Eli Kim
{{Short description|Korean-American musician (born 1991)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2015}}
{{unreliable sources|date=May 2015|Reason=Sources fail WP:KO/RS}}
{{family name hatnote|Kim||lang=Korean}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Eli
| image = Eli U-Kiss Dream Concert 2013 Source-K-Soul Magazine (cropped).jpg
| birth_name = Ellison Kyoung-jae Kim
| native_name =
| caption = Eli with U-Kiss at the press conference for Dream Concert 2013
| alias = Kim Koung-jae
Eli Kim
| birth_place = Los Angeles, California, U.S
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1991|3|13}}
| spouse = {{marriage|Ji Yeon-soo|2014|2020|end={{tooltip|sep.|separated}}}}
| children = Michael Min-soo Kim
| occupation = {{hlist|Singer|rapper}}
| module = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes
| genre = K-pop
| instrument = Vocals
| years_active = 2008–2019
2023-present
| label = NH Media, Tango Music
| associated_acts = U-Kiss
| website =
}}
}}
{{Infobox Korean name
|title=Korean name
|hangul = 김경재
|hanja = 金炅才
|rr = Gim Gyeong-jae
|mr = Kim Kyŏngjae
}}
Ellison Kyoung-jae Kim (born March 13, 1991),{{cite web|title=PROFILE – U-KISS(ユーキス) Japan official website|url=http://u-kiss.jp/profile.html|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614225614/http://u-kiss.jp/profile.html|archive-date=June 14, 2012|df=mdy-all}} better known by his stage name Eli, is a South Korean-American singer and rapper. He is a member of South Korean boy band U-KISS.
Early life
Eli was born in Los Angeles, California to Korean parents.{{citation needed|date=May 2015}} He spent most of his years in Fredericksburg, Virginia.{{citation needed|date=May 2015}} He has a younger sister Minahhttps://www.twitter.com/u_kisseli/status/130812569345720320{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} and an older sister Hannah.{{citation needed|date=May 2015}} He attended Ni River Middle School and Riverbend High School in Virginia.{{cite web|url=http://koreaembassyusa.org/board/notice_view.asp?num=11028&page=4&dep_num=99|title=Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the United States of America|website=Koreaembassyusa.org|access-date=March 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426063006/http://koreaembassyusa.org/board/notice_view.asp?num=11028&page=4&dep_num=99|archive-date=April 26, 2012}} After dropping out of high school, he went alone to Beijing, China at 15 to pursue his studies, and also learned Mandarin.{{citation needed|date=May 2015}} He trained in Taekwondo and Kung Fu for 12 years, opening an opportunity for him to be cast as an extra in a Chinese movie.{{citation needed|date=May 2015}} He is fluent in English, Korean and Mandarin.
Music career
=U-Kiss=
{{Main|U-kiss}}
Eli is the fourth addition to the Korean boy band U-KISS, which was formed by NH Media Entertainment in 2008.[http://www.jpopasia.com/group/ukiss/ U-KISS – boyband – kpop]. Jpopasia.com. Retrieved on March 26, 2012. They were launched in Power of Atamix in Japan alongside other Korean boy bands such as Paran.[http://www.casttv.com/video/jr0tqb3/2-years-of-kisses-080815-power-of-atamix-u-kiss-not-young-kibum-fancam-video (2 Years of Kisses) 080815 (Power of ATAMIX) U-Kiss – Not Young (Kibum Fancam)]. casttv.com video They also debuted in South Korea days later.
On April 27, 2011, Eli and Kevin went to Hong Kong for a special street date with their Hong Kong fans for their show Star Date with U-KISS in Hong Kong special. This was sponsored by Binggrae, which aims to connect the fans all over the world to Hallyu stars to encourage cultural exchanges. The special was aired through Arirang TV on May 3.[http://www.allkpop.com/2011/04/u-kisss-eli-kevin-go-on-a-date-with-their-fans-in-hong-kong Retrieved July 2, 2011]. Allkpop.com (April 27, 2011). Retrieved on March 26, 2012.[http://www.allkpop.com/2011/02/u-kiss-eli-kevin-reveal-their-ideal-womans-traits U-KISS’ Eli & Kevin reveal their ideal woman's traits]. Allkpop.com (February 11, 2011). Retrieved on March 26, 2012.
