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Key Information

Jung San (Korean: 정산; born (1985-01-23)January 23, 1985),[1] more commonly known by his stage name San E (산이), is a South Korean rapper.[2] He debuted in 2010 under JYP Entertainment, where he was the label's first solo rapper. He left the company in 2013 to sign with hip hop label Brand New Music.[3] He left the company in 2018[4] and established hip hop label FameUs Entertainment in 2019.[5]

San E has released one full-length album: The Boy Who Cried Wolf (2015), and three extended plays: Everybody Ready? (2010), 'Not' Based on the True Story (2013), and Season of Suffering (2017).[3][6] San E has received several major awards, including Best Hip Hop Song at the 2010 Korean Music Awards,[7] Best Rap Performance at the 2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards,[8] and the Hip Hop Award at the 2016 Golden Disc Awards[9] and at the 2016 Seoul Music Awards.[10]

Early life

[edit]

San E was born on January 23, 1985, in South Korea. He moved with his family to Atlanta, Georgia, US, when he was a middle school student because his parents had been struggling financially as a result of the 1997 Asian financial crisis.[11] He attended the University of Georgia, where he majored in graphic design.[12]

Career

[edit]

2008–2009: Mixtapes and underground fame

[edit]

San E released his first mixtapes Ready To Be Signed and Ready To Be Famous in 2008 and 2009, respectively. As a way to draw attention to his self-released music, San E jokingly dissed established underground rapper Verbal Jint in one of his songs. The diss brought him attention from the Korean hip hop community and from Verbal Jint himself, who invited San E to join his hip hop crew, Overclass.[2][13][14]

2010–2012: JYP Entertainment and Everybody Ready?

[edit]

Still unsigned, San E won Best Hip Hop Song at the 2010 Korean Music Awards for the track "Rap Genius."[15] Soon after, he became the first solo rapper to sign with JYP Entertainment, one of the "big three" records labels in the k-pop industry.[16] That September, he released his first mini-album, Everybody Ready?, which featured fellow JYP Entertainment artists Min (of Miss A), and Joo and Yeeun (of Wonder Girls). He debuted several days later on the television music show, M Countdown, with his single "Tasty San," featuring Min.[17] In November, San E started another round of promotions for the single, "LoveSick," the music video for which starred label mate Sohee of Wonder Girls.[18][unreliable source?]

In 2011, San E released several singles, including "Please Don't Go," a collaboration with rapper Outsider and singer Lee Changmin (of 2AM).[19][unreliable source?] The song reached #14 on the Gaon Digital Chart, making it his highest charted song while contracted under JYP Entertainment.[20] He also collaborated that year with Verbal Jint, Beenzino, Swings, and other artists on the single "Stand Up, Japan!" which benefited Japan's relief efforts after the Tohoku tsunami.[21][unreliable source?]

2013–2018: Brand New Music and top ten success

[edit]
San E at the 2014 Seoul International Drama Awards

In April 2013, San E ended his contract with JYP Entertainment, saying that he was leaving on good terms.[22][unreliable source?] That June, he joined hip hop label, Brand New Music, home to his Overclass crew mate, Verbal Jint.[23][unreliable source?] San E achieved his first #1 hit on the Gaon Digital Chart with the song, "Story of Someone I Know," from the album 'Not' Based on the True Story.[24][unreliable source?][25] His next three singles, "Where Did You Sleep?" (feat. Verbal Jint and Swings), "Break-Up Dinner" (feat. Sanchez of Phantom), and "What's Wrong With Me" (feat. Kang Min Hee), all reached the top ten of the Gaon Digital Chart.[26][27][28] San E's success continued with the single "A Midsummer Night's Sweetness," a collaboration with Raina (of After School). The song was an instant hit and achieved #1 on ten music charts shortly after its debut.[29][unreliable source?] The song went on to win awards that year at the Gaon Chart K-Pop Awards, the MelOn Music Awards, and the Seoul Music Awards.[30][unreliable source?][31][unreliable source?][32][unreliable source?] His next single, "Body Language" (featuring Bumkey), was also a #1 hit, topping both the Gaon Digital Chart and seven Korean real-time music charts shortly after its release, despite its 19+ rating.[33][unreliable source?][34] In June 2017, San E was featured in Hyoyeon's single "Wannabe".[35] San E was also the rap mentor for KBS2's survival show, The Unit.[36]

In late 2018, Brand New Music terminated San E's contract after the rapper made a series of controversial remarks about feminism.[4][37]

2019–present: CEO of FameUs Entertainment

[edit]

In 2019, San E established hip hop label FameUs Entertainment and recruited rappers Errday, Malkey, and Be'O. They released their first compilation album God FameUs on April 9, 2020.[5]

Personal life

[edit]

Relationship and marriage

[edit]

San-E married his girlfriend in a private ceremony on September 24, 2022, in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.[38]

On September 13th, 2025, San E announced he and his wife were expecting their first child.

