HENRY

Early Life

Henry Lau, known mononymously as Henry, was born on October 11, 1989, in Willowdale, Toronto. He hails from a diverse background, with a father from Hong Kong and a mother from Taiwan. Growing up in a musically inclined family, Henry began learning piano at the age of four and took up the violin at five, eventually mastering multiple instruments including guitar and drums. He excelled in music education, receiving the Canadian Royal Conservatory of Music Regional Gold Medal for Level 10 in violin and achieving the same level in piano. Despite being accepted into the University of Toronto for music programs, he chose to pursue a career in music after being recruited by SM Entertainment during their global audition in 2006.

Career

Henry's career took off when he debuted as a member of Super Junior-M in 2008, a sub-group of the popular K-pop group Super Junior. His initial appearance as a violinist in Super Junior's music video for "Don't Don" in 2007 set the stage for his entry into the music industry. Super Junior-M's debut single "U" and their first album "Me" were well-received, marking the beginning of Henry's journey in K-pop. Over the years, he faced challenges, including backlash from fans who were resistant to his addition to the group. However, he persevered and contributed significantly to the group's success, including their award-winning mini-album "Super Girl" in 2009. In 2013, Henry launched his solo career with the EP "Trap," and his song "It's You" became a massive hit, recognized as the most streamed Korean original soundtrack song on Spotify for two consecutive years.

Personal Life and Legacy

In 2018, Henry left SM Entertainment after his contract expired and joined Monster Entertainment Group, which is run by his brother Clinton. His artistic journey reflects his versatility as a musician and his ability to adapt to the evolving music landscape. Henry continues to be a prominent figure in the K-pop industry, known for his multi-instrumental talents and engaging performances, solidifying his legacy as a significant artist in both South Korea and China.