SPOTLIGHT: Zhang Liyin
Up until now, we’ve only talked about groups, but right now it’s time for solo artist Zhang Liyin (Jang Ri In in Korea) to be put into the SPOTLIGHT. This 22-year-old originally came from China but moved to Korea after accompanying a friend to a singing competition, and was discovered and sent to SM Entertainment. She started training at the age of 14 and was said to be the next, and Chinese, version of BoA.
Korean debut with Xiah Junsu, Hangeng and Siwon
Being born in a family of violinists brought her to many places and made her love different genres of music. While her parents pulled her towards rock and classical music, Zhang Liyin also discovered pop music during that time. Her parents were initially against a career in the pop showbiz but eventually showed support for their young daughter.
Because of her Chinese descent and SM Entertainment’s way of advertising her as the next BoA, her debut was highly anticipated in her home country, as well as in Korea and the rest of Asia. The first song she released as a solo artist was a duet with popular singer Xiah Junsu from TVXQ (now in JYJ). “Timeless,” a cover of a song by Kelly Clarkson, was first revealed on her official website, and was available for free download up until the day of her official debut, September 8, 2006. It ranked first place on various music websites and charts in the following weeks. The music video for Zhang Liyin’s first single starred Junsu, as well as label mates and Super Junior members, Siwon and Hangeng.
After a few months of promoting her debut track, she came back for follow up promotions in early 2007. “Y (Why…)” was released at the same time SM Entertainment revealed a documentary version of her first MV, showing behind the scenes footage, as well as her hardships during training. Promotions for this track were only short-lived as the company revealed their plans to debut Zhang Liyin in China by the end of 2007.
Moving on to China
SM Entertainment had first announced the album would be released at the end of 2007, but it took them until March 2008 to put out Zhang Liyin’s first Mandarin album, “I Will”. In order to promote the album, two music videos were released before its release. The videos for “I Will” and “The Left Shore of Happiness” are in fact one long story, separated in two songs. Once again, Hangeng and Siwon, along with Lee Yeonhee, starred in the stories.
The young singer got praise from various artists with the release of her album, saying that her voice was really strong for that of a 19-year-old. She got her first award for “Female Mainland Newcomer with Most Potential” on the 5th Annual Music King Global Chinese Ultimate Song Chart Awards. Along with the award shows and various appearances, Zhang Liyin also tried to raise money for the Sichuan earthquake which had devastated her home province a few weeks earlier.
Later that same year, SM Entertainment hinted at a repackaged album and the preparations for a second Chinese album. Despite their initial plans, even up to today, both albums still have not been released.
Frozen career
Aside from occasional performances at SM TOWN concerts or award shows, Zhang Liyin remained in Korea to record her second single. More than a year and a half after the release of her first full album, a teaser was revealed for the upcoming song “Moving On”. A few days later, SM Entertainment revealed the full music video. The company got a huge backlash from the fans when they discovered that it was nothing more than a slideshow of pictures depicting a break up between Zhang Liyin and her "boy friend," Donghae from Super Junior. After a short round of promotions, she returned to Korea for preparation of her second Chinese album. She’s been mostly inactive ever since. The singer does try to keep in contact with her fans through Weibo and likes to talk to them about anything from fun facts to her current interests and beauty tips.
When asked about the matter, Zhang Liyin says that the company, in fact, thought she was still too young, and put her back into training between 2007 and 2009.
"I hope there is an opportunity to return to China and expand, but that is also my current worry - fearing that everybody will not accept me. From now on, there will be an increased number of performances in China. If the opportunity presents, my biggest dream is to return home - maybe even in Chengdu - and hold my own solo concert."
Future projects
It was said earlier this year that Zhang Liyin had prepared for a new Korean or Chinese release and recording had finished. For a reason that wasn’t made public, the album was pushed back and at this moment, we still haven’t heard of a possible release date or even a hint of her long-awaited comeback. Some people are saying September, but after all the different dates, fans are getting suspicious.
With SM Entertainment giving their older artists, such as Trax and CSJH The Grace (The Grace Dana&Sunday), new chances lately, one can only hope for Zhang Liyin to be the next star to shine and get back into the spotlight, a little more than 4 years after her last Korean promotions.
Fanclub and Color
Though Zhang Liyin debuted so many years ago, SM Entertainment still hasn’t announced an official fanclub name. Fans, however, have made their own fan club, “Chocolate”, and a corresponding fan forum, “Chocolyn”. Officially recognized by Zhang Liyin herself, the forum was created December 2007.
More recently, Zhang Liyin also got caught up in some controversy when it was made public that she was a replacement for f(x)’s Amber as product endorser for the Chinese clothing brand, Eithtoo. When Amber was back with her group, the company terminated Zhang Liyin’s contract, stating that her image didn’t fit the clothing line.
