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Kris Wu

Kris Wu

Wu Yi Fan[2] (Chinese: 吴亦凡, pronounced [ǔ î fân]; born November 6, 1990), also known as Kris Wu, is a Chinese-Canadian actor, singer, and model.[3] He is a former member of South Korean-Chinese boy band EXO and its subgroup EXO-M under SM Entertainment.

Wu is active as a solo artist and actor in China and has starred in several #1 box office hits including Mr. Six (2015) and Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back (2017), which are among the highest-grossing Chinese films of all time in China. He made his Hollywood debut in xXx: Return of Xander Cage (2017).

Kris Wu
Native name
吴亦凡
Born
Li Jiaheng (李嘉恒)

(1990-11-06)November 6, 1990
NationalityCanadian
Other namesWu Yi Fan
Alma materSir Winston Churchill Secondary School
Occupation
Years active2012-present
Musical career
OriginSeoul, South Korea
Genres
InstrumentsVocals
Labels
  • SM
  • Kris Wu Studio
  • Creative Artists Agency
  • Interscope
  • Island
Associated acts
Wu Yifan
Traditional Chinese吳亦凡
Simplified Chinese吴亦凡
Li Jiaheng
Traditional Chinese李嘉恆
Simplified Chinese李嘉恒
imgimg

Early life

Wu was born Li Jiaheng (Chinese: 李嘉恒; pinyin: Lǐ Jiāhéng); his legal Chinese name was later changed to Wu Yi Fan (Chinese: 吴亦凡; pinyin: Wú Yìfán). He was born and raised in Guangzhou, Guangdong.

At the age of 10, he moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with his mother. He returned to China at the age of 11 and attended Guangzhou No. 7 Middle School for a brief period, after which he and his mother went back to Vancouver, where he attended Point Grey Secondary School and Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School.

At the age of 18, Wu auditioned for SM Entertainment's Canadian Global Auditions, which were held in Vancouver.

After passing the auditions, he moved to South Korea in January 2008 and became a trainee for the company.

Career

2012–2014: EXO

On 17 February 2012, Wu was introduced as the eleventh member of EXO.[4] In April 2012, EXO made their debut and quickly became one of the most popular K-pop groups in South Korea and internationally, achieving commercial success with their studio album XOXO and their hit song "Growl" in 2013. The album became the first album by a Korea-based artist in twelve years to sell over one million copies, and is the 12th best selling album of all time in Korea.[5] Before leaving the group, Wu was featured on EXO's Overdose album, which was released in May 2014 and became the best selling album of 2014 in South Korea.

2014–2016: Solo career and acting activities

Wu released "Time Boils the Rain" as part of the soundtrack for the Chinese box office hit Tiny Times 3 in July 2014.[6] That year, he became the youngest celebrity to have a wax figure at Madame Tussauds Shanghai and was named "Newcomer of the Year" by Esquire China.[7][8]

Wu made his film debut in Somewhere Only We Know, directed by Xu Jinglei.[9] The film was released on February 14, 2015 and debuted at No.1 on the Chinese box office, grossing US$37.81 million in six days following its release.[10] He won the "Best Newcomer Award" at the 3rd China International Film Festival London for his performance.[11]

He then starred in his second film Mr. Six, which closed at the Venice Film Festival.[12][13] The film was a box office hit, grossing over US$137 million and becoming one of the highest-grossing films in China.[14] The same year, Wu starred alongside Liu Yifei in So Young 2: Never Gone[15] and romance melodrama Sweet Sixteen.[16] He won the "Newcomer with the Most Media Attention" award at the Shanghai International Film Festival[17] and "Best Actor" at the Gold Crane Award for his performance.[18] Wu also starred in the blockbuster fantasy film L.O.R.D: Legend of Ravaging Dynasties, directed and written by Guo Jingming.[19]

2017–present: International appearances and Antares

Wu made his runway debut at Burberry's Fall 2016 Men's Show in London.[20][21] He also took part in the 2016 NBA All-Star Game as a member of Team Canada, coached by Drake.[22]

