Personal Details :
- Full Name: Lee Soon-kyu
- Stage Name: Sunny
- Korean Name: 이순규
- English Name: Susan Soonkyu Lee
- Date of Birth: May 15, 1989
- Place of Birth: Orange County, California, United States
- Nationality: South Korean (originally also held U.S. citizenship)
- Height: 158 cm (5 ft 2 in)
- Weight: Approx. 47 kg (103 lbs)
- Blood Type: B
- Zodiac Sign: Taurus
- Religion: Christian
- Languages: Korean (native), English (conversational)
- Siblings: Two older sisters (all three share the same birthday)
- Pets: Two cats – Salt and Pepper
- Education: Baehwa All-Girls High School
- Debut: 2007 (as a member of Girls’ Generation)
- Agency (as of 2025): A2O Entertainment
- Previous Agency: SM Entertainment (until August 2023)
Social Media Presence :
- Instagram: @515sunnyday
- Twitter: Not officially active
- YouTube: No personal channel, but appears on SMTOWN and Girls’ Generation YouTube channels
- TikTok: Not officially active
Career Overview :
- Early Training: Sunny began her career in 1998 as a trainee under Starlight Entertainment and was nearly set to debut in a duo called “Sugar.”
- Joined SM Entertainment: In 2007, she joined SM Entertainment and debuted as a member of the girl group Girls’ Generation (SNSD).
- Girls’ Generation Era: As one of the lead vocalists, she gained immense popularity through hits like “Gee,” “Genie,” “Oh!,” and “I Got A Boy.”
- Variety Show Appearances: Sunny became a favorite on Korean variety shows thanks to her wit, humor, and aegyo. Notable appearances include *Invincible Youth*, *Star Golden Bell*, and *Running Man*.
- Radio DJ & Host: Hosted several radio shows such as *FM Date* on MBC Radio and became known for her soothing voice and candid personality.
- Musical Theatre: Took lead roles in musical productions like *Catch Me If You Can* and *Singin’ in the Rain*, showcasing her singing and acting talents.
- Solo Activities: Released solo OSTs and participated in sub-unit activities with Girls’ Generation-Oh!GG.
- Transition from SM: In August 2023, Sunny officially parted ways with SM Entertainment after 16 years.
- New Chapter: In April 2025, she signed with A2O Entertainment, where she is active as a singer, producer, and idol mentor.
Personal Life & Interests :
- Full Name: Lee Soon-kyu (also known as Susan Soonkyu Lee)
- Birthdate: May 15, 1989
- Birthplace: Orange County, California, USA
- Family: She has two older sisters; all three sisters share the same birthday
- Uncle: Lee Soo-man, founder of SM Entertainment
- Nationality: South Korean (originally held dual citizenship with the U.S.)
- Hobbies: Gaming, watching baseball, listening to music, reading webtoons
- Personality: Cheerful, humorous, and down-to-earth with strong variety show appeal
- Fears: Has a fear of loud noises and fireworks, which stems from her childhood experience in Kuwait during the Gulf War
- Languages: Fluent in Korean; conversational in English
- Pets: She owns two cats named Salt and Pepper
- Charity Work: Has participated in various charity events and voice campaigns
- Other Interests: Known for her love of animals and strong interest in cooking and home décor
Net Worth :
As of 2025, Sunny’s estimated net worth ranges between USD 7 – 9 million, reflecting her extensive career in music, variety shows, musicals, DJing, endorsements, and real estate.
Awards & Achievements :
- Rookie Radio DJ Award – MBC Entertainment Awards, 2014 (for “Sunny’s FM Date”)
- Best New Actress (Musical) – 6th Musical Awards, 2012 (for *Catch Me If You Can*)
- Best New Actress (Musical) – 19th Korean Musical Awards, 2013 (for *Catch Me If You Can*)
- Hot Female Multitainer – Mnet 20’s Choice Awards, 2010
- BBF Popular Singer Award – Asia Model Awards, 2008
- Asia Star Award – Asia Model Awards, 2011
- Best Asian Artist – Asia Song Festival, 2008
- Multiple group awards with Girls’ Generation (e.g., Cyworld, Bugs Music, Gaon Chart, MAMA, and MTV Video Music Awards) between 2007–2015
- Scholarship Donation – Donated ₩10 million to her father’s alma mater, celebrated by fans in 2023
Fun Facts :
- Sunny was born in California, USA, but moved to Kuwait during her infancy before settling in South Korea.
- She and her two older sisters all share the same birthday: May 15!
- She is the niece of Lee Soo-man, the founder of SM Entertainment.
- Sunny developed a fear of loud noises and fireworks due to her childhood experience during the Gulf War.
- Her English name is Susan, and her full English name is Susan Soonkyu Lee.
- She is known as the “Aegyo Queen” for her charming and exaggerated cuteness on variety shows.
- She is a big fan of sports, especially baseball, and has thrown the ceremonial first pitch at games in Korea.
- Sunny is an avid gamer and once joked she could spend all day playing video games if she weren’t an idol.
- She owns two adorable cats named Salt and Pepper.
- Her MBTI type is ISTJ – known for being practical, reliable, and responsible.
- She once said if she didn’t become a singer, she would’ve liked to work in animal care or as a kindergarten teacher.
- Sunny earned a 97.5% score on her Korean driver’s license test!