Eli and Kiseop Depart U-KISS

On May 16, 2019, NH-EMG, U-KISS’ label, announced that Eli and Kiseop have decided to not renew their contracts.

“The exclusive contracts of U-KISS members Eli and Kiseop with NH-EMG have expired, and the exclusive contracts with the Japanese agency Avex have also expired,” the company said. “Eli and Kiseop, who have been promoting as U-KISS members for a long time, discussed with the agency for a long time and decided not to renew their contracts.”

“Of the U-KISS members who have time remaining in their contracts, Soohyun and Hoon enlisted in the Army and Marine Corps, respectively, and are fulfilling their military duties, while the youngest Jun will continue promoting with solo activities and as an actor through musicals and dramas,” the company continued.

“We express sincere gratitude to the many fans who have given love and support to U-KISS for a long time, and we are sincerely cheering on Eli and Kiseop for their days ahead.”

Following the announcement, Eli and Kiseop reached out to fans via social media.

Eli, who was an original member, left behind a simple message that states, “Thank you for supporting U-KISS’s Eli until now. I’ll show you a good appearance in the future. Thank you all for your support the past 11 years.”

 

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그동안 유키스 일라이를 응원 해 주셔서 감사합니다. 앞으로 좋은 모습 보여 드리겠습니다. Thank you all for all of your support the past 11 years.

A post shared by Eli Kim (@eli_kim91) on May 15, 2019 at 8:21pm PDT

Kiseop, who joined the group in 2009 and is currently serving his mandatory military duties as a public service worker due to a herniated disk issue, provided a longer message:

Hello, Kiss Me, it’s Kiseop. I write this with an apologetic heart to fans who first found out through articles. Many things happened in 10 years, including joyful, sad, and happy things, right? Thank you for being with me during all of these moments. While receiving a lot of love until now, I realized, ‘I too, can laugh like this,’ and learned about happiness thanks to all of you. Thank you once again for loving and supporting me for a long time. I came to the decision to go on a new challenge after thinking and discussing with the agency for a long time. Instead of saying that this is the end, I’ll endlessly work hard for better days ahead. The agency employees, members, and Kiss Me… I thank you and I love you.

He also left messages in Japanese and English.

 

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안녕하세요. 키스미 여러분 기섭입니다. 우선 기사를 통해서 소식을 알게 되신 팬분들께 미안하고 죄송한 마음으로 글을 올립니다. 10년 동안 기쁘고 슬프고 행복하고 많은 일들이 있었죠? 이 모든 순간들을 저와 함께 해주셔서 감사합니다. 그동안 큰 사랑을 받으면서 “나도 이렇게 웃을 수 있구나”라고 팬 여러분 덕분에 행복이란 걸 알게 되었습니다. 오랜 기간 동안 사랑해주시고 응원해주셔서 다시 한번 감사드립니다. 새로운 도전을 하기 위해서 오랫동안 고민하고 회사와 논의한 끝에 결정하게 되었습니다. 끝이라는 말보다는 더 나은 날들을 위해서 앞으로 끊임없이 노력하겠습니다. 회사 식구들 멤버들… 그리고 키스미 고맙고 사랑해 – キスミとすごした時間はキソプのたからものです。 またかならず会えるようにキソプはがんばるから みなさんもからだを大切にしてまっていて下さい。 本当にかんしゃしています。 本当にキスミありがとう。 大好き。 – Dear KISSme, Thank you so much for your love and support during the past 10 years. After a lot of deliberation, I’ve decided to start a new path in my life. Please continue to support my future endeavors. I am forever grateful for KISSme, NH EMG staff, and my members. I love you.

A post shared by ⠀KISEOP (@ki_seop91) on May 16, 2019 at 2:09am PDT

Currently, U-KISS is now a trio consisting of Jun, Hoon, and Soohyun. Hoon and Soohyun are currently serving in the military (Hoon is a Marine while Soohyun is in the army). Jun will carry out his solo promotions.

U-KISS debuted in 2008 with “Not Young.” Their last Korean single was in 2017 with “Ready for U.”

We wish Kiseop and Eli the best in their respective futures!

—-Olivia Murray