What Happened to Lee Hi?
Lee Hi, born Lee Ha-yi, is a South Korean singer and songwriter who rose to fame as the runner-up of K-pop Star season 1. After a successful career under YG Entertainment and AOMG, she established her own label, 808 HI RECORDINGS, in 2026 and recently confirmed her romantic relationship with rapper Dok2, with whom she released a duet.
Quick Answer
Lee Hi is a prominent South Korean R&B and soul singer who, as of March 2026, has confirmed her romantic relationship with rapper Dok2 and co-founded a new label, 808 HI RECORDINGS, with him. This follows her departure from AOMG in March 2024 and signing with Duover for management in September 2024. She recently faced scrutiny in January 2026 for her self-established agency operating without proper registration for an extended period.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Appears on K-pop Star Season 1
Lee Ha-yi auditions for and finishes as the runner-up on the SBS reality survival program 'K-pop Star' season 1.
Featured on Epik High's 'It's Cold'
Prior to her official debut, Lee Hi is featured on label mate Epik High's single 'It's Cold'.
Official Solo Debut with '1, 2, 3, 4'
Lee Hi debuts as a solo artist under YG Entertainment with the digital single '1, 2, 3, 4', which quickly tops charts.
Releases First Full Album 'First Love'
Her debut full-length album 'First Love' is released in two parts.
Forms Hi Suhyun with Lee Suhyun
Lee Hi forms the sub-unit Hi Suhyun with Akdong Musician's Lee Suhyun, releasing the digital single 'I'm Different' featuring iKON's Bobby.
Releases 'Seoulite' Half Album
After a three-year hiatus, Lee Hi releases the half-album 'Seoulite', featuring the hit singles 'Breathe' and 'Hold My Hand'.
Departs from YG Entertainment
Lee Hi announces her departure from YG Entertainment after eight years with the agency.
Signs with AOMG and Releases 'Holo'
Lee Hi signs an exclusive contract with hip-hop label AOMG and releases her comeback single 'Holo', which achieves significant success.
Releases Third Studio Album '4 Only'
Lee Hi releases her critically acclaimed third studio album '4 Only' under AOMG.
Contract with AOMG Ends
Lee Hi's exclusive contract with AOMG concludes, and she decides not to renew.
Signs with Duover for Management
Lee Hi signs an exclusive contract with Duover to manage her future music activities.
808Hi Recordings Completes Registration
Lee Hi's one-person agency, 808Hi Recordings (formerly Lee Hi Co., Ltd.), completes its registration as a popular culture and arts planning business after operating unregistered for nearly six years, leading to public criticism.
Confirms Relationship with Dok2 and Launches 808 HI RECORDINGS
Lee Hi and rapper Dok2 publicly confirm their romantic relationship, which reportedly began in late 2022. They also announce the establishment of their joint label, 808 HI RECORDINGS, and release their first duet single 'You & Me'.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Lee Ha-yi, known by her stage name Lee Hi, first captured public attention as the runner-up of the inaugural season of the South Korean reality survival program 'K-pop Star' in 2011-2012. Her powerful vocals and unique soulful style quickly set her apart. Following her success on the show, she signed with YG Entertainment, one of South Korea's 'Big 3' entertainment agencies.
She officially debuted on October 28, 2012, with the digital single '1, 2, 3, 4,' which achieved immediate commercial success, topping charts and earning her multiple rookie awards. Over the next few years, she released her first full-length album 'First Love' (2013) and participated in sub-units like BOM&HI and HI SUHYUN. After a hiatus, she made a successful comeback with the half-album 'Seoulite' in 2016, featuring the hit song 'Breathe,' written by SHINee's Jonghyun.
In December 2019, Lee Hi announced her departure from YG Entertainment after eight years, seeking a new direction for her career. She subsequently signed an exclusive contract with AOMG, a prominent hip-hop and R&B label founded by Jay Park, in July 2020. Under AOMG, she released the successful single 'Holo' (2020) and her third studio album '4 Only' (2021), which earned her critical acclaim and awards, including 'R&B Track of the Year' at the Korean Hip-hop Awards for 'Holo' (2021) and 'Only' (2022).
Her contract with AOMG concluded in March 2024, and she chose not to renew. On September 23, 2024, Lee Hi signed a new exclusive contract with Duover to manage her future music activities. In January 2026, Lee Hi faced public scrutiny when it was revealed that her self-established one-person agency, initially named Lee Hi Co., Ltd. and later 808Hi Recordings, had been operating without proper registration as a popular culture and arts planning business for nearly six years since its incorporation in April 2020. Duover issued an apology, attributing the oversight to a lack of awareness. The registration was completed on January 21, 2026.
Most recently, as of March 28-29, 2026, Lee Hi and rapper Dok2 publicly confirmed their romantic relationship, which reportedly began around late 2022. The couple also announced the establishment of their joint label, 808 HI RECORDINGS, and released their first collaborative single, 'You & Me,' on March 28, 2026. They are currently reported to be staying together in the United States. This marks a significant new chapter in Lee Hi's career, blending her personal and professional life with a long-time collaborator.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Lee Hi made different choices?