110308 2 new U-KISS members revealed

MANILA, Philippines - With the departure of Alexander Eusebio and Kim Kibum from U-KISS, NH Media has revealed two new members that it hopes will revitalize the image and popularity of the boy band.

The agency said the two new U-KISS members are 20-year-olds AJ (real name Kim Jae Sub) and Hoon (real name Yeo Hoonmin).

AJ is a rapper who was a former member of boy band PARAN, which debuted in 2005 but failed to sustain their popularity. He was the maknae (youngest) in the boy band, debuting in the K-pop scene at 14.

PARAN was the first Korean boy band to record a song in Thai. Despite attempts to ride the hallyu wave, the boy band’s career failed to take off, especially in South Korea.

On the other hand, Hoon had a solo singing career before joining U-KISS. He released his first mini album “Pure and Love” in September 2009 and another album, “The Beginning” last year. He recently appeared in the Korean drama “Athena.”

Fans of U-KISS are split on their opinion of the new members.

“I dunno how to react whether it is a convenience or not but NH Media seem to know what they are doing,” wrote a fan with the username nzpnkrckrgrl on rocketboxx.net, the international forum for U-KISS fans.

Fan Vanivanilla said, “I know some of Paran's songs and they're good however I never look bout their members on the internet.. Just hope that AJ fits in U-KISS and we would all be able to support him. Good luck Hoon and AJ!”

“Better be good. But still. I will of course support U-KISS but my heart is with Alexander and Kibum,” wrote fan FIREmacQ.

Fans were surprised when NH Media announced late last month that Alexander and Kibum were out of U-KISS.

Kibum said he was forced to sign a document to dissolve his contract with the agency.

Alexander, meanwhile, will remain a talent under NH Media. He attended his last concert with U-KISS in Medan, Indonesia March.

Credits: mb.com.ph + ukisspoland.com

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