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Album details Peak position Sales
KOR
[39]
The Boy Who Cried Wolf
(양치기 소년; Yangchigi Sonyeon) 		17 1,816+[40]

Extended plays

[edit]
Title Album details Peak position Sales
KOR
[39]
Everybody Ready? 20 [No data available]
'Not' Based on the True Story
  • Released: November 21, 2013
  • Label: Brand New Music, LOEN
  • Formats: CD, digital download
 27 1,558+[41]
Season of Suffering
  • Released: January 23, 2017
  • Label: Brand New Music, LOEN
  • Formats: CD, digital download
 22 845+[42]
Ballad Rap Song
  • Released: December 12, 2019
  • Label: FameUs Entertainment
  • Formats: Digital download
 — N/a

Charted songs

[edit]
Title Year Peak position Sales Album
KOR
[39]
"Tasty San" (feat. Min) 2010 45 [No data available] Everybody Ready?
"LoveSick" 19
"Someone's Dream" (feat. So Hyang) 2011 48 Dream High OST Pt. 3
"Please Don't Go" (feat. Outsider & Changmin) 14 407,462+ Non-album single
"Wish U To Be Unhappy" (feat. Bee of Rphabet) 54 242,259+
"Big Boy" (feat. Bee of Rphabet) 39 108,996+
"Story Of Someone I Know" 2013 1 1,139,790+ 'Not' Based on the True Story
"Where Did You Sleep?" (feat. Verbal Jint & Swings) 8 570,537+
"Break-Up Dinner" (feat. Sanchez of Phantom) 3 608,340+
"What's Wrong With Me" (feat. Kang Min-hee) 2014 4 952,054+ You're All Surrounded OST Pt.1
"A Midsummer Night's Sweetness" (with Raina) 1 2,176,748+ Non-album single
"Body Language"
(feat. Bumkey) 		1 727,872+
"Brand New Day" (with Brand New Music artists) 30 100,723+ Brand New Year Vol.3
"Coach Me"
(with Hyolyn) (Feat. Jooheon) 		2015 16 150,317+ No Mercy Part.1
"On Top Of Your Head"
(모두가 내 발 아래; Moduga Nae Bal Arae)
(feat. MC Gree) 		17 122,579+ The Boy Who Cried Wolf
"Me You"
(feat. Baek Yerin) 		2 1,127,476+[43]
"Like Father, Like Son"
(그 아버지에 그 아들; Geu Abeojie Geu Aduel) 		23 143,833+[44] Non-album single
"Sour Grapes"
(못 먹는 감; Mot Meongneun Gam)
(with Mad Clown) 		2 774,942+[45]
"Like An Airplane"
(마치 비행기; Machi Bihaenggi)
(feat. Gary) 		2016 12 250,502+
"Sugar and Me"
(달고나; Dalgona)
(with Raina) 		5 418,248+
"I Am Me"
(feat. Hwasa of Mamamoo) 		2017 61 28,700+ Season of Suffering
"Mohae"
(feat. Bolbbalgan4) 		5 158,185+[46] Non-album single
"A Midsummer Night's Sweetness: Summer Again"
(한여름밤의 꿀: 다시 여름; Hannyeoreumbamui Kkul: Dasi Yeoreum)
(with Raina) 		2021 62 Non-album single

Filmography

[edit]

Television variety programs

[edit]
Year Title Notes
2014 Show Me The Money 3 Appeared throughout season as producer on "Team Brand New Music."
2015 Show Me The Money 4 Appeared throughout season as producer on "Team Brand New Music."
Unpretty Rapstar Host of season 1
Unpretty Rapstar 2 Host of season 2
Off to School Cast member for episodes 44-46
2016 Hip Hop Nation Co-host with Shin Dong Yup
2016–2017 Battle Trip Co-host (until April 2017)
2017 The Unit Mentor/Host of season 1
2018 High School Rapper 2 Mentor
2021 Show Me the Money 10 Contestant

Awards and nominations

[edit]

