U KISS
Members : Shin Soohyun 신수현/ Soohyun 수현- March 11, 1989 (Leader, Main Vocalist)
Lee Kiseop 이기섭/ Kiseop 기섭- January 17, 1991 (Sub-Vocalist)
Kim Kyoungjae 김경재/ Eli 일라이- March 13, 1991 (Rapper)
Kim Jaeseop 김재섭/ AJ 에이제이- June 4, 1991 (Rapper)
Yeo Hoonmin 여훈민/ Hoon 훈- August 16, 1991 (Vocalist)
Woo Sunghyun 우성현/ Kevin 케빈- November 25, 1991 (Vocalist)
Lee Kiseop 이기섭/ Kiseop 기섭- January 17, 1991 (Sub-Vocalist)
Kim Kyoungjae 김경재/ Eli 일라이- March 13, 1991 (Rapper)
Kim Jaeseop 김재섭/ AJ 에이제이- June 4, 1991 (Rapper)
Yeo Hoonmin 여훈민/ Hoon 훈- August 16, 1991 (Vocalist)
Woo Sunghyun 우성현/ Kevin 케빈- November 25, 1991 (Vocalist)
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U-KISS is a South Korean boy band formed by NH Media in 2008. Their name is an acronym, standing for Ubiquitous Korean International idol Super Star. The group consists of Soohyun, Eli, Kiseop, Kevin, Hoon and AJ. Their breakthrough hit was Man Man Ha Ni (2009) from their EP ContiUKiss. They released their first full-length album Only One on February 3, 2010. In September 2011, U-Kiss released their second full-length album, Neverland. They made their formal debut in Japan in 2011 with the release of the single "Tick Tack". The second single is entitled "Forbidden Love" while their first Japanese full-length album was A Shared Dream (2012). Since their debut, the group has released three full-length albums, seven extended plays and various singles. The group also participated in various TV reality shows and films.
2008: Pre-debut and Debut
U-KISS was first formed as a six member boy-group in 2008. Kim Kibum and Kevin Woo were members of the boy band Xing but left the group in early 2007. The other four members were all individually selected by NH Media through auditions. U-KISS debuted in Japan on August 15, 2008 at the Power of Atamix 08. The group debuted in South Korea on August 28, 2008 with a release of their first mini album,New Generation, (N-Generation) on September 3, 2008 and a live performance of their first song Not Young on Mnet. Even though they are new comer in the industry, U-KISS was considered for Japan-Korea collaborative project. A popular entertainment company, Yoshimoto Group in Japan, invested 150 billion KRW to groom U-KISS as an internationally known group. The reason behind this is their quality as a group with multilingual members: Alexander can converse in seven languages including Spanish, Portuguese, Cantonese, Japanese, Mandarin, Korean andEnglish; Eli is fluent in English, Korean and Mandarin; the maknae Dongho can talk in Korean and Mandarin; Kevin in English while Kibum can speak Japanese.
U-KISS was first formed as a six member boy-group in 2008. Kim Kibum and Kevin Woo were members of the boy band Xing but left the group in early 2007. The other four members were all individually selected by NH Media through auditions. U-KISS debuted in Japan on August 15, 2008 at the Power of Atamix 08. The group debuted in South Korea on August 28, 2008 with a release of their first mini album,New Generation, (N-Generation) on September 3, 2008 and a live performance of their first song Not Young on Mnet. Even though they are new comer in the industry, U-KISS was considered for Japan-Korea collaborative project. A popular entertainment company, Yoshimoto Group in Japan, invested 150 billion KRW to groom U-KISS as an internationally known group. The reason behind this is their quality as a group with multilingual members: Alexander can converse in seven languages including Spanish, Portuguese, Cantonese, Japanese, Mandarin, Korean andEnglish; Eli is fluent in English, Korean and Mandarin; the maknae Dongho can talk in Korean and Mandarin; Kevin in English while Kibum can speak Japanese.
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2009–10: Only One, variety shows and first major concert
U-KISS released their second mini-album Bring It Back 2 Old School on 2009 with its title song, I Like You which made them popular in Thailand.The third mini-album titled ContiUkisslaunched Lee Kiseop as the seventh member of the group. The title track "Man Man Ha Ni" was released following a change in their line-up. The fourth mini album Break Time was released on 2010, along with their title track "Shut Up!.The group's first full-length album, Only One, was released on February 3, 2010 spawning their highest chart-topping single in the Philippines, Bingeul Bingeul.The album also topped Hanteo Charts, Hot Tracks, Syn-nara Records and Evan Records in just one day.U-KISS then played in Malaysia, Mongolia and Japan to promote the album.U-KISS promoted the album in the Philippines through series of mall show, wherein they sold more than 1,000 copies in one day which breaks the record of the highest sales in a launch, earning them a million pesos.Due to the said success, the group had their first major concert in the Philippines dubbed as U-KISS First Kiss Tour in Manila Aside from their music career, U-KISS also starred in their own variety shows, All About U-KISS , ‘’UKISS Vampire’’ and ‘’Chef Kiss’’ while the members also appeared on other shows. Kevin Woo andAlexander Lee Eusebio joined Arirang's radio show Pops in Seoul hosting the 'All About You' segment and were also featured on Brave Brother’s song, Finally.Kim Eli also became an emcee of MBC's show, Fusion. The new member Lee Kiseop appeared in a variety show known as Uljjang Shidae 2 (Pretty Boys and Girls Season 2) . Shin Dongho also made many appearances on shows, The Invincible Baseball Team, Idol Maknae Rebellion and My Black Mini Dress. Kibum along with Eli, also starred in the Thai drama Autumn's Destiny wherein their voices were dubbed due to the fact that they cannot speak Thai.
