U-Kwon

Kim Yu-kwon (Hangul: 김유권, born April 9, 1992),[1] better known by the stage name U-Kwon (Hangul: 유권), is a South Korean singer. He is a vocalist and dancer in Block B; he is also a member of the sub-unit Bastarz along with P.O and B-Bomb, as well as the sub-unit T2u with Taeil.

In this Korean name, the family name is Kim.
U-Kwon
김유권
Born
Kim Yu-kwon

(1992-04-09) April 9, 1992
Suwon, South Korea
Occupation
  • Singer, Dancer
Musical career
Genres
Instrument(s)Vocals
Years active2011–present
Korean name
Hangul
김유권
Hanja
金有權
Revised RomanizationGim Yu-gwon
McCune–ReischauerKim Yukwŏn

Biography

U-Kwon was born in Suwon, South Korea.[1]

Career

2011–2016: Career beginnings
See also: Block B, Bastarz, and T2U

U-Kwon debuted with Block B in April 2011. Four years later, it was announced that U-Kwon would participate in Block B's first sub-unit, Bastarz, along with members P.O and B-Bomb.[2][3] The group's first album was released on April 13, 2015,[4] and its second on October 31, 2016.[5] In between, U-Kwon, along with B-Bomb, recorded the song "Bingle Bingle" on the Block B album Blooming Period, which was released April 11, 2016.[6] U-Kwon released his first Japanese solo, "Painless" (痛くない), on June 24, 2016; the song was composed by him for the short vampire film Q Chan, in which he starred.[7]

On June 24, 2016, it was announced that U-Kwon had been cast on the idol-dance competition show Hit the Stage.[8] U-Kwon participated in the show with YooA as his partner.[9] U-Kwon won the premiere episode of the show with a dance routine in which he portrayed the Joker.[10] They ultimately finished fourth.[11]

2017–present: Solo career

In June 2017, U-Kwon and fellow Block B member P.O received the Maxim K-Model Icon Idol Award.[12]

U-Kwon performed a seven-show, six-city tour of Japan from August 26 to September 7, 2017, along with fellow Block B member Taeil as the special unit T2u.[13] U-Kwon also took part in the Japanese special project album, Block B: Project-1, released September 20, performing the song "Winner" along with P.O and Japanese rapper Chanmina.[14]

On October 18, it was announced that U-Kwon had been selected to host the music show The Power of K, along with Nancy of Momoland and Shownu of Monsta X. The show began broadcasting January 2018 in both Korea and Japan.[15]

In December 2017, U-Kwon along with the singer Rothy released an OST song for the drama Jugglers entitled "Baby Baby."[16]

On January 8, 2018, Block B released the album Re: Montage featuring a solo song by U-Kwon, "Everythin'." In addition to performing the song, U-Kwon helped write the lyrics.[17] U-Kwon also wrote the Japanese lyrics to the 2018 T2u song "Good Bye," which appears on the Block B The Best album,[18] and the Japanese lyrics to the song "Ocean," which appears on the subunit's debut album, T2U.[19]

On August 12, 2022, during Haha's Twitch stream with him, U-Kwon announced that he left KQ Entertainment and is currently working independently before deciding on an entertainment company to join.[20]

Personal life

U-Kwon announced in December 2012 that he was in a relationship with the model Jun Sun-hye.[21] She announced their breakup on May 1, 2022, saying the two remained friends.[22]

In May 2020, it was announced that U-Kwon would begin the military service required of South Korean men on May 18.[23] U-Kwon was discharged from military service on November 21, 2021 without returning to the unit after his last vacation in accordance with the Ministry of Defense guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19.[24]

Discography
For U-Kwon's work as a member of Block B and its subunits, see Block B discography, Bastarz § Discography, and T2U § Discography.

Single albums
Title Album details
Rise Up
  • Released: December 3, 2019
  • Re-released: January 13, 2020 (Limited Edition CD)
  • Label: Seven Seasons
  • Formats: digital download, CD
Track listing
  1. Rise Up feat. Koonta
  2. Fuego feat. RGP
Wanna Do
Track listing
  1. Wanna Do feat. Woosoo
  2. Wanna Do (Instrumental)

Soundtrack appearances
Title Year Peak chart position Album
KOR
"Baby Baby" (with Rothy) 2017 — Jugglers

Filmography

Variety shows
Year Title Notes
2016 Hit The Stage Contestant[25]
Lipstick Prince Cast member with P.O[26]
2017 Ranking Show 1, 2, 3 Panelist
2018–19 Power of K Host[27]
2018 Ranking Show 1, 2, 3 Panelist
2019 King of Mask Singer Contestant
Sales King TV Indonesia trip
2020 Fact in Star Idol of the Month
Voice Queen Judge

