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Third Week of Gains for Aussie, Can Rally Be Sustained?

2011-09-06T05:44:00.000-07:00

Australian dollarThe Australian dollar rallied for almost the whole week, posting the third week of gains against the US dollar in the longest run of weekly gains since April, but by the end of the week fundamentals became unfavorable for the currency.

The Australian dollar was rising on the speculation the Reserve Bank of Australia won’t cut the interest rates. Futures on interest rates indicate only 20 percent probability that RBA Governor Glenn Stevens will cut the bank’s main rate on September 6. Most traders believe that there is 80 percent chance the central bank will maintain the key rate unchanged this month. Australia’s Cash Rate is considered the biggest target lending rate among developed nations.

The rally of the Aussie looked unstoppable until the US non-farm payrolls came out, sending markets in disarray and destroying risk appetite as they came out even worse than most pessimistic forecasts. The Australian currency managed to stay above this week’s opening, but erased three days of gains against the dollar and the yen. What’s worse, it looks like the growth-linked currency may continue to fall next week as risk-aversion style of thinking is returning to markets.

AUD/USD opened at 1.0583, jumped to 1.0764 and closed at 1.0641 this week. EUR/AUD slid from 1.3692 to 1.3346. AUD/JPY jumped from 81.23 to 82.81 during this week before closing at 81.71.

If you have any questions, comments or opinions regarding the Australian Dollar, feel free to post them using the commentary form below.

Earlier News About the Australian Dollar:

    * Australian Retails Sales Go Up, Aussie Follows (2011-09-01)
    * Building Permits in Australia & New Zealand Rise, Aussie & Kiwi Gain (2011-08-30)
    * Aussie Recovers on Stevens' Speech (2011-08-26)
    * Australia's Dollar Weakens on Germany's Consumer Confidence (2011-08-25)
    * Australia Dollar Receives Help from Commodities (2011-08-17)

This entry was posted on TopForexNews on Saturday, September 3rd, 2011 at 12:32 pm and is filed under Australian Dollar. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

Canadian Dollar Receives Hit from US

2011-08-11T04:07:00.000-07:00

Canadian DollarCanada’s dollar plunged today as demand for the nation’s assets deteriorated because of pessimistic outlook for the economy of the biggest nation’s trading partner — the US.

The depressed mood caused fall of equities and decline of commodities. The MSCI World Index of stocks slumped 1.9 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell as much as 2.1 percent.

There are positive sing, though, that may precede a change of the trend. The S&P/TSX Composite Index rose 0.4 percent. Crude oil, the main export of Canada, rallied 3.2 percent to $81.82 per barrel. Yield on the two-year government bonds fell five basis points to 0.81 percent.

USD/CAD jumped from 0.9771 to 0.9921 as of 19:19 GMT today. EUR/CAD advanced from 1.4044 to 1.4088 after reaching the intraday high of 1.4174. CAD/JPY fell from 78.70 to 77.38 and declined during the day to 76.82, the lowest level since March 2009.

If you have any questions, comments or opinions regarding the Canadian Dollar, feel free to post them using the commentary form below.

Earlier News About the Canadian Dollar:

Canadian Dollar Falls Along with Other Commodity Currencies (2011-08-02)

Loonie Declines as Economy Contracts (2011-07-29)

CAD Sets New Multi-Year Record on US Crisis Expectations (2011-07-26)

Canadian Inflation Slows, Loonie Retreats (2011-07-22)

CAD Reaches Three-Year High vs. USD (2011-07-22)

This entry was posted on TopForexNews on Wednesday, August 10th, 2011 at 7:19 pm and is filed under Canadian Dollar. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

Quotes of the day

2011-08-11T04:02:00.000-07:00

posted at 10:41 pm on August 10, 2011 by Allahpundit
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“President Barack Obama is getting hammered on all sides for a stumbling U.S. economy and his uneven response to it, raising pressure on him to take steps to create jobs or risk being ousted in next year’s election…

“He received negative reviews from pundits for a speech on Monday that offered no new policy ideas and failed to cushion a steep sell-off on Wall Street…

“David Yepsen, director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University, said a host of problems is playing on Americans’ minds, from weak job growth, and slumping markets to the recent deaths of 30 American troops in Afghanistan, a war that is increasingly unpopular.

“‘There’s that feeling, that things are out of control, that we’re not on top of this anymore,’ Yepson said.”

***

“Gary Pearce, a Democratic strategist in North Carolina, a swing state Mr Obama is likely to struggle to retain in 2012, said: ‘Democrats are worried. He looks weak, he doesn’t say anything that grabs you, and people are looking for some kind of magic.’

“He said some activists were asking ‘do we need someone tougher to fight the tea party?’ ‘You see a yearning for a Bill Clinton-type approach and Hillary would reflect that. Obama is just a different political animal, he is a low-key guy,’ he added.”

***

“All that remains of the great hopes Americans and the world had pinned on Obama, inspired by his stirring campaign speeches about change and renewal, is a battlefield of unsatisfactory and contradictory compromises. Obama, who just turned 50 and was once a symbol of youthful change, suddenly seems old and worn out, as gray as his hair has become…

“The clash with the Tea Party has highlighted Obama’s shortcomings. His opponents have everything he seems to lack. They are loud, confident and uncompromising, sticking to their principles while he repeatedly hesitates and delays. In the US midterm elections, dozens of Tea Party candidates managed to get elected to Congress by capitalizing on the rage of people who Obama had failed to connect with…

“It is now clear that Obama is simply not the man to help conflicting parties out of entrenched positions or give new impetus to an alliance. He instinctively leans toward measured, often delayed reactions, leaving his promises of change to fall by the wayside.”

***

“‘We just wish he’d be more of a fighter,’ said one influential Democrat with a grimace. Another agreed: ‘You can’t blame him for everything. I just wish he would come across more forceful at times, but that is not the dude’s style. Detached hurts you when things are sour. You need some of Clinton’s ‘I feel your pain’ compassion.’…

“Obama’s response on Monday to Friday’s Standard & Poor’s downgrade and to the 22 Navy Seal commandos and 8 other soldiers killed by a Taliban rocket-propelled grenade in Afghanistan was once more too little, too late. It was just like his belated, ineffectual response on the BP oil spill and his reaction to the would-be Christmas Day bomber; it took him three days on vacation in Hawaii to speak about the terrorist incident when the country was scared about national security, and then he spent the next week callously shuttling from the podium to the golf course…

“His withholding and reactive nature has made him seem strangely irrelevant in Washington, trapped by his own temperament. He doesn’t lead, and he doesn’t understand why we don’t feel led.”

Americans say Obama government can't fix US economy: Poll

2011-08-11T03:58:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON: Barely one in four Americans feels confident that the Obama government can fix America's economic problems with a large majority agreeing that the policymaking process in Washington is unstable and ineffective, according to a new poll.

As many as 46 percent of registered voters say they plan to vote against President Barack Obama next year, versus 21 percent who say they will definitely vote for the president and 33 percent who say they will consider giving him another term, a Washington Post poll released on Wednesday said.

The poll underscores the damage caused to Obama and both Republicans and Democrats by the long standoff over the debt ceiling and the weakened economy, the influential US daily said.

The results could have significant implications for both parties, although the anger appears directed evenly between the two parties, as record numbers of Americans now say they are interested in new congressional representation when they vote in November 2012, it said.

Only 26 percent of respondents in the poll said they were confident that leaders in Washington could actually solve the economic problems facing the country.

Fifty-two percent of respondents to the Post poll said they believe Standard & Poor's decision to downgrade its rating on the US debt was a fair assessment, with 71 percent saying they thought S&P's assessment of the American political system as "less stable, less effective and less predictable" was fair.

Among those who believe that Washington is focused on the wrong issues, 30 percent blame Obama and Democrats, 30 percent blame Republicans and 32 percent blame both sides equally.

Confidence in Obama to make the right decisions for the country's economic future is down 10 points to 33 percent since January. Confidence in Congressional Republicans, which was at 35 percent in January, has dropped to 18 percent.

Obama's overall job ratings sit at 44 percent approval and 46 percent disapproval in the new poll, both numerically down from three weeks ago, when he was at 47 and 48 percent, respectively.

However, the poll found despite growing disillusionment with the political situation, 77 percent of Americans agree with this statement: "Whatever its faults, the United States still has the best system of government in the world." That number is unmoved from October 2010.

Tom Friedman fantasizes: What if Boehner joined forces with Obama and totally dismissed the tea party?

2011-08-11T03:56:00.000-07:00

posted at 10:06 pm on August 10, 2011 by Allahpundit
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As bad as that sounds, you need to know that this column was written as a faux AP news article to appreciate its true horror. So desperate is the left’s intelligentsia to see Obama fulfill his promise as redeemer of liberal dreams that they’ve given up analysis and taken to fanfic instead.

This guy may very well have action figures of Obama and Boehner stashed away in his home.

Washington (AP) — It was a news conference the likes of which the White House had never seen. President Obama stood in the East Room, flanked by the House speaker, John Boehner; the Senate minority leader, Mitch McConnell; the Senate majority leader, Harry Reid; and the House minority leader, Nancy Pelosi. The president asked Mr. Boehner to speak first:

“My fellow Americans,” the Ohio Republican began. “We have just concluded a meeting with the president, prompted by this moment of extraordinary economic peril. Our party, as you know, is convinced that the main reason for our economic decline is that we have too much debt, that government has grown too big and that taxes and regulations are choking our dynamism. But I have to acknowledge that, over the years, our party has contributed to this debt burden and government spending binge. We are not innocent, and, therefore, we owe the country a strategy for governing and for fixing a problem that we helped to create — instead of just blocking the president. The G.O.P. is better than that and has more to offer the nation. Therefore, we have informed the president that our legislators are ready to reopen negotiations immediately on a ‘Grand Bargain’ to address all these debt issues once and for all and that everything will be on the table from our side — including tax reform that closes loopholes and eliminates wasteful subsidies, and, if need be, tax increases. To those who voted for us, rest assured that we will bring our conservative values to these negotiations and an emphasis on markets and meritocracies, but also a spirit of compromise and a recognition that both sides will have to bend if we are going to get the kind of comprehensive budget agreement the country needs. To my Tea Party colleagues, I say: thank you. Your passion helped spur the nation to action, but the country cannot be governed, and our future secured, by bowing solely to the passions of any single group — liberal or conservative. I know that the Tea Party activists are true patriots and they will work with us as well. President Obama: Let’s fix the country together and then compete in 2012 over who can best manage a growing pie rather than a shrinking one.”

And so it came to be that John Boehner became a centrist Democrat and repudiated the core constituency that made him Speaker. After that comes a “warm embrace” between Obama and Boehner and a Grand Bargain very much along the lines of Tom Friedman’s (and Obama’s) own policy preferences before the column ends: “At that point, all five leaders shook hands and retreated into the Oval Office. It was exactly 9:29 a.m. One minute later, the New York Stock Exchange opened. The Dow was up 1,223 points at the open — an all-time record.” Apart from a few days in late 2008, when the Dow was insanely volatile due to the financial crisis and TARP, the biggest gain it’s ever made was 499 points. Such is the awesomeness of the Friedman platform that, if only congressional leaders would endorse it, we’d shatter the all-time one-day record on Wall Street in a burst of green, pro-ChiCom, “effective government” exuberance. They pay Friedman hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to write this stuff.

I almost feel guilty making you read it. Here, here’s a video of the greatest hitter of all time taking batting practice to try to redeem this post.

Consumer Sentiment Curbs Appeal of Aussie

2011-08-11T03:53:00.000-07:00

Australian dollarThe Australian dollar resumed its movement down after the yesterday’s gains as consumer sentiment declined this month, reducing attractiveness of the nation’s currency.

The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment index fell 3.5 percent in August from July. This declined followed the drop by 8.3 percent in July. The Aussie (the nickname of the Australian currency) also weakened as the pledge of the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates stable hasn’t reduced pessimism among Forex traders.

AUD/USD retreated from 1.0353 to 1.0343 as of 11:51 GMT after jumping to 1.0414 today. AUD/JPY fell from 79.66 to 79.15, following the advance to 80.34.

If you have any questions, comments or opinions regarding the Australian Dollar, feel free to post them using the commentary form below.

Earlier News About the Australian Dollar:

Australian Dollar Attempts Stop Decline, Fails (2011-08-09)

Eighth Session of Suffering for Aussie (2011-08-08)

AUD Down on Economic Outlook Revision (2011-08-05)

Australian Dollar Continues Its Correction on Weak Retail Sales (2011-08-03)

AUD Surges Against Everything on Higher Inflation Numbers (2011-07-27)

This entry was posted on TopForexNews on Wednesday, August 10th, 2011 at 11:51 am and is filed under Australian Dollar. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the en

Kanon Wakeshima

2011-08-11T03:52:00.000-07:00

Kanon Wakeshima (分島花音) is a Japanese singer and cellist. Produced by Mana, Wakeshima debuted under the DefStar Records label on May 28, 2008 with the single "Still Doll", the ending theme for the anime adaptation of the manga series Vampire Knight. She also provided the voice for a maid that appears in the eighth episode of the series. Wakeshima's second single "Suna no Oshiro", released on November 12, 2008, was used as the ending theme for the series' second season (subtitled Guilty). | She was nominated for a Best Newcomer award for 2008 in the fourth annual Shojo Beat Music Awards, nominees of which are determined by surveying "record companies, music journalists, music experts, and music fans".

Kanon Wakeshima Pictures

Video: When open-carry is your only option

2011-08-11T03:47:00.000-07:00

posted at 11:25 am on August 10, 2011 by Ed Morrissey
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Reason TV takes a close look at the issue of handgun rights and carry permits in California, one of the few “may-issue” states left in the nation. County sheriffs may issue or deny permits at their discretion, and as the video states, they don’t usually approve applications from most law-abiding citizens. That forces people like Sam Wolanyk to carry unloaded weapons openly, which has the state legislature in a lather — and people debating the nature of the Constitutional right to keep and bear arms, or in this case, bare arms

As most Hot Air readers know, I have a carry permit in Minnesota, although even some people in this state don’t realize that the permit doesn’t restrict me to concealed carry. I can open-carry if I like. Normally, I don’t like, although I support those who do. To me, open carry is unnecessarily provocative, plus it marks me as a primary target if, God forbid, I end up in a dangerous situation where it becomes an issue. Police officers carry openly because it’s part of their job, and if carry permit training teaches anything valuable (it teaches many valuable lessons, of course), it’s that a carry permit is not a Junior G-Man badge. I have it for my own personal safety, for specific as well as general reasons.

I’d take an even dimmer view of open carry of unloaded weapons — an unloaded gun provides all the provocation with none of the immediate defense capacity — but in this case, it’s instructive. The state of California wants to ban a practice that presents no immediate threat, conducted by law-abiding citizens with no record, that has produced no shooting incidents. Anti-gun advocates would rather waste time on this than, say, solving the massive budgetary and debt problems the state faces, as well as solving the problem by allowing law-abiding citizens to get concealed-carry permits with a “must-issue” law.

This reaches the point of absurdity near the end of the video, when the author of a bill to ban open carry of unloaded weapons,Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, tells Reason TV that the purpose of the 2nd Amendment is to protect property — which doesn’t include the person himself. That’s actually backwards, even under existing lethal-force-in-self-defense laws. People are not permitted to use lethal force to protect property in California, or Minnesota either, with or without carry permits. (Neither can the police, by the way.) They can only use lethal force of any kind when faced with an immediate threat in which a reasonable person fears for their own life or of “great bodily harm,” which roughly means losing a limb or an eye, not just getting beaten up. All the carry permit allows is the ability to have the lethal force at hand if that situation arises; it doesn’t exempt the permit holder from laws defining lethal force in self-defense. In most cases, and certainly in Minnesota, those laws require a victim to retreat first if possible rather than using the lethal force, sometimes even in their own homes.

It seems that Portantino doesn’t even understand current law in his own state. Why should Californians trust him to amend it in ways that reduce their ability to defend themselves?

Addendum (previously published but still applicable): My late friend Joel Rosenberg literally wrote the book on carry licensing in Minnesota, The Carry Book: Minnesota Edition. Unfortunately Joel passed away before he could complete an edition that looked at the issue nationally, but even if you’re not in Minnesota, there is a ton of good advice for those who want to pursue carry licenses and handle firearms. My particular favorite chapter of the book is titled, “Cowardice 201: A PhD Seminar in Advanced Staying Out of Trouble,” in which Joel reveals that the true secret of karate is to run faster than everyone else. Self-defense starts with keeping out of situations where you will likely find yourself threatened. Joel’s book is a sobering read, literally and figuratively

[News] Can’t Lose holds first script reading.