Fans that have gathered in these fan clubs took it upon themselves to make sure people will remember Zhang Liyin and to ensure that she would have a successful comeback. The “We Need It; Voice of Zhang Liyin” project is co-sponsored by several fan clubs and groups, such as Chocolyn, Music of Asia, Liyn0909, Baidu Zhang Liyin Bar, and more. More details about the project can be found on the Chocolyn Forums. Other fans are also gathering to make sure that SM Entertainment includes the singer on their official Facebook page, seeing as every other artist is there, except for her. The Grace was just recently added to the company's line-up.
For more information on Zhang Liyin, or to show your support for the artist, you can join our affiliates at Chocolyn.
Source: sment, choompichocolyn, daydreamer11587 and Chocolyn
Spotlight is an editorial on Koreaboo. Every other week, we will feature a lesser known artist and let the readers know what they've been up to since their debut.
EDITORIALS on Koreaboo.com reflect the opinion of individual Koreaboo writers and not of Koreaboo.com as a whole.
After spotlights about The Boss, Supernova, SM☆SH, DNT , SHU-I, Trax, CSJH The Grace and now Zhang Li Yin, we're doing a shoutout to Koreaboo's members. Are you a fan of a certain band that's still together but deserves a little more attention? Let the writer know through a PM, on her personal profile, or Tweet @HeartlessMinds and an article on your favorite group might pop up in the future!
fvjhuynh 11 Points
I remembered seeing in a forum that Zhang Li Yin was in the lineup for Girl's Generation, but got cut. Look at the difference in popularity. I would say she's flopped in Korea, but had she been put in a group like Girl's Generation, she would be much more popular. Just look at Girl's Generation and where they are now compared to her.
Wendy 153 Points
Hey ignorance, do you know why Liyin got cut? Because she can outsing any and all of the SNSD members, no problem. SM saw something in her, and that's why she's a soloist. As a soloist, you have no backing of your members, you make a mistake on-stage and the whole world sees it. There are no distracting other members to 'hide' your mistake.
And as for her current popularity, there is no one to blame but SM Entertainment themselves for not giving the girl the same amount of chances and opportunities SNSD has received. SNSD has been promoted in a market where SM already has a stable hold on. ZLY has been promoting herself in a country (China) where SM is hardly known. The difference is huge. SNSD has worked hard to get to where they are, because SM already has their feet firmly planted in the Korean market to get those opportunities. It's much tougher in China.
Also, a foreign SOLO ARTIST debuting in Korea? Do see any of those in Korean entertainment right now? The answer is no. It's tougher for a foreign artist.
But anyway, idol groups don't last forever. TVXQ, SJ, H.O.T, they are ending or have already ended, yet look at Yangpa or BoA. Usher, Britney Spears... But what happened to *NSYNC and Spice Girls?
Just some thoughts.
Wendy 153 Points
Hey ignorance, do you know why Liyin got cut? Because she can outsing any and all of the SNSD members, no problem. SM saw something in her, and that's why she's a soloist. As a soloist, you have no backing of your members, you make a mistake on-stage and the whole world sees it. There are no distracting other members to 'hide' your mistake.
And as for her current popularity, there is no one to blame but SM Entertainment themselves for not giving the girl the same amount of chances and opportunities SNSD has received. SNSD has been promoted in a market where SM already has a stable hold on. ZLY has been promoting herself in a country (China) where SM is hardly known. The difference is huge. SNSD has worked hard to get to where they are, because SM already has their feet firmly planted in the Korean market to get those opportunities. It's much tougher in China.
Also, a foreign SOLO ARTIST debuting in Korea? Do see any of those in Korean entertainment right now? The answer is no. It's tougher for a foreign artist.
But anyway, idol groups don't last forever. TVXQ, SJ, H.O.T, they are ending or have already ended, yet look at Yangpa or BoA. Usher, Britney Spears... But what happened to *NSYNC and Spice Girls?
Just some thoughts.
mimi123 2 Points
Wow really? No. Girl groups are idols for teenagers and the population supports teenagers. Thats how everything works. zhang liyin LEFT snsd not got cut. zhang li yin is underrated. SNSD is overworked. so you need to shut your mouth
mimi123 2 Points
Wow really? No. Girl groups are idols for teenagers and the population supports teenagers. Thats how everything works. zhang liyin LEFT snsd not got cut. zhang li yin is underrated. SNSD is overworked. so you need to shut your mouth
sandy 1 Points
Wow really! Hey are you tone deaf. Zhang Liyin left Snsd. She is way too under-rated and Snsd is over-rated. Half of those girl can't even match up to Liyin. If she has been any girl group it would only bring her down. Who want to be part of a group with slave contract and slit the credits and money. She would be popular if SME spends more time researching on Chinese Market. She is a soloist working her way through in foreign country. If you leave your home country at the age of 13 to a foreign without knowing the language and start your career there then you can talk.
