History of Seungri in Timeline

"Lee Seung-hyun, known as Seungri, is a South Korean ex-singer-songwriter and convicted criminal. Previously, he was part of the popular boy band BigBang, managed by YG Entertainment. His career ended with his involvement in the Burning Sun scandal."

December 12, 1990: Birth

Lee Seung-hyun was born on December 12, 1990. He would later be known by the stage name Seungri.

2007: BigBang's Breakthrough with "Always"

BigBang achieved significant success with their EP "Always" in 2007, which included the hit song "Lies". Seungri also recorded his first solo song, "The Next Day", for the group's first album, "Big Bang Vol.1 - Since 2007", that same year.

2008: Debut with BigBang and Solo Debut

Seungri began to cultivate a more mature image following BigBang's release of their album "Remember" in 2008. He also made his theatrical debut in the musical "Sonagi" and starred in the films "Nineteen" and "Why Did you Come to My House?" that same year.

2008: Solo Activities and BigBang's "Remember"

Seungri took on various solo endeavors in 2008, including acting in the musical "Sonagi" and hosting MBC's "Show! Music Core". He also released the solo single "Strong Baby" as part of BigBang's album "Remember".

2009: Film Debut

Seungri appeared in his first films, "Nineteen" and "Why Did You Come to My House?", in 2009.

2010: Enrollment at Chung-Ang University

Seungri began attending Chung-Ang University in the spring of 2010, alongside Girls' Generation members Yuri and Sooyoung.

January 20, 2011: Release of "V.V.I.P" and Acting Debut

Seungri released his first extended play, "V.V.I.P", on January 20, 2011, showcasing his involvement in the production process. He also made his acting debut in the MBC drama "Lights and Shadows" that year.

2011: Release of EP "V.V.I.P"

Seungri released his chart-topping EP, "V.V.I.P", in 2011, featuring the singles "VVIP" and "What Can I Do". This release furthered his image as a mature artist.

2012: Transfer to Gukje Digital University

Due to scheduling conflicts with BigBang, Seungri dropped out of Chung-Ang University and enrolled at Gukje Digital University to accommodate his busy schedule.

2012: Japanese Promotions and Television Appearances

Seungri began his Japanese promotions in 2012, appearing on variety shows, hosting a radio program, and taking on a special MC role on Fuji TV's "Sakigake! Ongaku Banzuke Eight".

January 2013: Role in "Kindaichi Shonen no Jikenbo"

Seungri starred in the Japanese drama special "Kindaichi Shonen no Jikenbo", based on the manga, which premiered in January 2013 and later won an award at the Tokyo Drama Awards.

August 2013: Release of "Let's Talk About Love"

Seungri's second Korean EP, "Let's Talk About Love", was released in August 2013 and achieved commercial success. He followed this with his first Japanese album, which topped the Oricon Charts.

2013: Release of Second EP and Japanese Debut

In 2013, Seungri released his second Korean EP, "Let's Talk About Love", which became his second number one album. He also debuted in Japan with a Japanese version of the EP.

2013: Lead Role in "Yubikoi ~Kimini Okuru Message~"

Seungri starred in the Japanese drama "Yubikoi ~Kimini Okuru Message~ - A Message Sent To You" from 2013 to 2014.

2014: Supporting Role in "Angel Eyes"

Seungri appeared in the Korean medical drama "Angel Eyes" in 2014, playing the role of an aspiring emergency rescue worker.

2014: Start of Café Business

Seungri started his café business in 2014 with And Here, a waffle café in Daehangno.

May 2015: Joined FC MEN Celebrity Soccer Club

Seungri became a member of the celebrity soccer club FC MEN in May 2015, taking on the forward position and the number 11.

2015: Briquette Charity with Sean

In 2015, Seungri participated in a briquette charity event with label-mate Sean. Initially pledging 30,000 briquettes, he exceeded his promise by donating 130,000. He was joined by other celebrities like F.T. Island's Choi Jong-hoon and Jung Joon-young of Drug Restaurant (formerly JJY).

2015: Allegations of Prostitution Related to a Christmas Party

In 2015, allegations of prostitution related to a Christmas party surfaced, with Seungri denying the charges but his business partner admitting to arranging entertainment for Japanese investors.

2015: Charge of Eliciting Violence Added

In 2015, an incident involving Seungri, his acquaintances, and a drunk customer in a bar led to the prosecution adding a charge of eliciting violence against Seungri.

2015: Extensive Touring with BigBang

Seungri toured extensively with his band, BigBang, from 2015 to 2016 to promote their third Korean album, Made.

August 2016: Filming Begins for Bonjour L'amour

In August 2016, Seungri began filming for his first Chinese film, Bonjour L'amour.

December 2016: Launch of Aori Ramen Franchise

Seungri launched a Japanese ramen restaurant franchise called Aori Ramen in Seoul in December 2016.

