation in Ucchan Nanchan no Urinari!! on NTV, starting in 2000. Within the program, she was actively involved in various segments, including celebrity social dance. She was also a member of the musical group Memory Cats, performing alongside Kiyotaka Nanbara and Eiko Koike. A significant storyline within the show involved a rivalry between Han's Memory Cats and Jinny Lee's Ultra Cats, culminating in a CD release. Furthermore, Han participated in social dance competitions as a member of the rival team, Chosei Budan.
3.2. Music Career
As Yuny Han, she was a member of two distinct musical groups during her time in Japan. She was part of Brandnew Biscuits, with whom she made her CD debut, releasing the single "partner・S". She also contributed to the group Memory Cats, which released the single "TOMORROW".
3.3. Film Appearances
Her film debut in Japan was in the 2000 Japanese film Natu Odoru Ninja Densetsu. In this production, she played the role of a cafe employee.
4. Career in South Korea
Following her activities in Japan, Han Tae-yoon transitioned her career to South Korea, focusing primarily on acting in television dramas and films. During her career in South Korea, she was represented by Pi Entertainment.
4.1. Acting Career
Han Tae-yoon has built a substantial acting career in South Korea, appearing in numerous television dramas and films.
4.1.1. Drama Appearances
Han Tae-yoon has appeared in a variety of South Korean television series:
- Girls' High School Days (SBS, 2001)
- Thousand Years of Love (SBS, 2003), where she played Eom Sook-ki.
- Ballad of Seodong (SBS, 2005), portraying the wife of King Beop.
- Unstoppable Marriage (KBS2, 2007), in which she took on the role of Park Sang-mi.
- My Fair Lady (KBS2, 2009), playing Lee Seon-ju.
- The Great Seer (SBS, 2012).
4.1.2. Film Appearances
Her South Korean film credits include:
- Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do (2008), where she played Shin So-hyun.
- Just Friends (2010), in which she appeared as Min Ga-young.
5. Other Activities
Beyond her primary career as an actress and musician, Han Tae-yoon has also ventured into the realm of published works.
5.1. Published Works
In 2010, Han Tae-yoon authored a book titled Audition Life. The book was published on December 20, 2010, by the Korean Presbyterian Church Publishing House.
6. Personal Life
Han Tae-yoon's personal life includes her marriage to a prominent South Korean athlete.
6.1. Marriage
Han Tae-yoon is married to Lee Jung-Soo, a professional footballer who has represented the South Korean national team. The couple married on May 20, 2011.
7. External links
- [https://archive.today/20130121072552/http://www.cyworld.com/hantaeyoun Han Tae-yoon's Cyworld mini-hompy]