On March 2nd, NHemg (also known as NH Media), the agency in charge of U-KISS, released an official statement about member Kevin leaving the group once his contract ends this March.
As translated by Soompi: “First, we’re sorry to bring this regrettable news to you fans who are always supportive. Kevin will be going on a different path to pursue his dreams which we and the members have decided to respect.”
They went on to talk about how Kevin joined U-KISS in 2008 and has remained a faithful member for nine years. It appears that it is Kevin’s wish to retire from the group and pursue other goals, and NHemg wants to honor those wishes.
NHemg continued: “We will hold a last meeting for fans with U-KISS as a six-member group in Korea and Japan. We ask that many people attend in order to support U-KISS and Kevin.”
According to the statement, NHemg are preparing to reorganize U-KISS as a five-member group, leading up to the release of a new album this year.
NHemg ended with apologizing to fans and asks them to be supportive of both U-KISS and Kevin.
A short while later, Kevin himself addressed fans with a handwritten letter on U-KISS’s fan cafe, pouring out his heart to their fandom and offering his apologies for the surprising news.
“Hello, KISSme, this is Kevin.
I wanted to sincerely convey my thoughts to you all, which is why I decided to write this letter to you. First, I would like to sincerely apologize to all of the fans who were surprised by the unfortunate news.
I was able to make some of the greatest and most precious memories of my life through debuting in U-KISS in 2008 and I wouldn’t be where I am now without the overwhelming love and support of our fans. I am deeply apologetic to and thankful for the fans who supported me through everything and to my fellow U-KISS members as well. I will never forget the love that you all have given me.
Before I reached my final decision, I spent many nights unable to sleep just thinking about it. I spoke with my agency and with the other U-KISS members as well at length about the matter. I made the decision to leave the group that I love so much in order to start walking a new path, one step at a time. My heart aches because I could not stay with U-KISS until the very end and I know that I will forever miss the times that I had with U-KISS. Again, I would like to sincerely apologize to all of our fans and thank you all as well.
I will continue to work hard as part of U-KISS until the end of my contract and will always cheer for and support U-KISS. I hope that you all will forevermore continue to love the hardworking and amazing members of U-KISS.
In order to repay the generous support and love that I have received, I will work hard to show a matured side to my fans. I humbly ask that you continue to support me in the future. Thank you and I love you all.”
What do you think of this news? Are you surprised Kevin is leaving? You can check out his original letter below.
We wish both U-KISS and Kevin success in their future pursuits!
Saleha (StarlightSora) is a WTK writer who hails from Northern Virgina. She’s an avid fan of VIXX, EXO, BTS, SEVENTEEN, B.A.P (and counting). An otaku and a gamer, when she’s not writing fanfiction for one fandom or another, she can be found binge-watching anime or playing through The Last of Us for the twentieth time. She hopes to be a published writer one day—after seeing all her faves live, of course.
Media: NHemg
Translation: Soompi*
*Minor Changes Made To Translation