2011-07-21T05:43:00.000-07:00

[News] Can’t Lose holds first script reading.
Cr. - javabeans

That was fast. It seemed like just yesterday that the leading man, Yoon Sang-hyun, was cast to partner Choi Ji-woo in her new drama, and already they’re in rehearsals.

With casting now confirmed, MBC’s light romance Can’t Lose went straight into script readings on July 18. The drama is about a married couple (Choi and Yoon) in the process of divorce, which leads to “fierce, but funny” episodes.

Looks like the comedy is a strong presence from the start, since there were reportedly bursts of laughter at the table read in response to the comic situations and dialogue.

The drama also features a robust supporting lineup that includes Kim Jung-tae (the wonderfully creepy Hirayama in Miss Ripley), Park Won-sook (Pil-joo’s shrill mom in Best Love), veteran Kim Ja-ok (High Kick Through the Roof, The World They Live In), and Jo Mi-ryung (Life Is Beautiful, Chuno).

'Can’t Lose' follows You’ve Fallen For Me and premieres on August 24.

[News] Mainland netizens criticize "Sunshine Angel" for being a rotten drama.

2011-07-21T05:22:00.000-07:00

[News] Mainland netizens criticize "Sunshine Angel" for being a rotten drama.
Cr. - cpopaccess

There have been an increasing number of Taiwanese idol dramas collaborating with mainland investors and TV networks; as part of the process, TV networks must wait to get an approval from mainland’s administration of radio and television before broadcasting the drama in Taiwan.

However, as reported earlier, Hunan TV “surprised” GTV by completing the airing of “Sunshine Angel” in nine days, leaving GTV and Comic Ritz in anger and frustration.

GTV originally planned to premiere “Sunshine Angel” in the summer, but Taiwan will be its second run. Despite the series is now fully accessible on streaming (from Hunan TV) and circulated on the web, GTV expressed that the version Hunan TV aired was not complete and criticized the network’s sloppy work on editing.

GTV further expressed that they will arrange to air the drama as soon as possible. Production company, Comic Ritz, expressed that they will leave everything up to GTV to decide.

Although the mainland got the first run of “Sunshine Angel”, it did not receive high praises from local viewers and was deemed a rotten drama. Since the drama is a remake of the Korean drama, “Success Story of a Bright Girl”, many netizens criticized Rainie Yang and Wu Chun for their bad acting compared to the original. Some even boycotted watching the series because Rainie spoke Japanese in it, criticizing her of being a Japanophile.

[News] Micky Yuchun herpes zoster, worst health condition.

2011-07-21T05:13:00.000-07:00

[News] Micky Yuchun herpes zoster, worst health condition.
Cr. - hancinema

Group JYJ's Micky Yuchun (25) is suffering from herpes zoster.

His management said on the 20th, "We found out that he had herpes zoster while filming MBC TV "Miss. Ripley" last week. His face is alright but his chest and back have rashes. He had filming schedules all week and it seems like they broke out due to exhaustion, stress and malnutrition".

Now that "Miss. Ripley" has ended, Micky Yuchun has been getting medical treatment while carrying out other activities. "The hospital says it's best that he stays in the hospital but he can't because of his other schedules and activities".

About having not attended the ending conference of "Miss. Ripley", they said, "He had an advertisement schedule but his condition was so bad he sweated a lot. He really wanted to go but his over exhaustion and herpes zoster didn't let him. He has apologized to the production about not being able to make it".

[News] So Ji Sub open his coffee shop ‘To Some Place by 51K‘.

2011-07-20T21:39:00.000-07:00

[News] So Ji Sub open his coffee shop ‘To Some Place by 51K‘.
Cr. - allkpop

It’s recently been announced that Hally star So Ji Sub will open his own coffee shop under his name.

According to So Ji Sub’s agency, the actor will open up the ‘To Some Place by 51K‘ coffee shop on July 22nd in Seoul. The coffee shop was reportedly So Ji Sub’s very own idea, and it’s receiving quite a lot of attention for his direct participation in its planning stages. In addition, his coffee shop will reportedly have some unique items on its menu that So Ji Sub himself had developed.

Following the traditions of launching a new business, ‘To Some Place by 51K’ will hold a colorful event to celebrate their opening. In the spirit of his company’s name, 51K, the coffee shop will hold various events throughout the day, at 51 minutes after the hour. For example, they may hand out free drink samples at 1:51 PM. Whatever the event may be, they plan to bring happiness to their customers through this fresh promotional idea.

While a free drink sample may sound good, the actor himself is scheduled to make an appearance at one of the events during the day. And if that weren’t exciting enough, he’ll also personally brew up an espresso for five lucky customers as well!

In addition to the opening festivities on-site, So Ji Sub also held a pre-opening event on his company’s official homepage. Through the website, participants had the opportunity to win special So Ji Sub mugs, aprons, and T-shirts. 51 random participants will be selected and will receive the prize package directly from the actor on the day his store opens.

With such a fun opening event planned, we’re sure that even coffee haters would turn up in a heartbeat!

[News] Kwon Sang-woo says enjoyed "Pain".

2011-07-20T21:26:00.000-07:00

[News] Kwon Sang-woo says enjoyed "Pain".
Cr. - 10asia

Kwon Sang-woo has said he enjoyed getting beaten up for his role in his upcoming movie.

He made the remark in Seoul on Thursday at a press conference for his movie "Pain," while speaking about his character Nam-soon who is unable to feel any pain due to the aftereffects of a car accident that killed everyone in his family except him.

"We couldn't fake any of the [fighting] scenes because it would show on the big screen so big so I got beaten up a lot but it was actually a lot of fun," Kwon said.

He then added, "It probably would have been more painful if I didn't like the process [of how the movie was shot] or I felt uncomfortable on set. But I have confidence in our movie and Kwan Kyung-taek did such a great job in directing."

He also said that it felt like he was doing a good job whenever he saw how hurt he looked on the monitor after shooting the scenes.

In "Pain," Nam-soon (Kwon) lives a lonely life until he meets Dong-hyun (played by actress Jung Ryeo-won) one day who is a hemophiliac and can feel pain easily. The two begin to get to know each other, while Nam-soon slowly learns that even a person like him can fall in love.

"Pain," originally an online cartoon by Kangfull and helmed by famed director Kwak Kyung-taek, will open in local theaters over the Korean Thanksgiving holidays.

[News] Lee Byung-hun departs to U.S. for "G.I. Joe 2".

2011-07-20T21:18:00.000-07:00

[News] Lee Byung-hun departs to U.S. for "G.I. Joe 2".
Cr. - 10asia

Lee Byung-hun has left for the U.S. to shoot Hollywood's sequel to blockbuster movie "G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra."

Lee's agency BH Entertainment issued a press release on Thursday, saying that Lee left for the U.S. yesterday to get ready to film the movie in New Orleans starting August 15.

Lee left early to take time to adjust to the time zone difference and analyze his character before the film cranks in, BH explained.

Lee, 41, will reprise his role as Storm Shadow from the first movie, as will actors Channing Tatum, Ray Park and Arnold Vosloo do so as Duke, Snake-Eyes and Zartan, respectively.

The movie, known simply as "G.I. Joe 2," will be helmed by director John Chu of the "Step Up" series, instead of Stephen Sommers, and is set for a premiere in the summer of 2012.

[News] Lee Da Hae and Yoochun explain their absences for ‘Miss Ripley’ after party.

2011-07-20T07:36:00.000-07:00

[News] Lee Da Hae and Yoochun explain their absences for ‘Miss Ripley’ after party.
Cr. - allkpop

Lee Da Hae and Park Yoochun recently revealed the reasons behind their absences for MBC’s ‘Miss Ripley‘ after party.

On July 20th, a representative for Lee Da Hae stated, “She had a shooting for her Chinese activities. She couldn’t pull out from her schedule, so unfortunately, she was unable to attend. She didn’t have any conflicts with the staff.”

A representative for Yoochun said as well, “He had a schedule filming for an advertisement. It was scheduled even before the shooting for the drama began. He was planning to attend the after party after the filming was over, but it ended later than planned.”

‘Miss Ripley’ portrayed a woman collapsing to her web of lies and has been criticized for its unreasonable plot and weak characters. The after party was held on July 19th and caught attention for the nonattendance of the main actors.

[News] Kim Rae-won cast as male lead in upcoming SBS drama.

2011-07-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

[News] Kim Rae-won cast as male lead in upcoming SBS drama.
Cr. - 10asia

Kim Rae-won, who is currently serving his mandatory two-year military duty, will be returning to the small screen after three years as the male lead in an upcoming drama, according to the show's broadcaster SBS.

On Wednesday, SBS announced in a press release that Kim will play the role of Ji-hyung opposite actress Soo-ae in the new drama tentatively titled "Chul-in's Promise" set to begin its air on September 26 after current series "The Warrior, Baek Dong-soo" ends its run.

"Chul-in's Promise," written by famed scenarist Kim Soo-hyun, tells the story of Ji-hyung (Kim) who lays everything on the line for Seo-yeon (Soo-ae), the woman he loves that is slowly losing her memory.

"I have read a bunch of scripts and felt a huge burden in choosing my next project since it will be my first since being discharged from the military," Kim was quoted as saying. "I know that I will not regret my choice though and I am already excited about the first shoot.”

Kim made his debut with a role in MBC's drama "Me" in 1997 and became a household name in 2003 after starring in "Rooftop Room Cat."

He last starred as a chef in SBS' "Gourmet," which also aired in several countries in Asia, before entering the military as a public service office in September 2009. He will be relieved from his duties next month.

[News] Why Kim Sun Ah refused to be diet icon.

2011-07-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

[News] Why Kim Sun Ah refused to be diet icon.
Cr. - hancinema

Kim Sun Ah (36) had her final (?) interview related to her weight. She made the request that she doesn't want to talk anymore about her weight.

The press release of the new SBS weekend drama "Scent of a Woman" was held on the 19th in Seoul. However, the most striking of all was a much slimmer Kim Sun Ah and her know-how's to controlling her weight and diet.

However, Kim Sun Ah felt pressured by all the attention to her weight. She asked, "I wish you would focus more on the drama than my weight. I want to sympathize the importance of life and happiness through the life of a woman who has been given little time to live".

She revealed the excess attention she received about her weight in the past as well. She said, "After the drama "My Name is Kim Sam Soon" I had to hear from so many people everyday about weight for about 6~7 years. 100 out of 100 all said the same thing. I was neurotic even".

She also doesn't want to talk about her diet because of her fans worries as well. She said, "I had to lose a lot of weight in a short amount of time and unhealthily because of the character in the drama. I didn't eat well and only slept 3 hours. If I say this, others will follow me so I don't speak of it. It's not good for your health".

Hard working actress Kim Sun Ah. Hopefully she will free herself from the Sam-soon image through this drama and breathe. Regardless of her weight, she is the best actress there is.

Meanwhile, "Scent of a Woman" is a romantic comedy with Kim Sun Ah, Lee Dong Wook, Uhm Ki Joon and more about a woman who quits her job of ten years and leaves on a trip where she realizes the meaning of life. Coming on the 23rd at 9.50 p.m.

[PREVIEW] SBS TV series "Scent of Woman".

2011-07-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

[PREVIEW] SBS TV series "Scent of Woman".
Cr. - 10asia

How would you spend every day of your life if you only had six months to live? SBS TV series "Scent of Woman" takes off from this question. Lee Yeon-jae (Kim Suna), an entry-level employee at a travel agency who beared with all sorts of unjust acts in order to stay employed, is told one day of the shocking news that she will only have six months to live after being diagnosed with gallbladder carcinoma. So she turns in her letter of resignation actually written five years ago, buys expensive clothes for herself that she would not have even dreamt of buying in the past and for the first time, she goes on a trip overseas. There, she meets Kang Ji-wook (Lee Dong-wook), the son of the travel agency's chairman, who is unamused with life. And of course, the two fall in love and together start discovering the joys of life.

In sum, the setups in "Scent of Woman" somehow seem familiar. The main character is leading life on limited time and by chance comes across and falls in love with a man who is the heir to a conglomerate. However, this setup is only the start to the story and what'll lead the drama is what is told from that point onward. At a press conference for the drama held at SBS's headquarters on Tuesday, director Park Hyung-gi explained that the show differentiates itself by saying, "You may be sick and tired of the plot and think it's worn-out because it's about the limited time one has to live but 'Scent of Woman' is not about dying but rather about a woman trying to figure out what a happy life is." That is why it'll be important to see what it means for us, who have put off the things we really want to do for a time somewhere in the future while living a life that will come to an end someday, to see Yeon-jae look for happiness in life, something she had been putting off.

That is why the presence of Kim Suna, playing the role of Yeon-jae, will be important as well. It is not too difficult to think of Kim for the role when thinking of a female character who will overcome barriers which she thought were obstacles in reality but were actually emotional constraints. Her character Kim Sam-soon in MBC's "My Name is Kim Sam-soon" was like that and Shin Mirae in SBS's "City Hall" was like that as well. A video with highlights from the show revealed that the comical scenes are typical ones -- she falls over while bringing the red pepper paste for bibimbap at the travel agency and serves a Muslim customer beef. However, it will definitely be worth looking forward to the sense of vicarious substitution or emphathy you may feel from seeing how Yeon-jae goes to look for delayed joy after getting rid of her horn-rimmed glasses.

Director Park Hyung-gi and screenwriter Noh Ji-seol who told of "a story of people who aren't No. 1 but work hard" through SBS's "Doctor Champ" in 2010, will try to ask "the question of am I living my life the right way? Am I happy? After stopping working" through "Scent of Woman." Will the show be able to overcome its typical setup and provide viewers the chance to ruminate on life? Let us find out through its first episode set to air on 9:50 p.m. this Saturday.

[VOD & News] Show Luo Releases "Only You" Japanese Version.

2011-07-20T05:55:00.000-07:00

[VOD & News] Show Luo Releases "Only You" Japanese Version.
Cr. - ckpop

Show Luo has release Japanese version of "Only You" days before the release of the Japan Edition of "Only For You". Show Luo recently signed a contract with Pony Canyon and is about to make his debut in Japan within 2 days. Many fans are anticipating with this version of the album because this repackage version includes a new photo-shoot (32 page photobook) and a bonus Japanese track.

The music of "Only You" has been changed/remixed with more auto-tune in the Japanese version of the song. Japanese and more English lyrics are in this version too! So what are you waiting for? Listen to the track below:

[News] Nominees of Seoul Drama Awards 2011.

2011-07-19T21:44:00.000-07:00

[News] Nominees of Seoul Drama Awards 2011.
Original : http://twssg.blogspot.com/

The Seoul International Drama Awards (SDA)2111, Call for Entry began on March 7 ~ May 13, Preliminary Judging on June, Final Judging in July, Awards Ceremony on August 31th 2011 and Drama Festival on 1st ~ 8th September 2011.

SDN Organization manage by Korean Broadcasters Association 15th fl., Korean Broadcasters Center bldg., 932-5, Mok-dong, Yangchun-gu, Seoul, Korea. Seoul Drama Awards Organizing Committee (SDOAC) Chiarman is Kim In-Kyu.

Preliminary Judging, The panel of 9 domestic experts on TV drama first views the written entry forms individually. In June, SDAOC divides the panel into 3 groups according to the awards categories and the 3 groups screen the videos in each room privately. After having discussions, each group hands out the list of nominees to the SDAOC and at the last day all 3 groups get together to decide final nominees.

Final Judging, The panel of 7 international professionals on TV drama first views the nominees’ videos and entry forms individually. In July, SDAOC invites all of the jury to Seoul, and under the direction of the organizing committee, the panel reviews the nominees altogether and exchanges ideas. SDAOC collects the ballots and votes openly.

Announcement, Nominees SDAOC announces the nominees on the press conference day in July, There is also online announcement on website and individual notification. The winners will be announced and awarded at the Awards Ceremony held on August 31th, 2011

Source : http://www.seouldrama.org/

[News] Seoul Drama Awards expands Hallyu awards.

2011-07-19T21:32:00.000-07:00

[News] Seoul Drama Awards expands Hallyu awards.
Cr. - 10asia

The Seoul International Drama Awards (SDA) will expand the scale of its domestic 'Hallyu' or Korean Wave segment in reflection of the growing influence of Korean entertainment content overseas.

The SDA, into its sixth year, had established the Hallyu segment for the first time last year, handing out honors in five categories including production, producer, screenwriter, actor and actress but this year, they added recognitions for second-best production and best soundtrack, SDA's organizing committee announced through a press conference on Wednesday.

Also, unlike last year when the winners were picked based on a survey on five hundred foreign and domestic journalists, and foreign buyers, this year's results will be based on votes by about one million Hallyu fans around the world on Hallyu portal en.korea.com and 50 foreign buyers, making them responsible for 70 percent and 30 percent of the result, respectively.

