Belle/ Shim Hye-won/ Annabelle Shim (KISS OF LIFE)

KISS OF LIFE Belle: Profile, Facts, and More

Emerging as a luminary in the ever-dynamic realm of K-pop, the debut of "Kiss of Life" by Belle marks a significant milestone, not just for the artist herself but for the genre as a whole. This release, under the aegis of S2 Entertainment, encapsulates the innovative spirit and vibrant energy that K-pop is celebrated for, blending intoxicating melodies with captivating performances. At its core, "Kiss of Life" is more than just an EP; it's a bold assertion of artistic identity, featuring standout tracks like "Te Quiero," "Sticky," "Bad News," "Midas Touch," and "Shhh." The project doesn't only showcase Belle's versatile musical capabilities but also her participation in the burgeoning global dialogue of K-pop, promising to leave an indelible mark on the industry.

This article will delve into the multifaceted dimensions of Belle's career—from her early life and formative influences through her pre-debut activities to the climactic launch of "Kiss of Life." Further sections will explore her discography, songwriting credits, and contributions to filmography, enriching our understanding of her as not just a performer but as an artist. Also, personal anecdotes and trivia will shed light on Belle's character off-stage, offering insights into the personality behind the music. Through this narrative, readers will gain a comprehensive view of Belle's journey, her achievements, and the profound impact of "Kiss of Life" on the K-pop landscape, including the broader cultural phenomena it signifies, such as the viral "kissing video."

Agency:

S2 Entertainment (2023–present)

AURA (2021–present)

SM Entertainment (former)

Belle was born as Anabelle Shim, also known as Shim Hyewon, on March 20th, 2004 . Her father is the famous South Korean singer Shim Shin, and her cousin is the Korean indie singer Cherry Coke.

Belle spent the first eight years of her life in Seattle, Washington, USA, where she was raised. In 2012, at the age of eight, she moved to South Korea.

Belle's career journey began with her early passion for music. She spent her childhood years in Seattle, Washington, where she was raised until the age of eight. It was during this time that her interest in music blossomed.

In 2012, at the age of eight, Belle moved to South Korea. This transition marked a significant milestone in her life, as it exposed her to a new cultural environment that would shape her musical aspirations.

From a young age, Belle showcased a keen interest in music. She explored various genres and styles, drawing inspiration from her surroundings and the diverse musical landscape she encountered.

As she grew older, Belle began to hone her musical skills. She dedicated herself to learning and practicing, laying the foundation for her future career in the music industry.

Belle's musical journey took a digital turn as she embraced the power of social media and online platforms. She created a SoundCloud account under the username "Belle," where she began sharing her musical creations with a growing audience.

Through her SoundCloud releases, Belle showcased her versatility as an artist. She explored genres such as R&B, soul, and hip-hop, captivating listeners with her unique style and heartfelt performances.

Some of her notable SoundCloud releases include:

"Venus" (prod. Ish Hokhmah)

"Every Kind Of Way"

"HIGHER" (demo) [prod. Ish Hokhmah, hongsamman]

"LOVE AGAIN"

These early releases on SoundCloud garnered attention and helped Belle establish a dedicated fan base. Her music resonated with listeners, showcasing her potential as a rising star in the K-pop scene.

Prior to her debut with KISS OF LIFE, Belle was actively involved in the music industry as a songwriter and composer. Despite her young age, she showcased her talent and passion for music through various endeavors.

While still in high school, Belle worked as a songwriter for SM Entertainment, one of the leading entertainment companies in South Korea. During this time, she contributed to the creation of songs for several popular girl groups.

Some of her notable songwriting credits include:

Belle's involvement in these high-profile projects at such a young age garnered attention and highlighted her exceptional musical abilities.

In addition to her work with SM Entertainment, Belle actively pursued her passion for songwriting and composing. She wrote a variety of songs and shared them on social media platforms like Instagram and SoundCloud.

Through these online platforms, Belle connected with numerous agencies and producers, opening up opportunities to collaborate with talented artists. Her dedication and skill in crafting music caught the attention of industry professionals and set the stage for her future success.

