“Harisu (하리수 or 河莉秀) is the stage name of Lee Kyung-eun originally Lee Kyung-yeop (born February 17, 1975), a transsexual pop singer, model and actress from South Korea. Born biologically male, Harisu identified as female from early childhood, and underwent s*x reassignment surgery in the 1990s. She is noted for being South Korea's first transgender entertainer, and in 2002 became only the second person in Korea to legally change their gender. Her stage name is an adaptation of the English phrase «hot issue»”.

Photo: South Korean transsexual singer and actress Harisu (R) poses for pictures with a fan who played the role of groom during a simulated Chinese wedding at a fan club activity on August 5, 2006 in Changchun of Jilin Province, China. (Photo by China Photos/Getty Images)

“Harisu first gained public attention in 2001, after appearing in a television commercial for DoDo cosmetics. The commercial was a big success and ended up launching her career, allowing her to branch out into other fields such as music and acting. So far she has recorded five Korean musical albums, switching genres between techno and R&B, and her overseas releases have featured songs recorded in Mandarin. Her first major acting role was in the 2001 film Yellow Hair 2, and since then her credits have included Hi! Honey, a Taiwanese drama series, and Colour Blossoms, an erotic drama by Hong Kong filmmaker Yonfan. On May 19, 2007, Harisu married boyfriend Micky Jung, whom she had been dating for two years previously”.

Photo: Harisu (R), South Korea's transsexual singer and actress, attends a press conference to promote a holiday club on July 18, 2006 in Nanjing of Jiangsu Province, China. (Photo by China Photos/Getty Images)

South Korean transsexual singer and actress Harisu performs during a fan club activity on August 5, 2006 in Changchun of Jilin Province, China. (Photo by China Photos/Getty Images)

Harisu performs during a fan club activity on August 5, 2006 in Changchun of Jilin Province, China. (Photo by China Photos/Getty Images)

Harisu (C) attends a press conference to promote a holiday club on July 18, 2006 in Nanjing of Jiangsu Province, China. (Photo by China Photos/Getty Images)

Harisu (top) performs with a fan during a fan club activity on August 5, 2006 in Changchun of Jilin Province, China. (Photo by China Photos/Getty Images)

Harisu poses during a promotion event at the Jiangsu Sirrim Plastic & Aesthetic Hospital on September 24, 2008 in Nanjing of Jiangsu Province, China. (Photo by China Photos/Getty Images)