I know I'm a little late on this one, but I did celebrate their anniversary on its correct day (by spamming U-KISS albums, naturally), but since I'm busy packing up to move back to NY, I didn't have a free moment to take the time and write a little bit about this group, who has been one of my favorite K-Pop groups for some time now.
I've said this several times, but I always seem to give my heart the most to groups who go through the most difficulties. My ultimate bias group is DBSK, who famously had a lawsuit which resulted in the group splitting up into two. KAT-TUN's lead singer Jin Akanishi went solo, and Koki was removed from the group. NEWS lost all but four of their members little by little over the years. And then there's U-KISS. Kibum winds up kicked out by management against everyone's wishes. Alexander is forced to follow. New members AJ and Hoon are brought in, and though the Kiss Me fandom is still reeling from the loss of two precious members, we can't help but fall in love. AJ frequently leaves to attend his studies, but we wait for him patiently. Unfortunately, while we're waiting, maknae Dongho leaves the group to take care of his health. New member Jun is brought in, and once again, in some ways you don't want to fall in love again, but still you can't help it.
But why can't we help it, exactly? To me, U-KISS is not only a group with great music. They've blown my mind time after time with gorgeous songs like "Standing Still" and "0330," as well as infectious dance numbers like "Tick Tack" and "Neverland." But beyond their music, they also happen to be a genuine, kind-hearted, and lovable group. Now, I know I don't know them personally, and that idol personas aren't always accurate to real life. But to me, U-KISS's kindness has always gone far beyond the cookie cutter kind of likability you get from other idols. In spite of the struggles they've gone through with their line-up changes and greater success in the international market over their native Korea, they've always showed strength towards each other and towards their loyal fanbase. The way they accepted AJ, Hoon, and Jun with such open arms and support made it like second nature for us to accept them, too. The way they kept time and time again releasing beautiful and high quality music in spite of it never earning it the group the victories they deserved made us keep believing in them and buying their CDs. Like DBSK, they also worked hard at their Japanese career-- they learned the language so they could promote on varieties, and rather than just rereleasing their old singles in Japanese, they worked on original Japanese language tracks that are in some cases even better than their Korean songs.
Honestly, to me, U-KISS doesn't need to win in Korea to be one of the most special groups in the industry. Their international fanbase is one of the strongest, and U-KISS is one of the most well thought of groups thanks to how genuinely kind they actually are. I don't want to meet anyone who doesn't like Kevin Woo, to be honest. And if you've ever watched their realities, videos, and various activities throughout the years, you'll love the strong relationship they have with each other. It's amazing to me that out of the current line-up, only Soohyun, Eli, and Kevin were together from the very beginning (though AJ was technically floating around with PARAN at their company) since they interact so well together (they are quite possibly fan service kings).
So Happy Anni to U-KISS. Your Kiss Me family will always be rooting for you, so keep doing your best, and we'll keep loving you <3
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