# Eli Kim

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Korean-American musician (born 1991)

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In this [Korean name](/source/Korean_name), the family name is *[Kim](/source/Kim_(Korean_surname))*.

Eli Eli with U-Kiss at the press conference for Dream Concert 2013 Born Ellison Kyoung-jae Kim (1991-03-13) March 13, 1991 (age 35) Los Angeles, California, U.S Other names Kim Koung-jae Eli Kim Occupations Singer rapper Spouse Ji Yeon-soo ​ ​ (m. 2014; sep. 2020)​ Children Michael Min-soo Kim Musical career Genres K-pop Instrument Vocals Years active 2008–2019 2023-present Labels NH Media, Tango Music

Korean name Hangul 김경재 Hanja 金炅才 RR Gim Gyeongjae MR Kim Kyŏngjae

**Ellison Kyoung-jae Kim** (born March 13, 1991),[1] better known by his stage name **Eli**, is a [South Korean-American](/source/Korean_American) singer and [rapper](/source/Rapper). He is a member of South Korean boy band [U-KISS](/source/U-KISS).[1][2]

## Early life

Eli was born in [Los Angeles, California](/source/Los_Angeles%2C_California) to [Korean](/source/Koreans) parents.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] He spent most of his years in [Fredericksburg, Virginia](/source/Fredericksburg%2C_Virginia).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] He has a younger sister Minah[3] and an older sister Hannah.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] He attended Ni River Middle School and Riverbend High School in Virginia.[4] After dropping out of high school, he went alone to [Beijing, China](/source/Beijing%2C_China) at 15 to pursue his studies, and also learned [Mandarin](/source/Mandarin_Chinese).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] He trained in [Taekwondo](/source/Taekwondo) and [Kung Fu](/source/Kung_Fu) for 12 years, opening an opportunity for him to be cast as an extra in a Chinese movie.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] He is fluent in English, Korean and Mandarin.[2][5]

## Music career

### U-Kiss

Main article: [U-kiss](/source/U-kiss)

Eli is the fourth addition to the Korean boy band [U-KISS](/source/U-KISS), which was formed by NH Media Entertainment in 2008.[6] They were launched in Power of Atamix in [Japan](/source/Japan) alongside other Korean boy bands such as Paran.[7] They also debuted in South Korea days later.

On April 27, 2011, Eli and [Kevin](/source/Kevin_Woo) went to [Hong Kong](/source/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.[8][9]

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](/source/Lee_Ki-seop).[10]

### Other activities

Eli was one of the hosts for the variety show *Raising Idol* along with U-KISS member [Shin Dongho](/source/Shin_Dongho), [MBLAQ](/source/MBLAQ)'s [Thunder](/source/Thunder_(singer)) and [Shinee](/source/Shinee)'s [Key](/source/Key_(singer)).[11] He appeared on MBC's *We Are Dating* on December 24, 2010 where he showed his Casanova type of being a man.[12] He also hosted the segment "All About You" on [Arirang TV](/source/Arirang_TV)'s *[Pops in Seoul](/source/Pops_in_Seoul)*, along with fellow U-KISS members, Alexander and [Kevin](/source/Kevin_Woo).[2][13] He also acts as an MC in the show *Fusion* with Park Myung-soo under MBC which premiered on April 1.[14]

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](/source/Mnet_(TV_channel)) 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.[15]

## Acting career

In January 2010, Eli and fellow member [Kibum](/source/Allen_Kim) started their acting career in a Thai-Korean drama, *Autumn Destiny*,[16] with [Thai](/source/Thailand) actor [Mario Maurer](/source/Mario_Maurer). Eli and Kibum's voices were dubbed since they could not speak Thai.