However, for the award for best original soundtrack, 20 percent of the votes will be those cast on Korean social networking community Cyworld and 50 percent by Hallyu fans, while the award for best producer and screenwriter will be handed out based solely on votes by foreign and domestic journalists.

The SDA will maintain its method of drawing up its shortlist -- Korean dramas shown between April of last year to April this year that were exported to more than ten countries or earned over three million dollars overseas.

This year's nominations include "SungKyunKwang Scandal," "Bread, Love and Dreams," "Marry Me, Mary," "Dream High," "Dong Yi - Jewel in the Crown," "Queen of Reversals," "My Princess," "King Su-ro," "Giant," "Athena," "Secret Garden," "My Girlfriend is Gumiho" and" Bad Boy" for best production.

Jang Keun-suk ("Marry Me, Mary"), Park Yuchun ("SungKyunKwan Scandal"), Song Seung-heon ("My Princess"), Hyun Bin ("Secret Garden") and Kang Ji-hwan ("Coffee House") have been nominated for best actor, Park Min-young ("SungKyunKwan Scandal"), Moon Geun-young ("Marry Me, Mary"), Kim Tae-hee ("My Princess"), Lee Yo-won ("49 Days") and Ha Ji-won ("Secret Garden") for best actress.

And Drama Original Soundtrack nominees, "Found You" by JYJ ("SungKyunKwan Scandal"), "Take Care, My Bus" by Jang Keun-suk ("Marry Me, Mary), "Nothing Happened" by Jung Yeop ("49 Days"), "That Woman" by Baek Ji-young ("Secret Garden") and "That Person" by Lee Seung-chul ("Bread, Love and Dreams") for best original soundtrack.

Nominations for best producer and writer have been extended to all Korean dramas, a total of 49, excluding singles and morning dramas.

In the segment for international competition where nominees were picked from a total of 204 dramas from 37 countries, acclaims will be handed out in the categories of best, second-best and third-best production, special award, top producer, top screenwriter, top actor, top actress and most popular Asian star.

The award for most popular Asian star, to be handed out to a total of five stars each from Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, will be based on a popularity vote by fans through the websites of Yahoo! Korea, Japan, China and Taiwan.

The awards ceremony will be held on August 31, the start to nine days of which will include fan meetings and open radio shows.

[VOD & Photo] 'Gye Baek (계백)' Poster Making.

2011-07-19T09:13:00.000-07:00

'Gye Baek (계백)' Poster Making.

Lee Seo Jin as General Gyebaek

Cha In Pyo as Moo Jin (Gye Baek's father)

Jo Jae Hyun as King Uija (The Last King of Baekje)

Oh Yeon Soo as Sa Taek Bi (Queen of King Mu of Baekje)

Jeon Noh Min as Sung Choong

Kim Yoo Suk as Heung Soo

Yun Da Hun as Dok Gae

Ahn Kil Kang as Kwi-Woon

Jin Tae Hyun as Gyo Ki

[News] Kim Rae-won comeback for SBS new drama '1,000 Day Promise' or 'Forget Me Not' with Soo-Ae.

2011-07-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

[News] Kim Rae-won comeback for SBS new drama '1,000 Day Promise' or 'Forget Me Not' with Soo-Ae.
Original : http://twssg.blogspot.com/

Kim Rae won comeback to male leader cast starring in '1,000 Day Promise' couple with Soo-Ae SBS new drama.

'1,000 Day Promise' storyline about a woman losing her memory and a man who loves the woman unconditionally. Soo-Ae cast as Seo-Yeon, Kim Rae-Won cast as Ji-Hyung.

Early working title was "Moolmangcho (물망초)" which is a flower known in English as Myosotis and more commonly referred to as "Forget-me-not". Now, this drama changed to new title is "Chunilui Yaksok (천일의 약속)" which means literally "1,000 Day Promise".

Soo Ae will show as the newest lead actress of writer Kim Soo Hyun’s miniseries. Soo Ae shared that she feels a mixture of a heavy sense of burden, anticipation, and excitement.

'1,000 Day Promise' written by Kim Soo Hyun and directed by Jung Eul Young, who have worked on many hit dramas together, including Life is Beautiful, Mom’s Dead Upset, and My Man’s Woman, Forget-Me-Not is scheduled to premiere the last week of September, airing as a Monday-Tuesday drama after Warrior Baek Dong-soo on SBS.

'1,000 Day Promise' have a scheduled to premiere the last week of September, airing as a Monday-Tuesday drama after Warrior Baek Dong-soo at SBS Broadcast Network.

[News] Yoon Si-yoon to visit Japan this week.

2011-07-18T09:58:00.000-07:00

[News] Yoon Si-yoon to visit Japan this week.
Cr. - 10asia

Yoon Si-yoon will visit Japan this week to promote his TV series "Bread, Love and Dreams," according to his agency Taxi Entertainment on Monday.

A press release by Taxi said that Yoon will visit the country by invitation of major Japanese broadcaster Fuji TV which aired the popular Korean series starting July 14.

Yoon will fly into Japan on Friday, fulfilling various schedules including appearing on a talk show on Fuji TV, holding an inauguration ceremony for his official Japanese fanclub and taking part in a charity bazaar through which he will sell his prized possessions and donate all proceeds to Japan's earthquake relief.

Yoon, 24, debuted in 2009 with MBC’s sitcom “High Kick 2,” rose to stardom last year as the male lead in “Bread, Love and Dreams” (KBS, 2010) which breached viewership ratings of 50 percent and won him second prize in acting in the area of special drama production at KBS' year-end awards.

He is currently filming "Baek Pro" (translated title) and is planning to return to the small screen in the latter half of the year.

[News] Rock band 'Whitesnake' to hold 1st ever concert in Korea in October.

2011-07-18T09:43:00.000-07:00

[News] Rock band 'Whitesnake' to hold 1st ever concert in Korea in October.
Cr. - 10asia

English rock band Whitesnake will visit Korea for the first time ever for their concert this October, according to the concert's promoter 9 Entertainment

On Monday, 9 announced in a press release that Whitesnake will rock out for their "Whitesnake Forevermore World Tour" which will take place at AX Korea on October 26.

Whitesnake was founded in 1978 by David Coverdale after he parted ways with his previous band Deep Purple. The band recorded the EP Snakebite which was released in 1978 and included a cover of a Bobby "Blue" Bland song "Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City" which became the first hit from the band.

In the late 1980s, the group shifted from their origins of blues rock to hard rock and since produced a number of records featuring their greatest hit songs such as "Is This Love," "Here I Go Again" and recently "Love Will Set You Free."

Tickets for Whitesnake's upcoming concert in Korea will be available on online reservation Interpark starting July 19.

[News] Park Min Young shows off her beauty.

2011-07-18T09:35:00.000-07:00

[News] Park Min Young shows off her beauty.
Cr. - allkpop

Park Min Young shows off her beauty through a sel-ca!

On July 17th, Park Min Young tweeted, “I quickly went over to an event for the movie, ‘Cats’, during the middle of filming. Today, my feelings were like purple and the bouquet fit my feelings! To my cute fans and their lovely hearts, thank you so much for the gifts.” and uploaded a picture of herself.

In the picture, Park Min Young is holding a bouquet and smiling for the camera. Especially noticeable were her long straight hair and clear face that emphasize her innocent look.

Netizens commented, “Park Min Young has gotten prettier.” “I think Park Min Young has the best sel-cas!”

[Photo & News] Cha Seung Won travels to Shanghai for 'High Cut'.

2011-07-18T09:27:00.000-07:00

[Photo & News] Cha Seung Won travels to Shanghai for 'High Cut'.
Cr. - allkpop

Cha Seung Won, the man who caused women to have romantic frenzy fits whilst playing ‘Dok Go Jin‘ on “The Greatest Love” has now transformed into a fatally charismatic ‘Shanghai Tough Guy‘ for High Cut.

Cha Seung Won recently went to Shanghai, China for this particular photo shoot. The pictorial collection gives off an intense, noir film-like appeal. The photographs, which will be published on July 21st in High Cut, exudes Cha Seung Won’s manliness.

The photo shoot took place in the southwest of Shanghai at a movie filming site, a 1930 building named Tyenjeupang on the road of Nanzingrhou. Using various scenery as backgrounds for the shoot, the actor’s strong expressions recreate scenes from noir movies of the past. The leather jacket and trench coat also further bring out Seung Won’s macho charisma.

The actor has recently gained massive popularity in China. Cha Seung Won’s every move was adoringly followed by a multitude of fans, who temporarily inhabited the lobby of the hotel where the actor was staying. The 40-degree Celsius (104 ºF) sweat-inducing weather didn’t get in the way of Cha Seung Won working to his fullest potential for the shoot.

[News] Bae Doona discussing appearance in Tom Hanks.

2011-07-18T07:09:00.000-07:00

[News] Bae Doona discussing appearance in Tom Hanks.
Cr. - 10asia

Bae Doona is discussing her appearance in German-U.S. production "Cloud Atlas" set to star actor Tom Hanks and Halle Berry.

An official at Bae's agency told 10Asia over the phone on Monday that the film's producer recently asked the Korean model-turned-actress to appear in the English-language film about cloned human beings.

Being a 100 million dollar adaptation of English writer David Mitchell's novel of the same name, "Cloud Atlas" has been called "the first attempt at a German blockbuster" and "the most expensive German film of all time" by German media.

Befitting such tout, the pic will be produced by Munich-born Stefan Arndt and directed by his compatriot Tom Tykwer of "Run Lola Run" and Hollywood's Wachowski brothers of "The Matrix" series fame.

Also, top Hollywood actors Susan Sarandon and Jim Broadbent will take on the supporting roles in the film set for a release some time in 2012 after filming on location in Berlin starting this autumn.

If Bae is cast for the film, she will play the role of a Korean clone, her agency explained.

Bae has appeared in many dramas and movies since her debut in 1998 including the Japanese movie "Linda Linda Linda" (2005) and Korean movie "The Host" (2006).

Her role as a doll in Japanese production "Air Doll" (2009) have won her three best actress awards in Japan including at the Japanese Academy Awards, the Takasaki Film Festival and Tokyo Sports Movie Awards.

She is currently filming sports film "Korea" (tentative title), co-starring actress Ha Ji-won, which is set to open in theaters this fall.

The movie is based on the true story of the world table tennis championship held in Chiba of Japan in 1991 where North Korean player Li Bun-hui (Bae) and South Korean player Hyun Jung-hwa (Ha) overcame their difficulties and came together to defeat the Chinese team.

[News] Bae Doona discussing appearance in Tom Hanks.

2011-07-18T06:16:00.000-07:00

Reverend's Reviews: Shrek Isn't Dreck

2011-07-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

I notoriously (according to many who read my original review) referred to the 2001 animated movie Shrek oh-so-poetically as "dreck." While it became an enormous hit and spawned three sequels (Shrek 2 being, in my opinion, a vast improvement over the first), I found the original an obnoxious fairy tale farce that relied almost solely on potty humor and Disney-bashing for its raison d'etre.

Subsequently, I was far from enthused when I heard DreamWorks was turning its cash cow into a Broadway musical, hoping to follow in the footsteps of rival Disney's über-successful stage adaptations of Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King. Then I saw the original cast perform Lord Farquaad's showstopper "What's Up, Duloc?" on the 2009 Tony Awards broadcast. I was impressed. Then I bought the original cast recording, which proved to be filled with witty, inventive songs by David Lindsay-Abaire (an unexpected follow-up to his very serious, Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Rabbit Hole) and the gifted Jeanine Tesori (Caroline, or Change). I was even more impressed.

This past week, I was able to attend the Los Angeles opening of Shrek The Musical and see the complete work for the first time. Color me totally impressed! I highly recommend it — now playing through July 31 at the famed Pantages Theatre — to theatergoers young and old. There are still a few fart jokes and jabs at Disney, but the more-subtle musical benefits from a decidedly more lyrical, romantic approach. That and having human beings rather than computer-generated images fill the key roles give Shrek The Musical a massive advantage over its celluloid roots (although the film and musical are ostensibly based on stories written by the late William Steig).

Shrek, for the two people on the planet who haven't heard of the character, is a solitary, swamp-dwelling ogre who suddenly finds his muddy home overrun by fairy tale creatures including Pinocchio, the Big Bad Wolf, the Three Little Pigs and others evicted from the nearby kingdom of Duloc by the diminutive, perfection-obsessed despot, Farquaad (played, predominantly on his knees, by the hilarious David F.M. Vaughn). Shrek (beautifully portrayed and voiced by Eric Petersen) sets out for Duloc, with a talking Donkey (a great-in-small-doses Alan Mingo, Jr.) at his side. Confronting Farquaad, Shrek is promised the deed to his property if he first rescues the long-imprisoned Princess Fiona (the hilarious Haven Burton) and delivers her to Duloc so Farquaad can marry her and make himself a legitimate king.

Splendid stagecraft ensues, with one visual delight after another. In addition to the great costume designs (by Tim Hatley) that enable Farquaad to appear only a few feet tall, the show features a talking Gingerbread Man, a flying dragon, a horde of tap-dancing rats, and a cameo by the Shrek movies' Puss in Boots. The touring production is co-directed by the clever Jason Moore, who previously supervised the puppet-based Avenue Q, and Rob Ashford of the recent Broadway revival of Promises, Promises among other credits. Superb if fairly minimal choreography is provided by Josh Prince.

Tesori's and Lindsay-Abaire's more than serviceable score is comprised of several gems, most noticeably Shrek's delightfully cynical opening number "Big Bright Beautiful World"; Fiona's wistful "I Know It's Today" (performed by the character at three different ages) and energetic Act II opener, "Morning Person"; any of Lord Farquaad's songs; the dragon's R&B tuner "Forever" (which replaces her previous song "Donkey Pot Pie," heard on the Broadway cast recording); the toe-tapping, GLBT instant anthem "Freak Flag"; and the climactic, proscenium-crossing "This Is Our Story." And for fans of the original movie, an encore cover of the Monkees' "I'm a Believer" performed by the show's vocally gifted cast is included.

Shrek The Musical will be touring extensively over the next year. Wherever it plays, I encourage locals to check it out, whether or not you are fans of the movie. You'll have a good time either way. Tour information may be found at the musical's official site.

Review by Rev. Chris Carpenter, resident film critic of Movie Dearest and the Blade California.

[NEWS] Japanese rocker Taiji X Japan dies in Saipan.

2011-07-17T16:50:00.000-07:00

[NEWS] Japanese rocker Taiji X Japan dies in Saipan.
Cr.- channelnewsasia

SAIPAN: A Japanese rock musician who tried to hang himself after being arrested for unruly behaviour on a flight to the Mariana Islands has died in hospital, reports said Monday.

Rocker Taiji Sawada, who was best known as the former bass player with heavy metal group "X", died on Sunday when medics at Saipan's Commonwealth Health Centre followed his family's instructions and turned off his life support after he was certified brain dead, the Saipan Tribune reported.

The Marianas Variety newspaper reported that Sawada, 45, had been in intensive care since July 14 after he tried to hang himself with a bedsheet in a jail in the US-administered Pacific territory.

He had been arrested three days before for allegedly assaulting a female cabin crew attendant during a Delta Airlines flight from Tokyo to Saipan, court documents showed.

The documents, filed on the Northern Marianas District Court, said the flight attendant went to the business class section after hearing banging and found Sawada struggling with a female passenger.

The crew member said a number of male passengers helped her subdue the musician and move him to another chair but he caused another commotion, punching windows and kicking seats, as the plane prepared to descend to Saipan.

Eventually, the plane's captain ordered Sawada to be placed in physical restraints and he was arrested after the flight landed, the court documents said. No reason was given for Sawada's behaviour.

Sawada was due to appear in federal court last Friday for his detention hearing but was a no-show after his suicide attempt landed him in intensive care.

Mark Hanson, Sawada's court-appointed defense attorney said his client was "upset with himself" over his behaviour on the flight which led to his arrest, reported Marianas Variety.

Sawada enjoyed success with "X" in the late 1980s but left in 1992 citing creative differences among the band members and since then had played in various other bands, most recently with TSP which stands for "Taiji & Shu Project" according to fan websites.

The musician appeared as a guest performer at the concert of the now named "X Japan" last August, dismissing rumours of bad blood between the band members.

[News] Kim Hyun Joong follows up with ‘Kiss Kiss’ on Inkigayo.

2011-07-17T06:29:00.000-07:00

[News] Kim Hyun Joong follows up with ‘Kiss Kiss’ on Inkigayo.
Cr. - allkpop

After a successful promotion with “Break Down“, SS501’s Kim Hyun Joong is continuing his promotions with another track, “Kiss Kiss” from his debut album on today’s SBS Inkigayo.

KeyEast Entertainment explained, “Kim Hyun Joong thought that ‘Kiss Kiss’, a pop dance track with an upbeat rhythm, would be the perfect fit for the hot summer.”