Gaon Chart K-Pop Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2013 "Story of Someone I Know"[47][unreliable source?] Song/Artist of the Year (August) Won
2014 "A Midsummer Night's Sweetness" (with Raina)[48][unreliable source?] Song/Artist of the Year (July) Won

Golden Disk Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2015 "A Midsummer Night's Sweetness" (with Raina) Digital Bonsang Nominated
2016 The Boy Who Cried Wolf Best Rap/Hip Hop Award Won

Korean Music Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2010 "Rap Genius" Best Hip Hop Song Won

MelOn Music Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2014
[49] 		"A Midsummer Night's Sweetness" (with Raina) Best Song Nominated
Hot Trend Nominated
Rap/Hip Hop Won
"What's Wrong With Me?" OST Nominated

Mnet Asian Music Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2014 "A Midsummer Night's Sweetness" (with Raina) Song of the Year[50] Nominated
"Body Language" Nominated
Best Rap Performance Nominated
"A Midsummer Night's Sweetness" (with Raina) Best Collaboration[50] Nominated
2015 "Me You" Song of the Year[51][unreliable source?] Nominated
Best Rap Performance Won

Seoul Music Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2014 San E & Raina Hip Hop/Rap Award Won
2015 San E Hip Hop/Rap Award Won

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

San E

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

San E (born Jung San; January 23, 1985) is a South Korean rapper, lyricist, and record producer.
Born in Incheon, he spent part of his youth in the United States before returning to South Korea to pursue music, debuting underground via features before his solo mini-album Everybody Ready? in 2010.
San E gained prominence with narrative-driven tracks like "Story of Someone I Know" featuring Raina in 2013, which highlighted his storytelling style, and later released full-length album The Boy Who Cried Wolf in 2015.
His career has been defined by provocative diss tracks and social critiques, including the 2018 song "Feminist," which challenged Korean dating norms, beauty pressures, and claims of a gender pay gap, sparking widespread debate and resulting in his contract termination by Brand New Music.
Subsequently independent, San E has encountered repeated legal scrutiny, including 2024 assault charges for striking a pedestrian with a cellphone, leading to his booking by Seoul's Mapo Police Station, and 2025 accusations of unlawful entry and property concealment tied to his label, from which he was acquitted.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Jung San, known professionally as San E, was born on January 23, 1985, in Sangok-dong, Bupyeong-gu, , . His family emigrated to , Georgia, in the United States during his second year of middle school, prompted by the 1997 IMF financial crisis that exacerbated economic hardships in Korea. The family encountered significant financial difficulties in the U.S., with San E's father attempting various low-wage jobs such as driving, labor, and automotive work, many of which ended in losses. He eventually settled into a long-term role as a high school janitor in , which he held for 15 years. San E's childhood was marked by familial tension, particularly stemming from his father's alcohol-related behavior, which involved destructive outbursts and created an atmosphere of fear; San E later recalled hating his father during this period due to these incidents and the inability to afford simple treats like pizza. The parental relationship was strained, contributing to a challenging home environment, though no records indicate formal divorce. In 2015, San E publicly reconciled with his father on the MBC program , where his father expressed remorse for past shortcomings and the family's struggles.

Education and early interests

San E attended Incheon Shinchon Elementary School and Bupyeongseo Middle School in Incheon, South Korea. During his second year of middle school, around age 13, he emigrated with his family to Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States due to his parents' decision to pursue opportunities abroad. Upon relocating to the US, San E was exposed to American hip-hop culture, which sparked his early interest in rap music and songwriting. He began creating original tracks, uploading them to personal blogs and promoting them within online hip-hop communities as a means of honing his skills. Later, he enrolled at the , majoring in . With only one semester remaining before graduation, San E dropped out in the mid-2000s to dedicate himself fully to pursuing a career in rap, viewing it as a higher-priority path than completing his degree.

