Sunmi

Sunmi was born on May 2, 1992, in Iksan, North Jeolla, South Korea.{{Cite web|title=Sunmi, the ex-Wonder Girl and K-pop's most bankable female star|url=https://www.scmp.com/culture/music/article/2166002/sunmi-ex-wonder-girls-star-who-one-k-pops-most-famous-female-singers|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|date=September 29, 2018|access-date=June 15, 2019|archive-date=April 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404224600/https://www.scmp.com/culture/music/article/2166002/sunmi-ex-wonder-girls-star-who-one-k-pops-most-famous-female-singers|url-status=live}} She attended Hwangnam Elementary School, Chungdam Middle School and Chungdam High School, and majored in musical theater at Dongguk University.{{Cite web|title=[포토] 선미, 동국대 입학식 '새내기 다운 풋풋한 모습!'|url=https://www.hankyung.com/life/article/2011022482697|website=The Korea Economic Daily|language=ko|last=Byeon|first=Seong-hyeon|date=February 24, 2011|access-date=August 7, 2021|archive-date=August 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807065554/https://www.hankyung.com/life/article/2011022482697|url-status=live}}

Sunmi revealed on a 2018 episode of Talkmon that she first decided to become a celebrity when she was 12 after her father was admitted to hospital due to complications of pulmonary tuberculosis. She was inspired by BoA, who debuted at the age of 13, and it was for her "the fastest way to make money" in order to take care of her mother and two younger brothers. She went to Seoul to audition and became a JYP Entertainment trainee at 14, though her father passed away three months before her debut with Wonder Girls. She later adopted her stepfather's surname Lee while in university and merged her original given name and surname, becoming Lee Sun-mi.{{cite news|last=Jo|first=Yoon-sun|title='토크몬' 선미, 가슴 아픈 가족사 "父 돌아가신 후 이선미로 개명"|url=https://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2018/02/06/2018020601095.html|work=The Chosun Ilbo|date=February 6, 2018|access-date=July 5, 2020|language=ko|archive-date=February 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218141057/http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2018/02/06/2018020601095.html|url-status=live}}

In May 2006, Sunmi was revealed as the fourth member of Wonder Girls, a girl group managed by JYP Entertainment. The group debuted with the single "Irony", on February 10, 2007, and quickly rose to stardom with their hits "Tell Me", "So Hot" and "Nobody" within two years of debuting.{{cite web|title=Wonder Girls at Nine: The Ups and Downs of K-Pop's Enduring Girl Group|url=http://popcrush.com/wonder-girls-nine-year-anniversary-reboot/|website=PopCrush|date=February 8, 2016|access-date=June 25, 2017|archive-date=June 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611035843/http://popcrush.com/wonder-girls-nine-year-anniversary-reboot/|url-status=live}} Sunmi participated with the group in American activities, touring alongside the Jonas Brothers, under the nickname Mimi.

In January 2010, JYP announced that Sunmi would be postponing her musical career to pursue her studies, but would continue until February in order to complete scheduled events.{{cite web|title=Sunmi to Quit Wonder Girls|url=https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2010/01/135_59552.html|website=The Korea Times|date=January 23, 2010|access-date=August 26, 2017|archive-date=August 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827050157/http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2010/01/135_59552.html|url-status=live}} On January 13, 2012, a JYP representative stated that "Sunmi has remained within the company and continues to sharpen her musical talents." JYP Entertainment later stated that there were no plans for Sunmi to return and comeback as a member of Wonder Girls.{{cite web|title=No regrets leaving would be a lie: Ex-Wonder Girl Sunmi|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20130820000792&ACE_SEARCH=1|website=The Korea Herald|date=August 20, 2013|access-date=August 26, 2017|archive-date=August 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827083441/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20130820000792&ACE_SEARCH=1|url-status=live}}

