U-KISS (Korean: 유키스) is a South Korean boy band formed by NH Media in 2008. The members of the group are Soohyun, Eli, Kevin, Dongho, Kiseop, Hoon and AJ (both joining the group in 2011). Alexander and Kibum became former members, when their contracts were terminated in early 2011.
The group has released two full-length albums, five extended plays and various singles. Their first full length album, Only One, was released on February 3, 2010. The group released their second full-length album Neverland on September 1, 2011.
On May 2011, U-KISS formally signed under Avex Japan for their Japanese debut. They are now preparing for their formal debut into Japan, set for December 14th, with the release of their single ?Tick Tack?.
Members
Current members
[LIST]
[*]
Soohyun (Shin Soohyun)(Hangul:신수현) Born on March 11, 1989. Shin Soohyun is the newly appointed leader and the power 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:이기섭) Born on January 17, 1991. He is a vocalist and the main dancer of the group. Kiseop is known for being an 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 Kyoung Jae) (Hangul:김경재) Born on March 13, 1991. His English name is Ellison, which his nickname Eli derives from. He is the main rapper and vocalist 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.He was also a host in the Arirang program Pops in Seoul together with members Kevin and Alexander. He now MCs for US MCountdown with Kevin.
[*]
AJ (Kim Jaeseop) (Hangul:김재섭) 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. AJ is fluent in Korean and English as he went to an international school in Korea. 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. He currently goes to Columbia University. AJ is the lead rapper, vocalist, and dancer in U-KISS.
[*]
Hoon (Yeo Hoon Min) (Hangul:여훈민) 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 one of the two lead 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.
[*]
Kevin (Woo Sung Hyun) (Hangul:우성현), Born on November 25, 1991. Korean name: Woo Sunghyun (Hangul:우성현). Kevin is the other lead vocalist and the second 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. He was the host of Arirang TV's radio show Pops in Seoul with group-mates Eli and Alexander. He now hosts US MCountdown with co-member, Eli. His specialities are popping dance, guitar, and piano. He has one older sister, and he is Christian.
[*]
Dongho (Shin Dongho) (Hangul:신동호) Born on June 29, 1994. He's the youngest member of the group. Dongho is the lead rapper, lead dancer, vocalist 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 claimed that Dongho is the one who helped U-KISS receive more popularity and stated that they are thankful to him. Recently, Dongho gained a lot of attention after his cameo in the movie "My Black Mini Dress" with Yoo In Na.[/LIST]
Past members
[LIST]
[*]Alexander Lee Eusebio (Hangul:알렉산더) Born on July 29, 1988. Alexander was born in Hong Kong but grew up in Macau 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: Cantonese, English, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, Portuguese, and Japanese. He is a Christian. He was formerly a rapper for the group.
[*]
Kibum (Hangul:김기범) Born on December 29, 1990. 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 Kim Hyung Jun before debuting with U-KISS. Kibum, along with group-mate Kevin, was a member 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. Kibum will be debuting in Japan as a solo artist under the stage name, Allen.[/LIST]
Discography
Korean Discography
Studio Albums[LIST]
[*]February 3, 2010: Only One
[*]September 1, 2011: Neverland
[*]Extended Plays
[*]September 5, 2008: New Generation
[*]February 11, 2009: Bring It Back 2 Old School
[*]November 5, 2009: ContiUkiss
[*]October 4, 2010: Break Time
[*]March 30, 2011: Bran New Kiss[/LIST]
Soundtracks and other Singles
[LIST]
[*]December 7, 2009: Finally (Brave Brothers ft. UKISS)
[*]May 31, 2010: I Can Do It (Call of the Country OST part 2)
[*]June 4, 2010: Hero Challenge (Kim Sooro, Yang Sangchul, U-Kiss)
[*]February 8, 2011: Always (Real School OST)
[*]February 8, 2011: Kiss Me (Real School OST)
[*]February 23, 2011: Your Love (Hyeji ft. Alexander)
[*]May 5, 2011: The Man With A Flower (ACE ft. Eli)
[*]May 13, 2011: Man's Love (No Gi Tae ft. Dongho)
[*]December 22, 2011: "Lifetime for Kiss Me (U-KISS cover of UN's original "lifetime")[/LIST]
Japanese Discography
Extended Plays[LIST]
[*]August 24, 2011: Bran New Kiss[/LIST]
Single Albums
[LIST][*]December 14, 2011: Tick Tack
[*]February 15, 2012: TBA[/LIST]
Others
Live Albums
[LIST][*]April 2, 2011: U-KISS 1st Kiss Tour in Manila DVD(Philippines only)[48]
[*]April 29, 2011: U-KISS First Kiss Live in Tokyo and Osaka DVD(Japan only)
[*]April 29, 2011: Seoul Train with U-KISS(Japan only)[/LIST]