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U-KISS
Origin Seoul, South Korea Genres Pop, synthpop, dance-pop Years active 2008present NH Media, KT Music (South Korea) Labels Avex Trax (Japan) Website u-kiss.co.kr u-kiss.jp Members Soohyun Kiseop Eli AJ Hoon Kevin Dongho Past members Alexander Kibum
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U-KISS (Korean: ) 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, are former members of U-KISS. U-KISS stands for Ubiquitous Korean International (Idol) Super Star.[1][2] 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.[3] 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 two full-length albums, five mini albums and various singles. Their first full length album, Only One, was released on February 3, 2010. The group released their second full-length album entitled Neverland on September 1, 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.
On May 2011, U-KISS formally signed under Avex Japan for their Japanese debut. From June 8, 2011, the group went to stay in Japan for 3 months to prepare for their official Japan debut by which they eyed to set themselves on the Oricon Chart. Their Japan engagement is quite a success, manifested by sold-out concerts in Nagoya, Tokyo,[4] and Osaka[5]
Contents
[hide]
1 History
1.1 Pre-debut 1.2 Debut 1.3 2009 1.4 All About U-KISS, New member and mini-albums 2.1 First full-length album and Other Activities 2.2 U-KISS in Asian Cities and First Solo Concert 2.3 Controversies 2.4 Break Time: The Fourth Mini Album 3.1 U.S Debut, Dongho's Acting Career and others 3.2 Japan debut and success 3.3 Return to Korea, Neverland: Second Full-length Album and Asia Tour 3.4 U-KISS Concert Series and Taiwan Fan meet 4.1 Reality-Variety shows/ Films 5.1 Current members 5.2 Past members 6.1 Studio albums 6.2 Mini albums 6.3 Soundtracks 6.4 Music Videos 6.5 DVD 6.6 Other singles
2 2010 Activities
3 2011 Activities
5 Members
6 Discography
7 Concert
[edit] History
[edit] 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.
[edit] 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.
[edit] 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 converse in seven languages -Spanish, Portuguese, Cantonese, Japanese, Mandarin, Korean and English; Eli is good in English, Korean and Mandarin; the maknae Dongho can articulate in Korean and Mandarin; Kevin in English while Kibum can speak Japanese.
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" wherein 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.
Philippines and joined fellow Korean entertainer Rain as guests in his concert, titled "Intensity" in the Philippines at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds on September 11, 2010. This was their third visit to Philippines.[9] On November 30, 2010, U-KISS went to Mongolia to perform a special on Arirang's music programm, M Wave concert.[10] It was held in Mongol Palace Ulaanbaatar. This concert celebrated the 20th anniversary of the friendship between Korea and Mongolia.[11][12][13] Due to their success in the Philippines, U-KISS held a concert at the Araneta Coliseum in Manila, Philippines. The show was originally scheduled on May 29, 2010 but later postponed to June 14, 2010 due to some delays and problems regarding the venue. U-KISS arrived in Manila on June 13, 2010 and had several television guestings as they appeared in a Philippine Sunday Music Show Party Pilipinas and also participated in the celebration of Independence Day in the Philippines where they performed Bingeul Bingeul and Man Man Ha Ni.[14] They also appeared in a showbiz-oriented show, Showbiz Central under GMA Network to promote their group and their new album. The concert was titled U-KISS First Kiss Tour in Manila.[15] U-KISS is the second Korean group to stage a concert in Araneta Coliseum, the first being Super Junior. On August 2, 2010, U-KISS member Alexander and Kevin were nominated once again to host Arirang's M-Wave program in both Korean and English. On November 19, 2010, as part of their fourth mini-album, Break Time promotions, U-KISS visited Singapore to perform at The Kings of Freedom Concert held at the Bedok Reservoir Park. U-Kiss successfully held their very first independent Japan concert on December 6, 2010 in Osaka with over 3,000 fans in attendance.[16]
[edit] Controversies
During U-KISS promotion in the Philippines in March 2010, A Filipino DJ, who goes by the name of DJ Mo Twister, apparently insulted the group through his Twitter account saying that UKISS does not look like gays, but lesbians. Anthony Eusebio, the father of ex-member Alexander together with fans demanded an apology but the Filipino DJ refused to do so saying that there are bases for the things he said. A day later, he then posted a blog in his website showing U-KISS' signs of homosexuality through their photos. Another Filipino VJ, KC Montero also offended U-KISS fans who has been exchanging Twitter tweets with Mo Twister during U-KISS performance. KC criticized U-KISS for being on the show, and he so cannot wait not to buy their album because he does not understand everything. He also added that Tim Yap, who is an openly gay Chinese-socialite totally belongs to the group.