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In August 2013, Sunmi was announced to be returning to her music career, debuting as a solo artist.{{cite web|title=Ex-Wonder Girls member Sunmi to make solo comeback|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20130806000595&ACE_SEARCH=1|website=The Korea Herald|date=August 6, 2013|access-date=August 26, 2017|archive-date=August 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827043451/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20130806000595&ACE_SEARCH=1|url-status=live}} Sunmi made her official debut stage on August 22, on Mnet's M! Countdown. Her debut single "24 Hours" was released on August 26, 2013, and subsequently achieved an all-kill on music charts.{{cite web|title='All kill' for ex-Wonder Girl|url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2976710|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|date=August 27, 2013|access-date=August 26, 2017|archive-date=August 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827043516/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2976710|url-status=live}} Subsequently, her debut extended play Full Moon was released on February 17, 2014, along with the promotional single of the same name.{{cite web|title=Sunmi to release debut EP this month|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140203000839&ACE_SEARCH=1|website=The Korea Herald|date=February 3, 2014|access-date=August 26, 2017|archive-date=August 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827050437/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140203000839&ACE_SEARCH=1|url-status=live}} The latter peaked at number two on the Gaon Digital Chart{{cite web|title=2014년 09주차 Digital Chart|url=http://www.gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&targetTime=09&hitYear=2014&termGbn=week|website=Gaon|language=ko|access-date=February 9, 2015|archive-date=February 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209131609/http://www.gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&targetTime=09&hitYear=2014&termGbn=week}} and at number three on Billboard's K-pop Hot 100.{{cite magazine|title=Korea K-Pop Hot 100 Week of March 8, 2014|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/k-pop-hot-100/2014-03-08|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Eldridge Industries|access-date=February 9, 2015|archive-date=March 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321054937/http://www.billboard.com/charts/k-pop-hot-100/2014-03-08|url-status=live}} "Full Moon" was praised for being innovative, and Sunmi was said to have delivered a classy rendition of "sexy".{{cite web|title=Eyelike: Sunmi brings back 'sexy' with 'Full Moon'|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140221001132&ACE_SEARCH=1|website=The Korea Herald|date=February 21, 2014|access-date=August 26, 2017|archive-date=August 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827050440/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140221001132&ACE_SEARCH=1|url-status=live}}

On June 24, 2015, JYP Entertainment announced that Sunmi would be re-joining Wonder Girls, after withdrawing in 2010, for their comeback after the group's two-year hiatus. The group returned with a band concept, with Sunmi playing the bass.{{cite web|title=Wonder Girls confirmed to return as band|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201506250933404661012_2|website=Kpop Herald|publisher=The Korea Herald|last1=Ho-jung|first1=Won|date=June 24, 2015|access-date=June 25, 2015|archive-date=August 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813224830/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201506250933404661012_2|url-status=live}} In August, the group's album Reboot was released, with Sunmi co-writing and co-producing three of its tracks.{{cite web|title=Wonder Girls unveil track list for 'Reboot'|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201507291805138254853_2&ACE_SEARCH=1|website=Kpop Herald|date=July 29, 2015|access-date=August 26, 2017|archive-date=August 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827043449/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201507291805138254853_2&ACE_SEARCH=1|url-status=live}} In 2016, Sunmi once again received songwriting and producing credits for a Wonder Girls release, this time for two songs present on the band's single release "Why So Lonely", including the title track of the same name.{{cite web|title=Wonder Girls to Release First Self-Produced Album|url=http://mwave.interest.me/en/kpop-news/article/106390/wonder-girls-to-release-first-self-produced-album-kpop-girl-groups|website=enewsWorld|date=June 24, 2016|access-date=August 26, 2017|archive-date=August 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827045608/http://mwave.interest.me/en/kpop-news/article/106390/wonder-girls-to-release-first-self-produced-album-kpop-girl-groups|url-status=dead}}

