U-KISS (Korean: 유키스) is a South Korean boy band formed by NH Media in 2008. The members include Shin Soohyun, Ellison Kim (also known as Eli), Kevin Woo, Shin Dongho, Lee Kiseop, Hoon and AJ ( both joined the group in 2011 ), Alexander (Xander), and Kibum. U-KISS stands for Ubiquitous Korean International (Idol) Super Star. They debuted in Japan on August 15, 2008 and in South Korea on August 28, 2008. Later in late 2009, six-member U-KISS was turned into seven-member U-KISS with the addition of Lee Kiseop. When the original members Alexander Lee Eusebio and Kim Kibum's contracts were terminated in early 2011, they were replaced by Hoon and AJ. Hoon was previously known as a solo artist, while AJ is a former member of NH Media's group, PARAN.
The group has released one full-length album, five mini albums and various singles. Their first full length album, Only One, was released on February 3, 2010. The group also plan to release their second full-length album on September 2011.
The members of the group have had various activities as solo entertainers, such as acting in dramas, movies, sitcoms, and musicals and hosting various reality-variety shows and music shows. The group also staged successful concerts outside Korea.
Pre-debut
U-KISS was first formed as a six member boy-group in 2008. Kim Kibum and Kevin Woo were former members of the boy band Xing. Kim Kibum left the group in early 2007 while Kevin Woo left the group four months before the debut of U-KISS. The other five members were all individually selected by NH Media through auditions.
Debut
U-KISS debuted in Japan on August 15, 2008 at the Power of Atamix 08. The group released their first mini album, New Generation, (N-Generation) on September 3, 2008, with the main track, "Not Young".U-KISS later debuted in South Korea on August 28, 2008, with a performance of "Not Young" on Mnet's M! Countdown and a release of their first music video.
2009
In 2009, U-KISS has been considered for a 150 billion KRW worth collaboration-project between two nations, Japan and South Korea. It was revealed that a popular entertainment company, Yoshimoto Group in Japan invested 150 billion KRW to groom U-KISS to be an internationally-known group. The reason behind this is their quality as a group with multilingual members: Alexander can conversate in seven languages -Spanish, Portuguese, Cantonese, Japanese, Mandarin, Korean and English; Eli is good in English, Korean and Madarin; the maknae Dongho can articulate in Korean and Mandarin; Kevin in English while Kibum can speak Japanese.
New member and mini-albums
U-KISS released their second mini-album on February 11, 2009, called Bring It Back 2 Old School with its title song, "I Like You". On the same day, a music video for I Like You was released with an old-school theme inspired by the 80's. They also performed their carrier single live in various music shows. U-KISS becomes sensation in Thaniland pulling 5-days straight fan meetings in promotion with their album Bring It Back 2 Old School, they also won on an online voting in Thailand beating Wondergirl.After their promotional cycle for "Bring It Back 2 Old School", U-KISS starred in their very first variety show, All About U-KISS.
In 2009, Kevin Woo joined Arirang's radio show Pops in Seoul hosting the 'All About You' segment alongside co-host Isak N Jiyeon. Shortly after, Alexander was invited to host the show too. In April that same year, Eli also became an MC of MBC's show, Fusion.[20] In late 2009, U-KISS released a third mini-album titled ContiUkiss on November 5, 2009. Lee Kiseop, a new member, joined the group during the promotion of this mini-album with their carrier single, Man Man Ha Ni. This song is often known as U-KISS' breakthrough song as it helped them to make their names known in the Korean entertainment industry. U-KISS held their first fan meeting titled "Only 4 U" to celebrate their 500th days in the industry, that was sponsored by GomTV.
Lee Kiseop appeared in a variety show known as Uljjang Shidae 2 or Ulzzang Generation 2 (Pretty Boys and Girls Season 2) with fellow member Soo Hyun also guest starring in an episode. Dong Ho. the youngest of the group has made many appearances on many variety shows at the end of 2009, helping to promote U-KISS. Such shows include The Invincible Baseball Team and Idol Maknae Rebellion. Dongho is the most active member of the group and has been invited in many other shows. He has been thanked for helping the group to be more well-known.
