Name: Jung Ji-hoon, Rain
Korean name: 정지훈
Nickname: Bi (means rain in Korean; 비)
DOB: June 25, 1982
Birth place: Seoul, Korea
Height: 184cm
Blood type: O
Profession: Singer and actor
Rain started his entertainment career in teenage with boyband Fanclub, but the group didn’t achieve good results and was disbanded.
Rain didn’t want to give up on his music career, and went for lots of auditions before being accepted as a trainee with JYP Entertainment. Rain worked as a backup dancer while learning the skills to become a pop star under the guidance of his singer-boss Park Jin-young.
Rain made his solo debut in 2002 with album “Bad Guy” by using his stage name ‘Rain”. The album was a hit and Rain was rising in fame. It was also in 2002 that he made his acting debut in TV drama “Orange”.
Rain released his 2nd album, “How to Avoid the Sun” in 2003, which was a great hit as well.
Rain’s international breakthrough came in 2004 with popular drama “Full House”, co-starring famous Korean actress Song Hye-kyo. The drama achieved great ratings not just in Korea, but across Asia as well… making Rain an Asia superstar
Following his international fame, Rain held a concert tour in 2005 in Korea, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and ended in New York in early 2006. His exposure in USA has gained notice from Times magazine, which named him as one of the “100 Most Influential People Who Shape Our World” for 2006.
Rain made his movie debut in 2006 with “I’m a Cyborg, But That’s OK” (co-starring Im Soo-jung) Rain’s performance was well received by critics, but the movie was a box office disappointment.
Rain started his 2nd world tour later in 2006. The tour started well in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan and Australia etc. before facing problems in Shanghai; the Shanghai concert has to be postponed indefinitely due to unpredicted circumstances.
Rain’s real trouble however, was in USA and Canada. 5 concerts were planned initially but all of the concerts have to been cancelled for various issues. The worst case happened in Los Angeles where the concert was cancelled just hours before its schedule. Rain and his agencies are currently facing lawsuit from Hawaii’s local promoter over various accusations for cancelling the tour.
Rain is currently filming his Hollywood debut movie, “Speedracer” using the name Ji Hoon Jung. He is not the main character but is playing as supporting role instead.
