[VOD & News] KBS bans MC Sniper’s “Push It” music video for rebellious content.

[VOD & News] KBS bans MC Sniper’s “Push It” music video for rebellious content.
Cr. - allkpop

MC Sniper‘s official music video for his sixth album title track, “Push It“, has been reported to be labeled unfit for public broadcast.

The music video and song is a criticism against the current state of the K-Pop market, and it incorporates the use of direct and heavy language in the lyrics, and expresses it in a rough manner in the actual music video. KBS‘s review board deemed it unfit for broadcast due to the overall ‘rebellious’ theme of the music video.

The music video uses a run down building as its backdrop and criticizes the MOGEF and other review boards for their unfair methods of banning songs, as well as companies for their unethical methods of auditions. A part of the lyrics state, “Start with music that’s edible, but take out all of the nutrients. Just make it fun with an impact – but wait, that’s still weak. Mix in a plagiarized melody and throw in some meaningless alien words.”

Sniper Sound officials commented, “The music video was banned for its overall content so we won’t be able to make any changes. Since the song itself has been passed, we will continue promoting it on air.”

Check out the video and leave your thoughts below!

[News] Huh Gak Meets So Ji Sub and Bobby Kim in Japan.

[News] Huh Gak Meets So Ji Sub and Bobby Kim in Japan.
Cr. - soompi

Singer Huh Gak posted a picture of himself with actor So Ji Sub on twitter and commented, "Thanks for the good time in Japan, my bro So Gan Ji!!!!!!!" In the revealed picture, Huh Gak and So Ji Sub are standing side by side and posing in front of the camera. There is also another picture of the two with singer Bobby Kim.

It turns out that these pictures are from So Ji Sub's fan meeting in Tokyo, Japan on March 25. Huh Gak made a guest appearance at the event, as he featured in So Ji Sub's new album "Corona Borealis." Approximately 10,000 Japanese fans gathered for this fan meeting and So Ji Sub greeted these excited fans with the songs from his newly released mini album. Huh Gak and So Ji Sub together performed the title song "Such A Story" from "Corona Borealis."

While busy helping out a friend in need, Huh Gak released his second mini album "Lacrimoso" on April 3. The title song "The Person That Loved You" instantly topped several online music charts upon its release.

Please check out the music video of "Such A Story" by So Ji Sub with Huh Gak below!

[News] "Strong Heart" PD Describes First Recording with New MCs.

[News] "Strong Heart" PD Describes First Recording with New MCs.
Cr. - soompi

SBS "Strong Heart" successfully finished its first filming with the new MCs Shin Dong Yup and Lee Dong Wook. Producer Park Sang Hyuk of "Strong Heart" commented, "Lee Dong Wook and Shin Dong Yup displayed phenomenal emceeing skills and harmony. I am excited to see what will become of this combination. Lee Dong Wook did a very good job. Even though he has not worked with Shin Dong Yup previously, they were a dynamic duo on camera. Their performance exceeds my expectation."

He added, "Lee Dong Wook is more charming than ever and Shin Dong Yup led the filming. He is such an experienced variety show veteran and he reacted quickly to rapid flow and different situations. The crew, panel members, guest stars, and others were all pleasantly surprised. The new 'Strong Heart' is full of surprises and different types of charms."

With the two new MCs, "Strong Heart" is reorganized with original panel members entertainer Boom, Lee Teuk and Eunhyuk from Super Junior, comedians Kim Hyo Jin and Jung Joo Ri, along with new additions like comedian Yang Se Hyung. The first episode of "Strong Heart" featuring Shin Dong Yup and Lee Dong Wook as MCs will air on April 10.

SISTAR's Hyorin, Lee Dong Wook's army buddies Lee Jin Wook and Kim Ji Suk, and Shin Dong Yup's dear friend Song Eun Ee and Kim Shin Young will appear on this episode to celebrate the new beginning of "Strong Heart."

[News] Kim Hyun-joong to come back with "City Conquest"?

[News] Kim Hyun-joong to come back with "City Conquest"?
Cr. - hancinema

Singer and actor Kim Hyun-joong's next comeback drama is revealing itself.

Based on an original bestselling comic book, "City Conquest" has picked Kim Hyun-joong for its leading role. As soon as he confirms to join, the drama should take a rapid spin and start right away.

Kim Hyun-joong stopped acting for more than a year after the 2010 MBC drama "Naughty Kiss". He was talked about as being cast in the drama "Speed" earlier this year but the production was postponed and naturally, foundered.

