Kim Joon struck by H1N1 virus

Having been cleared of having H1N1 earlier in the month, it looks like Kim Joon cannot escape his fate as it was revealed late on 26th November that he has tested positive for H1N1. This brings to a total of 3 celebrities who have tested positive for H1N1 on the 26th, with earlier confirmed cases being SHINee's Taemin and MBLAQ's Thunder.

According to a representative from Planet 905, Kim Joon is now in hospital receiving treatment, which includes the taking of Tamiflu. His condition is currently stable although there's considerable impact to Kim Joon's upcoming broadcast schedule in Korea and overseas, including a 2D1N trip to the Philippines for a fanmeeting on the 30th.

With 30th November still a few days away, a decision will be taken soon accordingly, depending on Kim Joon's recovery speed and health condition.

source: allkpop

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Girls' Generation Gig Sells Out in 3 Minutes

Tickets for the first solo concert of super group Girls' Generation sold out in just three minutes last week. Girls' Generation are giving their first concert by themselves in the Fencing Gymnasium at Seoul Olympic Park on Dec. 19. Booking started and ended in three minutes last Thursday.

The band are going to start their first Asian tour on their own with concerts in Seoul on Dec. 19 and 20, and their overseas itinerary includes Shanghai and Bangkok.

Credit: englishnews@chosun.com

source : Chosun

Rain: 'Keep Trying to Make Your Dream Come True'

Rain, who has been promoting his movie “Ninja Assassin” in North America, during his interview on November 21 (local time) in Hollywood, Los Angeles, USA.

"’Ninja Assassin’ helped me dream. If I keep trying, someday I will top the box office," said Rain (real name Jeong Ji-hoon) during his interview on November 21 in Los Angeles. He is the first Korean actor to play a lead in a major Hollywood movie. He has been promoting his movie “Ninja Assassin” in North America since last week. On November 19, he attended a prestigious red carpet event in Hollywood and a screening. On November 21, he was to give interviews to some 30 media agencies based in Los Angeles.

While saying that his movie had received positive feedback in the U.S., Rain added that what mattered most was taking on new challenges rather than producing good results. Rain said he wanted to publicize Korean culture in Hollywood.

With regard to his Hollywood experience, Rain said, "I want to continue to try new things despite failures. It is important to overcome failures and do your best even when your self-esteem is hurt.”

The interview lasted only 15 minutes, but it was enough for Rain to convey his strong determination and confidence.

Following are excerpts from the interview.

-- What were your impressions from walking the red carpet in the U.S. as the leading actor of “Ninja Assassin?”

▲ I’m very happy and proud as a Korean. I was the first Korean in Hollywood to attend a movie premiere as its leading actor. I was also the first Asian to do so. It was a great honor for me. My first step in Hollywood has been very successful. Everything was great and many people were excited about this. Apart from my Asian fans, many of my African-American and Caucasian fans also attended the premiere. I was very surprised.

-- What did U.S. journalists show particular interest in?

▲ They asked me a lot about my body-shaping secrets, about the way I exercise. They also asked me about my nationality and about what it feels like to be a Hollywood star.

-- Will your movie perform well at the box office?

▲ In a way, this movie is mine, because I play the main character. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me. If my movie doesn’t do well, I’ll be scolded, and if it does well, I’ll receive praise. As long as my movie is in the top five, it’ll be success, because nobody has done this before.

-- Will the success of your movie be influenced by “New Moon,” which opened recently?

▲ My goal is not to top the box office. If my movie trails “New Moon” or even lands the fifth spot, it’ll be huge anyway. “Ninja Assassin” has a few stumbling blocks. It’s PG-rated, so children can’t watch it. It targets only a group of devoted fans rather than the general public.

-- What is “Ninja Assassin” to you?

▲ This movie helped me dream. My first try was successful. If I keep rising to new challenges, my movies will top the box office someday. I’m not holding my hopes high this time. If my movie enters the top five, it’ll be success. I’m going to take it slow.

-- What have you learned in Hollywood?

▲ I have learned that it’s important to keep trying despite failures. If you’re worried about failing even before making a try, it’s already over. It’s important to keep doing things even if you’re likely to fail. You should overcome failures and do your best even when your self-esteem is hurt.

-- How is your English doing?

▲ I’m studying English as hard as I can. When I don’t know something important, I ask others for help. I don’t like to pretend to know everything. It’s difficult for me to speak English fluently because I am a Korean. I tell others that I’m still learning and ask for help. I want to study harder.

--What other roles would you want to try in Hollywood? You once said you wanted to play an Asian man who was in love with a Caucasian woman.

▲ I would want to try that. Everything is possible. To be honest, nobody could have imagined that I would play a lead in this movie. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined this. I would want to star in a romance movie someday.

-- What would you like to say to your Korean fans?

▲ My movie has received positive feedback in the U.S. Rather than producing good results, it’s important to keep trying. I want to publicize Korean culture in Hollywood. That’s my dream. I hope that Korean viewers will also like my movie.

source: KBS Global

20-Year-Old Model Daul Kim Is Dead

Model Daul Kim was found dead in Paris this morning, her agents at Next confirm. "She was a top model and a great friend to all of us at Next. Please respect her family’s privacy at this time of sadness. We will all miss her very much," they said in a statement. The cause of death remains unknown at this time but a source tells the Cut the 20-year-old committed suicide. She will be missed.

