If you didn't know, I love K-pop. Aside from old school funk and pop, K-pop is my favorite music genre. From BoA to Bangtan Boys (BTS), I sing, dance, and jam to my tunes by many artists. However, no artist can compare to my favorite group: U-Kiss.
U-Kiss is a seven member boy group in Korea. They are consist of Soohyun (leader and main vocalist), Kiseop (main dancer and vocalist), Eli (main rapper), Hoon (lead vocalist), Kevin (main vocalist), Jun (rapper, vocalist, maknae [youngest member]), and AJ (rapper who is currently on hiatus because of college).
They have been in the K-pop industry since 2008 and won their first award last year on MTV The Show, a music program where various K-pop acts perform and compete for the first place trophy. Before winning first place, U-Kiss went through several member changes, including their original maknaeDongho leaving the group because of health issues and wanting a normal life and lack of recognition from the public eye.
If you know me well, you know I love U-Kiss. I have been fangirling over this group since 2010 when I secretly went on YouTube and clicked on their music video "Man Man Ha Ni." As an international fan, I purchased many, if not all, of their albums, including my favorites "Only You" (their first clothing album), "Moments," and "Collage."
Since their win, they have been very busy. They went on tours in Japan and are doing various non-music activities such as Kevin hosting an English program "After School Club" on channel Arirang TV and Eli is also host a non-competitive music show on the same channel, "Simply K-Pop." Aside from their busy schedule, U-Kiss has been quiet about when they'll be making a Korean comeback until now. They announced last week that they will be making a comeback next month with a powerful dance track. The anticipation continued when they posted their comeback schedule on U-Kiss' official Facebook page including all of the members' individual teaser photos.
I haven't been excited about U-Kiss' return since they released their album "Always." I squealed inside when they announced they're coming back. U-Kiss hasn't made any music in a decade. In honor of their return, here are five reasons why I'm head over heels with U-Kiss.
1. Their music.
If you checked my past articles, I talked about one of my favorite U-Kiss songs: "Standing Still" on my birthday playlist. U-Kiss has released many great songs including their biggest hit single, "Man Man Ha Ni" or "Am I That Easy" and "Binguel Binguel" or "Round Round." Because this article is celebrating U-Kiss's return to the K-pop scene, I will share some of my favorite U-Kiss songs (I'm holding back if you can't tell).
2. Their silliness.
Aside from music, U-Kiss has a fun personality and a unique sense of humor. While you may not understand what they are saying, U-Kiss will have moments where you cannot help but burst into laughter.
3. Their interactions with fans.
Like any artist, U-Kiss always interacts with fans. Whether they are at meet and greet and signing autographs, remembering their fans' names, or communicating with their fans on stage, U-Kiss talks to their fans, KISSMes, as if they have known each other for a long time. Their most memorable fan service is their talk session during their U.S. Tour in 2014. There are so many memorable moments with U-Kiss and KISSMes.
4. Their stage presence.
If you grew up watching MTV's "TRL" or BET's "106 & Park" when they were popular on TV, then you know Korea has music shows where every K-pop artist performs on Inkigayo, MTV The Show, Music Core, and more to win first place with viewers' votes and album sales. They perform, and every K-pop artist gives 110 percent on every performance like an actual concert. U-Kiss is no different. However, they perform a unique U-Kiss style on stage that grabs many fans' attention. Every performance, U-Kiss brings something different to their stage whenever they promote a new song.
5. Their upcoming comeback.
Of course this will not be complete without my excitement for their return to the music scene. Their company, NH Media, has already released image teasers on Facebook and Twitter. The photos make me more anticipated for their 11th album.
Because:
Oh.
My.
Gosh.
This is where I say, "The slayage is real."
As U-Kiss's new album releases tomorrow in the United States, I am happy to see my favorite K-pop act has finally returned. I'll be waiting for U-Kiss to release their new song and music video and slay my entire life during finals week.
By the time this article is posted, their music video for "Stalker" will be up on their official YouTube channel. Please show them some love and tell them this KISSMe sent you.
Welcome back, U-Kiss!