...Hallyu began roughly 12 years ago when the rest of Asia discovered Korean soap operas. One of the breakthrough dramas was a series 'Winter Sonata' starring Choi Ji-woo & Bae Young-Joon. After that, more Korean dramas saw their way to foreign shores and Korean films and music started to follow suit. Korean marketing people started to see a Korea-centric trend. They dubbed this flow "The Korean Wave" or Hallyu....
[News] Jang Keun Suk opens a cafe to celebrate his album release in Japan. Cr. - en.korea
Jang Keun Suk is opening a cafe to celebrate his album release in Japan.
On March 12, a spokesperson for Jang said, “Jang Keun Suk is opening a collaborative cafe on March 21 to celebrate the release of his unit group Team H’s Japanese mini album titled Lounge H The First Impression.”
Jang’s promotional event at a cafe will take place at cafe Manduka in Shibuya from March 19 to 25 in collaboration with record chain Tower Record located in Shibuya.
At this cafe, fans of Jang can listen and enjoy Jang’s voices, music videos, and songs included in the album. On a first-come-first-served basis, Jang will also give Jang Keun Suk’s bills to fans who purchase Team H’s mini albums so that they can get a discount at the cafe.
According to reports, Jang participated in the mini album Lounge H The First impression for several parts: from song selection to concepts of its jacket photos, music video, and costumes. The album is already receiving wide attention from Japanese music fans, topping the advance sales charts.
[News] Kim Soo-hyun sings on ‘The Moon Embracing the Sun’ drama. Cr. - http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/
Lead actor Kim Soo-hyun from the hit MBC drama “The Moon Embracing the Sun” will contribute a song to the program’s soundtrack.
Kim’s agency announced on Friday that the song, “Only You,” will be included in episode six of the drama, which will be aired tomorrow.
“Kim decided to take part in the recording as a thank-you present to followers of the drama,” said a representative from Kim’s agency, Keyeast Entertainment.
This isn’t the first time that the 24-year-old rising star has recorded a song for an original soundtrack. Last year, much to the delight of fans, he sang “Dreaming” for the KBS 2TV drama “Dream High,” in which he also starred.
“The Moon Embracing the Sun” will wrap up its final two episodes, which will air on March 14 and 15.
The broadcast was delayed for a week following a strike in which MBC, YTN and KBS unionists demanded that the media bring back fair and unbiased reporting.
[News] After shocking recording reveals assault on fans, JYJ apologizes. Cr. - http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/
JYJ has apologized following the leak of an audio recording this week of the boy band physically and verbally assaulting its fans in 2009. At a press conference on Thursday, members tried to explain that the nonstop attention they receive can be overwhelming, and they focused on experiences when fans acted inappropriately.
"To be watched by someone at all times and to be followed everywhere, it's like living in a prison without bars", the group said.
Member Micky Yoochun recounted several incidents, including one in which a female fan broke into his home and attempted to kiss him while he was sleeping.
"These fans are not your average fans. They will find out our private details, record phone conversations to upload them online, place tracking devices on our cars in order to follow us around all day", he said.
In the recording released days earlier, Micky Yoochun could be heard swearing at a fan who had called him up on his private number. In a separate recording, Kim Hero Jae-joong could be heard slapping fans.
[VOD & Article] Japan’s Earthquake-Tsunami Disaster: One Year Later. Cr. - http://www.realtruth.org/
Almost a year after a 9.0-magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami rocked Japan—killing more than 19,000 people—the nation still faces colossal challenges.
The temblor and massive wave, which according to the World Bank caused at least $225 billion in economic damages, has continued to take a toll, both financially and emotionally. Massive amounts of debris from more than 125,000 destroyed buildings, broken levees, continued flooding due to excessive rain, and towns without power or water services have meant a slow recovery for the nation of more than 127 million people. Many of the country’s elderly, who once lived in coastal regions, now are forced to reside in temporary housing complexes.
A snapshot of what Japan is facing reveals the state of sections of the country one year later.
