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 | other_names = Kim Koung-jae<br />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 <br> 2023-present | label = [[NH Media]], [[Tango Music]] | associated_acts = [[U-Kiss]] | website = }} }} {{Infobox Korean name/auto |title=[[Korean name]] |hangul = %김경재 |hanja = 金炅才 }} '''Ellison Kyoung-jae Kim''' (born March 13, 1991),<ref name="Official Website">{{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}}</ref> better known by his stage name '''Eli''', is a [[Korean American|South Korean-American]] singer and [[rapper]]. He is a member of South Korean boy band [[U-KISS]].<ref name="Official Website"/><ref name=koreatimes1/>

==Early life== Eli was born in [[Los Angeles, California]] to [[Koreans|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 Minah<ref>https://www.twitter.com/u_kisseli/status/130812569345720320{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> and an older sister Hannah.{{citation needed|date=May 2015}} He attended Ni River Middle School and Riverbend High School in Virginia.<ref>{{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}}</ref> After dropping out of high school, he went alone to [[Beijing, China]] at 15 to pursue his studies, and also learned [[Mandarin Chinese|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.<ref name=koreatimes1/><ref name=yonhap1/>

==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.<ref>[http://www.jpopasia.com/group/ukiss/ U-KISS – boyband – kpop] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803131435/http://www.jpopasia.com/group/ukiss/ |date=August 3, 2016 }}. Jpopasia.com. Retrieved on March 26, 2012.</ref> They were launched in Power of Atamix in [[Japan]] alongside other Korean boy bands such as Paran.<ref>[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)] {{Webarchive|url=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 |date=April 4, 2012 }}. casttv.com video</ref> They also debuted in South Korea days later.

On April 27, 2011, Eli and [[Kevin Woo|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.<ref>[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.</ref><ref>[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.</ref>

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 [[Lee Ki-seop|Kiseop]].<ref>[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.</ref>

===Other activities=== Eli was one of the hosts for the variety show ''Raising Idol'' along with U-KISS member [[Shin Dongho]], [[MBLAQ]]'s [[Thunder (singer)|Thunder]] and [[Shinee]]'s [[Key (singer)|Key]].<ref>[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.</ref> He appeared on MBC's ''We Are Dating'' on December 24, 2010 where he showed his Casanova type of being a man.<ref>[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.</ref> He also hosted the segment "All About You" on [[Arirang TV]]'s ''[[Pops in Seoul]]'', along with fellow U-KISS members, Alexander and [[Kevin Woo|Kevin]].<ref name=koreatimes1>{{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 }}</ref><ref>[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.</ref> He also acts as an MC in the show ''Fusion'' with Park Myung-soo under MBC which premiered on April 1.<ref>[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.</ref>

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 (TV channel)|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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

==Acting career== In January 2010, Eli and fellow member [[Allen Kim|Kibum]] started their acting career in a Thai-Korean drama, ''Autumn Destiny'',<ref>{{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&current_page=152}}</ref> with [[Thailand|Thai]] actor [[Mario Maurer]]. Eli and Kibum's voices were dubbed since they could not speak Thai.

In 2011, Eli and fellow members [[Shin Dongho|Dongho]] and [[Lee Kiseop|Kiseop]] were cast in an MBC sitcom titled ''Real School''.<ref>[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.</ref> 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 language|English]].<ref>[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.</ref><ref>[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.</ref>

In October 2014, Eli was cast as the male lead in a Chinese adaptation of the Korean drama ''[[Full House (South Korean TV series)|Full House]]''.<ref name=yonhap1>{{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}}</ref>

==Personal life==

On April 18, 2011, Eli was injured during a rehearsal.<ref>[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.</ref> He fractured his right hand<ref>[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.</ref> and underwent surgery.<ref>[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.</ref> 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.<ref>[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.</ref>

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.<ref>{{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}}</ref> His fellow members Soohyun and Kevin took to Twitter to comfort the fans about the surprising news of Eli's marriage news.<ref>{{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]]}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>{{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.<ref>{{cite web|last1=E. |first1=Maolen |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|work=Yibada News |date=June 8, 2016|publisher=Yibada}}</ref>

On August 30, 2016, Eli revealed his wife, Ji Yeon-soo<ref>{{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 }}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=April 2026}}<ref>{{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}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|sure=y |reason=Fails [[WP:KO/RS]] |date=January 2020}}<ref name="allkpop.com">{{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}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=April 2026}} 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.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=April 2026}}<ref>{{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}}</ref>{{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.<ref>{{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}}</ref>

==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 | * ''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''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=416&aid=0000280937|author=Kang Seon-ae|title=쇼윈도 부부였다" 일라이X지연수, 이혼 2년 만에 재회…끝내 오열|trans-title=We were a couple at the show window" Eli X Ji Yeon-soo, reunited after 2 years of divorce... finally cry|publisher=[[Seoul Broadcasting System]]|via=[[Naver]]|date=March 14, 2022|access-date= March 14, 2022|language=ko}}</ref> |}

==References== {{reflist|30em}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kim, Eli}} [[Category:1991 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:South Korean male idols]] [[Category:21st-century South Korean male rappers]] [[Category:21st-century South Korean rappers]] [[Category:Singers from Los Angeles]] [[Category:American expatriates in China]] [[Category:South Korean expatriates in China]] [[Category:U-KISS members]] [[Category:Korean-language American singers]] [[Category:K-pop singers]] [[Category:21st-century American male singers]] [[Category:21st-century American singers]]