[News] Jo Dong-hyuk comes down with the flu.

[News] Jo Dong-hyuk comes down with the flu.
Cr. - http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/

Actor Jo Dong-hyuk has been diagnosed with the influenza A (H1N1) virus just days before the KBS drama “Brain” comes to an end on Jan. 17.

“Jo Dong-hyuk was diagnosed with influenza on Jan. 16, and so we have cleared his schedule in order for him to get some rest. Currently, he is recuperating in his home,” a representative from the star’s agency, Namoo Actors, said. The agency also praised the actor for his strong work ethic and commitment to the Monday- and Tuesday-night drama, despite being sick.

According to the representative, the 34-year-old actor had been suffering from a high fever but still managed to go ahead with the filming of the final episode. The actor went to see a doctor following an early-morning shoot on Jan. 16 and was confirmed to have the flu.

Due to the star being confined in his home for recovery, his agency said that Jo won’t be able to attend the drama’s closing party.

Jo played the role of a neurosurgeon who is the archrival of another doctor, played by actor Lee Kang-hoon. Jo, a model-turned-actor, made his television debut in the SBS drama “Miss Kim Makes One Million.”

[News] Choi Ji-woo's father was an Army man.

[News] Choi Ji-woo's father was an Army man.
Cr. - http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/

Choi Ji-woo's father was a military man, it has been revealed. On an episode of MBC's "Section TV Entertainment Show", which aired on Jan.15, the show named Choi, as well as actress Shim Eun-ha and singers Lee Jang-woo-I and Yang Hee-eun, as a few of the hottest Korean celebrities to have a soldier father.

Meanwhile the Hallyu star recently wrapped up filming a commercial commissioned by the Visit Korea Committee, an organization that promotes Korea to foreign audiences. The commercial, titled "To you who is so precious, I give you Korea", was filmed on Jan. 11. According to a representative from the committee, the advertisement aims to "solidify Choi's image as a Hallyu star while increasing awareness about Korea".

"I hope that foreigners who visit Korea will be able to feel the warmth of the nation as well as receiving many incentives", said Choi, referring to the many incentive deals offered to non-Korean tourists in the advertisement she recorded.

Choi has also been promoting the committee's "Korea Grand Sale" for the past two years. The advertisement is currently being promoted and encourages people to visit Korea between Jan. 9 and Feb. 29 to take advantage of the sale.

[News] Jang Keun Suk The Prince of Asia Models...Bread?!

[News] Jang Keun Suk The Prince of Asia Models...Bread?!
Cr. - soompi

The “Prince of Asia” Jang Keun Suk is modeling…bread in Japan?! A photo of “Jang Keun Suk’s bread” had been uploaded onto various internet community sites, garnering netizens’ attentions.

Last year, Jang Keun Suk had signed with Lawson Frau International and Tree-J Company to become Lawson’s product ambassador. As a result, his face is on two types of bread produced by Lawsons.

Lawsons began selling “Jang Keun Suk Mocha Coffee Melon Bread” and “Jang Keun Suk Bulgogi Bread” in Lawsons’ convenience stores throughout Japan today, January 17.

A representative of Lawsons stated, “Jang Keun Suk is extremely popular among Japanese females, and we chose him to endorse our product because female consumers are our target market. “

Jang Keun Suk has charmed hallyu fans, especially those in Japan, with his memorable characters in dramas like “You’re Beautiful” and “Mary Stayed Out All Night,” as well as his singing prowess.

Last year, Japanese magazine “AERA” published an article analyzing Jang Keun Suk’s popularity, stating that his popularity surpasses that of original hallyu star Bae Yong Joon of “Winter Sonata.”

Currently, Jang Keun Suk is busy filming his new drama “Love Rain,” co-starring SNSD’s YoonA.

[Photo & News] KBS 2TV’s ‘Dream High 2′ press conference.

[Photo & News] KBS 2TV’s ‘Dream High 2′ press conference.
Cr. - allkpop / soompi

Earlier today, the cast of “Dream High 2” gathered at the Imperial Palace Hotel in Seoul for the press conference for their upcoming drama.

During the press conference, 2AM's Jin Woon stated, "It's my first time acting, and I'm a bit awkward. However, everyone around me has been helping me, so I'm slowly trying to get the hang of it." When asked if he would accept a role for the third season if there is to be one, he asnwered, "I would be grateful if I would get another opportunity to act. While I am a singer, I don't want to be restricted. It woud be nice to pursue both."