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".[26] 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.[4] U-KISS is set on another fan meeting in Osaka on the 30th and is expected as a sold-out show also.[5] 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 Dont Cry Mommy, and is expected to premiere soon in Japan.[4][27] The Japanese version of their album, Bran New Kiss was released on August 24, 2010. It debuts at Rank #5 in the Oricon chart, while it climbs at Rank #3 on the following days.[28] Avex Japan also reported that the group will have their first Japan major concert in Osaka on 2012.
[edit] Return to Korea, Neverland: Second Full-length Album and Asia Tour
Main article: Neverland (U-KISS 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, Japan.[29] Representatives announced, Composers from Korea, United States, and Japan [...] in Japan right now to help the members with the recordings.[5] Its been revealed that U-KISS will also be collaborating with fellow NH Media artist- Paran to be included in the album. The album will be released on September 1, 2011.[30] U-KISS released a teaser for their second full-length album entitled Neverland on August 25, while their promotional single, "Someday" was released on August 26, 2011. Meanwhile, the carrier single "Neverland" was released on September 1, 2011 along with album and a music video through MNet.[31] U-KISS has announced that theyll be taking Neverland to six different countries in the coming month which grants Kissmes request from all over Asia.[32] The group recently received 15 invitations from different countries all over the world as a part of their promotions for Neverland.[32] U-KISS has decided therefore to set out on a 15,000 km journey across Asia, right in the middle of their promotions.[32] Starting with Malaysia on September 24, China on the 27th, and Taiwan on October 3.[32] Theyll still be attending music programs in Korea as well as several concert events in Changwon, Mokpo, and Gumi.[32] The tour then continues as they will also visit Thailand, while Philippines on the latter date of October will serve as the last stop for the tour.[32]
Information All About U-KISS You Know U-KISS Invincible Baseball Team (Dongho) Invincible Baseball Team (Dongho) UKISS Vampire Chef's Kiss Raising Idol (Dongho) Bouquet (as guests) Idol Maknae Rebellion (Dongho) Idol League (with ZE:A) Mr. Idol (Film) Made in BS Japan (variety) Don't Cry Mommy (Film) (Dongho) Hong Gil Dong 2084 (Film) (Dongho)
2010
2011
[edit] Members
[edit] Current members
Soohyun (Shin Soohyun) (Hangul: ) Born on March 11, 1989. Shin Soohyun is the newly appointed leader and main vocalist 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. Kiseop (Lee Kiseop) (Hangul: ) Born on January 17, 1991. He is a vocalist and the main 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. Main article: Lee Kiseop Eli (Kim Kyoung Jae) (Hangul:) Born on March 13, 1991. 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. Main article: Kim Eli AJ (Kim Jae Seop) (Hangul: ) Born on June 4, 1991. 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 the lead rapper, vocalist, and dancer in U-KISS. Hoon (Yeo Hoon Min) (Hangul: ) Born on August 16, 1991. He is known as Hoon, and is the first addition to the group after Alexander and Kibum's departure from the group. He is the lead vocalist. 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. Kevin (Woo Sung Hyun) (Hangul:), Born on November 25, 1991. Korean name: Woo Sunghyun (Hangul:). Kevin is the main 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 TV'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. Main article: Kevin Woo Dongho (Shin Dongho) (Hangul: ) Born on June 29, 1994. He's the youngest member of the group. Dongho is the lead rapper 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.