On May 16, 2019, NH Media announced that Eli’s contract with NH Media had expired and he had decided not to renew it along with other fellow U-KISS member Kiseop.[https://www.soompi.com/article/1324851wpp/u-kisss-agency-announces-departure-of-eli-and-kiseop]. Soompi.com (May 15, 2019). Retrieved on March 31, 2021.
=Other activities=
Eli was one of the hosts for the variety show Raising Idol along with U-KISS member Shin Dongho, MBLAQ's Thunder and Shinee's Key.[http://www.allkpop.com/2010/03/dongho-eli-thunder-and-key-to-host-a-new-variety-show Dongho, Eli, Thunder and Key to host a new variety show]. Allkpop.com (March 2, 2010). Retrieved on March 26, 2012. He appeared on MBC's We Are Dating on December 24, 2010 where he showed his Casanova type of being a man.[http://www.allkpop.com/2010/12/u-kisss-eli-shows-his-cassanova-side-on-we-are-dating U-KISS's Eli shows his “Cassanova” side on “We Are Dating”]. Allkpop.com (December 23, 2010). Retrieved on March 26, 2012. He also hosted the segment "All About You" on Arirang TV's Pops in Seoul, along with fellow U-KISS members, Alexander and Kevin.{{Cite news|title=U-Kiss to hold first concert in Philippines |author=Hicap, Jonathan M. |work=The Korea Times |date=May 3, 2010 |access-date=May 28, 2015 |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/people/2014/02/178_65281.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529090432/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/people/2014/02/178_65281.html |archive-date=May 29, 2015 |df=mdy }}[http://www.arirang.co.kr/TV2/Pops_AllAbout.asp?PROG_CODE=TVCR0102&MENU_CODE=&Page=2&Field=&Find= Retrieved July 2, 2011] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006130240/http://www.arirang.co.kr/TV2/Pops_AllAbout.asp?PROG_CODE=TVCR0102&MENU_CODE=&Page=2&Field=&Find= |date=October 6, 2012 }}. Arirang.co.kr. Retrieved on March 26, 2012. He also acts as an MC in the show Fusion with Park Myung-soo under MBC which premiered on April 1.[http://dazebaby.webs.com/whoareukiss.htm Retrieved July 2, 2011. U-KISS Eli to host Fusion] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110701185946/http://dazebaby.webs.com/whoareukiss.htm |date=July 1, 2011 }}. Dazebaby.webs.com. Retrieved on March 26, 2012.
In November 2012, Eli along with NS Yoon-G were chosen to host a new weekly English show, K-pop Tasty Road on Olive TV (and on Mnet in the United States and various other countries). The show gives K-pop fans a sense of where Hallyu celebrities eat, play, work, and shop. The first episode was aired on November 10.{{Cite news| title = NS Yoon-G and U-KISS′ Eli to Tour Star Restaurants in ′K-Pop Tasty Road′| author = Kim, Erika| work = enewsWorld| date = November 9, 2012| access-date = May 28, 2015| url = http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/20355/ns-yoon-g-and-u-kiss-eli-to-tour-star-restaurants-in-k-pop-tasty-road| publisher = CJ E&M| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150529111210/http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/20355/ns-yoon-g-and-u-kiss-eli-to-tour-star-restaurants-in-k-pop-tasty-road| archive-date = May 29, 2015| url-status = dead}}
Acting career
In January 2010, Eli and fellow member Kibum started their acting career in a Thai-Korean drama, Autumn Destiny,{{cite web| title = U-Kiss Members to Star in Thai Drama| work = KBS World Radio| date = January 11, 2010| access-date = May 28, 2015| url = http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/program/program_musicnews_frame.htm?No=11227¤t_page=152}} with Thai actor Mario Maurer. Eli and Kibum's voices were dubbed since they could not speak Thai.