Dramas
Year Title Role
2015 Jumping Girl Han Ga-eul[28]
2018 Radio Romance Kang Minu

Film
Year Title Role Notes
2016 Q Chan (Qちゃん) Im Part of the Thrilling Daily Life (スリリングな日常) omnibus[29]

Musicals
Year Title Role Notes
2014–15 All Shook Up Elvis Seoul production[30]
2015 HARU~If You Can Return to that Day~ (HARU～あの日に戻れるなら～) Kang Young-won Tokyo production[31]
Run to You~Street Life~ Suchan Tokyo production, with Jaehyo[32]
2016–17 In the Heights Usnavi Seoul production, with Jaehyo[33]
2017 The Great Catsby Hound Seoul production[34]
2018 Evil Dead: The Musical Scott Seoul production[35]
2019 By the Age of 30 Jin Yong Tokyo & Osaka productions
Altar Boyz Luke Osaka production

References
  1. 유권 (김유권, U-KWON) [U-Kwon (Kim Yu-kwon, U-KWON)] (in Korean). Naver.
  2. "Block B reveal new subunit 'BASTARZ' + first member P.O". allkpop. Retrieved April 8, 2015.
  3. "Block B reveal remaining members for subunit 'BASTARZ'". allkpop. Retrieved April 8, 2015.
  4. "Block B Subunit BASTARZ Releases 'Zero for Conduct' Music Video". Soompi. April 13, 2015. Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  5. "Block B's BASTARZ Reveals Photos And Track List For New Mini Album, Featuring Title Track Composed By Dean". Soompi. October 25, 2016. Retrieved October 25, 2016.
  6. Benjamin, Jeff (April 11, 2016). "BLOCK B SHOWS OFF LOVELORN SIDE IN 'TOY' VIDEO". Fuse. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  7. ユグォン主演映画『Ｑちゃん(オムニバス映画「スリリングな日常」より)』公開記念 ユグォンソロ曲「痛くない」特別先行配信決定！ [Commemorating the release of the movie "Q-chan (from the omnibus movie "Thrilling Nichijou")" starring U-Kwon, U-Kwon's solo song "It doesn't hurt" will be distributed in advance!] (in Japanese). Block B Japan. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
  8. "Hyoyeon, Bora, Hoya, Momo, And More Confirmed For "Hit The Stage"". Soompi. June 24, 2016. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
  9. "K-pop idols dance to the theme of love in 'Hit The Stage'". Kpop Herald. August 11, 2016. Retrieved February 20, 2023.
  10. "Watch: NCT's Ten, SISTAR's Bora, TWICE's Momo, And Block B's U-Kwon "Hit The Stage" In Much-Anticipated Premiere". Soompi. July 27, 2016. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
  11. Jung, Yoo-na (August 11, 2016). '힛더스테이지' 장현승X스테파니, 2연승 행진…최종우승할까[종합] ['Hit the Stage' Jang Hyun-seung X Stephanie, 2 consecutive wins... Shall we win the final? [Comprehensive]] (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved February 20, 2023.
  12. 2017 MAXIM K-MODEL AWARDS 블락비, '탈 아이돌 상' 수상확정 [2017 MAXIM K-MODEL AWARDS Block B confirmed to win 'Tal Idol Award'] (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved June 25, 2017.
  13. 『Block B SPECIAL UNIT STAGE 2017～T2U～』 開催決定！！！ ["Block B SPECIAL UNIT STAGE 2017 ~T2U~" Opening Confirmed!!!] (in Japanese). Block B Japan. Retrieved September 26, 2017.
  14. Ｋ―ＰＯＰグループ「Ｂｌｏｃｋ Ｂ」、日本限定ユニットでＣＤ発売記念ライブ [K-POP Group "Block B", CD Release Commemorative Live with Japan Limited Unit] (in Japanese). Sports Hochi. Retrieved September 19, 2017.
  15. [단독]유권-낸시-셔누, 1월 런칭 韓日 동시 방송 음악쇼 MC 발탁 [[Exclusive] U-Kwon, Nancy, and Shownu selected as MCs for a simultaneous Korean-Japanese music show launched in January] (in Korean). SBS FunE. Retrieved October 18, 2017.
  16. 블락비 유권X로시, '저글러스' OST 참여...'애기애기해' [Block B U-Kwon X Rothy, 'Jugglers' OST Participation...'My Baby']. Seoul Daily (in Korean). December 26, 2017. Retrieved January 14, 2018.
  17. 블락비 유권 "첫 솔로곡 '에브리싱' 수록…기분 좋아" [Block B's U-Kwon "The recording of his first solo song, 'Everything'... feels good"] (in Korean). 10 Asia. Retrieved January 14, 2018.