Park Jin Young reprises his role as one of the teachers at Kirin Arts High School, which is in dire financial situation and in danger of shutting down. For the second season, he will play Mr. Yang Jin Man, an English teacher at KAHS who still dreams of debuting as a music artist. Park Jin Young confessed, "To be honest, when I was nominated for the '2011 KBS Drama Awards' Rookie Actor Award, I figured I would get it because I was in the midst of filming 'Dream High 2.' I thought maybe they would take that into consideration and give me the honor. However, that didn't happen." He added, "While I didn't get it, I was happy that my co-stars Kim Soo Hyun, miss A's Suzy, and others won."

Rookie actor Park Seo Joon revealed his thoughts on being called "the next Kim Soo Hyun." He said, "When they [fans] call me 'the next Kim Soo Hyun,' it means they already have such high hopes and expecatations. And for that, I'm very grateful. However, my role and Kim Soo Hyun's role are completely different, they are different characters. I hope to show viewers another side."

When asked what his charms were, newbie JB answered, "The director told me he cast me after he saw me dance, but I think he was just being nice." Kim Jung Tae, who plays the principal of KAHS, added, "He's giving you a modest answer. I bet you all our female viewers under 19 will fall head-over-heels for JB after the first episode." He continued, "JB is very manly, and he dances extremely well."

The six leads – 2AM’s Jung Jin Woon, T-ara’s Park Ji Yeon, SISTAR’s Hyorin, Kang So Ra, JB, Park Seo Joon – and extended cast members Park Jin Young, Yoo So Young, Kim Ji Soo, Jr., Ailee, Jung Yeon Ju, Kim Jung Tae, Kwon Hae Hyo, Choi Yeo Jin, and After School’s Kahi attended the event.

The second season will showcase the fierce music/dance battles between the top idol stars and the school's troubled students.

“Dream High 2” will air its pilot episode on January 30.

[News] Lee Min Ho and Moon Geun Young Will Not Graduate on Time in February.

[News] Lee Min Ho and Moon Geun Young Will Not Graduate on Time in February.
Cr. - soompi

Lee Min Ho and Moon Geun Young cannot graduate from college on time in February. Currently Moon Geun Young is majoring in Korean literature at Sungkyunkwan and because of drama filming and also going overseas, she is 8 credits shy of graduating. Moon Geun Young will take Winter classes and also one more semester in order to graduate.

Lee Min Ho who is the same grade is also facing problems with graduation. Lee Min Ho is a film arts major at Konkuk University Due to the filming of the drama “City Hunter,” it became difficult for him to receive grades. Lee Min Ho will attend college for one more semester in order to graduate.

Netizens that came across the news stated, “It is a shame that they cannot graduate even though they tried hard,” “It appears that getting credit for classes is more difficult now,” “I hope the two will graduate this year.”

[News] Moon Chae Won Declines Role in Drama "Rooftop Prince".

[News] Moon Chae Won Declines Role in Drama "Rooftop Prince".
Cr. - soompi

Moon Chae Won has decided not to be cast in SBS TV’s upcoming drama, “Rooftop Prince.”

On January 16, Moon’s agency revealed through a TV report, “We’ve been reviewing the script for drama ‘Rooftop Prince,’ but have made the final decision not to cast in it.”

An official explained the reason, saying that “after reading the script, we realized that the drama is more sageuk-related than we thought. We decided not to take the role because we wanted to avoid keeping a sageuk image [for Moon], through her recent projects “The Princess’s Man” and "Arrow: The Ultimate Weapon."

The agency continued with, “Miss Moon Chae Won wants to take a break from her busy schedule” and “We will take more time to look carefully for her next project and come back with a familiar and better image.”

Lee Hee Myung, writer of dramas “Mister Q” and “Successful Story of a Bright Girl” will work with PD Shin Yoon Sub, who has directed many popular dramas such as “KAIST,” “Dear Heaven,” “Lovers,” and “Why Did You Come to My House.”

Casting for “Rooftop Prince” has been gaining attention from viewers as it was recently revealed that JYJ’s Park Yoochun has been cast as the male lead. The drama is set to replace “The 3rd Hospital,” and begin airing on March 14. There have been no other castings yet. Stay tuned for more updates

[VOD & News] All Six Leads of “Dream High 2” Appear in Second Teaser Video.

[VOD & News] All Six Leads of “Dream High 2” Appear in Second Teaser Video.
Cr. - soompi

Following the release of its last official posters earlier today, KBS drama “Dream High 2” has released its second teaser video featuring all six main leads. Park Seo Joon, JB, T-ara’s Jiyeon, Kang So Ra, 2AM’s Jinwoon, and SISTAR’s Hyorin all make brief appearances in the 47-second video that was released just a few hours ago.

The video follows the overall theme of the drama, which is the battle between idol students and knucklehead kids. The line “idol vs. knucklehead” appears in the end signifying how the storyline will unfold in the future. Make sure you check out the first teaser video here too.

The first episode of the highly anticipated drama will air on January 30. Stay tuned for more updates!

