Tiger JK (Drunken Tiger)

Name: Tiger JK
Korean Name: Suh Jung Kwon
Birthday: June 11th, 1974
Height: approximately 6'0ft (180cm)
Weight: 143lbs. (65kg)
Nationality: Korean
Blood Type: O
Group Status: Active
Favorite Musician: Bob Marley
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Actor: Bruce Lee
Schools: Beverly Hills High School, College: UCLA (majored in English)
Things He Does Well: TaeKwonDo (5th rank black belt)
Saddest Moment In Life: When he was reading the letters from his parents while he was in jail.
First Appearance: KFPK broadcast's "Hip Hop Festival" in high school, with Micki Eyes.
Before Drunken Tiger: Released a solo album with title song, "Hide And Seek." Unfortunately, the album didn't do well.
Siblings: Two younger sisters, Jane & Jamie
Drinking Capacity: 2 bottles of Tequila
Website: www.jungleent.com, www.lungta.co.kr, www.dt-love.co.kr

Tiger JK was already a pioneer in the making prior to Drunken Tiger's debut. JK immigrated to Los Angeles at the age of 11, but upon arrival, JK was pressured by many to assume the stereotypical Korean image. Instead, JK chose to rebel against it, and ended up joining a black gang, the Criminal Minded Kings. While other Koreans criticized JK for being more "Black," JK felt more comfortable with CMK and the Black culture. It was during this period that JK started familiarizing himself with hip-hop culture.

In 1992, JK was inspired by the Los Angeles race riots to break a media-constructed stereotype that portrayed Koreans as uncompassionate towards the Black community. At a show hosted by DJ Nhamdi, JK spoke his feelings in lyrics rather than a speech, and despite the criticisms he received by that crowd, he still caught the attention of some Korean record labels. He signed with one label and released a solo called "Call Me Tiger, but unfortunately, JK's title song, "Hide & Seek," didn't do well due to restrictions put on the album. The song received only a few plays on the radio and the lyrics were found inappropriate for television. However, JK set the early precedents for Korean hip-hop culture.

Both members of Drunken Tiger improved tremendously in their skills over the years, but it was JK's abilities as a songwriter that impressed fans the most. During the first album, JK and Shine were criticized heavily for their "mediocre" Korean speaking abilities and their English-dominated first album. However, JK shot back at critics hard when it was revealed he wrote the majority of the Korean lyrics for the second album. Ever since then, JK has been the main writer of DT's Korean lyrics, and he has been hailed by fellow rappers as having one of the best flows/written skills amongst Korean artists.

JK has gone on to produce tracks for a variety of artists, including Tasha, YDG, and even R&B artist, J. JK was also responsible for the 4th album hit, "Thumb." After Shine's leave during the 5th album, many fans worried if JK would be able to hold his own. However, JK's career soared, winning the #1 spot on the charts for "Liquor Shots" and later winning the MNET "2005 Best Music Video Of the Year" award, possibly the biggest honor ever given to DT. JK soon after became the official spokesperson for Reebok's Asia campaign, Prime beer, and a variety of prominent brands. After he finished promoting the 6th album, JK left DT's longtime label, Doremi Records, and started his own record label, Jungle Entertainment.

credit: drunkencamp.com