Korean Star

Official TeenNick Trailer for The Wonder Girls Movie released

2012-01-28T07:03:00.000-08:00

The Wonder Girls Movie is set to air on TeenNick next month.

Girls' Generation to Perform on Letterman Show

2012-01-28T03:10:00.000-08:00

Girls' Generation will appear on two U.S. TV talk shows. The leading K-pop girl group will appear on CBS' "The Late Show with David Letterman" as a guest next Tuesday and give a five-minute performance, their agency SM Entertainment said.

They will present "The Boys," the title song of their third full length album, which was released globally at the end of last year, the agency added.

The David Letterman show, one of the most famous talk shows in the U.S. along with NBC's "The Tonight Show," invites celebrities including politicians, entertainers and athletes onto the show.

"Girls' Generation is the first Korean band to appear on a mainstream talk show on a terrestrial TV channel in the U.S.," the agency said.

On Feb. 1, the band will also perform and have an interview on ABC TV's popular talk show "Live! with Kelly."

source: Chosun Ilbo

‘City Hunter’ couple Lee Min Ho and Park Min Young break up

2012-01-26T05:22:00.000-08:00

After announcing their relationship last august, Lee Min Ho and Park Min Young have ended their relationship.

Park Min Young's agency reveal that the couple have decided to part ways due to their busy schedule.
Park's agency further explained that they broke up even before the 2011 acting award which explains why Lee Min Ho and Park Min Young didn't show up together and attended two different award ceremonies separately.

The pair started dating after working together on the SBS drama "City Hunter".

Big Bang To Make February Comeback

2012-01-22T06:28:00.000-08:00

Big Bang will soon be making a big comeback!

YG Entertainment recently announced the popular idol group will be making a comeback in February. This triggered one big question in the k-pop industry: When will YG's next brand new girl group debut then?

Many are predicting after the recent announcement regarding Big Bang that the highly-anticipated new girl group will then debut sometime after.

Originally, Big Bang had planned for a March comeback. However, with the recording process of their new songs having gone so smoothly, the date was pulled up a bit to February. The group has been hard at work to produce quality music, after having had such a rough personal year in 2011. There's rumors that the members are focusing just as hard on this upcoming album as they did for their debut album. In fact, so much so that this comeback is being called their "second debut".

Many expect the new girl group to debut sometime in March. However, this has not been confirmed by YG. There's much anticipation being that this is the first brand new group that YG has unveiled since the explosively popular 2NE1. Only one member of the group has been revealed so far and that's Kim Eun-bi from Super Star K 2. One requirement of all the members was announced to be that they couldn't have gotten plastic surgery.

source: KBS

Han Hyo Joo poses for Cosmopolitan

2012-01-21T08:11:00.000-08:00

2PM's Nickhun to star in Thai Movie

2012-01-17T08:46:00.000-08:00

Nickhun will appear in a Thai movie.

According to JYP Entertainment, Nichkhun is currently filming his first movie for GTH’s 7th anniversary project. The film is divided into three episodes of three different stories about life and love. Nichkhun will play in one of these episodes as a main support character who help the main character to search the meaning of life and love.

GTH, the biggest movie production company in Thailand, is well known to korea with movies such as “Phobia 2”, “Hello Stranger”, and “Bangkok Traffic Love Story”.

Nichkhun says, “My dream was to be an actor, so I am trying my best in this project. I also feel that acting in front of the camera as actor is so different from standing in front of the camera as a singer.

The movie is expected to be released in later half of the year.

Source: JYP Entertainment

Actor Go-Soo is getting married next month

2012-01-13T07:36:00.000-08:00

Actor Go-Soo is getting married to his girlfriend on February 17th. The wedding ceremony will take place at Shilla Hotel in Seoul.

His bride-to-be, Ms. Kim, is currently studying in art at K University. She is 11 years younger than him.

The couple first met last year after being introduced by friends.

Go-Soo, born in 1978, debuted in the SBS TV drama "Piano" (2001). He also starred in the movie "White Night" (2009) and drama "Marrying A Millionaire" (2005).

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Wonder Girls' TV Movie to Air Next Month in America

2012-01-07T19:20:00.000-08:00

A TV program in which the Wonder Girls members appear as the protagonists will be broadcast all around the USA from next month. JYP Entertainment said on January 3, "The TV movie entitled 'The Wonder Girls' will air its first episode on February 2 on the cable channel TeenNick." TeenNick is a subsidiary channel of Viacom media, which is one of the top four media groups in the world, targeting teenagers. JYP said, "The president of the TeenNick, Nick Cannon, who is well-known as the husband of pop star Mariah Carey, reportedly decided to produce the movie about the Wonder Girls as he highly evaluated the Wonder Girls' capability to become stars." JYP revealed that it might be the first time for Asian singers to appear as protagonists of a TV program in America.

"The Wonder Girls" will deal with various episodes that the group members could have encountered in the USA while holding activities. JYP introduced the show, saying, "It will be a fictional story based on the story that could probably happen in reality for the Wonder Girls members.”

The group members of the Wonder Girls will participate in the "2012 International Consumer Electronics Show" (CES) in Las Vegas on January 11 to hold an event to release the music video of the theme song for the program entitled "The DJ Is Mine" before it will begin airing. The group members, JYP producer Park Jin Young, and TeenNick president Nick Cannon will attend the event.

source: KBS Global

SM releases EXO's first group photos

2011-12-30T07:55:00.000-08:00

SM Entertainment revealed the first group photos of the new boy band 'EXO' through the EXO-M's official facebook page with a picture of Kai, Lu Han, Tao and Chen.

After releasing the teaser video and photos, EXO has finally made their debut at SBS ‘Gayo Daejun’on December 29th.

Check out their performances below.

Photo credit : bnt news via Nate, EXO-M's official Facebook page
Video credit : mangamad2825@youtube

Jeon Ji-hyun Dating Top Designer's Grandson

2011-12-30T07:30:00.000-08:00

Jeon Ji-hyun is in a romantic relationship with the grandson of renowned hanbok designer Lee Young-hee, the actress’s agency said on Thursday, confirming media reports of her being romantically involved.

"Like everyone else, they have been friends and recently started dating," it said in a press release. Her boyfriend, identified only by his surname Choi, works at an American bank.

The agency denied the rumors that they are seeing each other with marriage in mind, as some media have reported, they don’t have any specific plans for the future yet.

"The man she's dating is an ordinary person, so we ask you to respect his privacy and support the couple's lovely relationship," it added.

source: Chosun Ilbo

Girls' Generation Nation's No. 1 Band for 3rd Year

2011-12-27T02:49:00.000-08:00

Girls' Generation have been voted as the best singers in Korea for the third consecutive year, according to a recent survey.

Gallup Korea conducted a survey on 3,401 people aged between 13 and 59 nationwide and asked them to pick three singers or bands who had their best year in 2011.

The nine-girl group ranked first for the third straight year with 26.1 percent of the votes and emerged as the clear favorite among all age groups: 30 percent among teens, 29.2 percent among those in their 20s, 29.5 percent among 30-somethings, 25.2 percent among people in their 40s and 18.2 percent among those aged 50-59.

But for other singers, people's preferences differed drastically by age. While male idol groups such as Big Bang, BEAST and INFINITE were heavily favored by teenagers, those in their 30s and 40s preferred Kim Bum-soo, Yim Jae-beom and Lena Park, whose singing skills have come to the fore recently in the hit MBC TV show "I Am a Singer."

source: Chosun Ilbo

Korean boy bands in Christmas Costumes

2011-12-25T21:04:00.001-08:00

SHINee

Block B

2PM

MBLAQ

BIGBANG

Super Junior Wins Four Awards at Yahoo Awards Ceremony

2011-12-25T19:47:00.000-08:00

Kim Hyun Joong, Jang Geun Seok, and Lee Da Hea also won awards.

Star group Super Junior garnered awards as they were selected as the mostly searched singing group in Asia. According to Yahoo Korea on December 21, Super Junior won a total of four awards including "Asia Top Searched Group Artist" and "Top Searched Star Artist of the year" in Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan at the award ceremony of "2011 Yahoo! Asia Buzz Award" that was held at Hong Kong Convention Center on December 20.

In addition, Kim Hyun Joong also won four awards including "Asia Top Buzz Single Artist" and "Best Buzz Single Star" in Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Actor Jang Geun Seok and actress Lee Da Hea garnered the "Taiwan Top Searched Single Korean Artist" and "Korea Top Buzz Female Artist," respectively

"Yahoo! Asia Buzz Awards" is an award ceremony prepared jointly by Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, and it publishes the hot trend of entertainment industry of the year and awards the top stars. As it selects the winners based on the figures of search hits and the votes, the result can tell the Asian Netizen' interest for a year. The awards ceremony was broadcast live online through Yahoo Hong Kong, and it will air again as a filmed TV broadcast on TVB-Jade.

source: KBS Global

Korean girls groups in Christmas Costumes

2011-12-25T09:18:00.000-08:00

T-ara

Secret

f(x)

SNSD

Wonder Girls

SNSD’s Christmas Fairy Tale

2011-12-25T08:06:00.000-08:00

SNSD wishes fans a merry christmas by performing a special concert, "SNSD’s Christmas Fairy Tale."