Thousands potentially still missing: “Somewhere under these unforgiving grey waters lie hundreds, perhaps thousands of bodies; the unfound, unclaimed dead of one of the country’s worst ever disasters,” Agence France-Presse stated. According to the media outlet, “One-in-six of the dead has never been found.”
Scattered debris: Some towns are debating where to store millions of tons of rubble. And there is great concern about an island of debris in the Pacific Ocean, which will likely hit the United States in about two years. “From entire segments of wooden homes, furniture and appliances to cars and boats, the rubbish islands are creating growing concern due to environmental pollution as well as shipping hazards,” Telegraph stated. “The possibility of human bodies being included in the debris is also high, bearing in mind the thousands of victims of the disaster who are still missing, believed to have been swept out to sea.”
Mass emigration: “More than 38,000 residents left the [tsunami-hit] area between March and August [2011], the biggest exodus since 1969,” Reuters stated. A University of Tokyo professor told the news agency, “The government has mostly focused on building seabanks, elevating land levels and other infrastructure development…But more attention is probably needed on supporting the livelihoods of people through direct assistance on employment and homes, or else people will leave.”
Economic woes: In 2011, the cost of rice was 10 to 15 percent higher than the previous year. Commodity prices are “sinking on the risk of another global slump, while a yen trading near postwar highs has cut the cost of imports,” Bloomberg stated. The media outlet summarized a statement by the International Monetary Fund, which cautioned that “without more rapid economic growth, the nation faces the risk that its fiscal situation will deteriorate ‘precariously.’”
Nuclear contamination: Authorities maintain that it could take 20 or more years for residents affected by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant meltdown to be able to move back into the homes they fled. “[Tokyo Electric Power Co.] may have to pay 4.5 trillion yen…to compensate people who lost their homes and livelihoods because of radiation released from the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear station,” Bloomberg reported in another article.
More earthquakes: A University of Nevada geophysicist said the Tohoku earthquake was “a grim reminder of the potential for another strong-motion mega-earthquake along the Pacific Northwest coast,” according to Wharton Magazine.
But there has been some progress.
In certain areas, debris has been removed and roads repaved. A reporter from Canadian news magazine Maclean’s noted that when he last visited a hard-hit section of Japan, “the roads were strewn with muck or littered with boats, the buildings were decorated with the ropes and buoys of the oyster farms that once thrived here and the tsunami, which struck shortly after the massive earthquake of March 11, toppled buildings.
“All that’s gone now—the streets scrubbed, most of the debris carted away and sorted into metal or wood or plastic. What’s left isn’t much of a town.”
While the government hopes to clear the debris by 2014, as of late February, only five percent of rubble left by the tsunami has been cleared.
[News] Bobby Kim and So Ji Sub to Duet for Mini Album. Cr. - soompi
Bobby Kim’s entertainment agency revealed on March 9 that he and So Ji Sub would be doing a duet for So Ji Sub’s upcoming mini album. So Ji Sub will rap while Bobby Kim will sing.
Bobby Kim spoke of So Ji Sub’s rapping, “He has a rhythmical rapping style and his musical knowledge is extraordinary. His musical talent is as good as his acting skills.”
So Ji Sub stated, “I am thankful to Bobby Kim, who has given his support and care for most of the mini album. Due to his direct involvement by singing a duet with me, the music shines even more.”
Bobby Kim will even appear in So Ji Sub’s music video. Meanwhile, as we reported before, So Ji Sub will release his personal magazine “SONICe” on March 14.
[News] Lee Ki-woo joins Standby to romance Jung So-min. Cr. - dramabeans
Lee Ki-woo has picked his next TV project, and well, that does it; now I’m just going to have to watch Standby, aren’t I? Especially since he’ll be embarking on a bickering romance with Jung So-min, the gullible village girl in the big city. Sweet!
As the latest addition to the MBC sitcom set in a television station, Lee Ki-woo plays a character named Ryu Ki-woo, which means he’s going to be playing Ryu Jin’s younger brother. (When actors are cast as siblings in sitcoms, they’ll often keep their first names and then just adjust the family name to match the elder actor, like Seo Ji-seok did in High Kick 3.)
