Career Timeline of Lee Hi: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 29, 2026

Discover the career path of Lee Hi, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Lee Hi is a South Korean singer-songwriter who gained recognition as the runner-up on K-pop Star. She officially debuted with the hit single "1, 2, 3, 4" in October 2012, which topped charts with impressive first-week sales. Her debut album, First Love, was released in two parts in March 2013.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

December 2011: K-pop Star Audition

In December 2011, Lee Hi auditioned for SBS's K-pop Star.

October 8, 2012: Featured on Epik High's Single "It's Cold"

On October 8, 2012, Lee Hi was featured on Epik High's single "It's Cold" before her official debut.

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October 24, 2012: Announcement of Solo Debut

On October 24, 2012, it was announced that Lee Hi would debut as a solo artist with the digital single "1, 2, 3, 4" on October 28.

October 28, 2012: Lee Hi's Debut with "1, 2, 3, 4"

On October 28, 2012, Lee Hi debuted with the single "1, 2, 3, 4", achieving number one and selling 667,549 downloads in the first week.

March 2, 2013: Announcement of 'First Love' Album Release

On March 2, 2013, YGE announced that Lee Hi's debut album, 'First Love', would be digitally released on March 7 and physically on March 28.

March 7, 2013: Release of 'First Love' Part 1

On March 7, 2013, Lee Hi released the first part of her full-length album 'First Love', which included five tracks.

March 28, 2013: Release of 'First Love' Part 2

On March 28, 2013, Lee Hi released the second part of her full-length album 'First Love'.

December 2013: Debut as Sub-Unit BOM&HI

In December 2013, Lee Hi and Park Bom of 2NE1 debuted as the sub-unit BOM&HI and released a cover of Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" on December 20.

November 2014: Formation of Sub-Unit Hi Suhyun

In November 2014, Lee Hi and Akdong Musician's Lee Su-hyun formed the sub-unit Hi Suhyun and released the digital single "I'm Different" featuring iKon's Bobby.

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March 9, 2016: Release of Half Album Seoulite

On March 9, 2016, Lee Hi released the half album 'Seoulite' with lead singles "Breathe" and "Hold My Hand".

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2016: Creation of Breathe due to Panic Attacks

In 2016, Lee Hi created her hit single "Breathe" due to suffering from minor panic attacks in the past.

February 28, 2017: Featured on Code Kunst's Single "X"

On February 28, 2017, Lee Hi was featured on Code Kunst's single "X" from the studio album 'Muggles Mansion'.

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March 9, 2017: Collaboration with MAC Cosmetics

On March 9, 2017, Lee Hi collaborated with MAC Cosmetics' Future Forward Collection to create a special edition matte red lipstick under her stage name, Lee Hi.

March 21, 2018: Release of Japanese Debut Album

On March 21, 2018, Lee Hi's Japanese debut album was released, marking the start of her Japan tour with stops in Tokyo and Osaka.

January 15, 2019: Release of Digital Single "XI"

On January 15, 2019, Lee Hi released the digital single "XI" with Code Kunst, which was performed live for the first time on MBC Dreaming Radio.

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May 30, 2019: Comeback with EP 24°C

On May 30, 2019, Lee Hi made a comeback with her EP, 24°C, featuring the lead single "No One".

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June 2020: Joining Begin Again as a Cast Member

In June 2020, Lee Hi joined the fourth season of JTBC's Begin Again as a cast member from episode 4 to 6.

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July 22, 2020: Signing with AOMG and Release of "Holo"

On July 22, 2020, AOMG announced that they had signed an exclusive contract with Lee Hi and released her comeback single "Holo".

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September 9, 2021: Release of Third Studio Album 4 Only

On September 9, 2021, Lee Hi released her third studio album, 4 Only.

March 2024: End of Exclusive Contract with AOMG

In March 2024, Lee Hi's exclusive contract with AOMG ended, and she decided not to renew.

September 23, 2024: Signs with Duover and Releases "One Thing" Video

On September 23, 2024, Lee Hi signed an exclusive contract with Duover to manage her activities and a video content of her unreleased new song "One Thing" was released on her YouTube channel to celebrate her 28th birthday.

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