“Kiss Kiss” will be a special treat for fans since it features sweet lyrics written specifically for them. Having captured the ladies’ hearts with his powerful and charismatic “Break Down” image, Kim Hyun Joong will be returning with a more romantic side.

[News] JYJ’s Jaejoong praised by ‘Protect the Boss’ co-stars for his acting talent.

2011-07-17T06:10:00.000-07:00

[News] JYJ’s Jaejoong praised by ‘Protect the Boss’ co-stars for his acting talent.
Cr. - allkpop

JYJ’s Jaejoong is being highly praised by his senior co-stars for his acting skills on SBS’s ‘Protect the Boss‘.

According to SBS, the crew kicked off the drama’s official filming by recording a reception scene at the 63 Building in Yeouido, Seoul on July 15th. As soon as the cue sign was dropped by PD Son Jung Hyun, Jaejoong was said to have slipped seamlessly into his role as ‘Moon Won’.

Senior co-stars like Park Young Kyu, Cha Hwa Yeon, Kim Ha Gyun, and many others all praised, “Jaejoong is an actor who will attain greatness. Let’s all support him so that he can do even better.” Staff members who had been watching Jaejoong interact with Ji Sung for their script also complimented, “They’re truly a great senior and junior.”

Producers of the drama added, “Before filming began, Jaejoong made sure to check over not only his script, but his outfit and make-up as thoroughly as possible. Although it’s his first time acting, he is as passionate as any other actor out there.”

The drama will begin airing on August 3rd.

[Interview] Kim Jae Won Influences the Deaf Community.

2011-07-17T06:04:00.000-07:00

[Interview] Kim Jae Won Influences the Deaf Community.
Cr. - allkpop

There’s a Korean saying that says as people get older, they need to start taking better care of their external appearance. Kim Jae Won looks as though he lives by this saying; his skin still looks amazing and his face always looks bright, but for him there’s more to the equation than just inheriting good genes.

He rests his mind on positive, pure thoughts and works to put his thoughts into practice in his own life, and inevitably his face reflects that. He and fellow colleague Noh Hong Chul have turned thinking positive into a lifestyle, and during his short interview, Kim Jae Won even influenced his interviewer to see the world in a different light.

Because he’s just a likeable guy, he’s more likely to receive support from viewers for his work. He truly hopes that through his work he can inspire people to open up their hearts just a little more.

-”Your Kdrama, “Can You Hear My Heart” Just ended a week ago; what have you been doing with your free time?”

“I still feel like I need to go on set. I’ve become so accustomed to my schedule; I still wake up at 4 or 5 in the morning, and I didn’t even go overseas but I feel jet lagged (laughs).”

-”You went back to work as soon as you were released from military service. Did you miss being able to work?”

“I’m so glad I’ve started work again. The only two leisurely things I did in the military was watch TV and read books. I would watch TV and want to be on a new program, or I would read and want to create a new storyline… that’s what took up a lot my thoughts. I was a DJ for a radio program for Korean military soldiers and when I read the stories and letters that came in, I realized over and over how much I love what I do. I was blessed to be able to work so quickly after I was discharged.”

-”It must be difficult playing the role of an partially hearing impaired character. You have to understand what people say by reading lips… That kind of acting is on a completely different level.”

“At first I was excited to play the role, but as the shoot went along, it became so difficult. I needed to come into my role as a hearing-impaired individual but there were other things I needed to understand for the story, like how a major enterprise is taken over. Not to mention I needed to learn how to read lips perfectly. In the story, most characters don’t know that my character, DongJoo, is deaf. There should have been scenes where DongJoo misinterprets what people say to him and consequentially things go awry because of it, but there was nothing like that. He can read lips so perfectly that the story seems a little less real. I wanted to discuss these details over with the production crew but we were shooting through it so fast there was no time for that. It’s too bad.”

-”Viewers must have given you praise for doing a Kdrama with such a heartfelt story. When you hear things like that, does it make you proud of your work?”

“‘People have mentioned it a lot. In the drama, Jung Bo Suk (played by Bong Young Kyu) is a character that reconciles the character Woori (played by Hwang Jung Eum)’s household, and my character DongJoo reconciles Choi Hwe Jang (Song Seung Hwan)’s household. Jang Bo Suk and DongJoo become friends and everyone in the drama becomes united in the end. We worked really hard to shoot this drama, but our hard work pays off when people tell us they were moved by the story. Especially when the deaf community extended their thanks and told us they were able to relate to the character DongJoo and they gained a new confidence after watching our drama, we were touched. These are possibly the best moments that come with being an actor and make acting worthwhile.

-”You have such a good natured image; does that limit your options as an actor?”

“I thought about that a lot. I wanted to play the part of the macho, bad guy too and I have a respect for the actors that can pull that off, but I’ve let that go now. I want to “specialize” in the kind of acting I am capable of. Some people are good at Math while other are good at Vocab. People who excel at Vocab shouldn’t be overly selfish and try to excel at Math… it’ll only hinder them from excelling at Vocab! (laughs).”

-”Your face might actually be suiting for a psychopath character.”

“If possible, I would like to stick to dramas that have a pleasant story line. All the violence on TV has a huge impact on the younger generation. They learn how to commit crime from the violence they see in the media, and their desire to for things of that nature increases. When you watch things like that, you can’t help but be influenced by it. I want to act in films and dramas which have stories that warms the heart.”

-”It’s been ten years already since your debut. You haven’t aged a day, but what kind of changes or growth have you experienced in that time?”

“My thoughts have changed in ten years, and through hardships and hurt I’ve experienced, I’ve become that much stronger. I strive to live a young, positive life. People age a little more each time they say, “At this age…?” I try not to make other people around me uncomfortable, and I remind myself each day that I am still young and capable, and I challenge myself to try new things. I think that’s the secret to living joyfully. Living this way also helps me relate to the younger people around me.”

-”You mentioned that while reading books during your military service you wanted to create a story line… any thoughts on producing your own film?”

“YES! (laughs) I even wrote up a scenario, but it’s going to be hard to find people to invest in it. I also think it’s going to be costly to cast people to play the role of the characters. I love kids, so I want to create a movie for children. If I get the opportunity sometime in the future, I may just do it.”

-”Isn’t it frustrating sometimes that people lock you in the “nice guy” category?”

“Since I was young, I’ve created boundaries for myself. I’ve lived within those boundaries for so long, that I’ve become accustomed to it (laughs). I remind myself that living this way is the right way for me, and I constantly watch the words that come out of my mouth. It’s been this way for so long it’s not frustrating; it’s the only lifestyle I know.”

-”What kind of actor do you wish to become? Someone like veteran Lee Soon Jae who grow old with the viewers?”

“Actually, when the time is right, I would like to become a husband and a father to a family. I want to become a man who devotes his life to his family, first and foremost… of course, way later on in life (laughs).”

[Photo & News] Posters and promo stills from 'The Princess’s Man'.

2011-07-17T05:48:00.000-07:00

[Photo & News] Posters and promo stills from 'The Princess’s Man'.
Cr. - javabeans

Romantic sageuk The Princess’s Man will be offering up a change of pace for Wednesdays and Thursdays when it takes over the slot vacated by the just-ended Romance Town this week. While that drama was lighter-spirited, this one will dial up the tragic romance and melodrama with its Romeo & Juliet premise. (The story: Two youngsters fall in love, but their fathers are on opposing sides of a political tug-of-war with the throne at stake.)

It also joins the new crop of sageuk dramas on the block, taking us from a rom-com-filled spring to a period-piece summer. Currently, we’ve got fusion action sageuk Warrior Baek Dong-soo on Mondays and Tuesdays, while King Gwanggaeto has been airing on weekends for several weeks. Soon we’ll have another Monday-Tuesday offering, Kye Baek — and then the anticipated Tree With Deep Roots come September. Phew! That’s a lotta sageuk.

In any case, it’s nice to see some smiling faces and friendly behind-the-scenes shots, given that The Princess’s Man is bound to wring a few tears (or maybe buckets) once its fated-lovers storyline kicks into full angst mode. Despite the mood of the drama, Park Shi-hoo shared that the atmosphere on set is comfortable, since he and co-star Moon Chae-won have known each other for a while prior to this series, going back to their rookie days. And really, how cute are they together?

The Princess’s Man premieres on July 20, and runs for 24 episodes.

[News] Director Kim Ki-duk says hard truth about "The Front Line".

2011-07-16T20:40:00.000-07:00

[News] Director Kim Ki-duk says hard truth about "The Front Line".
Cr. - hancinema

Director Kim Ki-duk from movie "Poongsan" spoke about his disappointment in the distribution methods of the movie "The Front Line".

Kim backhandedly criticized the screening ways of "The Front Line" by director Jang Hoon as he mentioned the monopoly problems with "Transformers 3" through a a statement on the 14th. He had also criticized Jang who was his assistant director, through "ARIRANG - Movie" at the Cannes International Film Festival in May.

In the statement Kim said, "It is shocking how an imported movie can be put up in 60% of the country's cinemas. I didn't think Korean movies could do that but not only does a war movie pull its release date from the 21st to the 20th but it will be played two times in over 180 cinemas. Doesn't it feel pity for the small scale movies like "Poongsan" that are barely surviving through the word of mouth?"

Kim said, "I feel bad for those who worked hard for the movie but I think this way of distribution is wrong. What does it mean for movies that cost millions and have good twists? I can't help but be disappointed as I thought the image of a director will go bad due to unnecessary misunderstandings so I rejected several distributors and postponed the release of "ARIRANG - Movie" when it was meant to be in July".

He continued, "I truly congratulate the release of Jang Hoon's movie and I wish as much as he is capable of, to be a little fair and show his movies. Another thing I would like to ask of Jang Hoon is, just like I gave a chance to you to become a director and producer, bring up the 'wandering' breakthrough members and lead them instead of me and make them a chance with your abilities". He also requested the support of low-budget films and the discovery of new directors as well as not using up too many cinemas so that movies like "Poongsan" can survive.

Meanwhile, Kim postponed the release of his movie "ARIRANG - Movie" due to unnecessary misunderstandings when it was showed at the Cannes Movie Festival and said, "I thank all those who have seen "Poongsan" and I will continue to make movies from passion and meaning instead of money".

[News] Bae Yong Joon & Jang Keun Suk popular choice to endorse convenience stores in Japan.

2011-07-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

[News] Bae Yong Joon & Jang Keun Suk popular choice to endorse convenience stores in Japan.
Cr. - tokyohive

It has become a recent trend for major convenience store chains in Japan to sign endorsement deals with Korean celebrities. Tokyohive previously reported that Tohoshinki (TVXQ) and Shoujo Jidai (SNSD) would be starring in a new commercial for 7-Eleven starting this month. On top of that, ‘Winter Sonata’s’ Bae Yong Joon has also signed a contract with Family Mart near the end of June 2011.

There’s no stopping the Korean wave as it has been revealed on July 15th that Korean actor Jang Geun Suk has signed a one year endorsement deal with LAWSON.

With LAWSON being a company that markets to women, they’ve produced various kinds of sweets and bentos (lunch boxes) specifically for women. Jang Geun Suk is currently very popular among Japanese women, so LAWSON will be using his charm to directly go after the female consumers. Jang Geun Suk will serves as the image character for the store as well as star in two commercials throughout his one year contract. There will also be limited edition goods and special tie up products sold at various times.

Family Mart turned to Bae Yong Joon’s immense popularity from his starring role in ‘Winter Sonata‘. With Bae Yong Joon being one of the main pioneers to bring Korean dramas to the forefront in Japan, he will help target the more mature female consumers. The first special campaign with Bae Yong Joon will be a special “birthday memorial wine” that will be sold on August 29th for his birthday, on top of special original goods.

Tohoshinki and Shoujo Jidai have already been featured in 7-Eleven ads for a campaign to win special original items. When you purchase the targeted items, you get a free screen saver for your cell phone or computer. With the help of Tohoshinki and Shoujo Jidai, 7-Eleven is looking to reach the younger consumers.

Convenience stores play a big part in a typical Japanese person’s life. With Korean celebrities signing endorsement deals with these companies, it only proves that the Korean wave is starting to become a bigger part of the Japanese lifestyle.

[News] Joo Jin Mo 'Russian Coffee' new movie.

2011-07-16T06:50:00.000-07:00

[News] Joo Jin Mo 'Russian Coffee' new movie.
Original : http://twssg.blogspot.com/

Joo Jin Mo (A Frozen Flower) and Kim So Yeon (IRIS) have been cast in $10 million film 'Russian Coffee'.

The major spending budget movie is based on the novel “Russian Coffee” by Kim Tak Hwan. The story is set within the latter era of the Chosun Dynasty and is about the Japanese assassination attempt on Emperor Gojong. Kim So Yeon replaces Lee Da Hae as Chosun’sst barista Tanya, and Joo Jin Mo plays Russia’s most effective sniper Ilichi. Park Ye Jin’s boyfriend Park Hee Soon plays Emperor Gojong, who has in truth been a massive fan of coffee. Yoo Seon ( Moss ) is Sadako who maneuvers Ilichi.

Director Chang Yoon Hyun, who produced movies like Jeon Do Yeon’s debut film The Contact (1997) and Shim Eun Ha’s Tell Me Some thing (1999), might be directing 'Russian Coffee'. The major spending budget spy blockbuster will begin filming March 29th .

Neither Kim So Yeon nor Joo Jin Mo have been on the small screen in quite some time. Both are currently filming the period movie Russian Coffee (also known as Kapi, which is the Korean pronunciation for Coffee).

The movie is currently still filming and the scheduled premiere date hasn’t been set yet. Originally Lee Da Hae was set to play Tanya, but the repeated delays of Russian Coffee to start filming prompted a conflict with Miss Ripley, so Lee Da Hae had to bow out, and Kim So Yeon stepped in.

[Photo,VOD & News] Thriller movie Blind’s trailer and stills.

2011-07-16T06:28:00.000-07:00

[Photo,VOD & News] Thriller movie Blind’s trailer and stills.
Cr. - javabeans

Let’s take a look at the new movie Blind, which stars Kim Haneul (Road No. 1) and Yoo Seung-ho (Warrior Baek Dong-soo) as two people involved in a murder case who become entangled in the chase to capture the criminal. The movie seems like standard thriller fare, but I’m a fan of both actors, so I’ve been looking forward to this release since hearing about the casting.

In true Korean-melodrama fashion, one is blind, and the other has super-duper-eyesight. No, I kid. It’s almost that dramatic, though: Kim Haneul is blind AND a crucial “eyewitness” (har har, but also true) to a murder case.

The case at hand is connected to a series of female students who go missing, and a hit and run. Once the police connect that one victim was involved in both incidents, they go in search of witnesses: Blind Su-ah (Kim) was a former trainee at police academy and is the first witness, who provides a minute description of the incident based on details she picks up with her keen other senses.

But the investigation takes a turn with the arrival of witness No. 2, Ki-sub (Yoo), who appears well into the investigation and describes a very different scene. With his brash attitude, he counters that he’s the one who saw it with his own two eyes. Su-ah challenges, “You’re doubting me because I can’t see, but why don’t you doubt him?”

And then…Su-ah finds herself being stalked and threatened. Based on the trailer below, it appears Ki-sub comes to her aid, despite their conflicting accounts at the police station. In one pretty cool sequence, he sees from a distance that she’s being chased and yells directions to her via phone, allowing her to escape from her chaser. Or does she?

The main poster above reads: “One case! Two witnesses! Conflicting testimonies!” Blind opens on August 11.

[News] 15th Puchon Int'l Fantastic Film Festival Opens for 10-day Run.

2011-07-16T06:27:00.000-07:00

[News] 15th Puchon Int'l Fantastic Film Festival Opens for 10-day Run.
Cr. - http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/

The 15th Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival opened in Bucheon City, Gyeonggi Province on Thursday for a ten-day run.

A total of 221 films from 33 countries will be screened at this year's festival.

The festival will not only run science fiction, horror and thriller movies, but it will also screen animation movies, such as "Ugly Duckling" and "Case Closed", that all family members can enjoy together.

Street concerts, exhibitions, free movie screenings and various other events will be held on the sidelines of the festival, and for the first time this year, Bucheon City has prepared a camping ground for audience members who are staying for an extended period.

After a closing ceremony is held on July 22nd, for two days, the festival organizers will screen the movies that were the most popular with the audience this year.

[Photo] Kim Hyun Joong 'Break Down' Album Sign Event.

2011-07-16T01:24:00.000-07:00

[Videos] Performances from this week's MTV The Show!

2011-07-15T23:46:00.000-07:00

Check out the performances clips here!