Check out their performances below.

credits : monmonsnowSeason5@youtube

A Pink reveals their Christmas-themed photo shoot

2011-12-22T07:12:00.000-08:00

On today's episode of Mnet's 'M! Countdown, A Pink performed a christmas song, "Last Christmas".

source: http://thestar.chosun.com

Song Hye Kyo Cast as Protagonist in Director John Woo's New Movie

2011-12-22T02:31:00.000-08:00

Actress Song Hye Kyo will appear as the female protagonist in the movie "Relation of Life and Death” (working title) which will begin filming from early next year.

Hallyu star Song Hye Kyo has been cast as the protagonist of the movie which will be directed by world famous film director John Woo from Hong Kong. Song's agency said on December 19, "John Woo casts Song Hye Kyo as he was attracted by Song Hye Kyo's excellent acting and her mixed charms from her innocent to charismatic appearance."

The narrative melodrama "Relation of Life and Death" that will begin filming from early next year has been prepared by John Woo for more than two years, and it will be filmed in Shanghai, China and Taiwan. Song Hye Kyo will play a strong woman who was born in a wealthy family with a background of finance in the 1930s where the upheaval of modern China pervaded. She will present how the woman went through various troubles for a 60-year period. She will be transformed from a freewheeling character to a mature and wise woman in the movie. In addition, Song Hye Kyo will speak in the Chinese language in "Relation of Life and Death," which will be produced by Terence Chang who had produced Hollywood blockbuster movies such as "Mission Impossible 2" and "Face Off." Terence Chang has been managing Song Hye Kyo's overseas activities since 2008. Song's agency revealed that Terence Chang is reveiwing other works for Song Hye Kyo.

source: KBS Global

SMTOWN releases "Santa U Are The One" Music Video

2011-12-15T07:08:00.000-08:00

SMTOWN released its first music video form the new Winter Album "The Warmest Gift" with the members of Super Junior, Henry and Zhoumi from Super Junior M.

SNSD's Jessica poses for 1st-look-magazine

2011-12-14T23:34:00.000-08:00

check out more photos from http://www.firstlook.co.kr/?people=cover-story-break-the-ice

Wonder Girls To Release Album Next Month

2011-10-26T05:04:00.000-07:00

The girl group "Wonder Girls" will make a comeback to Korea by releasing their second official album in the beginning of next month.

The Wonder Girls’ agency, JYP Entertainment, said on October 20, “The Wonder Girls will begin their activities again in Korea after having a break of almost one and half years since they released their mini album entitled ‘Two Different Tears’ last year in May.” The title song of their new album will be part of the original soundtrack of the movie “Wonder Girls at the Apollo,” in which the Wonder Girls will appear as the protagonists, and the movie will be aired on the popular US TV channel Teen Nick. JYP introduced the album by saying, “The new album will be different from their previous albums such as ‘Tell Me,’ ‘So Hot,’ and ‘Nobody,’ which had a retro-style melody, and the style and melody of the new album will become more stylish and mature.”

The members of the Wonder Girls had participated in filming the movie in Los Angeles for about a month and came back to Korea to produce their music video early this month. They have plans to meet their Asian fans from December right after they begin their activities in Korea. In addition, they will also hold their activities in America from the time when the premiere of “Wonder Girls at the Apollo” will be held in Los Angeles in the first half of next year.

source: KBS Global

SNSD's Jessica poses for W Korea magazine's November issue

2011-10-21T03:05:00.000-07:00

Image credits to sica-lovely.tumblr.com

check out more photos sica-lovely.tumblr.com/tagged/W_KOREA

Teardrops Fall as Rain Enlists in Army

2011-10-11T20:07:00.000-07:00

After giving teary-eyed fans a rousing send off on Sunday with a free street concert in Gangnam, a newly-cropped Rain enlisted in the Army on Tuesday afternoon for 21 months of compulsory military service.

The "Ninja Assassin" star and Korean Wave singing sensation reported to the 306th Army draft camp in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province. He is going to take up active duty after a five-week boot camp.

The former back-up dancer who rose to international fame held a press conference at a nearby vacant lot and bade farewell to fans before he disappeared into the Army camp.

The ever-humble star said, "I'm sorry for making a fuss about my enlistment." He thanked fans for supporting him for the best part of a decade and looked emotional as he headed off for a life of drills, discipline and Army fatigues.

He was seen off by friends and acquaintances including K-pop boy band MBLAQ, which he helped create and manage.

About 1,000 fans from home and abroad, including those from the U.S., Japan, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, gathered to see him carrying placards wishing him the best.

On Sunday night, Rain gave a free concert on Yeongdong Boulevard in Samseong-dong as part of the Gangnam Fashion Festival.

He debuted as a solo artist in 2002 and has since expanded his scope of activities to include TV dramas and films. In 2006, Time magazine named him on its list of the top 100 people who were transforming the world with their talent or power.

"Thanks to his angelic face, killer bod and Justin Timber-like dance moves, Rain … has ridden the crest of hallyu," wrote Time reporter Bryan Walsh.

Rain acted in the Hollywood movie "Speed Racer" in 2008 and starred in the action film "Ninja Assassin" one year later.

source: Chosun Ilbo

Rain's Military Enlistment Date Confirmed

2011-09-25T09:18:00.000-07:00

According to the most recent reports, world star, Rain, will be enlisting in the military on October 11th.

The 29-year-old entertainer's reps revealed that this is the most current report that they recently received from the Military Manpower Administration.

Rain will stay busy until then. He is currently touring around Korea for his "last" concert before his two year hiatus. He also just wrapped filming his latest movie "Emergency, Close To The Sun", with actress Shin Se-kyung.

source: KBS Global

Wonder Girls to Star in U.S. TV Movie

2011-08-26T07:33:00.000-07:00

K-pop band Wonder Girls will star in a serialized TV show in the United States called "Wonder Girls at the Apollo," their agency JYP Entertainment said on Sunday.

The show will be broadcast in the first quarter of next year on Teen Nick, a TV station for teenagers, with at least six episodes scheduled to run.

JYP and Nick Cannon's movie company, N'credible, signed a broadcast contract with Teen Nick, the MTV Network subsidiary owned by Viacom. It promises exposure for the girls to over 70 million households in the U.S.

Chairman Nick Cannon, the actor-singer husband of Mariah Carey, saw the Wonder Girls' growth potential in the U.S. market and accepted the film production, JYP said. Filming will start in October, and the girls will release their debut album in the U.S. as an original soundtrack in synch with the TV show. They first broke into the U.S. market two years ago with an English version of their hit single "Nobody."

source: Chosun Ilbo

Lee-teuk & Hee-chul of Super Junior To Enlist In Army In 2012

2011-08-05T20:29:00.000-07:00

In the midst of promoting their new song, Super Junior members have revealed who's next up in leaving for the military.

Lee-teuk and Hee-chul have announced their plans on enlisting for their compulsory military duties in 2012.

Both Lee-teuk and Hee-chul were born in 1983, making them 28 this year. Koran law states that Korean men are required to enlist by the age of 29.

No other specific details were released. However, it does appear that their current new 5th album will be their last before enlistment. Earlier, the group also revealed plans for a world tour before enlistment.

source: KBS Global

f(x) Sulli's childhood photos

2011-07-24T01:44:00.000-07:00

source: nemopan

Girl's Generation for Vogue Girl

2011-07-24T01:29:00.000-07:00

Photo: Naver

Best Selling Albums For 1st Half Of 2011

2011-07-10T04:52:00.000-07:00

Duo TVXQ has clinched the spot as the best album sellers for the first half of 2011.

According to a list of the best selling albums compiled by some of the major music charts -- Melon, Mnet, and Dosirak -- on July 7th, TVXQ's 5th album "Keep Your Head Down" sold 230,922 copies from January 1st to June 30th. This makes them the highest selling act in k-pop for the earlier half of 2011.

The title track off of the album, "Why", was the first song released by the group in two years. So imagine the high expectation and anticipation for this album. In fact, the follow-up repackage album featuring the songs "Before You Leave" and "Why (repackage)" sold another 55,234 copies putting it in 9th place on the list of best sellers. Tallying up the two, TVXQ sold just shy of 300,000 copies.

Big Bang also had a great year selling 133,951 copies of their highly anticipated fourth mini-album, putting them at 2nd place on the overall list. Their follow-up special edition album featuring "Love Song" and "Stupid Liar" was at 6th place having sold 83,726 copies.

Another popular group that's been establishing their place among the greats of idol groups -- such as TVXQ and Big Bang -- sold 111,201 copies of their first full-length album released last May, "Fiction And Fact", putting them at third place.

Following behind, there was the ever-so-popular Kim Hyun-joong with his first solo album, which saw 100,433 copies be sold at fourth place. CNBLUE was at fifth place with 93,059 copies of their first full-length album "First Step". Another male group, 2PM was at seventh place having sold 67,819 copies of "Hands Up". Finally having some estrogen in the mix, popular girl group f(x) sold 58,419 copies of their first full-length album, placing them at 8th place. Rounding out the top ten, the OST special album for the drama "Secret Garden" was at 10th, having sold 47,373 copies.

source: KBS Global

SHINee's Jong-hyun & Shin Se-kyung Split

2011-06-21T20:34:00.000-07:00

After much speculation, it's been confirmed that one of the youngest popular couples in k-pop have called it quits.

