Kevin Woo
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Kevin Woo |
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Kevin Woo (Korean: 케빈우 (born November 25, 1991), He was an original member of the k-pop transition group XING, with Kim Ki-bum. Left in 2008 and signed with NH Media's U-Kiss[1] formed by NH Media in 2008. Bandmates include Alexander Lee Eusebio, Shin Soohyun, Kim Ki-bum, Lee Kiseop, Eli Kim and Shin Dongho. The name of the group stands for Ubiquitous Korean International Idol Super Star.
Early life
Kevin was born and raised in the town of Danville, CA a suburb of San Francisco and Oakland, United States and lived with his parents and older sister Deanna. He attended Monte Vista High School and was in the school choir as well as his church's praise team. Kevin decided to pursue a career as a musician after seeing singing sensation Rain (entertainer) perform. When he auditioned in Korea during a holiday trip, he was chosen to be a singer and at the age of 15, he moved to Korea with his mother.
Singing career
2006 : Debut with XING
Kevin debuts in a four-member group, XING, alongside Marumir (also Kim Kibum), Yume and Cheon Hyesung. The group name is an acronym for Crossing In New Genre. XING's first single 'In Your Hands' was released on December 14, 2006. Their popularity quickly rose and they were dubbed as the teenage SG Wannabe. XING made it in to the list of the Top 5 Most Anticipated Artists in 2007.
2006-2008 : Activities as member of XING
Mini Albums and Albums released
In 2007, two new members were added to the group, while Marumir left the group. Thus, XING became a 5-member group for the release of their second mini album on August 5, 2007, My Girl. The title song falls into the genre of pop.
After undergoing member makeup dramatic changes, seven-member XING returned to the musical scene on December 12, 2007, with mini album, The White Of Winter.
On March 17, 2008, the seven-member XING released a digital single T-Express. The music style of the group changes from pop genre to a more dance genre with rap influence.
Other happenings
The group held its second concert on September 8, 2007. They performed songs from both their singles and each member delivered a solo performance. They performed officially on national television at the YTN Star Digital Night Concert.
After the release of T-Express in April 2008, Kevin, the only original member of XING decided to depart from the group.
2008 : Debut with U-KISS
Kevin then becomes a member of a six-member group, U-KISS. The name of the group stands for Ubiquitous Korean International (Idol) Super Star. They debuted on August 15, 2008 in Japan at the Power of Atamix. The group released their first mini album, N-Generation, on September 3, 2008. Later on, the group debuted on South Korean television, with a performance of "Not Young" on M! Countdown. Kiseop later joined in 2009, before 만만하니 promotional activities, and U-KISS then becomes a seven-member boyband.
2008-2010 : Activities as member of U-KISS
Mini Albums and Albums released
The group made their comeback with their second mini album, Bring It Back 2 Old School, in February.
On November 5, 2009, U-KISS returned with their third mini album, Am I That Easy?[2].
Their first full length album, Only One, was released on February 2010.
Other happenings
Kevin joined Arirang[3]'s radio show Pops in Seoul to host the 'All About You' segment alongside co-host Isak. Alexander later joined the duo in the hosting. Eli joined them as a new co-host in early 2010, replacing Isak.
Kevin, along with bandmate Alexander were also made regular casts for variety show "Star King" since April, and were both selected as new MCs for Arirang TV global music show "The M-Wave[4]" in early August.
Kevin has also sang Finally featuring Alexander, a song composed by Brave Brothers.
Kevin is now one of the emcees in the Arirang M-wave.
Starting from December 2010 to February 2011, Kevin will be starring in a musical, "On Air Live".[5] His first stage performance is on January 5, 2011.
Fun facts
-Kevin and fellow bandmate, KiSeop, are the scaredy cats of U-Kiss. Both are easily frightened.
References
- ^ KBS World. U-KISS alongside former XING member Marumir AKA Kim Ki-bum. U-KISS. March 13, 2008. Retrieved September 3, 2008.
- ^ NEWSEN. 만만하니 유키스 만만하니. November 5, 2009. Retrieved February 23, 2010
- ^ Arirang. Arirang. February 8, 2009. Retrieved February 8, 2009.
- ^ MSN News. Alexander & Kevin chosen to be Arirang TV Music Show's MCs. August 2, 2010. Retrieved August 2, 2010
- ^ Kevin on his First musical