In 2011, Eli and fellow members Dongho and Kiseop were cast in an MBC sitcom titled Real School.[http://www.allkpop.com/2011/01/teaser-for-real-school-starring-u-kiss%E2%80%99s-dongho-eli-and-ki-sub-revealed Teaser for “Real School” starring U-Kiss's Dongho, Eli, and Ki Sub revealed] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110110071105/http://www.allkpop.com/2011/01/teaser-for-real-school-starring-u-kiss%E2%80%99s-dongho-eli-and-ki-sub-revealed |date=January 10, 2011 }}. Allkpop.com (January 5, 2011). Retrieved on March 26, 2012. The trio acted in a 40-episode series, transforming into high school students who reside at an "English Village" in an attempt to face and crack their fear of speaking English.[http://www.allkpop.com/2010/12/u-kisss-dongho-eli-and-ki-sub-to-act-in-new-sitcom-real-school U-Kiss's Dongho, Eli, and Ki Sub to act in new sitcom, ‘Real School’]. Allkpop.com. Retrieved on March 26, 2012.[http://www.allkpop.com/2010/12/viewers-anticipate-real-school-in-mbcs-new-2011-lineup Viewers anticipate “Real School” in MBC's new 2011 lineup]. Allkpop.com. Retrieved on March 26, 2012.
In October 2014, Eli was cast as the male lead in a Chinese adaptation of the Korean drama Full House.{{Cite news| title = S. Korea, China to co-produce Chinese version of 'Full House'| work = Yonhap News Agency| date = October 20, 2014| access-date = May 28, 2015| url = http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/culturesports/2014/10/20/98/0701000000AEN20141020004600315F.html}}
Personal life
On April 18, 2011, Eli was injured during a rehearsal.[http://www.soompi.com/news/ukiss-eli-breaks-hand-during-dance-practice U-Kiss' Eli Breaks Hand During Dance Practice] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930032840/http://www.soompi.com/news/ukiss-eli-breaks-hand-during-dance-practice |date=September 30, 2011 }}. Soompi.com (October 18, 2010). Retrieved on March 26, 2012. He fractured his right hand[http://koreanupdates.com/2010/10/18/coffee-break-news-u-kiss-eli-rushed-to-er-for-arm-injury/ [Coffee Break News] U-Kiss Eli rushed to ER for arm injury! – Korean Updates] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101022205047/http://koreanupdates.com/2010/10/18/coffee-break-news-u-kiss-eli-rushed-to-er-for-arm-injury/ |date=October 22, 2010 }}. Koreanupdates.com (October 18, 2010). Retrieved on March 26, 2012. and underwent surgery.[http://www.allkpop.com/2010/10/eli-of-u-kiss-to-receive-surgery-for-his-fractured-arm Eli of U-Kiss to receive surgery for his fractured arm]. Allkpop.com (October 19, 2010). Retrieved on March 26, 2012. The hospital stated that it wouldn't be difficult for Eli to perform, and he managed to perform with a cast on his right arm.[http://www.allkpop.com/2010/10/injured-u-kiss-members-show-fighting-spirit-on-stage Injured U-KISS members show fighting spirit on stage]. Allkpop.com (October 23, 2010). Retrieved on March 26, 2012.
