Rin's World/August 2017 25
about the support of their family. Kiseop revealed during his auditioning how he fell into a deep depression for 6-7 months. AJ spoke of the time his mother supported him when he was applying for college after leaving Paran. Eli explained what happened with his acting career in China and the contract he had to get out of with his parents’ help. Soohyun mentioned the loss of his father as a young child. Watching this and other documents on U-Kiss was like peeling an onion on their personal lives: it was stripping away the glitz and glamor they have to portray as idols and seeing them for who they truly are. There were many times that I wanted to break down in my personal life and just give up. It was due to their examples and seeing how they overcame their own personal struggles that I in turn was able to apply their determination to my personal life. I was able to finish my associates degree, obtain a part-time job, and then work my way up to a full-time position.
I joined the KissMe fandom shortly after and connected with so many wonderful people from all over the world: Australia, Singapore, Philippines, Venezuela, Sweden, and fellow American KissMes in other states. In 2013 AJ returned from Columbia University and my love for them grew stronger. Every comeback I remember staying up at some insane hour just to catch a preview of a music video or watch them do a live performance on Music Bank, SBS, or Simply KPop. When U-Kiss did their first US world tour, my best friend let me know of a contest that they were promoting through KPop United One Wish to provide a ticked to one of their shows. Who knew a three minute video I submitted to them would land me in the finalist round with two other KissMes. Unfortunately, I did not win the contest and due to finances, was not able to fly with my son to NY from Alabama. Although I was a bit bummed, I knew I would someday meet U-Kiss.
A lot of changes came soon after to the U-Kiss fandom. AJ was on hiatus with being a full-time student. Dongho left due to health issues. We gained a new member with Jun. In 2016, AJ told KissMes he was not renewing his contract, and in March this year, we found out Kevin would be pursuing a solo career. We have seen many who were part of the fandom come and go with the changes over the years.
I was not yet a KissMe when Xander and Kibum had to take their leave. I was excited to hear Kibum’s Korean debut in 2013 and saw the promotion from the other members. Not much has happened since then with Kibum that I am aware of. Xander has been involved in several dramas, a movie, and a solo cd, in addition to being a college student at Korea University. He has accepted a role as one of the lead characters on the Philippine K-Drama series, “My Korean Jagiya” that is set to premiere on August 21st. After leaving U-Kiss in 2013, Dongho became married in 2015 and has a son. Eli registered to be married to his wife four years ago and was able to do an official wedding this year. His wife gave birth to their son in June 2016. AJ has since come under new management with his solo debut as Si-Yoon and released an album this past month.
My dream recently came true last month at KCON NY 2017 as I was able to meet Kevin face-to-face. It was definitely bittersweet because I was hoping to meet him while he was still a member of U-Kiss. However, I am very excited to hear what music he will give his fans with his solo debut. Kevin is a true, genuine, incredible man. He is so loving towards his fans. He will be visiting his hometown this month for KCON LA and making many fans “Woo” over his charms and personality.
Looking back, I have been following U-Kiss for the past five years. I am very proud of all the hard work and dedication each member has contributed to the group since they debuted 9 years ago. A lot of shocks and heartaches have definitely been felt over the years. The KissMe fandom is the only KPop fandom I belong to. U-Kiss has been such a pivotal inspiration in my life and I can’t imagine what my life would have been like without them. It’s nice to see KissMes supportive of our guys with their personal lives. Other members will marry in the future and have children. We don’t want to think about it, but some of the members will soon be having to complete their military enlistments. No matter how many years pass by, my love for U-Kiss and my status as a KissMe will never change! They have invested so much into my life and one particular member knows who I am. I have been truly blessed by their music and will always support them no matter where life will lead them. U-Kiss 화이팅!
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