[News] So Ji Sub Tries His Hand at Judo for “Ghost”.

[News] So Ji Sub Tries His Hand at Judo for “Ghost”.
Cr. - allkpop

Actor So Ji Sub gave his best on his first try at judo. According to reports in local news agencies, the actor was spotted on the set of his new drama, “Ghost,” tackling on the challenge of judo for the first time.

The scene shows So Ji Sub in his character as Detective Kim Woo Hyun, an only child whose outstanding natural skills elevated him to the elite forces upon graduation from police academy.

Reports further said that the scene, shot at theYongin University gym attracted attention because the actor appeared in the judo uniform of a white robe and a black belt. He was also said to have exuded a strong masculinity and seemed unapproachable.

However, the actor also gained praise for showing diligence in his work. He arrived on set ahead of his colleagues, and greeted all actors and staff alike courteously.

Although it was his first time to shoot a judo fight scene, his scene partner was reported to have been impressed with So Ji Sub’s quick ability to learn and an innate sense of movement.

An official of the drama further said, “So Ji Sub has been staying up all night, and working hard for the drama. When the smiles are hard to come by, he would always lighten the mood and consistently make the shooting atmosphere friendly, so please give us a lot of support.”

“Ghost,” co-starring Lee Yeon Hee, premieres on May 30.

[VOD & News] 2PM’s Nichkhun covers Bruno Mars’ “Just The Way You Are”.

[VOD & News] 2PM’s Nichkhun covers Bruno Mars’ “Just The Way You Are”.
Cr. - allkpop

2PM‘s Nichkhun put on a special solo performance at the group’s recent ‘SIX BEAUTIFUL DAYS‘ concert held at the Budokan in Japan.

Nichkhun covered Bruno Mars‘ hit song, “Just The Way You Are“.

Displaying his piano-playing talent and singing the sweet lyrics in fluent English, Nichkhun effectively captured the hearts of the audience members who responded to his performance with explosive cheers.

Check out the fan cam of his performance below!

[News] Kim Sun Ah Shows Off Her Beautiful Shoe Collection for “I Do I Do”.

[News] Kim Sun Ah Shows Off Her Beautiful Shoe Collection for “I Do I Do”.
Cr. - soompi

With only a day until its grand premiere, MBC “I Do I Do,” starring Kim Sun Ah and Lee Jang Woo, unveiled new teaser stills, showing the lead actress with her favorite accessories, shoes – lots and lots of shoes. The photos were taken in a beautifully organized shoe closet, owned by none-other-than Kim Sun Ah’s character Hwang Ji Ahn.

According to the producers, it took over 200 pairs of shoes to fill the closet. The cheapest pair is worth somewhere in the $100 range, while the most expensive pair costs over $1,400. The total worth is estimated to $70,000!

A representative of the production team explained, “We paid a lot of attention into creating this shoe room because it is the one area that expresses Hwang Ji Ahn’s die-hard love for shoes.”

In the series, Kim Sun Ah takes on the role of Hwang Ji Ahn, the best designer at a footwear company who has the complete package of brains, beauty, and talent. Not only is she good at her work, she’s also fashionable and cultured. Lee Jang Woo plays Park Tae Kang, a walking disaster. While he used to copy designs from well-known brands, he gets accepted as a new recruit at Hwang Ji Ahn’s company.

“I Do I Do” hopes to break the accepted social norm in kdramas of a thirty-something year old female protagonist in need of “saving” (aka marriage) by a young, wealthy prince. The romantic-comedy will premiere on MBC tomorrow, May 30, at 9:55PM KST.

[News] Shin Se Kyung to Make Singing Debut with Digital Single.

[News] Shin Se Kyung to Make Singing Debut with Digital Single.
Cr. - allkpop

Shin Se Kyung will make a singing debut with her first digital single, local media Sports Seoul reported on May 29.

According to the report, Shin Se Kyung finished recording the digital single and will release the song next month through major online music stores. An official close to the production was quoted as saying that Shin Se Kyung always wanted to release her own single and the opportunity came at the right moment for her first digital single.

