8.2.12

[News] JYJ’s Jaejoong Thanked by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.


[News] JYJ’s Jaejoong Thanked by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.Cr. - soompi

The South Korean “Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade,” “Kim Sung Hwan” thanked JYJ’s Jaejoong for his trip to Turkey.

Kim Sung Hwan wrote on his twitter February 7, “Our President Lee Myung Bak had visited Turkey’s Ankara University and had a dialogue with its students. JYJ Jaejoong who is an honorary ambassador of the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit was at the dialogue as well. Thank you so much. Jaejoong was in the area because of his fan autograph event.”


“Kim Sung Hwan” had thanked JYJ in the past. On February 3 he had tweeted, “Thank you JYJ for accepting the appointment as honorary ambassadors for the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit.”

(JYJ was appointed as honorary ambassadors for the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit on February 2)

[News] 2PM releases a ‘best of’ album in Japan.


[News] 2PM releases a ‘best of’ album in Japan.
Cr. - http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/

K-pop sensation 2PM will release a “best of” album in Japan on March 14 with the group’s most popular songs produced since its debut in 2008.

Two versions of the album will be available for purchase: one with a DVD and the other two with the inclusion of a special song written by group members.

The DVD edition contains footage of the band’s performance at the “Nation” concert, which took place in Japan last August and featured various artists represented by JYP Entertainment.

The alternate editions contain “Alive” or “Move On,” two songs written by 2 PM members Junsu and Junho.

The band will also hold six solo shows at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo from May 24 to 31. Tickets will go on sale from March 31.

“Ahead of the concert in Japan, [2PM member] Nichkhun will make a cameo appearance in a Japanese movie titled ‘Ouran High School Host Club,’ which is set to open on March 17. The band’s popularity in Japan is set to soar this year,” a representative from JYP Entertainment said.

[News] Several Korean shows finalists at int'l TV fest in New York.


[News] Several Korean shows finalists at int'l TV fest in New York.
Cr. - 10asia

A number of Korean TV programs have been named as finalists at an upcoming international TV festival in New York.

KBS' popular series "SungKyunKwan Scandal" and MBC's "The Greatest Love" were named finalists under the mini-series category of the 2012 International TV & Films Awards Competition which will take place in New York in the United States on April 17.

"SungKyunKwan Scandal," which starred JYJ member Park Yuchun, Park Min-young, Yoo A-in and Song Joong-ki, is a fusion history drama set during the 18th century revolving around the love and friendship of four students at Sungkyunkwan University.

The TV series took home five awards during the 2010 KBS Drama Awards and also brought in viewership ratings in the high ten percent range during its two month run in August 2010.



"The Greatest Love" which told the love story between a top celebrity and a former idol singer, scored a total of seven honors at the 2011 MBC Drama Awards for top excellence award to actor Cha Seung-won and actress Kong Hyo-jin.

Also, SBS' four-part documentary "Last Tundra- Inheritors of Tundra" was also a finalist under the segment of nature and wildlife while MBC's "The Day of Ji-Hyun’s First Meeting with Her Father” was named a finalist in the social issues/current events category.

[News] Jang Dong-gun, Kim Ha-neul cast as leads in new SBS TV series.


[News] Jang Dong-gun, Kim Ha-neul cast as leads in new SBS TV series.
Cr. - 10asia

Top Korean actor Jang Dong-gun and actress Kim Ha-neul have been cast as the leads in an upcoming SBS TV series, according to the show's promoter 3HW on Wednesday.

3HW stated in a press release that Jang will play Kim Do-jin who is a manager of a construction company and Kim will take on the role of a high school ethics teacher named Song Yi-soo in the romantic comedy titled "Dignity of a Gentleman" (translated title) set to premiere in May.

"Gentleman," written by "Secret Garden" scenarist Kim Eun-sook, will tell the love story of four men in their forties. The series will also star actors Kim Suro, Kim Min-jong and Kim Min.

"I have high expectations for 'Gentleman' and I am really glad that I was able to take on this role even with my busy schedule in China," Jang said in the statement.

His co-star Kim explained that she was excited to be working on a drama written by Kim Eun-sook once again since she wrote the script for her last SBS TV series "On Air."

Jang's last small screen role was in MBC's drama "All About Eve" in 2000 which also starred actress Chae-rim, Han Jae-seok and Kim So-yeon.

He has starred in top Korean films "Friend," "TaeGukGi: Brotherhood Of War" and "Typhoon." He recently starred in famed Korean director Kang Je-gyu's Hollywood debut war flick "My Way" with Japanese actor Odagiri Joe and Chinese actress Fan Bingbing.

