Lee Hong-gi (Hangul: 이홍기; [iː hoŋɡiː ]; Japanese:イ•ホンギ) is a South Korean idol singer best known for his singing abilities and being the lead vocalist of the Korean pop/rock band F.T. Island. He is also an actor, songwriter and fashion designer.

Biographie

Lee was enrolled in Kyunghee University studying theatre and film. His hobbies include listening to music, playing soccer, cooking and nail art.

Nail art is a creative activity that draws pictures or designs on fingernails. Lee was obsessed with nail art since 2010, but only publicly shown it in 2013. It was also revealed that previous f(x) (band)'s member Sulli inspired Lee to pursue a nail art career. His desires and passion for nail art was getting noticed as it was rare for a male idol to opt for nail art. However, Lee continued to explore nail art and had his nails painted as his hobby.


I want to break the stereotype that it's weird for men to get nail art.— Lee Hong-gi
(a quote to reporters during an interview)
Lee's passion for nail art went on to the next level as he produced his first book, titled Lee Hong-gi's Nail Book, where it features various nail art techniques and designs. It was sold at a fast rate showing the public's support for nail art on men. It was also a collaborative book between Lee and nail artist Kim Soo Jung. The nail art book also topped Japan's Tower Record for the pre-order category in both Korea and Japan respectively.
His nail art was very successful as he has also won several awards for it. For example, Lee won the Best's Man's Nail Art Award in 2013, making him to first foreigner to win this award, which was held in Japan and also in 2015, Lee won the same award - Best's Man Nail Art Award as well, but he was unable to the attend the ceremony due to solo projects and tours, but instead thanked the fans for their continuous support through a video recording.

Lee started his own fashion brand 'Skullhong' in June 2014. He designs accessories, jewelry and various nail products. Skullhong is centred in Korea, and has since garnered popular support due to Lee's personal designs and phrases, like nail rings that are made of gold or silver, and catchy phrases like "Doesn't Matter". New fashionable items are regularly updated in about once a month with Lee personally designing them.

HONGSTARGRAM, a travel book was personally dedicated to fans as a travel book to capture the different moments of Lee during his first solo trip to different countries. Pictures such as him sight-seeing in China, and even his morning looks were also shown in the travel book.