Although she once participated in the OST of the movie “Blue Salt,” the upcoming digital single is her first official solo track. The song is reported to be a fresh dance track with a lot of high beats.

However, we won’t be seeing Shin Se Kyung dance to the song on stage with this song. The report said the star actress will not run any promotions for this song and it will only be available online.

[News] Han Ji Min spotted caressing Park Yoochun’s cheeks.

[News] Han Ji Min spotted caressing Park Yoochun’s cheeks.
Cr. - allkpop

A clip of the SBS ‘Rooftop Prince‘ cast members taking a few final pictures together recently went viral, causing fans to once again turn their attention towards the Lee Gak-Park Ha couple.

The video titled, ‘Park Ha caressing Gak’s cheeks after taking group picture’ was recently posted on an online community forum.

Throughout the drama, Park Ha and Lee Gak portrayed a sweet and savory love story that transcended 300 years, and their close relationship in real life as Park Yoochun and Han Ji Min warmed the hearts of fans.

In the clip, Park Yoo Chun was caught patting Han Ji Min’s back after the shoot and Han Ji was spotted caressing Park Yoo Chun’s cheek, further creating a close and heartwarming atmosphere on set.

Netizens commented, “I wish they would just go out“, “I want to get my cheeks caressed too“, and “It’s good to see them caring for one another as a younger brother and older sister“.

[News] Seo In Guk releases “Fate (Like a Fool)” for Love Rain OST.

[News] Seo In Guk releases “Fate (Like a Fool)” for Love Rain OST.
Cr. - allkpop

Singer Seo In Guk successfully transitioned into an actor while starring in the popular drama, ‘Love Rain‘. He is currently garnering much praise for his unexpected composing skills.

Not only does he act in the drama, but the talented singer also wrote “Fate (Like a Fool)“, a track that was released on May 29th as part of Love Rain’s OST Part 2.

“Fate” is a ballad song that accentuates Seo In Guk’s unique vocals which fits right in line with the plot of the drama.

In related news, Seo In Guk has been cast in tvN‘s upcoming drama series ‘Respond 1997‘ and is currently in the process of filming.

[News] Kim Jun-su kicks off tour in Bangkok.

[News] Kim Jun-su kicks off tour in Bangkok.
Cr. - http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/

Kim Jun-su, known best as a member of the boy band JYJ, kicked off his Asia solo tour on Sunday in Bangkok. More than 1,000 fans gathered to greet him at the airport.

Ahead of his show, which took place at the Royal Paragon Hall, the Hallyu singer met with more than 100 journalists to talk about his show and tour.

“I’m thrilled to kick off my tour of Asia in Thailand. I want tonight’s show to set a precedent for other great shows to come,” the entertainer said.

He also said that as a solo artist he will try new things and break away from the cookie-cutter mold of K-pop to find his own identity.

“It’s a bit progressive and shocking,” Kim said of his title track “Tarantallegra.”

With his new direction, Kim said he hoped to become a trend setter rather than a mere follower in the K-pop industry.

When journalists asked which song he most looked forward to singing at his 4,000-seat sell-out show, he replied, “Lullaby.”

[VOD & News] Check out 2PM’s Taecyeon performance of his self-composed track, “After you Left Me”.

[VOD & News] Check out 2PM’s Taecyeon performance of his self-composed track, “After you Left Me”.
Cr. - allkpop

Back on May 25th, 2PM‘s Taecyeon tweeted, “Hello everyone, how did you like the songs that I wrote? ‘Kiss‘ and ‘After you Left Me‘?? ㅋㅋㅋㅋ I sang my first songs that I wrote on stage for the very first time. As I promised, I will upload them on the official cafe if these songs aren’t released as a digital single or on an album.”

He performed the track “After You Left Me” at the Six Beautiful Days concert in Japan and it was captured on fancam. It seems the song has a feature from Wonder Girls member Yenny and he performed the track admirably even though his arm was in a cast.

Fans who saw the video commented, “You’re So Cool“, “I Love You Taecyeon“, and “This song is awesome“.