Kim has enjoyed steady popularity in Korea since her debut in 1996, starring in numerous hit TV dramas and movies, including SBS TV series "On Air" and films "My Tutor Friend," "My Girlfriend is an Agent" and "Blind."

She was recently in Japan to promote her film "You Are My Pet" with co-star Jang Keun-suk.

[News] Park Shin-hye to celebrate 23rd birthday with fans.


[News] Park Shin-hye to celebrate 23rd birthday with fans.
Cr. - 10asia

Park Shin-hye is set to celebrate her 23rd birthday with her fans next week, according to her agency 4HIM Entertainment on Tuesday.

A press release from 4HIM announced that Park will hold a private birthday celebration with several fans in Seoul on February 18 which is also her the date of her birthday.

"Park is really ecstatic that she gets to celebrate her special day with her fans," an official with her agency said in the statement, adding that Park has also prepared a number of events for them.

Also, Park will visit Japan for her solo fan meeting titled "City of Angel" at the Zepp Tokyo in Odaiba of Tokyo on February 24.

A rep with her Japanese agency IMX explained how it is rare for an actress to hold a fan meeting alone. “We feel that Park is acknowledged for being a great actress and the people in Japan like her appearance as well.”

Park has been one of Korea's most popular actresses in the Asia region since rising to stardom through TV series "He's Beautiful" in 2009. She last starred in MBC's drama "Heartstrings" opposite CNBLUE member Jung Yong-hwa.

[Photo & News] City Hunter Lee Min Ho and SNSD YoonA for Eider.


[Photo & News] City Hunter Lee Min Ho and SNSD YoonA for Eider.
Cr. - soompi


The outdoor brand “Eider” released the 2012 SS season photoshoot pictures of City Hunter’s Lee Min Ho and SNSD’s YoonA. Lee Min Ho showed off a more charismatic and chic look than the 2011 FW season. YoonA gave off a female warrior force with her style and also a cute image for other pictures.

Lee Min Ho and YoonA had good chemistry during the photoshoot. During the photoshoot they had conversations and looked more comfortable with each other. During the photoshoot both of them also gave different ideas and thoughts.

A representative of Eider stated, “Eider was able to strengthen their image through Eider friends Lee Min Ho and YoonA. The clothes that the two are wearing made lots of profits. Lee Min Ho and YoonA encompassed all the images of Eider: strong, technical, stylish, sensual, and professional. We look forward to the good results.”





7.2.12

[News] Jang Keun Suk’s Doppelganger Is...


[News] Jang Keun Suk’s Doppelganger Is...
Cr. - soompi

Yesterday, comedian Kim Kyung Jin tweeted, “Who looks more metrosexual?? Geun Jjang vs. Kyung Jjang?” and uploaded a set of photos of himself and Jang Keun Suk. In the photo, Kim Kyung Jin imitated Jang Geun Suk’s pose, expression, and hairstyle.

While he mimicked every little detail in Jang Keun Suk’s photo, including going shirtless, the comedian displayed a completely different look and feel from Jang Keun Suk’s pose.

Netizens commented, “Haha…I don’t know what to say,” “Hmm metrosexual…really?” and “Jang keun Suk is one of a kind.”

[News] Park Si-hoo, Jeong Jae-young crime film cranks up.


[News] Park Si-hu, Jung Jae-young crime film cranks up.
Cr. - 10asia

A movie starring actors Park Si-hoo and Jung Jae-young has finished filming, according to the movie's promoter Showbox on Tuesday.

A press release by Showbox said that movie "I'm a Murderer" (translated title) wrapped up late last month after four months of filming while it will open nationwide during the first half of this year.

"Murderer," helmed by Jung Byung-gil, tells the story of a serial murderer named Lee Doo-seok (Park) who writes a bestseller novel with the crimes he has committed while Jeong will play a detective named Choi Hyung-gu who chases Lee.

Park made his debut through a cameo appearance in KBS drama "Delightful Girl Choon Hyang" in 2005. He has since appeared in TV series "Princess Prosecutor" (SBS, 2010), "Queen of Reversals" (MBC, 2010) and "The Princess' Man" (KBS, 2011).

Jeong began his acting career with several small roles in films in the early 1990s and since starred in a number of films including "So Cute" (2004), "Welcome to Dongmakgol, (2005) "Moss" (2010) and recently in "Countdown" opposite top actress Jun Do-youn.

[News] ‘Sungkyunkwan Scandal’ nominated for ‘Best Mini-Series’ for 2012 NY TV Festival.