  18. Block Bから誕生したユニットT2Uが日本で新曲をリリース！「僕が"一緒にやろう"って口説き落としました（笑）」 [Unit Born From Block B T2U Will Release a New Song in Japan! "I persuaded him 'let's do it together' (haha)"] (in Japanese). Kstyle. June 11, 2018. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
  19. Block BからTAEILとU-KWONが参加したユニットT2U、ライブハウスツアー追加公演を開催 [Unit T2U Which TAEIL and U-KWON from Block B Participated In, Additional Performances for Live House Tour] (in Japanese). Musicman. Retrieved September 26, 2018.
  20. "Block B's U-Kwon parts ways with KQ Entertainment". Allkpop. Retrieved August 14, 2022.
  21. "Block B's U-Kwon reveals he's in a relationship with model Jun Sun Hye". AllKpop. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
  22. Jung, Seo-hee (May 2, 2022). "블락비 유권·전선혜, 공개열애 10년 만에 결별…"연인에서 친구로" [Block B's U-Kwon and Jeon Seon-hye break up after 10 years of public dating... "From Lover to Friend"] (in Korean). spoTV News. Retrieved May 2, 2022 – via Naver.
  23. 블락비 유권, 18일 육군 현역 입대 "더 멋진 모습으로 돌아올게요" [Block B's U-Kwon enlists in the army on the 18th "I'll come back with a better look"] (in Korean). SE Daily. May 8, 2020. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  24. Kang, Da-yoon (October 6, 2021). 블락비 유권, 미복귀 전역 전 말년 휴가…태일 "제법 민간인 같은데? [Block B's U-Kwon, non-returning vacation before discharge... Taeil: "You look like a civilian, don't you?]. My Daily (in Korean). Retrieved October 6, 2021 – via Naver.
  25. '힛더스테이지' 효연·태민·호야·셔누 출격…유권 1위 뺏을까 ['Hit The Stage' Hyoyeon, Taemin, Hoya, Shownu sortie... Shall we steal the first place?] (in Korean). Sports Chosun. August 3, 2016. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
  26. 블락비 유권X피오, 화장하는 남자로 색다른 매력…'립스틱 프린스' [Block B U-Kwon X P.O, a man who wears makeup and has a different charm... 'Lipstick Prince'] (in Korean). 10 Asia. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
  27. "이런 음악쇼는 없었다" 파워오브케이, 韓日 동시 생중계 '라인업 화려' ["There has never been a music show like this" Power of K, simultaneous live broadcast in Korea and Japan, 'splendid lineup']. News1 (in Korean). March 2, 2018. Retrieved May 26, 2018.
  28. 블락비 유권 비범, 첫 연기도전 '점핑걸' 공개 [Block B’s U-Kwon B-Bomb, first acting challenge ‘Jumping Girl’ revealed] (in Korean). 10 Asia. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
  29. "Qちゃん" (in Japanese). Magic Hour.
  30. 손호영·김동준·산들·유권, 엘비스로 변신…뮤지컬 '올슉업' [Son Ho-young, Kim Dong-jun, Sandeul, and U-kwon transformed into Elvis... Musical 'All Shook Up'] (in Korean). Newsis. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
  31. 韓国ミュージカル『HARU～あの日に戻れるなら～』稽古場写真とキャストコメント [Korean Musical "HARU ~If I Could Go Back to That Day~" Rehearsal Room Photo and Cast Comments] (in Japanese). Spice. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
  32. Block Bユグォン インタビュー「ぎこちなさのない自然な姿を」開幕間近！ミュージカル「RUN TO YOU ～StreetLife～」 [Block B U-Kwon Interview "A Natural Appearance Without Awkwardness" Nearing the Opening! Musical "RUN TO YOU ~StreetLife~"] (in Japanese). K Plaza. June 23, 2015. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
  33. '인더하이츠' 유권 "'아이돌' 내려놓고 캐릭터에 집중" ['In the Heights' U-Kwon "Leave 'idol' and focus on the character"] (in Korean). 10 Asia. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
  34. 블락비 유권, '위대한 캣츠비'로 뮤지컬 도전 "최선 다할 것" [Block B's U-Kwon, musical challenge with 'The Great Catsby' "I will do my best"] (in Korean). 10 Asia. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
  35. 특급 좀비 호러극 뮤지컬 '이블데드'…강정우·김대현·서경수·우찬·유권 출연 [Special zombie horror musical 'Evil Dead'... Kang Jung-woo, Kim Dae-hyeon, Seo Kyung-soo, Woo-chan, U-Kwon] (in Korean). Newspim. Retrieved May 11, 2018.
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