U-KISS released their second mini-album Bring It Back 2 Old School on 2009 with its title song, I Like You which made them popular in Thailand.The third mini-album titled ContiUkisslaunched Lee Kiseop as the seventh member of the group. The title track "Man Man Ha Ni" was released following a change in their line-up. The fourth mini album Break Time was released on 2010, along with their title track "Shut Up!.The group's first full-length album, Only One, was released on February 3, 2010 spawning their highest chart-topping single in the Philippines, Bingeul Bingeul.The album also topped Hanteo Charts, Hot Tracks, Syn-nara Records and Evan Records in just one day.U-KISS then played in Malaysia, Mongolia and Japan to promote the album.U-KISS promoted the album in the Philippines through series of mall show, wherein they sold more than 1,000 copies in one day which breaks the record of the highest sales in a launch, earning them a million pesos.Due to the said success, the group had their first major concert in the Philippines dubbed as U-KISS First Kiss Tour in Manila Aside from their music career, U-KISS also starred in their own variety shows, All About U-KISS , ‘’UKISS Vampire’’ and ‘’Chef Kiss’’ while the members also appeared on other shows. Kevin Woo andAlexander Lee Eusebio joined Arirang's radio show Pops in Seoul hosting the 'All About You' segment and were also featured on Brave Brother’s song, Finally.Kim Eli also became an emcee of MBC's show, Fusion. The new member Lee Kiseop appeared in a variety show known as Uljjang Shidae 2 (Pretty Boys and Girls Season 2) . Shin Dongho also made many appearances on shows, The Invincible Baseball Team, Idol Maknae Rebellion and My Black Mini Dress. Kibum along with Eli, also starred in the Thai drama Autumn's Destiny wherein their voices were dubbed due to the fact that they cannot speak Thai.
2011–2012: Japanese career, Neverland, Tour and DoraDora
U-KISS in 2011
A US album was cancelled due to member termination of contract. Alexander and KIbum left the band on 2011, and were replaced by former ‘’Paran’’ member Kim Jae Seop ( AJ) and a former solo artist, Yeo Hoon Min(Hoon). The new U-KISS released their fifth mini-album, Bran New Kiss, and a new ballad song, "0330".U-KISS released their second full-length album, Neverland, in September with their singles "Neverland" and "Someday".A DVD, U-KISS Days in Japan, debuted at No. 8 on the Daily Oricon Chart published in March 30, 2012. A compilation album called First Kissplaced second on Oricon daily charts on the day of its release. They also released the Japanese version of Bran New Kiss on August 24, 2011. The group released their first Japanese album, Tick Tack, and their second Japanese album, Forbidden Love, simultaneously with their first Japenese full-length album, A Shared Dream. The album peaked at No.6 and No.2 respectively.
On 2012 they participated in the Music Bank concert held in Paris, France. The group became the first K-Pop group to perform in Colombia in line with the celebration of 2012's Los 40 Principales along with international star Shakira.
The group had their sold-out concert tour dubbed U-KISS 1st Japan Live Tour 2012 in March that was held in Zepp Hall all over Japan.The tour lasted from March 2, 2012, to March 25, 2012. In the second week of June, two additional shows were sold-out.
This year, U-KISS has been chosen as Number 1 Hallyu group to watch out in Japan, while Kevin was chosen as Luckiest Hallyu Star of 2012.
They released of their 6th mini-album in South Korea, DoraDora on April 25, 2012. On May 2012, DoraDora gained first spot on Germany's German Asian Music Chart. The group also releases their 7th mini-album or the special album, The Special to Kissme on June 5. The second single "Te Amo" was released on June 1, 2012 on various music sites that immediately placed No.4 on 'Soribada'. The group released their third Japanese single, "Dear My Friend" on July 5, 2012. It was used as a theme song for a Japanese anime, Stormy Night (Secret Friends).