SHINee's Jong-hyun and actress Shin Se-kyung have broken up after eight months of dating.

According to Jong-hyun's management, SM Entertainment, confirmed it through the My Daily news source on the afternoon of June 20th. The two have decided to simply remain as friends.

Shin's management reps said that the two were just too busy with their own separate tours -- Shin's filming schedule and Jong-hyun's World Tour.

source: KBS Global

2PM Releases Music Video for "Hands Up"

2011-06-21T20:25:00.000-07:00

SHINee Pay Tribute to Abbey Road Before Japan Tour

2011-06-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

SHINee /Courtesy of SM Entertainment

Korean boy band SHINee performed at London's legendary Abbey Road Studio on Sunday ahead of the release of their first Japanese single. The band was received with great fanfare by more than 1,000 fans from France, Italy and the U.K, who sang together while holding up placards and waving Korea's national flag.

Stevie Wonder, Bryan Adams and Coldplay have all played at the studio, which was made famous decades ago by the Beatles. The Fab Four recorded most of their albums there, even naming their final album in 1969 after the eponymous street. Few fans of Britpop would fail to recognize the album cover depicting the Beatles on a road crossing in front of the studio.

SHINee will soon fly to Japan for a nationwide tour starting early next month to promote their new single, "Replay."

source: Chosun Ilbo

Kwon Sang Woo: ‘I Begin Filming in Paris with Jackie Chan’

2011-06-09T20:03:00.000-07:00

Hallyu star Kwon Sang Woo (35) will begin filming the action blockbuster movie “12 Chinese Zodiac Heads” in Paris with world famous Hong Kong action star Jackie Chan. The film “12 Chinese Zodiac Heads” is an action adventure movie to be produced with 100 billion won funding, and it will be the third movie of the "Armor of God" series, which was very popular worldwide. This Chinese movie will be released worldwide thanks to the fame of Jackie Chan.

According to Kwon Sang Woo’s agency Bel Actors Entertainment on May 31, Kwon Sang Woo will film the movie in Paris for five weeks, and then he will continue filming in places such as Thailand, Dubai, Taiwan, Shanghai, and Beijing until the end of this year. The agency said, “The story of the movie is confidential by the contract, but I can guarantee that Kwon Sang Woo will present splendid action acting with the whole world as his stage.” In addition, Kwon Sang Woo is now in the final stages of filming the Chinese melodrama movie “Love Again (working title),” in which Kwon and Hong Kong star Cecilia Cheung will play the protagonists, in Shenzhen, China. This movie will be released around the end of this year or the beginning of next year. The agency said, “Due to the tight filming schedule of those two movies, Kwon Sang Woo will move to Paris directly from China.”

source: KBS Global

Stars of Popular Soap Fall in Love

2011-05-31T21:59:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-25T20:40:00.000-07:00

Behind the scene's video for Elle Girl Japan

No Min Woo For Cosmopolitan Magazine

2011-05-25T19:48:00.001-07:00

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

Idol Stars Who Are Now Of Age In Korea

2011-05-19T21:39:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-06T04:44:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-06T03:55:00.000-07:00

Jang Keun-suk Tops Japanese Chart with Debut Single

2011-05-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

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

Lee Ji-ah & Seo Taiji Married With No Children

2011-04-25T06:06:00.000-07:00

After the news of actress Lee Ji-ah and singer Seo Taiji's marital relations reached the public, Lee has finally stepped out to confirm or deny rumors. The basic gist of it all: 1. She and Seo were indeed married for several years. 2. They don't have any children together.

Lee's agency, KEYEAST Entertainment released a statement confirming that the former couple had taken matters of divorce settlement to court. They emphasized that they weren't in court for a divorce case, but an alimony case.

KEYEAST explained the history between the two stars. Lee had left to study abroad in the US in 1993, and there she met Seo Taiji through a mutual friend at a Korean concert in Los Angeles. Despite the fact that Seo had to return to Korea, the two kept in touch via phone calls and letters, and eventually became a couple.

Seo had an early, temporary retirement in 1996, when he decided to live in the US. There, Lee helped him overcome and adjust to the language and cultural barriers. The two became closer and got married privately in 1997. They lived out their marriage lives in Atlanta and Arizona.

Seo made a comeback in June of 222 and so returned to Korea, while Lee lived alone in the US until she requested a divorce in 2006. The divorce was finalized in 2009 due to reasons of career, lifestyle, and personality differences.

On a trip to Korea in 2004, Lee coincidentally landed a cell phone commercial deal. This started off her career as an actress. Lee moved back to Korea from the US for good in 2005, just in time to earn a role in the drama "Taewangsashingi". Lee expressed that she couldn't help but keep her marriage life a secret because of how famous Seo was. She apologized for keeping the truth from everyone and said that she had a rough time during that period.

KEYEAST stressed that rumors of the ex-couple having children together are untrue. Also that though young, Lee and Seo were truly in love. It's just unfortunate that divorce matters couldn't be settled peacefully.

source: KBS Global

2PM’s Taecyeon and Chansung model for Esquire

2011-04-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

Taecyeon and Chansung model for clothing brand, ZIOZIA.

Check out the complete photos in the May issue of Esquire.

source: Nate

Lee Hong Ki From FT Island to Play Title Role in Japanese Drama

2011-04-20T07:07:00.000-07:00

Lee Hong Ki from star boy band FT Island will play the leading role in a Japanese drama for the first time. He will appear in the drama “Muscle Girl,” which will air its first episode on April 19 on TBS, along with Japanese actress Ichikawa Yui. In the drama, Lee will play a star Korean actor who comes to Japan to film a joint Korean-and-Japanese movie and to find his missing mother in Japan.

He comes to meet a young businesswoman who is trying to revive female professional wrestling groups, and he will go through various troubles with her in the drama. The romantic drama will be produced with a total of ten episodes and will begin airing from April 19 on TBS, and it will ALSO BE broadcast on different broadcasting companies such as MBS from April 23. Lee Hong Ki participated in the production presentation held at the Warner Music Japan in Aoyama, Tokyo on April 13, and he said, “I was very surprised when I knew that I had received a casting offer from a Japanese drama. I have always wanted to act, so I felt really happy, but, at the same time, I was also very worried. But now I am quite enjoying filming the drama as the story is very interesting. I want to let you watch the drama as soon as possible.”

Ichikawa said, “The drama is mainly about love between family members. I will enthusiastically act in the drama to make viewers who watched our drama have the thought that they have to do their best to have a better life.” Lee Hong Ki also explained, “There will ALSO BE very funny parts in the drama, so you might be able to anticipate something exciting.” Ichikawa praised FT Island’s song “Haruka,” which will be the theme song of the drama, by saying, “I heard the theme song and it sounds perfect for the drama, and the song itself is very uplifting.” Lee Hong Ki introduced the song, saying, “’Haruka’ is very different from our previous songs. We used different musical instruments, and the atmosphere is totally new. The lyrics and melody were made suitable to the drama, and it is a really nice song.”

FT Island sang the theme song “Haruka” and another song entitled “Itsuka ,” which is also included on the original soundtrack of the drama, and those two songs will be included in FT Island’s first official album in Japan entitled “Five Treasure Island.” The album will be released on May 18.

source : KBS Global

Girls' Generation for Marie Claire

2011-04-20T06:43:00.000-07:00

source: http://yurui.egloos.com
credits : Marie Claire

Rain Ranked 1st on Time Poll 100 Again

2011-04-17T20:12:00.000-07:00

Korean pop star and actor Rain topped the latest Time Poll 100, in which readers vote for who they think are the world's most influential people.

Rain garnered 406,252 votes in the online poll to rank No. 1 among 203 candidates, Time magazine said on Friday. He also previously placed first in 2006 and 2007, and in 2006 he was shortlisted to the final Time 100 and walked down the red carpet for the ceremony.

Taiwanese actor and singer Jay Chou was the runner-up on the latest list with 207,239 votes, followed by "Britain's Got Talent" sensation Susan Boyle. U.S. pop star Beyonce came in sixth, and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange 11th. U.S. President Barack Obama ranked 46th.

Time is preparing its final 100 list based on the online poll and its own selection process. Last year, Olympic figure skating champion Kim Yu-na was named to the final 100.

source: Chosun Ilbo

Eric To Make Comeback Later This Year

2011-04-17T20:08:00.000-07:00

After being released from the military October of last year, Eric will be making his comeback as a singer during the latter half of this year.

According to Eric's entertainment agency, Top Class Entertainment, on April 15th, Eric will be releasing a mini-album during the latter half of 2011. He's currently working hard on it to present an album with higher quality than before.

After promoting along with his group SHINHWA in 2008 for their 9th album, it's been three years since Eric has focused on his singing activities. He has featured on other artists' songs, but hasn't released anything under his own name for awhile.