sandy 1 Points
Wow really! Hey are you tone deaf. Zhang Liyin left Snsd. She is way too under-rated and Snsd is over-rated. Half of those girl can't even match up to Liyin. If she has been any girl group it would only bring her down. Who want to be part of a group with slave contract and slit the credits and money. She would be popular if SME spends more time researching on Chinese Market. She is a soloist working her way through in foreign country. If you leave your home country at the age of 13 to a foreign without knowing the language and start your career there then you can talk.
qpidja2 5 Points
@fvjhuynh Ok, it's UNFAIR to say Zhang Li Yin's debut in Korea was flopped.Have you read your sources regarding that?If not, read her profile on her SMTOWN Website.
I believe that every artist do work hard and we just can't say that this artist is better because they're popular and that the other is not because she's flop or something,there are a lot of things to consider.IT'S UNFAIR!
Zhang Li Yin is underrated and wasn't promoted properly that's why she's not popular as Girls Generation.I believe she was meant to be a soloist because she have what it takes. SM just not sure how to deal with it.I don't want to argue with Girls Generation's popularity because popularity fades...
Groups don't last after all...Baek Ji Young, Yangpa, BoA is still have the magic of their careers even they debuted couple of years ago.
just saying...
qpidja2 5 Points
@fvjhuynh Ok, it's UNFAIR to say Zhang Li Yin's debut in Korea was flopped.Have you read your sources regarding that?If not, read her profile on her SMTOWN Website.
I believe that every artist do work hard and we just can't say that this artist is better because they're popular and that the other is not because she's flop or something,there are a lot of things to consider.IT'S UNFAIR!
Zhang Li Yin is underrated and wasn't promoted properly that's why she's not popular as Girls Generation.I believe she was meant to be a soloist because she have what it takes. SM just not sure how to deal with it.I don't want to argue with Girls Generation's popularity because popularity fades...
Groups don't last after all...Baek Ji Young, Yangpa, BoA is still have the magic of their careers even they debuted couple of years ago.
just saying...
fvjhuynh 11 Points
I remembered seeing in a forum that Zhang Li Yin was in the lineup for Girl's Generation, but got cut. Look at the difference in popularity. I would say she's flopped in Korea, but had she been put in a group like Girl's Generation, she would be much more popular. Just look at Girl's Generation and where they are now compared to her.
Wendy 153 Points
Hey ignorance, do you know why Liyin got cut? Because she can outsing any and all of the SNSD members, no problem. SM saw something in her, and that's why she's a soloist. As a soloist, you have no backing of your members, you make a mistake on-stage and the whole world sees it. There are no distracting other members to 'hide' your mistake.
And as for her current popularity, there is no one to blame but SM Entertainment themselves for not giving the girl the same amount of chances and opportunities SNSD has received. SNSD has been promoted in a market where SM already has a stable hold on. ZLY has been promoting herself in a country (China) where SM is hardly known. The difference is huge. SNSD has worked hard to get to where they are, because SM already has their feet firmly planted in the Korean market to get those opportunities. It's much tougher in China.
Also, a foreign SOLO ARTIST debuting in Korea? Do see any of those in Korean entertainment right now? The answer is no. It's tougher for a foreign artist.
But anyway, idol groups don't last forever. TVXQ, SJ, H.O.T, they are ending or have already ended, yet look at Yangpa or BoA. Usher, Britney Spears... But what happened to *NSYNC and Spice Girls?
Just some thoughts.
Wendy 153 Points
Hey ignorance, do you know why Liyin got cut? Because she can outsing any and all of the SNSD members, no problem. SM saw something in her, and that's why she's a soloist. As a soloist, you have no backing of your members, you make a mistake on-stage and the whole world sees it. There are no distracting other members to 'hide' your mistake.
And as for her current popularity, there is no one to blame but SM Entertainment themselves for not giving the girl the same amount of chances and opportunities SNSD has received. SNSD has been promoted in a market where SM already has a stable hold on. ZLY has been promoting herself in a country (China) where SM is hardly known. The difference is huge. SNSD has worked hard to get to where they are, because SM already has their feet firmly planted in the Korean market to get those opportunities. It's much tougher in China.
Also, a foreign SOLO ARTIST debuting in Korea? Do see any of those in Korean entertainment right now? The answer is no. It's tougher for a foreign artist.
But anyway, idol groups don't last forever. TVXQ, SJ, H.O.T, they are ending or have already ended, yet look at Yangpa or BoA. Usher, Britney Spears... But what happened to *NSYNC and Spice Girls?
