Yoo Hee-jae

Yoo Hee-jae (Korean: 유희재; Hanja: 柳熙宰; born February 22 1994) is a South Korean singer and actor. He debuted as a member of a former idol group MASC on August 19 2016, under JJ Holic Media and Lotus E&M. The group was subsequently disbanded on October 18 2020. In 2023, Heejae participated in JTBC's reality competition show as Team 7:00 with his former group member Ireah and achieved second place. In May 2023, Heejae and Ireah signed an exclusive contract with PCS Entertainment and started a new journey as a duo named SEVENUS, symbolizing the unity between Team 7 and their fans.

In this Korean name, the family name is Yoo.

Yoo Hee-jae
Born (1994-02-22) February 22, 1994
Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Occupation
  • Singer．Actor
Years active2016–present
Agent(s)JJ Holic Media and Lotus E&M (2016-2020)
Musical career
Genres
Instrument(s)Vocals
Korean name
Hangul
Hanja
Revised RomanizationYu Huijae
McCune–ReischauerYu Hŭichae

Personal life

From a young age, he has had a passion for writing and calligraphy, finding joy in the art of crafting beautiful letters. In an interview with Elle magazine, he mentioned, "I went through a hard time after disbandment and before entering the military. I felt like I hadn't accomplished anything at all. It was very distressing, and I had a hard time falling asleep. So, I took up reading and calligraphy as hobbies to escape from my thoughts. The memory of receiving compliments on my signature at fan meetings came to mind, and that's when I immediately purchased a calligraphy book and started self-studying. The time I spent practicing writing allowed me to clear my mind. As for reading, I also do it to find quotes or phrases to use in calligraphy. I search for hopeful words to write and erase, and in the process, those words seem to resonate with my heart."

Heejae's charming smile, with its naturally upturned mouth, has won over fans who affectionately compare him to a cheerful and adorable quokka, earning him the nickname "Captain Quokka."

Hee-Jae is an ENFJ according to MBTI and has blood type B. Living in the United States for a month is on his bucket list. He loves Ice Americano and hates fresh squeezed juice. Pyongyang naengmyeon is one of his favorite food.

Early life and education

Heejae graduated from the Department of Drama and Film in Kaywon High School of Arts. While studying at the Theater and Film Department of Seoul Institute of the Arts, he starred in an independent film "I am a Vampire", which was directed by 26, a former member of MASC. Following this experience, Heejae began his career as an idol. During his college years, he joined a dance club to develop a new skill, which sparked his interest in combining dance and music.[1][2][3]

2016-2020: Debut with MASC

On August 19, 2016, Heejae debuted as the lead vocalist of the four-member idol group MASC with the mini album "Strange".[4][5][6][7][8] On February 4, 2017, the group released their debut single, "Tina".

In 2017, MASC announced the addition of four new members and released their second single, "Do It", on October 12, 2017.[9]

JJ Holic Media announced on July 30, 2018 that members ACE and Chibin were leaving the group following a bullying incident in March where ACE physically attacked Chibin. Additionally, 26 departed from MASC around the same time to pursue a career in directing. Another member, Doeun, also left the group on October 22, 2018, and the agency confirmed that MASC would continue as a four-member group going forward.

2020-2022: Disbandment of MASC

On October 17, 2020, the group announced their disbandment four years after the debut.[10][11][12]

Heejae enlisted for the mandatory service after MASC's disbandment, and was discharged in 2022.

2023: Garnering global attention through Peak Time

In 2023, Heejae participated in JTBC's survival reality show Peak Time as part of Team 7:00 with his fellow group member, Ireah. He quickly gained recognition for his exceptional vocal abilities, and his rendition of NU'EST's "Hello" during the survival round earned widespread praise from both judges and audience members. Many were impressed by his unique and soothing tone, as well as his clear and precise diction. As a result, they secured second place and embarked on the Peak Time Concert Tour as part of the Top 6.[13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]

2023: Embarking on a new journey as SEVENUS

On May 3, 2023, HeeJae and Ireah signed an exclusive contract with PCS Entertainment and formed a duo group named SEVENUS. The name represents the unity between Team 7 and their fans. They are currently working on the production of their new album.

Discography
For MASC, see MASC § Discography.