[News] SM Entertainment's TV series set to air in August.

[News] SM Entertainment's TV series set to air in August.
Cr. - 10asia

Top Korean talenthouse SM Entertainment’s TV series based on popular Japanese comic “Hanazakari no Kimitachi e (Hana Kimi)" will air this August.

SM told 10Asia on Friday that their adaptation of the popular comic series has been picked up by SBS and will air as part of their lineup in the second half of this year.

The firm added that SHINee's Minho and f(x)'s Sulli are being considered to play the leads in the series, while director Jeon Gi-sang of KBS' "Boys Over Flowers" and scenarist Lee Young-chul are in charge of the overall production.

In March last year, SM said that they are planning to produce a series aiming to air in summer of 2011, but it was pushed back due to multiple reasons concerning the artists' schedule.

SM's version of the show will tell the story of good-looking teenage males in high school, that aspires to achieve their dreams and hopes.

Over 17 million copies of the original comic has been sold and the TV version of it in Japan ran for eight years starting 1996, recording an average viewership rating of 17 percent. The Taiwanese adaptation of the show brought in high viewership ratings as well during its run in 2006.

[News] JYJ’s Jaejoong praised for his acting in ‘Time Slip Dr. Jin’.

[News] JYJ’s Jaejoong praised for his acting in ‘Time Slip Dr. Jin’.
Cr. - soompi

As episodes one and two of MBC‘s ‘Time Slip Dr. Jin‘ hit airwaves on May 26th and 27th, JYJ‘s Jaejoong is receiving much praise for his acting in the new historical drama.

Jaejoong has taken the role of a high Joseon military official who was born from a noble family and a fateful rival to Dr. Jin Hyuk (Song Seung Hun).

Although there were a few awkward moments as this is his first attempt at a historical drama, Jaejoong successfully portrayed his character Kim Kyung Tak. His transformation to a strict military official in the Joseon dynasty and his sageuk dialect has surely captivated the audience.

Jaejoong has also been receiving countless praises as he had perfectly expressed the pain of being born out of wedlock but showed his friendly, softer side towards his loved one.

In celebration of Jaejoong’s first historical drama, fans from Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong have put up a Twitter trend with the hashtag #JJinDrjin after the broadcast of episodes one and two. The hashtag reached the #1 spot for trending, proving that he’s one of the leading Hallyu stars of Asia.

Meanwhile, Jaejoong released “Living Like a Dream“, the soundtrack for the new drama, and has been receiving a lot of interest on music and portal sites.

[News] Kim Ha Neul’s Lifestyle is Like a Photo Shoot.

[News] Kim Ha Neul’s Lifestyle is Like a Photo Shoot.
Cr. - sompi

Actress Kim Ha Neul‘s everyday photo with her radiant smile is revealed

On May 26, Kim Ha Neul posted several photos with a comment, “Today, finally, “Gentleman’s Dignity,” airs for the first time! Excited Kim Ha Neul,” on her facebook.

In revealed photos, Kim Ha Neul is looking at a camera with a drink in her hand. Her long wavey hair is very natural and she’s wearing a black t-shirt. Even when she’s only wearing a black t-shirt she shows her special innocent and refreshing smile as if she’s shooting for a photo shoot.

Netizens who saw photos showed a hot reaction, “This is the goddess’ dignity,” “Her daily life is a photo shoot,” “She’s so skinny, but she emptied the bowl,” “Original goddess,” “She is beautiful enough to make Jang Dong Gun fall for her three times,” and “Any photo becomes a pictorial.”

Meanwhile, Kim Ha Neul is shooting with Jang Dong Gun as Seo Yi Soo in SBS “Gentleman’s Dignity,” which aired first on May 26.

[News] Ratings for “A Gentleman’s Dignity” and “Dr. Jin” Result in a Tie.

[News] Ratings for “A Gentleman’s Dignity” and “Dr. Jin” Result in a Tie.
Cr. - soompi

Ratings of two dramas that newly started airing this weekend, SBS “A Gentleman’s Dignity” and MBC “Dr. Jin,” are very close.