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On January 26, 2017, it was announced that Wonder Girls were to disband after unsuccessful contract renewal negotiation with members Yeeun and Sunmi. The group released their final single "Draw Me" on February 10, 2017, which also served as a celebration for their tenth anniversary.{{cite web|title=After nearly ten years, Wonder Girls disband|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3029179|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|date=January 21, 2017|access-date=February 24, 2017|archive-date=February 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224215247/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3029179|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Cover image for final single features Wonder Girls in watercolors|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201702091648266260163_2|website=Kpop Herald|date=February 9, 2017|access-date=February 24, 2017|archive-date=February 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224221805/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201702091648266260163_2|url-status=live}} In March, Sunmi signed with Makeus Entertainment. In August, she released her single "Gashina", produced by Teddy Park of The Black Label.{{cite web|title=Sunmi drops experimental single|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3037437|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|date=August 23, 2017|access-date=August 26, 2017|archive-date=August 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827020119/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=3037437|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=EX-Wonder Girls' Sunmi makes solo comeback with 'Gashina|url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/search1/2603000000.html?cid=AEN20170822006900315|website=Yonhap News Agency|date=August 22, 2017|access-date=August 26, 2017|archive-date=August 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827044505/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/search1/2603000000.html?cid=AEN20170822006900315|url-status=live}} The song debuted at number 2 on the Gaon Digital Chart before topping the chart the following week, and was named the Third Best K-pop Song of 2017 by Billboard.{{Cite magazine|title=The Best K-pop Songs of 2017: Critics' Picks|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/events/year-in-music-2017/8070355/best-k-pop-songs-of-2017-top-20|magazine=Billboard|date=December 14, 2017|access-date=July 4, 2020|archive-date=April 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413151648/https://www.billboard.com/articles/events/year-in-music-2017/8070355/best-k-pop-songs-of-2017-top-20|url-status=live}}

Sunmi returned with a single titled "Heroine" on January 18, 2018. She described the single as a prequel to "Gashina".{{cite magazine|title=The Show Goes On With Sunmi's 'Gashina' Sequel 'Heroine' Despite Plagiarism Concerns|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/8095083/sunmi-new-song-heroine-video-gashina-sequel|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Eldridge Industries|last=Herman|first=Tamar|date=January 19, 2018|access-date=May 9, 2018|archive-date=January 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180125061342/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/8095083/sunmi-new-song-heroine-video-gashina-sequel|url-status=live}} On September 4, Sunmi released her second EP, titled Warning, along with the lead single, "Siren".{{cite web|title=Sunmi returns with seductive yet dangerous 'Warning'|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201809041758536207467_2&ACE_SEARCH=1|website=Kpop Herald|date=September 4, 2018|access-date=September 8, 2018|archive-date=September 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909035404/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201809041758536207467_2&ACE_SEARCH=1|url-status=live}} "Siren" received an all-kill on six local music charts.{{cite web|title=Sunmi dominates music charts with 'Siren'|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201809051054099067051_2&ACE_SEARCH=1|website=Kpop Herald|date=September 5, 2018|access-date=September 8, 2018|archive-date=September 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909035351/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201809051054099067051_2&ACE_SEARCH=1|url-status=live}} Warning was named the third best k-pop album of 2018 by Billboard and Bravo.{{cite magazine|title=The 20 Best K-Pop Albums of 2018: Critics' Picks|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/events/year-in-music-2018/8490515/best-k-pop-albums-2018-top-20|magazine=Billboard|date=December 17, 2018|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=December 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217234941/https://www.billboard.com/articles/events/year-in-music-2018/8490515/best-k-pop-albums-2018-top-20|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Das sind die zehn besten K-Pop-Alben des Jahres|url=https://www.bravo.de/das-sind-die-zehn-besten-k-pop-alben-des-jahres-380298.html|website=Bravo|language=de|date=December 23, 2018|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=January 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107105634/https://www.bravo.de/das-sind-die-zehn-besten-k-pop-alben-des-jahres-380298.html|url-status=live}} "Addict" was named the eighth best k-pop b-side of the year by MTV.{{cite web|title=From BTS To Red Velvet, Here Are The 18 Best K-pop B-sides Of 2018|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/3107844/best-k-pop-b-sides-songs-of-2018/|website=MTV|last1=Bell|first1=Crystal|date=December 27, 2018|access-date=January 15, 2020|archive-date=December 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181227221633/http://www.mtv.com/news/3107844/best-k-pop-b-sides-songs-of-2018/|url-status=dead}}