On December 4, 2015, Eli announced via instagram that he had been married for over a year, since June 5, 2014, having dated his wife, who is a model 11 years his senior, for five years. It was also announced that they were expecting a child.{{cite web|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/popasia/blog/2015/12/06/eli-explains-why-he-kept-his-marriage-secret|title=Eli explains why he kept his marriage a secret|publisher=SBS Pop Asia}} His fellow members Soohyun and Kevin took to Twitter to comfort the fans about the surprising news of Eli's marriage news.{{cite web|url=http://www.allkpop.com/article/2015/12/u-kiss-soohyun-comforts-fans-after-elis-marriage-news|title=U-KISS' Soohyun comforts fans after Eli's marriage news|publisher=Allkpop}} On December 6, 2015, U-KISS' label NH Media released a statement to clear up some questions. His label said that Eli's marriage would not affect his promotions with U-KISS and that he would continue filming his Chinese drama and asked fans to refrain from leaving hate comments, as he would soon be a father.{{cite web|author=jennywill |url=http://www.allkpop.com/article/2015/12/elis-label-reveals-his-wife-is-11-years-older-u-kiss-promotions-will-not-be-affected |title=Eli's label reveals his wife is 11 years older + U-KISS promotions will not be affected |publisher=Allkpop |date=2015-12-06 |access-date=2020-01-18}}{{Unreliable source?|sure=y |reason=Fails WP:KO/RS |date=January 2020}} On June 8, 2016, Eli's son, Michael Min-soo Kim, was born.{{cite web|url=http://en.yibada.com/articles/129858/20160608/ukiss-eli-becomes-first-time-father-birth-baby-boy.htm|title=U-KISS' Eli becomes first-time father with the birth of a baby boy|date=June 8, 2016|publisher=Yibada}}
On August 30, 2016, Eli revealed his wife, Ji Yeon-soo{{Cite web|url=https://www.soompi.com/2016/08/30/u-kisss-eli-shares-photos-wife-baby-son-tells-love-story-video-star/|title=U-KISS's Eli Shares Photos of Wife and Baby Son, Tells Their Love Story on "Video Star"|date=August 30, 2016 }}{{cite web|author=elliefilet |url=http://www.allkpop.com/article/2016/08/u-kiss-elis-wife-revealed-on-video-star |title=U-KISS Eli's wife revealed on 'Video Star' |publisher=Allkpop |date=2016-08-30 |access-date=2020-01-18}}{{Unreliable source?|sure=y |reason=Fails WP:KO/RS |date=January 2020}}{{cite web|author=yckim124 |url=http://www.allkpop.com/article/2017/04/u-kiss-elis-wife-ji-yeon-soo-returns-to-work-as-a-racing-model-after-2-years-of-break |title=U-KISS Eli's wife Ji Yeon Soo returns to work as a racing model after 2 years of break |publisher=Allkpop |date=2017-04-12 |access-date=2020-01-18}} to the public on MBC Every1's Video Star. On January 4, 2017, Eli revealed his life as a husband and father by joining reality show, KBS's Mr. House Husband with his wife, Ji Yeon-soo and their son, Michael Min-soo Kim.{{Cite web|url=https://www.soompi.com/2017/01/03/ukisss-eli-reveals-married-life-for-the-first-time/|title = UKISS's Eli Reveals Glimpse at His Married Life for the First Time on Reality Show| date=January 3, 2017 }}{{cite web|author=yckim124 |url=http://www.allkpop.com/article/2017/01/u-kiss-eli-reveals-his-life-as-a-husband-and-father-on-mr-house-husband |title=U-KISS' Eli reveals his life as a husband and father on 'Mr. House Husband'! |publisher=Allkpop |date=2017-01-03 |access-date=2020-01-18}}{{Unreliable source?|sure=y |reason=Fails WP:KO/RS |date=January 2020}}
Eli announced his separation from Ji in November 2020, with Michael remaining with his mother while he is staying in the United States.{{cite web |url=https://mb.com.ph/2020/11/27/ex-u-kiss-member-eli-wife-ji-yeon-soo-divorce/ |title=Ex-U-KISS member Eli, wife Ji Yeon-soo divorce |last=Hicap |first=Jonathan |date=November 27, 2020 |website=Manila Bulletin |access-date=November 29, 2020}}
Filmography
=Television drama=
| class="wikitable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! Notes |
|---|
| 2010
| Autumn's Destiny | | Thai-Korean drama |
| 2011
| Real School! | Superior elite | Sitcom (episode 12) |
| TBA
|Full House | | Chinese drama |
=TV shows=
| class="wikitable" |
| Year
!Title |
|---|
| 2009
|
|
| 2010
|
|
| 2011
|
|
| 2012
|
|
| 2017
| |
| 2022
|
|
References
{{reflist|30em}}
{{U-KISS}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kim, Eli}}
Category:South Korean male idols
Category:South Korean male rappers
Category:Singers from Los Angeles
Category:American expatriates in China
Category:South Korean expatriates in China
Category:Korean-language singers of the United States