In 2011, Eli and fellow members [Dongho](/source/Shin_Dongho) and [Kiseop](/source/Lee_Kiseop) were cast in an MBC sitcom titled *Real School*.[17] The trio acted in a 40-episode series, transforming into [high school](/source/High_school) students who reside at an "English Village" in an attempt to face and crack their fear of speaking [English](/source/English_language).[18][19]

In October 2014, Eli was cast as the male lead in a Chinese adaptation of the Korean drama *[Full House](/source/Full_House_(South_Korean_TV_series))*.[5]

## Personal life

On April 18, 2011, Eli was injured during a rehearsal.[20] He fractured his right hand[21] and underwent surgery.[22] 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.[23]

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.[24] His fellow members Soohyun and Kevin took to Twitter to comfort the fans about the surprising news of Eli's marriage news.[25] 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.[26][*[unreliable source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Reliable_sources)*] On June 8, 2016, Eli's son, Michael Min-soo Kim, was born.[27]

On August 30, 2016, Eli revealed his wife, Ji Yeon-soo[28][*[unreliable source?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Reliable_sources)*][29][*[unreliable source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Reliable_sources)*][30][*[unreliable source?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Reliable_sources)*] 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](/source/Mr._House_Husband)* with his wife, Ji Yeon-soo and their son, Michael Min-soo Kim.[31][*[unreliable source?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Reliable_sources)*][32][*[unreliable source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Reliable_sources)*]

Eli announced his separation from Ji in November 2020, with Michael remaining with his mother while he is staying in the United States.[33]

## Filmography

### Television drama

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

Year Title 2009 All About U-KISS You Know U-KISS 2010 Midnight Idols With U-KISS U-KISS Vampire Chef's Kiss Raising Idol (Dongho's English TA) 2011 Made in BS Japan 2012 K-pop Tasty Road 2017 Mr. House Husband 2019 King of Mask Singer 2022 We Got Divorced 2[34]

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Official_Website_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Official_Website_1-1) ["PROFILE – U-KISS(ユーキス) Japan official website"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120614225614/http://u-kiss.jp/profile.html) (in Japanese). Archived from [the original](http://u-kiss.jp/profile.html) on June 14, 2012.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-koreatimes1_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-koreatimes1_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-koreatimes1_2-2) Hicap, Jonathan M. (May 3, 2010). ["U-Kiss to hold first concert in Philippines"](https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/people/2014/02/178_65281.html). *[The Korea Times](/source/The_Korea_Times)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150529090432/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/people/2014/02/178_65281.html) from the original on May 29, 2015. Retrieved May 28, 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** [https://www.twitter.com/u_kisseli/status/130812569345720320](https://www.twitter.com/u_kisseli/status/130812569345720320)[*[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the United States of America"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120426063006/http://koreaembassyusa.org/board/notice_view.asp?num=11028&page=4&dep_num=99). *Koreaembassyusa.org*. Archived from [the original](http://koreaembassyusa.org/board/notice_view.asp?num=11028&page=4&dep_num=99) on April 26, 2012. Retrieved March 26, 2012.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-yonhap1_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-yonhap1_5-1) ["S. Korea, China to co-produce Chinese version of 'Full House'"](http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/culturesports/2014/10/20/98/0701000000AEN20141020004600315F.html). *[Yonhap News Agency](/source/Yonhap_News_Agency)*. October 20, 2014. Retrieved May 28, 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** [U-KISS – boyband – kpop](http://www.jpopasia.com/group/ukiss/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160803131435/http://www.jpopasia.com/group/ukiss/) August 3, 2016, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine). Jpopasia.com. Retrieved on March 26, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** [(2 Years of Kisses) 080815 (Power of ATAMIX) U-Kiss – Not Young (Kibum Fancam)](http://www.casttv.com/video/jr0tqb3/2-years-of-kisses-080815-power-of-atamix-u-kiss-not-young-kibum-fancam-video) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120404112910/http://www.casttv.com/video/jr0tqb3/2-years-of-kisses-080815-power-of-atamix-u-kiss-not-young-kibum-fancam-video) April 4, 2012, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine). casttv.com video

