(x)clusive!: Kings Of Freedom.. and (u)Kisses!
A cool, dark and silent night where you can hear tree leaves rustling and insects shrilling… not that so on the night of 19th November, when The Kings Of Freedom Concert took place at Bedok Reservoir. The atmosphere was in fact so hot that both the audience and performers worked up a lot of sweat!
Starting from 8PM all the way to 10 plus, the two hour concert was jam-packed with local and international acts. Showing off local talent were performances by Temasek Polytechnic, band Stellastory, newbie Xinhui and DJ Sheikh Haikel. The night could not possibly get higher when Korean boyband U-Kiss took the stage belting out six songs, namely Am I That Easy (만만하니), What (뭐라고), Round and Round (빙글빙글), their cover of Boyz II Men’s ballad End Of The Road, and finally latest track Shut Up (시끄러).
Not the first time
This is U-Kiss’ third trip to Singapore and they definitely came prepared. From “self-promoting” the event via their personal Twitter accounts a week in advance to speaking accented Singlish to their fans, these seven boys seem to bring surprises everywhere they go.
The fun begins with fans
During the fanmeet early afternoon on event day itself, the boys had a great time playing games and interacting with the fans. There was a Q&A session and a memorable question was where would you you want to bring your fans to? Soohyun, being a romantic immediately suggested Korea’s famous sightseeing spot Namsan Tower, while Eli suggested going to a beach, and watch the rest of their answers here:
There was also an interesting fan game when fans got to guess who drank lemon juice, to win personal items from the boys themselves. Could you guess who drank it?
From surprising fans by jumping offstage on spur and doing fanservice by making faces as they pretended to drink lemon juice, U-Kiss’ friendliness had to be reciprocated – the fans showed their love for U-Kiss by celebrating Kevin’s birthday (25th November), bringing up a cake and a brand new guitar as a present!
Following which, the boys earnestly conducted the fansign following the fanmeet. At one point of time Alexander even said, “If you guys want us to write your name, please write it on a piece of paper for us okay?” Even though every fan could only receive one member’s autograph, the boys’ warmth definitely made up for the loss.
Singaporean-version U-Kiss!
Heading to the press conference after lunch, the boys warmly greeted the media with their newly learnt Singlish. “I am so tired lah, but tonight’s concert die die can do lah,” said Kibum. Alexander commented, “Our fans gave us dictionaries with Singlish on it, it’s like wow, it’s so fun learning it.”
It being U-Kiss’ third time here, it was surprising that the boys only got to try Singapore’s famous chilli crab the night after they arrived. Dongho actually has allergies to crab, but he said he loved it so much he kept eating and felt giddy after that. About the Korean food in Singapore, Alexander said he was really impressed – “It tasted so authentic I felt I was in Korea!”
Talking about their latest title track “Shut Up”, U-Kiss said it was to show the fans that they aren’t the young and cute boys anymore. Alexander quipped, “Come to the concert tonight and we’ll show you how MAN we are,” when Kevin suggested, “Watch our music video…” “But it’s censored,” Eli cut in, and Alexander ended, “maybe we’re too sexy~”. U-Kiss really knows how to lighten the mood!
There are scenes in U-Kiss’ Shut Up MV where the members pose with an American model. So who’s the most awkward filming that scene? General consensus was youngest Dongho (even he himself thought so) but everyone started pointing to themselves instead, and even turned on Eli saying he was best at it as he had no NG at all!
“It was our first time, and the director told us we had to do a lot of skinship and act close, and we’re like, we’re so sorry Kissmes! Sorry to our fans… but, wasn’t it good?” commented Alexander.
How did they practice to look like bad boys? “Kevin and Dongho practice by looking into the mirror all the time, making the look and… change different eye sizes (look)?” Eli answered, “We’ve been practicing it since Man Man Ha Ni.” Every member then showed off their bad-boy look – while Alexander and Eli gave a pretty intense look, Soohyun and Kibum showed off their innocent-looking smiles. Wonder what’s the real U-Kiss then? “You don’t know the real U-Kiss,” as Kibum put it.
