AJ (South Korean singer)

This is a Korean name; the family name is Kim.
Kim Jae-Seop
Born June 4, 1991
Namyangju, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Genres Pop, R&B, dance
Occupation(s) Singer, dancer, model, composer
Instruments Vocals, piano, guitar
Years active 2005–2012(Hiatus(Singing)
Labels NH Media, Avex Trax
Associated acts U-KISS, Paran (band)
Website u-kiss.co.kr

Kim Jae-Seop (Korean: 김재섭, born June 4, 1991), also known as his stage name AJ, is a South Korean idol singer, best known as the lead rapper and a sub-vocalist of seven-member boy band, U-KISS formed by NH Media in 2008. He is one of two members to join after the departure of Alexander and Kibum in February 2011. Bandmates include Soohyun, Eli, Hoon, Kiseop, Kevin and Jun. He is one of the three English-speaking members of U-KISS along with Eli and Kevin (and ex-member Alexander).

Career

2005-2010: PARAN career

Aj debuted as a part of PARAN in 2005 when he was 14. Their debut song was “첫사랑” (First Love).

2011: As a member of U-KISS

Group photo of U-Kiss taken at the press conference for Dream Concert 2013 in 11May2013

After the departure of Alexander and Kibum,[1] NH Media announced that AJ and former soloist Hoon will be joining U-KISS, which is the same label PARAN is under. He made his debut as a member of U-KISS through the group's fifth mini album Bran New Kiss which was released on March 30, 2011 with the title song "0330" and U-KISS swept music charts with their comeback.

2012–present: Columbia and the first sub-unit "uBEAT"

AJ was admitted to Columbia University in the United States in 2011.[2] It was announced on July 29, 2012, in their Japanese Live Tour that AJ will be in hiatus for five months and will no longer attend activities of U-KISS starting in August to concentrate on his studies.[3] Before AJ's temporary departure from the group, the group attended the A-Nation opening ceremony at the Tokyo National Stadium. AJ returned to U-KISS on February 16 to attend their Valentine's Day Event.

uBEAT

On April 8, NH Media confirmed "U-KISS’ first sub-unit 'uBEAT' will debut at the end of April". The sub-unit is composed of members Eli and AJ with Kevin featuring on the title track as the main vocalist. The sub-unit is also said to have its title track produced by the Brave Brothers, who previously produced their hit "Man Man Ha Ni" and uBEAT is set to release a re-package album (Collage) with 3 new songs, 'Should Have Treated You Better'

Extended Plays

Title Year Information Chart positions Sales
Gaon Chart
(South Korea)
Oricon Charts
(Japan)
Should Have Treated You Better 2013
3[4]
–
8,650+[5]
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory.

References

  1. ↑ "[Updates] Alexander & Kim Kibum to leave U-KISS". allkpop.com. 2011-02-23. Retrieved 2013-10-02.
  2. ↑ "K-POP News/Entertainment/Program/KBS World Radio". World.kbs.co.kr. Retrieved 2013-10-02.
  3. ↑ "2013 U-KISS, Standing Still". U-kiss.co.kr. 2012-07-29. Retrieved 2013-10-02.
  4. ↑ "Gaon Physical Sales Chart April". Retrieved 21 April 2013.
  5. ↑ "U-KISS Unit Group uBEAT Releases Fun and Cute Teaser Photos". ohkpop.com. Retrieved 21 April 2013.