Just some thoughts.
mimi123 2 Points
Wow really? No. Girl groups are idols for teenagers and the population supports teenagers. Thats how everything works. zhang liyin LEFT snsd not got cut. zhang li yin is underrated. SNSD is overworked. so you need to shut your mouth
mimi123 2 Points
Wow really? No. Girl groups are idols for teenagers and the population supports teenagers. Thats how everything works. zhang liyin LEFT snsd not got cut. zhang li yin is underrated. SNSD is overworked. so you need to shut your mouth
sandy 1 Points
Wow really! Hey are you tone deaf. Zhang Liyin left Snsd. She is way too under-rated and Snsd is over-rated. Half of those girl can't even match up to Liyin. If she has been any girl group it would only bring her down. Who want to be part of a group with slave contract and slit the credits and money. She would be popular if SME spends more time researching on Chinese Market. She is a soloist working her way through in foreign country. If you leave your home country at the age of 13 to a foreign without knowing the language and start your career there then you can talk.
sandy 1 Points
Wow really! Hey are you tone deaf. Zhang Liyin left Snsd. She is way too under-rated and Snsd is over-rated. Half of those girl can't even match up to Liyin. If she has been any girl group it would only bring her down. Who want to be part of a group with slave contract and slit the credits and money. She would be popular if SME spends more time researching on Chinese Market. She is a soloist working her way through in foreign country. If you leave your home country at the age of 13 to a foreign without knowing the language and start your career there then you can talk.
qpidja2 5 Points
@fvjhuynh Ok, it's UNFAIR to say Zhang Li Yin's debut in Korea was flopped.Have you read your sources regarding that?If not, read her profile on her SMTOWN Website.
I believe that every artist do work hard and we just can't say that this artist is better because they're popular and that the other is not because she's flop or something,there are a lot of things to consider.IT'S UNFAIR!
Zhang Li Yin is underrated and wasn't promoted properly that's why she's not popular as Girls Generation.I believe she was meant to be a soloist because she have what it takes. SM just not sure how to deal with it.I don't want to argue with Girls Generation's popularity because popularity fades...
Groups don't last after all...Baek Ji Young, Yangpa, BoA is still have the magic of their careers even they debuted couple of years ago.
just saying...
qpidja2 5 Points
@fvjhuynh Ok, it's UNFAIR to say Zhang Li Yin's debut in Korea was flopped.Have you read your sources regarding that?If not, read her profile on her SMTOWN Website.
I believe that every artist do work hard and we just can't say that this artist is better because they're popular and that the other is not because she's flop or something,there are a lot of things to consider.IT'S UNFAIR!
Zhang Li Yin is underrated and wasn't promoted properly that's why she's not popular as Girls Generation.I believe she was meant to be a soloist because she have what it takes. SM just not sure how to deal with it.I don't want to argue with Girls Generation's popularity because popularity fades...
Groups don't last after all...Baek Ji Young, Yangpa, BoA is still have the magic of their careers even they debuted couple of years ago.
just saying...
tag_traumer 0 Points
"With SM Entertainment giving their older artists, such as Trax and CSJH The Grace (The Grace Dana&Sunday), new chances lately, one can only hope for Zhang Liyin to be the next star to shine and get back into the spotlight, a little more than 4 years after her last Korean promotions."
;~; yes, the thing Chocolates have been hoping for tirelessly these few years. Thank you for such a beautiful spotlight on her, Koreaboo <3
...and oh! for today and tomorrow, after such a long time her fans will get to catch a glimpse of her as she will go to Taiwan, as a guest for Shinee's concert. :D
jean22s 192 Points
I actually like her a lot because Yan yalun, a member of a taiwanese group called "Fahrenheit", likes her a lot!
I found out about liyin because of him!
I really hope SM gives TRAX and Liyin a chance.
Oh.. and CSJH too XD
jean22s 192 Points
I actually like her a lot because Yan yalun, a member of a taiwanese group called "Fahrenheit", likes her a lot!
I found out about liyin because of him!
I really hope SM gives TRAX and Liyin a chance.
Oh.. and CSJH too XD
extrafugly 15 Points
It kinda sucks how ignored she's been by the company. I wouldn't say her Korean debut flopped at all. I'd just say that SME didn't really try and promote her. After they decided to get her to break into the Chinese market, nothing has really been heard of her at all. And about her getting cut/leaving SNSD, I had no idea that ever happened lol. But you can't say she can't sing. Anyone who's heard her music knows she can. A lot of it comes down to promotion, and look at how much effort SME has put into promoting SNSD compared to Li Yin.
extrafugly 15 Points
It kinda sucks how ignored she's been by the company. I wouldn't say her Korean debut flopped at all. I'd just say that SME didn't really try and promote her. After they decided to get her to break into the Chinese market, nothing has really been heard of her at all. And about her getting cut/leaving SNSD, I had no idea that ever happened lol. But you can't say she can't sing. Anyone who's heard her music knows she can. A lot of it comes down to promotion, and look at how much effort SME has put into promoting SNSD compared to Li Yin.