"City Conquest" is a popular 270 series comic book that was first published in 1996. Total numbers add up to a million copies sold nationwide.

Yang Yoon-ho will be directing this drama and it will be written by Hwang Joo-ha.

[VOD & News] Rurouni Kenshin(Live-Action) Film 2012 Trailer Released.

[VOD & News] Rurouni Kenshin(Live-Action) Film 2012 Trailer Released.
Original - http://twssg.blogspot.com/

Takeru Satoh (Kamen Rider Den-O, Rookies, Beck, Ryomaden) will star in a live-action film adaptation of Nobuhiro Watsuki's Rurouni Kenshin samurai manga next year. Keishi Ōtomo will direct Satoh on this new film, just as he did in last year's NHK historical television series Ryomaden. Warner Brothers Pictures Japan is producing with its president William Ireton, while Studio Swan (Paradise Kiss) is in charge of the actual film production.

The Sankei Sports newspaper adds that the staff aims to release the film internationally and eventually make a series. This will be the first live-action adaptation of the manga.

Producer Shinzo Matsuhashi commented, "Satoh has the looks and stature to be a proper Kenshin." Watsuki added that when this project was just starting, he and his wife were discussing who should play Kenshin, and decided that Satoh topped the list.

Satoh himself said that he was a huge fan of the original manga when he was in elementary school and when the manga was still running. "It was the manga that everyone in my generation knew." He added that he and his friends would play around by pretending to sword-fight. Satoh began intensive training in sword-fighting earlier this month, and filming will begin in July.

Nobuhiro Watsuki's original 1994-1999 manga ran in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine and the resulting 28 compiled books volumes have 50 million copies in print. The manga inspired a television anime series that is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. Viz Media published the manga in North America, and Media Blasters' AnimeWorks label released the television anime.

[Photo & News] Jang Keun-suk is the new face of Café Bene.

[Photo & News] Jang Keun-suk is the new face of Café Bene.
Cr. - hancinema

Jang Keun-sukk has become the new face of the Korean coffee franchise Café Bene.

He has recently signed a model contract with the company.

Café Bene officials say, "Jang Keun-suk's soft smile and young image is just right for the image Café Bene seeks. We hope the image of the college student who loves coffee will blend in well to create a synergy effect".

Jang Keun-suk will co-model with existing Café Bene model Han Ye-seul and the two have recently shot an ad for newspapers.

Jang Keun-suk is currently taking on two roles in the KBS 2TV drama "Love Rain". Also on the 30th of May his first official Japanese album comes out and Jang Keun-suk will go on a supporting Asian tour around four Japanese cities, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Taiwan, Thailand and other South East Asian countries starting in July.

[News] Kim Hyun Joong reviewing the script of “Conquest of the City”.

[News] Kim Hyun Joong reviewing the script of “Conquest of the City”.
Cr. - allkpop

Many are interested in whether Kim Hyun Joong will come back to the small screen as an actor through the upcoming drama ‘Conquest of the City’.

His company, Key East, told TV Report on April 6th, “Nothing has been finalized. He has been receiving a lot of casting calls and this one is one of them. We are looking at it, as of now.”

‘Conquest of the City’ is a comic-turned-drama that talks about the evil and the unlawful aspects of society. The comic has been published since 1996 and the 270 issues have sold 10 million copies.

Kim Hyun Joong’s last acting gig was ‘Playful Kiss’ on MBC, back in 2010. He was going to star in ‘Speed’, but had to let it go because of his busy schedule.

[News] Jeon Ji-hyun's wedding photos shot a week before the ceremony?

[News] Jeon Ji-hyun's wedding photos shot a week before the ceremony?
Cr. - hancinema

Actress Jeon Ji-hyun shot wedding pictures prior to her actual wedding.

Jeon Ji-hyun had a wedding picture photo session with fashion magazine ELLE in a studio in Seoul on April 4th.

Jeon Ji-hyun wanted to create memories of this most beautiful and lovely moment forever.

She is currently concentrating more on her work -- the movie "Berlin" -- than her wedding and was able to make the wedding happen two months earlier than planned in order to accomodate the movie shoot, but she still went through a photo shoot like every other bride does. The pictures can be seen in the May issue of ELLE.

Meanwhile, Jeon Ji-hyun is getting married in the Shilla Hotel on April 13th after a press conference.

[VOD & News] Trailer of Kanjani 8’s upcoming movie ‘Eight Ranger’ released.