From February to June 2019, Sunmi held her first world tour, titled Warning.{{Cite magazine|title=Sunmi Announces 'Warning' World Tour: See the North American Dates|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/8493738/sunmi-warning-world-tour-north-american-dates|magazine=Billboard|date=January 16, 2019|access-date=September 26, 2019|archive-date=February 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207022709/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/8493738/sunmi-warning-world-tour-north-american-dates|url-status=live}} Tickets for the Seoul concert reportedly sold out in five seconds after opening.{{Cite web|title=선미, 첫 월드 투어 서울 콘서트 티켓 5초 매진 기록|trans-title=Sunmi's first world tour Seoul concert tickets sold out in 5 seconds|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=382&aid=0000704832|website=Sports Dong-a|publisher=Naver|language=ko|last=|first=|date=January 23, 2019|access-date=February 9, 2024|archive-date=May 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503190216/https://m.entertain.naver.com/article/382/0000704832|url-status=live}} She performed in 18 cities across Asia, America and Europe. In the midst of the tour, on March 4, 2019, Sunmi released a single titled "Noir".{{Cite web|title=K-pop queen Sunmi on new song Noir|url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2019/03/15/1901478/k-pop-queen-sunmi-new-song-noir|website=philstar.com|access-date=March 15, 2019|archive-date=May 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517053140/https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2019/03/15/1901478/k-pop-queen-sunmi-new-song-noir|url-status=live}} After completing the world tour she released her single "Lalalay" on August 27, 2019.{{cite web|title=K-pop diva Sunmi dominates music charts with 'Lalalay'|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2019/08/732_274702.html|website=The Korea Times|last1=Jung|first1=Hae-myoung|date=August 28, 2019|access-date=January 22, 2020|archive-date=August 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831020210/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2019/08/732_274702.html|url-status=live}}

On February 6, 2020, Sunmi released the single "Gotta Go" along with its instrumental as part of the original sound track of the web series XX in which she made a cameo.{{Cite web|title=웹드라마 '엑스엑스', 선미→적재 OST 라인업 공개|url=https://www.tvreport.co.kr/2030853|website=TV리포트|date=February 5, 2020|access-date=February 7, 2020|archive-date=January 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107181957/https://www.tvreport.co.kr/2030853|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title='엑스엑스' 선미, OST부터 카메오까지 지원 사격|url=https://www.hankyung.com/entertainment/article/2020010942284|website=The Korea Economic Daily|language=ko|last=Kim|first=Ji-won|date=January 9, 2020|access-date=February 1, 2020|archive-date=February 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201091430/https://www.hankyung.com/entertainment/article/2020010942284|url-status=live}} Two days later, a dance performance for the song was released which later became the channel's most popular video after reaching over 4 million views.{{cite web|title=선미(SUNMI) - 가라고(Gotta Go) Dance Performance {{!}} 뮤플리 스페셜|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN-YPbbGUoE|publisher=Youtube|author=NOVVKIM|date=February 8, 2020|access-date=June 24, 2020|archive-date=May 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513134720/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN-YPbbGUoE&app=desktop|url-status=live}} On May 21, it was revealed that Sunmi would be making a comeback in late June.{{cite web|title=K-pop diva Sunmi signals June comeback|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2020/06/732_291210.html|website=The Korea Times|last=Dong|first=Sun-hwa|date=June 15, 2020|access-date=June 29, 2020|archive-date=June 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617054100/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2020/06/732_291210.html|url-status=live}} Her single "Pporappippam" was released on June 29.{{cite web|title=Sunmi proves that slow and steady wins the race|url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2020/06/29/entertainment/kpop/Sunmi-pporappippam-LALALAY/20200629183100312.html|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|last=Yoon|first=So-yeon|date=June 29, 2020|access-date=June 29, 2020|archive-date=July 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729211924/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2020/06/29/entertainment/kpop/Sunmi-pporappippam-LALALAY/20200629183100312.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Sunmi embraces girl power, praises Hwasa and Chung Ha|url=http://www01.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200629000851|website=The Korea Herald|last=Yim|first=Hyun-su|date=June 29, 2020|access-date=June 29, 2020|archive-date=July 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729015957/http://www01.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200629000851|url-status=live}}

