[News] Ji Sung reveals he’s prepared a dance routine for his fan meeting in Japan.

[News] Ji Sung reveals he’s prepared a dance routine for his fan meeting in Japan.
Cr. - soompi

Ji Sung will be holding a fan meeting called ‘The First Moment with Ji Sung‘ for his beloved fans in Tokyo on January 14th.

Those attending will get treated to something special, as Ji Sung will reveal his dance skills for the very first time. Afraid of disappointment, Ji Sung has been diligently perfecting his dance moves for the past three weeks.

The actor’s agency revealed, “Wanting to show a new side to himself, Ji Sung decided to emphasize his singing and dancing. This will be his first attempt in carrying out these kind of performances at a fan meeting.”

They continued, “To sing 5-6 songs on stage may be a little difficult for an actor, but Ji Sung has selected Yoon Do Hyun‘s “Red Sunset” and other Japanese songs to sing for his fans. He has been practicing a lot.”

[News] Lee Da Hae's Tiny Face Frustrates Coordinator.

[News] Lee Da Hae's Tiny Face Frustrates Coordinator.
Cr. - soompi

Lee Dae Hae is garnering attention for her tiny face.

On January 12, the actress uploaded a picture on her Twitter with the caption: “I am with my coordinator right now~ I asked her to take a picture with me as we were drinking coffee but she covered her face."

In the picture, Lee Da Hae is wearing comfortable attire with a cap and a striped long t-shirt; her small sized face made the cap actually look too big. It almost seems like the coordinator is covering her face in frustration.



Netizens and fans who saw the picture reacted with diverse responses: “The coordinator needs some kind of handicap~,” “Her face is really tiny,” “Are you just participating in Chinese activities?” and “You are too thin. You should gain some weight.”

In the meanwhile, Lee Da Hae’s contract expired at her old entertainment, DBM Entertainment.

[VOD & News] The "Real" Jang Keun Suk Appears in Fuji TV Documentary.

[VOD & News] The "Real" Jang Keun Suk Appears in Fuji TV Documentary.
Cr. - soompi

Yomiuri News and Oricon are reporting that Jang Keun Suk's Japanese documentary, "Becoming the World's Prince! The Real 24 year old Jang Keun Suk" ("Sekai no Prince e! Jang Keun Suk ~ 24 sai no Sugao~") will air from 1:05am - 2:05am the night of Friday, January 13/early Friday, January 14 on Fuji TV in Japan (Kanto region only). The documentary contains footage shot last year between October and December.

Jang Keun Suk lets TV cameras into his home and he even gives a tour of his university campus! Footage for the documentary was shot by Japanese and Korean TV crews, so those in Korea may be seeing a similar documentary soon.

Six months after his Japanese debut, Jang Keun Suk held an event at Tokyo Dome following his arena tours in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya.

One of the more shocking parts of the documentary is how he continues to film even while hooked to an IV drip after finishing his event at Saitama Super Arena. Jang Keun Suk is quite popular in Japan and has even appeared in Lawson's (a convenience store) commercials and commercials promoting Korea's national drink makkoli.

Check out his cute CM with English subtitles!

[News] 2AM’s Seulong: “I have no place to rest my head”.

[News] 2AM’s Seulong: “I have no place to rest my head”.
Cr. - allkpop

2AM member Seulong concerned fans some concern with a recent photo update on Twitter. ,

On January 13th, Seulong wrote, “Goodnight, all you ‘I AM (2AM’s fanclub)’ members all over the world. I have no place to rest my head.. ‘Ong’-night cut featuring Hair Clip.”

Seulong is seen trying to take a nap on the floor, scrunching his body as best he could in order to be comfortable. Some fans were amused to see how Seulong had to fold his long legs because the office space was small.

“Must be so tired. Is he going to work again after a short nap?”, “Their Japanese promotions must be so hectic“, and “That hairclip looks cute on him“, they wrote.

In related news, 2AM have released their first Japanese single “Never Let You Go” on the 11th, which climbed to #3 on the Oricon Singles Chart.

