U-KISS PROFILE
U-Kiss is South Korea boy band under NH Media. The same agency with Yang Dong Geun and PARAN. U-Kiss members consisting of Leader Soohyun, Kiseop, Eli, AJ, Hoon, Kevin, and maknae Dongho. Xander and Kibum was former members of U-Kiss. U-Kiss is an acronym, standing for Ubiquitous Korean International idol Super Star. Their original concept was to be a pretty boy-group. U-Kiss targets not only in South Korea and Japan, but the entire Asian music industry. On August 15th, 2008 U-Kiss debut in Japan with their single debut Not Young at the The Power of Atamix 08 and on August 28, 2008 they debut in South Korea with their mini album New Generation (N-Generation). On September 3rd, 2008 they made stage debut on Mnet M! Countdown with single Not Young.
Initially, U-Kiss debut with six members. They are consisting of leader Soohyun, Eli, Kevin, maknae Dongho, Xander, and Kibum. Kibum and Kevin were members of the boy band Xing but left the group in early 2007. While the other four members were all individually selected by NH Media through auditions. Not all U-Kiss members are from South Korea, three of their members Alexander, Eli and Kevin, came from other countries. Alexander came from Macau, while both Eli and Kevin came from the United States. Eli came from Washington, D.C., while Kevin came from San Francisco. U-Kiss is one of the boy band who their members can speak a variety of languages, such as Alexander can converse in seven languages including Spanish, Portuguese, Cantonese, Japanese, Mandarin, Korean and English, Eli is fluent in English, Korean and Mandarin as he had lived in China while trying to pursue an acting career, the maknae Dongho can talk in Korean and Mandarin as he had studied in Beijing,China before. He is currently learning English and Japanese, Kevin can speak in English while Kibum can speak Japanese. As a result of the groups' fluency in many languages, they have no problems communicating with their fans from different parts of the world, helping them to gain many international fans.
On February 3rd, 2009 U-Kiss released their second mini album titled Bring It Back 2 Old School with lead song "I Like You" which made them popular in Thailand. On November 5th, 2009 U-Kiss released their 3rd mini album called "Conti Ukiss". Through their 3rd mini album, U-Kiss introduce Lee Kiseop as U-Kiss's seventh member. This album helped them to gain a lot of popularity, especially their main track and hit song, "Man Man Hani (Am I That Easy?)". The dance for this song was named "Kanghan Namja" (Strong Man) or Kangnam dance for short. It became a popular dance in the South Korean music industry. U-Kiss had promotional activities in China beginning June 2009. On the January 18th, 2010, U-KISS opened their official fan club, KissMe. October 4th, 2010 U-Kiss released their 4th mini album titled Break Time with lead song "Shut Up!". In January 27th, 2010 they released their first digital single "Without You". On February 3, 2010 U-Kiss released their first full-length album called "Only One" and started promotions on KBS's Music Bank with their lead single "Bingeul Bingeul (Round and Round)". Bingeul Bingeul had spawning their highest chart-topping single in the Philippines.
On February 23rd, 2011 NH Media confirmed that Alexander and Kibum will be leaving the group by decision of the company and they would be replaced by two new members, believing that it will strengthen the group vocals and become more mature and developed team. NH Media made a mutual agreement to terminate Kibum exclusive contract recently while Alexander, he may be leaving U-KISS, but after a very long discussion, they decided that he will be remaining with the agency to fulfill his personal, overseas activities. On March 7th, 2011, two new members were announced AJ (former member of the group PARAN) and Hoon (a former solo singer) will be joined with U-Kiss. In 2011, NH Media also announced that U-KISS was planning to debut in United States. On March 30th, 2011 U-Kiss made their comeback with their 5th mini-album "Bran New Kiss" and a new ballad song "0330". On September 1st, 2011 U-KISS released their second full-length album "Neverland". From June 8th, 2011, U-Kiss stayed in Japan for 3 months to prepare for their official Japanese debut under Avex Japan Entertainment. In 2012, U-KISS will have a comeback in Korea on September. The album is set to feature composers not only from Korea, but also Japan and USA. Meanwhile, the group is also set to release their fourth Japanese single, One of You on September 5, 2012.