On July 22, she was selected as the exclusive model of 요괴미식가 (the Korean version of Yokai Kitchen) created by FriendTimes; in the TV commercial of the game, she played a gourmet who enjoyed cooking in the mysterious spirit realm restaurant.{{cite news|title=위시인터랙티브, '요괴미식가' 홍보모델로 가수 '선미' 선정|url=https://www.thisisgame.com/webzine/game/nboard/225/?n=96199|language=korean|date=July 22, 2019|access-date=March 12, 2021|archive-date=March 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220311060526/https://www.thisisgame.com/webzine/game/nboard/225/?n=96199|url-status=live}}

On August 12, she and J. Y. Park released the duet "When We Disco".{{cite web|title=Park Jin-young to drop a duet with singer Sunmi on Aug. 12|url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2020/08/03/entertainment/kpop/JYP-Park-Jinyoung-Sunmi/20200803171900533.html?detailWord=|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|last=Yoon|first=So-yeon|date=August 3, 2020|access-date=August 13, 2020|archive-date=May 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517075915/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2020/08/03/entertainment/kpop/JYP-Park-Jinyoung-Sunmi/20200803171900533.html?detailWord=|url-status=live}} She also featured on label mate Park Won's song "Oh Yeah" from his album My Fuxxxxx Romance.{{cite web|title='이별장인' 박원, 플레이리스트 'My fuxxxxx romance 01' 오늘 발매..2년만 컴백|url=https://www.chosun.com/entertainments/entertain_photo/2020/10/22/VYZV224CKYUB6TFJGFZOHLUL7M/|website=Osen|language=ko|last=Kim|first=Eun-ae|date=October 22, 2020|access-date=October 30, 2020|archive-date=November 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103064331/https://www.chosun.com/entertainments/entertain_photo/2020/10/22/VYZV224CKYUB6TFJGFZOHLUL7M/|url-status=live}}

Sunmi released her new single release "Tail" on February 23, 2021, with the lead single of the same name.{{cite web|title=Sunmi to drop first new music in eight months on Feb. 23|url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2021/02/10/entertainment/kpop/Sunmi-kpop-Abyss-Entertainment/20210210142500432.html|website=Korea JoongAng Daily|date=February 10, 2021|access-date=February 14, 2021|archive-date=July 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729074614/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2021/02/10/entertainment/kpop/Sunmi-kpop-Abyss-Entertainment/20210210142500432.html|url-status=live}} Sunmi released her third EP 1/6 (One Sixth) on August 6, 2021, with the lead single "You Can't Sit with Us".{{Cite web|script-title=ko:선미, 8월 6일 컴백 확정..3년만 미니앨범 '1/6' 발표[공식]|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/109/0004444226|via=Naver|website=Maeil Broadcasting Network|language=ko|last=Sun|first=Mi-kyung|date=July 20, 2021|access-date=July 20, 2021|archive-date=July 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721180121/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/109/0004444226|url-status=live}} On October 11, Sunmi released the new digital single "Go or Stop?".{{Cite web|script-title=ko:선미, e스포츠와 협업...'고 오어 스톱?'|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/003/0010762487|via=Naver|website=Newsis|language=ko|last=Lee|first=Jae-hoon|date=October 11, 2021|access-date=October 11, 2021|archive-date=October 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011062421/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/now/article/003/0010762487|url-status=live}} The single was released as part of a collaboration with DWG KIA, a League of Legends esports team who won the 2020 World Championship.

On June 8, 2022, Sunmi's agency announced that she was preparing for a comeback with a single titled "Heart Burn" on June 29.{{cite web|title=선미, 10개월만인 이달 말 컴백 확정... '선미팝; 기대↑|trans-title=Sunmi confirms comeback at the end of this month after 10 months... 'Sunmi Pop; expectation↑|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=241&aid=0003128176|via=Naver|publisher=Ilgan Sports|language=ko|last=Kim|first=Jin-seok|date=June 8, 2022|access-date=June 8, 2022|archive-date=June 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608082232/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=241&aid=0003128176|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=선미, '솔로 퀸'에서 '써머 퀸'으로...29일 컴백|trans-title=Sunmi, from 'Solo Queen' to 'Summer Queen'... comeback on the 29th|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=408&aid=0000158502|via=Naver|publisher=iMBC|language=ko|last=Baek|first=Seung-hoon|date=June 16, 2022|access-date=June 16, 2022|archive-date=June 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616022405/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=408&aid=0000158502|url-status=live}} On June 30, 2022, the agency announced Sunmi's world tour '2022 Sunmi Tour 'Good Girl Gone Mad' through its official SNS channel. It was held in Europe and America.{{cite web|title=선미, 3년 만의 월드투어 개최 확정..유럽+북미 16개 도시 공연|trans-title=Sunmi confirmed to hold world tour for the first time in 3 years... Performances in 16 cities in Europe and North America|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=109&aid=0004647492|via=Naver|publisher=Osen|language=ko|last=Ji|first=Min-kyung|date=June 30, 2022|access-date=June 30, 2022|archive-date=February 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218024025/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=109&aid=0004647492|url-status=live}}

