U-KISS’s Eli Announces Remarriage — Wedding Photos and Heartfelt Message Shared 5 Years After Divorce

Love found him again. 1U-KISS’s Eli has shared news of his marriage! On June 11, Eli took to Instagram to reveal his remarriage and share wedding photos.

Five years after his divorce, the Korean-American singer is starting a brand-new chapter — and the heartfelt message he shared alongside his wedding photos has KISSmes and K-pop fans sending congratulations from around the world.

Here’s everything we know about Eli’s beautiful new beginning.

U-KISS’s Eli Announcement — In His Own Words

2 The singer shared the news on social media on June 11th, posting wedding photos alongside a heartfelt message written in English. 2 Reflecting on the past five years, Eli described them as “some of the most challenging and transformative years of my life.” He said that he has come to view life from a different perspective after experiencing many ups and downs and periods of personal growth. 2 Eli also spoke warmly about his fiancée, whom he met during that time.

He credited her with bringing “understanding, happiness, and peace” into his life and said her patience and support helped him through difficult moments while making the good times even more meaningful. 2 Announcing his upcoming marriage, Eli wrote, “I have found the person I will be sharing the rest of my life with.” 3 He also stated, “I am thankful to God for teaching me everything, for guiding me along the path, and for giving me the opportunity to start a new chapter of life with someone I truly love and respect.”

2 The wedding photos showed Eli in a tuxedo and his fiancée in a wedding dress, with the couple posing affectionately alongside their pet dog.

A Message to Fans — “I Wouldn’t Be Here Without You”

2 Eli also took a moment to thank the fans who have supported him throughout his career. 3 He also expressed gratitude to his fans, saying, “I sincerely thank everyone who has supported me. Whether through U-KISS, through friendship, through prayers, or even through a single word of warm encouragement, your love and support have been a greater strength than I could have imagined. Without those who stayed by my side during difficult times, I would not be who I am today.” 3 Finally, he said, “At this moment of starting a new chapter in my life, I once again deeply thank you for your love, support, and encouragement.”

Eli’s Personal Journey — A Timeline

His First Marriage & Divorce

1 In November 2014, he married Ji Yeon Soo, a former racing model who is 11 years his senior, and they had a son. However, they divorced in 2020. 4 Their relationship later drew public attention when they appeared together on the TV Chosun reality program We Got Divorced 2 in 2022, where they discussed their past relationship and co-parenting.

The divorce was publicly painful. 6At the time, Eli shared: “2020 has been a rough year for all of us. My wife and I have decided to separate. I am currently in the US and Michael is living with his mom in Korea. Though I am unable to see Michael at the moment I will go to see him whenever I can and try my hardest to be the father figure that he needs.”

Now, five years later, Eli’s remarriage announcement signals that he’s found peace after one of the most difficult public chapters any second-generation idol has faced.

Who Is Eli? — Full Profile

12 Ellison Kyoung-jae Kim, better known by his stage name Eli, is a South Korean-American singer and rapper. He is a member of South Korean boy band U-KISS.

12 Eli was born in Los Angeles, California to Korean parents. He spent most of his years in Fredericksburg, Virginia. 12 After dropping out of high school, he went alone to Beijing, China at 15 to pursue his studies, and also learned Mandarin. 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. He is fluent in English, Korean and Mandarin.

U-KISS — The Group That Shaped a Generation

8 U-KISS (Korean: 유키스) is a South Korean boy band formed in 2008. Their name is an acronym, standing for Ubiquitous Korean International Idol Super Star. 13 U-KISS is a veteran boy group that debuted on August 28, 2008, with the single “Not Young.” Originally under NH Media, they became foundational icons of the 2nd generation, achieving massive international success with hits like “Man Man Ha Ni,” “Bingeul Bingeul,” and “0330.”

Eli’s Return to U-KISS

2 After leaving UKISS in 2019 following the expiration of his contract, Eli rejoined the group in 2023 and has continued his activities with the team. 8 On September 21, 2023, Tango Music announced that Alexander and Eli signed exclusive contracts with the company. This marks Alexander and Eli’s official return to the group after they left in 2011 and 2019 respectively.

Eli’s Career Highlights Beyond Music

7 Eli started his acting career in January 2010 in a Thai-Korean drama, “Autumn Destiny.” In 2011, he was cast in an MBC sitcom, “Real School.” In October 2014, Eli was cast as the male lead in a Chinese adaptation of the Korean drama, “Full House.”

U-KISS’s Current Status

9 As of December 31, 2024, U-KISS’s contract with Tango Music has expired, and the group will be entering an indefinite hiatus.

8 The group is currently composed of Soohyun, Hoon, Kiseop, Alexander Lee, and Eli. While the group is on indefinite hiatus, the members have remained connected — and Eli’s remarriage announcement is a reminder that life’s most beautiful chapters often come after the hardest ones.

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A post shared by Eli Kim (@eli_kim91)

Fan Reactions — Love Pouring In

4 The announcement was met with warm congratulations from fans and fellow entertainers. KISSmes who have supported Eli through nearly two decades of ups and downs flooded social media with celebratory messages.

Long-time fans noted how far Eli has come — from the devastating public divorce, the co-parenting challenges across continents, and the emotional We Got Divorced 2 appearance to this radiant moment of joy. The consensus across fan communities was universal: he deserves this happiness.

For a complete overview of U-KISS’s career, discography, and legacy, visit the official U-KISS Wikipedia page.

The Bottom Line

From a 17-year-old martial arts kid from Virginia to a K-pop pioneer to a divorced single father to a man standing in a tuxedo next to the love of his life and their dog — Eli’s story is one of the most genuinely human journeys in K-pop history.4 As he himself wrote: “The last five years have been some of the most difficult and transformative years of my life. There were many ups and downs, hard lessons to learn, and opportunities for personal growth.”

But those five years led him right here — to a new marriage, a new chapter, and a happiness that radiates from every wedding photo. Congratulations, Eli. KISSmes couldn’t be happier for you.

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