Musical style and artistry

Influences and lyrical approach

San E's musical influences draw significantly from both American and Korean hip-hop traditions, shaped by his decade-long residence in the United States during his formative years. This period exposed him to Western rap, leading to stylistic elements reminiscent of , particularly in tracks like "불행했음 좋겠다" (I Hope You're Unhappy), where the atmosphere and delivery evoke Eminem's aggressive, narrative-driven approach as an apparent homage. Additionally, San E has cited —led by —as a key inspiration, having encountered their albums while abroad and later expressing admiration for JK's pioneering role in Korean hip-hop upon returning to Korea. Japanese producer also influenced specific works, such as "Luvsic," which echoes the emotional depth of Nujabes' "Luv(sic) Pt.2." These influences manifest in San E's fusion of contemporary hip-hop beats with melodic elements, occasionally incorporating traditional Korean sounds to create a distinctive Seoul-rooted sound. His lyrical approach emphasizes honesty and , aligning with his view that "real hip-hop is about being honest," as articulated in discussions on the genre's authenticity. Early works feature tight, skill-focused rap with punchy, history-infused punchlines and critiques of outdated hip-hop norms, as seen in "Rap ," where he rejects "old-school" ideas like hunger-driven creativity. San E employs witty , , and contemporary trends to craft catchy, humorous lines that balance levity with deeper commentary on human nature, relationships, and societal issues—shifting from romance-centric themes in hits like "Story of Someone I Know" to self-reflective explorations in later albums such as Season of Suffering. This narrative style often incorporates personas and , enabling provocative dissections of topics like the Korean hip-hop industry's immaturity or gender dynamics, though such content has sparked debate for its unfiltered realism over polished consensus. Over time, San E's style evolved from pure underground hip-hop to a hybrid " rap" format, typically structuring verses as 16 bars of rap followed by 8-bar melodic hooks, which broadened his appeal while retaining precise and live-performance prowess likened to mechanical accuracy. He distinguishes Korean rap's lyrical focus—often tied to local cultural contexts—from American rap's flow similarities, prioritizing subject matter rooted in personal and societal truths over universal beats. This approach, combined with his production skills, has yielded chart-topping tracks blending rap's raw edge with accessible melodies, earning praise for expressiveness despite polarizing content.

Evolution and reception

San E's musical style initially emphasized intricate wordplay, rapid delivery, and self-proclaimed "genius" lyrical dexterity, as showcased in his 2010 debut mini-album Everybody Ready? under JYP Entertainment, where tracks like "Rap Genius" highlighted boastful, technically proficient flows drawing from underground hip-hop roots. This approach evolved during his tenure at Brand New Music from 2013, incorporating more narrative-driven storytelling in EPs such as 'Not' Based on a True Story (2013) and the full-length The Boy Who Cried Wolf (2015), blending personal anecdotes with collaborations that broadened appeal, including the chart-topping "Story of Someone I Love" featuring Huh Gak in 2012. By 2017's Trap Book EP, San E shifted from pop-oriented instrumentals to harder trap beats and introspective, confessional lyrics, marking a departure toward grittier production while retaining his signature verbal agility. Reception of this evolution has been divided, with early work earning acclaim for revitalizing Korean hip-hop's lyrical standards; San E secured the Best Hip Hop Song at the for his debut efforts and Best Rap Performance at the , reflecting industry recognition of his technical prowess and mainstream crossover via hits like "Sour Grapes" with . Peers and outlets praised his "sensational" impact, positioning him as a bridge between underground authenticity and commercial viability, as noted by Brand New Music's Rhymer. However, later stylistic pivots and thematic choices drew for perceived dilution of hip-hop purity or inflammatory content, with some reviewers highlighting a tension between his adept and polarizing , contributing to uneven fan and critical responses amid broader Korean hip-hop's maturation. Despite backlash, his independent phase post-2019 via FameUs Entertainment sustained output with consistent lyrical focus, though commercial reception waned compared to peak collaborations.

Career

2008–2009: Mixtapes and underground beginnings

In 2008, San E, born Jung San, entered South Korea's underground hip-hop scene by featuring on the track "2008 Republic of Korea" from Verbal Jint's second studio album . That same year, he independently released his debut Ready to Be Signed, which included a track playfully dissing Verbal Jint as a means to gain attention in the competitive underground circuit. The mixtape showcased his sharp lyrical style and self-promotional bravado, establishing him as an emerging talent among niche hip-hop listeners without major label support. Building on initial buzz, San E followed up in with his second , Ready to Be Famous, continuing themes of ambition and critique within the industry. These releases circulated primarily through online platforms and underground networks, reflecting the DIY ethos of early Korean hip-hop, where artists relied on freestyles, cyphers, and to build followings. Though not commercially distributed, the mixtapes highlighted his bilingual skills—drawing from his South Korean-American background—and focus on storytelling over mainstream trends, earning respect in forums frequented by hip-hop enthusiasts. By late 2009, San E's underground efforts had positioned him for wider recognition, with the mixtapes' bold content, including industry jabs, sparking discussions in rap communities and foreshadowing his transition to signed artistry. His approach emphasized raw talent over polished production, aligning with the era's emphasis on authenticity amid a growing but fragmented Korean hip-hop landscape.

