Formed in 2008, with a lineup that included Kevin Woo and Kim Kibum of the defunct boy band Xing (which also included BEAST rapper Yong Junhyung) and four other members discovered through auditions, U-KISS has developed a fiercely devoted fan base.
And although Kibum left U-KISS in early 2011, the group (whose name is an acronym for “Ubiquitous Korean International idol Super Star”) has only continued to gain in popularity in the years since.
On Jan. 9, U-KISS will kick off their first-ever US tour at the Best Buy Theater in New York City.
In a recent interview with KpopStarz’s Japanese news bureau, the six current members of U-KISS, Soohyun, Kiseop, Eli, AJ, Hoon and Kevin, discussed their seventh Japanese single “Fall In Love,” the accompanying B-side “Shape of Your Heart” and even opened up about their own romantic habits.
KpopStarz: AJ, you wrote and produced “Fall In Love.” Describe the writing process.
AJ: First, I composed the music for the entire song. Then I came up with lyrics from my own experience.
KpopStarz: Were you thinking about Christmas time when you wrote “Fall In Love?”
AJ: I did not mean to make this song about Christmas, but I did consider the winter season. I finished “Fall In Love” in late spring, which was still a season that felt cold like winter. I’m gradually gaining more experiences that I can use to write songs.
KpopStarz: What is the song about?
AJ: It is about my girlfriend leaving me.