B.o.M - Without You

Rainbow-Sweet Dream

Secret-Starlight Moonlight

8eight-Close That Lip

f(x) Hot Summer

[News] MBC “Star Audition” Contestant Kwon Ri Sae Signs with KeyEast Entertainment.

2011-07-15T21:29:00.001-07:00

[News] MBC “Star Audition” Contestant Kwon Ri Sae Signs with KeyEast Entertainment.
Cr. - davidloverisaewgm

Kwon Ri Sae, best known for her role on MBC “Star Audition,” has signed an agency contract with Bae Yong Joon’s Key East Entertainment on July 14th, it was reported today by local media.

This contract is expected to open up many channels of opportunities for Kwon Ri Sae, whether it be singing or acting, as Key East Entertainment manages top stars such as Bae Yong Joon, Kim Hyun Joong, and Choi Kang Hee, among many others. Local media said because of her contract with Key East Entertainment and ties to Bae Yong Joon, Kwon Ri Sae may be a strong candidate to join the sequel to popular drama show "Dream High."

In fact, Kwon Ri Sae’s signing was believed to be imminent last month when she appeared at the red carpet event for the launch party of UAM, a global management agency co-run by SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, Star J Entertainment, and AM Entertainment.

The Japanese-born former Miss Korea, Kwon Ri Sae did not make it through the final rounds of MBC “Star Audition,” however, many industry officials believed her to possess the most potential as a future K-Pop star. As the former Miss Korea-Japan, Kwon Ri Sae has previous experience in the industry and her willingness to work in Korea increased her appeal to many agency representatives.

Add to that, she has recently been cast in MBC “We Got Married” as the wife of fellow “Star Audition” contestant David Oh, and it seems like her career is just about to take off!

[News] MBC “Star Audition” Contestant Kwon Ri Sae Signs with KeyEast Entertainment.

2011-07-15T21:29:00.000-07:00

[NEWS] G-Dragon is not ranked #1 in copyright income, only an exaggeration

2011-07-15T17:10:00.000-07:00

G-Dragon’s copyright income from songs was confirmed to be an exaggeration.

An official from the Korean Music Copyright Association said in a phone call with Star Daily News, “It’s not true that G-Dragon is ranked #1 in terms of copyright income. This matter became such a big topic that it was researched and confirmed that this claim is exaggerated.”

He continued, “Absolute information concerning copyrights cannot be disclosed because there’s no way of knowing. the specific income ranking of copyright holders. “

Last May on Mnet’s “Beatles Code” Seungri revealed, “G-Dragon is currently considered #1 in the Copyright Association. He even ranks higher than composer Cho Young Soo.”

In the end it was found out that Cho Young Su has 426 songs registered under the Copyright Association, 4 times more than G-Dragon who has 107.

Source: news.mk
Translation: alee@ibigbang

C:BIGBANGUPDATES

[Variety] WGM - Wonjun & Sohyun - Ep14

2011-07-15T15:14:00.000-07:00

It's just a few hours before the concert so Ibu quickly prepared the buffet table where she will serve the dishes she cooked herself. She prepared is to prettily! ^^ The husband also proudly showed his friends the specially prepared 3-steps heart lunchbox. =)

On the concert proper, the wife cheered happily. Being in love does make you feel like a teenager all over again, no matter how old you are already. *awww*

Brave Couple - Episode 14 w/ English subtitles

credits: BraverSubTeam/bravecouple@wordpress

Previous >> Episode 13

[Drama] Myung Wol The Spy - Episode 1

2011-07-15T13:49:00.000-07:00

It's Eric's comeback drama! ^^ The drama stars Han Ye Seul as Han Myung Wol, a North Korean military officer and Eric Mun as Kang Woo, a South Korean hallyu star. Both from totally different worlds but somehow, their paths will cross. =) The story is light and cute. It gives us a clear story line and add the funny and we got a very entertaining drama on our hand. ^^ Plus to that a swimming and shower scene from Eric on the very first episode, perfect, just perfect! =P

Kang Woo is one super star not only in South Korea but even in North Korea where a daughter of a general is one big fan. The General tasked secret agent Choi Ryu for a special mission in the Singapore and chose Myung Wol to be his partner, tagged along is the general's daughter to watch Kang Woo's concert. In Singapore, the girl challenged Myung Wol to get her Kang Woo's autograph. This resulted to multiple encounters of Myung Wol and Kang Woo.

Until one night in an auction house, Kang Woo bought an old book but was ambushed by Choi Ryu in mask trying to take the book from him but failed. They went back to North Korea with Choi Ryu denying her to join the secret service as long as he's the officer in charge of the division. Myung Wol saw her pen that she threw to a masked man and she knew that if she can get the book, she'll be able to enter the secret service.

So she went to South Korea to look for Kang Woo and in a shooting location, she saw Kang Woo in danger of explosion and saved him. She's the one that got injured and was hospitalized with Kang Woo worriedly waiting for her to wake up.

Myung Wol The Spy - Episode 1 w/ English subtitles
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

credits: dramacrazy.net

[News] Bae Yong Joon returns next year?

2011-07-15T09:50:00.001-07:00

[News] Bae Yong Joon returns next year?
Cr. - channelnewsasia

SEOUL: Korean actor Bae Yong Joon plans to make a showbiz comeback next year, after being away from the screen for years, with only cameo appearances in the drama "Dream High" earlier this year, reported Korean media.

An official from Bae's management agency KEYEAST Entertainment said Wednesday that the star is "looking into a number of scripts" and aims to return to screen in the first half of next year, though "no details have been discussed yet".

The 39-year-old actor's earlier comeback plans bombed when "Drops of God, the drama he was due to appear in, was dropped in 2010 due to a host of production issues.

Bae became a household name after starring opposite Korean actress Choi Ji Woo in the hit 2002 drama serial "Winter Sonata", which sparked a wave of interest in Korean pop culture across Asia.

He was forced to take a break from acting after he hurt his neck and shoulders, when he fell off a horse while shooting the drama series "Legend" in 2007.

[News] Bae Yong Joon returns next year?

2011-07-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

[News] G-Dragon gets paid more than composer Jo Yeong Soo for copyright of his songs

2011-07-15T06:27:00.000-07:00

On the July 13 episode of MBC’s Goldfish- Radio Star, B2ST’s Jun Hyung was revealed to be the highest-income member of his group. When asked about the pay he gets for composing a song, Jun Hyung said, “It’s more than enough.”

But it turns out that Big Bang’s G-Dragon gets paid more than Jun Hyung.

In April, Big Bang’s youngest member Seungri mentioned that his group’s lasting life on TV is due to its high income. He said, “I strongly believe that it’s more stable for a group to live a long life on TV if it gets extra income other than simply giving performances on the stage. G-Dragon gets paid for copyright of songs he has composed, T.O.P does movies or drama series, and Taeyang releases his solo album and does concerts. I also wanted to have a fixed income other than Big Bang to keep my career stable, so I’m managing ‘Seungri Academy’ for would-be singers.”

Seungri’s saying made viewers curious of how much it would cost for G-Dragon to compose a song. Soon enough, Seungri revealed G-Dragon’s income in a specific number.

On May 12, Seungri said on M. net’s Beatles Code, “G-Dragon gets paid the highest in the field of composing songs. He even gets paid more than composer Jo Yeong Soo. There are about 120 songs listed in G-Dragon’s name. He has written songs for Big Bang, as well as his own solo album, Taeyang, 2NE1 and Uhm Jung Hwa.”

Source Daum

Translated by Hanna

[News] Emcee Eunjung cries when T-ara gets first place

2011-07-15T06:17:00.000-07:00

On the 14th T-ara placed first place on M. net’s M Count Down with its song “Roly Poly.”

T-ara’s Eunjung was emcee of the day and said, “I had to announce first place because I was emcee that day. I couldn’t help but break in tears when I announced the name of my group, T-ara, the top ranking. We’ll definitely work harder to live up to this prize.”

Boram said, “I couldn’t believe that we got first place. I’m so happy.”

Qri added, “I really wanted to be on first place with “Roly Poly,” and I’m so excited that it really came true.”

The song “Roly Poly” is about just what it sounds like. It’s about bouncing back up when things are difficult, never giving up.

T-ara has successfully closed its first show case in Japan and is to release first single on September 5.

Source Nate by Hanna@Korea.com

[News] Boyfriend making viewer forget the heat, with their smile

2011-07-15T05:37:00.000-07:00

National Pet-dol','National Boyfriend-dol' as nickname for Boyfriend who make Noonas heart go thump thump.

On KBS2 'Music Bank' today episode Boyfriend perform with remix version of their first mini-album tittle track 'Boyfriend'.

Today, Boyfriend showed unique and youthful choreography and the cute eye-smile. Fans shouting with chic stage presence. Especially when Boyfriend own heat energy of the fans it was a drug that hard to forget.

Boyfriend's debut song 'Boyfriend' is the work of Brave Brother and Urban R&B works as sophisticated rhythms.

Credits,
Source : Yahoo! Korea News
Translations : young___a♥ @ B-NATION!

[NEWS] The GRACE-DANA&SUNDAYâ€™s Addictive Dance and Unique Lyric of â€˜One More Chance(ë‚˜ ì¢€ ë´ì¤˜)â€™ Became the Talk of the Town!

2011-07-14T23:47:00.000-07:00

The GRACE-DANA&SUNDAYâ€™s Addictive Dance and Unique Lyric of â€˜One More Chance(ë‚˜ ì¢€ ë´ì¤˜)â€™ Became the Talk of the Town!

The GRACE-DANA&SUNDAY who made a comeback with the digital single â€˜One More Chance (ë‚˜ ì¢€ ë´ì¤˜)â€™ has been attracting the attention with addictive dance and unique lyric.

As The GRACE-DANA&SUNDAY gave comeback stages through public TV music programs last week and began performing in earnest, theyâ€™ve caught the eyes of music fans by showing off their charismatic and powerful performance as well as their outstanding singing ability.

Especially, dancing performances such as â€˜One More Chance dance: drawing a circle with an index finger on the opposite palm,â€™ â€˜Wing dance: flapping both arms like a wing,â€™ â€˜Chair dance: highlighting Sundayâ€™s shapely legsâ€™ are well matched with the electronic dance music that has sophisticated beats so it has been doubled The GRACE-DANA&SUNDAYâ€™s charm.

In addition, the lyric of â€˜One More Chance(ë‚˜ ì¢€ ë´ì¤˜),â€™ which tells a secret story of todayâ€™s single ladies, gained popularity by appealing to women.

Meanwhile, The GRACE-DANA&SUNDAY is scheduled to give fancy performance of â€˜One More Chance(ë‚˜ ì¢€ ë´ì¤˜)â€™ by appearing on â€˜M.net Mcountdown(today), â€˜KBS Music Bank(7/15),â€™ â€˜MBC Show! Music Core(7/17),â€™ â€˜SBS Inkigayao(7/17),â€™ and more other music programs.

SOURCE: SMTOWN @FACEBOOK

Reverend's Reviews: Natural Tendencies

2011-07-14T23:00:00.000-07:00

"You cannot control what is wild." So reads graffiti left by a so-called "eco-terrorist" in the new documentary If A Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front, which opens today in Los Angeles and will soon have a national rollout. Their warning, however, applies well to another fine doc, Project Nim, which is already playing in some cities and opens in LA today as well. As both films illustrate, tragedy has resulted historically whenever humanity messes with the environment and other species. Why didn't those of us old enough to remember heed those 1970's TV commercials for Parkay Margarine, in which viewers were cautioned: "It's not nice to fool Mother Nature"?

If A Tree Falls, directed by Marshall Curry (an Oscar nominee for Street Fight) and Sam Cullman (who also serves as cinematographer and previously shot What Would Jesus Buy?, among other documentaries), focuses on several members of a cell of the radical Earth Liberation Front, a.k.a. ELF. Since 1996, ELF members have engaged in acts of arson aimed at crippling such non-Earth friendly sites as timber companies, wild horse slaughterhouses, ski lodges (causing $12 million in damage at one such resort in Vail, Colorado) and SUV dealerships. ELF was subsequently labeled the "number one domestic terrorism threat" by the FBI... prior to the attacks of September 11, 2001, anyway.

In 2005, 14 people associated with ELF were arrested. We hear first-hand here the personal stories of how some of these initially-docile individuals became environmentalists willing to sacrifice their own freedom and survival to prevent what one of the accused (and ultimately convicted) terms "the reckless destruction of the planet." Stepping in where protests and letter-writing campaigns against offending businesses had failed, ELF drew media attention to the plight of the environment while causing acts of destruction that â€” to the perpetrators' credit â€” never injured or killed anyone.

"It's hideous to be called a terrorist," says ELF member Daniel McGowan. I prefer to think of the subjects of If A Tree Falls as tree huggers with attitude, especially since we've seen what true, life-threatening terrorists can do. Without endorsing their tactics, I admire ELF's tenacity and efforts at educating the public. The movie gets a bit bogged down in legal and procedural details during its final 30 minutes but it will, hopefully, open eyes and hearts.

Project Nim is even more potent as an indictment against those who would try to manipulate "the natural order." Directed by Academy Award-winner James Marsh (Man on Wire) and winner of the Best Directing Award for World Documentary at this year's Sundance Film Festival, it is a probing exploration â€” at times painfully so â€” of humankind's arrogance as well as of the moral superiority some other species unwittingly possess.

Created from a combination of vintage footage, recent interviews with some of the surviving players, and re-created moments featuring an actor in a monkey suit, Project Nim recounts an extraordinary experiment during the 1970's in which an infant chimpanzee was removed from its natural mother only days after its birth and given to a human mother with instructions to raise it exactly as she would a human child. The goal: to determine whether humankind's closest relative could learn to communicate as a human being.

Utilizing American Sign Language, Nim (as the chimp was rather impersonally named) was taught a number of English words as well as how to dress himself and use the toilet. However, enduringly primitive and even violent actions by Nim indicated, as one researcher says in the film, "You can't give human nurturing to an animal that can kill you." After five years, the experiment's end was suddenly declared and Nim was relocated first to a chimpanzee research center in Oklahoma, then made a subject of medical research and ultimately abandoned to a solitary cage in an animal refuge in Texas.

Nim's journey is undeniably harrowing at times, and Project Nim may be tough for some animal lovers to get through. Gratefully, and wisely on Marsh's part, the challenging moments are leavened by enough cute and/or comic episodes of Nim interacting with his supporters both as a youth and as an adult that the film leaves one feeling hopeful rather than depressed. The humans involved, while sometimes well-meaning, are also revealed to be irreversibly ignorant with perhaps two exceptions: Dr. James Mahoney, who ultimately facilitated the transfer of numerous chimps, including Nim, from the bio-medical lab he managed to more hospitable surroundings, and Bob Ingersoll, who visited and continued to communicate with Nim for over 10 years before Nim's death at the age of 26 in 2000.

I'm all for trying to talk to the animals (some of my family members and friends even call me "Doctor Dolittle" due to the affinity seemingly shared between me and many non-human creatures), but I believe we ought to meet them on their linguistic level rather than unrealistically expect them to meet us on ours. I think that's the way Mother Nature... not to mention God... intended.

Reverend's Ratings:
Project Nim: A-
If A Tree Falls: B

Review by Rev. Chris Carpenter, resident film critic of Movie Dearest and the Blade California.

A Pink New Korea Girl Group Profile

2011-07-14T21:33:00.000-07:00

A Pink (에이핑크) is new Korea Girl Group, consits of 7 cute members. The girls are Park Cho Rong (Rapper, Leader), Yoon Bo Mi (Vocals), Jung Eun Ji (Main Vocals), Son Na Eun (Vocals), Hong Yoo Kyung (Vocals), Kim Nam Joo (Rap), Oh Ha Young (Vocals).

Like another Korea girl groups, A Pink concept are using Korea Cutie girls, and grouped them togehter. This new group will competete very hard with other Group such as 2NE1, f(x), Girl's Generation, and Wonder Girls.

“A Prink will fulfill a ‘7 color dream’ on a white canvas.”

The new ‘hot girl group’, A Pink, is garnering many attention in the music industry and in Korea. However, the attention of music fans towards them is not only highly praised. There is much commotion about how minors of the group display sexy concepts.
But even under these circumstances, A Pink has captivated the attention of many fans among the girl groups in the music industry. It’s A Pink’s story. With their sexy concept and innocent charm, these appeals make for a strong and unique touch in the music industry.

A Pink Pre-Debut

The documentary A Pink News (aired on TrendE) first introduced A Pink to the public. The show chronicled the debut process of the members of A Pink. The pilot episode was aired on March 11, 2011. Each episode will feature a different celebrity guest as its anchorman. Among the stars who presented the show will also be included: G.NA, Mario, MBLAQ's Seung Ho & G.O, B2ST, 4Minute, 2AM's Jinwoon, Secret's Sunhwa & Hyosung.