2010–2012: JYP Entertainment and debut

In 2010, San E signed an exclusive contract with , marking him as the agency's first solo rapper after gaining recognition in the underground hip-hop scene. This transition to a label primarily known for idol groups like and sparked debate among underground fans, who viewed JYP's commercial structure as incompatible with authentic rap artistry and questioned San E's motives for prioritizing mainstream exposure over independent credibility. On September 13, 2010, San E debuted under JYP with the mini-album Everybody Ready?, which included the lead single "Tasty San" (맛 좋은 산) featuring Min of , alongside tracks with JOO and Yubin of . The release positioned him as a bridge between hip-hop and JYP's pop ecosystem, though it received mixed reception for diluting his raw underground style to fit the label's polished production. Throughout 2011 and 2012, San E's output under JYP remained limited, with sporadic singles and features emphasizing collaborations within the agency's roster, such as the April 2011 track (가면 안돼) alongside Outsider and 2AM's Changmin. He participated in JYP Nation events, including overseas performances like the Fantasti K-POP Festival on June 18, 2011, and domestic fan engagements such as FAN's Day 2012, which highlighted the label's collective artists but offered little solo promotion for his rap-focused work. This period reflected JYP's cautious integration of hip-hop into its idol-centric model, constraining San E's creative compared to his pre-label mixtapes and contributing to his eventual departure in 2013.

2013–2018: Brand New Music and mainstream breakthrough

In April 2013, San E's contract with concluded amicably, after which he signed with . This transition marked a pivotal shift, enabling greater creative control as he took on production roles for his projects. His debut under came with the digital single "Story of Someone I Know" in August 2013, which showcased his lyrical storytelling and helped reestablish his presence post-JYP. The breakthrough arrived in June 2014 with the collaboration "A Midsummer Night's Sweetness" alongside After School's Raina, a track that dominated July's music charts, secured multiple end-of-year accolades, and exemplified the era's trend of successful male rapper-female vocalist duets. This hit, blending San E's rap verses with Raina's melodic hooks, amassed widespread streams and positioned him firmly in the mainstream. In December 2014, San E contributed to Brand New Music's collaborative single "Brand New Day," featuring labelmates like Verbal Jint and Phantom, further integrating him into the agency's roster. April 2015 saw the release of his debut studio album , comprising 11 tracks including "She's" featuring Jung In, which highlighted his matured production and introspective themes. The duo reunited in June 2016 for "Sugar & Me," another chart-topping effort that built on their prior success and reinforced San E's knack for infectious, seasonal anthems. Through consistent singles and features until 2018, these milestones elevated San E from underground roots to a prominent figure in Korean rap, with his tenure yielding over a dozen notable releases.

2019–present: Independence, FameUs Entertainment, and recent projects

In late 2018, San E's exclusive contract with expired, marking his transition to independent status. He released the double single San Chong Born 1985 on July 12, 2019, featuring the track "You're Working Hard," which addressed themes of perseverance and personal struggle through his signature ballad-rap style. Later that year, on December 12, he issued the Ballad Rap Song, continuing his focus on introspective, narrative-driven hip-hop without agency backing. In 2019, San E founded FameUs Entertainment as an independent hip-hop label, serving as its CEO to nurture emerging talent while managing his own career. The label signed rappers Errday, Malkey, and , emphasizing raw lyrical content and collaborative projects. On April 9, 2020, FameUs released its debut compilation album God FameUs, featuring contributions from all four artists, including tracks that showcased group synergy and individual flows amid the competitive Korean hip-hop scene. San E followed with the Look! What Happened To Love?! in 2020, exploring relational dynamics and emotional vulnerability. Subsequent projects under FameUs have centered on artist development rather than frequent solo output from San E, with the label expanding to include international talent like Chinese singer RETA. As of 2020, San E expressed plans for further -backed releases, positioning FameUs as a platform for "god-level" hip-hop innovation. His role has shifted toward and , sustaining his influence in underground and mainstream rap circles without major solo breakthroughs post-2020.