According to some source, rating of “A Gentleman’s Dignity” was 12.8% while that of “Dr. Jin” was 11.8% for each drama’s second episodes broadcasted on May 27. Those ratings were lower than those of first episodes. This may be contributable to KBS 2TV’s “Gag Concert” with a rating of 19.9% jumped into that rivalry as it’s aired in the similar timeframe on Sunday.

What’s interesting is the gap in two drama’s ratings. The first episode of “A Gentleman’s Dignity” had 14.1% and that of “Dr. Jin” had 12.2%. And the second episodes’ ratings show that the gap has been reduced in one day. It’s hard to determine the winner and loser at this point.

“A Gentleman’s Dignity” and “Dr. Jin” both have popular actors and actresses appearing in them, and they started broadcasting on the same day at the same time. This led to the rivalry. Their stories are also very different since “A Gentleman’s Dignity” (Jang Dong Gun, Kim Ha Neul, Kim Soo Ro, Kim Min Jong, and Lee Jong Hyuk) is a romantic comedy while “Dr. Jin” (Lee Beom Soo, Song Seung Hun, Park Min Young, Kim Jae Joong) is a time-traveling fantasy.

As of now, “A Gentleman’s Dignity” is leading, but the gap of two ratings is small. Also, there’s always a possibility of audience’s switching after watching reruns.

Which drama do you like better?

[News] Actor Lee Jun Hyuk to enlist in the military in June.

[News] Actor Lee Jun Hyuk to enlist in the military in June.
Cr. - allkpop

Actor Lee Jun Hyuk has been confirmed for enlistment as an active-duty soldier in June.

A representative of his agency, Wellmade Star M, stated, “Lee Jun Hyuk will be enlisting next month. Although he still has drama-related schedules left, he has been confirmed to enlist in the coming month.”

Lee Jun Hyuk gained much popularity for his role as Jang Il on KBS‘s ‘Equator Man‘. His character is known for being childhood friends with Kim Sun Woo (played by Uhm Tae Woong), who betrays Sun Woo to keep his father from going to jail.

Lee Jun Hyuk has also appeared on SBS‘s ‘First Wives’ Club‘ in 2007, KBS’s ‘Three Brothers‘ in 2010, SBS’s ‘I Am Legend‘ in 2010, and SBS’s ‘City Hunter‘ in 2011.

[News] Park Min Young perfectly performs the double role on Doctor Jin.

[News] Park Min Young perfectly performs the double role on Doctor Jin.
Cr. - http://en.korea.com/

Park Min Young received rave reviews for her double role as Yu Mina, a lively resident of a university hospital, and Hong Young Rae, a ruined nobleman’s daughter, in MBC TV’s new drama series Doctor Jin.

In the first episode of the series that aired on May 26, Park changed into Mina, Jin Hyuk (played by Song Seung Hun)’s girlfriend and a second year resident of a university hospital who has a strong maternal instinct. When Jin Hyuk slipped into the Joseon Dynasty period of the 1860s, Park appeared as Hong Yeong Rae, a discreet, elegant woman of the old times. Park perfectly performed the double role in the series.

In the episode, Mina brought an unconscious middle-aged man over to the hospital while she was providing free medical care to people. However, Jin Hyuk thought his life was despaired of and didn’t want to perform surgery. Disappointed at him, Mina left the place and got into a car accident. Jin Hyuk performed surgery to save her but she lost her consciousness because of abnormal bleeding.

After that, Jin Hyuk slipped into the Joseon Dynasty period and met Hong Young Rae who looked just like Mina.

People responded: “Park Min Young is a great actress who can perform in both modern and historical drama series,” “It seemed so realistic when Mina got into a car accident,” “Park Min Young is really a good actress. The car accident scene was so realistic.”

[News] The Cast of “Big” Pray for the Drama’s Success.

[News] The Cast of “Big” Pray for the Drama’s Success.
Cr. - soompi

On May 24, KBS 2TV new drama “Big” has completed its rituals, in which staff and actors prayed for drama’s success.