Why Shut Up?
The boys received many songs, but the first time they heard it, it left an impact, “It was like, sh sh sh shikkeuro!” Alexander explained, “With Shut Up we’re here again, so sit down, listen to our music, see our bad-boy image and enjoy.”
The Main Concert
The Kings Of Freedom Concert was organised to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Official Launch of The Kings Of Freedom Project, whereby four slabs of the Berlin Wall were moved to Bedok Reservoir to promote the key messages of love, community, social tolerance, friendship and respect.
Korean boy group U-Kiss was selected to represent the internationality of the spread of message, and it is especially meaningful as Korea is a country that is still divided at the 37th Parallel. Efforts hope to bring Korea as one and we’ll be wishing the best for that to happen!
Contest!
Leave us comments about this article and event, and stand a chance to win a hi-res/HQ photo (untagged) of a U-Kiss member you like! Indicate in your comment which member’s photo you would like. We’ll pick 5 best comments and email them!
Deadline: 5 Dec, 2359
the article is so detailed! I don’t think I need to go for the concert to know what’s happening during the concert >< the photos are awesome too HEHEHEHE
my bias : kevin, eli, kiseop. <3
I did go for the concert ! IT WAS SO AWESOME~~!! <3 I want KEVIN photo !!!
This is an absolutely awesome article! So far has the best summarised coverage of U-Kiss recent visit in Singapore! It really gave a great impression to readers who are not U-Kiss fans to know about these pretty boys and why they are so popular not only in Singapore but around the world as well 🙂
I’m a Kiseop biased ^^
I still can’t get over the fact that U-Kiss was actually here last Friday . The whole experience was mind-blowing . Many thanks to (x)clusive for being a distributor else I wouldn’t actually be aware that U-Kiss was coming . The way the whole event was organized was big mess . The only publicity for the event was Twitter , most of SG-KissMe who isn’t on twitter doesn’t even know they were coming until the last minute . Ticketing was a mess too . There were distributor for the tickets everywhere , not to mention some were really unprofessional . All these could have been avoided but since the event is over , it doesn’t really matter .
The saving grace for the event was of course , U-Kiss . Though the fansign was really short , I believed everyone went home with an autographed album 🙂 . The effort they put into the performance was definitely noticeable too . From where I was standing , I could see perspiration flying every single time they make the slightest movement . Also , Soohyun was practically screaming into his mike but I don’t know what was the problem with the sound system . The other performances before U-kiss’s sounded fine 😐 .
In conclusion , U-kiss’s visit this time round while not as long ( and smooth sailing ) was still awesome because … well , it is U-Kiss afterall . I hope their next event wouldn’t be organized by Smoove media though . Definitely a bad experience with them .
P.S I would really appreciate a HQ untagged picture of Soohyun <3 Thank you for the coverage 😀
Both the fanmeet and concert was AWESOME! The 7 angels did so well!
Thanks for all the awesome pictures taken. Really appreciate it so much and for taking time to write this article! ^^
SOOHYUN! ^^
I didn’t went for the concert due to that I’m working. But all thanks to (x)clusive! I’m able to know what’s going on that day & what had our Kissmes did to Kevin + Ukiss. I really like this post because I see those pictures makes me know that Ukiss had more fun in Singapore this time round. And with that, I know what they did play or they did talked in Singlish in Conference which not anyone could attend to it. Thanks to (x)clusive that makes things possible for me to know what’s going on the conference. I really like how they capture those photos & it was clear for me to see their face. Ukiss was smiling so happily & i’m happy that they did enjoyed here in Singapore. I’m glad at least when friends asked me what’s going on Ukiss showcase/conference. (x)clusive & please do not stop writing. Your posts makes me go mad over kpops after hours of working! 🙂
I want Alexander.
This article is awesome. Although i didnt get to go to the concert and the fanmeet, i already know what is happening. 😀 Thank you, (x)clusive! And they did very well to make their fans happy.