In January 2017, Wu made his US film debut in D. J. Caruso's xXx: Return of Xander Cage.[23][24] He released the single "Juice", featuring Vin Diesel in the music video, as part of the soundtrack on January 19 .[25] Wu then starred in Stephen Chow's film, Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back, playing Tang Sanzang.[26]

In February 2017, Wu represented China at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles.[27] The same month, Wu accepted his second invitation to play in the 2017 NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans.[28] Forbes listed Wu their 30 Under 30 Asia 2017 list which comprises 30 influential people under 30 years old who have made substantial effect in their fields.[29]

In July 2017, Wu co-starred in Luc Besson's science fiction film Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.[30]

In October 2017, Wu released "Deserve", featuring U.S rapper Travis Scott. Upon its release, "Deserve" placed No. 1 on the US iTunes chart, making Wu the only Chinese artist to achieve the feat.[31] At the end of 2017, Wu released a single, "B.M.". Kris released another single, "Miss You" featuring Zhao Liying on Christmas Day 2017. The music video was released on December 28.[32]

Wu starred in the 2018 Hong Kong-made action thriller Europe Raiders, alongside Tony Leung.[33]

As of April 2018, future music from Wu will be released internationally, excluding Japan and Korea, through a partnership of Universal Music China, Interscope in the US and Island Records in the UK.[34] Wu's debut album Antares featuring the 2018 singles "Like That" and "Freedom" (featuring Jhené Aiko) was released on November 2, 2018.[35]

Endorsements and Ambassadorship

In 2015, Wu became the youth ambassador for the 3rd Silk Road International Film Festival in Xian.[36]

In 2016, he became the first endorser for Mixxtail.[37] Mercedes-Benz chose Wu as their brand ambassador in China for their Smart division[38] and introduced the limited edition "Kris Wu Edition" smart.[39] Wu has also been made the global ambassador for I.T Cashback Card under American Express Hong Kong. The brand made him chief design advisor and the face of their latest in-house brand, Under Garden. He designed the lookbook for the latest collection.[40] Burberry chose Wu as their global ambassador in 2016, making him the first non-British as well as the first Asian person to be the face of the brand.[41] It was reported that Burberry experienced a growth in sales and awareness with Chinese shoppers thanks to Kris' campaign.[42]

Wu made his international debut as the brand ambassador of BVLGARI at 2017 Baselworld.[43][44]

Philanthropy

In June 2014, Wu joined Heart Ali, a project started by Fan Bingbing and Chen Lizhi (the general manager of Beijing Maite Media). The charity project is aimed at helping children suffering from congenital heart defects in Ngari Prefecture in Tibet.[45]

On January 21, 2016, he launched his own charity project called Extraordinary Honorary Court (不凡荣誉球场), a collaboration project with Sina, Weibo Sports, and Weibo Charity. The goal is to spread basketball in middle schools in China to encourage all basketball-loving youth to continue their dreams of pursuing this sport.[46] Wu was also announced as the ambassador for China's Jr. NBA program and is part of the program's mentor group.[47][48]

SM Entertainment lawsuit

On May 15, 2014, Wu filed a lawsuit against the agency to terminate his contract.[49] SM Entertainment claimed to be completely taken aback despite having dealt with several disputes regarding their contracts in the past.[50]

On July 30, 2015, SM Entertainment filed a lawsuit against Wu and the Chinese companies working with him at the Beijing court, stating that "these activities have infringed the rights of the EXO members and SM, and have caused great financial harm to us and our partners. This is not only an abuse of the system, but also an unethical move that has betrayed the trust of this company and the other members."[51] The following day, Wu released a statement defending himself stating that S.M. Entertainment had made him leave the group for several months and that S.M. Entertainment's way of mistreating and neglecting their artists resulted in serious health issues: he had to take medication to be able to work from July 2013 to January 2014, when he was diagnosed with myocarditis.[52] A settlement was reached that he will be under their management in only Korea and Japan.[53]