Before their debut the girls have been nicknamed ‘Elf Idols’, and the image has helped them in garnering contracts, like with jewelry brand “Cottiny“, and beverage brand “Ceylon Tea“.

A Pink 2011: Debut

On April 13th, A Pink released their music video teaser for their debut album, Seven Springs of A Pink. Done under the concept of ’spring ladies’, the seven members expressed the different charms of the spring season and emphasized their innocent beauty.[1] A Pink released EP "Seven Springs of A Pink" and the Music Video for "I Don't Know" on 19 April 2011.[2] The MV also stars B2ST's Gi Kwang.

A Pink made their first live debut stage through M.net's M! Countdown on April 21, 2011, to further promote the album.

They had their first official fanmeet where it was revealed that their pseudo-official fanclub name is "Pink Panda".

A Pink Photos :

Watch A Pink song "I Don't Know" Live Performance Video here

[Picture] Sleeping beauty!

2011-07-14T20:56:00.000-07:00

Another photo found on Rainbow's official Facebook fanpage.

Do you have any idea who the person in the photo is??She is none other than Rainbow's maknae Hyun Young,pretty even when she is sleeping,her pose is so graceful,i think she deserves the nickname Sleeping Beauty!

Share your thoughts!

[Picture] Riding bicycle in practice room??

2011-07-14T20:50:00.000-07:00

Rainbow's pretty rapper Woori rides bicycle in practice room!

The photo was uploaded on Rainbow's official Facebook account.She is creative enough to have thought of this idea,i guess their practice room is huge enough to allow Woori to apply her creativity ^^

[Photos] Super Junior is now practicing for 5JIB!

2011-07-14T19:33:00.000-07:00

SM's performance director Jae Won posted another photos of Super Junior teasing ELF as reply to SM's choreographer Gregory Hwang.. This time he uploaded a mysterious photo of 10 guys practicing with their casual clothes in a practice room.

In these photos we can only take a glimpse from their lower half body.

Can you recognize who is who?

Source: @Famous_Jae twitter
Written by: ShayneKay @ DKPOPNEWS.NET

[Variety] Strong Heart - Episode 82

2011-07-14T11:13:00.000-07:00

Guests: Yunho, Kim Hyun Joong, Choi Hong Man, An Mun Suk, Park Jung Ah, Junho, Oh Jung Hae, Hong Seok Cheon, Shindong, Lee Teuk, Park In Young, Kwanghee, Moon Hee Jun, Jung Juri, etc.

Part 2 of Strong Heart's King of Kings. They continue with Shindong introducing his younger sister to everyone. Round 5 is between Park Jung Ah and Junho. Jung Ah talked about the experiences she had mountain climbing with her father, one is she saw Jet Li and the other is she almost fell off a cliff. Junho talked about 2PM's high touch event in Japan where they have to high five with 40,000 fans. And we get to see Yunho and Junho's dance battle.

Round 6 is a battle between siblings, Park In Young and Leeteuk. Park In Young talked about always being called "Leeteuk's noona". Leeteuk shared 2 stories where in he wants to apologize to Yunho, 1st is for causing Yunho's bruise and 2nd for taking coins from his coin bank. Then Yunho started talking about comic books and what's so funny is that it's the store that Super Junior went to, and even Lee Seunggi knows the place, LOL! XD

Yunho talked about his father who he respects most. How his parents are still working until now even if their son is very popular and is earning lots of money, they still want to earn their own living. Hyun Joong also shared his personal relationship with his parents which is not as close as Yunho's. He's a cold person in the outside because he can't seem to express how he feels inside. But through a video message to his father, he wanted him to know that he loves them and in his heart, he's not a cold person at all.

Strong Heart - Episode 82 w/ English subtitles

credits: iamhotwalkerz@blogspot

Older >> Episode 81

[Interview] Ko Soo, 'I Want to Express My Various Emotions' in "Frontline" movie.

2011-07-14T06:06:00.000-07:00

[Interview] Ko Soo, 'I Want to Express My Various Emotions' in "Frontline" movie.
Cr. - http://english.kbs.co.kr/

Ko Soo plays a lieutenant named Kim Soo Hyuk in the movie "Frontline."

Actor Ko Soo, who usually has a smiling face, has an image of a diligent man, but he has begun to change since 2008 when he completed his military obligation. He appeared in the theater work entitled "Returned President Um," which was directed by Park Geun Young, and he played a gloomy character named Yo Han, who has experienced many ups and downs in his life. He has also played a character with a bad memory of the past in the movie "White Night - Walk Into the White Night," in which he and actress Sohn Ye Jin appeared together.

His acting in "White Night" was quite different from his bright and fresh image that he had shown up to then. In the movie "Frontline," which will be released on July 20, he will present another change in his acting. He plays a lieutenant named Kim Soo Hyuk, who has both good and evil sides in his mind and has become crazy during the war.

On July 12 in the middle of the rainy season, he came for an interview held at a cafe located in Sam Cheong-dong to talk about the story of his transformation. Ko Soo said, "After I was discharged from the military, I was very eager to appearing on the theater stage, and I wanted to fulfill this desire of experiencing many things that I really wanted to do and that I really wanted to see. Even before I joined the army, I appeared in many drama movies, but 'White Night' was different. It was also a drama, but the story was very sad and the artistic expression was very strong. It was totally new to me to express complicated feelings with only a few lines." He has challenged himself by constantly appearing in new works.

He has come to have thoughts of "I have to change" and "I have to present something different in my acting each time." He said, "I had tried to memorize my lines and imitate rather than act in my twenties, but I wanted to present perfect acting after my military discharge." So he tried many new genres of works such as theater work, dramas, and movies without any discrimination. When he felt a huge desire for acting, he received a casting offer for "Frontline," which is a blockbuster war movie with 10 billion won funding about the Korean war.

The delicate script had caught his attention. He felt pressure about appearing in this blockbuster movie as a protagonist, but he had already been enraptured by the character Soo Hyun so much that he even said, "I could not imagine any other actor playing Soo Hyun." Ko Soo said, "I worried whether I could play the character, and I felt pressure at the same time. But I really wanted to play the character Soo Hyun."

"Frontline" tells the story of soldiers from South and North Korea who kept engaging in battles on the front line during the Korean war right before the war ends. On the front line, where life and death are mingled, South Korean and North Korean soldiers have endless battles and they come to laugh at ideology and become more accustomed to the violence of war. To film a vivid battle scene on the front line, various special equipment was utilized and the cost for filming the movie was relatively huge. Thanks to those efforts, the battle scenes were perfectly reproduced in the movie.

Koo Soo had to run across a high mountain while carrying a 4.5 kilogram rifle while filming the movie, and he has injured all over his body as time goes on. Koo Soo said, "I had to run and crawl. I desperately filmed this movie. I was injured many times, but actually every staff member had difficulties while filming the movie. I could not say that it was too tough. Filming this movie was the most difficult for me physically. During filming, I regretted many times that I had chosen this movie. I thought that I had to be more careful when choosing works in which to appear (laugh)."

Besides the physical difficulties, he also had to endure mental difficulties. He said, "I used to show emotional acting before, but I came to have more interest in rational acting. Playing Soo Hyuk technically, like controlling breathing and facial expressions, was not that difficult, but controlling emotions was too difficult for me." Despite those difficulties, he said that he could learn many things while filming "Frontline," and he continuously wanted to learn more from now on. Koo Soo revealed, "From one moment, I came to be attracted to acting and feel excited while acting. It is like showing a part of me through the work of acting. There are many things inside me and I want to present my various emotions while acting and broaden the scope of my acting as an actor."

'The Frontline'(ê³ ì§€ì „) Trailer 1.

'The Frontline'(ê³ ì§€ì „) Trailer 2.

[Info] Recent Drama featuring Yoochun from the Popular Korean Group JYJ airing in Japan!

2011-07-14T05:46:00.000-07:00

100% Korean entertainment programs [Mnet], Augustâ€™s main event is â€œMiss Ripleyâ€!

Broadcast will start Saturday 13th of August 20:45~22:00

(Official Homepage) http://www.mnetjapan.com/drama/0763/

Park Yoochun, Lee Da Hae, and more talents forming a splendid cast.

Lee Da Hae who erases her pure image and challenges (herself by taking) such a wicked role. One of the men who Miri (Lee Da Hae) deceives is JYJâ€™s Yoochun, who is appearing in this drama as his second act after [Sangkyunkwan Scandal â˜†].

Miri who is abandoned by her mother as a child and ending up as an orphan, in order to pay her foster familyâ€™s debt and return to Korea, starts working in a pleasure house in Fukuoka region of Japan. Miri who returned to Korea in order to escape from the underworld she was living in meets Yuhyun (Yutaka) in a situation that almost cannot be called a coincidence.

Lee Da Hae acts the role of Miri who carries the burden of a past full of misfortune and pain, hides the truth about her past job and tries to deceive two men to get what she wants. How will it end, what is the truth, what is true love?

Will start on Saturday 13th of August!

Initial broadcast:

Episode 1 Saturday 13/8 at 20:45~22:00.

Episode 2 Sunday 14/8 at 20:45~22:00.

Repeat broadcast:

Episode 1 Monday 15/8 at 10:30ï½ž11:45

Episode 2 Tuesday 16/8 at 10:30ï½ž11:45

First 2 episodes will broadcast consecutively on Saturday 20/8 10:30ï½ž11:45ã€11:45ï½ž12:00

(Parts not related to Yoochun, about the storyline omitted)

Source: http://www.atpress.ne.jp/view/21542

Translation credit: As0or83 of JYJ3

[VOD & News] Kim Hyun Joong follows up with â€˜Kiss Kissâ€™ on M! Countdown.

2011-07-14T05:36:00.001-07:00

[News] Kim Hyun Joong follows up with â€˜Kiss Kissâ€™ on M! Countdown.
Cr. - allkpop

After a successful promotion with â€œBreak Downâ€œ, SS501â€™s Kim Hyun Joong is continuing his promotions with another track, â€œKiss Kissâ€ from his debut album on todayâ€™s Mnet M! Countdown.

KeyEast Entertainment explained, â€œKim Hyun Joong thought that â€˜Kiss Kissâ€™, a pop dance track with an upbeat rhythm, would be the perfect fit for the hot summer.â€

â€œKiss Kissâ€ will be a special treat for fans as it features sweet lyrics written specifically for them. Having captured the hearts of women with his powerful and charismatic â€œBreak Downâ€ image, Kim Hyun Joong will be returning with a more romantic side.

Kim Hyun Joong - Kiss Kiss

[VOD & News] Kim Hyun Joong follows up with â€˜Kiss Kissâ€™ on M! Countdown.

2011-07-14T05:36:00.000-07:00

Kim Hyun Joong - Kiss Kiss

[News] Eugene and Ki Tae-young's unique invitations for wedding.

2011-07-14T05:29:00.001-07:00

[News] Eugene and Ki Tae-young's unique invitations for wedding.
Cr. - hancinema

Ryu Sang-wook revealed Eugene and Ki Tae-young's invitations.

Ryu Sang-wook uploaded the picture of their invitation on his Twitter on the 13th saying, "We were in a three way relationship in the drama "Creating Destiny" but you're getting married for real! Congratulations!"

The orange invitation with the words "Eugene and Ki Tae-young's Creating Destiny" strikes the eye. The two look like they are calling each other and expresses freshness and romance.

Those who have seen the picture say, "Now I believe they are getting married", "They belong to each other", "Be happy!" and more.

Meanwhile, Eugene and Ki Tae-young starred together in the 2009 MBC drama "Creating Destiny" and came to a relationship in real life. They are getting married on the 23rd.

[News] Eugene and Ki Tae-young's unique invitations for wedding.

2011-07-14T05:29:00.000-07:00

[News] Won Bin's face is smaller than bread.

2011-07-14T05:19:00.001-07:00

[News] Won Bin's face is smaller than bread.
Cr. - hancinema

There was a Korean UNICEF "Sharing Campaign" treaty convention on the 13th. Won Bin took part in the event as the model as Tous Les Jours and UNICEF hosted the event together.

On the official Twitter for Tous Les Jours, a picture of Won Bin was uploaded with the writing, "His face is smaller than bread indeed". The picture was shaken up and not in good quality but still proved Won Bin's good looks.

Neatly dressed, Won Bin is holding up a basket of bread and posing for a picture. Those who have seen this picture say, "His features are clear even in this shaken up picture", "How can someone like this exist?", "He's not a human but God", "He became even more handsome while I haven't see him" and more.

[News] Won Bin's face is smaller than bread.

2011-07-14T05:19:00.000-07:00

[News] Kim Hyun-joong requests more meat from sample stands.

2011-07-14T05:16:00.001-07:00

[News] Kim Hyun-joong requests more meat from sample stands.
Cr. - hancinema

Solo singer Kim Hyun-joong revealed his love for free sample corners.

He made an appearance in the KBS Cool FM "Ock Ju-hyun's Gayo Square" on the 13th. He confessed his love for free sample corners and said, "I request for more meat sometimes but I buy what I tasted for free".

He also spoke about his bungee jumping experience.

"I tried jumping once. I was up there in curiosity but a group of tourists took out their camcorders. Then they shouted my name so I had to jump coolly".

Meanwhile, Kim Hyun-joong is about win over all women's hearts with the follow up song "Kiss Kiss".

[News] Kim Hyun-joong requests more meat from sample stands.

2011-07-14T05:16:00.000-07:00

Meanwhile, Kim Hyun-joong is about win over all women's hearts with the follow up song "Kiss Kiss".

[News/Photos] Meet After School Boys!

2011-07-14T04:41:00.000-07:00

Earlier today pictures revealing members of the upcoming group After School Boys were uploaded to online communities. These pictures gained a lot of interest from netizens since there is only a small amount of information available about the group.

In the pictures we can see five boys in Pledisâ€™ practice room posing cutely with their manager/trainer. Pledis has stated they are thinking of debuting with a â€œ5-6 Member Groupâ€ and then the After School Boys will follow After Schoolâ€™s â€˜Admission/Graduationâ€™ system and â€˜enrollâ€™ more members.

The already known members of the group Jonghyun who previously rapped for U-ieâ€™s solo song â€œSokSokSokâ€ and Dongho who was feaured in After Schoolâ€™s Music Video for â€œPlay Ur Loveâ€ can be seen along with three fresh new faces.

The Group is Set To Debut at the end of the year

Source: Elite Rebels

Edited blurb: ASD

[News] Girls' Generation Release First Japanese Album in South Korea

2011-07-14T04:12:00.000-07:00

Girlsâ€™ Generationâ€™s self-titled first Japanese album was recently launched in South Korea. On July 13th, various music sites like Bugs and MelOn participated in the releasing of songs from the album, leading to increasing interest from fans in the country.

The album was initially introduced in Japan on June 1st. Not long after, the girls earned the title of having the bestselling album for an international artist in the first week of its release. They also charted first in Oriconâ€™s Weekly chart and subsequently second in Oriconâ€™s Monthly chart for June. Their explosive popularity was further highlighted when their album was recognized as "Double Platinum" by the Recording Industry Association of Japan, also known as RIAJ, after the album sold more than 500,000 copies.

The first Japanese album consists of twelve different tracks, including the Japanese versions of hit singles â€œGeeâ€, â€œRun Devil Runâ€ and â€œHootâ€, as well as popular tracks like â€œMR. TAXIâ€ and â€œTHE GREAT ESCAPEâ€. Girlsâ€™ Generation will also finally embark on a domestic tour this year in South Korea on July 23rd and 24th at the Seoul Olympic Stadium.

Source: Newsen
Written by: shizzles9@soshified.com

[AUDIO] Yesung and Jang Hye Jin's " I AM Behind You" released!

2011-07-14T03:55:00.000-07:00

Yesung and Jang Hye Jin's "I Am Behind You" [Cooperation 1] has been released on various music sites.

Hear the song from here..
Please support them by purchasing the song from these sites...

MELON . DOSIRAK . MNET . NAVER . SORIBADA . BUGS .

Such a mellow song...

Rec from MNET and Uploaded by ShayneKay @ DKPOPNEWS.NET

[VOD & News] Lee Seo-Jin, Cha In-pyo, Jo Jae-Hyun, Oh Yeon-Su, 'Gye Baek (ê³„ë°±)' Trailer Released.

2011-07-14T00:24:00.000-07:00

[VOD & News] Lee Seo-Jin, Cha In-pyo, Jo Jae-Hyun, Oh Yeon-Su, 'Gye Baek (ê³„ë°±)' Trailer Released.
Original : http://twssg.blogspot.com/

"Gye Baek" MBC's new historical drama trailer released, leader cast starring by Lee Seo-Jin, Cha In-pyo, Jo Jae-Hyun, Oh Yeon-Su, Jeon No-Min & Yun Da-Hun.

