Uchi Hiroki, born in Habikino, Osaka Prefecture, is a Japanese idol singer, songwriter, actor, and model. Uchi auditioned for Johnny & Associates in May 1999, at the age of twelve. He had no interest in the entertainment industry, instead dreamed about a professional baseball career, but was signed up to audition by his mother, who was in show business herself. He became the vocalist of Junior's group V. West. At this time, he had the TV show "Weekly V. West" with other members of the group. Three years later, in December 2002, Uchi became a member of Kanjani8, which was officially formed on the base of V. West. Around the same time, Uchi started filming his first drama, Doremisora. In 2003, Uchi and his best friend, another Kanjani8 member, Nishikido Ryo, were asked to join the band NEWS along with seven other members. The same year, Uchi took part in the drama Boku no Ikiru Michi and was awarded the Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix as the best newcomer. In 2004, Uchi made his debut with NEWS (The song: Kibou-Yell) and with Kanjani 8 in the Kansai area, then nationwide. While performing in SUMMARY2005 and Hey! Say! Dream Boy shows (along with KAT-TUN), Uchi was diagnosed with and hospitalized for pulmonary pneumothorax, a condition that causes holes to form in the lining of the lungs. Uchi was pulled from both shows for urgent surgery to repair the three holes in his left lung. After rehabilitation, Uchi returned in June for the release of NEWS's "Teppen" single as well as filming the drama Ganbatte Ikimasshoi! On July 15, 2005, Uchi Hiroki was detained for public disorder under the influence of alcohol. Apparently, he had been invited to drink by an older Fuji TV presenter. Though he was released only with a warning, the incident developed into a scandal by the press. Being eighteen and underage for drinking at that time, Uchi was promptly "suspended from the public eye" and excluded from both bands. He was also re Watch drama online for free.