[News] ‘Sungkyunkwan Scandal’ nominated for ‘Best Mini-Series’ for 2012 NY TV Festival.
Cr. - allkpop

Hit KBS 2TV drama series ‘Sungkyunkwan Scandal‘ has been nominated for an award at the 2012 New York TV (NY TV) Festival under the Mini-Series category, and has a very good opportunity to win its very first international accolade.

‘Sungkyunkwan Scandal’ is a drama series that was based off a novel written by Jung Eun Kwol, the writer that wrote MBC TV‘s ‘Moon-Sun‘ which currently boasts 40% of viewer ratings.

The drama series first aired in August of 2010 and has claimed its place in history as a youthful historical drama.

The average percentage of males who tune in to television dramas across the board is recorded to be 4%, but the percentage of women viewers alone for ‘Sung Kyun Kwan Scandal’ was 10%, more than doubling the male average who watch television dramas. It’s been reported that this is due to a mix of both progressional development in the story, as well as the line-up of handsome male actors in the drama which included JYJ‘s Park Yoochun, Yoo Ah In, Song Joong Ki, and more.

The drama was also a big hit overseas, and the clothing the actors wore in the series was sold at an exhibition in Japan, further proving that this drama created Hallyu waves across the globe. The drama was also awarded ‘Best Picture Award’ at the 2011 Seoul Drama Awards under the Hallyu category.

The results of the 2012 NY TV Festival will be announced in March, and the award ceremony is scheduled to take place on April 17th at the NAB Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

[News] Kim Hyun Joong donates profits from his Japanese concert to an orphanage.


[News] Kim Hyun Joong donates profits from his Japanese concert to an orphanage.
Cr. - allkpop

Singer Kim Hyun Joong held a live concert at the Yokohama Arena on February 5th to celebrate his Japanese debut.

At the concert hall, Kim Hyun Joong faced the 20,000+ audience members and remarked, “My Japanese debut song, “Lucky Guy“, has sold over 100,000 copies in the first week after its release. Thank you guys for showing me so much support, even though I’m just a rookie here.”

“It’s unfortunate that I wasn’t able to meet all 60,000 fans who applied to be here tonight, but I will make sure to have a good time with all 20,000 of you,” he said with a laugh.

Kim Hyun Joong also donated the profits from the concert to an orphanage in Japan. “I hope that it will be able to offer some help,” he said. “And if any of you are able to do so, please do what you can to help the children.”

The singer performed 13 songs in total, such as “Lucky Guy“, “Let Me Go“, “Breakdown“, and “One More Time“.

Kim Hyun Joong released his debut Japanese album on January 25th, which quickly climbed to #3 on the Oricon charts as well as setting a new record for most number of sales by an overseas artist.

[News] So Ji-sub Donates Personal Belongings To Charity Bazaar.


[News] So Ji-sub Donates Personal Belongings To Charity Bazaar.
Cr. - hancinema

Hallyu star So Ji-sub has made a generous donation of personal belongings to the charity bazaar, organized by the Korea Foundation For Persons With Disabilities.

According to the foundation on February 6th, So donated about 170 items to the bazaar which took place in Yeouido on February 4th. In addition to So's generosity, 100 members of his fan club also took part.

For a good part of last year, these members held donation campaigns and volunteer projects for the Korea Foundation For Persons With Disabilities.

6.2.12

[Photo & News] Kim Hyun Joong Thanks Fans for Successful Beginning of Japanese Debut.


[Photo & News] Kim Hyun Joong Thanks Fans for Successful Beginning of Japanese Debut.
Cr. - soompi

Kim Hyun Joong gave thanks for the successful beginning of his Japanese debut. On February 5 Kim Hyun Joong held a live concert celebrating his debut and it held 20,000 fans. Kim Hyun Joong stated, “My Japanese debut single ‘Lucky Guy’ had 10,000 sales in its first week. Thank you for giving me such a good result even though I am just a rookie. Thank you for all of the support.”

He continued, “I am sad that I wasn’t able to meet all the 60,000 fans that signed up for the concert. However I will try to have a memorable experience with the 20,000 fans that are here right now.”

Kim Hyun Joong donated all of the profits from the concert to an orphanage. He stated, “I hope that I can be at least a little bit of help. If you have any extra time please spend it for the children.”





[News] Eom Ji-won cast for "For the Emperor".


[News] Eom Ji-won cast for "For the Emperor" MBS new drama.
Cr. - hancinema

General service channel MBC revealed that Eom Ji-won has been cast opposite Yeon Jeong-hoon for the drama "For the Emperor".

