Today, May 31, is Yoon Mirae's 41st birthday! Let us look at some fun facts about the iconic rapper to celebrate her special day!
1. She debuted four times
Yoon Mirae first debuted in the group Uptown in 1997 when she was 16. She was cast to join the group in 1996 after a World Records representative heard her singing outside an audition room. Surprisingly, Yoon Mirae never planned to audition and simply joined her friend.
In 1999, Yoon Mirae formed and debuted in the hip-hop and R&B duo Tashanni with rapper Lee Soo A. She used the stage name Tasha with the team, a shortened version of her birth name Natasha.
Yoon Mirae debuted as a soloist in 2001 following Uptown's disbandment in 2000. She has actively promoted as a soloist since then.
Her fourth and final debut was in the hip-hop trio MFBTY (My Fans Better Than Yours) in 2013. The group was composed of Yoon Mirae, husband Tiger JK, and rapper Bizzy.
2. She advocates against child abuse
Yoon Mirae and her husband, Tiger JK, are huge advocates against child abuse.
In 2011, the couple appeared in a Vogue Korea photoshoot with their son, Jordan Seo, for the "Stop Child Abuse & Love Children" campaign. That same year, they filmed a public service announcement for World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse. They also performed at the 2011 Child Abuse Awareness Concert.
In 2012, Yoon Mirae and Tiger JK were commended by South Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare for their efforts in promoting child abuse prevention.
3. She is mixed-race
Yoon Mirae was born to a Korean mother and an African-American mother in Fort Hood, Texas. Her father used to be a radio DJ while serving with the U.S. military in South Korea.
Her father's musical influence and record collection are considered significant influences in Yoon Mirae's choice to pursue a music career.
Though born in Texas, Yoon Mirae moved to South Korea as a child. Due to her mixed heritage, she often faced discrimination from her peers. Yoon Mirae dropped out of school at 15 years old but later took a high school equivalence exam.
4. She was supposed to debut with Lee Hyori
During a 2018 episode of "Happy Together 3," it was revealed that she could have debuted in a hip-hop group with Lee Hyori.
While under World Music Agency, there were plans on debuting a group called Uptown Girl. The group's debut was canceled when Lee Hyori transferred to DSP Media shortly before the group's debut. Lee Hyori ultimately debuted with Fin.K.L.
Yoo Mirae talked about how surprised she was that Lee Hyori debuted as the leader of Fin.K.L. However, there is no bad blood between the two.
5. Her marriage with Tiger JK
It is common knowledge that Yoon Mirae and Tiger JK are married. However, what might surprise people is learning that the two had dated in secret for a whopping seven years before tying the knot!
Tiger JK was introduced to Yoon Mirae by his father in a convenience store. His dad saw someone he thought his son would be interested in and praised Tiger JK to the girl, who turned out to be Yoon Mirae.
They did not end up dating at the time. However, fate brought them together when they met at a recording studio.
They wed in June 2007 in a private ceremony in a Buddhist temple. They had their son, Jordan Seo, in March 2008.
Happy birthday, Yoon Mirae!
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Written by Alexa Lewis
