mink was born and raised in Korea before traveling to Japan to further her education. While in Japan, she submitted
demo tracks of
"Don't know why", "
When You Believe", and "
Namida Sousou" to
Avex Trax, one of Japan's leading
J-pop labels. She was signed with them soon after. In August 2005, her debut album "mink" was released and received a good reception while featuring "Beautiful", a song used for the film
Initial D: The Movie. The album also included covers of "
I Can't Tell You Why", "
Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing",
"Suki", and "
More than Words". In October, mink performed live in the "es sadaharu hoshino" Paris collection held in Paris, France. In early 2006, her song "Glory of Life" from her debut album was released and licensed to Rhythm Zone/King Street Records and
remixed by
Chris Cox,
John Creamer and
Stephane K. This song hit the #1 position on the U.S.
Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. This placed her alongside
Kumi Koda ("
Trust Your Love") and
Hikaru Utada (
"Devil Inside"). as one of the first Asian Artists to have a #1 single in the USA. In March, she participated in the "Winter Music Conference" in Miami, USA. She was ranked 8th in the 2006 USEN Japanese Music Total HIT Ranking. To follow her American success, her second single "4 Love" was originally scheduled to be co-released in the USA. However, it was later canceled and only released only in Japan. mink's "Eternal Love" from that single was remixed and used for the film
Chisaki Yusha Tachi Gamera. In December, her "Here by my side" was used as the theme song for the 3D animated short
Joe and Marilyn, part of the omnibus film
Amazing Nuts! produced by
Studio 4°C. This song was later released on her third album, "Shalom". In January 2007, mink's "Innocent Blue -Chi Hate Umi Tsukiru Made-" was released as the theme song for the Japan-Mongol epic film,
Aoki Ookami. Her song "Together again" was used in
"Vexil -2077 Nihon Sengoku" and released in August. In March 2008, she received the "Film Music Artist Award" during the 17th Japan Film Critics Award. ==Discography==