Filmography

Film

YearEnglish TitleChinese TitleRoleNotesRef.
2015Somewhere Only We Know有一个地方只有我们知道Ze Yang[9]
Mr. Six老炮儿Xiao Fei[12]
2016The Mermaid美人鱼Long JianfeiCameo[54]
So Young 2: Never Gone致青春2:原来你还在这里Cheng Zheng[15]
Sweet Sixteen夏有乔木,雅望天堂Xia Mu[16]
L.O.R.D: Legend of Ravaging Dynasties爵迹Yin Chen[19]
2017XXX: Return of Xander Cage极限特工3:终极回归Nicks[23]
Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back西遊伏妖篇Tang Sanzang[26]
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets星际特工Captain Neza[30]
Europe Raiders欧洲攻略Le Qi[33]
2018L.O.R.D: Legend of Ravaging Dynasties 2爵跡2:冷血狂宴Yin Chen[55]
TBABlossoms繁花[56]

Variety show

YearEnglish TitleChinese TitleRoleNetworkNotesRef.
2015Challenger's Alliance挑战者联盟Fixed CastZhejiang TV
201772 Floors of Mystery七十二层奇楼Hunan TV
The Rap of China中国有嘻哈ProduceriQiyi
2018The Next Top Bang中国梦之声·下一站传奇Fixed CastDragon TV

Discography

Album

List of albums, with selected chart positions
TitleAlbum detailsPeaksSales
AUS Dig.
[57]
US
[58]
Antares25100

Singles

TitleYearPeak chart positionsAlbum
[[LINK|lang_en|Billboard_charts|BB CHN Social]]
[62]
US
[63]
US R&B/ HH
[64]
R&B/HH Digital
[65]
"Say Yes"
(with Jessica and Krystal)
2014Make Your Move (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
"Time Boils The Rain (时间煮雨)"Tiny Times 3 OST
"There is a Place (有一个地方)"[66]Somewhere Only We Know OST
"Bad Girl"[67]2015Non-album single
"Greenhouse Girl (花房姑娘)"Mr. Six OST
"From Now On (从此以后)"2016Sweet Sixteen OST
"July"[68]Non-album single
"Sword like a Dream (刀剑如梦)"World of Sword OST
"Good Kid (乖乖)"
(with Tan Jing)[69]
Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons 2 OST
"Juice"2017XXX: Return of Xander Cage (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
"6"[70]Non-album singles
"I Choose the Road (我选择的路)"
"Deserve"[71]
(featuring Travis Scott)
[1]412Antares
"Miss You (想你)"
(featuring Zhao Liying)
Non-album singles
"B.M."15
"Hold Me Down"2018Antares
"Like That"[73]73374
"Freedom"[74]
(featuring Jhené Aiko)
1525
"Coupe"[75]
(featuring Rich the Kid)
"A Large Bowlful of Noodles (大碗宽面)"[76]
20191TBA
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region.

Other songs

TitleYearPeak chart positionsAlbum
[[LINK|lang_en|Billboard_charts|BB CHN Social]]
[77]
"November Rain"201811Antares

Notes

Production credits

YearAlbumSongLyricsMusic
CreditedWithCreditedWith
2014Somewhere Only We Know OST"There is a Place"YesSong Bin-young
2015"Bad Girl"YesYesSong Bin-young and Brave Brothers
Mr. Six OST"Greenhouse Girl"YesCui Jian
2016Sweet Sixteen OST"From Now On"YesSong Bin-young
"July"YesCurtis, August Grant and Karl Rubin
2017XXX: Return of Xander Cage (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)"Juice"YesRook Monroe, Maurice Simmonds, Darius Ginn Jr., Mario JeffersonYesR!O & Kamo
"6"YesYesKevin Shin

