# Tei (singer)

Kim Ho-kyung (Korean: 김호경; born April 4, 1983), better known by his stage name Tei (테이), is a South Korean singer. He debuted in 2004 with the album, The First Journey.

## Biography

"Tei": the name consists of "Te" and "i"; "Te" is a French character meaning "you". Tei, is meant as a wish for people to get closer through music. Born in South Korea, Tei's performance on stage in his high school was recorded and uploaded to a popular Korean website where he won a prize. He was invited to audition at JYP Entertainment Starlight Casting System and joined JYP Entertainment after he graduated from high school.
His hobbies include composing, movies, and writing. Before fame intervened, Tei wanted to be an architect, and studied towards that goal at Gyeongnam University. Tei sings and plays the guitar for his underground band.
In 2013, Tei finished his military service.

### Relationship and marriage

On April 17, 2023, it was confirmed Tei would marry his non-celebrity girlfriend. On May 29, 2023, the couple married in a private ceremony.

## Career

While in high school, he led weekly performances with his underground band. Due to his singing abilities, he became known as the Mr. Big in school. When he was about to enter university, his composing talent and vocal abilities attracted the attention of JYP Entertainment. Tei joined JYP as a trainee and debuted after a three-year training period.

## Discography
### Studio albums

| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Sales |
| Title | Album details | KOR | Sales |
| The First Journey | Released: January 6, 2004 Labels: Kiss Creative Group Formats: CD, cassette | 4 | KOR: 114,459 |
| Ucupracacia | Released: February 1, 2005 Labels: Kiss Creative Group Formats: CD, cassette | 1 | KOR: 102,688 |
| Crazy in Love (세번째 설레임) | Released: November 21, 2005 Labels: Kiss Creative Group Formats: CD, cassette | 7 | KOR: 45,381 |
| Lover (애인) | Released: February 9, 2007 Label: Doori Star Formats: CD | 7 | KOR: 18,751 |
| The Note | Released: November 13, 2008 Label: Doori Star Formats: CD | No data* | No data* |
| Tei (太利) | Released: August 16, 2010 Label: Doori Star Formats: CD | 9 | — |
| *2008 data not available from the Recording Industry Association of Korea. ||||

### Charted singles

List of charted singles :
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions |
| Title | Year | KOR |
| "Monologue" | 2022 | 9 |
| "Making a New Ending of This Story" (이 소설의 끝을 다시 써보려 해) | 2022 | 67 |

## Radio programs

2007–2008: KBS Tei Music Island
Beginning in 2015: MBC Tei's Dreaming Radio

## Korean drama

* 2007: Love Is Hurt (Chinese: 坏爱情, Korean: 못된사랑) KBS drama
* 2008: Aristocrat (Chinese: 食客, Korean:식객) SBS drama
* 2009: Can Anyone Love? (Chinese: 不是谁都能爱)
* 2022: Business Proposal (Korean: 사내 맞선) (Cameo)

## Theater

| Year | English title | Korean title | Role | Ref. |
| 2022 | Crash Landing on You | 사랑의 불시착 | Gu Seung-jun / Alberto Gu | |
| 2022–2023 | Dracula | 드라큘라 | Dracula | |

## Awards and nominations

| Award | Year | Category | Nominee | Result |
| Golden Disc Awards | 2004 | Best New Artist | "Love Leaves Its Scent" (사랑은 향기를 남기고) | Won |
| Korea Culture and Entertainment Awards | 2022 | K-POP Singer Award | Tei | Won |
| Mnet Asian Music Awards | 2004 | Best New Male Video | "Love Leaves Its Scent" (사랑은 향기를 남기고) | Nominated |
| Mnet Asian Music Awards | 2005 | Best Ballad Performance | "Love... Is The Only One" (사랑은...하나다) | Nominated |
| Mnet Asian Music Awards | 2008 | Best OST | "Time Of Dreams" | Nominated |