[News] Kim Soohyun to make cameo in Dream High 2 as Samdong.

[News] Kim Soohyun to make cameo in Dream High 2 as Samdong.
Cr. - allkpop

Looks like a certain country-boy-turned singer will be making a comeback on ‘Dream High 2‘: it’s just been confirmed that Kim Soohyun will have a cameo role as Samdong from the original series!

Kim Soohyun will be making his appearance in the first episode of ‘Dream High 2′, which is scheduled to air on January 30th. He is expected to be the first of a series of top stars that will be making cameos later in the series.

As earlier reported, the cast of ‘Dream High 2′ is expected to feature a series of idols, including 2AM‘s Jinwoon, SISTAR‘s Hyorin, T-ara‘s Jiyeon, After School‘s Kahi and many more.

Samdong’s appearance in this episode will certainly give fans a sense of nostalgia. Who else do you anticipate to make a feature return in this drama?

[News] Gong Yoo and Lee Min Jung Couple Up Again for Clothing Brand Mind Bridge.

[News] Gong Yoo and Lee Min Jung Couple Up Again for Clothing Brand Mind Bridge.
Cr. - soompi

Gong Yoo and Lee Min Jung continue as image models for clothing brand Mind Bridge on through the fall of 2012. Photos of the two actors taken at the set of their their spring-summer-fall campaign for Mind Bridge have recently surfaced online.

In the photos, Gong Yoo and Lee Min Jung shed the dark colors of winter and don the brighter shades of the upcoming spring. The behind-the-scenes shots show the two stars being involved in monitoring themselves during the course of the shoot.

Both Gong Yoo and Lee Min Jung have recently made achievements in film. Lee Min Jung’s “Wonderful Radio” was seen by 500,000 viewers within a week of release, while Gong Yoo’s “The Crucible,” based on true events, has become instrumental in passing legislation and the apprehension of offenders.

[News] Celebrities’ expensive homes are revealed to the public.

[News] Celebrities’ expensive homes are revealed to the public.
Cr. - allkpop

Ever wonder which Korean celebrities own the most expensive homes?

On an episode of KBS ‘YeoYooManMan‘ that aired on January 16th, the celebrities living in the most expensive and lavish homes were revealed to the public.

According to the reports filed by the Ministry of Land for 2010, in third place was couple Kwon Sang Woo & Son Tae Young who live in the Samsundong Apartments. Their home is estimated to be worth 3.4 million US dollars, and among one of the most high-priced common apartments in Korea.

In second place was actress Han Chae Young and her husband who live in a 6,000 sq. ft home that is estimated to be worth around 5 million US dollars. Their home is labeled as a ‘Dream Villa’ by many.

And at #1 was the home of singer Cho Young Nam, who cherishes many high end Asian paintings within his home. His home is estimated to be worth well over 5 million US dollars, and looks over the Han River. Within his home is an indoor golfing range, a movie theater, fitness club, and more.

[News] 2PM’s Junsu Celebrates Birthday without Nichkhun.

[News] 2PM’s Junsu Celebrates Birthday without Nichkhun.
Cr. - soompi

On January 15, 2PM’s Junsu shared a photo of his birthday party with the rest of his group members. To celebrate his 24th birthday, Junsu tweeted this photo with the comment, “Yesterday with my boys~a small birthday party over dinner~.”

In the photo, Junsu is seen with Chansung, Wooyoung, Junho, and Taecyeon, ready to blow out the candles on his birthday cake. It looks like they had some soju over Korean BBQ, as you can tell from the grill and soju glass in the right hand corner.




But fans have questioned where Nichkhun was, as he was nowhere to be found in the photo. It turns out Nichkhun was out of the country, busy with his overseas promotions. But that doesn’t mean he forgot to celebrate Junsu’s special day, as Junsu later shared a text message he got from Nichkhun.

The photo shows their brief conversation, with Nichkhun texting, “Junsu happy birthday~hope you get healthier and richer as well (heart) I love you~,” and in response Junsu saying, “I love you Nichkhung ^.^.”

Some true brotherly love! Happy birthday Junsu!

[VOD & Photo] Jang Keun Suk & YoonA Behind the scene of 'Love Rain / 사랑비'

Behind the scene of 'Love Rain / 사랑비'

[News] KBS eyes March broadcast date for YoonA & Jang Keun Suk’s ‘Love Rain’.

[News] KBS eyes March broadcast date for YoonA & Jang Keun Suk’s ‘Love Rain’.
Cr. - allkpop

KBS‘s highly-anticipated drama, ‘Love Rain‘, may hit the small screens in March!

A representative from the production staff spoke with TV Daily on January 16th and revealed, ”Although details haven’t been confirmed yet, KBS has expressed their wish to air ‘Love Rain’ in March. Scenes from the ’70s story arc have already been completed, and we are scheduled to continue filming in the beginning of March.”



