Jessica Hyunju Ho, also known professionally by her Korean name Hyun Ju Ho or her stage name Jessi, is an American rapper, singer-songwriter and former member of UPTOWN (업타운) and LUCKY J (럭키제이). She was born in New York and moved to South Korea when she was 15 years old. She graduated from Korea Kent Foreign School.

She made her debut as a solo artist in December 2005 (under the stage name Jessica H.O) with the single album "Get Up" but was not very successful.

Then, in early 2006, she was added as a guest member of UPTOWN, replacing Yoon Mi Rae. The group debuted in 1997 but faced several controversies due to drug-related charges that forced Yoon into hiding and many lineup changes. She made her debut in May 2006 with the studio album, "Testimony". Her skills improved, and reviews about her vocals were favorable this time. The group had more lineup changes, and she left in 2007.

However, she struggled to fit in within South Korean traditions and culture and also had a hard time finding a place to live, often sleeping in saunas due to her financial situation. In January 2009, she released the digital single "The Rebirth", and after the promotional period, she decided to return to the United States.

She returned to South Korea after 5 years and re-debuted in July 2014 as part of LUCKY J with the single "Can You Hear Me". The trio was managed by YMC Entertainment (YMC엔터테인먼트), which decided to let her join season 1 of Mnet's survival competition "Unpretty Rapstar". She joined in early 2015 and gained wider recognition by finishing in 2nd place. Unfortunately, YMC ran into financial issues, and the group had to disband in early 2016.

She joined season 1 of the variety show "Sisters Slam Dunk" and became part of the project group UNNIES (언니쓰). As Min Hyo Rin was also a regular member, she wanted to debut as an idol after being rejected by JYP Entertainment. Producer Park Jin Young decided to join and gifted them their debut single, "Shut Up", which debuted in July 2016. At the end of the season, she could not reach an agreement to appear in Season 2, so she left the group.

Then, in early 2020, she joined the project group REFUND SISTERS (환불원정대), using the stage name Eun Bi as part of an idea by Lee Hyo Ri to form a super girl group. This was brought to fruition in the show "Hangout with Yoo" where Lee, Uhm Jung Hwa, Hwa Sa and her, joined and debuted in October 2020 with the single "Don't Touch Me". The group promoted for 3 months and then ended activities.

After spending time at Psy's P Nation and Jay Park's More Vision, she signed an exclusive contract with DOD Entertainment (DOD엔터테인먼트) in September 2024 to launch her own independent label, UNNI, to continue her career as a solo artist.

But, on September 29, 2024, an underage fan requested a photo with her but was met with verbal abuse and physical assault from a person within her group. She attempted to stop the assault but soon left the scene. After the incident, she denied knowing the assailant, but she (and others involved) was sued by the victim for assault and other charges. The Gangnam Police Station in Seoul summoned her for questioning as a suspect on October 16, 2024. Two days later, DOD announced the termination of their exclusive contract with her. So, she is now an independent artist.

(Source: MyDramaList) Edit Biography