Other Singles
Date Album Song Singer Remarks
16 February 2023 PEAK TIME - Survival Round Hello（여보세요） Peak Time - TEAM 07:00 Original singer: NU'EST
2 March 2023 PEAK TIME - 1 Round Rival match Part.2 You Are Peak Time - TEAM 07:00 Original Singer: GOT7
23 March 2023 PEAK TIME - 3 Round Originals Match Doesn't Matter Peak Time - TEAM 07:00
20 April 2023 PEAK TIME - Final Round WAVE (Prod. GroovyRoom) Peak Time - MASC

Filmography

MV
Year Singer Song Remarks
2016 Sugarbowl(슈가볼) Leaned(기대를 낮출게) Starred in MV[21]
2017 Kim kihyun (김기현) Dreams gone away(꿈이 떠나가다) Starred in MV[22]

Variety Shows
Date Channel Name Remarks
15 February 2023－ JTBC Peak Time

Television Series
Year Channel Name Remarks
2016 NAVER TV The Miracle (더 미라클) EP04 (Cameo)
2017 JTBC Hello, My Twenties! EP10 (Cameo)

Movie
Year Channel Name Remarks
2013 YouTube I Am A Vampire（나는 뱀파이어다） An independent movie directed by MASC ex-member 26[23]

Concert
Date and TimePlaceVenueParticipating teamsRemarks
PEAK TIME CONCERT [YOUR TIME]
5 May 2023 19:00SeoulSeoul Sports ComplexSEVENUS,DKB,VANNER,BAE173,M.O.N.T.,Team 24:00
6 May 2023 14:00SEVENUS,DKB,TEAM 24:00
6 May 2023 19:00SEVENUS,DKB,VANNER,BAE173,M.O.N.T.,Team 24:00
7 May 2023 18:00Online streaming is available
24 June 2023 18:00BusanKBS Busan Hall
25 June 2023 17:00

References
  1. "'신인 남자 아이돌' 마스크 희재 공개, 소년 같은 매력 출처". August 5, 2016.
  2. "마스크, 두 번째 멤버 희재 공개..'실력파'". August 5, 2016.
  3. "'엠카운트다운' 마스크, 카리스마 넘치는 핫 데뷔..여심 저격". August 25, 2016.
  4. "마스크 프로필". Naver (in Korean). Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  5. "마스크(MASC), 첫 멤버 이륙 공개… 댄스부터 연출까지 '만능'". TenAsia (in Korean). August 3, 2016. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
  6. "국내 대표 음악 차트 가온차트!". gaonchart.co.kr. Retrieved January 23, 2017.
  7. 이, 정아. "'신인 남자 아이돌' 마스크 희재 공개, 소년 같은 매력 출처 : SBS연예뉴스 원본 링크". Sbs연예뉴스. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
  8. 입, 력 (August 5, 2016). "마스크, 두 번째 멤버 희재 공개..'실력파'".
  9. "MASC's return with new members on October 12 2017". Archived from the original on October 13, 2017. Retrieved October 13, 2017.
  10. "MASC announces their disbandment through heartfelt video made for fans". Archived from the original on October 28, 2020. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
  11. "[마스크/MASC] Thanks to Mabling." YouTube. MASC official. Retrieved October 18, 2020.
  12. Park Yoon-jin (October 18, 2020). [단독] 마스크, 데뷔 4년 만에 전격 해체 "팬들에게 미안한 마음뿐" [[Exclusive] Masc disbanded after 4 years of debut "I am sorry to the fans"]. My Daily.
  13. "JTBC's new audition show "PEAK TIME" is currently recruiting, disbanded, and newly debuted male idol group! We need to give them a push～". June 21, 2022. Archived from the original on January 1, 2023. Retrieved January 1, 2023.
  14. "Contestants are being recruited! JTBC Launches New Talent Show "PEAK TIME"". June 21, 2022. Archived from the original on January 15, 2023. Retrieved January 15, 2023.
  15. "The premiere date of the male idol group rebirth talent show "Peak Time" was revealed! SJ, Girls' Generation's 6 Super Crazy Judging Lineup Exposure". December 25, 2022. Archived from the original on January 1, 2023. Retrieved January 1, 2023.
  16. "JTBC's idol survival program "PEAK TIME" teaser released!". December 23, 2022. Archived from the original on January 1, 2023. Retrieved January 1, 2023.
  17. "The buried male idol's group has a chance to turn a new leaf! Boy group survival program "PEAK TIME" preview Lee Seung Gi exclaims "Gems are only coming out now"; Song Minho is moved to tears". February 16, 2023. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
  18. ""Peak Time" voting method, popular group: B.A.P Moon Jong-yeop shocked the audience! Group 11:00 "Working Group" worked part-time every day" moved the judges to tears". February 18, 2023. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
  19. "The 7 highlights of "Peak Time" The rebirth of the former unknown boy group, the super-strength contestants even beat EXO to win an award in the past". February 22, 2023. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
  20. "Gathering all 9 star judges, the boy group burst into tears on the stage of "Peak Time"". February 17, 2023. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
  21. "슈가볼 기대를 낮출게 M/V". Retrieved February 21, 2023.
  22. "DIPHIN Crew 꿈이 떠나가다 - 김기현 싱글1집 MV 2017". Retrieved February 21, 2023.
  23. "DIPHIN Crew 나는 뱀파이어다 2013년 作". Retrieved February 22, 2023.
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