U-KISS (Korean: 유키스; Japanese: ユーキス), standing for Ubiquitous Korean International Idol Super Star, debuted in 2008 under NH Media as a six member boy group; members Kibum and Kevin were previously part of boy group XING in 2007, while the other four remaining members were scouted through auditions. The lineup at the time of debut was Kibum, Kevin, Eli, Dongho, Soohyun and Alexander, who debuted with the album New Generation.

U-KISS Debut Album Concept

The group would not gain much traction until one year later, with the song “Man Man Hani (만만하니)” off the album Conti U-KISS.

In 2010, member Kiseop joined the group, and a year later, in 2011, members Alexander and Kibum left the group and were replaced by AJ and Hoon, while Soohyun was appointed as the group’s leader; in 2020, it was later revealed by Alexander himself that he was kicked out of the group due to his lack of popularity. During this time, the group also released the mini album Bran New Kiss to mark the beginning of a new U-KISS, as well as their second full length album NEVERLAND.

U-KISS 2011 "Bran New Kiss" Promotions

Sometime in late 2013, member Dongho left the group, citing health concerns and other personal issues. The group would continue on without Dongho, participating in a variety of foreign concerts such as Dream KPOP Fantasy Concert in the Philippines, Formula 1 in Malaysia, tours in Latin America and Japan, and releases in Japan and Korea. In 2014, the group’s first sub-unit made its debut at the end of April. The group, which was named uBEAT, was composed of members Eli, AJ, and Kevin; the group has only released one album thus far.

That same year, in 2014, member Jun was added to the lineup; this lineup would be consistent until the summer of 2016, as AJ left the group as his contract with NH Media expired and Kevin followed after in the spring of 2017 for the same reason.

U-KISS in 2014

In 2019, member Hoon enlisted in the Marine Corps in order to fulfill his mandatory military service, while members Eli and Kiseop announced around the same time that they were leaving the group, as their contracts had expired with NH Media. As of 2020, the group is currently down to a total of three members – Hoon, Soohyun and Jun.

On January 24th of 2022, the longtime idol group signed to a new agency called Tango Music. The company, which was a brand new company at the time of the announcement, was the first to break the news. The announcement stated:

The members of U-KISS, Soo-hyun, Ki-seop, and Hoon, have signed an exclusive contract as the first artists of Tango Music.

In May of 2023, the group announced preparations for their 15th anniversary comeback, teasing posters with 3 additional members. These members would later be announced to be former members Alexander, Eli, and AJ. The resulting comeback, which released in June of 2023, was an album titled PLAY LIST.

The group’s fandom name is KissMe’s and the fandom color is Pearl Fuchsia.

U-KISS as of 2020