[News] Jun Ji Hyun's Favorite Hat.

[News] Jun Ji Hyun's Favorite Hat.
Cr. - soompi

A-list actress Jun Ji Hyun has been featured in the most fashionable magazine spreads and has dressed in haute couture. But she has one item in her closet that she has not gone without for the past six years.

Recently, online communities circulated photos of Jun Ji Hyun wearing a green hat. In each of the photos, the actress is seen with the green knitted cap that has a large button accent. The latest of the photos was taken in December 2011, when she had an autograph session with fans. She paired the green knit hat with a black fur coat.

The hat is also clearly seen in a photo snapped in 2005. Another photo shows the “Thieves” star in a white hooded pullover and denims, still with the green hat.

Netizens who have seen the photos commented, “I really think she likes the hat,” “The hat is a little weird,” “Is that a special gift from someone?” “She seems to care about that hat a lot,” “A boyish look on her,” and such.

Meanwhile, Jun Ji Hyun’s movie “Thieves,” co-starring Lee Jung Jae, Kim Soo Hyun and others is set to open in cinemas in the summer.

[News] Song Kang-ho and Lee Na-young: 'We Have Nickname of 'Tom and Jerry".

[News] Song Kang-ho and Lee Na-young: 'We Have Nickname of 'Tom and Jerry".
Cr. - http://english.kbs.co.kr/

The director Yoo Ha's new movie "Howling" held a production presentation.

Actress Lee Na Young expressed her feelings about acting together with Song Kang Ho at the production presentation of the movie "Howling" -- held at a movie theater in Seoul on January 10 -- by saying, "We had come to have the nickname of 'Tom and Jerry' on the film set due to our appearance wrangling with each other as a senior and junior detectives in the movie." Song Kang Ho produced laughter by responding, saying, "She looks like Jerry, doesn't she?" Lee Na Young will play a new detective named Eun Young who will investigate the murder case, and Song Kang Ho will play a senior detective named Sang Gil who will solve the case with Eun Young as a team in the movie.

The director Yoo Ha produced this movie after a four-year break since he made the movie “A Frozen Flower” in 2008, and the movie is based on the original Japanese novel “Kogoeru Kahi.”




Lee Na Young revealed that Song Kang Ho helped her greatly while filming and she said with overwhelmed emotion, "I was touched by his kindness which seemed genuine, and every time whenever he showed his kindness to me, I really appreciated it and I even thought that I would not finish filming this movie without him. I could learn and realize many things while working with him. He helped me greatly whenever I felt difficulties." Song Kang Ho said, "I would like to explain this movie as a movie that makes a huge wave under a calm and deep lake, and Lee Na Young also looks like a calm 'morning dew' rather than an active and impressive actress. Lee seems to be a very suitable actress for 'Howling' in that point.

Yoo Ha said, "This movie is a story about minorities who are neglected from the city. I wrote the script for this movie while thinking about those neglected minority groups". Song said, "I had always wanted to work with Yoo Ha before, but he seemed to like to work with a handsome actor by seeing those actors whom he worked with". You Ha answered, "Song Kang-ho is also one of those handsome actors, and I always call him 'Song Bin' after the name of the representative handsome actor Won Bin".

"Howling" will be released on February 9.

[News] Uhm Tae Woong on Su Ae and Jung Ryu Won: "I Like Both Women".

[News] Uhm Tae Woong on Su Ae and Jung Ryu Won: "I Like Both Women".
Cr. - soompi

Uhm Tae Woong revealed his feelings towards “Never Ending Story” co-star Jung Ryu Won and actress Su Ae (“A Thousand Days’ Promise”) on the KBS “Happy Together” episode aired on January 12.

The program’s hosts asked Uhm Tae Woong, “Have you had feelings for Jung Ryu Won?” He answered in the positive and also admitted to buying her dinner one time. The actor, who had once admitted to liking Su Ae, was then asked to choose between the two actresses. “I like both” was his answer.