R.I.P.

source: nymag.com

Rain Returns as a Killer in New Hollywood Movie

Jeong Ji-hoon, better known as Rain, has reunited with producers Joel Silver, Andy Wachowski and Larry Wachowski for the Hollywood martial arts movie "Ninja Assassin."

How did he endure the rigorous training? "There were many times when I wanted to quit during the eight months of shooting because it was so painful, but there were three reasons why I couldn't," he told reporters Tuesday. "First of all, I promised to my fans four years ago that I will do a film that can compete in the global market. Secondly, it had to do with my self-esteem. Trainers were teasing me, saying they had trained Brad Pitt and Matt Damon and I was the worst one. I wondered how well they did, and did my best, watching Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan's movies. Lastly, I read distorted articles about me every morning, and wanted to prove them wrong."

Rain said he did over 90 percent of stunts in the film himself. "I thought I could die. I worked that hard," he said. "I had to lose all of body fat in order to make my body light. I didn't break anything during the shooting, but I had a lot of cuts here and there."

His first Hollywood movie "Speed Racer," where he played a supporting role, was a flop, but Rain thinks it was nevertheless a worthwhile experience. "The movie helped me make my name known in Hollywood and, I think, I was also able to land the lead in 'Ninja Assassin' thanks to it," he said. "I anticipate a box office success with this movie, and if it succeeds, I believe that it will open doors for other Korean and Asian actors."

Asked about the graphic violence throughout the film, Rain said, "Of course it's not a movie for the whole family, but action fans will really love this."

The Wachowskis told him to forget about the pop star status and the man Jeong Ji-hoon. "You are a killer," they said. He said he actually lived like a killer for those eight months. "Now the shoot has ended, I still feel like I have to fight, and when the film gets released, I think I'll have a lot of new male fans. I also think a lot of women fans will be able to relieve stress watching the film."

Credit: englishnews@chosun.com

source : Chosun

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credit to : Rebby@Soompi

Rain Fueled by 'Fury' for 'Ninja Assassin'

For his first Hollywood lead role in "Ninja Assassin,'' Rain had to forget he was a pop star and trained alongside stuntmen for six hours a day, over six months ― all when he could have been comfortably playing sweet TV roles or dancing onstage for staunch Asian fans.

His secrets to achieving zero percent body fat? Anti-fans and mom, said the 27-year-old in a crowded press conference Monday in Seoul.

"There were many times when I wanted to return to Korea, where I could be busy giving concerts and starring in TV dramas and movies. I seriously contemplated it many times over the eight months (of shooting `Ninja Assassin.'),'' said Rain, who showed off his build in a fitted double-breasted suit.

But he stayed because he had made a promise to fans, and also because of his pride.

His trainers, who are now like family, would provoke him, saying that Matt Damon or Brad Pitt outperformed him in lifting 100-kilogram weights.

"I would also wake up in the morning and flip through the `very nice' newspaper articles that criticized me and read negative comments from anti-fans,'' he said about feeling compelled to prove himself. "I thought I had to show that I can make a debut in the United States rather than just talk about it.''

The modern martial arts flick is the South Korean superstar's second collaboration with the creators of "The Matrix'' series. He made his Hollywood debut in "Speed Racer,'' which was directed by the Wachowski brothers, and assumes his first lead role in the upcoming film, which is produced by the talented brothers and directed by James McTeigue ("V for Vendetta'').

This is also the first time a local star is playing the title role in a major Hollywood franchise.

He said he pulled off 90 percent of the stunt roles, using minimal wire support. He was hurt on many occasions, and though he didn't break any bones he bears "many scars of honor.''

Thinking about his late mother, however, fueled his "passion'' for the project.

"My mother used to wake up at 5 a.m. every day and would work all day, come home at midnight and go to sleep at 1 or 2 in the morning. She did this for many years to support me and my sister. I thought if I can't survive this I can't do anything. This is the beginning of a new stage in my life and I cannot afford to be lazy,'' he said.

"I heard people get three chances in life, and I've had my three: first when I met (music producer JYP or Park) Jin-young, second when I met the Wachowski brothers through `Speed Racer' and third, when they offered me the part for `Ninja Assassin,''' he said.

"I'd be lying if I didn't wish the movie to be a box office success, because everyone worked so hard. But regardless of the results this has opened a lot of doors for me, and I hope it will also open more opportunities for Asian actors, and particularly Korean actors,'' he said, since Asians still have "a low success rate'' in Tinseltown.

In addition to Rain, the movie stars Korean-American actors Randall Duk Kim and Rick Yune.

Rain plays the role of Raizo, an orphan who is trained by a secret ninja clan to become a deadly killer. But when Raizo witnesses the murder of his good friend, he turns his back on his clan and plots revenge. When asked if he could relate to his character, he said he hopes he has nothing in common with such an introverted, violent persona but hopes fans will discover a new side to his conventional image.

