U-KISS
 |
U-KISS |
|---|
Template:Contains Korean text U-KISS (Korean: 유키스) is a seven-member South Korean boy band formed by NH Media in 2008. The members include Kevin, Ki Bum, Soo Hyun, Alexander, Eli, Dong Ho and Kiseop. The name of the group stands for Ubiquitous Korean International Idol Super Star.
The group has released one album and various single. Their first full length album, Only One was released on February 2010.
The members of the group have had various activities as solo entertainers — acting in various dramas and musicals, hosting various reality-variety shows, and releasing solo singles.
History
Pre-debut
The group was formed as a six-member boy band. Kevin Woo and Kim Ki Bum were one of the original members of the boy band XING. Ki Bum left the group on 2007 while Kevin left the group four months before the debut of U-KISS. Meanwhile, Soo Hyun was a former JYP Entertainment and Good Entertainment trainee. The pre U-KISS activities of the three members helped the group drew attention among Korean fans.
2008-2009: Debut and new member
U-KISS debuted in Japan on August 15, 2008 at the Power of Atamix alongside SS501 & Paran. The group released their first mini album, New Generation, on September 3, 2008. Later on, the group debuted on South Korean television, with a performance of "Not Young" on M! Countdown.
In January 2009, three English speaking members of the group, Eli, Alexander & Kevin, joined Arirang's radio show Pops in Seoul hosting the 'All About You' segment alongside co-host Isak. The group made their comeback with their second mini album Bring It Back To The Old School on February. In April, Eli became a MC of MBC's show, Fusion.
Afterwards, the group commenced promotional activities in China on June, appearing on Hunan TV. In addition, they held various fan meetings in Thailand from October to November. After the announcement of seventh member, Lee Ki Seop, U-KISS released their third mini album, "Conti Ukiss" on November 5. On the day of release, They performed their title song, "만만하니" ("Man Man Ha Ni") on M!Countdown.
2010: First album
U-KISS released their first studio album, Only One, on February 3, 2010. U-KISS started promotions on KBS's Music Bank with their lead single "Bingeul Bingeul" (Korean: 빙글빙글, lit "Round and Round") on February 5.
In March 2010, U-KISS went to the Philippines to promote their album, Only One. They had their mall tours to meet their fans and held autograph signing sessions after the performances.
On April 15, 2010, U-Kiss had their comeback stage on Mnet M-Countdown with their new single, "Mworago" (Korean: 뭐라고, lit "What"). They also performed a cover of Lee Hyori's U Go Girl.
U-KISS will have their first major concert in the Philippines on May 29, 2010 at the Araneta Coliseum. After that, they will have concerts in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Japan.
Albums
Studio album
- Only One (2010)