The character of Ki-woo has an optimistic, sociable nature and is full of good cheer. He’s handsome and charming on the outside, but in actuality he’s a mischievous type, and “has everyone wrapped around his finger.” What, like that’s bad? *Unwraps self momentarily.* I love how both brothers are described as looking cool and perfect, but are all quirky on the inside. (Elder brother Ryu Jin is desperate to make it to the big time as a news anchor and starts on a campaign to advance himself at the station.)
Jung So-min lives downstairs from Ki-woo, and the two will embark on a “cute love story.” Aww, I can’t wait. Standby premieres in April.
[News] Lee Dong Wook in Talks for "Strong Heart" MC Position. Cr. - soompi
It has been reported that actor Lee Dong Wook is one of the newest candidate for the MC position on the hit celebrity talk show “Strong Heart.”
According to an SBS representative on March 10, Lee Dong Wook is in the talks for "Strong Heart's" MC position. “Strong Heart” is looking for two MCs to host the talk show after Lee Seung Gi’s leave.
A broadcast representative state, “Lee Dong Wook is a strong candidate, and we are currently in the process of discussing Lee’s potential casting.” He also added, “Lee’s casting has not been finalized yet, and we will be meeting up with his representatives in the near future to discuss details and opinions.”
One of Lee’s representatives at King Kong Entertainment stated similarly, “It is true that Lee Dong Wook has been offered a position as the new ‘Strong Heart’ MC. The casting is not definite as of now, and we are currently reviewing the details.”
Kang Ho Dong and Lee Seung Gi originally hosted “Strong Heart” together until this past September when Kang Ho Dong stepped down and declared a temporary retirement. Since then, Lee Seung Gi was the solo MC until he announced that he too would be stepping down. Lee will be recording his last episode on March 15.
As a result, the show is in the process of making a few changes, including finding two new MCs. Viewers have been expressing their anticipation for the show because it is expected that there will be exciting new changes.
Also, because Lee Dong Wook is already a Hallyu star, his potential addition to the show would further increase the value of “Strong Heart” in its role as a Hallyu content. As of now, there have been no details regarding the second MC candidate.
Lee Seung Gi’s last episode featuring YG artists is scheduled to air until April 4.
[VOD / Photo & News] Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Yuna Team up for Prospecs. Cr. - soompi
Actor Kim Soo Hyun and figure skater Kim Yuna recently coupled up for a CF.
On March 9, sportswear brand Prospecs released photos of the couple from their recent photoshoot.
In the photos, the Soo Hyun-Yuna couple is wearing matching sports t-shirts, showing off the fresh image of young adults in their early 20s. Their expressions are as fresh and bright as the colors of the clothes they're wearing, giving the feeling that spring has already arrived.
The following photos are stills of the CF, where the two endorse Prospecs' new line of athletic shoes, the W Cool Pink for women, and W Power for men.
The theme of the CF refers to the upcoming White Day on March 14, a nationally celebrated day where the men get to respond to the women that expressed their love to them on Valentine's Day. Kim Soo Hyun, of "The Moon That Embraces the Sun" fame, and figure skating queen Kim Yuna made a powerful couple for the CF.
Viewers that saw the photos commented, "Kim Yuna is prettier than most celebrities," "King Hwon looks somehow looks younger," "The both of them look so fresh. I want to see them acting together," and "It's the popular couple."
The making film for the CF and information on the merchandise can be found on http://www.prospecs.com/main/main.asp
[VOD & News] Lee Jun Ki reveals teaser for “Together”. Cr. - allkpop
Hallyu star Lee Jun Ki, who was honorably discharged from the military on February 16th, will be releasing a new single in Japan entitled ‘Deucer‘.
The single album will include a track titled, “Together“, a song full of hope that’s sure to leave a strong impression on its listeners. The single album will also include four other tracks that Lee Jun Ki composed himself. Earlier today, a teaser for “Together” was revealed through Lee Jun Ki’s official YouTube channel.