The drama, about true leadership exerted by a courageous leader, "General Gye Baek" was the last military commander of Koreaâ€™s ancient kingdom of Baekje that ruled the middle region of the Korean Peninsula from 18 B.C. to A.D. 660. Record says he and his 5,000 men fought the Silla kingdom till the end despite lacking in the number of troops.

The screenwriter by Kim Geun-hong famous for producing other Korean historical dramas including â€œDaejanggeum (Jewel in the Palace),â€ â€œJumong,â€ â€œDong Yi - Jewel in the Crown,â€ â€œQueen Seon-deok,â€ and â€œYi Sanâ€ and written by scenarist Jung Hyung-soo who has written shows such as â€œDamoâ€ and â€œJumongâ€, Director by Kim Geun Hong.

"Gye Baek" will be air at MBC broadcast, Mondays & Tuesdays 21.55 p.m., start first episode on 25th July 2011.

'Gye Baek (ê³„ë°±)' First Trailer.

Lee Seo Jin as General Gyebaek

Cha In Pyo as Moo Jin (Gye Baek's father)

Jo Jae Hyun as King Uija (The Last King of Baekje)

Oh Yeon Soo as Sa Taek Bi (Queen of King Mu of Baekje)

Jeon Noh Min as Sung Choong

Kim Yoo Suk as Heung Soo

Yun Da Hun as Dok Gae

Ahn Kil Kang as Kwi-Woon

Jin Tae Hyun as Gyo Ki

[News] Kim Hyun-joong takes over music charts in Asia with 1st solo album.

2011-07-13T18:48:00.000-07:00

[News] Kim Hyun-joong takes over music charts in Asia with 1st solo album.
Cr. - 10asia

Hallyu Star Kim Hyun-joong has taken over several music charts in Asia with his first solo album, according to the respective charts on Thursday.

Kimâ€™s album â€œBreak Down,â€ which was released in Korea on June 7, has placed at the No. 1 spot on G-music and FIVE Music in Taiwan, Astro music chart in the Philippines, Channel Vâ€™s music chart in Thailand and KKBoxâ€™s music chart in Hong Kong.

â€œItâ€™s amazing to see the album do so well internationally even though it's the Korean version being sold overseas,â€ an official from his agency KEYEAST was quoted as saying.

Making his debut as the lead of the popular boy band SS501, Kim has returned to the local music scene as a solo artist with his first album "Break Down" and has topped online and offline music charts with the title track of the same name.

He released the music video for his follow up track "Kiss Kiss" yesterday while he will give his comeback performance on Mnet's weekly music program "M! CountDown" today.

Kim is also scheduled to begin his Asia tour next month where he will visit a total of eight countries to promote â€œBreak Down.â€

[News] On the set of Jang Keun-suk film "You Are My Pet".

2011-07-13T18:36:00.000-07:00

[News] On the set of Jang Keun-suk film "You Are My Pet".
Cr. - 10asia

There was only one place in Seongbuk-dong that was raining past five o'clock in the afternoon on the hot summer day of July 6. And encircled by a number of cameras on that site was Jang Keun-suk, crouched inside a box on the set of film "You Are My Pet." In-ho, the role Jang took on in "You Are My Pet," is the so-called 'pet' of Ji-eun (Kim Ha-neul) who on the outside may seem like she lives a perfect life yet lacks at social skills.

And just like its story which seems unlikely to exist in real life, Jang, wiping off water while surrounded by three staffers and surrounded by even more reporters, seemed like a star who would be hard to approach. It was only after he got the green light for a scene, changed from leaning on Kim to suddenly hugging her, that he said hello to reporters with ease. Jang, who made it seem such a pet would exist only in movies, seemed like he was moving according to an intricately-written script.

But it was Jang who broke the formality of his interview with the media that followed after. Back from drying his wet hair, he gave his answers in a calm and orderly way for each and every question, something he seemed to be used to doing. And he was not giving his answers easily but rather seemed like he was an actor who had no qualms about speaking his mind.

While explaining how In-ho is enjoying his new life after turing from a genius dancer into a musical actor, he revealed what he himself was like by saying, "He is like me in that he'll play sudden pranks unexpectedly" and showed his attitude in preparing for a project by saying, "I have a puppy too so I sometimes think intently about what pets must do to be loved by their owners."

And when talking about his scene partner, he drew laughter by addressing her as 'the living legend of romantic comedies' while at the same time, showing he has done some serious thinking about the movie in how he explained the key to it. The way in which he made playful remarks throughout the interview yet was serious when it comes to work was reminiscent of how he said, "Ha-neul said I'm someone that isn't too cute and not too masculine."

Jang, who after the interview openly said, "I recently shot a music video, would you like to see?" while showing the scenes from the video was no longer was a star who seemed to move as pre-determined. "Everybody says they drink because they like the atmosphere when they do. But I go out for drinks because I like drinking," he said with a laugh. This is probably enough for you to expect to see a 'natural and almost real' new type of pet.

[Interview] Hallyu star Jang Keun Suk, "I love adventure"

2011-07-13T12:25:00.000-07:00

[Interview] Hallyu star Jang Keun Suk, "I love adventure"
Cr.- @yuuki238
Source : NATE

[Exclusive] Jangäºšâ€¦ Shanghai 3 nights 4 days tour of the scene

â€œlike adventure â€¦ Korea upset fruition,â€ â€œI love adventureâ€. 9 days held in Shanghai after the second to last yearâ€™s successful tour of Asia, said the testimony is finished.

â–² Asian Tour, finishing second to whether you think: = last year, said it was the fear was surprised that was big heart. This year, I tried to play with heart. Meanwhile, the road did not go forward at the same time trying to figure out what to do with seeing occurs even more.

â–² Unlike previous Hallyu stars â€˜post-Wave Starâ€™ is also referred to as: = as a joke â€˜Asian Prince say to the fans, but I love the fans in Asia taking care of a surprise is surprised. Conservative approach, because I like adventure and what you want rather than have to try it. Japanese single â€œCry servlet U.S. (Let me Cry)> also insisted South Korea composers. Japan to persuade the staff â€œMary oebakjung> song surrendered to the music director of the choecheolho.

â–² Japanese localization strategy seems to be planning these and other: = in Japan this week courtesy of an ongoing shake was often omitted venture. Concentrate instead on the show to make the show fun to focus energy, and new fans feel that such a part seems to be uh, cares.

â–² Suntory in Japan went ahead as a model to sell in two months to a yearâ€™s goal was a clean up. = Santori Seoul, South Koreaâ€™s rice wine manufacturers in Korea sulyira thought that meant. In Japan, Kimura dakuya recently had the chance to meet other Japanese stars tell you my phone number to contact us and letâ€™s find in Seoul said. Are ambassador to Seoul, Seoul, did agree to let us know well, having provided them with contact details for the surprise saw that (laughs).

â–² advertise South Korea is a commitment. = I am a big gesture, at a press conference held in Japan Photo Library, such as dancing on the formulation of South Korea does not seem to be old style. But even in a foreign show is from woorimal. Tell us some of the local hit, but I am released songs from the show is called into Hangul.

â–² overseas activities is not it much more difficult when: = lonely, there have been times when the thought. Collapse will occur when you want, even harder to compete with fans, but can not breathe. Passed as an actor in theater, and my feeling is the power to the fans and giving and receiving.

â–² recently in Japan, CF Ransom happened Masaharu Fukuyama reported levels. = Masaharu Fukuyama very favorite singer and I learn. I will be glad if you could be so.

â–² Future plans: = Koreaâ€™s movie â€œPet of you> and you are shooting and soon in China through China EMI will release a single. Recently finished recording and music video shoot. In the second half of this year, Japan is preparing a concert has been scheduled. Activities in Asia A lot of good reviews about where the future was all give up a run, but Iâ€™ll go.

[Variety] Happy Together S3 - Episode 199

2011-07-13T11:36:00.000-07:00

Guests: Baek Ji Young, Yuri, Lee Ji Hye, Jang Woo Hyuk, Cheon Myeong Hoon

It's a continuation of the previous episode. The girls talk about how they became good friends during the time they were all struggling with their careers. They're all at an age ready to get married so talks about men is always present, LOL! XD

Since it's a known fact that these three friends went through plastic surgery, when the showing of pictures came up, everyone panicked, LOL! =P

Happy Together - Episode 199 w/ English subtitles

credits: boosaysharingiscaring.com

*note: you have to register in boo's site to view the post.

Previous >> Episode 198

[News] Jang Keun Suk films for â€˜SMAPxSMAPâ€™ and reveals, â€œTakuya Kimuraâ€™s cooking is delicious!â€

2011-07-13T09:30:00.001-07:00

[News] Jang Keun Suk films for â€˜SMAPxSMAPâ€™ and reveals, â€œTakuya Kimuraâ€™s cooking is delicious!â€
Cr. - allkpop

Jang Keun Suk recently appeared on the set of Japanâ€™s Fuji TV popular program, â€œSMAPxSMAPâ€ and met the members of SMAP. Top Korean celebrities have previously been featured on â€œSMAPxSMAPâ€, such as Jang Dong Gun, Lee Young Ae, Kwon Sang Woo, Lee Byung Hun, BoA, Ahn Jung Hwan, and the main cast of â€œBoys Before Flowersâ€œ.

The shoot which took place on June 29th was kept top secret, as Jang Keun Suk was visiting Japan for the release of his first official photo collection. Jang Keun Suk was featured on the programâ€™s cooking competition corner, â€˜Bistro SMAPâ€˜, and displayed his humor and charm.

Jang Keun Suk maintained a lively atmosphere throughout the shoot by dancing with the SMAP members, and itâ€™s reported by the staff that the atmosphere peaked when Jang Geun Suk praised Takuya Kimuraâ€™s dishes by repeatedly commenting, â€œdelicious!â€, in Japanese.

The main producer of â€œSMAPxSMAPâ€ commented, â€œthe SMAP members did not hide their anticipation to meet Jang Keuk Suk. Jang seemed to focus on reacting throughout the entire shoot and the atmosphere during the shoot was greatâ€ revelaing his satisfaction with the filming. The episode of â€œSMAPxSMAPâ€ in which Jang Geun Suk is featured will air through Japanâ€™s Fuji TV on July 18th.

In related news, Jang Keuk Suk has recently finished his Asian tour and is planning to focus on filming the movie, â€œYouâ€™re My Petâ€, which is scheduled to premiere this fall.

[News] Jang Keun Suk films for â€˜SMAPxSMAPâ€™ and reveals, â€œTakuya Kimuraâ€™s cooking is delicious!â€

2011-07-13T09:30:00.000-07:00

[News] Donnie Yen go to Singapore for "Wu Xia" film.

2011-07-13T09:17:00.001-07:00

[News] Donnie Yen go to Singapore for "Wu Xia" film.
Cr. - channelnewsasia

SINGAPORE: Fans of Hong Kong action star Donnie Yen will get to see him in the flesh on July 19, when he comes to Singapore to promote his latest film "Wu Xia".

The "Ip Man" star will be attending the film's gala premiere at Golden Village Vivocity at 8.00pm with "Wu Xia" director Peter Chan, during their whirlwind stopover in Singapore, before jetting off to Taiwan the next day.

"Wu Xia" cost US$20 million (S$24.9 million) to produce.

It tells the tale of Detective Xu Bai-jiu (Takeshi Kaneshiro), who tries to unravel the mystery of how an unassuming paper maker Liu Jin-xi (Donnie Yen) managed to slay the outlaw Yan Dong Sheng.

His investigations inadvertently put Liu and his wife Ah Yu (Tang Wei) on a collision course with the leader (60s martial arts star Jimmy Wang) of the 72 Demons, a clan of vicious killers.

Unlike other martial arts films that have come before, "Wu Xia" features fight scenes that emphasise how each strike serves to incapacitate a human being, via cutaways showing the internal effects of the strike on the human body.

Detective Xu pieces together the results of post mortems and investigations of the scene of the fight to figure out what Liu did as well as uncover clues about who Liu really is.

"Wu Xia" opens in Singapore on July 21.

[News] Donnie Yen go to Singapore for "Wu Xia" film.

2011-07-13T09:17:00.000-07:00

[Video] Brave Brothers "Break Up" MV unleashed!

2011-07-13T06:55:00.000-07:00

Brave Brothers' Break Up MV has been released! The song is a collaboration from ElectorBoyz and BEAST Lee Kikwang...

The rhythm from these boys perfectly fits with each others voices, and fans hearing the song are satisfied.

Source: bravefamily

[Video] GP Basic's Jelly Pop MV released!

2011-07-13T06:47:00.000-07:00

GP Basic releases the official MV for their song "Jelly Pop" This is a catchy song and very upbeat!
Watch the MV below:

Source: Oumae25

[News] Lee Dong-wook reveals abs in "Scent of a Woman".

2011-07-13T06:37:00.001-07:00

[News] Lee Dong-wook reveals abs in "Scent of a Woman".
Cr. - hancinema

Lee Dong-wook revealed his abs.

Leading male character Lee Dong-wook of SBS weekend drama "Scent of a Woman" revealed his firm abs during a shoot in Okinawa, Japan.

He displayed manliness on the beaches of Okinawa, his copper tanned skin, sexy pubis muscles and firm abs. This is a totally different look from before he joined the army when he was called the 'milk prince' because of his fair skin.

To play the role of plutocrat Ji-wook, it turns out Lee Dong-wook controlled his diet and worked out, losing 4 kg. To maintain his perfect image, he exercised regularly even between his tight schedules and ate chicken breasts, vegetables and sweet potatoes for every meal.

His management said, "He built his body through diet control and the help of a weight trainer. It's his official meeting with the viewers so he has great determination. You can look forward to an all new Lee Dong-wook".

Meanwhile, "Scent of a Woman" is a romantic comedy about a woman Kim Seon-ah who is sentenced to a time-limited life and Lee Dong-wook who is rich but has no pleasures in life.

[News] Lee Dong-wook reveals abs in "Scent of a Woman".

2011-07-13T06:37:00.000-07:00

[News] Director Spike Lee Takes On Hollywood Version Of "Old Boy".

2011-07-13T05:44:00.001-07:00

[News] Director Spike Lee Takes On Hollywood Version Of "Old Boy".
Cr. - http://english.kbs.co.kr/

The hit film "Old Boy" will be remade into an American movie by director Spike Lee.

After winning the Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival, Park Chan-wook's "Old Boy" was expected to be directed by Steven Spielberg, starring Will Smith. Not anymore.

Lee is a director that has addressed important issues like racism through his works, receiving nods for his popularity and direction.

The screenplay will be written by Mike Protosevich, who was also the name behind "I Am Legend". The storyline is expected to not be much different from the original Korean version.

Not everyone is looking forward to an English "Old Boy". Some are against the remake, saying that Hollywood will not be able to deliver the same violent portrayal and shocking plot line.

A few comments taken from a big US movie site included users saying, "It's stupid to create a remake. It'll ruin the original"., "Spike Lee is such an awesome director there's no reason for him to create the remake"., "Spike Lee's a great choice, but why not use the original director?". One media source from the US even printed, "Who will be able to eat the live squid?", referring to a memorable scene in the Korean version.

[News] Director Spike Lee Takes On Hollywood Version Of "Old Boy".

2011-07-13T05:44:00.000-07:00

[NEWS] â€˜BeatBurgerâ€™ Shim, Jaewon - Hwang, Sanghoon and â€˜TRAXâ€™ Jungmo will Attend â€˜JISAN ROCK FESTIVALâ€™ on 31st

2011-07-13T01:06:00.000-07:00

â€˜BeatBurgerâ€™ Shim, Jaewon - Hwang, Sanghoon and â€˜TRAXâ€™ Jungmo will Attend â€˜JISAN ROCK FESTIVALâ€™ on 31st

â€˜TRAXâ€™ Jungmo and DJ performance team BeatBurger, consisted of ex-members of â€˜BlackBeatâ€™ Shim, Jaewon & Hwang, Sanghoon will attend the â€˜2001 JISAN VALLEY ROCK FESTIVALâ€™ together on 31st.

BeatBurger and Jungmo are planning to feature DJing and performance with the guitar playing on the last day of â€˜2001 JISAN VALLEY ROCK FESTIVALâ€™ which will be held at the JISAN FOREST RESORT located in Icheon, Gyeonggi for 3 days(7/29 ~ 31).

BeatBurger is a DJ performance team formed by Shim, Jaewon and Hwang, Sanghoon who are well known as performance directors in charge of dance directing and training for SM artists. They have been DJing at famous clubs such as club VERA since 2009 and receiving response from many fans.

And also, Jungmo formed a project group â€˜M&Dâ€™ with Super Junior Heechul and he composed and arranged their digital single â€˜ë˜ë´(Close Ur Mouth). In addition, he played the instruments and even was in charge of programming sound effects, so his musical talent has already been recognized.