Aside from album releases, the group is also set to perform along with Girls Generation and Shinee at the K-POP Nation Concert in Macao 2012. Member Kim Jaeseop (AJ) was admitted atColumbia University of United States in 2011. It was made announced on July 29, 2012 in their Japanese Live Tour that AJ will be in hiatus for 5 months and will no longer attend activities of U-KISS starting August to concentrate on his studies. According to NH Media, AJ will return in early 2013, meanwhile, U-KISS comeback in September will only feature 6 members. Before AJ's temporary departure from the group, the group attended the A-Nation opening ceremony at the Tokyo National Stadium. On August 9, 2012 they are expected to represent Korea in theAsia Progress M, part of the A-Nation's activities, the biggest music festival in Japan. The group also performed on August 26, 2012 with Hamasaki Ayumi, M-Flo and Big Bang at theAjinomoto Stadium.
U-KISS had the last leg of their Japan Tour in Budokan wherein they garnered 10,000 audience, their biggest to date. Meanwhile, the group released their fourth Japanese single, One of You on September 5, 2012. On its first week, it peak to No. 1 at the weekly chart of Tower Records. On September 20, the group released their 7th mini album "Stop Girl" and planned to actively promote it in 10 countries including Thailand, Philippines, United States and China.
U-KISS received a special achievement award in recognition for their contribution to the Hallyu Wave. The group attended Arirang TV‘s celebration event for their milestone of reaching over 100 Million clients. At the event, U-KISS was awarded the "Special Hallyu Achievement Award" from the minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
U-KISS released their fifth Japanese single, "Distance" on December 12, 2012.
U-KISS in 2011
A US album was cancelled due to member termination of contract. Alexander and KIbum left the band on 2011, and were replaced by former ‘’Paran’’ member Kim Jae Seop ( AJ) and a former solo artist, Yeo Hoon Min(Hoon). The new U-KISS released their fifth mini-album, Bran New Kiss, and a new ballad song, "0330".U-KISS released their second full-length album, Neverland, in September with their singles "Neverland" and "Someday".A DVD, U-KISS Days in Japan, debuted at No. 8 on the Daily Oricon Chart published in March 30, 2012. A compilation album called First Kissplaced second on Oricon daily charts on the day of its release. They also released the Japanese version of Bran New Kiss on August 24, 2011. The group released their first Japanese album, Tick Tack, and their second Japanese album, Forbidden Love, simultaneously with their first Japenese full-length album, A Shared Dream. The album peaked at No.6 and No.2 respectively.
On 2012 they participated in the Music Bank concert held in Paris, France. The group became the first K-Pop group to perform in Colombia in line with the celebration of 2012's Los 40 Principales along with international star Shakira.
The group had their sold-out concert tour dubbed U-KISS 1st Japan Live Tour 2012 in March that was held in Zepp Hall all over Japan.The tour lasted from March 2, 2012, to March 25, 2012. In the second week of June, two additional shows were sold-out.
This year, U-KISS has been chosen as Number 1 Hallyu group to watch out in Japan, while Kevin was chosen as Luckiest Hallyu Star of 2012.
They released of their 6th mini-album in South Korea, DoraDora on April 25, 2012. On May 2012, DoraDora gained first spot on Germany's German Asian Music Chart. The group also releases their 7th mini-album or the special album, The Special to Kissme on June 5. The second single "Te Amo" was released on June 1, 2012 on various music sites that immediately placed No.4 on 'Soribada'. The group released their third Japanese single, "Dear My Friend" on July 5, 2012. It was used as a theme song for a Japanese anime, Stormy Night (Secret Friends).
Aside from album releases, the group is also set to perform along with Girls Generation and Shinee at the K-POP Nation Concert in Macao 2012. Member Kim Jaeseop (AJ) was admitted atColumbia University of United States in 2011. It was made announced on July 29, 2012 in their Japanese Live Tour that AJ will be in hiatus for 5 months and will no longer attend activities of U-KISS starting August to concentrate on his studies. According to NH Media, AJ will return in early 2013, meanwhile, U-KISS comeback in September will only feature 6 members. Before AJ's temporary departure from the group, the group attended the A-Nation opening ceremony at the Tokyo National Stadium. On August 9, 2012 they are expected to represent Korea in theAsia Progress M, part of the A-Nation's activities, the biggest music festival in Japan. The group also performed on August 26, 2012 with Hamasaki Ayumi, M-Flo and Big Bang at theAjinomoto Stadium.
U-KISS had the last leg of their Japan Tour in Budokan wherein they garnered 10,000 audience, their biggest to date. Meanwhile, the group released their fourth Japanese single, One of You on September 5, 2012. On its first week, it peak to No. 1 at the weekly chart of Tower Records. On September 20, the group released their 7th mini album "Stop Girl" and planned to actively promote it in 10 countries including Thailand, Philippines, United States and China.
U-KISS received a special achievement award in recognition for their contribution to the Hallyu Wave. The group attended Arirang TV‘s celebration event for their milestone of reaching over 100 Million clients. At the event, U-KISS was awarded the "Special Hallyu Achievement Award" from the minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
U-KISS released their fifth Japanese single, "Distance" on December 12, 2012.
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