[VOD & News] Trailer of Kanjani 8’s upcoming movie ‘Eight Ranger’ released.
Cr. - http://www.tokyohive.com/

Last month, Tokyohive reported Kanjani8 will star in their first movie ‘Eight Ranger’, a Sentai parody corner performed at their concerts.

The movie is scheduled to hit the theater on July 28th, and their trailer was released on April 4th. In the trailer, 7 costumed members make up “Eight Ranger”. The theme song by Kanjani8 is titled, “ER” (Eight Ranger).

Check out trailer of “Eight Ranger” below!

[VOD & News] Jang Keun Suk to embark on second Asia Tour in July.

[VOD & News] Jang Keun Suk to embark on second Asia Tour in July.
Cr. - allkpop

‘Asian Prince‘ Jang Keun Suk will be continuing his Asia Tour from last year.

Jang Geun Suk’s ‘2011 Jang Keun Suk Asia Tour THE CRI SHOW‘ which covered Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan, Shanghai, and more was extremely successful, and the Hallyu star is ready to do it all over again in 2012.

In July, Jang Keun Suk will begin his ‘2012 Jang Keun Suk Asia Tour THE CRI SHOW 2‘, starting in Seoul and covering the major cities across Asia.

Different from the performances of other artists, Jang Keun Suk’s format will be more like a musical show, displaying his own unique style.

His new tour will cover Seoul, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, as well as Shanghai, Taiwan, Thailand, and more.

You can check out footage from last year’s tour below.

[VOD & News] Kim Kang-woo & Kim Hyo-jin in "The Taste of Money" new poster released.

[VOD & News] Kim Kang-woo & Kim Hyo-jin in "The Taste of Money" new poster released.
Original : http://twssg.blogspot.com/

Added new poster for the upcoming Korean movie "The Taste of Money" (2011), Directed by Lim Sang-soo leader cast starring by Kim Kang-woo, Kim Hyo-jin, Baek Yoon-sik, Yoon Yeo-jeong, On Joo-wan.

The Taste of Money is about a young ambitious man who works for a Korean conglomerate owned by a powerful family. Witnessing the moral corruption of this family, he’s slowly getting involved in their private matters… Forcing him to choose his side. To survive in this harsh world.

The film almost looks like a follow-up to The Housemaid, depicting once again the moral hypocrisy of the South Korean bourgeoisie.

Aka people having of money & power, doing whatever they want, having no respect for anything. Is the film taking the economic crisis into consideration? You know, to criticize the privileged class?

One thing for sure, it looks visually intriguing. Director Im Sang-soo seems to offer (again!?) a geometric mise-en-scene reflecting the strict world of power & money – while taking us behind-the-scenes.

The Taste of Money is announced for a May 2012 release in South Korean. The same month, the film could be screened at Cannes.

[News] Kim Hyun-joong sets location and date for Singapore fan meeting.

[News] Kim Hyun-joong sets location and date for Singapore fan meeting.
Cr. - 10asia

Korean singer and actor Kim Hyun-joong has revealed the location and date for his upcoming fan meeting in Singapore.

On Friday, the event's organizer Running Into the Sun announced on their official website that Kim's first stop to his Asia tour will take place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on May 4.

Meanwhile, Kim's agency, KEYEAST, said that he plans to hold his tour for the whole month with visits to several Asian countries including Hong Kong, Taiwan, China and Thailand.

Being one of the most popular Hallyu stars in Asia, Kim made his debut in the boy band SS501 with their single "SS501” in 2005.

He started his solo career in music with the first solo mini-album “Break Down” in 2011, and followed it up with the second mini-album “Lucky” in the same year.

Kim’s popular credits in the small screen include KBS’ “Boys Over Flowers” in 2009 and MBC’s “Naughty Kiss” in 2010.

[News] "Rooftop Prince" steals No. 1 spot on Wed-Thurs primetime lineup.

[News] "Rooftop Prince" steals No. 1 spot on Wed-Thurs primetime lineup.
Cr. -10asia

SBS’ comic series “Rooftop Prince” has knocked down MBC’s “The King 2Hearts” to sit on the top spot of the Wednesday and Thursday primetime lineup.

Starring JYJ member Park Yuchun and actress Han Ji-min, “Rooftop Prince” marked ratings of 10.9 percent on Wednesday and rose to 14.2 percent the next day, claiming its first win since the drama kicked off its premiere on March 21, according to data compiled by TNmS (Total National Multimedia Statistics) on Friday.