Top Entertainment added that fans can look forward to a little "gift" inside the album for the long time that Eric was absent during his military service.

Eric is currently set to star in the new drama "Poseidon".

source: KBS Global

Seungri's childhood video

2011-04-14T03:15:00.000-07:00

He's such a cute kid.

Kwon Sang Woo to Appear in ‘Love Again’ with Cecilia Cheung

2011-04-14T01:58:00.000-07:00

Hallyu star Kwon Sang Woo will act together with Chinese actress Cecilia Cheung. Kwon's agency Bel Actors Entertainment said on April 13 that Kwon Sang Woo signed a movie contract to participate in filming the movie entitled "Love Again (working title)," which will be released overseas including China, and he would begin filming in Shenzhen, China from April 26. The filming locations for the movie will be China and Hong Kong. "Love Again" will tell the love story of a couple, and it will be released in the second half of this year.

In addition, Kwon Sang Woo will also appear in the movie "12 Chinese Zodiac Heads" along with actor Jackie Chan. The third movie of the "Armor of God" series, "12 Chinese Zodiac Heads" is an action blockbuster movie, and it will be produced with as much as 100 billion won in funding. Four Asian star actors including Jackie Chan and Kwon Sang Woo will appear as the protagonists of the movie.

source: KBS Global

Jang Keun-suk Donates Proceeds from Online Fundraising for Japan

2011-04-13T20:32:00.000-07:00

Actor Jang Keun-suk donated 10.1 million yen in his latest contribution to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Jang's management agency Tree J Company said on Wednesday that the actor donated the entire proceeds from an online fundraising sale to Japan's Red Cross.

"Jang raised over 10 million yen by selling items such as wristbands and cards with messages supporting Japan on his Japanese fan site from March 17 to 31," the agency said.

Earlier, Jang donated 10 million yen to Japan's Red Cross on March 14. He also delivered 5,000 blankets with a message of support to disaster-struck areas.

source: Chosun Ilbo

Big Bang Resigns With YG For Another Five Years

2011-04-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

Looks like YG Entertainment's not losing their five star players any time soon.

The entertainment agency announced on April 7th that the five-membered idol group Big Bang decided to resign with them for another five-year long contract. YG expressed, "The members of Big Bang are like family to us. We're grateful that they've decided to trust and have faith in the company that they debuted with. We're happy that the group Big Bang can remain with their fans for a long time. " It's been five years since the popular group debuted and blew up back in 2006.

YG went on to point out, "With many idol groups, there tends to be friction with the agency and for a number of reasons the critical point for a group's breakup or retirement is when the initial management contract ends, which is around five years. This year is the five year mark since Big Bang's debut, and though there's been a lot of gossip and rumors [of breaking up] in the industry, the group has displayed longevity through this resigning. Big Bang will continue to show only their best to their fans."

On a side note, after their long-awaited comeback earlier this year, arguably one of the most popular male idol groups, Big Bang, will release their repackaged album featuring the two new title tracks "Stupid Liar" and "Love Song" on the 8th. They will make their first TV broadcast appearance with these songs on the 10th.

source: KBS Global

Jung Joon-ho Marries Lee Ha-jung

2011-03-29T05:35:00.000-07:00

Actor Jung Joon-ho finally tied the knot to TV broadcaster, Lee Ha-jung!

Jung and Lee's nuptials took place on March 25th at 3 PM at the Sheraton Grand Walkerhill Hotel. Officiating the ceremony was the president of the World Taekwondo Federation, Jo Jung-won. Shin Hyun-joon and Tak Jae-hoon emceed the event. Here, Jung also revealed their plans of children.

The top star stated that having kids should happen naturally when a couple is in love. Lee wants maybe three children, while Jung wants four. Lee added that though she's always wanted three children, she'd go along with her husband's wishes.

Jung also revealed plans of his honeymoon...and his second wedding. A fan meeting will be held in his honor when he arrives on the tropical islands. A traditional Hawaiian-style wedding will be planned for him.

This trip will be the second one of its kind, as the couple went to Macao for their pre-wedding honeymoon for three days on March 8th. After their time in Hawaii, the happy couple will start their lives together in Hannam-dong of Seoul.

source: KBS Global

Jeon Ji-hyun Narrates Hollywood Trailer

2011-03-29T04:09:00.000-07:00

Jeon Ji-hyun has become the first Korean actor to narrate the official trailer of a Hollywood movie. In flawless English, Jeon voices the trailer of Lisa See's film adaptation of "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan," in which she stars.

"Jeon did the recording at the request of the producers, but we thought it wouldn't be used in the actual trailer and were surprised when it was," a staffer at her agency said.

Jeon has been learning English since her early 20s to help her dreams of a Hollywood career come true, taking English classes in San Francisco and elsewhere in the U.S. during breaks between acting jobs.

She already demonstrated her mastery of the language in her previous film "Blood: The Last Vampire."

"Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" is released in the U.S. and China on July 15.

source: Chosun Ilbo

Miss A's Suzy for Harper’s Bazaar

2011-03-22T21:48:00.000-07:00

source: gokpop
Credits: spn

Big Bang for W Magazine

2011-03-22T21:07:00.000-07:00

source: Naver, Allkpop

Jung Woo-sung Admits Romance with Lee Ji-ah

2011-03-21T04:41:00.000-07:00

Actor Jung Woo-sung has admitted he is in a relationship with actress Lee Ji-ah on Sunday. Meeting with fans to celebrate his 38th birthday, Jung said, "I like the fact that we see a lot of things the same way."

Before the meeting he posted a short message on his fan club website. "I've met a new friend for whom I have good feelings. We have just started dating and have enjoyed spending time together since end of the TV drama" -- a reference to SBS' "Athena: Goddess of War" in which they both starred.

Rumors about their romance surfaced when amateur pictures of them strolling down the streets of Paris holding hands were published on March 11.

Source: Chosun Ilbo

Hyunbin & Song Hye-gyo Announce Break Up

2011-03-08T04:59:00.000-08:00

It's official! A-list couple Hyunbin and Song Hye-gyo have called it quits.

According to representatives of both stars on March 8th, the two split up early this year, after first meeting on the set of the drama "The World We Live In" in 2008. Since getting together, the two have been caught up in series of the same rumor: that they broke up. These rumors have been denied time after time until now; the day after Hyunbin started his mandatory military service.

An insider reported that there were reports of the couple having broken up even while they were very much together. Thus the stars had even gotten hurt by such false rumors. However, with Hyunbin becoming busier with his filming the hit drama "Secret Garden", the two weren't able to see each other as much and eventually ended the relationship.

So if it's been months since splitsville, why only announce it now? Reps from Hyunbin's side said that they didn't want the actor's remaining time before entering the marine corps or even his acting projects before then to be overshadowed by his personal life. This is why they've held off on announcing the news until after he wrapped up his final promotions and appearances before the draft.

Hyunbin and Song both asked for the public's understanding on not releasing this bit of news until now. They promised their fans that they would each continue to do all that they could to show them their very best.

Hyunbin will remain low-key for the next two years until he finishes his service, while Song is currently filming the movie "Today", directed by Lee Jung-hyang.

source: KBS Global

Jung Joon-ho's Fiancee, Lee Ha-jung Expecting This September

2011-03-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

Top star, Jung Joon-ho, will become a father this coming September!

The 41-year-old actor revealed the news before his wedding ceremony scheduled for March 25th at the W Hotel with his fiancee, Lee Ha-jung. Lee, who's also a TV announcer, was reported to be two months pregnant. Being that pregnancy is a sensitive area for such a career, Jung and Lee really battled with the decision to announce the happy news to the public.

The soon-to-be-wed couple met last November 30th, when Lee came to interview Jung for her segment "The Person Lee Ha-jeong Met" for the "6 o'clock News Magazine" show. Their relationship developed so quickly that the two announced their plans to marry just two months later.

The couple plans on moving in together into a 3 billion won apartment in the UN Village, located in Hannam-dong of Seoul, after the wedding.

source: KBS Global

Rain To Start His Military Duties Later This Year

2011-02-28T20:59:00.000-08:00

One of Korea's biggest stars, Rain is planning to start his mandatory military service in the latter half of this year.

Rain's entertainment representative revealed on February 25th to Star News, "Rain is thinking of serving his compulsory military duties during the latter half of this year. He is planning on following whatever order the Military Manpower Association gives him. Before then, he has plans of an album and movie release. The filming of the movie "Red Muffler" will start in March while the release of a new album is also in talks."

The singer was actually supposed to enter the military last year, but with the new project "Runaway Fugitive" from KBS 2TV popping up, he had postponed his service.

source: KBS Global

Park Min-young Catches Advertisers' Eyes

2011-02-26T05:35:00.000-08:00

Actress Park Min-young, who captured the hearts of audiences in the KBS2 TV drama "Sungkyunkwan Scandal," has drawn the attention of advertisers as well.

Park has recently become one of the most sought-after models for commercials, sweeping seven advertising deals for various products from cosmetics to underwear, clothing and liquor over the last three months.