Lee Jun Ki will also be holding his Japan fan meet tour ‘COMING BACK‘ in March, covering major cities such as Nagoya on the 16th, Yokohama on the 18th, and Osaka on the 19th.
[VOD & News] Poster and premiere date of Ku Hye-sun's Taiwanese drama revealed. Cr. - 10asia
A poster and premiere date of Korean actress Ku Hye-sun's Taiwanese TV series was revealed by her agency YG Entertainment on Friday.
YG revealed the poster for Ku's drama "Absolute Boyfriend," where Ku plays the female lead named Xiaopei (in Romanized Korean), and added that the series will make its first premiere on FTV, the country’s one of the major channels, on April 8.
In the poster, Ku is stretching her arms next to two male characters in the show in her pink pajama. Wang Dong Cheng, a member of the popular Taiwanese band Fahrenheit is also signed on to play the male while other casts include actors Nah Yoo Hoon and Kun Da.
Adapted from the Japanese graphic novel of the same name by Yuu Watase, “Absolute Boyfriend” dramatizes Xiaopei’s fantasy of falling in love with a guy who is the epitome of her perfect boyfriend, played by Wang.
Ku first made her debut on TV as a commercial model after getting famous online with her looks. Since then she has taken several main roles in famous TV dramas including KBS’ “Pure 19” (2006), KBS’ “Boys Over Flowers” (2009) and SBS’ “The King and I” (2007-2008).
Ku recently finished her aviation series “Take Care of Us Captain,” helmed by producer Yang Hye-sung, opposite actor Ji Jin-hee.
[Photo & News] Kim Hyun Joong appointed an honorary ambassador for the UN. Cr. - allkpop
The inauguration ceremony for the UN‘s Korean Campaign on Contributions to Social Welfare was held at the Plaza Hotel in Seoul on March 9th. It was here that Hallyu star Kim Hyun Joong was selected as an honorary ambassador for the campaign, to spread hope amongst the Korean society.
In the photo below, the singer/actor stands between Asian Campaign representative Kim Jung Hoon, and the interim leader of the ruling Saenuri Party Park Geun Hye, who interestingly also happens to be the aunt of singer Eun Ji Won.
[News] Jun Ji Hyun's Marriage Is Pushed Forward to April 13. Cr. - soompi
Jeon Ji Hyun will be marrying a bit earlier than planned! The date of her marriage changed from June 2 to April 13. Jeon Ji Hyun’s entertainment agency “J & Co. Entertainment” stated “Jeon Ji Hyun’s wedding date changed to April 13 because of the shift in overseas filming schedule for the movie ‘Berlin.’”
Originally, the plan was to finish all of the foreign filming for “Berlin” and then have the wedding in June.
Jeon Ji Hyun said through the agency, “Marriage is a big deal that happens once in a lifetime but the responsibility of an actress and her work is also very important. That is why I do not want any problems happening to the movie because of my marriage.”
Jeon Ji Hyun’s marriage with Choi Joon Hyuk will be held at the “Hotel Shilla” on April 13.
[News] Ha Ji Won: "I Don't Know What Marriage Is Yet". Cr. - soompi
On March 8, actress Ha Ji Won attended the press conference for her new drama, "The King 2hearts." In the drama, Ha Ji Won plays the role of Kim Hang Ah, a former agent and current instructor of the North Korean special forces. A veteran actress and expert in dramas, Ha Ji Won spent most of her late 20s and early 30s working. Now, at the age of 34, it can be expected that marriage has come to mind for her lately.
On the subject of marriage, Ha Ji Won revealed, "I really don't know what marriage is just yet." She explained, "Truthfully, I haven't really been thinking about it lately, but people around me have been talking to me about it. Sometimes they say, 'What if you lose your chance to get married,' and I try to think about it. Kim Hang Ah is a character that's very thoughtful about her life, so she's bound to worry about it [marriage]. Maybe it's because I haven't matured enough yet, but I don't have any plans to get married yet."