"For the Emperor" is about a man who thinks of everything as money but learns about the world and humanity as he becomes entangled in a scheme involving money.

Eom Ji-won will be taking on the role of Yoo Da-ran, who is persistent and optimistic with the qualities of a 'doenjang girl' [a girl who appears weathier than she actually is], and her partner in romance partner will be Ma In-tak (Yun Jung-hun), who is also known as a tyrant.

Eom Ji-won said, "I was attracted to the character of Yoon Da-ran, who lives life to the fullest despite the fact that she had a tough upbringing. I want to express her persistent optimist with the qualities of a 'doejang girl' as best as I can".

"For the Emperor" will be shown after the conclusion of "What's Up".

[News] Suzy Garners Attention for Being Kissed by Taecyeon and Kim Soo Hyun.


[News] Suzy Garners Attention for Being Kissed by Taecyeon and Kim Soo Hyun.
Cr. - soompi

miss A's Suzy, is garnering attention for being kissed by Taecyeon and Kim Soo Hyun at the same time.

A picture was recently uploaded on an online community board with the title: “Kim Soo Hyun and Ok Taecyeon Kissing Suzy.” The picture was taken from “Dream High’s” poster shoot during season 1.

The storyline had Go Hye Mi (Suzy) in a love triangle with Song Sam Dong (Kim Soo Hyun) and Jin Gook (Taecyeon). The poster portrayed the love triangle amongst the three main characters by having the two male leads kiss Suzy’s cheek at the same time.

Netizens and fans who saw the picture responded with diverse reactions: “Being kissed by Taecyeon and Kim Soo Hyun at the same time? I am very jealous,” “Suzy looks surprised yet happy,” and “I wish I can trade bodies with Suzy.”

[News] Oh Ji-ho leader cast in "Equator Man" KBS2 new drama?


[News] Oh Ji-ho leader cast in "Equator Man" KBS2 new drama?
Cr. - hancinema

The production company for "The Equator Man" commented about the casting whereabouts of Oh Ji-ho.

It was reported on February 6th that Oh Ji-ho was likely to be cast for the KBS 2TV drama "The Equator Man".

A high ranking spokesperson for the production told OSEN on the phone, "We did offer him a role but we also have other candidates. We are looking through the list again to choose the most suitable actor for the character".

"The Equator Man" is about the story of two men with strong passions. Writer Kim In-young and producer Kim Yong-su WI have come together for this production. This drama is set to be broadcast after the drama "Wild Romance" and will start shooting as soon as the cast has been confirmed.

[News] "The King" MBC's new drama Ha Ji-won studies the North Korean language.


[News] "The King" MBC's new drama Ha Ji-won studies the North Korean language.
Cr. - hancinema

Ha Ji-won is currently deeply engrossed in studying the North Korean language. This is because she has currently landed herself the role of North Korean Special Forces Sergeant Kim Hang-ah in the upcoming MBC drama "The King". Ha Ji-won has started learning the North Korean language along with further comprehending her character. Given that it is her specialty to learn something new every time she starts a role, this time it is very important that she learns the North Korean dialect.

A person close to her said, "She is learning the language from a former North Korean soldier who has defected. Her job is a sergeant in the drama and there are lots of episodes featuring the military so learning from a former solider helps her a lot". As Kim Hang-ah is the first female sergeant in the North Korean Special Forces, she is known as a legendary female who even men avoid getting in trouble with and therefore she should perform action and stunts in this drama as well.

The person continued, "We think there will be action scenes in this drama but nothing they will include nothing special that she has to learn. She is just weight training like she usually does. Her action performance will just feature the basics. There are no wire action scenes and but she could do them if required".

Ha Ji-won had previously done wire-based action sequences in the MBC drama "Damo". This time she is reuniting with producer Lee Jae-gyu in "The King".

"The King" is about an arranged marriage between a South Korean prince and a North Korean sergeant under a fictional constitutional monarchy and will be broadcast after the current drama "The Sun and the Moon".

Meanwhile, Ha Ji-won will be visiting Japan next month for "Secret Garden" promotional events. This drama will air beginning in April on cable channel NHK BS Premium and Ha Ji-won and Yun Sang-hyun will go around Japan promoting it.

[Photo & News] "Padam Padam" Jung Woo-sung and Ha Ji-min in bed.


[Photo & News] "Padam Padam" Jung Woo-sung and Ha Ji-min in bed.
Cr. - hancinema

Jung Woo-sung and Han Ji-min's bed scene will bring tears to your viewing experience.

The February 6th episode of JTBC drama "Padam Padam... The Sound of His and Her Heartbeats" will show Kang-chil (Jung Woo-sung) and Jina's (Han Ji-min) bed scene.