Controversies

2018 feminism debate and song backlash

In November 2018, San E released the single "Feminist" on November 16, critiquing aspects of contemporary Korean , including perceived hypocrisies in expectations where women demand equality but expect men to cover expenses, adherence to beauty standards despite equality rhetoric, and the , which he dismissed as a "f—-ing fake fact." The track positioned itself as a commentary on "fake" , with lyrics questioning why women seek equal treatment in some areas but preferential in others, such as exemptions or workplace promotions. The song prompted swift backlash from online communities and media, with critics labeling it misogynistic and ignorant of feminism's core principles, arguing it reinforced stereotypes rather than engaging substantive issues like systemic . Public figures and netizens accused San E of promoting anti-female sentiments amid South Korea's rising gender tensions, where young men increasingly voiced grievances over policies perceived as reverse . San E defended the track in statements, asserting on November 19 that criticism should target societal systems rather than individual men, and denying sexist intent by claiming the song highlighted double standards affecting both genders. He reiterated support for genuine equality while decrying what he viewed as performative or man-hating variants of . The controversy escalated on December 2 during San E's performance at Brand New Music's year-end concert, where he referenced detractors, including rapper Jerry.K, and performed elements of "Feminist," prompting renewed accusations of insensitivity and leading to his exclusion from subsequent events like a screening. By mid-December, San E extended to media coverage, reading aloud and rebutting articles that portrayed his lyrics as inherently misogynistic during a live stream on December 10, framing the backlash as biased sensationalism. The episode reflected broader South Korean debates on gender dynamics, with the song amassing millions of views but polarizing listeners along ideological lines. In July 2024, San E, whose legal name is Jung San, became involved in a physical altercation at a park entrance in Seoul's Mapo District. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on July 28, when San E and his father reportedly confronted a pedestrian after a verbal dispute escalated, leading to mutual assaults; witnesses stated San E used his cellphone and other objects to strike the victim, while the pedestrian did not use weapons. Following an investigation, Mapo Police Station booked San E on August 17, 2024, for special assault charges, with his father and an associate also charged in connection to the bidirectional violence. San E publicly admitted his involvement, apologized for his actions via social media, and expressed regret for losing control amid the argument. Despite the admission, prosecutors declined to indict San E in March 2025, effectively clearing him of formal prosecution in the assault case, citing factors such as the mutual nature of the conflict and lack of severe injury. No further legal proceedings stemmed from this incident, though it drew public criticism given San E's history of professional controversies. In a separate legal matter in 2025, San E faced accusations of unlawful entry and property damage from Chinese artist Reta (real name Fugia), a performer under his FameUs Entertainment label. Reta filed a complaint in May alleging San E directed individuals, including his father, to enter her residence without permission and dispose of her furniture amid a contract dispute; police investigated the claims, booking parties on both sides for related minor assaults during the event. Reta later withdrew the complaint, leading to San E's clearance of all charges by July 2025, after which he shared an update on social media affirming resolution without ongoing liability. This episode overlapped with broader agency tensions but did not result in convictions.

Agency disputes and other professional conflicts

In December 2018, San E's exclusive contract with was terminated following the release of his controversial track "Feminist," which the agency stated it had no prior knowledge of and for which it issued a formal apology. The abrupt end to the partnership, announced on December 6, came amid public backlash over the song's lyrics, leading San E to subsequently release "Trash Journalist" targeting media coverage of the incident. Prior to this, San E had joined in 2013 after leaving on amicable terms in April 2013, with no reported conflicts during his tenure there. After going independent, San E founded FameUs Entertainment (also referred to as Fame Earth in some contexts), but faced professional disputes involving the label. In May 2024, Big Planet Made Entertainment, representing rapper —who had previously been under FameUs—initiated a legal dispute over unsettled settlement payments owed from BE'O's contract transfer. San E publicly criticized Big Planet on , escalating tensions, though Big Planet Made ultimately prevailed in the against FameUs Entertainment. In May 2025, San E encountered an internal agency conflict when Chinese artist RETA (real name Fugia), signed to Fame Entertainment, accused him and an associate of unlawfully entering her residence and disposing of her furniture without consent, prompting a police investigation for trespassing and property concealment. San E denied the allegations, asserting the actions were to address contract violations and unpaid debts. The court cleared him of all charges in July 2025, ruling the entry lawful and no proven.

Personal life

Marriage and family

San E married a non-celebrity woman on September 24, 2022, in a private ceremony held in Seoul's neighborhood. His agency's announcement on August 23, 2022, confirmed the wedding would occur the following month, noting that the bride is younger than the rapper, who was born on , 1985. The couple's relationship had been kept private prior to the disclosure, and the wife's identity remains undisclosed to the public. San E comes from a consisting of his parents and two siblings: an older brother and a younger brother. No public information is available regarding children as of October 2025.