Her management agency said her success in commercials is due to her ability to show a diverse range of charms according to each product's brand image. On her rising popularity, Park said, "I'm very thankful and want to continue doing my best in my career and show my versatility in future projects."

She is heading back to TV with the SBS TV drama, "City Hunter," which is scheduled to air in May.

source: Chosun Ilbo

Big Bang Makes Explosive Comeback

2011-02-26T05:33:00.000-08:00

They don't call themselves Big Bang for nothing.

The populary five-membered idol group exploded back onto the music scene with a bang on February 24th. it's been two years and three months since their last official release as a group. The newly released mini-album consists of six songs. All six of which are currently taking up the number one to six spots on all the major online music charts in Korea : Melon Chart, Dosirak, Cyworld, Mnet, Bugs, and Soribada.

On Melon Charts, the group's title track "Tonight" is currently at number one followed by "What Is Right", "Somebody To Love", "Hands Up", "Cafe", and "Intro", respectively. Similarly, "Tonight" is number one on the rest of the previously listed charts, while the two to six spots vary between the remaining five songs. The title song can be described as a new sound from the group's previous works, great lyrics set to emotion-stirring melodies. It's powerful while pulling at one's emotions.

Big Bang's fourth mini-album has been a long time coming, but it seems that fans are happy with the end product. Various responses such as "[The music is] so strong and chic" and "Was worth the wait of two years" are popping up on the internet.

source: KBS Global

Won Bin and Moon Geun Young - Basic House photoshoot making film

2011-02-26T05:24:00.000-08:00

Basic House photoshoot making film

Moon Geun Young for Basic House

2011-02-26T04:48:00.000-08:00

Hyun Bin and Tang Wei for Vogue

2011-02-17T18:35:00.000-08:00

credits: kfashionqueen.wordpress.com

Lee Hong Ki from FT Island to Appear in Japanese Drama

2011-02-15T04:14:00.000-08:00

Lee Hong Ki from FT Island has been cast as the protagonist in a Japanese drama, his agency, FNC Music announced on February 14.

Ichikawa Yui and Lee Hong Ki from FT Island (right)

According to the agency, Lee Hong Ki will appear as the male protagonist in the drama entitled “Muscle Girl,” which will begin airing from April on TBS and MBS, and he will appear opposite Japanese actress Ichikawa Yui. A person in the agency also said, “Lee Hong Ki, a lead vocalist in the group FT Island, is very popular in Japan, and he has also been acknowledged as an actor as well in the drama 'You’re Beautiful,' which aired in Japan. Lee Hong Ki will also sing in the OST of the drama as a member of FT Island.”

source: KBS Global

Wedding Bells to Ring for Jung Jun-ho

2011-02-11T07:24:00.000-08:00

Actor Jung Jun-ho will tie the knot on March 25 with MBC presenter Lee Ha-jeong, five months after they began dating.

The 41-year-old actor met Lee in late November when she interviewed him about the TV drama "Queen of Reversal" in which he was starring.

Jung, who is currently visiting Japan for a fan meeting event, will return home on Sunday and officially announce his wedding plans.

source: Chosun Ilbo

Dong Bang Shin Ki's Single Album Ranks Atop Oricon Chart

2011-02-09T04:46:00.000-08:00

Dong Bang Shin Ki's 31st album entitled "Why? Keep Your Head Down," which was released in Japan on January 26, ranked atop the Oricon monthly single chart. According to the Oricon chart on February 8, the single album had ranked in first place on the daily chart when it had been released, it also ranked atop the weekly chart again by selling as many as 231,000 copies within just six days of its release, and it had been reached first place on the monthly chart again.

Its album sales during the first week after its release was tallied as the second largest by a foreign singer following the record that Dong Bang Shin Ki had achieved when they had released their 29th album, which sold over 256,000 copies.

Dong Bang Shin Ki met 14,000 Japanese fans, who had been selected by lottery, to commemorate their album release at the Makuhari Messe Hall located in Chiba prefecture on February 8.

source: KBS Global

IU to perform at Bailey Rae's concert in Korea

2011-02-07T04:44:00.000-08:00

Korean pop singer IU will appear at British singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae’s concert here on March 10, according to organizers 9 Entertainment.

The 17-year-old artist will perform a cover of Bailey Rae’s song “Like a Star,” the company said in a press release. The show will mark the U.K. artist’s first solo concert in the country, following her debut here at the 2010 Jisan Valley Rock Festival.

IU said Bailey Rae has been her role model since she first saw the singer perform at the summer outdoor festival.

“I’m happy and honored to be able to have the opportunity to stand next to her on stage at this concert, which is different from seeing her from the crowd as a fan,” IU said.

“It’s incredible that her voice is so soulful even though she’s young,” Bailey Rae, 31, reportedly said after listening to IU’s music. “I definitely have to meet her myself.”

Bailey Rae debuted in 2006 with her eponymous album, which drew acclaim locally and abroad. She has since been nominated for a Grammy Award.

IU first came into the spotlight in 2008 with her mini-album “Lost and Found.” She sang “Araro” for the hit MBC drama “Queen Seondeok” and most recently took on an acting role in the TV show “Dream High.”

The concert will be held at 8:30 p.m., March 10, at AX-Korea, located near exit 2 of Gwangnaru Station, subway line 5. Tickets cost 110,000 won. For more information, visit http://ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 332-3277.

credits: Ines Min
source: www.koreatimes.co.kr

JYJ models for NII

2011-01-28T05:31:00.000-08:00

source: gokpop.com

Actress Lee Young-ae To Give Birth In February

2011-01-28T05:17:00.000-08:00

Hallyu star Lee Young-ae will be welcoming a new baby girl to this world in February. The birth is scheduled to happen in a hospital in Cheongdam-dong of Seoul.

The 40-year-old actress has stayed very low key after getting married to a businessman in August of 2009. She's currently in the middle of pursuing a phD, and has barely been seen out of her home. That hasn't stopped the rumor mill from spitting out speculations, such as Lee being pregnant with twins.

An inside source said, "Lee Young-ae is extremely happy after hearing her doctor's latest news that she will be having a daughter. There are high expectations for a beautiful daughter, especially if she takes after her mother. The due date is set in mid-February, but because this is Young-ae's first child, it may be a little later by a week or so."

With her due date just around the corner, Lee has been taking extra pre-cautions on everything. Particularly, she's been avoiding leaving her house as much as possible with the freezing winter weather. However, she hasn't been slacking on her other motherly duties. For example, Lee has bought all the needed baby products and packed her bags for when she checks in to the hospital to give birth. Currently, she has been keeping up with basic physical exercises as she waits to meet her daughter.

One thing Lee hasn't done as of yet is to make plans with a post-natal care center. It has yet to be seen whether she will use the one the hospital recommends or another outside center. Above all, she seeks a center that will honor her and her daughter's privacy while delivering quality care.

source: KBS Global

Hyun Bin Stops Traffic in Downtown Seoul

2011-01-28T04:29:00.000-08:00

Traffic in downtown Seoul snarled last Saturday when legions of fans of heartthrob swarmed to a department store there. Hyun, star of the recent hit soap "Hyun BinSecret Garden," was due to arrive at Lotte Department Store in Myeongdong in the afternoon to sign autographs to promote men's cosmetics line Laneige Homme. Even though his arrival was not advertised, his fans caught on somehow and formed a queue that stretched through the lobby of an adjacent hotel and into the subway station down the street.

Some had spent the night in the subway station braving sub-zero temperatures. The event had been scheduled just two weeks before and the store decided not to advertise it due to safety concerns. But posts on Hyun's fan sites about the event set phones at the cosmetics company ringing off the hook.

Rumors spread that only VIP customers would be given autographs or that people had to buy at least W100,000 or even W300,000 worth of makeup to get his autograph.

As the 10:30 a.m. opening approached, more and more people began to gather around the department store, making it difficult for staff to open for business. A separate waiting area for fans was set up. Huge groups of Japanese tourists who had heard about the event and flew all the way over also converged on the store.

Fans pack the street in front of Lotte Department Store in Sogong-dong, Seoul to get an autograph of actor Hyun Bin on Saturday. /Courtesy of Laneige Homme

The fans were given numbered pieces of paper, but the 110 available tickets ran out almost immediately.

Hyun appeared at 2 p.m. as scheduled. The throngs of fans plus weekend shoppers threw the department store into chaos. The cosmetics company hired 20 bodyguards, five accompanied Hyun, and the department store deployed all of its own security personnel. The event lasted for 55 minutes. A total of 130 people received Hyun's autographs, including around 20 VIP customers.

"I knew Hyun Bin's popularity was skyrocketing, but I didn't think it was this much," said a staffer who was responsible for organizing the event. "It's amazing that we got through the event without major accidents."

source: Chosun Ilbo

Song Hae Kyo to Release Photo Album 'Song Hae Kyo's Moment'

2011-01-28T04:19:00.000-08:00

Hallyu star Song Hae Kyo (29) will publish her photo album entitled "Song Hae Kyo's Moment" on January 28 in the market, targeting the entire world. The publishing company Nangman Books said on January 24, "Song Hae Kyo will publish her first photo album which contains her photos taken when she visited six countries including France, Italy, USA, Argentina, and the Netherlands for the past five years. The books will be published in limited quantities, and all two thousands of the published books will have their own serial number. Half of them have already been ordered by overseas markets.

