Lee Seung Hyun, known by his stage name Seungri, is a South Korean former hip-hop singer, dancer, actor, record producer, composer, and previous member of the Korean group Big Bang. Before joining the group, he was a member of a dance team in Gwangju. He first appeared on television on the reality television series "Let’s Cokeplay: M.Net Battle Shinhwa". Although he was noticed for his dance skills, his lack of vocal skills led to him being eliminated. He was later scouted by the record label YG Entertainment and joined the group Big Bang.
Seungri became the first member of Big Bang to act in a musical with the performance in Sonagi in 2008. His next musical, Shouting, was performed in 2009 alongside another Big Bang member Daesung, who was unable to perform at the last minute due to a car accident. Seungri made his film debut in the movie "Why Did You Come to My House?", alongside another Big Bang member T.O.P.
On March 11, 2019, Seungri announced his retirement via Instagram and on March 13, 2019, due to allegations made against him. In January of 2020, he was indicted with nine charges; among them Sexual Crimes, habitual gambling, prostitution mediation, and purchase of prostitution services. On August 12, 2021, Seungri was sentenced to 3 years in prison along with being finned 1,156,900,000 won (approximately $994,544). His personal information will be registered in the national registry for the violation of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment, etc. of Sexual Crimes. After an appeal, his sentence was reduced to 18 months in 2022.
(Source: Wikipedia, Soompi)
