Donghae

Donghae
Name	Lee Dong-hae
Birth date	15 October 1986
Birth place	Gangneung, Gangwon, South Korea
Occupation	Singer, songwriter, dancer, actor
Years active	2005–present
Agent	SM Entertainment

Donghae is a South Korean singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor known as a member of the boy band Super Junior, the sub-units Super Junior-M and Super Junior-D&E, and for his roles in television dramas and films. Debuting under SM Entertainment in 2005, he gained prominence through group activities, solo compositions, and acting projects that expanded his profile across East Asia. His career includes music releases, acting credits, mandatory military service, and various philanthropic and endorsement activities.

Early life and education

Born in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, he moved to Seoul to pursue performing arts training. He attended a Performing Arts high school and later enrolled in programs affiliated with Korea National Open University and other institutions associated with trainees from SM Entertainment and contemporaries from groups like TVXQ, Girls' Generation, and Shinhwa. During his trainee years he practiced alongside future idols from Super Junior, SHINee, and EXO.

Career

He was introduced as part of the rotational project that became Super Junior and debuted during the mid-2000s alongside members who later joined units such as Super Junior-K.R.Y. and Super Junior-T. Early group activities included appearances on variety programs like Strong Heart and music programs such as Inkigayo and Music Bank, and international promotions in markets including Japan, China, and Taiwan. Concurrently he formed the Mandarin-focused sub-unit Super Junior-M with members who promoted in Greater China and later the duo Super Junior-D&E with a fellow member, releasing material through labels and distributors tied to Avex Group and Korean distributors. His songwriting credits and composition work were showcased on albums released through SM Entertainment and collaborations with producers tied to Lee Soo-man and arrangers who worked with groups like BoA and TVXQ.

Music and discography

As a vocalist and composer he contributed to group albums such as those released by SM Entertainment and singles promoted on shows like M Countdown and awards programs like the Mnet Asian Music Awards. As part of Super Junior-M he recorded Mandarin tracks for releases aimed at Chinese music market charts and collaborated with producers who worked with Faye Wong and Jacky Cheung. With Super Junior-D&E he released Korean and Japanese singles and mini-albums distributed by companies including Avex Trax and performed at venues such as Tokyo Dome and festivals like Asia Song Festival. His solo writing and composition credits appear on tracks registered with performance rights organizations similar to KOMCA, and his discography includes studio albums, EPs, singles, OST contributions for dramas broadcast on networks like SBS and KBS, and live concert recordings released through SM C&C-related channels.

Acting and filmography

He made acting appearances in television dramas and films, with credits in projects broadcast on networks such as KBS, MBC, and SBS. He performed in dramas alongside actors from agencies like JYP Entertainment and YG Entertainment and shared screen time with contemporaries who crossed over from idol to actor careers. Film appearances included roles in feature films and cameo roles in projects produced by studios working with actors from CJ Entertainment and Lotte Entertainment. He also appeared in web series and musical theatre productions that toured venues associated with companies such as SM Culture & Contents.

Military service

In accordance with South Korean conscription law, he fulfilled mandatory service obligations, enlisting in units overseen by the Republic of Korea Armed Forces and completing basic training at facilities similar to those used by entertainers who served alongside members from groups like Big Bang and 2PM. During service he participated in military events and discharged under publicized schedules coordinated with SM Entertainment and broadcasting outlets that reported on entertainers’ enlistments and discharges.

Personal life and public image

He maintains a public image cultivated through appearances on variety shows such as Running Man and Happy Together, photo shoots in magazines like Vogue Korea and Esquire Korea, and participation in fan meetings worldwide organized by agencies and promoters including SM Entertainment and regional concert promoters. His reputation among fans and media is influenced by collaborations with other artists from labels like Cube Entertainment and Pledis Entertainment and by interactions with fan clubs and official fandom events coordinated through platforms affiliated with Avex Group and fan community sites.

Philanthropy and endorsements

He has been involved in charitable activities and donation drives alongside fellow entertainers and participated in campaigns organized with organizations similar to UNICEF and local Korean charities tied to celebrities from Produce 101 alumni and established idols. His endorsement portfolio includes brand partnerships in fashion, cosmetics, and consumer electronics with companies and retailers such as Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, and fashion labels that collaborate frequently with idols for promotions across Seoul Fashion Week and international fashion events.

Category:South Korean male singers Category:South Korean male actors