[edit] Discography
[edit] Studio albums
Year Only One 2010 2011 Released: February 3, 2010 Language: Korean Label: NH Media Sales: 20,911 Released: September 1, 2011 Language: Korean Label: NH Media Sales: N/A Information
[edit] DVD
Year Information 2011 U-KISS 1st Kiss Tour in Manila DVD[37]
Released: April 2, 2011 Language: English, Filipino Running Time: 61 minutes Label: Universal Records (Philippines) Origin: Philippines
Neverland
Released: April 29, 2011 Language: English, Korean, Japanese Running Time: 80 minutes Label: Happinet Pictures Origin: Japan Released: April 29, 2011 Language: English, Korean, Japanese
2008
2010 2011
Language: Korean Label: NH Media Released: November 5, 2009 Language: Korean Label: NH Media Released: October 4, 2010 Language: Korean Label: NH Media Sales: 19,583 Released: March 30, 2011 Language: Korean Label: NH Media Sales: 20,026
Running Time: 123 minutes Label: Happinet Pictures Origin: Japan Released: May 20, 2011 Language: English, Korean Running Time: Label: Origin: Taiwan Released: July, 2011 Language: English, Korean Running Time: Label: Origin: Taiwan Released: August 24, 2011 Language: Japanese Running Time: Label: Avex Japan Origin: Japan
ContiUkiss
Break Time
[edit] Soundtracks
Year Information I Can Do It (Call of the Country OST part 2) Always (Real School OST) 2011 Released: February 8, 2011 Language: Korean 2009 Released: May 31, 2010 Language: Korean Year
2010
Kiss Me (Real School OST) Released: February 8, 2011 Language: Korean 2010
Hero Challenge (Kim Sooro, Yang Sangchul, U-Kiss) Released: June 4, 2010 Language: Korean
2011 Your Love (Hyeji ft. ALEXANDER of UKISS) Released: February 23, 2011 Language: Korean
February 2, 2009 I Like You Man Man November 9, 2009 Ha Ni Bingeul February 4, 2010 Bingeul Shut October 7, 2010 Up(Full
Version)
, Man's Love (No Gi Tae ft. DONGHO of UKISS) Released: May 13, 2011 Language: Korean
October 7, 2010
Shut Up(Clean
Version)
Version 2)
February 9, 2011 Always 3:49 March 30, 2011 0330 3:54 0330(Drama 3:54 April 3, 2011 Version) September 1, 2011 Neverland 3:36
[edit] Concert
Date June 14, 2010 December 6, 2010 December 10, 2010 Title First Kiss Tour in Manila First Kiss Live First Kiss Live Venue Araneta Coliseum Zepp Osaka Zepp Tokyo Country Philippines Japan[38] Japan[39]
[edit] Awards
Year Award 2008 5th Asia Song Festival: Rookie award in Asia[40] 2011 [V] CHINESE TOP Awards Concert: Most Potential Overseas Idol Group
28 August 2010
Facts about U-KISS
Lee Kiseop is the last member who joined U-KISS which is before Man Man Ha Ni is promoted. The members include --
Shin Soohyun
Kim Kibum
Lee Kiseop
Elison Kim
Kevin Woo
Shin Dongho
What is U-KISS? It stands for -U biquitous K orean I nternational (Idol) S uper S tar
U-Kiss debuted in Japan on August 15, 2008 at the Power of Atamix alongside SS501 & Paran. After their debut, they starred in variety shows such as All About U-Kiss, You Know U-Kiss and in 2010, U-Kiss Vampire and Chef Kiss.
They also take the role as solo entertainers -- acting in various dramas n musicals, hosting various reality-variety shows, and becoming hosts n MCs in various radio show n programmes.
U-KISS's fans are called KISSMEs. The individual's fans are called -Xander's are Xanderettes. Soohyun's are SooHyunnies. Kibum's are Kibumsters. Kiseop's are Kiseopians. Eli's are Elisoniacs. Kevin's are Kevinias. Dongho's are Dongholics.
The boys' type of girl are -Xander's -- Girls with curly hair, original brown eyes, loving, understands him, simple and similar attitude as his. Soohyun's -- As romantic as him, would love to be with him no matter what, girl should be shorter than him. Kibum's -- Girls who can pack food for him, would accept his attitude, loving and caring, would always be there for him. Kiseop's -- Girl with long hair, short in height, same attitude as his, loves to read books and would take good care of him.
Eli's -- Loving and caring, sweet, simple, not a "trying hard" and always being herself. Kevin's -- Girls with soft hands, who can carry him [take it as a joke], who would not hurt his feelings, older than him. Dongho's -- Will never leave him, will never hurt him, caring, loving, sweet, as adorable as him and older than him.
U-KISS 2nd Anniversary = U-KISS 2 yrs of hard works w/ blood sweat tears + KISSME 2 yrs of supprt w/ love loyalty patience = #2yearsofkisses
Once again, Happy 2nd Year Anniversary to U-KISS ~ May God bless your life everyday ~ ^^ Love ya