Meanwhile, “The King 2Hearts” came in the first place after posting ratings of 12.1 percent on Wednesday, but the drama's two-week winning was halted by "Rooftop Prince" the next day, despite it's 0.1 percentage point rise.

Following the top two, KBS series “Man From the Equator” came in third with rating of 11.4 percent on Wdnesday and saw its number fall by 1.8 percentage points to 9.6 percent on the next day’s episode.

AGB Nielson Media Research’s poll also showed a similar order of the dramas’ ratings but with slightly different numbers.

“The King 2Hearts” was holding tight to the top spot by winning “Rooftop Prince” with ratings of 13.5 percent over 11.2 percent on Wednesday, but “Rooftop Prince” quickly stole the crown the following day, climbing up 1.3 percentage points.

Struggling on the bottom of the list, "Man From the Equator" placed in the third with ratings of 10. 2 percent on both days, AGB data showed.

[News] Yoo Ah In and HyunA's "High Cut" Spread Garners Attention.

[News] Yoo Ah In and HyunA's "High Cut" Spread Garners Attention.
Cr. - soompi

Yoo Ah In and girl group 4minute member, HyunA, are garnering attention for their bold photo shoot.

On April 5, Yoo Ah In and HyunA’s style magazine “High Cut” photo shoot was revealed. Yoo Ah In did not disappoint fans as his previous experiences in photo shoots helped him bring out professional model poses. HyunA also displayed a force with her sexy eyes.

Photographer Kim Young Joon—who lead the photo shoot—evaluated, “Both Yoo Ah In and HyunA’s poses are high quality and their understanding of the photo shoot helped make it effective.”

Yoo Ah In and HyunA are both students at Konkuk University in the College of Arts—with Yoo Ah In being the sunbae by one year. But this is their first time actually meeting face to face due to their busy schedules of acting and performing on stage.

Yoo Ah In stated, “Even though it is my first time meeting HyunA today, I listened to 4minute’s songs and watched their performances on a daily basis. I think I listened to their songs more than other girl groups’.”

HyunA said, “At first I was very shy. Usually when there is a couple photo shoot, the couple greets one another and talks for a bit before the shooting but the photographer just said, ‘Alright let’s begin’ and made me blush. Yoo Ah In would still look awesome if someone took a picture of him just walking along the streets. His force and aura is amazing; I liked the feeling of his vibe.”'

[News] Lee Seung Gi Topless for "The King 2hearts" .

[News] Lee Seung Gi Topless for "The King 2hearts" .
Cr. - soompi

For the episode of MBC’s “The King 2hearts” that was broadcast on April 4 Lee Seung Gi got topless! In the scene Lee Seung Gi was taking a bath and talking to his brother who is the king.

The following contains spoilers:

The king (Jae Ha) tells Lee Seung Gi’s character that he should do a “meeting” with a North Korean woman. The reason is that Ha Ji Won’s character has a Special Forces background and cannot be brought into the court.

Netizens that saw the scene stated, “I was surprised at Lee Seung Gi’s topless scene,” “He has a good body on top of a good looking face,” and “My eyes had a luxurious experience.”

“The King 2hearts” is about Lee Seung Gi’s character who is the prince of South Korea and his falling in love with Ha Ji Won’s character who is a North Korean Special Forces instructor.

[Photo & VOD] Jang Keun Suk L’inoui shop opening event... 4/04/2012.

[Photo & VOD] Jang Keun Suk L’inoui shop opening event...4/04/2012.
cr. - jangkeunsukforever

[News] Park Si Yeon Talks About Nude Scene in Upcoming Film "The Scent".

[News] Park Si Yeon Talks About Nude Scene in Upcoming Film "The Scent".
Cr. - soompi

Park Si Yeon opened up about her radical nude scene in upcoming film "The Scent" (a.k.a. "Gan Gi Nam") at the film's press conference and premiere on April 3. She said, "When I first got the script, there was no exposure scene and I did not know that I had to go naked in front of the camera until we started filming. It was tough as I have never done such thing before, but I had several heated discussions with the producer and my co-star Park Hee Soon about these scenes and we did it."

Park Si Yeon plays the role of attractive widow Soo Jin who knows the key information about her husband's murder case. Sun Woo (played by Park Hee Soon) and Soo Jin first meet each other as a suspect and the wife of the victim. They continuously clash with each other, but cannot help being attracted to each other. As they try to conceal the truth, they share more secrets together. This also builds up inexorable sexual tension between the two. The movie portrays such high sexual tension through a radical sex scene of the two at Soo Jin's dead husband's funeral.