December 2017: Coal Briquette Delivery and Donation to ChildFund Korea

In December 2017, Seungri, alongside 30 Aori Ramen staff members and his father, distributed coal briquettes to underprivileged families to help with heating and cooking. He also made a generous donation of 100 million won to ChildFund Korea, a global child welfare organization.

2017: Jiu-Jitsu Competition and Taekwondo Black Belt

Competing as Richard Lee in his first jiu-jitsu competition under the Japan Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation in 2017, Seungri won a silver medal in the adult white open-weight class and a bronze medal in the adult white featherweight class. He also holds a black belt in taekwondo.

2017: Expansion of Aori Ramen and Investment in Dr. Gloderm

In 2017, Seungri's Aori Ramen franchise expanded throughout Asia, and he invested in the medical cosmetic brand Dr. Gloderm.

March 2, 2018: Bonjour L'amour Film Release

Seungri's first Chinese film, Bonjour L'amour, was released on March 2, 2018.

May 2018: Announcement of "The Great Seungri" Solo Tour

In May 2018, Seungri announced his first solo tour, The Great Seungri, to support his upcoming studio album.

July 20, 2018: Release of "The Great Seungri" Album

On July 20, 2018, Seungri released his first Korean studio album, The Great Seungri, featuring lead singles "1, 2, 3!" and "Where R U From".

October 2018: Premiere of "YG Future Strategy Office"

Seungri starred in YG and Netflix's sitcom-variety show, YG Future Strategy Office, which premiered in October 2018.

2018: Founding of Burning Sun Nightclub

Burning Sun, a nightclub that Seungri was affiliated with as a creative director/shareholder, was founded in 2018.

2018: Collaboration with Liquid State and CEO of YGX

In 2018, Seungri became an ambassador for Sony Music Entertainment and Tencent Music Entertainment's new electronic dance music label, Liquid State, and was involved in musical collaborations. He also became the CEO of YGX, a YG Entertainment sub-label, where he scouted hip-hop talent and managed entertainment businesses. YGX also encompassed Seungri's DJ label, Natural High Record, HIGHGRND, and the YGX Academy.

2018: Release of First Korean Studio Album

Seungri released his first Korean studio album, "The Great Seungri", in 2018.

March 11, 2019: Departure from BigBang and Retirement

Following allegations of providing female clients as sex workers, Seungri departed from BigBang and retired from the entertainment industry on March 11, 2019.

March 25, 2019: Military Enlistment and Postponement Request

Despite the ongoing Burning Sun scandal, Seungri was scheduled to begin his mandatory military service at the Nonsan Army Training Center on March 25, 2019. However, as the investigation unfolded, he requested a postponement of his enlistment. The Military Manpower Administration granted him a three-month delay.

August 28, 2019: Questioning Related to Illegal Gambling

Seungri was questioned in connection with illegal gambling on August 28, 2019.

2019: Resignation from Management Positions

In 2019, Seungri stepped down from all his management roles before enlisting in the military, as mandated by Korean law.

January 10, 2020: Second Arrest Warrant Request

On January 10, 2020, the prosecution requested a second arrest warrant for Seungri on seven charges, which was subsequently denied.

March 9, 2020: Military Enlistment and Case Transfer

Seungri enlisted in the military on March 9, 2020, and his case was transferred to the military court.

September 16, 2020: Start of Military Trial

Seungri's military trial began on September 16, 2020, where he faced charges related to the Burning Sun scandal, including sexual bribery and embezzlement.

March 25, 2021: Witness Claims False Statement in Seungri's Trial

On March 25, 2021, during Seungri's trial, a witness claimed that the police had fabricated a statement against him, raising concerns about potential confirmation bias in the investigation.

August 12, 2021: Conviction and Sentencing

On August 12, 2021, a military court found Seungri guilty on all charges and sentenced him to three years in prison and a fine.

October 1, 2021: Verdict Under Appeal and Suspension from Military Service

On October 1, 2021, it was revealed that the court's verdict in Seungri's case was not final and the trial was being reviewed by the Court of Appeal. Consequently, his military service was put on hold.

January 27, 2022: Sentence Reduction

Seungri's sentence was reduced to 18 months on January 27, 2022, after he admitted guilt and expressed remorse for his actions.

May 26, 2022: Supreme Court Upholds Sentence, Seungri Transferred to Civilian Prison

On May 26, 2022, the Supreme Court of Korea upheld Seungri's sentence, leading to his discharge from the military and transfer to a civilian prison.

June 8, 2022: Dismissal from Military and Transfer to Civilian Prison

Following the Supreme Court's verdict, Seungri, who received a one-year and six-month prison sentence, was discharged from the military on June 8, 2022, by the Army Headquarters' Human Resources Division. He was transferred from the Army Prison in Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, to Yeoju Prison, the closest civilian prison.