Jung Ryu Won was also present on the guest panel and commented, “When I told him that I was having dinner with Su Ae, he said, ‘The two women I like are having dinner together.’” The anecdote made everyone laugh.

Jung Ryu Won has once revealed that Uhm Tae Woong proposed to her, and that it was his habit of proposing to every actress he works with. When she confronted him on the matter, she said she was surprised that Uhm Tae Woong said she was the last he was going to propose to.

Uhm Tae Woong and Jung Ryu Won play dying patients who begin a romantic relationship despite their limited time left in “Never Ending Story.” The film opens in cinemas on January 19.

[News] Han Ye Seul Returns to Her Roots.

[News] Han Ye Seul Returns to Her Roots.
Cr. - soompi

Han Ye Seul, who had a difficult year with the KBS drama “Spy Myung Wol” controversy, has returned to her original management agency, Bel Actors Entertainment, it was reported today. Bel Actors Entertainment is the agency where Han Ye Seul first debuted and had worked with during the first six years of her career.

“We’ve restarted our relationship with Han Ye Seul,” Lee Joo Young, the CEO of Bel Actors Entertainment told local media. Lee Joo Young is the person who initially helped Han Ye Seul debut as an actress, after she won the Super Model contest.

“We realize it’s not an easy decision to return to your former agency. We’ll do our best to support Han Ye Seul in every possible way. We know there were a lot of better offers than us, but she made the tough decision of signing with us, considering our old friendship,” the CEO added.

There were rumors of Han Ye Seul establishing her own agency, or just working as her own one-person representative. She also received multiple offers from giant agencies that are much bigger than Bel Actors in size. Currently, Bel Actors mostly manages male celebrities, including Kwon Sang Woo, Park Yong Woo, and Oh Jung Sae, but with Han Ye Seul’s addition, they’ll be able to diversify their portfolio.

[News] Junsu Creating a Hotel with Father.

[News] Junsu Creating a Hotel with Father.
Cr. - soompi

JYJ’s Junsu is creating a hotel on Jeju Island with his father! Currently they have received the authorization to begin construction. While they are preparing for construction they are currently gaining more investment.

The hotel will be a resort that has two swimming pools and one VIP building. Fans posted pictures of the resort on the internet.

A representative stated, “Junsu is very busy because of his schedule and JYJ activities. His father has experience in business relations and will take over the management of the hotel. Junsu’s father is also the one who is named as the owner of the business.”

The representative spoke about the reason why Junsu and his father decided to embark on the hotel business, “Junsu was on a Jeju Island trip and saw a lot of foreign travelers. They realized that there was potential in the hotel business. An year ago they have been planning this business venture.”

Currently Junsu will begin appearing in the musical “Elizabeth” beginning from Feburary 8.

[News] Actors about to be discharged: name your price?

[News] Actors about to be discharged: name your price?
Cr. - hancinema

Lee Joon-ki, Lee Dong-gun and Kim Nam-gil are still completing their national military service but are getting offers from various dramas and movies.

Lee Joon-ki, who is to be discharged on the 16th of February, is currently considering the SBS drama "The Great Feng Shui". Concerned parties have been waiting for his answer since November of last year.

As this will be his first return project, Lee Joon-ki will choose something that is eminently suitable for him.

Lee Dong-gun, who is being releaed on the 28th of March, signed a new contract with a new management company during his service. He should decide on something as soon as he sees the conditions fit to do so.

A Mask Entertainment spokesperson said, "He is getting offers from dramas and movies. The comeback projects are very important for an actor after military service. He will consider his options and get back to fans as soon as possible".

The same goes for Kim Nam-gil, who still has a long way to go. He will be released in mid-July but he is already being offered various roles in dramas and movies. Kim Nam-gil's management said, "His release date hasn't even been set yet but there have been many offers. He's got lots of time, so he will think about each thoroughly".

The reason why production companies have been calling these actors even before they are discharged is that there has been a shortage of actors, as an entire cohort of similarly aged male actors started their required military service at the beginning of last year.