Public image and lifestyle

San E has cultivated a public image as an authentic figure in Korean hip-hop, emphasizing lyrical honesty and distinguishing himself from idol-oriented rappers through candid and technical skill. In a 2018 interview, he described real hip-hop as inherently tied to personal truthfulness, reflecting his approach to music that critiques industry commercialization and societal issues. His lifestyle incorporates fitness practices such as yoga, which he adopted after initial gym routines and now performs at home to maintain physical well-being amid a demanding career. Influenced by time spent in Atlanta, Georgia, during middle school where he first encountered hip-hop culture, San E blends American rap roots with Korean experiences in his persona as a grounded, introspective artist.

Discography

Studio albums

San E released his debut studio album, , on April 23, 2015, through . The 11-track project spans 41 minutes and incorporates rap verses with melodic hooks, featuring collaborations including Jung In on "She's" and MC Gree on "On Top of Your Head."
TitleArtistReleasedLabelFormat
The Boy Who Cried WolfSan E2015Brand New MusicCD
His follow-up studio , Just Rap Shit, came out on February 25, 2023, consisting of 10 tracks over 23 minutes focused on aggressive trap-influenced rap and battle-style . Notable features include JOHNY KWONY on "Street Rap Fighter" and RETA on select cuts, reflecting San E's shift toward unpolished hip-hop delivery post-independence.
TitleReleasedFormat
Just Rap ShitSan E2023-Digital

Extended plays

San E debuted with his first extended play, Everybody Ready?, on September 13, 2010, under JYP Entertainment. The EP consists of seven tracks, including the single "LoveSick" featuring Wheesung, marking his entry into the mainstream Korean hip-hop scene with a blend of rap and melodic elements. His second EP, 'Not' Based on the True Story, was released on November 21, 2013, via Brand New Music. Spanning 10 tracks, it featured collaborations with artists like Raina and Mad Clown, with the lead single "Story of Someone I Know" (feat. Raina) achieving commercial success and highlighting San E's storytelling style in relationships and personal anecdotes. Season of Suffering (고난의 시기), released on January 23, 2017, as his third EP under FameUs Entertainment, contains seven tracks addressing themes of hardship and resilience, including "I Am Me" (feat. Hwasa of Mamamoo). The project received attention for its introspective lyrics and production. The fourth EP, Ballad Rap Song, came out on December 12, 2019, also via FameUs Entertainment, featuring five tracks that fuse rap with ballad influences, such as "Again" (feat. Errday Jinju). It emphasized San E's versatility in slower, emotional deliveries. In 2020, San E released Look! What Happened To Love?! on June 21, comprising seven tracks exploring romantic disillusionment, with features from and others, continuing his focus on narrative-driven rap.

Mixtapes and singles

San E initiated his music career in the underground hip-hop scene with two mixtapes released prior to his major label debut. In 2008, he issued Ready to Be Signed, which included the track "Sir Teacher San (the Essence of Rap)" and featured disses toward established artists like Verbal Jint, contributing to his early notoriety. The following year, in 2009, he released Ready to Be Famous, continuing his provocative style aimed at attracting label attention. Following his 2010 debut under , San E focused primarily on digital singles and collaborations rather than additional mixtapes. Notable early singles include "LoveSick" in 2010, marking his initial commercial release, and "Please Don't Go" in 2011, featuring Outsider and 2AM's Lee Changmin. In the same year, he dropped "RH-11th '불행했음 좋겠다'". Subsequent releases encompassed "Big Boy" (2013), "Story of Someone I Know" (2013), and "" (2013). Later singles, such as "Feminist" in November 2018, drew attention for their lyrical content addressing social issues.
TitleRelease YearNotes
LoveSick2010Debut digital single
2011Collaboration
RH-11th '불행했음 좋겠다'2011Standalone single
Big Boy2013Pre-album release
Story of Someone I Know2013Narrative-driven track
Feminist2018Controversial thematic content

Chart performance

San E's singles have predominantly driven his chart performance in , with notable peaks on the Gaon Digital Chart (predecessor to the Circle Digital Chart) and 's . His 2013 single "Story of Someone I Know" featuring Raina marked his commercial breakthrough, reaching number one on the in late 2013. The track was also honored as 's song of the month at the 2014 Gaon Chart K-Pop Awards, reflecting its dominance on domestic digital metrics during that period. It climbed into the top 10 on weekly aggregated charts by late , sustaining momentum into September. In 2014, "A Night's " with Raina debuted at number one on the Gaon Digital Chart and multiple realtime platforms including , Bugs, and Soribada, capitalizing on seasonal appeal to become a summer staple. The duet contributed to San E's reputation for collaborative hits, though subsequent releases saw diminishing peaks amid shifting hip-hop trends. Album sales provided additional benchmarks, with one full-length release logging 238,000 units in its debut week on the Gaon Album Chart, underscoring strong physical demand during his independent era pivot. Overall, San E's chart trajectory highlights digital streaming and feature collaborations as key to sustained visibility, rather than consistent album dominance.
ReleaseTypePeak PositionChartYear
"Story of Someone I Know" (feat. Raina)Single1 K-Pop Hot 1002013
"A Night's Sweetness" (with Raina)Single1Gaon Digital Chart2014