Kevin and Alexander were featured in Brave Brother's song, "Finally" where in a music video for the track was released a few weeks after. Members Eli and Kibum also starred in the Thai drama Autumn's Destiny. However, the drama was aired in Thailand only. As both Eli and Kibum could not speak Thai, their voices were dubbed. The drama aired its premiere episode on January 16, 2010.
Japan debut and success
On December 10, 2010, they released a full Japanese album called 'First Kiss' which was a compilation of all their songs from their debut album up until their 'Break Time' album. 'First Kiss' placed second on Oricon daily charts on the day of its release.
On May 2011, U-KISS formally signed under Avex Japan for their Japanese debut. They are soon to release the Japanese version of Bran New Kiss on August 24, 2011 while the group's first ever Japanese album will be released in December of the same year. On June 7, U-KISS along with fellow K-Pop artists held a concert-for-a-cause dubbed as Seoul-Osaka Music of Heart 2011 to help victims of the Japan earthquake tragedy. From June 8, 2011 , the group went to stay in Japan for 3 months to prepare for their official Japanese debut by which they are eyeing to set themselves on the Oricon Chart. U-KISS also performed for the Kpop Premium Concert on June 25, 2011 that was held Live at Zepp Fukuoka. On July 7, 2011 U-KISS appeared on "Radio Kyoto KBS". They also appeared on a weekly show, "Made in BS Japan" from June 15 to July 20 episodes.
They showed how powerful the hallyu wave is by garnering thousands of fans in Nagoya. According to NH Media and Avex Japan, 5,000 fans gathered in Nagoya for a fan meeting while 10,000 fans assembled in Tokyo. U-KISS is set on another fan meeting in Osaka on the 30th and is expected as a sold-out show also. They also received good reviews by appearing on a preview event of the movie My Black Mini Dress, which Dongho acted in. U-KISS maknae, Dongho act as a lead role for an upcoming movie Don’t Cry Mommy, and is expected to premiere soon in Japan.
Avex Japan reported that the group will have their first Japan major concert in Osaka on 2012.
Return to Korea & Second Full-length Album
U-KISS being busy with their Japanese promotions, they announced that they will be back in Korea on September with their second full album. The group will be working with the best sound engineers in Korea and Japan together with an American producer while using top-notch facilities in Osaka, Tokyo Representatives announced, “Composers from Korea, United States, and Japan [...] in Japan right now to help the members with the recordings.”
It’s been revealed that U-KISS will also be collaborating with fellow NH Media artist- Paran to be included in the album.
U-KISS Concert Series
According to NH Media, the company is planning to bring U-KISS to various cities in Asia to promote Bran New Kiss. This has been clarified but they have not given it a title yet. The tour will start on May before their shows and activities in Japan and will end on February. The tour is planned to kick-off in Brunei on 29 May 2011, being the first Korean Group to visit the island state. The show in Brunei was postponed for unknown reason. The group will also visit Taiwan and Malaysia.
U-KISS is set to hold a concert in the North America region. Aside from that, they are also set to perform on various countries in Asia. According to NH Media, the boys will perform in United States, Canada, Japan, Thailand, China and Singapore at the end of the year.
Current members
Shin Soohyun(Hangul:신수현)
Birthday: March 11, 1989
Position: Power Vocalist, Leader, Dancer
Weight/Height: 181cm/67kg
Blood Type: A
Shin Soohyun is the newly appointed leader of the group. Previously, Soohyun was a trainee under JYP Entertainment and also a Good Entertainment trainee. He is the power vocalist of the group, as he is noted for his powerful singing style. He has two sisters, one older and one younger. His father passed away when he was in the second grade of Junior high school. His specialities are R&B, dancing, soccer, and piano.
And some selca of him! So cute^^
Birthday: January 17, 1991
Position: Vocalist, Dancer
Weight/Height: 180cm/61kg
Blood Type: A
He is a vocalist and the lead dancer of the group. Kiseop is known for being an Ulzzang Eoljjang ‘best face’ in Korea. His special ability is martial arts (Taekwondo), Beat boxing, dancing and acting. He loves photography and lists it as one of his hobbies. He is living with his parents and older sister who are all Buddhist. Kiseop joined U-KISS in 2009 with the release of Man Man Ha Ni, which made the group become a seven-membered group.