The ritual was held at the character Kang Kyung Joon (Gong Yoo)’s house. Those attending were Director Ji Byung Hyun and his entire staff, in addition to Gong Yoo, Lee Min Jung, Suzy, Jang Hee Jin, Shin Won Ho, Baek Sung Hyun, An Suk Hwan, Yun Hae Young, and Choi Ran.

The director has stated, “I will wish for the safety of the staff and hope to create a fun, exciting filming site.”

The site was filled with laughter as Gong Yoo helped himself to the role of a cameraman for the “making-of” footage.

“This drama is even more special to me because it’s the first one since I’ve completed military service. I really hope that it will be the best in the summer.”

Lee Min Jung also commented on her resolution to stay strong for the set. “I will try my best to present a memorable role for the drama.”

Jang Hee Jin said, “I’m nervous and happy because this drama is first in a while for me. It’s an honor to film with such a good cast, and I will also do my best.”

Lastly, Suzy said of her resolute manner, “I will do my best to be not so troublesome to many staff members and sunbaenims here.”

The first episode is scheduled to be broadcast on June 4, featuring the romance between an engaged man with an adolescent soul, named Seo Yun Jae (Gong Yoo), and a clueless teacher Gil Da Ran (Lee Min Jung).

[News] 13 new posters unveiled for ‘I Do, I Do’.

[News] 13 new posters unveiled for ‘I Do, I Do’.
Cr. - allkpop

After receiving much netizen attention for the release of their four official posters, MBC‘s new mini-series ‘I Do, I Do‘ (starring Kim Sun Ah and Lee Jang Woo) is back with a slew of new hidden posters!

Included in the batch is a ‘B cut’ poster that was cut from making it to the final four for being too sexy, as well as other fun new shots that will surely pique the interest of drama fans, making for a total of 17 posters.

Don’t let the quantity fool you, though, as they’re of top notch quality as well, which is why producers decided to go ahead and release them straight after the unveiling of the official posters.

CEO Lee Kwan Yong, the designer behind the posters, expressed, “We originally came up with ideas for four total posters and filmed accordingly. During the photoshoot, however, the cast came up with a variety of their own ideas and took part in the planning process with the photographer. In the end, we realized that there wasn’t one cut we could throw away because they were all just so good. Fortunately, they all ended up being used as great posters.”

Netizens commented, “All of the cuts are worthy of earning triple A’s. Forget four posters, gogo with 17!”, “What would’ve happened if they never got released? We might’ve missed out on such awesome pieces!”, “A perfect combination of models, photography, and design!”, and “Please give us the original copies of all 17!”

[News] ‘Gentlemen’s Class’ tops ‘Time Slip Dr. Jin’ in viewer ratings.

[News] ‘Gentlemen’s Class’ tops ‘Time Slip Dr. Jin’ in viewer ratings.
Cr. - allkpop

In the battle of viewer ratings for the highly anticipated dramas SBS‘s ‘Gentlemen’s Class‘ and MBC‘s ‘Time Slip Dr. Jin‘, ‘Gentlemen’s Class’ triumphed the first week as they took the #1 spot with the pilot episode.

On May 27th, AGB Nielson Media Research released the viewer ratings for shows that broadcast on May 26th, of which were ‘Gentlemen’s Class’ and ‘Time Slip Dr. Jin’. ‘Gentlemen’s Class’ amassed a viewer rating of 14.1%, which is 2.1% higher than ‘Time Slip Dr. Jin’s rating of 12%.

There was a lot of anticipation for the viewer ratings even before the premiere of both works, as it marked the return of top stars Song Seung Hun and Jang Dong Gun to the small screen. Although ‘Gentlemen’s Class’ was able to take the lead this time, with both shows only on their first episode, it remains to be seen how things will change in the upcoming weeks.

Netizens who saw the viewer rating for ‘Gentlemen’s Class’ commented, “Of course, Jang Dong Gun’s popularity does not die“, “I was curious about the viewer ratings for ‘Gentlemen’s Class’ but of course it did well!“, and “‘Gentlemen’s Class’ is fun and I am also looking forward to ‘Time Slip Dr. Jin‘”.