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** [Retrieved July 2, 2011](http://www.allkpop.com/2011/04/u-kisss-eli-kevin-go-on-a-date-with-their-fans-in-hong-kong). Allkpop.com (April 27, 2011). Retrieved on March 26, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** [U-KISS’ Eli & Kevin reveal their ideal woman's traits](http://www.allkpop.com/2011/02/u-kiss-eli-kevin-reveal-their-ideal-womans-traits). Allkpop.com (February 11, 2011). Retrieved on March 26, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** [\[1\]](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.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** [Dongho, Eli, Thunder and Key to host a new variety show](http://www.allkpop.com/2010/03/dongho-eli-thunder-and-key-to-host-a-new-variety-show). Allkpop.com (March 2, 2010). Retrieved on March 26, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** [U-KISS's Eli shows his “Cassanova” side on “We Are Dating”](http://www.allkpop.com/2010/12/u-kisss-eli-shows-his-cassanova-side-on-we-are-dating). Allkpop.com (December 23, 2010). Retrieved on March 26, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** [Retrieved July 2, 2011](http://www.arirang.co.kr/TV2/Pops_AllAbout.asp?PROG_CODE=TVCR0102&MENU_CODE=&Page=2&Field=&Find=) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121006130240/http://www.arirang.co.kr/TV2/Pops_AllAbout.asp?PROG_CODE=TVCR0102&MENU_CODE=&Page=2&Field=&Find=) October 6, 2012, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine). Arirang.co.kr. Retrieved on March 26, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** [Retrieved July 2, 2011. U-KISS Eli to host Fusion](http://dazebaby.webs.com/whoareukiss.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110701185946/http://dazebaby.webs.com/whoareukiss.htm) July 1, 2011, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine). Dazebaby.webs.com. Retrieved on March 26, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Kim, Erika (November 9, 2012). ["NS Yoon-G and U-KISS′ Eli to Tour Star Restaurants in ′K-Pop Tasty Road′"](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). *enewsWorld*. [CJ E&M](/source/CJ_E%26M). Archived from [the original](http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/20355/ns-yoon-g-and-u-kiss-eli-to-tour-star-restaurants-in-k-pop-tasty-road) on May 29, 2015. Retrieved May 28, 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["U-Kiss Members to Star in Thai Drama"](http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/program/program_musicnews_frame.htm?No=11227&current_page=152). *[KBS World Radio](/source/KBS_World_Radio)*. January 11, 2010. Retrieved May 28, 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** [Teaser for “Real School” starring U-Kiss's Dongho, Eli, and Ki Sub revealed](http://www.allkpop.com/2011/01/teaser-for-real-school-starring-u-kiss%E2%80%99s-dongho-eli-and-ki-sub-revealed) [Archived](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) January 10, 2011, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine). Allkpop.com (January 5, 2011). Retrieved on March 26, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** [U-Kiss's Dongho, Eli, and Ki Sub to act in new sitcom, ‘Real School’](http://www.allkpop.com/2010/12/u-kisss-dongho-eli-and-ki-sub-to-act-in-new-sitcom-real-school). Allkpop.com. Retrieved on March 26, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** [Viewers anticipate “Real School” in MBC's new 2011 lineup](http://www.allkpop.com/2010/12/viewers-anticipate-real-school-in-mbcs-new-2011-lineup). Allkpop.com. Retrieved on March 26, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** [U-Kiss' Eli Breaks Hand During Dance Practice](http://www.soompi.com/news/ukiss-eli-breaks-hand-during-dance-practice) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110930032840/http://www.soompi.com/news/ukiss-eli-breaks-hand-during-dance-practice) September 30, 2011, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine). Soompi.com (October 18, 2010). Retrieved on March 26, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** [\[Coffee Break News\] U-Kiss Eli rushed to ER for arm injury! – Korean Updates](http://koreanupdates.com/2010/10/18/coffee-break-news-u-kiss-eli-rushed-to-er-for-arm-injury/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20101022205047/http://koreanupdates.com/2010/10/18/coffee-break-news-u-kiss-eli-rushed-to-er-for-arm-injury/) October 22, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine). Koreanupdates.com (October 18, 