MY BIASes: Dongho, Soohyun and Xander^^
It’s actually my first time to see UKISS here, as i missed it previously. So i was totally into UKISS and the fansign was great. It’s great to see them here. For me, i was super excited to see UKISS as i bought the ticket last minute on that day itself. So no regrets at all. I was seriously very happy to see SOOHYUN. He’s super handsome and he actually do a heart sign to me. I almost fainted. Well. the concert was still alright but the moment UKISS appear it became very high!! Well, i just hope that they would have stay longer instead of rushing to the airport right after the concert.
Possible i would want a SOOHYUN’s photo!! I seriously in love with him!~~
i’ve got to say. that this is the most detailed article i have ever read in all UKISS’ tour! glad i’ve seen this one! I may not attend the concert coz i live far far far far away.. but a big thanks to this..thank you so much! you guys just made my day! and i am just so in love with UKISS more and more with this PIC! ┌(☆o★)┘♪┌(★o☆)┘♪└(★o★)┐HOPE that UKISS will have a tour in all the parts of the WORLD!~~
Thanks for the coverage +article! I’ve been waiting for days! 😀 Those photos made me smile so much! Also, thanks for ordering tix for the concert + fanmeet~ you’re so nice in person 🙂
ps: I want Xander’s photo~
The Kings of Freedom concert was SHIOK la~ hahaha! I did go for the concert. 🙂 It was so much fun especially during U-KISS time! XD They even their latest song shut-up for the first time in Singapore! They look so hot in their white tuxedo. Although it was so hot that night they perform thier very best! I also do hope they would come to Singapore again to do another showcase or a concert! Won’t that be AWESOME! ^^
I would LOVE a photo of Kevin. ^_~
THIS IS HEAVEN. I felt as if I was there at the press conference, with detailed happenings & videos, it just made me melt! I <3 how you put in the extra effort to please & make the Kiss-Mes happy just by writing this awesome article of them when they are here in Singapore.
Just one word: AWESOME.
=)
The pictures are so clear. You could take what i cant see during the concert. Thank you!! & also the article is very very detailed. I like the picture where soohyun cringes his face! HAHA! So cute! 😀
SOOHYUNNN! 🙂
This article is detailed and its really worth reading! Really hope you’ll choose me, heh heh(: I would like to have alexander’s!(:
Ah,the best article of U-Kiss in Singapore by far 🙂
I attended both events and went for their arrival and departure,my only regret was not to be able to attend the Press Conference. I’m sure during press conferences there is less noise and chaos. Thank you for telling us what happened during the press conference and also for the super HQ pictures and videos ^^
I would like a Dongho picture 🙂
To be honest, this event didn’t really turn out the way I expected it to be, with ticketing and organizing problems even before the boys came, to the sheikh haikel problem and the organizer’s ‘scandal’ as well.
But well, what’s past is already past, let’s just be good kiss mes and look forward to better performances from our seven boys! 😀
It’s really awesome to be able to see the boys upclose again, and this article really makes me reminisce and remember about the events on that day.
Thank you so much! And I like your photos! 😀
My bias? Eli. HEHE ^^
This article is nice and well written 😀
(x)clusive always get nice shoots for every kpop event.Love it.
I enjoyed being there, at the concert. It was fun to see our boys on stage live!
Except for the controversies of MC and organizer. Well, the event is over..so it doesn’t matter anymore. Looking forward for UKISS at sg again! 🙂
I’m desperately in love with Kiseop 😀
This post is really detailed!
I like especially how this post is a compilation of all the events that U-KISS had here in our sunny island! This article is certainly of a high standard, as with all the articles in this website. 🙂
I went for all the events that U-KISS had here in Singapore. From the last event they held in June, I thought they couldn’t get anymore friendlier or cuter than they already are. But of course, they proved me wrong! They interacted with their fans more at the fansign and even jumped off the stage at one point, becoming only a mere stone’s throw away from me. I nearly fainted hahaha! The participation of U-KISS in the Kings Of Freedom concert shows everyone how talented they actually are. I even shed a tear when they performed . U-KISS has always been one of my top favourites and I’d definitely pay to see them again. 🙂
I would really appreciate it if I got a Kevin picture!