Directed by PD Yoon Suk Ho (of ‘Autumn Fairytale‘ and ‘Winter Sonata‘ fame), ‘Love Rain’ exhibits the pure emotions of love during the ’70s, as well as the trendy love of today’s society. Both actor Jang Keun Suk and Girls’ Generation‘s YoonA play dual roles.

Should everything go as planned, ‘Love Rain’ could broadcast on March 26th, after the conclusion of ‘Dream High 2‘.

[News] GACKT discusses difficult filming of Hollywood debut movie, “BUNRAKU”.

[News] GACKT discusses difficult filming of Hollywood debut movie, “BUNRAKU”.
Cr. - http://www.tokyohive.com/

On January 14th, GACKT’s Hollywood debut movie “BUNRAKU” was released in Japan. Despite his busy schedule, GACKT appeared for a stage greeting to promote the movie.

“BUNRAKU” is a martial-arts action movie directed by Guy Moshe. GACKT plays a Samurai,”Yoshi”, who becomes partners with a drifter played by Josh Hartnett.

During the stage greeting, GACKT revealed how rough the filming was. According to GACKT, he fainted, hitting his head during an action scene with Josh. He was then transferred to the hospital by ambulance. Not only fainting, he also had an extremely high fever, and broke his several teeth.

GACKT said, “In my whole life, I’ve never thought that I could not accomplish something, but during the filming, I had a feeling that ‘I might give up on this’ for the first time.” He also said, “The expectation of the directer was quite big, including toward my action skills, so I wanted to meet the expectation, and wanted to make a great work. Thus, I decided to do things as best as I could. To be honest, I was glad I did not get injured anything worse than those.”

When asked if there is any plan to make an appearance on another Hollywood movie, GACKT answered, “Hmm…I can’t tell exactly yet, but if my schedule matches and as long as it’s interesting, I would like to appear on any movie not only Hollywood movies, but also Japanese movies. I’m sure I would be able to show something interesting to the fans.” About the character he would like to play, “I’ve always thought that I wanted to express insanity, but comedy might be interesting too. Recently, I’m also interested in Yankee movies as well, so please look forward.”

“BUNRAKU” will be shown for a limited time until on the 27th.

[VOD / Photo & News] Abe Hiroshi, Aragaki Yui & Co. attend preview screening for “Kirin no Tsubasa”.

[VOD / Photo & News] Abe Hiroshi, Aragaki Yui & Co. attend preview screening for “Kirin no Tsubasa”.
Cr. - http://www.tokyohive.com/

Today, a preview screening of the upcoming movie and continuation of ‘Shinzanmono‘ (TBS drama), “Kirin no Tsubasa“, was held in Tokyo.

Just like the drama and the drama special, “Kirin no Tsubasa” is based on the popular ‘Kaga Kyoichiro‘ novel series by famed author Higashino Keigo. The screening was attended by lead actor Abe Hiroshi, as well as some of his new castmates for the movie – Aragaki Yui, Tanaka Rena, Matsuzaka Tori, and Miura Takahiro. Singer JUJU, who provides the theme song for the movie, also appeared at the event.

In the movie, Kaga Kyoichiro (Abe) will have to unravel a complicated murder case that happened right in front of the statue of the winged giraffe in Nihonbashi, Tokyo.

This year is a very special year for Abe, since he was born in the year of the dragon. He vowed, “My first goal this year is to make this movie a success. Then I want to challenge embarrassing things, like taking off my clothes (laughs), without hesitation.” The latter was referring to his other upcoming movie, “Thermae Romae“.

Aragaki and Matsuzaka, both born in 1988, also share the Chinese zodiac sign of the dragon.

“My body has gotten a bit out of shape due to my love for anything made with animal fat, therefore I’d like to change my eating habits first,” said Aragaki. “It’s just way too muddled inside my stomach. By working out and eating more vegetables, I want to become more beautiful from the inside out.”

Matsuzaka made a comment full of ambition. He said, “I never want to catch a cold, that’s what I will devote myself to everyday. It would be great if I could rise like a dragon this year.”

Meanwhile, Tanaka is going approach the critical age of a woman and an unlucky year by turning 32 this year. “However,” she said, “it’s said that for actors the critical years are the best.”

“Speaking of which, I filmed ‘Kekkon Dekinai Otoko‘ during my unlucky year,” Abe agreed. Tanaka smiled, “So it will be ‘Kekkon Dekinai Onna’ for me then…”

Miura was humble with his resolution for 2012. He said, “I never want to lose that nice feeling I have now and live a peaceful life.”

“Kirin no Tsubasa” will open for the public on January 28th.