Filmography

Television appearances

San E first gained prominence on television through hip-hop competition programs, where he frequently served as a judge, host, or mentor. In 2014, he acted as a judge and producer (main host) for Show Me the Money Season 3, collaborating with Swings on Mnet. The following year, he hosted Unpretty Rapstar Season 1, a female rap survival show on Mnet, while also returning as judge and producer (main host) for Show Me the Money Season 4 alongside Verbal Jint, representing Brand New Music.
YearProgramRole
2016Hip Hop TribeMain Host
2016–2017Battle TripCo-host/Main Host (until April 2017)
2017The UnitMentor (Regular Member)
2018High School Rapper Season 2Mentor (Main Host)
2019Target: Billboard – Kill BillRegular Member (Contestant)
2021Show Me the Money Season 10Contestant (Regular Member)
2022Who's the BossMain Host
In 2019, during his appearance on MBC's Kill Bill, San E performed his track "Wannabe Rapper," which drew criticism for on-screen lyrics containing profanity that were not edited, prompting an apology from the network. His role in Show Me the Money Season 10 marked a shift to contestant status, where he competed after previously judging earlier seasons. San E has also made guest appearances on variety shows such as Running Man (2010, episode 252), Radio Star (2007 and later episodes), and Produce 101 (2016, episodes 8–9), but his primary television contributions center on music and rap-focused content.

Variety shows and hosting

San E hosted the first season of the rap competition , which premiered on January 29, 2015, and featured female competing through cyphers and battles. He returned as host for the second season later that year, overseeing 10 episodes that continued the format with new contestants including Jazzy and Yuni. In these roles, San E moderated performances and interactions, drawing on his experience as a and . From to early 2017, San E co-hosted the KBS2 travel variety program for its first 47 episodes, alongside Lee Hwi-jae, Kim Sook, and Sung Si-kyung, where celebrity pairs competed in themed trips to promote tourism destinations. The show emphasized practical travel tips and challenges, with San E contributing commentary until his departure in April 2017. Concurrently in , he co-hosted JTBC's Hip Hop Tribe (also titled Hip Hop Nation), a 10-episode hip-hop variety series with Shin Dong-yup, in which rappers trained elderly grandmothers to perform rap routines, blending generational humor and music education. A second season followed with 14 episodes under similar premises. In 2018, San E served as the main host for The Visiting Teacher, a 10-episode variety show focused on educational and comedic home visits. He also appeared as a regular mentor on High School Rapper Season 2, guiding young contestants in rap battles across 8 episodes. Later, in 2021, San E participated as a regular member titled "Grim Reaper" in the 10-episode mystery variety The Era of Bookae. His most recent hosting credit came in 2022 with Who's the Boss, a 6-episode program exploring workplace dynamics, where he acted as main host. Additionally, in 2020, he hosted episodes of THE VETERAN, including Episode 3 across 3 installments. These appearances highlight San E's versatility in transitioning from rap production to variety hosting, often leveraging his hip-hop background in music-oriented formats.

Awards and nominations

Major award wins

San E received the Best Hip Hop Song award at the 2010 for "Rap Genius," a track from the Overclass Collage 2 that showcased his technical proficiency and self-referential lyricism, earning recognition from a of critics and professionals. In collaboration with vocalist Raina, San E won the Music Style Award in the Rap/Hip-Hop category at the 2014 for "A Midsummer Night's Sweetness," a summery that topped charts and demonstrated his versatility in blending rap with melodic hooks. He secured the Best Rap Performance award at the for "Me You," determined through a combination of global fan votes, digital sales, and jury evaluation, highlighting his storytelling prowess in addressing relational dynamics.

Nominations and recognition

San E was honored by the (KOMCA) on February 15, 2017, receiving an award for his contributions to the music industry alongside Dynamic Duo and Block B's Zico. This recognition highlighted his sustained impact on Korean hip-hop through songwriting and performance. His signing with in 2011 as the label's first solo rapper represented an early industry acknowledgment of his talent, prior to major commercial breakthroughs.

References

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