Kevin Woo Sung Hyun | |
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Born | November 25, 1991 (20) |
Origin | San Francisco, California, United States |
Genres | Pop |
Years active | XING : 2006 –2008 U-KISS : 2008 –present |
Associated acts | NH Media. |
Website | u-kiss.co.kr http://twitter.com/kevinwoo91 |
Kevin Woo (Korean: 우성현) (born November 25, 1991), is a Korean-American singer, currently a member and lead vocal (along with Shin Soohyun) of a seven-member South Korean boy band, U-KISS,[1] formed by NH Media in 2008. Bandmates include Shin Soohyun, Lee Kiseop, Ellison Kim, AJ, Hoon and Shin Dongho. Previous Members Include Alexander Lee Eusebio and Kim Kibum. The name of the group stands for Ubiquitous Korean International Idol Super Star.
Woo was born and raised in Danville, California, United States, living with his parents and older sister. He attended Monte Vista High School and was in the school choir. After auditioning in Korea during a holiday trip, he was chosen and thus decided to be a singer. At age 15, Woo then moved to South Korea with his mother to pursue his dream.
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Kevin debuted in a four-member group, XING, alongside Marumir otherwise known as 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 into the list of the Top 5 Most Anticipated Artists in 2007.
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 in 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.
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, Woo, the only original member of XING decided to depart from the group.
Kevin then became 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.
The group made their comeback with their second mini album, Bring It Back 2 Old School, on the 11th of February, 2009. The title track "I Like You" features the members sporting Old School hairstyles, dancing to Korean pop in the late 1990s, which was the concept of their second mini album. The second promoted track is "Talk To Me", although it had no obvious links to the Old School concept they were aiming for.
On November 5, 2009, U-KISS returned with their third mini album, Am I That Easy?[2]. The title track "Am I That Easy?" helped raise their popularity, which promptly led them to start recording the next album.
Their first full length album, Only One[3], was released on February 2010. Promoted songs include "Round and Round", "What".
On October 4, 2010, the fourth mini album Break Time showed fans yet another new concept conjured up by the company. It features the title track, Shut Up.
Starting on January 5, 2011, Woo participated in the musical “On Air Live” as the lead actor. He acted in a total of 26 shows between his first stage as stated, and his last stage on February 14, 2011.
Woo joined Arirang[4]'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.
Woo, 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[5]" in early August.
Five members, Soohyun, Kibum, Kiseop, Dongho and Woo were announced to be part of drama I Am Legend,[6] acting as a rock band. This marks their acting debut, where members get to show their musical talent by playing instruments they are good at. Woo will be playing the guitar. Fans have noted that they did not appear in the drama. However, no officials stood out to explain the issue.
U-KISS has also starred in many variety shows over the years. Variety that are U-KISS centric includes "You Know U-Kiss", "All about U-Kiss", "U-Kiss' Vampire[7]" and "Chef's Kiss"
Woo also sang Finally featuring Alexander, a song composed by Brave Brothers. As of March 17, U-Kiss' Kevin, Eli, and former member Alexander will no longer be MC's for Arirang's Radio School. With the group's loss of former members Alexander and Kibum, and the release of their upcoming 2011 album, Arirang has etched out Radio School, replacing it with an alternate program. Alexander tweeted his thanks on the 17th saying, "Thank u for all ya love & support @arirangpops segment! Learnt a lot & had so much FUN w/ y'all~ Gonna miss y'all.. Love y'all!♥^-^"
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