Se7en is a South Korean R&B singer. He began training under a management agency YG Entertainment at the age of 15. After 4 years of training in voice and dance, he made his debut in 2003 and became successful throughout Asia.

Birth name: Choi Dong-Wook (최동욱, Hanja: 崔東昱) (Surname, Choi)

Also known as: Seven-Eleven

Born: November 9, 1984 (1984-11-09) (age 23)

Origin: Seoul, South Korea

Genre(s): K-pop, J-pop, R&B, Pop

Occupation(s): singer, actor, dancer

Years active: 2003–Present

Label(s): YG Entertainment (South Korea)
NEXSTAR Records (Japan)
Gold Label Records (Hong Kong)
21 East Entertainment (China)
EMI (Taiwan)
GMMInternational (Thailand)

Website: Hello7.com, Hello7.jp


Voice

Se7en's vocal range can be classified in the tenor range. His voice can be described as smooth, mellow, and sometimes mildly abrasive (see vocal belting) when songs, such as "Crazy," "La La La," and "I Know," call for it. He often sings with a vibrato in his voice that American R&B singers are known for, and also incorporates beatboxing into many of his songs such as "Passion." Se7en maintains an adamant belief that he should not lipsync during his live performances.


Dance

Additionally, Se7en is known for his dance moves. His dance style, like his vocals, can also be described as "leaning more towards freestyle" rather than heavy choreography. Some dance techniques he sports during live performances are gliding, popping of the chest, various one-handed handstands, swipe, and kicks. His signature handstand, which he executes during his "Come Back to Me" performances, is the Nike (see picture). Most recently, he has been executing the gainer and the pike (see breakdance) during his "I Know" performances.


American Debut

Se7en and YG Family (including Big Bang, Jinusean and Gummy) have made an appearance on MTV K, followed by 3 concerts in Washington DC, New York City, and Los Angeles, to celebrate YG Family's 10th Anniversary [8] and to help promote Se7en before his American debut. The MTV K documentary aired on December 11, 2006.

Se7en is a featured guest on Amerie's Take Control on her album, Because I Love It, which was released in May 2007[9]. This remix is available on Asian versions of the album [10].

Se7en has been working with former CEO of LaFace Records, Mark Shimmel and Grammy-winner Rich Harrison on his first American album[11]. A new production team called Noize Trip, who produced The Black Eyed Peas' Disco Club[12] has also contributed some work. It was also reported that Teddy from 1TYM has produced a song for Se7en's American album and possibly will make more songs[13]. Darkchild has also joined the team and produced songs for Se7en[14]. It was also reported from Far East Movement's blog that they, as well as Three 6 Mafia will also participate in Se7en's upcoming English album[15].

Yang Heon Seok, (CEO of YG Entertainment) had announced that Fabulous will be featured in Se7en's first U.S. single[16]. However, due to a recent leak of his US debut song, "This is My Year" featuring Fabulous[17], on Myspace and Youtube, this will cause some changes in Se7en's U.S. debut.

Se7en is still recording tracks, but also taking the necessary steps to ensure his debut such as trademarking his name in America[18].

Se7en held a White Day celebration and party at the Hiro Ballroom in New York City on March 14th for an event produced by Swerve Media and Base NYC. Three of his U.S. album tracks were played at this preview party. There will be a total of five album preview parties across the country (Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles) and in Toronto, Canada after wrapping up the finalization of a contract.