Ha Ji Won also revealed that she recently had a dream related to marriage. She added, "I had a dream because of my character. In the dream, I was married to someone who was arranged for me, like my character in the drama. I was completely surprised." In "The King 2hearts," Kim Hang Ah ends up in an arranged marriage with the Crown Prince of South Korea, Lee Jae (Lee Seung Gi).
She continued, "I don't really know the meaning of marriage. Therefore, I don't really know if I want to get married yet. I wonder if I'll be able to find my true feelings for it through my role as Kim Hang Ah. I will try to do so."
Ha Ji Won will be acting alongside actor Lee Seung Gi, who will play the role of King Lee Jae. As he is currently 25 years old, there have been speculations on the age difference between the two. Ha revealed, "Actually, there have been many times where I played alongside an actor who was younger than me. In the moment of acting, I'm the character I'm playing, not Ha Ji Won. Therefore, it hasn't been very difficult." She added with confidence, "Maybe it's because I've become used to it, but it doesn't come as uncomfortable to me."
"[Lee Seung Gi and I] do have an age difference, but I hope we look good with each other. It's a greater age difference than before, but I can't help it," Ha added with a smile. In 2010, Ha Ji Won worked with Hyun Bin (age 30) for SBS's hit drama "Secret Garden," and with Jo In Sung (age 31) for SBS's "What Happened It Bali" in 2004.
The drama will feature a "Nape Kiss" scene between the two leads. Ha Ji Won commented, "Lee Seung Gi is very young, but acted with a bold confidence," and "He was more mature than I thought."
MBC's upcoming drama, "The King 2 Hearts" is set to air on March 21 at 21:55 KST, following the popular drama series "The Moon That Embraces the Sun."
[Photo & News] Jang Keun-suk cuts his hair for 'Love Rain'. Cr. - dramabeans
Jang Keun-suk is showing off an image transformation for Love Rain, the upcoming drama where he plays a young man in the 1970s who falls in love with Yoon-ah, and then also portrays the man’s son three decades later. These stills come from a recent shoot in Hokkaido; who wants to bet Jang spent all morning cruising the streets trying to get recognized?
They’re calling this look “homme fatale,” which makes me wonder if they understand the term fatale. And homme. His 1970s character, Seo In-ha, is meant to portray a “gentle charm,” while his 2012 character, Seo Jun, is his polar opposite. You know how children love to rebel against the ‘rents. Jun is frank and free-spirited, which is expressed here in his asymmetric hairdo and rocker earring/chain, which inexplicably makes me want to give it a tug. A total id-like response, but you can’t just dangle that thing at me and expect me not to react, can you?
With “Season director” Yoon Suk-ho at the helm and his love of classic melodrama plotlines, expect lots of heartfelt tears, pretty scenery, and depictions of “pure romance.” There’s definitely an audience for this kind of old-school sentimental romance. Now, the story seems a bit passé. Let’s hope the drama pulls out some fresh new surprises when it premieres on March 26, 'Love Rain' follows Dream High 2 on Mondays and Tuesdays on KBS.
[News] Kim Seung-woo headlines medical drama. Cr. - dramabeans
So if you’ve been following medical drama-to-be Third Ward at all, it’s been on quite the rollercoaster pre-production journey. First it was slated for SBS with Cha Seung-won attached. Then both SBS and Cha dropped it, and it picked up Uhm Tae-woong as a hero and started shopping at KBS.
During that round it changed its title to Tower. But Uhm then went on to do the upcoming Equator Man, and now there’s a new leading man working out final negotiations. If all the Ts get crossed, Kim Seung-woo will be headlining the drama over on cable network tvN. Oh, and it’s called Third Ward again. Phew. Still with me?
The drama is being produced by Taewon Entertainment, the production house behind the IRIS franchise. So it makes sense that Kim Seung-woo would be on their short list, as was Cha Seung-won.
