Stars of Popular Soap Fall in Love

Fictional romance has spilled over into real life again, with actors Nam Sang-mi and Lee Sang-yun, a physics student at Seoul National University, saying they are in love. The two played a couple in the 2010 SBS TV drama "Life is Beautiful," and they have been in relationship for six months.

Nam's management agency DVS Korea said, "The two actors had special feelings for each other during the shoot and have cautiously begun a relationship." Nam has been mulling her next move since "Life is Beautiful" finished, and Lee is taking time off after "The Duo" ended this month.

source: Chosun Ilbo

G-Dragon, One Of The 50 Best Things About Seoul

Leader of popular group Big Bang, G-Dragon, has made it onto CNN's list of 50 reasons why Seoul is the best city.

In an article title, "50 Reasons Why Seoul Is The World's Greatest City", featured on the 25th on CNN's Asian Culture website (CNN GO), G-Dragon was listed at number 30 among other Asian tourist favorites such as galbi (Korean style ribs), jjim-jil bang (mega sauna centers), good looking people, girl groups, and live squid. Seoul was chosen for three years in a row as the best city by Asian tourists.

So why G-Dragon out of all the other k-pop figures? His cutting-edge style was the reason. The article said that since debuting in 2006, G-Dragon has been thrilling fashionistas. It continued to explain some of the daring outfits he has worn, like Alexander McQueen's silk skull scarf, wedge loafers, and even skirts. One of his most memorable fashionable displays was listed: head-to-toe vintage Chanel at the 2008 Big Bang Concert.

One more notable thing was the G-Dragon outranked the figure skating queen Kim Yuna, who placed 37th.

source: KBS Global

SHINee for Elle Girl

Behind the scene's video for Elle Girl Japan

No Min Woo For Cosmopolitan Magazine

No Min-woo posed for June issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine in Bangkok.

Idol Stars Who Are Now Of Age In Korea

Every year, the third Monday of every May is "Coming-Of-Age Day" in Korea. This is when people who turn 20 years of age -- the official adult age in Korea -- celebrate this milestone. This year, there were 16 popular idol stars that were born in the year 1991, marking this year as their "coming-of-age year".

First up, there's the youngest member (aka "maknae" in Korean) of Girls Generation, Seo-hyun. She shared, "I'm so happy because I started receiving interest and love from so many people even before it was Coming-Of-Age Day. I'm so thankful for everyone who stood by me and cheered me on as I advanced throughout the years and even congratulated me as I've reached this adult age. I'm a bit embarassed of the immature side of me that I've shown, but now that I'm an adult, I'll try to show more responsibility and a proactive attitude as I grow. I want to have even bigger dreams and challenge myself."

Another singer is the charismatic leader of 2NE1, CL, who is now of age. She expressed her thoughts as well on this special day with a bright smile, "I want to be a kid forever. Please treat me like a kid."

Miss A's Min was also born in 1991. She said, "It hasn't hit me that I've already hit 20. I'll try to show that much more responsibility through my actions now that I'm an adult."

The leader of new rookie group A Pink, Park Cho-rong is also now 20. She shared, "For some reason I do feel more responsibility now that I'm really an adult...although I still feel like a young girl. I'll try to be an adult-like leader who does her best! I didn't expect congratulations to come my way, but was so moved by the fans who have already started sending me perfume and roses. I think it'll be an especially meaningful Coming-Of-Age Day."

Aside from these ladies, there's also Nana of After School, Super Star K 2 finalist Jang Jain, Jin-woon of 2AM, Minho and Key of SHINee, Lee Jung-shin and Kang Min-hyuk of CNBLUE, Son Dong-woon of BEAST, MBLAQ's Mir, Lee Jae-jin of FT Island, Hyo-rin of SISTAR, Ga-ram and Hyun-min of The Boss, Park Hyung-shik of ZE:A, Infinite's Nam Woo-hyun and Ho-ya and Lee Sung-yeol, Dal*Shabet's Ji-yool and Ah-young, Dalmatian's Daniel, and five members of UKISS : Kevin, Eli, Ki-seop, Hoon, and AJ.

Congratulations to all the new adults!

source: KBS Global

Choi Ji Woo and Lee Jin Wook Confirm They Have Split

The star couple of Hallyu actress Choi Ji Woo (36) and actor Lee Jin Wook (30) have separated. Choi Ji Woo’s agency CJW Company said on April 28, “Choi Ji Woo told us that she had broken up with Lee Jin Wook early this year. They ended their relationship with no hostile feelings towards each other, and they reportedly continue to have a good relationship as actors by cheering each others’ activities.”

Lee Jin Wook’s agency HB Entertainment also said, “Lee Jin Wook confirmed that he had broken up with Choi Ji Woo.” Choi Ji Woo and Lee Jin Wook became a couple while they appeared together in the MBC drama “Air City” in 2007. When Choi Ji Woo participated in the press conference held in Japan for the drama “Star’s Lover” on March, 2009, she indirectly admitted the relationship with Lee Jin Wook by saying, “If there comes good news that requires your congratulatory message, I will directly tell you right away.” Their relationship faced obstacles when Lee Jin Wook joined the army in May of the same year, so they reportedly ended up finishing their relationship. Lee Jin Wook completed his military obligation and was discharged from the army last month.

source: KBS Global

Wonder Girls member Hye Rim's childhood photos

Jang Keun-suk Tops Japanese Chart with Debut Single

Actor and singer Jang Keun-suk's debut Japanese song topped the Oricon singles chart in the first week of its release. Oricon News reported that Jang's single "Let Me Cry" ranked first on the weekly chart with sales of 119,000 copies in the first week since its launch on April 27.

Jan is the first foreigner to achieve the feat and the first male solo artist to do so in more than 30 years. He also surpassed the achievement of his compatriot Ryu Si-won, whose debut song "Sakura" ranked second in the first week of its release in April 2005.

In the latest weekly chart, second place went to Korea's Girls' Generation with their third Japanese single "Mr. Taxi/Run Devil Run," which was released on the same day as Jang's.

The last time the top two spots were swept by Korean stars was in October 2008 when TVXQ's "Mirotic" and actor Lee Byung-hun's first Japanese single "Itsuka" ranked first and second, respectively.

source: Chosun Ilbo