" The famous fashion photographers Peter Lindbergh and Helena Christensen, who was once a super model, participated in producing the photo album. The publishing company added, "Around 150 staff members worked together to take pictures of actress Song Hae Kyo's most beautiful moments from her twenties to thirties and we have selected the best photos from the total of 400 photos." In addition, Chinese stars such as Tony Leung, Zhang Ziyi, Yang Ziqiong, Wong Gaa Wa, and Wu Yusen left messages for Song -- well-established as a Hallyu star -- in the prologue.

The publishing company said, "Song Hae Kyo is preparing her second photo album in Korea, and part of the profits from the album sales will be donated to a children's foundation.

source: KBS Global

Lee Byung Hun to Star in Hollywood Blockbuster 'G.I.Joe 2'

2011-01-21T00:23:00.000-08:00

Star actor Lee Byung Hun has confirmed his appearance in the Hollywood blockbuster movie "G.I.Joe 2" and will begin filming from June this year, his agency, BH Entertainment announced on January 16. The agency explained, "The writers who had written the script for the movie 'Zombieland,' Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, are now working on writing the script for 'G.I.Joe 2,' and as soon as the director and other cast members are chosen, Lee will start to film the movie from June, as planned. Lee Byung Hun will prepare for filming from May and will fly to the USA in June."

"G.I.Joe 2" will be released in the summer of 2012. Lee had advanced to Hollywood with his appearance in the "G.I.Joe : The Rise Of Cobra" in 2009. The action blockbuster movie, based on the original cartoon about a battle between the G.I. Joe troops, who protect peace in the world, and Cobra, had earned profits of 302.13 million dollars from all around the world.

Lee Byung Hun had played the character "Storm Shadow" in the movie and enjoyed huge popularity. "Storm Shadow" has also been chosen as the most popular character along with "Snake Eye" among fans of the original.

source: KBS Global

SNSD's Jessica Poses For Singles Magazine

2011-01-20T23:51:00.000-08:00

source: snsdkorean.com

Changmin and Lee Yeon Hee for CeCi

2011-01-20T23:39:00.000-08:00

Actor Jeong Jun Ho to Wed Announcer Lee Ha Jeong

2011-01-07T20:19:00.000-08:00

Actor Jeong Jun Ho (41) said on January 4 that he would marry MBC announcer Lee Ha Jeong (32) this coming spring. Jeong Jun Ho appeared on the KBS radio program “Im Paek Chun’s Radio 7080” (1061.MHz), and made the announcement about his wedding.

The host, Im Paek Chun, asked Jeong Jun Ho, “When will you have the wedding ceremony?” and Jeong answered, “I will set a good date for the wedding.” Im asked again, “Will you set the date in spring?” and he agreed, saying, “Yes, maybe I have to.”

Jeong Jun Ho described Lee Ha Jeong, saying, “She is a very nice person. I thought that I might need to meet a nice person and get married.”

Lee Ha Jeong joined MBC in 2005 and had hosted the children’s program “Kiss Kiss Kiss,” and now appears on the “Six O’Clock News” as an anchorwoman

source: KBS Global

Jang Keun-suk Voted Asia's Most Talked-About Star

2010-12-28T06:47:00.000-08:00

Actor Jang Keun-suk won two prizes at the 2010 Yahoo! Asia Buzz Awards, held last Friday in Hong Kong. Based on the number of searches for his name on Internet portal Yahoo in Asian countries including Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Indonesia between Nov. 8 and Dec. 1, Jang was named both Asia's and Korea's Buzz Star.

"It's a big surprise that so many people give me love and attention, even from countries where I haven’t appeared much, and I'm very grateful," said Jang. "These awards are meaningful to me, and come with a responsibility, because fans in four countries in Asia chose me as the winner."

On behalf of the actor, who is busy for "Marry Me, Mary," now airing on KBS 2TV, Yahoo! Korea attended the ceremony and delivered the trophy to him.

Jang's fame seems poised to continue to grow as his dramas "You Are Beautiful," "Beethoven Virus" and others are scheduled to be aired throughout Asia next year.

source: Chosun Ilbo

Song Hye-kyo Ranked Among 100 Most Beautiful Face

2010-12-16T05:31:00.000-08:00

Actress Song Hye-kyo was ranked 18th on a list of the 100 Most Beautiful Famous Faces by U.S. film website Independent Critics. Song is the first Korean woman to make it on the annual list in its 21-year history.

The website picks its favorite celebrities based strictly on their face, and predicted that Song may jump higher on the list next year. "We look forward to seeing her in next year's Top 10," it said.

Song ranked higher than many global celebrities including Monica Belluci and Scarlett Johansson who came in at 25th and 42nd, and Jessica Alba and Megan Fox at 53rd and 64th.

First place went to U.S. model and actress Camilla Belle, while Emma Watson, star of the "Harry Potter" movies, was runner-up.

source: Chosun Ilbo

[MV] This Christmas - JYP Nation

2010-12-11T22:04:00.000-08:00

Jang Dong-gun Hopes to Impress U.S Moviegoers in Hollywood Debut

2010-12-02T05:02:00.000-08:00

Jang Dong-gun (right) with Kate Bosworth

Jang Dong-gun's Hollywood debut "The Warrior's Way" is set to hit the theaters at home and abroad next week. The 39-year-old actor discussed his feelings about the film after a preview in Seoul on Monday.

"It was my third time acting in a foreign language following '2009 Lost Memories (2001)' in Japanese and 'The Promise (2006)' in Chinese," said Jang, who performed in English in the film. "But the language wasn't as big a challenge for me as proving myself to U.S. moviegoers to whom I'm just an unknown actor."

"The Warrior's Way" is a Korea-U.S. joint venture produced by Lee Joo-ick, who also made "A Battle of Wits (2006)" and "Late Autumn (2010)," and Barrie Osborne, a Hollywood producer famous for "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

It also stars Kate Bosworth, who played Superman's lover in "Superman Returns (2006)," and Geoffrey Rush from the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series.

In the mixture of Hollywood Western and Asian martial arts film, Jang plays Yang, a warrior assassin who seeks to live an ordinary life in the U.S. Wild West, but is forced to take up his sword again in order to protect his lover. It opens in Korea on Dec. 2 and in the U.S. the following day.

source: Chosun Ilbo

Lee Byung Hun to Appear in Japanese Drama

2010-12-02T04:43:00.002-08:00

Star actor Lee Byung Hun (40) will appear as a special guest actor in the Japanese drama “Diplomat Kuroda Kosaku,” in which Japanese star actor Yuji Oda, who became popular through the drama “Odoru Daisousasen.”

Lee Byung Hun’s agency, BH Entertainment, said on November 25, “The drama ‘Diplomat Kuroda Kosaku’ will begin airing from January next year on Fuji TV. Lee will appear in a Japanese drama for the first time, and his appearance was decided by Fuji TV’s ardent request.” Fuji TV said, “The character that Lee Byung Hun will play is a very important character with strong impact. He holds a key to solving the case, so we had thought that actor Lee Byung Hun, who is actively performing all around the world and who has a strong and predominant image, might be the perfect actor for the character.”

The drama “Diplomat Kuroda Kosaku,” which had already been produced as a movie with the same title and gained huge popularity before, will be about mysterious cases happening to diplomats. Its recreation as a drama has become a hot topic with the appearances of Japanese star actors such as Yuji Oda and Kou Shibasaki, and the drama will add more episodes about the past story of the protagonist Kuroda and his honest emotions as a human being, which the movie could not fully present. Lee Byung Hun will play an old friend of Kuroda who is a Korean-American, and he will speak every line only in English. Lee Byung Hun said, “I have been curious about the drama production process in Japan, and I found out that it was very similar to that of Korean dramas. I had thought that Japanese dramas have particularly unusual characters with unique jobs and peculiar personalities, and this drama is no different. This drama is not like an ordinary drama, so I am very excited.”

source: KBS Global

Song Hye Kyo for Harper’s Bazaar

2010-11-19T20:04:00.000-08:00

Photos: Harper’s Bazaar

Se7en and Park Han Byul for Singles Magazine

2010-11-19T19:48:00.000-08:00

Photo credits to : Singles Magazine

Which celebrity would you like to experience the first snow of this winter season with?

2010-11-19T06:56:00.000-08:00

Which celebrity would you like to experience the first snow of this winter season with? Well, the netizens have spoken and according to one survey, the most popular celebrity was actor Kang Dong-won.

The online music site Monkey3 reported the results of a survey that they conducted titled, "Which star do you want to experience the first snowfall of the winter season with". A total of 603 participants answered and Kang took 32% of the votes. Voters said that that they couldn't be happier than if they had the very high-class looking Kang by their side. The popular actor recently started his four week military training on the 18th to start his mandatory military service.