Third Ward is yet another neurosurgeon drama because, um, there ARE no other types of doctors in dramaland? It’s a battle in Eastern vs. Western medicine, and our hero is caught somewhere in between, having been forced into Western medicine by his father.
'Third Ward' will air sometime this spring on tvN.
[Photo & News] Han Ji Hye shares photos of her beautiful home in Chicago. Cr. - allkpop
Han Ji Hye revealed a picture of her home in the United States.
She uploaded two photos recently onto her personal facebook and also wrote, “My pretty house that has a little bit of me in it.”
Han Ji Hye shared the public pictures of her cozy Chicago home, which appears to be a high rise condominium. The interior design and the window that displays the whole city shows how chic and beautiful her house is.
Netizens responded to her picture saying, “I wish I can see her whole house“, “I’m so jealous of her“, and “Just from pictures you can clearly see that her house is a piece of art.”
[News] Jang Nara to sing duet with Jimmy Lin for Chinese movie soundtrack. Cr. - 10asia
Korean songstress and actress Jang Nara will come together with singer Jimmy Lin to record a duet song for her upcoming Chinese movie.
Jang will leave for Taiwan today to record the ballad "flying with you" with Jimmy Lin which will be the main song for her first Chinese-language movie "Flying With You" set to hit theaters in China this summer, according to her manager on Friday.
The official explained that the new song will also be listed in Jang's fourth full-length Chinese album scheduled to drop in April or May.
In the meantime, the trailer for Jang's pic "Flying With You" will make its premiere at the second annual Beijing International Festival (BJIFF) next month.
Making her debut as a singer in Korea in 2001, Jang has been focusing on her career in China through TV series and several Chinese-language albums.
Jang is gearing up to make her comeback to the local music scene with the digital single, featuring title track "Only Thinking of You" and her duet song "It Was You" sung with singer Alex, on March 15.
[News] Lee Ki-woo joins cast in upcoming MBC sitcom. Cr. - 10asia
Korean actor Lee Ki-woo has joined the cast of an upcoming MBC sitcom, making it his second project since being discharged from the military last year.
On Friday, his agency S-Plus Entertainment announced in a press release that Lee will play the younger brother of actor Ryu Jin in MBC's new sitcom tentatively titled "Standby" scheduled to hit airwaves next month.
S-Plus said that Lee will play Ryu Ki-woo who is a comical and unpredictable character while and form a relationship with actress Jung So-min.
"Standby" will focus on the everyday stories of producers, writers and announcers working at TV11, a broadcasting company. It will also star Park Jun-keum, ZE:A member Siwan and Kim Yeon-woo.
Lee made his debut in 2003 in the movie "The Classic" alongside top actors Cho Seung-woo, Zo In-sung and Son Ye-jin. He has since been in a number of series such as SBS' TV series "Not Alone" and "Star's Lover."
He also has several films under his belt including "Sad Movie (2005)," "Lost in Love (2006)" and "Lost and Found (2008)." His latest work is tvN's TV series "Cool Guys, Hot Ramen" opposite Jung Il-woo and Lee Chung-ah.
[News] Jung Il Woo’s Fashion Faux Pas? Cr. - soompi
“The Moon that Embraces the Sun’s” Jung Il Woo surprised fans and netizens with a fashion mishap. Recently, several photos, titled “Jung Il Woo, Fashion Mishap Overshadows His Good-Looking Face,” were uploaded to various online communities, attracting attention. In the photos, Jung Il Woo wore a huge boxed tee over a blue collared shirt, along with jeans, sneakers, and a hat. He looks exhausted, probably because he dropped in after recording “The Moon that Embraces the Sun.”
The photos were taken on Wednesday, March 7, during the star-studded VVIP premiere of “Untouchable” at the CGV in Gangnam. Netizens commented, “What happened to our fashionista oppa? Come back~” “Shocking!,” “It’s probably because he’s not smiling,” “He must be tired from all the filming,” and more.
[News] Jang Keun Suk opens a cafe to celebrate his album release in Japan.
