Akira (Korean: 아키라, Japanese: 明) is a Korean-Japanese singer currently under YR Entertainment.
He made his solo debut in Japan on February 14th, 2019 with the digital single "バラ色の口紅", and in South Korea on March 14th, 2019 with the Korean version, "Rose-Colored Lipstick".
Early Life[]
Akira was born in Tokyo, Japan on December 25th, 2000. He lived quite an average life as a child, he was never remarkable in anything but was popular for his looks and charisma.
As a half-Korean, Akira always loved K-pop, and he really wanted to be a part of that world, so he began attending auditions. After various failed auditions, Akira was eventually accepted to TYC Entertainment (Now ADORE).
Career[]
Pre-debut: 2012-2015[]
Akira joined TYC Entertainment in 2012 as an idol trainee. After not being chosen to debut, he departed from the company in 2014.
In 2015, shortly after his departure from TYC Entertainment, Akira joined YR Entertainment as an idol trainee. Later that year, Akira was revealed as one of the original YR Newcomers.
2015-2018: Debut with LUVX, Departure from LUVX[]
On October 7, 2015, Akira was revealed as the sixth and final member of LUVX. He later debuted with them on October 27, 2015.
On March 2, 2018, Akira was announced to be leaving LUVX due to personal reasons, staying under YR Entertainment.
2019-2020: Solo debut in Japan and Korea, Kiss, Black Shirt, Acting debut[]
Akira made his solo debut in Japan with "バラ色の口紅" on February 14.
One month later, Akira made his solo debut in South Korea with "Rose-Colored Lipstick" on March 14.
On July 10, he released his 1st mini album, Kiss.
On October 21, Akira made his acting debut as supporting character in Japanese drama 私の最初で最後.
Akira finished off the year by releasing his 2nd mini album, Black Shirt, on October 31.
2021-2022: "タッチ・ミー," Fleur Noir, Thin Waist Boy, White Suit, First world tour[]
On February 14, Akira released his 2nd Japanese digital single, "タッチ・ミー." He said it was a Valentine's day gift to his beautiful and handsome fans.
On April 20, he released his 1st studio album, Fleur Noir.
On January 6, Akira released his 3rd mini album, Thin Waist Boy. He soon after released the Japanese version of the title track, "Thin Waist Boy".
5 months later, on June 21, Akira released his 2nd studio album, White Suit.
Soon after releasing his 2nd studio album, Akira embarked on his first world tour, "Akira Universe 2022." He performed in many countries, spanning 4 continents.
2023-2024: "Snake”[]
On June 20, 2023, he released the Korean and Japanese version of his 2nd digital single, "Snake".
2025-present: "KANT"[]
On February 10, 2025, YR Entertainment released a teaser with the question "I'M SERVING WHAT?" Hinting a comeback for Akira. On February 11, 2025, YR Entertainment announced Akira's 1st single album, "KANT". He officially had his first comeback since 2023 on February 13, 2025.
Personal life[]
Friendships[]
Discography[]
Digital singles[]
- "Rose-Colored Lipstick" (2019)
- "Snake" (2023)
Single albums[]
- "KANT" (2025)
Mini albums[]
- Kiss (2019)
- Black Shirt (2019)
- Thin Waist Boy (2022)
Studio albums[]
- Fleur Noir (2021)
- White Suit (2022)
Japanese[]
Digital singles[]
- "バラ色の口紅" (2019)
- "タッチ・ミー" (2021)
- "Thin Waist Boy (Japanese Version)" (2022)
- "Snake (Japanese Version)" (2023)
Studio albums[]
- 桜の恋 (2020)
Concerts[]
Korean Concerts[]
- "Akira World in Seoul 2020"
- "Akira World in Busan 2020"
- "Rose Blossom 2021"
Japanese Concerts[]
- "Akira World in Tokyo 2020"
- "Akira World in Kyoto 2020"
- "Lily Blossom 2021"
Asian Tours[]
- "Akira Universe 2022"
Fan meetings[]
- "Loving with Akira in Seoul 2019"
- "Loving with Akira in Tokyo 2019"
- "Kira Kira in Tokyo 2021"
- "Fleur Noir in Seoul 2021"
Filmography[]
Dramas[]
- 私の最初で最後 (ABEMA Tv, 2019)
- ハナちゃんの初恋 (2020)
- 絶望の人生 (2020)
- バラの花 (2021)
- 永遠に (2021)
- Blade (2022)
- 말대로 (As You Say) (2023)
- CAMP (2024)
Movies[]
- 思春期の夢 (2022)
- Tokyo Boys (2022)
Reality shows[]
- MY ROOKIE IDOL (LYM, 2023)
- WORLD CLASS (HKRT, 2024)
Awards & Nominations[]
HKRT Music Awards[]
| Year | Category | Recipient | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| HKRT Year End Awards | |||
| 2019 | Best Rookie Artist | Akira | Won |
| Best Male Solo Dance | Rose-Colored Lipstick | ||
| 2021 | Best Male Solo | Fleur Noir | |
| Album of the Year | Fleur Noir | Nominated | |
| 2022 | Best Male Performance | Small Waist Boy | Won |
| Album of the Year | White Suit | ||
| 2023 | Best Male Dance Performance | Snake (넌 뱀) | |
| Shining Groove Awards | |||
| 2024 | Special | Akira | Won |
Producing and writing credits[]
| Artist | Song | Album | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | |||
| Himself | "KANT" | "KANT" | Writing Composing Arranging |
| "DaQueenation" | Writing Composing Arranging | ||
| "カント (KANT JPN Ver.)" | Writing Composing Arranging | ||
| ALiCEDOLL | "iDOL" | Writing | |
Gallery[]
Promotional[]
Trivia[]
- Family: Father, mother, and a younger brother (seven years younger).
- Pet(s): A male Corgi named Ichigo.
- Nicknames: Kira, Bitnakira.
- Favorite food: Tonkatsu.
- Favorite color: Cerise .
- Favorite songs: "허리가 얇은 보이 (Thin Waist Boy)" by Himself, "君がいる限り" by Stephanie, "Mama" by EXO.
- Role models: Stephanie, Chanyeol (EXO).
- Akira is fluent in Korean and Japanese.
- Akira is learning English, he's quite good.
- Akira is close with labelmates Yoonjung and Pristine because he mentored them as trainees.