A production company explained, "With the establishment of general service channels, there has been a shortage of actors. With Hyeon Bin, Kang Dong-won and other actors in the military, we have to start looking for actors for our movies and dramas very far in advance".

[News] Lee Min Ki and Kara's Kang Ji Young's Cute Couple Look.

[News] Lee Min Ki and Kara's Kang Ji Young's Cute Couple Look.
Cr. - soompi

Recently, a couple of pictures featuring actor Lee Min Ki and Kara member Kang Ji Young surfaced on an online community board. These pictures have been garnering attention for their cute couple look.

Lee Min Ki and Kang Ji Young are seen wearing matching olive green military jackets with dark gray shirts. The first picture shows Lee Min Ki listening intently to a smiling Kang Ji Young, while the second picture shows his arm around her shoulder. At first, these pictures aroused suspicion and had netizens wondering whether the two of them were dating.

However, it was later discovered that they had been together to film an advertisement for an apparel brand.

Netizens commented, "If they had been a real couple, I would've cried," "But they look good together," and "I really thought they were dating."

They do look good together! I am digging Lee Min Ki's cute poofy hairstyle.

[News] Why KBS “Brain” Won’t Extend? Because of “Dream High 2”.

[News] Why KBS “Brain” Won’t Extend? Because of “Dream High 2”.
Cr. - soompi

KBS drama “Brain” is currently the highest rated TV drama on Mondays and Tuesdays. And with only two episodes left, fans have been wondering if KBS had any plans for an extension (it’s pretty common in the Korean drama industry to extend a drama series if the ratings are extremely high).

This is the first time KBS has topped the Monday-Tuesday night drama battle in a long time, so it would make perfect sense to extend the show for another few weeks. But KBS has made it clear they would not add more episodes to “Brain.” Why?

Because of “Dream High 2.”

The highly-anticipated drama “Dream High 2” is scheduled to premiere on January 30. Once “Brain” ends on January 17 as scheduled, KBS will air its special programs the following week, which is the Lunar New Year holiday. The week after that is January 30. If “Brain” decides to extend it, then “Dream High 2” would inevitably have to postpone its airing. For a show that heavily relies on its idol cast and teen viewers, it’s a high risk because they won’t be able to take advantage of the winter vacation, when traffic from teen viewers naturally grows.

Just like its first season, “Dream High 2” is a drama that needs the teen viewers to succeed. The cast is mostly comprised of idol stars and the plot runs around an Arts High School, creating an easy link with the teen fans. Therefore, it would be most beneficial for “Dream High 2” to air during the winter break. For example, the original series of “Dream High” aired from January 3 to February 28 last year, which is exactly the period of most winter breaks at schools in Korea.

When questioned by local media, KBS reaffirmed its stance on this issue, saying, “’Brain’ did not consider any type of special extension. Because of many factors, including the next drama series, we’ve decided to end the drama after 20 episodes.”

Smart move or bad decision? Do you agree with KBS’s decision?

[Photo & News] Yoochun and IU Show Perfect Hanbok Style.

[Photo & News] Yoochun and IU Show Perfect Hanbok Style.
Cr. - soompi

Recent photos of JYJ’s Yoochun and IU in traditional Korean Hanbok have grabbed the attention of many fans. The color and style of their Hanbok perfectly match their impressions, giving a good look at how to style Hanbok for the upcoming Lunar New Year Holidays.

On January 12, a photo titled, “IU’s Hanbok Photo,” was uploaded on a local community board. In the photo, IU has matched a yellow shirt with a pink vest, wearing a colorful hair pin to accentuate the overall style. Her sheepish smile completes the Hanbok look, exuding a graceful image of traditional Korean women.

Yoochun, on the other hand, went simple but classy with his light blue Hanbok. In the photos taken for Ottogi’s “Gis-myun” ramen ads, Yoochun is seen wearing a sky blue (almost white) shirt and light purple pants for an elegant Korean look.