Sunmi is known in the K-pop industry to have created her own musical style called "Sunmi-pop".{{Cite web|title=선미, 6월 15일 서울 앙코르 콘서트 개최 확정(공식입장)|url=http://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201905021409140410|website=선미, 6월 15일 서울 앙코르 콘서트 개최 확정(공식입장)|language=ko|date=May 2, 2019|access-date=April 27, 2021|archive-date=May 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517053140/https://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201905021409140410|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Sunmi returns with a bold swing of 'Tail'|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210223001091|website=The Korea Herald|language=en|date=February 23, 2021|access-date=April 27, 2021|archive-date=April 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424071754/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210223001091|url-status=live}} It maintains K-pop's core influences such as pop, disco, rock, traditional Korean music plus retro and city pop elements mixed with Sunmi's own defined music identity.{{Cite web|title=K-pop Siren Sunmi Talks Her Comeback And Dreams For The Future {{!}} L'Officiel Singapore|url=https://www.lofficielsingapore.com/fashion/sensational-sunmi|website=www.lofficielsingapore.com|language=en|access-date=April 27, 2021|archive-date=April 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424100459/https://www.lofficielsingapore.com/fashion/sensational-sunmi|url-status=live}}

The concept of "Sunmi-pop" was first mentioned by Sunmi herself on You Hee-yeol's Sketchbook at the start of 2018.{{Citation|title=Yu Huiyeol's Sketchbook - Uhm Junghwa, Davichi, Sunmi [ENG/2018.02.21]| date=February 21, 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbCtm6Fqhis|language=en|access-date=April 27, 2021|archive-date=May 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501084943/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbCtm6Fqhis&feature=youtu.be|url-status=live}} Later in the year, in an interview for 1TheK's YouTube channel published in September 2018, she revealed that her personal goal was to create her own music style named after herself.{{Cite web|title=선미 "'선미팝'? 팬들이 지어준 단어...제 음악 구축해 나갈 것"|url=http://pickcon.co.kr/m/view.html?contid=2019082780160|website=pickcon.co.kr|access-date=April 27, 2021|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423184210/http://pickcon.co.kr/m/view.html?contid=2019082780160|url-status=live}}{{Citation|title=Spot Interview(좌표 인터뷰): SUNMI(선미) _ Siren(사이렌)| date=September 6, 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JP3zpwkooI|language=en|access-date=April 27, 2021|archive-date=April 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427180501/https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=8JP3zpwkooI&feature=youtu.be|url-status=live}} The interview was published at a time coinciding with the release of Warning (her first extended play since her renewal as a solo artist) and she referred to the newly published EP as "a stepping stone from which [she] can build [her] own music style".