Thank you so much! 🙂
This article is absolutely awesome and it is very detailed. 🙂
The concert and fansign was great as well although we couldn’t talk to u-kiss very much.
During the concert, they were so close to me and I just went crazy! Especially when they performed ‘Shut Up’ for the first time in Singapore!
I really wanted to attend the Press Conference but of course I didn’t get the opportunity, being a normal fangirl. But looking at your photos and coverage of e press conference is enough to satisfy me! 🙂 Your pictures of u-kiss are flawless and I hope nothing more than to receive one of them. 🙂
I would like an Eli picture please~
Thank you!
I didn;t managed to go for the concert. Got to work on that day till late. I hate myself for not able to attend the concert. But your description and photos make my day. Thanks for sharing the wonderful photos! I love eli and would like a photo of him. Thanks!
Upon seeing the photos here, I was brought back to the moment where U-KISS appeared right in front of me. All the close-up photos here were totally awesome! I was so sad that I didn’t have time to react to take a photo when Ukiss just walked past me at Iluma~ But after seeing your detailed write-up of the event, I really enjoyed reading it. & the photos are daebak!! Ukiss is totally a super friendly group of boys, and I guess the interview with them was so much fun. *Envy* but thanks for sharing all the fun moments. The performance was great! A nice evening spent at Bedok Reservoir Park. You’ll always have a deep feeling behind Bedok Reservoir because Ukiss actually performed there right?! ^^
I want a xander pic! thanks~
This is a super detailed article! Though I didn’t go for the fanmeet, but the way it’s described in this article is enough to let me know what exactly happened! I was able to feel the joy and friendliness of the 7 boys after reading this article! I’ve to say that this is the best and most specific article on the events of the 7 boys!:) thank you very much!^^
Btw I’m an Eli biased:>
I’m so happy that you have covered this event so well. Its so detailed, and it brought out the spirit of the whole event. I feel like I’ve re-lived the experience again! U-Kiss will always be my No.1. Despite the unprofessional organisers, who mis-represented their product, resulting in us fans not getting all 7 signatures, and such a shockingly poor venue choice. When U-Kiss appeared, we all found it in our hearts to forgive the organisers, because we could see and feel the sincerity from the boys. I eventually got Kevin’s sign. Ironically I didn’t think I would be so lucky, but I got shoved right into Kevin’s face by fans wanting Kevin’s sign. So I got it instead.
It would be GREAT to have an awesome poster of Kevin!
Even though i didn’t went for the concert but i can feel that it’s fun there.The description told me that u-kiss are having fun in Singapore, every part of the article describes wat u-kiss is in Singapore for.U-kiss fighting… i want a pic of Eli… Thanks
ahh i love how this article is so detailed and packed with hq pictures! definitely an eye-pleaser!
and how you guys included teeny weeny facts and quotes of the boys! i never knew dongho was allergic to crabs! ;O i guess its not very serious if he can continue eating haha.
i didnt go to the concert, but reading this makes me giddy with happiness and feels like i experienced it real life. haha. thank you again!
request: my skinny boy kiseop!! 😀
i seriously need to thank you guys for being a distributor and all. i managed to get my tickets otherwise and see ukiss for the first time! boy was i starstrucked! but i didnt have a good camera with me so lousy shots of the boys are all i have. the pictures you take are so amazing! the best (fan)account of the event i’ve read so far! 😀
i want kibum / kiseop / soohyun!~ hahahahhaaha! arigato!
omg my frieend just introduced me to this and i am pretty impressed with your account of the event! the event had tons of hiccups right from the beginining and i kinda sympathised with the boys on not having an awesome venue. but nontheless, i think just having ukiss + kissmes together is already a blessing<3 so yeap!
random: what camera/lens do you use? your pictures are pretty sharp and high quality! 😀
i'd love to have a PIGEON ELI PLEASE! lol.