[Photo & News] Drama “Faith” Has First Filming.

[Photo & News] Drama “Faith” Has First Filming.
Cr. - soompi

New SBS drama, “Faith,” has just officially begun its first filming. On May 24, the first filming took place at Bongeunsa in Seoul. The dramatic scene was of Koryo soldier, Choi Young (Lee Min Ho), stepping onto Korea’s land for the first time after traveling through time and trying to take Eun Soo (Kim Hee Sun) to Koryo times before the portal to the time travel closes.

Director Kim Jong Hak showed his passion for pursuing perfection by speaking deeply with Kim Hee

Sun and Lee Min Ho during every scene. By showing their willpower like no other, the two main characters took on the filming with dignity. They had to do a difficult, emotional acting from the start, which makes people that much more anticipated for the destined romance that the two will portray.

Lee Min Ho spoke about his hopes by saying, “Even though it’s the first filming, I am happy that it was completed well, thanks to the care and preparation by Director Kim Jong Hak and the production staff. The harmony between Kim Hee Sun sunbae and I was good too. I want to put life into the cool character, Choi Young, that was made by the director.”

Kim Hee Sun then went on to speak about the filming. She said, “It’s been some time since I’ve done any filming so I thought I would be very nervous. However, as filming actually started, I was comfortable and it felt like I just came back after filming the day before. I am thankful because I believe it’s all due to the teamwork of the production group.”

The drama, “Faith,” is the new drama done by PD Kim Jong Hak and writer Song Ji Na, who did the dramas, “Sandglass” and “The Legend,” in the past. It is a fantasy melodrama about a Koryo soldier, played by Lee Min Ho, and a present day female doctor, played by Kim Hee Sun, unfolding a love that transcends through time. It will broadcast its first episode on August 13.

[News] JYP Looks like Superman in “5 Million Dollar Man” Poster.

[News] JYP Looks like Superman in “5 Million Dollar Man” Poster.
Cr. - soompi

Park Jin Young, who is a singer and JYP Entertainment’s CEO, has now transformed in to a movie actor.

On May 25, CJ Entertainment revealed a poster of “5 Million Dollar Man,” which has Park Jin Young’s figure on it.

The movie is about a corporation’s head of department (played by Park Jin Young) who learns that a director is trying to kill him and pocket five million dollars. After figuring that out, the head of department steals a bag of five million dollars and runs away.

Thunder in a cloudy sky is the background of the poster, and Park Jin Young is revealing his chest, which has a gold dollar mark on it. This whole figure makes him look like a hero who is about to save the world.

He already showed that he is skilled in various areas as a musician, a producer, an entertainment CEO, and even as a judge in an audition program. Therefore, how he will play the role in the movie as a comic actor rouses people’s curiosity.

In “5 Million Dollar Man,” Jo Seong Ha, Min Hyo Rin, Jo Hee Bong, and Oh Jeong Se will appear, and the movie’s scheduled for release on June 28

[News] So Ji Sub Feels a Generation Gap with Co-Star Lee Yeon Hee Who Is 11 Years Younger?

[News] So Ji Sub Feels a Generation Gap with Co-Star Lee Yeon Hee Who Is 11 Years Younger?
Cr. - soompi

The costars of the upcoming drama “Ghost” are 11 years apart in age. So Ji Sub was born in 1977 while Lee Yeon Hee was born in 1988. On May 23, So Ji Sub and Lee Yeon Hee made an appearance on “One Night of TV Entertainment”

So Ji Sub was asked about the age gap, and he replied, “What would I say about it. I am only sorry that we have such a large age difference. Just a little.”

The reporter then asked, “Is there a generation gap between you two?” So Ji Sub replied, “There probably is a generation gap. I don’t feel it though.”

Lee Yeon Hee answered, “But for there to be a generation gap means that we have to at least be able to identify with something….” So Ji Sub finished the joke, “It means we can’t even feel a generation gap because we can’t even identify with anything together.”