Trailing after him, 19% of the votes went to the ever so popular Shin Mina, 18% for elegant actress Lee Na-young, 15% for Super Star K 2 finalist John Park, 9% for the chiseled-face actor Jang Geun-seok, and 7% for the nation's now grown up darling, Moon Geun-young.

source: KBS Global

Song Hye-gyo's First Foreign Film Project

2010-11-17T07:10:00.000-08:00

Song Hye-gyo fans can look forward to November 25th, the confirmed release date of her non-Korean project, "Fetish". "Fetish" is a psychological thriller about a woman with supernatural gifts living in the US.

This is the actress's first project abroad and had already garnered interest as it was featured in the Presentation World Premiere section of the 13th Pusan International Film Festival. It also received invitations from other film festivals, such as the Oldenburg Film Festival in Germany and the San Francisco Asian Film Festival. The movie was also selected to be a part of the Contemporary Asian Fall program at the MoMA in New York.

source: KBS Global

Actor Kim Hyun-joong wins best dresser award in Japan

2010-11-12T20:49:00.000-08:00

Actor Kim Hyun-joong at 2010 Skapa! Awards Ceremony in Tokyo, Japan [KEYEAST]

Actor and singer Kim Hyun-joong has won an award for best dresser in Japan, according to his agency KEYEAST on Thursday.

KEYEAST said through a press release that Sky Perfect TV handed Kim the award at the 2010 Skapa Awards held in Tokyo on Wednesday.

Sky Perfect TV, Japan’s largest satellite broadcaster, every year awards the best shows and artists among 10 popular TV genres that cover movie, animation, music, overseas drama, Hallyu (Korean Wave), entertainment show, sports, documentary and news.

Kim has been a popular name in Japan and throughout Asia since starring in smash hit Korean drama “Boys Over Flowers (2009).” His latest series “Naughty Kiss (2010)” will go on air in Japan starting December.

Kim, also a member of boy band SS501, has been invited to the opening ceremony of the 16th Guangzhou Asian Games scheduled for November 12, where he will be singing the theme song for games with his Chinese counterparts.

Reporter : Heidi Kim heidikim@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Jeon Do-hyeon, Lee Hyori, Daniel Henney On CNN

2010-11-09T04:20:00.000-08:00

Top stars Jeon Do-yeon, Lee Hyori, and Daniel Henney will be featured on a CNN show called "CNNGo", that features some of the best cities to visit in Asia, introducing Seoul to the world. According to CNN, the Seoul special is set to air from November 11-15.

Jeon Do-hyeon has been the lone Korean actress to have won the Best Actress Award at the Cannes International Film Festival, Lee Hyori is Korea's most representative pop icon, and Daniel Henney has set his foot in the Hollywood door through "X-Men Origins: Wolverine". In addition to the trio who will be each introducing different parts of Seoul, architect Baek Ji-won, photographer Kim Joong-man,"Planet B-Boy" film director Benson Lee will also be featured.

CNN revealed that there will also be a program called "iList" set to air November 6-12, highlighting Korea. One of CNN's main anchors, Anna Coren, will be touching upon various Seoul hot spots while CNN reporters will be showing different ways that Korea is spreading its influence on the world through its technology, environmental, and entertainment industries. Different aspects that are unique to Korea will also be introduced, such as Jeju Island, shipping industry, Korean beef hanwoo, and the Seoul traditional orchestra.

On another CNN program, "Talk Asia", Korean architect Cho Min-seok will be featured.?

CNN added that this is already the third time the broadcasting giant has visited Korea for a special feature. These various programs will be reaching 260 million viewers, informing them of Korea's culture and people.

source: KBS Global

Kim Hyun-joong to Sing at Opening of Asian Games

2010-11-04T22:10:00.000-07:00

Kim Hyun-joong, a member of Korean boy band SS501, will perform at the opening ceremony of the Guangzhou Asian Games on Nov. 12.

The organizing committee for the games invited Kim to sing the anthem "Sunshine Again" along with three singers from Chinese-speaking countries, Kim's management agency said.

The opening ceremony is expected to draw some 100,000 spectators and will be broadcast across Asia.

The Games are scheduled to take place in Guangzhou, China from Nov. 12 to 27.

source: Chosun Ilbo

Hyun Bin to enter military by March 2011

2010-11-04T21:49:00.001-07:00

Hyun Bin in a scene from upcoming SBS weekend TV series "Secret Garden" [hwa&dam pictures]

Korean actor Hyun Bin will enter the military by March of next year as part of serving his duties for the country which is compulsory of all Korean men.

The news came through a press release on Monday by hwa&dam pictures, the producer of upcoming Hyun Bin starrer weekend series "Secret Garden," quoting a remark made by an official from the actor's agency AM Entertainment.

"He plans on entering the military by next March but we are still discussing on when the exact date will be and how he will go about it," the official said.

Since "Secret Garden" will be the last acting role he takes on for two years that follow thereafter, the 28-year-old is "absorbing himself even more into the drama by showing more enthusiasm," hwa&dam explained.

"Secret Garden," also starring Ha Ji-won and Yoon Sang-hyun, is a romantic comedy fantasy drama which will tell about a man and woman's souls that become switched.

Producer Shin Woo-cheol and scenarist Kim Eun-sook, the mastermind duo behind hit shows "Lovers in Paris" and "On Air" will take the reigns of the 20-part show set to air starting November 13.

Hyun Bin, whose real name is Kim Tae-pyung, rose to fame after starring in smash hit series "My Name is Kim Sam-soon" alongside actress Kim Suna in 2005.

He has been dating top Korean actress Song Hye-kyo, his co-star of KBS series "Worlds Within," since mid-2009.

Jessica Kim jesskim@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Kara's new album jacket partially revealed

2010-11-04T21:45:00.000-07:00

Images from girl band Kara's jacket for mini-album "JUMPING" [DSP Media]

Several photographs from the album jacket of girl group Kara’s upcoming mini-album were revealed today.

Kara’s agency Daesung Entertainment (DSP) said that black-and-white photos of three of five Kara members -- namely Park Gyu-lee, Nicole and Ji-young -- were unveiled to the public on Thursday.

DSP added that photos of the remaining two members Gu Hara and Han Seung-yeon will soon be disclosed as well.

The new album titled “JUMPING,” expected to hit stores of Korea and Japan simultaneously on November 10, will be Kara's first release in Korea in nine months after third mini-album "Lupin" and their second single in Japan after "Mister."

KARA, who debuted in 2007, has produced several hit songs such as "Pretty Girl," “Mister” and “Lupin.”

The group advanced to Japan this August with "Mister," becoming the first Asian girl group to place in the top 10 of the prestigious Oricon's weekly chart by placing at No. 5.

Their DVD “KARA VACATION” topped Oricon’s weekly DVD rankings this September.

Reporter : Heidi Kim heidikim@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Lee Min-ho poses for W Korea Magazine

2010-11-04T21:28:00.000-07:00

[Photo Source: W Korea]

Big Bang's DVD reaches No. 1 on Oricon chart

2010-11-04T20:48:00.000-07:00

Korean boy band Big Bang [YG Entertainment]

A DVD by Korean boy band Big Bang has reached the No. 1 spot on Japan's prestigious Oricon chart.

According to Oricon's weekly music DVD chart, Big Bang's latest DVD "BIGSHOW BIGBANG LIVE CONCERT 2010" ranked in first, selling about 15,000 copies since going on sale in the country on October 27 and came in second in terms of DVD sales for all categories.

This will be the second time for the boys to celebrate placing on the chart; they topped the chart with their DVD "2009 BIGBANG LIVE CONCERT 'BIG SHOW'" in August of last year.

Meanwhile, the weekly music DVD chart also revealed that the "2009-2010 BIGSHOW MAKING DVD & BOOK SPECIAL REPACKAGE" positioned itself at No. 3.

The five-member group recently held a hand-shaking session at Fukuya Bookstore in Japan for the release of their book "Electric Love Tour."

Known as one of the most popular boy bands in the country for their music and fashion, Big Bang made their debut in 2006 and successfully crossed over to the Japanese pop market last June.

They will take the stage with fellow YG Entertainment labelmates such as 2NE1, Se7en and PSY for the two-day "2010 YG Family Concert" early next month.

Reporter : Cho Bum-ja anju1015@
Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

SHINee Jonghyun and Sin Se-gyeong spotted dating

2010-10-30T00:56:00.000-07:00

Boy band SHINee member Jonghyun and actress Sin Se-gyeong [10Asia]

Popular boy band SHINee member Jonghyun and actress Sin Se-gyeong have been spotted dating by a local media outlet.

Local sports daily Sports Seoul on Wednesday carried a report revealing photographs of the two on a date on October 20 along with confirmations by their agencies that they have romantically involved for about a month now.

In the photos, the couple, strolling at a park near Sin's house in the southern Samsungdong district of Seoul, were seen smiling and talking while Jonghyun had his arm around the actress or holding hands.

The paper also quoted sources close to the couple as saying that the two mostly talk over the phone or text message each other since they are often too busy to meet.

Another source said, "They became close quickly because they have similar thoughts and interests. They also both became stars at a young age which I'm sure has also been difficult for them in certain ways so I think they can talk to each other in this sense as well."

