Shoo (singer)

, also known as Yoo Soo-young and professionally as Shoo, is a Zainichi-Korean actress and singer.

Shoo debuted as a member of the South Korean girl group S.E.S. in 1997 and continued until 2002 when the group disbanded. She contributed songs as a solo artist after the group's disbandment, before she went on hiatus from her music career to pursue an acting career in 2006. She returned to the music industry, releasing her single album ''Devote One's Love'' in 2010. Afterwards, she went back on hiatus for four years to take care of family before transitioning back to acting in 2014. Shoo has appeared in many variety shows, like ''Oh! My Baby'' with her family. In 2016, Shoo took part in a special 20th anniversary comeback with her S.E.S group members and the trio released a special album alongside a special concert. In December 2018, Shoo ran into legal issues and went on a hiatus. Upon returning in October 2020, she released her first Japanese digital album ''I Found Love''.
Shoo made an official comeback in 2022 with a documentary about her life. In 2022, Shoo was announced as the ambassador of Korean Gambling Prevention Treatment Agency. Shoo is now an entrepreneur and health brand founder. In 2025, Shoo launched Cicagen, a brand where she is actively involved in farming, production, and product development. Her first release, Cica Jelly 1000, reflects her focus on wellness and quality nutrition. While she remains known for her career as a former S.E.S. member, she has shifted towards a new path in business and health-conscious living.

Shoo was born Shū Kunimitsu on 23 October 1981, in Yokohama, Japan. Her parents are ethnic Koreans. After living in Japan for 15 years, Shoo and her family moved to Korea in 1996. She was initially part of a mixed-gender project group with Son Ho-young and Danny Ahn of g.o.d and Kim Hwan-sung of NRG, but she decided to join SM Entertainment after successfully auditioning for the company.

Career

1997–2002: S.E.S.

Shoo made her debut with S.E.S. in 1997. The group debuted with the album '' I'm Your Girl'' and lead single of the same name on 1 November 1997. The group since went on to become the top-selling K-pop girl group for their generation of artists. Since their debut, the group has released five Korean albums and two Japanese albums. The group officially parted ways in 2002, due to the expiry of their contracts with SM Entertainment. Members Bada and Eugene left SM Entertainment after the expiry of their initial contracts, while Shoo stayed with SM Entertainment until 2006.

2003–2015: solo career

Shoo remained signed under SM Entertainment until 2006. In the time during which she was signed, Shoo participated on SM Town albums in 2003 and 2004. In 2006, Shoo departed from SM Entertainment and signed onto JIIN Entertainment. In 2005, she began her stage musical career in the Korean adaptation of '' Bat Boy: The Musical'', which sold over 110,000 tickets in Korea and Japan. In December 2006, she stated that she would pursue acting and would be putting her singing career on hiatus.

In January 2010, Shoo returned to the music scene with the release of her first mini-album, ''Devote One's Love'' with the lead track "Only You".

In March 2014, Shoo signed with RUN Entertainment and returned to her career as an actress.

In December 2014, Shoo along with her bandmate Bada made a special comeback on ''Infinite Challenge'', in the episode "Saturday for Singers", and performed two songs ("I'm Your Girl" and "I Love You") with Girls' Generation member Seohyun, who was filling in for Eugene due to her pregnancy, but they stated that she wished they could have performed together. In January 2015, she appeared on the show ''Roommate'' with her twin daughters, Im Ra-yool, Im Ra-hee and her husband, Hyo-sung.

2016–2017: S.E.S. reunited

On 28 May, Shoo with S.E.S. members Bada and Eugene attended a charity event, Green Heart Bazaar. In October 2016, Shoo along with Bada and Eugene re-formed S.E.S. to celebrate their 20th anniversary since the debut of the group. They started their project of the 20th anniversary debut with released digital single "Lovetory, a remake of their 1999 single "Love", through SM Entertainment's digital project SM Station on 28 November and its music video released on 29 December.

In early December 2016, they aired their ten episode reality show ''Remember, I'm Your S.E.S.'', which broadcast through mobile app Oksusu. To accompany their 20th anniversary debut, they held a concert, Remember, the Day, on 30 and 31 December at Sejong University's Daeyang Hall in Seoul.

On 2 January, the special album of their 20th anniversary debut ''Remember'' was released. The album consists of double lead singles. "Remember" was digitally released on 1 January and "Paradise" was released along with the album on 2 January. They held a fanmeet as their last project of 20th anniversary debut called I Will Be There, Waiting For You on 1 March 2017.

2020–present: Solo career

On October 7, 2020, Shoo released her first Japanese digital single titled "I Found Live". This marked a significant milestone in her career, as she ventured into the Japanese music market.

On April 2022, Shoo made her comeback to television after a four-year hiatus following her gambling controversy, where her fellow S.E.S. members also appeared with her to show support. Shoo appeared on ''Star Documentary My Way'', where she openly discussed her struggles and the steps she took to rebuild her life and career. The appearance marked her return to the public eye, showing her determination to move forward as a better person

On February 28, 2025, Shoo announced her new entrepreneurial journey with the launch of her Cicagen jelly brand. The brand focuses on organic products using Centella Asiatica, an herb known for its health benefits. Shoo, as CEO, is personally involved in farming and production, ensuring the brand's commitment to natural ingredients. She has also expressed a passion for health and wellness, particularly in offering accessible, nutritious options.

Personal life

Shoo married basketball player, on 11 April 2010, at the Seoul Renaissance Hotel. Shoo was pregnant at the time. In June 2010, the couple welcomed their first son, Im Yoo. In April 2013, Shoo gave birth to twin daughters.

In December 2018, Shoo was prosecuted for gambling in several countries, after being sued for not paying back borrowed gambling money.

In 2025, Shoo launched Cicagen, a health-focused jelly brand. Beyond her career in entertainment, Shoo has always been passionate about wellness, especially organic food. As a mother, she is deeply committed to providing healthy, nutritious options for her family. Her personal interest in agriculture and natural products led her to become actively involved in farming, overseeing the production of her jelly products.

Business ventures

In 2025, Shoo launched Cicagen, a jelly brand that focuses on health-oriented, organic products made from Centella Asiatica. As the CEO, Shoo is deeply involved in the entire process, from farming to production. The brand's first product, Cica Jelly 1000, uses pure Centella extract and aims to provide a delicious, accessible way to enjoy its health benefits. Shoo's commitment to quality and natural ingredients reflects her personal journey toward health and wellness.

Discography

Single albums

Collaborations

Participation in albums

Filmography

Films

Dramas

Variety show

Hosting

Ambassadorship

*Ambassadors solve gambling problems (2022)

Musical theatre

References

External links

*

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1981 births
Living people
S.E.S. (group) members
Japanese people of Korean descent
Japanese-language singers of South Korea
K-pop singers
South Korean women pop singers
South Korean female idols
South Korean film actresses
South Korean musical theatre actresses
South Korean television actresses
Actresses of Japanese descent
Musicians from Yokohama
Actresses from Yokohama
Musicians from Seoul
Actresses from Seoul
Zainichi Korean musicians
Japanese K-pop singers