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryNominated workResultRef.
2014Esquire Man At His Best Awards 2014Newcomer of the YearN/AWon[8]
Sohu Fashion AwardsAsian Fashion Icon of the Year
2015Sina 15th AnniversaryOutstanding Youth Award[78]
22nd Beijing College Student Film FestivalBest New ActorSomewhere Only We KnowNominated
3rd China International Film Festival LondonBest New ActorWon[11]
Best ActorNominated
Asian Influence AwardsMost Influential Male GodN/AWon[79]
NetEase Attitude AwardsIdol With Most Attitude on the Silver Screen[80]
2016Sina Weibo AwardsWeibo King[81]
Strong New ActorMr. Six
GMIC X Annual AwardsMainland China Actor of the Year[82]
19th Shanghai International Film FestivalNewcomer with the Most Media AttentionSweet Sixteen[17]
Fresh Asia AwardsMost Influential Male Singer of the Year"Bad Girl"[83]
29th Tokyo International Film Festival
Gold Crane Awards Ceremony (TIFFJAPAN)
Best ActorSweet Sixteen[18]
The 10th Migu Music AwardsMost Popular Male Singer of the Year (China)N/A[84]
Top 10 Songs of the Year"July"
Tencent Entertainment White PaperCelebrity of the YearN/A[85]
20178th Golden Broom AwardsMost Disappointing ActorVarious[86]

References

[1]
Citation Linkopenlibrary.org"Deserve" did not enter the Billboard Hot 100, but peaked at number four on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart. "Kris Wu Chart History: Bubbling Under Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved May 30, 2018.}
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[2]
Citation Linkpbs.twimg.com"Kris Wu's passport". Retrieved January 23, 2019.
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[3]
Citation Linkvariety.comStaff, Variety (April 23, 2018). "Kris Wu, Chinese Superstar Singer-Actor, Signs With Universal Music Group". Variety. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
Sep 21, 2019, 3:23 AM
[4]
Citation Linkwww.youtube.com"EXO Teaser 17_KRIS". SM Entertainment. February 15, 2012. Retrieved April 9, 2012.
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[5]
Citation Linkenglish.yonhapnews.co.kr"EXO wins third million-seller". Yonhap. August 18, 2016.
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[6]
Citation Linkenglish.sina.com"Wu Yifan sings for "Tiny times Ⅲ"". Sina. July 16, 2014.
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[7]
Citation Linkenglish.sina.com"Madame Tussauds to feature Wu Yifan replica". Sina. December 2, 2014.
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[8]
Citation Linkwww.weibo.com"时尚先生Esquire Official Weibo" (in Chinese). December 17, 2014.
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[9]
Citation Linkenglish.sina.com"Kris stars in Xu Jinglei's new film, Somewhere Only We Know". Sina. June 24, 2014.
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[10]
Citation Linkwww.hollywoodreporter.comCoonan, Clifford (February 16, 2015). "China Box Office: Valentine's Day Lifts 'Somewhere Only We Know' Ahead of New Year Face-Off". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 16, 2015.
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[11]
Citation Linkwww.bbc.com"《匆匆那年》获伦敦国际华语电影节最佳影片奖". BBC News (in Chinese). May 15, 2015. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
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[12]
Citation Linkwww.tnp.sg"Former EXO member Kris Wu gets villainous on the big screen". The New Paper. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
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[13]
Citation Linkenglish.sina.com"Chinese film to close 72nd Venice Film Fest". Sina. July 30, 2015.
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[14]
Citation Linkwww.latimes.com"'Mr. Six' crosses $100 million, tops China box office". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
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[15]
Citation Linkwww.china.org.cn"'So Young' sequel to meet audiences on July 8". China Internet Information Center. Retrieved January 16, 2017.
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[16]
Citation Linkwww.tvreport.co.kr"주원 中 스크린 진출작 '하유교목' 4월 개봉 확정". TV Report (in Korean). January 30, 2016.
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[17]
Citation Linkhn.people.com.cn"吴亦凡斩获年度新人奖 演《夏有乔木》惹人怜爱". People.cn (in Chinese). Retrieved February 22, 2017.
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[18]
Citation Linkwww.china.org.cn"Kris Wu, Jiang Qinqin honored in Tokyo". China Internet Information Center. October 27, 2016.
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[19]
Citation Linkwww.ibtimes.co.inMatthew, Ilin (May 7, 2015). "Former EXO Member Kris aka Wu Yifan to Share Screen Space with Chinese Actress Fan Bingbing". International Business Times.
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[20]
Citation Linkwww.vogue.com"Zayn Who? Meet Kris Wu, the Former Boy Band Superstar Member Who Took Burberry's Runway by Storm". Vogue. Retrieved January 16, 2016.
Sep 21, 2019, 3:23 AM