The report explained that the two first met at a concert in May for which Sin was one of the emcees and SHINee performed. They met again by chance at a get-together of a mutual acquaintance.

"I think it's been about a month since they've opened their hearts to each other. I think they're in the process of getting to know each other with fond feelings," an official at Sin's agency Namoo Actors was quoted as saying.

Jonghyun's agency SM Entertainment admitted to the relationship as well, explaining, "I think they've just started [dating each other]. I had heard they had met several times through an acquaintance."

Sin, 20, had garnered much attention when she first debuted at the young age of eight as the model of the poster for hit singer Seo Taeji's "Take 5" album.

After spending a few years off the screen, she then returned with a role in movie "My Little Bride" starring Moon Geung-young and Kim Rae-won in 2004, and played several more acting roles, but shot to stardom last year through MBC smash hit sitcom "High Kick 2."

She is currently promoting her film "Acoustic," an omnibus pic also starring boy band 2AM member Seulong and CNBLUE members Lee Jonghyun and Kang Minhyuk.

Jonghyun, also 20, debuted as the lead vocalist of his five-member band in 2008. SHINee is one of the most popular groups not only in Korea but throughout Asia.

They recently enjoyed a successful return to the music scene with their second repackaged album "Hello" and are readying for their first concert to be held in December in both Korea and Japan.

'Best Star Actors in Second Half of 2010 Are Won Bin and Shin Min Ah'

2010-10-30T00:48:00.000-07:00

The research institute Leespr announced on October 28 that Lee Seung Ki and Girls Generation, and Won Bin and Shin Min Ah have been surveyed as the most popular female and male singers and actors, respectively, during the second half of 2010.

The institute had conducted a survey from September 25 until 30 targeting 1,324 people from the age of 13 to 65 to ask their about favorite stars during the second half of 2010. Actors Won Bin and Shin Min Ah earned 17.6% and 26.7%, respectively, and became the most popular male and female actors. Among male actors, Jang Dong Gun and Kang Dong Won ranked second and third by gaining 15.6% and 10.1% support. Actress Kim Tae Hee and Kim Hye Soo followed Shin by gaining 13.5% and 8.5% of the votes. For the male singer category, Lee Seung Ki ranked at the top with 14.7% support, defeating Rain (14.4%) and 2PM (12.2%). Among female singers, Girls Generation gained the highest voting of 24.6% and Lee Hyo Ri (14.0%) and 2NE1 (10.3%) followed. In the male comedian category, Yoo Jae Seok gained 38.7% support and beat his rival Kang Ho Dong (23.9%). Lee Soo Keun (21.9%), Kim Byong Man (11.5%) came after them. Female comedian Shin Bong Sun, who gained 38.4% of the votes, ranked in first place, defeating Park Mi Sun (22.2%) and Kim Shin Young (18.6%).

In the category of sports stars, Park Ji Sung and Kim Yuna earned an overwhelming majority. Park Ji Sung gained 45.6% support and overwhelmed other male sports stars such as Park Tae Hwan (12.5%), Park Chan Ho (10.0%), and Lee Cheong Yong (9.9%). Kim Yuna gained 61.9% support and defeated other female stars including Jang Mi Ran (18.9%), Yeo Min Ji (13.2), and Park Se Ri (8.6) by a huge margin. The survey had been conducted as a form of individual interview in the capital area including Seoul and in the major cities of Busan, Daegu, Incheon, and Kwangju. For the separate categories, two from the female and male group had answered the survey, and the survey had an accuracy of 95% with a margin of error plus or minus 2.69% in the confidence interval.

source: KBS Global

Lee Min-jung for High Cut

2010-10-22T21:47:00.000-07:00

source: www.highcut.co.kr

Kim Tae-hee to expand career into Japan

2010-10-22T20:51:00.000-07:00

Korean actress Kim Tae-hee [Asia Economic Daily]

Top Korean actress Kim Tae-hee will be expanding her career overseas.

Kim made the announcement during an interview with Japanese newspaper Nikkan Sports, adding that she will soon launch her activities in the country.

The interview also revealed that she signed a contract with a Japanese entertainment company and hopes to make a debut in Hollywood.

"Right now I am learning Japanese because I want to appear in Japanese dramas and movies," Kim was quoted as saying during the interview.

The actress' popularity in the country rose after the blockbuster hit TV series "IRIS" began its run on local TV channel TBS in April.

The show, which dominated TV charts during its two-month run in Korea, will be honored with the foreign project award at the Tokyo Drama Awards 2010 next week.

Kim, 29, rose to stardom after appearing in the popular SBS drama "Stairway to Heaven" in 2003 alongside Hallyu stars Kwon Sang-woo and Choi Ji-woo.

She has also starred in several movies including "The Restless" with Jung Woo-sung and her latest "Grand Prix."

Reporter: Cho Bum-ja anju1015@
Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Girls Generation to Release Mini Album 'Hoot' on October 27

2010-10-22T01:26:00.000-07:00

Star girl group Girls Generation will release a new mini album entitled "Hoot" on October 27. Their agency SM Entertainment said on October 19, "The mini album 'Hoot' is drawing attention not only from fans in Korea but also from fans in Asian countries. As they are planning to release their second single album 'Gee' in Japan, they are expected to be ranked atop both in Korea and Japan."

Members of Girls Generation (from left, Tiffany, Jessica, and Seo Hyun)

Girls Generation is now actively participating in an event held all around Asian countries. After achieving huge success in Korea with their songs such as "Oh!" and "Run Devil Run," they advanced to Japan last August by holding a large-scale showcase with more than 22,000 fans in Japan. Their first single "GENIE," which had been released in September, was selected as a Gold Disk (with 100,000 total sales) by the Japanese Record Association. In addition, they also set the record in terms of attracting the largest number of audience members among foreign singers as they had drawn 24,000 audience members when they held a concert at the Taipei Arena in Taiwan from October 16 to 17.

A spokesperson for the agency said, "This album is produced as part of a surprise gift for fans at home and abroad who have cheered for Girls Generation, which is actively participating in various events at home and abroad. You can find members' photos and listen to part of the title song in the teaser at the website http://girlsgeneration.smtown.com that opened on October 19."

source: KBS Global

G-dragon's Childhood Photos

2010-10-19T20:30:00.000-07:00

credits: http://ibigbang.wordpress.com

Twelve Asian Stars to Appear in 'Asia Song Festival'

2010-10-19T20:16:00.000-07:00

Star singers including Rain, BoA, 2PM, Lee Seung Chul from Korea, AKB48 from Japan, and Jane Zhang from China will appear in the “Asia Song Festival.”

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said on October 14 that twelve star singers from six Asian countries will appear in the “2010 Asia Song Festival” that will be held at the Seoul Jamsil Olympic Stadium on October 23.

This year’s festival, which is the 7th event, has been entitled “Let’s Go G20 Concert,” and it will be held to commemorate the hosting of the G20 Seoul Summit. This event will be co-hosted by the Korea Foundation for International Culture Exchange, Seoul city, and UNICEF, and will be supported by the G20 preparation committee and the Ministry of Culture. Among the Korean singers, the "king of live concerts" Lee Seung Chul, world stars Rain and BoA, ballad group 2AM, and idol groups Kara, 4Minute, and Beast will appear, and singers from other countries such as AKB48 from Japan, Jane Zhang from China, Joe Chang from Taiwan, Bie The Star from Thailand, and Michael Wong from Malaysia will also appear on the stage. As the preliminary event, the showcases of new Asian singers will be presented, and the performances of singers such as “Teen Top,” whom MTV in the US has mentioned as a next generation idol group, star girl group “Rainbow,” female rapper “E.Via,” Kim Yeo Hee, who had appeared in the chorus of “Qualifications of Men,” “Ari Band,” and “Nine Muses” will be showcased.

More detailed information can be found on the official website of the Asian Song Festival. (http://www.asf.or.kr)

source: KBS Global

Who's The Ultimate Autumn Man This Year?

2010-10-14T01:11:00.000-07:00

Wonbin can attribute his new title as the ultimate "Autumn Man", to his successful film "Man From Nowhere" which gave him a tougher image that just exudes redemption. Wonbin beat out fellow hearthrobs So Ji-seop and Kim Nam-gil as the man that best matches the season of fall.

A mens hair salon, Blue Club, conducted a survey from October 4-8 among 442 20 to 50 year-olds. The official title was "2010 Fall: The Ultimate Autumn Man and Hairstyle".

33% of participants chose Wonbin, followed by 28% of voters selecting So Ji-seop. Out of those who voted for Wonbin, it was a fair distribution of both men and women. This suggests that after shedding his pretty boy image, Wonbin was able to successfully attract fans of both sexes with his heightened masculinity. Voters for So were mostly male -- 61.8% male to be exact.?

Regarding the second half of the survey, when a pool of male participants were asked what type of hairstyle they wanted to adopt for the fall season was, 33.6% opted for Nickhun's "dandy cut", 22.3% for Lee Seung-gi's "baby perm", and 17.1% for Wonbin's "soft Mohican cut".?

source: KBS Global

Shinee fo GQ Magazine

2010-10-14T00:56:00.000-07:00

Credits : ohkr29@blog.me