Netizens who saw the photos commented, “So Cute!” “They should get married,” and “I want to bring them home for the Lunar New Years.”

What do you think? Which style do you like better?

[News] Jang Keun-suk to head to Japan to promote "Pet".

[News] Jang Keun-suk to head to Japan to promote "Pet".
Cr. - 10asia

Hallyu star Jang Keun-suk will visit Japan to promote his film "You Are My Pet" next week, according to his agency Tree J. Company.

An official with Tree J. told 10Asia on Tuesday that Jang, along with his co-star actress Kim Ha-neul, will be in the country from January 18 to 24 to promote "Pet" set to open in theaters on January 20.

"Jang and Kim will be visiting several cities in the country for various interviews with local media outlets and other promotional events with fans for 'Pet,'" the official explained.

She added that Jang will return to Japan for another event for "You Are My Pet" in Osaka on February 11 where the cast including Jang will take the stage to re-enact several scenes from the movie.

"You Are My Pet," director Kim Byung-gon's first feature, follows the story of Ji Eun (Kim), a successful magazine editor, that decides to allow her brother's friend Kang In-ho (Jang) stay at her house as her pet instead of dating a guy.

The film, based on the Japanese comic titled "きみはペット," opened in Korea in November last year and was sold to nine countries in Asia including Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei.

[Photo & News] Suzy Talks about Her Kiss Scene.

[News] Suzy Talks about Her Kiss Scene.
Cr. - soompi

On yesterday’s episode of SBS’s “One Night of TV Entertainment,” miss A’s Suzy, along cast-mates Uhm Tae Woong, Han Ga In, and Lee Je Hoon – shared stories that happened during the filming of movie “Introduction to Architecture.”

When asked which scene in the movie was most memorable for her, Suzy replied, “The kiss scene. I was very nervous about it, and it’s left a good memory.”

When Uhm Tae Woong noticed the awkward the vibe between Suzy and Lee Je Hoon afterwards, he jokingly added, “They act like they’re not close during these interviews, but next thing you know, they’re dating.” Le Je Hoon responded, “I have nothing to lose,” causing the four actors to burst into laughter.

During the interview, Suzy also confessed that she liked her nose the best out of all her facial features. She said, “While I’m a little embarrassed to say this in front of Han Ga In sunbaenim, I’m satisfied with my nose.”

miss A's Suzy makes her movie debut with "Introduction to Architecture." The movie is a love story between architect Seung Min (Uhm Tae Woong) and client Seo Yeon (Han Ga In). Years before, they met in college and fell in love. Fast forward to the present, they meet again when she visits his office as a client. Suzy and Lee Je Hoon play the college student versions of the two main leads. "Introduction to Architecture" will premiere this spring.

[News] Joo Ji-hoon Pulls Out of Dr. Zhivago Musical.

[News] Joo Ji-hoon Pulls Out of Dr. Zhivago Musical.
Cr. - http://english.chosun.com/

Actor Joo Ji-hoon, who was to star in the musical "Dr. Zhivago," has pulled out just two weeks before the grand opening on Jan. 27 due to problems with his vocal chords.

"It's obviously disappointing because Joo has worked very hard for the musical and he became quite attached to the project as it was his first work since he concluded his [mandatory] military service," said the actor's agent.

Joo's throat was not in a good condition at the end of last year and it got progressively worse in recent weeks, he added.

Joo, who enjoyed huge popularity after he switched careers from being a model to an actor, entered the military after he was involved in a drug scandal in the spring of 2009.

"The role of Dr. Zhivago will be now played solely by Hong Kwang-ho, who was originally meant to rotate the role with Joo. We will do our best to minimize any disruptions caused by Joo's departure," said the producers of the musical.

The blockbuster musical, which has a production cost of W25 billion, premiered in Sydney last February (US$1=W1,157). Following its run in Korea, the producers hope to take it to London's West End next year, and on to Broadway in 2014.

[News] What Would it Be Like, Being Tutored by Kim Tae Hee?