Belle's pre-debut activities not only showcased her musical prowess but also demonstrated her determination to make a name for herself in the competitive world of K-pop. Her experiences as a songwriter and composer laid the foundation for her eventual debut with KISS OF LIFE and her continued growth as an artist.

On May 16, 2023, S2 Entertainment announced that Belle would debut as a member of the new 4-member girl group KISS OF LIFE . The group officially made their debut on July 5, 2023, with the release of their self-titled EP, which included Belle's solo song "Countdown".

Just days after her debut with KISS OF LIFE, Belle received recognition for her songwriting skills. On July 14, 2023, she was announced as the winner of the "Proud Korean Grand Prize" in the composer category at the "2023 Korea Best Brand Awards" held in Seoul.

Belle had already garnered attention before her debut when it was revealed that she had participated in writing and composing the title song "UNFORGIVEN" for LE SSERAFIM. She further showcased her lyrical and compositional talents in KISS OF LIFE's debut song "Shhh" and her solo track "Countdown".

In response to receiving the prestigious award, Belle expressed her gratitude, stating, "I have always worked hard because I love music, so it is truly an honor to receive such a prestigious award. With this recognition, I will continue to strive even harder as Belle of KISS OF LIFE and as a musician".

Belle has showcased her musical prowess through her discography, which includes both popular releases and non-commercial tracks. Some of her most well-known songs with KISS OF LIFE include:

"이브, 프시케 그리고 푸른 수염의 아내 (Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard's wife)"

"UNFORGIVEN"

"Child"

These tracks have garnered significant popularity, with "이브, 프시케 그리고 푸른 수염의 아내 (Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard's wife)" amassing 136,000 views and "UNFORGIVEN" reaching 121,600 views.

Belle's discography with KISS OF LIFE spans a total of 34 songs, showcasing her versatility as an artist. Other notable tracks include:

"Nothing" with 24,100 views

"Midas Touch" with 19,700 views

"쉿 (Shhh)" with 18,800 views

"Nobody Knows" with 13,400 views

In addition to her work with KISS OF LIFE, Belle has also contributed to soundtracks. Her solo song "Countdown" was included in the group's self-titled debut EP.

Beyond her commercial releases, Belle has shared various non-commercial tracks on platforms like SoundCloud under the username "Belle". These releases further highlight her passion for music and her ability to connect with listeners through her heartfelt performances.

Belle has showcased her songwriting talents through her work with KISS OF LIFE. She contributed to writing the lyrics and composing the music for several of the group's popular songs, including "이브, 프시케 그리고 푸른 수염의 아내 (Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard's wife)", "UNFORGIVEN", and "Child". These tracks have garnered significant popularity on music platforms.

In addition to her work with KISS OF LIFE, Belle has also written songs for other artists. Prior to her debut, while still in high school, she worked as a songwriter for SM Entertainment and contributed to creating songs for several popular girl groups, such as Le Sserafim's "Unforgiven" and (G)I-DLE Miyeon's "Softly".

Belle is known for her love of reading and her independent spirit. She enjoys spending time with her nose buried in a book, exploring new stories and ideas. This passion for literature sets her apart from the other villagers who find her peculiar.

Some interesting personal facts about Belle include:

She was born on March 20, 2004.

Her father is the famous South Korean singer Shim Shin and her cousin is the indie singer Cherry Coke.

She spent the first eight years of her life in Seattle, Washington before moving to South Korea in 2012.

Belle showcased her musical talents from a young age, sharing songs on SoundCloud under the username "Belle" .

In addition to her love for reading, Belle enjoys ice skating and making Christmas angels in the snow . She also has a knack for crafting handmade gifts, such as the storybook she made for the Beast in hopes of helping him overcome his sorrows .

Belle is confident and comfortable being herself. She knows it takes courage and kindness to see beauty where others don't . Her strong sense of self allows her to resist conforming to the narrow-minded expectations of those around her.