Rain will continue his promotional tour Nov. 11 to 22 across the U.S., including New York and Los Angeles. He will then visit Hong Kong Nov. 28 and 29, Jakarta, Indonesia on Dec. 3 and finally Shanghai through the following week of December.

Meanwhile, the pop singer will hold concerts in the U.S. for the first time in three years next month, Dec. 24 and 25 at Caesars Palace Hotel in Las Vegas.

The movie, rated 18 and over, will open in theaters Nov. 26. 98 minutes. Distributed by Warner Brothers Korea.

credit to: Lee Hyo-won (hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr)
source: koreatimes.co.kr

Jang Dong-gun, Ko So-young Admit Romance at Last

The romance between actor Jang Dong-gun and actress Ko So-young has been confirmed. AM Entertainment, Jang's management agency, in a press release on Thursday afternoon said, "Jang and Ko have been good friends since appearing together in the film 'Love Wind, Love Song' (1998) and the relationship recently blossomed into romance."

However, it said there were no immediate plans for marriage. "If there is good news to be delivered we will let everyone know."

Rumors about Jang and Ko being together had spread several times in the past, but both had consistently denied them. But when rumors of impending marriage were reported Thursday afternoon, the management agency officially admitted it for the first time.

Credit: englishnews@chosun.com

source : Chosun

Lee Min-ho to Meet Japanese Fans

Lee Min-ho, the star of the hit drama "Boys Over Flowers,'' is holding his first fan meeting in Japan.

The 22-year-old actor has visited other Asian countries, including Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia, for promotional events before, and this time he will meet his Japanese fans at "Minoz JAPAN First Event'' in Tokyo on Nov. 26.

The event was to be held only once, but with tickets selling out quickly, organizers decided to hold a couple more. Specific dates and venues of the additional events were not confirmed.

Before the actual fan meeting, Lee will also appear on talk shows and mini-concerts during the Korea Entertainment Festival, which will be held at Universal Studios Japan, Nov. 22. On Nov. 25, Lee will attend an autograph event for his first photo essay "Yeo, Travel with MINHO.''

Lee shot to stardom as the handsome and arrogant Goo Jun-pyo, depicting the Japanese cartoon character with the same dark curls and smile. The drama, along with the cast including Lee, Kim Beom, Kim Hyun-joong and the heroine Ku Hye-sun, captivated fans in Korea and Asia.

Credit to : Han Sang-hee (sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr)
source: koreatimes.co.kr

3 Starts to Share Lead in 'Legally Blonde' Musical

The starring role of Elle Woods in the musical "Legally Blonde" will be shared among three stars -- 2006 Miss Korea Lee Honey, Jessica of girl group Girls' Generation, and actress Kim Ji-woo. The Korean version of the musical opens on Nov. 14.

What do they bring to the part? This is Lee's second musical after "Polaroid," and she is probably the closest to the character of Elle Woods in that she was the winner of a beauty pageant and is a graduate of the nation's top university, Seoul National University, with a degree in Korean traditional music.

"It's a musical with modern music and dance full of elements that will appeal to female audiences," she says. "Just like Elle is fighting against the stereotypes of blonde beauties, I want to break the stereotypes of Miss Koreas."

Jessica is making her musical theater debut with "Legally Blonde." "It's physically tough as I'm quite busy with other things going on in addition to this musical. But it was one of my dreams to be part of a musical production, and I love the role, so I'm really happy to take part," she says. "I need to improve my acting, but I consider being part of a girl group a kind of acting. I'm similar to Elle in the fact that I never give up once I'm determined to do something. But I'm different from her because I'm more of a quiet, introverted person."

Kim is the most experienced of the three as she has appeared in other musicals including "Singles" and "Singing in the Rain." Kim says she is particularly attracted to "Legally Blonde" because "it is rare to find a musical that is led by one woman character." "Lee is sexy yet cute, and Jessica is cute yet sexy." She evaluates herself as "similar to Elle because she is outgoing and strives for change." "As I've spent some years doing musicals, I think I can now feel more relaxed being on stage."

Credit: englishnews@chosun.com

source : Chosun

Kim Bum to release First Japanese Single!

Track listings:
1. Intro (For Eve’s Lovers)
2. 성탄 전야(이브)의 하늘 (Christmas Eve’s Sky)
3. 지금, 만나러 갑니다 (I’m Going To Meet Her Now)
4. 지금, 만나러 갑니다 (한국어판) (I’m Going To Meet Her Now (Korean))
5. 성탄 전야(이브)의 하늘 (Instrumental) (Christmas Eve’s Sky)
6. 지금, 만나러 갑니다 (Instrumental) (I’m Going To meet Her Now)

The CD will also include a behind the scenes DVD and pictures. It will be around $18-$19. (1714 or 1800Yen).

Release dates:
11/8/09 at Osaka Fanmeeting
11/9/09 First release (Check Kim Bum’s Japanese fan club Vega website)
12/16/09 In stores everywhere

Distributed by Glory Entertainment

Sources: bumsso, kim bum japan