One week ahead of the release of her single "Noir", she mentioned her main goal during a detailed interview for Billboard Korea, hoping that her musical style would become something that could inspire other artists.{{Cite web|title=선미, 빌보드코리아 인터뷰 "'선미'라는 장르로 누군가에게 영감이 되는 것이 꿈"|url=https://www.sedaily.com/NewsView/1VFHMB763D/GL0301|website=서울경제|language=ko|date=February 28, 2019|access-date=May 2, 2021|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423184209/https://www.sedaily.com/NewsView/1VFHMB763D/GL0301|url-status=live}} K-pop fans around the world started to acknowledge Sunmi's own musical identity by using for the first time the word "Sunmi-pop" in a few tweets, although the term became common on social media only after her fans used it to reply to a tweet posted by Sunmi herself. Even though the tweet itself didn't mention the term, Korean media and industry players started to officially recognize the word "Sunmi-pop" and implement it in articles and variety shows for the first time to describe Sunmi's music, reporting that she created her own style by applying her abilities in self-writing, self-composing and ideating performances.{{Cite web|title='30살' 선미 "데뷔 15년차, 힘들어"...그럼에도 포기 못하는 이유 [종합]|url=http://www.xportsnews.com/?ac=article_view&entry_id=1392844|website=www.xportsnews.com|language=ko|date=February 23, 2021|access-date=April 27, 2021|archive-date=April 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425014956/http://www.xportsnews.com/?ac=article_view&entry_id=1392844|url-status=live}}

On May 30, 2019, in London, right before going up on the stage of the Warning World Tour, an interviewer of the Korean media agency Yonhap News made known to Sunmi that a term to describe her musical style had been coined already as "Sunmi-pop".{{Cite web|title=첫 월드투어 나선 선미 '빌보드 재진입 꿈꿔요'|url=http://www.yonhapnewstv.co.kr/news/MYH20190531019500038|website=연합뉴스TV|language=ko|date=May 31, 2019|access-date=May 2, 2021|archive-date=April 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410041209/https://www.yonhapnewstv.co.kr/news/MYH20190531019500038|url-status=live}} Thus the word "Sunmi-pop" gained its officiality, and on August 21, 2019, her agency Abyss Company (then known as Makeus Entertainment) also recognized the newly coined word by sharing an article from Naver News which dedicated a section to "Sunmi genre, Sunmi-pop" in anticipation of her comeback with "Lalalay".{{Cite web|title='날라리'가 된 선미, 컴백이 기대되는 이유 #퍼스트무버 #선미팝 #퍼포먼스퀸의 귀환|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/144/0000627181?cluid=enter_201908210800_00000004|website=Naver News|language=ko|access-date=May 2, 2021|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423184210/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/144/0000627181?cluid=enter_201908210800_00000004|url-status=live}}

File:Sunmi at the Korea University Seoktap Daedongje Festival on May 25, 2023 2.jpg

The main characteristic of "Sunmi-pop" is defined by the emotions that the songs convey and provoke in the listener. According to Sunmi: "there's always a slightly sad emotion that permeates [my music] no matter how excitingly I sing the song" and "it's energetic and happy but with a sense of sadness".{{Citation|title=리슨업 초대석! with 선미 full ver./[강한나의 볼륨을 높여요] ㅣ KBS 210303 방송| date=March 3, 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flte4h4Et40|language=en|access-date=April 27, 2021|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423184210/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flte4h4Et40|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=솔로 퀸 '선미'의 남다른 팬 사랑 과시, '언제나 나의 원동력'|url=http://www.mrepublic.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=64644|website=미디어리퍼블릭|language=ko|date=March 4, 2021|access-date=April 27, 2021|archive-date=April 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424071801/http://www.mrepublic.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=64644|url-status=live}} "Sunmi-pop" songs feature upbeat dance rhythms with lyrics marked by metaphors and double meanings that slightly conceal a sense of cynicism.{{Cite web|title=선미팝엔 한계가 없다|url=https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/382/0000893463|website=Naver News|language=ko|access-date=April 27, 2021|archive-date=April 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424073402/https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/382/0000893463|url-status=live}}