[News] What Would it Be Like, Being Tutored by Kim Tae Hee?
Cr. - soompi

Currently a post where an individual claims to know somebody who was tutored by Kim Tae Hee is gaining attention. On an online community a post was made with the title “Somebody I knew was tutored by Kim Tae Hee.”

The individual wrote in the post, “When we watch TV sometimes he mentions being tutored by Kim Tae Hee.” Whenever the friend who got tutored would get something wrong, Kim Tae Hee would look at him with a sad face saying “Why? You don’t understand?” The friend stated “Whenever I did not understand something, I wanted to perform hara kiri on myself.” (Commit Suicide)

Netizens that have come across the post stated, “Kim Tae Hee tutored people?” “I understand the person’s feeling exactly,” “I doubt the person was able to study because of Kim Tae Hee’s beauty.”

(Note: Other than a picture of the actual post, there is no other evidence to prove that the story is true or not)

[News] New Year Special Idol Sageuk Comedy "Crown Princess Project" to Feature 12 Female Idols.

[News] New Year Special Idol Sageuk Comedy "Crown Princess Project" to Feature 12 Female Idols.
Cr. - soompi

A Lunar New Year special variety program featuring an idol sageuk (historic) comedy is currently in the works.

KBS has revealed that the program will be called, "The Crown Princess Project - Restoring The Royal Family" and will air as a Lunar New Year special. "The Crown Princess Project" is being called the idol version of "The Moon Embracing The Sun" and will be in a sageuk format with a comedic twist.

Many female idol stars have been cast for this special program since it will be based on a story of how a crown princess is chosen through a series of tests given by the royal family in the Choseon era.

Some of the female idols that will star in this program include IU, T-ara's Boram and Soyeon, miss A's Min, 4minute's Sohyun and more. It is said that a total of 12 female idols will appear in this program. The production staff revealed that the program will be filmed outdoors. They are hoping that the female idols will be lively and energetic since they won't be in a stuffy studio all day. The production staff are also expecting a lot of interest because the female idols will be wearing beautiful hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) dresses.

The role of the crown prince, whom all the female idols will be going after, is not yet decided. The staff said that not even the female idols know who it is right now and they will find out during the actual filming.

Stay tuned on Soompi for more news on this special program!

[News] Uhm Tae Woong Reveals His Thoughts on Returning to "1 Night 2 Days Season 2".

[News] Uhm Tae Woong Reveals His Thoughts on Returning to "1 Night 2 Days Season 2".
Cr. - soompi

Actor Uhm Tae Woong revealed his input on the follow-up program of KBS “Happy Sunday – 1 Night 2 Days.”

Uhm Jung Hwa appeared on the recent episode of “Win Win” and called her younger brother, Uhm Tae Woong, for the segment “Secret Call.”

MC Tak Jae Hoon asked the actor if he would be interested in joining the follow-up program if he was negotiated. He then answered, “I would not be the only one starring the program so I have to see the situation first.”

Uhm Tae Woong also added, “If Soo Geun stays, I will stay for season two as well.”

Meanwhile, viewers who saw this episode reacted with diverse responses: “They must be really close,” “I hope they both can stay,” and “Can’t they just continue ‘1 Night 2 Days?’”

[News] Kim Bum in Talks to Play a Criminal in Upcoming Movie "The Miracle".

[News] Kim Bum in Talks to Play a Criminal in Upcoming Movie "The Miracle".
Cr. - soompi

Kim Bum, currently making waves in his portrayal of a guardian angel in “Padam Padam,” is likely to star in a film for his follow-up project. Local news agencies report the young actor was offered and is in final negotiations to play one of the leads in “The Miracle,” a fantasy thriller.

If plans push through, Kim Bum is set to play a young graffiti artist who commits crimes that a detective can predict. Kim Kang Woo is likewise reportedly in final negotiations to play the detective.

“The Miracle” is under the helm of Kwon Ho Young, who also directed “Parallel Life.” The film’s production crew is expecting to close in on the cast and begin shooting at the end of January.