Eli Kim (Kim Kyoung Jae)(Hangul:김경재)
Stage Name: Eli
Birthday: March 13, 1991
Position: Rapper, Dancer
Weight/Height: 180cm/70kg
Blood Type: O
Birthplace: Los Angeles, United States of America
His English name is Ellison, which his nickname Eli derives from. He is the main rapper of the group. Eli was born in Washington, D.C. and is fluent in English. He studied abroad in Beijing and can speak Mandarin fluently. His family consists of his parents, older sister, and younger sister. He is a Christian. His specialities are Taekwondo and Kung Fu.
Kim Jae Seop(Hangul:김재섭)
Stage Name: AJ
Birthday: June 4, 1991
Position: Rapper & Dancer
Weight/Height: 58 kg/ 180 cm
He is better known as AJ, and is the second addition to the group after Alexander and Kibum's departure from the group. Formerly he was the youngest member of the group Paran. Due to the other members leaving for the army or pursuing solo activities, the group virtually disbanded, with no formal announcement. AJ is a rapper, vocalist, and dancer in U-KISS.
Yeo Hoon Min(Hangul:여훈민)
Stage Name: Hoon
Birthday: August 16, 1991
Position: Vocalist
Weight/Height: 65 kg/180 cm
He is known as Hoon, and is the first addition to the group after Alexander and Kibum's departure from the group. He's one of the vocalists. Before joining the group, Hoon had a solo career and previously released one album. He is currently attending Dong Guk University majoring in theater. Hoon is also a Taekwondo athlete, and briefly made a cameo in SBS's drama Athena as a bodyguard of President.
Stage Name: Kevin
Birthday: November 25, 1991
Position: Main Vocalist, Dancer
Weight/Height: 181cm/50kg
Blood Type: O
Birthplace: San Francisco, Danville, California
Kevin is the lead vocalist of the group. He was born in Danville, California, United States and is fluent in English. He attended Monte Vista High School. Before debuting with U-KISS in 2008, he debuted in 2006 with a rotational group called XING alongside his former group-mate Marumir otherwise known as Kibum until he left the group and joined U-KISS. Kevin is well known for his flexibility and ability to cover girl group dances. He was the host of Arirang's radio show Pops in Seoul with group-mates Eli and Alexander. His specialities are popping dance, guitar, and piano. He has one older sister, and he is a Christian.
Shin Dongho(Hangul:신동호)
Birthday: June 29, 1994
Position: Vocalist, Main Dancer
Weight/Height: 178cm/60kg
Blood Type: B
He's the youngest member of the group. Dongho is the main dancer and maknae of the group. Dongho can communicate in Mandarin because he studied in Beijing,China at a young age. Currently Dongho is attending Hanrim Entertainment Arts School. Dongho is the most active member of the group, and participated in a number of projects such as acting in dramas and multiple variety shows. Because of his activities, the other members stated that Dongho is the one who makes U-KISS receive more popularity and are thankful to Dongho because of that. Dongho is also a rapper in the group. Recently, Dongho gained a lot of attention after his cameo in the movie "My Black Mini Dress" with Yoo In Na.
Alexander Lee Eusebio(Hangul:알l엑산더)
Birthday: July 29, 1988
Position: Rapper, Leader, Dancer
Weight/Height: 182cm/63kg
Birthplace: Macao, Hong Kong
Alexander was born in Macao from multinational parents. His father is half Portuguese, half Chinese and his mother is Korean. Alexander is well known as an idol who can speak seven languages. They are Cantonese, English, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, Portuguese, and Japanese. He is a Christian. Formerly he was a rapper for the group.
Birthday: December 29, 1990
Position: Vocalist, Dancer
Weight/Height: 179cm/65kg
Sibling: Kim Hyung Joon
Kibum was formerly a vocalist of the group. He left the group after his company terminated his contract. Kibum is famously known as being the younger brother of SS501's maknae Kim Hyung Jun Before debuting with U-KISS, Kibum, along with group-mate Kevin were members of the group XING. He used the stage name Marumir when he was in XING. One year after XING's debut, Kibum decided to leave for a better future. Kibum is known for his cheerful and witty personality. Kibum can speak Korean, Japanese, and conversational English.
Please support 9 angels^^ Love all of them!!
Waiting for their activities! UKISS Fighting <3