This scene also features Kang-chil confessing to Jina, who lives life to the fullest. However, they know they have to end their love with broken hearts, so this scene should seem more affectionate and heart aching.

A spokesperson said, "This tearful bed scene should ring in our hearts. It's sad but we hope you stay with us until the end of their wonderful love".



[Photo & News] "The Moon that Embraces the Sun's" Kim Yoo Jung Names Kim Soo Hyun as Her Ideal Type.


[Photo & News] "The Moon that Embraces the Sun's" Kim Yoo Jung Names Kim Soo Hyun as Her Ideal Type.
Cr. - soompi

During yesterday’s episode, MBC’s “Section TV” caught up with “The Moon that Embraces the Sun’s” child actress Kim Yoo Jung. When the interviewer asked who her ideal type was among the flower boys in “The Moon that Embraces the Sun,” she answered without hesitation, “Kim Soo Hyun oppa.”

Despite her love interest being child actor Yeo Jin Goo in the series, she chose adult cast member Kim Soo Hyun, piquing viewers’ interests. Kim Soo Hyun also sent him a short video message, “ Soo Hyun oppa, it’s really cold these days, but film well.” She added, “While it was hard acting in a melodrama, I really did love Lee Hwon in that moment.”

Last week, Kim Yoo Jung also humorously stated, "We don’t need [Yeo] Jin Goo oppa. Soo Hyun oppa is the best! He’s so handsome and thoughtful. Way better than Jin Goo oppa,” during an episode of MBC's "Good Day."

Netizens who saw the clip commented, “Kim Soo Hyun really is the hottest actor these days,” “Awww, it’s not Yeo Jin Goo,” “She’s left the young Crown Prince,” and more.




[News] Yang Hyun Suk sheds tears as he compares Big Bang and ‘K-Pop Star’ SuPearls.


[News] Yang Hyun Suk sheds tears as he compares Big Bang and ‘K-Pop Star’ SuPearls.
Cr. - allkpop

YG Entertainment CEO and ‘K-Pop Star’ judge, Yang Hyun Suk, shed tears during the February 4th broadcast of the program. While he’s previously stated that “emotions should not interfere with the decisions made in the show,” Yang found that he couldn’t stop tears from brimming as he observed the passion of the contestants.

The emotional response stems from YG Entertainment’s early years. Yang founded the company in hopes of scouting talented star-hopefuls who would help the K-Pop industry to advance and prosper. This same motive allowed him to become one of three judges for SBS‘s audition program.

Yet Yang’s method of looking for “quality over quantity” has caused him much grief. Yang stated that he was at first skeptical about debuting Big Bang, as there were much talk on whether or not the group would survive in the idol industry. As he watched over the contestants on ‘K-Pop Star’, Yang said that he felt the same about SuPearls, a group assembled by several contestants on the show.

“At first, I was worried for the SuPearls members,” says Yang, “I thought their skills were not polished enough to guide them through the competition and that they would not be able to develop their skills in such a short time.”

“However, they proved me wrong,” continued Yang, “Their passion, hard work and desire to become a star have made them into the performers they are now.”

Yang then started to tear up, as the memories of his anxiety over Big Bang came to mind.

“The Big Bang boys faced so much criticism for not being “idol-like” in the beginning, and it pained me to hear that,” says Yang, “But, like SuPearls, they worked hard each and every single day to succeed in the industry. SuPearls’ success today made me think of the day when I said to myself: ‘Big Bang made it. They survived.’”

[News] Park Shin-yang and Eom Ji-won in the movie "Clapping Gangster".


[News] Park Shin-yang and Eom Ji-won in the movie "Clapping Gangster".
Cr. - hancinema

It seems like Park Shin-ayng and Eom Ji-won will be in the movie "Clapping Gangster" together.

"Clapping Gangster" is the newest project by Jo Jin-kyoo, who also directed the movie "My Wife Is a Gangster". The film is about what happens after a gangster suddenly is possessed with special powers.

Park Shin-yang will be joining this movie after filming "Miss Go" with Ko Hyeon-jeong and Yoo Hae-jin.

According to a spokesperson the romantic lead opposite Park Shin-yang will be Eom Ji-won.

Having met through the SBS drama "Sign", Eom Ji-won also took part in the scholarship event 'Park Shin-yang's Rookie Actor Concerto"' produced by Park Shin-yang himself. Actor Kim Jeong-tae is also going to be featured in a supporting role, playing a gang member in the movie.

"Clapping Gangster" will begin shooting in April.