Since "Gashina", Sunmi's title tracks have featured double meanings and wordplays in the song title such as "Siren", expressing both the meaning of the warning sound and the mythological figure of the siren,{{Cite web|title=#Sunmipop: 7 Songs to celebrate the best of Sunmi|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201908281047483284698_2|website=Kpop Herald|access-date=April 27, 2021|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423184211/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201908281047483284698_2|url-status=live}} and "Lalalay" which both refers to the act of flying [like a butterfly] and the word nallari (날라리) meaning 'punk' or 'party-goer' in Korean.{{Citation|title=[ENG SUB] 선미는 정말로 날라리일까? '날라리' 그리고 'Borderline' 가사의 의미 [Talking Lyrics ; 가사를 말하다]| date=November 3, 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe492FRFPac|language=en|access-date=April 27, 2021|archive-date=April 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430003351/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe492FRFPac&feature=youtu.be|url-status=live}} Additionally, the songs "Gashina", "Heroine", "Siren", "Black Pearl", "Curve", "Lalalay" and "Tail" all present metaphors in the lyrics thus defining Sunmi's style of expression. Although "Sunmi-pop" songs mostly present an exciting and happy beat, Sunmi shared that her lyrics are often imbued with a sense of cynicism due to the fact that, in her real life, as a celebrity, she can't always express her true feelings. Metaphors, wordplays and double meanings are often expressed through choreographies that complement her work.

Though "Sunmi-pop" isn't constricted within a single music style or genre, electro-pop and retro elements are often associated with Sunmi's songs. The reason why these elements emerge is to be found in Sunmi's roots as a member of the Wonder Girls and her time in the US. Sunmi said in a recent interview that producer J. Y. Park wanted her and the other members to "broaden [their] understanding of the different music styles of different eras" focusing especially on retro concepts and Motown artists, which she ended up liking. In a Billboard interview she revealed: "Personally, I like music from the '70s, '80s, and '90s, so I try to find instrumentals and sounds that evoke those periods and work them into my music".{{Cite magazine|title=Sunmi Talks Artistry, Touring & Upcoming Music: 'It's Going to Be Interesting'|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/8504315/sunmi-interview-upcoming-music|magazine=Billboard|language=en|date=March 28, 2019|access-date=May 2, 2021|archive-date=April 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424191646/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/8504315/sunmi-interview-upcoming-music|url-status=live}}

"Sunmi-pop" is also considered by Sunmi to be a combination of popularity and identity.{{Citation|title=[인터뷰] 선미(SUNMI), "선미라는 장르가 누군가의 영감이 되기를"|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jXuJ16SMUs|language=en|access-date=April 27, 2021|archive-date=April 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424071808/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jXuJ16SMUs|url-status=live}} On the April 2021 issue of L'Officiel Singapore, Sunmi explained: "I always try to come up with fun and easy ways to approach a range of people, while keeping the original emotions in myself". While her aesthetic or themes are considered to be niche, her goal is to remain inside the world of popular music.

Another key element of "Sunmi-pop" is dynamism: Sunmi shared her wish of wanting to try new ideas every time, like working with other producers, and explore new genres by showing a different range of themes, aesthetics and sounds through the years.

Sunmi has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, which she wrote about in her song "Borderline", released in August 2021.{{cite web|title=Sunmi – '1/6' review: a retro-inspired deep dive into the K-pop star's mental health|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/sunmi-1-6-one-sixth-review-you-cant-sit-with-us-3016587|work=NME|last=Suacillo|first=Angela Patricia|date=August 11, 2021|access-date=August 12, 2021|archive-date=August 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811104525/https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/sunmi-1-6-one-sixth-review-you-cant-sit-with-us-3016587|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Sunmi discography}}

{{See also|Wonder Girls discography}}

Extended plays

• Full Moon (2014)
• Warning (2018)
• 1/6 (2021)

{{See also|Wonder Girls#Filmography}}

• Good Girl Gone Mad (2021)

{{See also|List of awards and nominations received by Wonder Girls}}

{{Notelist-ua}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{Commons category-inline}}

{{Sunmi}}

{{Wonder Girls}}

{{JYP Entertainment}}

{{Circle Chart Music Awards for Artist of the Year – Digital Music}}

{{MAMA Award for Best Female Artist}}

{{MAMA Award for Best Dance Performance}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1992 births

Category:Living people

Category:People from Iksan

Category:Musicians from North Jeolla Province

Category:Wonder Girls members

Category:Dongguk University alumni

Category:JYP Entertainment artists

Category:MAMA Award winners

Category:English-language singers from South Korea

Category:Japanese-language singers of South Korea

Category:Mandarin-language singers of South Korea

Category:People with borderline personality disorder

Category:South Korean dance musicians

Category:South Korean female idols

Category:South Korean women pop singers

Category:South Korean television personalities