Director Kim Hyung Joon commented, "At first, Park Si Yeon's script wasn't fully written in detail. The movie's main goal is to portray the ultimate femme fatale, and I had Sharon Stone's 'Basic Instinct' in mind in directing and producing this movie. Park Si Yeon's full nude scene was necessary to portray that fatal attraction. We had a series of long discussions about this and there were some minor arguments, too. But when we started filming, both Park Hee Soon and Park Si Yeon were very professional. Thanks to them, we managed to film this very important scene quickly and precisely."

"The Scent" is Sun Woo, a detective who accidentally gets involved with a murder case as he was trying to catch adulterers. Soo Jin, the murder victim's wife and Sun Woo attempt to solve a mysterious murder case together. The film is coming to the theaters on April 11.

Check out the trailer of "The Scent" below!

[News] Lee Min-ho to take on 1st historical TV series.

[News] Lee Min-ho to take on 1st historical TV series.
Cr. - 10asia

Korean actor Lee Min-ho will make his return to the small screen with his first historical drama, according to his agency Starhaus Entertainment.

In the upcoming SBS series tentatively titled "Faith," Lee has been cast as the male lead who becomes a general in the Royal Guards, a press release by Starhaus said on Tuesday.

"I was immersed in the script the moment I started to read it. And I chose to appear in a historical series in order to show a transformation of myself as an actor," Lee said in the statement, adding that he feels honored to work with director Kim.

"Faith," helmed by famed director Kim Jong-hak of popular series "Taewangsasingi," will tell the story of surgeons during Korea's Koryo Dynasty while the female lead will be played by top actress Kim Hee-son.

The show is slated to hit the airwaves in August after the upcoming series "Ghost," starring So Ji-sub and Lee Yeon-hee, ends its run.

Lee shot to stardom with KBS' "Boys Over Flowers" in 1999, and has been one of the most popular Korean actors in Asia. He has since starred in other hits such as MBC's "Personal Taste" in 2010 and SBS' action series "City Hunter," the following year.

[News] Kim So-yeon renews contract with Namoo Actors.

[News] Kim So-yeon renews contract with Namoo Actors.
Cr. - 10asia

Korean actress Kim So-yeon has renewed her contract with her agency Namoo Actors.

A rep from Namoo confirmed through a phone interview with 10Asia on Tuesday that Kim, whose contract with the firm ended in late March, recently decided to stay with the firm.

"We are excited that Kim extended her contract with us. Other actors in our company, Yoon Je-moon, Ji Sung and Lee Yoon-ji have done the same as well," the official explained.

Kim started out in the entertainment business in 1994 and is best known for her role in MBC's TV series "All About Eve" in 2000.

She since has starred in a number of hit dramas including KBS' blockbuster "IRIS" in 2009, SBS' "Princess Prosecutor" the same year and SBS' sports show "Dr. Champ" in 2010.

Her most recent movie "GABI (Coffee)" opposite actors Joo Jin-mo and Park Hee-soon opened in theaters on March 15.

[News] Love Rain: Check out a romantic date between In Ha (Jang Keun Suk) and Yoon Hee (Yoona).

[News] Love Rain: Check out a romantic date between In Ha (Jang Keun Suk) and Yoon Hee (Yoona).
Cr. - en.korea

KBS2’s Monday-Tuesday series Love Rain, starring Jang Keun Suk and Yoon, is in the limelight for boding for a romantic date of the couple.

In the third episode of Love Rain that it to air on April 2, In Ha(Jang Keun Suk) and Yoon Hee (Yoona) are reunited again after a lengthy separation. The couple keeps their promise to watch the movie Love Story, boding for their romantic relationship is rekindled.

Contrary to the folk dance scene where he was forced to let go of her hand in the festival, this is to be a happy, prime scene where In Ha asks Yoon Hee to dance.

Also, the scene was shot at a beach, which will be a highlight of the romantic date.

A source from the series says, “In the third episode of Love Rain, a happy, romantic date between In Ha and Yoon Hee is portrayed. Meanwhile, there will be a conflict among Dong Wook (Kim Si Hoo), Hye Jung (Son Eun Seo), In Sook (Hwang Bo Ra), and Chang Mo (Seo In Guk), who get to know about the romantic relationship between In Ha and Yoon Hee.”