Sung Yu-Ri, also known as Yuri, was born in Osaka, Japan in 1982 to a fascinating combination of parents - a South Korean mother and a Japanese father of Korean descent. This unique cultural heritage would later influence her artistic endeavors.
In 1996, Yuri's journey in the entertainment industry began when she was accepted into TV Tokyo's prestigious Asayan audition. This opportunity led to the formation of the musical duo YuriMari with Izawa Mari, which made its debut in 1998. Although the duo's success was short-lived, lasting only a year, it laid the foundation for Yuri's future pursuits.
With the guidance of Avex Management, Yuri transitioned to acting in 2003, initially appearing on television and later on the big screen. Her breakthrough role in the 2007 film Pacchigi! Love & Peace earned her the Rookie Award at the third Osaka Cinema Festival in 2008.
In 2013, Yuri shifted her management to Alpha Agency, further solidifying her position in the Japanese entertainment industry. Her versatility was showcased when she hosted the NHK documentary, The World On A Bicycle: Uzbekistan, which premiered in 2014.
Throughout her career, Yuri has been an ambassador for various corporate products and services, and her love for travel has taken her to numerous destinations.