2010). Retrieved on March 26, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** [Eli of U-Kiss to receive surgery for his fractured arm](http://www.allkpop.com/2010/10/eli-of-u-kiss-to-receive-surgery-for-his-fractured-arm). Allkpop.com (October 19, 2010). Retrieved on March 26, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** [Injured U-KISS members show fighting spirit on stage](http://www.allkpop.com/2010/10/injured-u-kiss-members-show-fighting-spirit-on-stage). Allkpop.com (October 23, 2010). Retrieved on March 26, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** ["Eli explains why he kept his marriage a secret"](http://www.sbs.com.au/popasia/blog/2015/12/06/eli-explains-why-he-kept-his-marriage-secret). SBS Pop Asia.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** ["U-KISS' Soohyun comforts fans after Eli's marriage news"](http://www.allkpop.com/article/2015/12/u-kiss-soohyun-comforts-fans-after-elis-marriage-news). [Allkpop](/source/Allkpop).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** jennywill (December 6, 2015). ["Eli's label reveals his wife is 11 years older + U-KISS promotions will not be affected"](http://www.allkpop.com/article/2015/12/elis-label-reveals-his-wife-is-11-years-older-u-kiss-promotions-will-not-be-affected). [Allkpop](/source/Allkpop). Retrieved January 18, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** E., Maolen (June 8, 2016). ["U-KISS' Eli becomes first-time father with the birth of a baby boy"](http://en.yibada.com/articles/129858/20160608/ukiss-eli-becomes-first-time-father-birth-baby-boy.htm). *Yibada News*. Yibada.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** ["U-KISS's Eli Shares Photos of Wife and Baby Son, Tells Their Love Story on "Video Star""](https://www.soompi.com/2016/08/30/u-kisss-eli-shares-photos-wife-baby-son-tells-love-story-video-star/). August 30, 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** elliefilet (August 30, 2016). ["U-KISS Eli's wife revealed on 'Video Star'"](http://www.allkpop.com/article/2016/08/u-kiss-elis-wife-revealed-on-video-star). [Allkpop](/source/Allkpop). Retrieved January 18, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-allkpop.com_30-0)** yckim124 (April 12, 2017). ["U-KISS Eli's wife Ji Yeon Soo returns to work as a racing model after 2 years of break"](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). [Allkpop](/source/Allkpop). Retrieved January 18, 2020.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_numeric_names:_authors_list))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** ["UKISS's Eli Reveals Glimpse at His Married Life for the First Time on Reality Show"](https://www.soompi.com/2017/01/03/ukisss-eli-reveals-married-life-for-the-first-time/). January 3, 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-32)** yckim124 (January 3, 2017). ["U-KISS' Eli reveals his life as a husband and father on 'Mr. House Husband'!"](http://www.allkpop.com/article/2017/01/u-kiss-eli-reveals-his-life-as-a-husband-and-father-on-mr-house-husband). [Allkpop](/source/Allkpop). Retrieved January 18, 2020.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_numeric_names:_authors_list))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-33)** Hicap, Jonathan (November 27, 2020). ["Ex-U-KISS member Eli, wife Ji Yeon-soo divorce"](https://mb.com.ph/2020/11/27/ex-u-kiss-member-eli-wife-ji-yeon-soo-divorce/). *[Manila Bulletin](/source/Manila_Bulletin)*. Retrieved November 29, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-34)** Kang Seon-ae (March 14, 2022). ["쇼윈도 부부였다" 일라이X지연수, 이혼 2년 만에 재회…끝내 오열"](https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=416&aid=0000280937) [We were a couple at the show window" Eli X Ji Yeon-soo, reunited after 2 years of divorce... finally cry] (in Korean). [Seoul Broadcasting System](/source/Seoul_Broadcasting_System). Retrieved March 14, 2022 – via [Naver](/source/Naver).

v t e U-KISS Soohyun Hoon Jun Alexander Kibum Dongho AJ Kevin Kiseop Eli Studio albums Korean Only One Neverland Collage Japanese A Shared Dream Extended plays Korean Break Time Bran New Kiss DoraDora The Special to Kiss Me Stop Girl Singles Japanese "Dear My Friend" Related topics Soohyun & Hoon Discography Awards and nominations NH Media

Authority control databases: Artists MusicBrainz

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Eli Kim](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eli_Kim) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eli_Kim?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.