Moreover, guitarist Joo, Seongmin from Korean famous rock bank, Schizo and popular rapper MC MQ will perform with BeatBurger and Jungmo by playing the guitar and featuring rap, so it is expected to heat up the festival with various attractions.

A member of BeatBurger, Shim, Jaewon revealed his ambition by saying â€œSince itâ€™s a rock festival, we will show DJing that is fancier and more rocking than club stages.â€

Meanwhile, besides BeatBurger and Jungmo, nationally and internationally renowned artists such as Chemical Brothers, Arctic Monkeys, Suede, Incubus, Jang Kiha and the Faces, Jaurim, etc. are scheduled to attend â€˜2011 JISAN VALLEY ROCK FESTIVALâ€™ as well.

SOURCE: SMTOWN @FACEBOOK.

[Pictures] Ji Sook shared selcas taken with Daishi Dance!

2011-07-13T00:05:00.000-07:00

Check out the selcas shared on Ji Sook's Twitter.

The guy who poses besides Ji Sook is the producer of Rainbow's latest hit songs To Me and Sweet Dream.

Movie Dearest: Year Four

2011-07-12T23:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true: Movie Dearest, your place for cinematic views via a queer eye, is four years old today!

Many thanks to my tireless contributors — Chris Carpenter and Neil Cohen — and to all our readers for helping to make Movie Dearest what it is today and what it will become in the future!

Here's to year #5!

- Kirby

[News] Bae Yong-joon aiming for comeback next year.

2011-07-12T21:52:00.000-07:00

[News] Bae Yong-joon aiming for comeback next year.
Cr. - 10asia

Hallyu star Bae Yong-joon is looking to resume his activities next year, according to his agency KEYEAST on Wednesday.

An official at KEYEAST told 10Asia over the phone that Bae is aiming for a comeback within the first half of next year "although nothing detailed has been discussed."

She then added, "He is always looking into a number of scripts including those for films and dramas and is determined to make it be as soon as possible."

Bae, who rose to mega-stardom in Korea and throughout Asia with the 2002 hit KBS TV series "Winter Sonata" co-starring actress Choi Ji-woo, last starred in historical epic "Four Gods" in 2007 while making cameo appearances in school drama "Dream High," of which he was creative producer of, early this year.

However, he had halted all activities thereafter to treat a ruptured disc in his neck that he had first developed after falling from a horse while filming "Four Gods."

Outside of his acting career, he has been actively promoting Korean culture in Asia as well through various efforts including running a Korean restaurant in Japan and publishing a photo essay titled "Discovering the Beauty of Korea" last year that has been sold in multiple languages as well as being made into a television documentary.

[TRANS] Hands Up Thanks To - Taecyeon

2011-07-12T16:34:00.000-07:00

ALWAYS FIRST, THANK YOU GOD!! And my lovely family; father, mother, sister, and Seulgi who was sad because I didn't write his/her name the last few times, Jieunie, Sungyeolie, Sungeunie, study hard~ Jinyoung hyung, who, although I keep on saying you're my junior in acting, I always respect and believe in, President Jungok who is so busy these days I can't even see him, Vice-President Byeon Sangbong, Director Jo Haesung who always seems to have a hard time, Jisangie hyung, Jongsu hyung, Bongwonie hyung who ran with us and worked hard during the Japan tour, Junsu hyung, Eunji nuna, Changdae hyung, Tommy, Kim Eunsu-nim, Lee Woomin-nim, Namyoungie hyung who is now worrying about the choreography for Japanese Hands Up performances and Taecyeon's solo stage in the concert, our Hwayoung nuna who is gradually becoming prettier, Jincheolie hyung who came back, golder Seopju-shi, change of personnel to Jinyoungie hyung? transferred Minjae hyung fighting!! Youngilie hyung~ Taegonie hyung~ Suhyun hyung, Team Leader No Seungok, Younggulie hyung, Cheongeunie hyung, Heewon nuna, Seonghee nuna, Sujung nuna, Rayoung nuna, Yoonju nuna, Haejoon-shi, Na Youngkwon-nim, Sanghee nuna, Kim Juyeon-nim, Jang Seoyoon-nim, Teacher Jung Eunok who gets mad at me for texting every day, Jo PD-nim, Myunghwa nuna who guided me to the bakery, Son Jungmin-nim, congratulations on your marriage Jonggyu hyung, Yoon Jaeho hyung who has a hard time during CFs, Seulgi hyung, Creative team's crazy Byungki hyung, Hana nuna, Hyein nuna, Yoohee nuna, Sungjin hyung, Juyoung nuna, management support team Sangwonie hyung, Hyojung nuna, Youngju nuna, Eunkyung nuna, Jungeun nuna. Jaeseo hyung, Myunghanie hyung, Representative Du Hyunsu, Sunmi nuna, Boramie hyung, Jaeho hyung, Teacher Song Yoomi! Hoongyu hyung!! Soyoung nuna! Heehwa nuna, Wonhee nuna~Changminie hyung! Let's go play, my soulmate who sings Seulongie hyung, Jo Kwon who is so busy I can't even see your face, Jinwoonie who's body suddenly became better than mine. Wonder Girls! Sunye, Yeeun, Hyerin, Sohee, Yoobinie! Miss A Minyoungie, Fei, Jia, Suzy! Small and cute Minjoo, Sunmi, Soyoungie, G-Soul, San-E hyung. Representative Young Hyungshim who always cherishes and loves us, as well as Youngho nuna who lost weight! Myungok nuna, who made the 108 delivery(?) for me, TaecHopeful Ara Jo, Hana nuna, Jiyeonie, Powerhouse team Chief Yoora who is really busy lately. Suyeon nuna who has seen everything in Japan, as well as Jiyoon nuna who keeps on talking about travelling, Heewon nuna who I haven't seen much lately, Woojinie who has become a gangster, Jiinie, Yoojinie, Chief Im Jinok, who is a part of the recently moved STYLE FLOOR, as well as a big thanks to the staff~ Jeonho hyung who always takes the best album jacket and pictures! Lee Sangyup-nim who took us to Singapore, Chief Gong Minsun who needs to cheer up from gradual fatigue~ Director Jo Suhyun who directed Take off and Hands Up, JYP USA Lee Woosuk, An Jinyoung, Hyun Myungsu, Moon Hoyoon, Jane, JYP CHINA Lee Cheolhoon, Jo Ilgeum, Yoo Myo, Jang Yeon, and our best staff in Japan: Kazuyuki Kobayashi san, Karube san, Fujiwara san, Isshi san, Ken san, Jieun nuna~ Jung Kyunghee-nim, YASU san, Epic's Hayashi san, Endo san, Kasai san, Namgong nuna, Kyungokie hyung, Izumi san, Kumi san, Ichikawak san, Igarashi san. Epic Records Japan Promotion Team! Ariola's Watanabe san, Tanigawa san, Hasegawa san, Jodai san, Ito goei san, Ariola Japan Promotion team, as well as Yongdong High Ahgeudeola (?)! ma boi Ian who has come back to Korea! OneWay's Mikey-nim who wrote such a nice ballad for us, Jiyoung nuna who is now publicly dating, Dongryulie hyung, Ssolssolie hyung who I can never see, Sueun nuna, Baek Hogu, Miri and Yoori, sly trainer from Bodyspace which has now become a chain store keke Jinho hyung, Sujin nuna, Taewoo hyung, Chunmyungie hyung, Seowoo nuna, Geunyoung nuna, Dream High's Director Lee Eungbok. Seongyoonie hyung, Hyungjoonie hyung, Hyerim nuna~ Suhyunie, as well as Seungminie hyung who I became close with during Inkigayo, Eunjung nuna, Gwangminie hyung, Jiyoung nuna, Sunghoonie hyung, Hyungtaecie hyung, Seonjin nuna, Hongseok nuna, Sangryulie hyung, Wonhee nuna, Sanghyunie hyung, Bongsunie nuna! Finally songs I like that make me shudder have been released!! 2pm Stronger than Ever!! Junsu, Khun, Wooyoung, Junho, Chansung, let's meet on stage for a long time!! Hottest who I love!! HANDS UP!

Scan by neru @ W2D
Translated by khy127 @ W2D
May be taken out with credits
http://wild2day.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=10212

[Variety] Running Man - Ep 41

2011-07-12T11:05:00.000-07:00

Host: Yoo Jae Suk
Regulars: Ji Suk Jin, Kim Jong Kook, Haha, Kwang Soo, Song Joong Ki, Gary, Song Ji Hyo.

Guest: Lee Sun Gyun and Park Joong Hoon

The location for this episode is the National Library of Korea. It's funny that Joong Hoon actually tweeted about his guesting on the show on the day he is to film so everyone knows even before they started filming. ^^

The guests will be like team leaders and they will have to catch as many running men as they can. The running men that they catch will be part of their team and will help them in catching the others. The team with more members wins. It's really cute that Jong Kook became the maknae in the "old men" team and they keep calling him "cute", lol! =P

Next is a drawing relay to guess the correct proverb. The team that wins can go ahead first to the next location for their next mission. Their next mission is to bring back the top 5 things that people they surveyed would want in their personal library. And the secret place they're heading to is Haha's house. =)

By the way, this is also Joongki's final episode on Running Man, it's really sad to see him go. T_T

Running Man - Episode 41 w/ English subtitles
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

credits: iSUBS forum

Next >> Episode 42

Previous >> Episode 40

[Photo & News] Bae Yong Joon & Kim Hyun Joong at 'Wine & People' book launching (July 9th, 2011).

2011-07-12T10:31:00.001-07:00

[Photo & News] Bae Yong Joon & Kim Hyun Joong at 'Wine & People' book launching (July 9th, 2011).
Original : http://twssg.blogspot.com/

Bae Yong Joon, Kim Hyun Joong and Choi Kang Hee at 'Wine & People' written by sommelier Lee Joon Hyuk which was held at Vin-ga in Apgujeong. The book launching on 9th July 2011.

For those who are curious about the book here's a copy of it as well as promote poster. It's well known in the industry that Bae Yong Joon is a wine lover. Bae yong joon might have influenced to Kim Hyun Joong to drink wine.

Lee Joon Hyuk reveal in this book his conversation with Bae Yong Joon and Kim Hyun Joong and cover,s book was taken at Gorilla in the Kitchen.

[Photo & News] Bae Yong Joon & Kim Hyun Joong at 'Wine & People' book launching (July 9th, 2011).

2011-07-12T10:31:00.000-07:00

[Photo & News] Mike He & Cyndi Wang in 'Love Keeps Going' CTV new drama.

2011-07-12T09:35:00.001-07:00

[Photo & News] Mike He & Cyndi Wang in 'Love Keeps Going' CTV new drama.
Original : http://twssg.blogspot.com/

'Love Keeps Going' is a 2011 Taiwanese drama leader cast starring by Cyndi Wang as Zha Mei Le/He Yan Qin, Mike He as Han Yi Lie and Eli Shih as Han Yi Feng. It is based on Taiwanese novel, 'Wang's Love Song'.

It was first broadcast in Taiwan on free-to-air China Television (CTV) from 5th June 2011, every Sunday at 22.00 - 23.30 p.m. and on cable TV Gala Television (GTV) Variety Show/CH 28 on 11 June 2011, every Sunday at 21.00 - 22.30 p.m.

A story of an egotistic guy meeting a girl who aimed to please. A casual comment from her boyfriend on wishing to open a bakery store of their own caused Mei Le to immediately abandon her lucrative job in fiance to pursuit a career in baking bread. But, her boyfriend still dumped her for someone else anyway. Her breakup directly impacted Han Yi Lie. First, her cheating boyfriend was his brother. Second, he worked better after eating her bread and couldnâ€™t function when she stopped baking it. So he decided to help her get over the unfortunate event.

'Love Keeps Going' all started when Zha Mei Le was just a little girl; she was care free and not really bright. She overheard her parents agreeing to a divorce and deciding which child should stay with who, both of them didn't want Mei Le, so Mei Le decided to change that.

She started doing her best at everything, being well behaved, caring, obedient and even smart! She had tons of certificates, everyone enjoyed to be with her at work, and her boss just admired her hard work. That's how she even met her boyfriend Han Yi Feng; through her kind and caring soul, even his family loved her.. except his brother, Han Yi Lei.

Kind heart-ed Mei Le, was just doing a favor that her boyfriend asked: to pick Yi Lei at the airport, and right from the start, the two of them disliked each other. But on the other hand, Mei Le was also trying really hard to fulfill her boyfriend's dream of owning a bakery. But when she finds out the her relationship with Yi Feng, isn't as pure as she thought it was, she finds her self with his brother! See how this drama unfolds, when things begin to heat up! Find Out on Love Keeps Going!

[Photo & News] Mike He & Cyndi Wang in 'Love Keeps Going' CTV new drama.

2011-07-12T09:35:00.000-07:00

[Photo & News] Bae Yong Joon & Kim Hyun Joong at 'Wine & People' book launching (July 9th, 2011).

2011-07-12T07:09:00.001-07:00

[Photo & News] Bae Yong Joon & Kim Hyun Joong at 'Wine & People' book launching (July 9th, 2011).

2011-07-12T07:09:00.000-07:00

[Video] Kim Hyung Jun releases MV for Japanese single "Long Night"

2011-07-12T06:29:00.000-07:00

Kim Hyung Jun started promoting in Japan, and is scheduled to release his 1st Japanese single "Long Night" on July 27.

Ahead of that, Hyung Jun gave early treat for his Japanese fans for releasing the MV earlier.

Check it below:

Source: honeybummie87

Hot Korea Girls

Third Week of Gains for Aussie, Can Rally Be Sustained?

Canadian Dollar Receives Hit from US

Quotes of the day

Americans say Obama government can't fix US economy: Poll

Tom Friedman fantasizes: What if Boehner joined forces with Obama and totally dismissed the tea party?

Consumer Sentiment Curbs Appeal of Aussie

Kanon Wakeshima

Video: When open-carry is your only option

[News] Can’t Lose holds first script reading.

[News] Mainland netizens criticize "Sunshine Angel" for being a rotten drama.

[News] Micky Yuchun herpes zoster, worst health condition.

[News] So Ji Sub open his coffee shop ‘To Some Place by 51K‘.

[News] Kwon Sang-woo says enjoyed "Pain".

[News] Lee Byung-hun departs to U.S. for "G.I. Joe 2".

[News] Lee Da Hae and Yoochun explain their absences for ‘Miss Ripley’ after party.

[News] Kim Rae-won cast as male lead in upcoming SBS drama.

[News] Why Kim Sun Ah refused to be diet icon.

[PREVIEW] SBS TV series "Scent of Woman".

[VOD & News] Show Luo Releases "Only You" Japanese Version.

[News] Nominees of Seoul Drama Awards 2011.

[News] Seoul Drama Awards expands Hallyu awards.

[VOD & Photo] 'Gye Baek (계백)' Poster Making.

[News] Kim Rae-won comeback for SBS new drama '1,000 Day Promise' or 'Forget Me Not' with Soo-Ae.

[News] Yoon Si-yoon to visit Japan this week.

[News] Rock band 'Whitesnake' to hold 1st ever concert in Korea in October.

[News] Park Min Young shows off her beauty.

[Photo & News] Cha Seung Won travels to Shanghai for 'High Cut'.

[News] Bae Doona discussing appearance in Tom Hanks.

[News] Bae Doona discussing appearance in Tom Hanks.

Reverend's Reviews: Shrek Isn't Dreck

[NEWS] Japanese rocker Taiji X Japan dies in Saipan.

[News] Kim Hyun Joong follows up with ‘Kiss Kiss’ on Inkigayo.

[News] JYJ’s Jaejoong praised by ‘Protect the Boss’ co-stars for his acting talent.

[Interview] Kim Jae Won Influences the Deaf Community.

[Photo & News] Posters and promo stills from 'The Princess’s Man'.

[News] Director Kim Ki-duk says hard truth about "The Front Line".

[News] Bae Yong Joon & Jang Keun Suk popular choice to endorse convenience stores in Japan.

[News] Joo Jin Mo 'Russian Coffee' new movie.

[Photo,VOD & News] Thriller movie Blind’s trailer and stills.

[News] 15th Puchon Int'l Fantastic Film Festival Opens for 10-day Run.

[Photo] Kim Hyun Joong 'Break Down' Album Sign Event.

[Videos] Performances from this week's MTV The Show!

[News] MBC “Star Audition” Contestant Kwon Ri Sae Signs with KeyEast Entertainment.

[News] MBC “Star Audition” Contestant Kwon Ri Sae Signs with KeyEast Entertainment.

[NEWS] G-Dragon is not ranked #1 in copyright income, only an exaggeration

[Variety] WGM - Wonjun & Sohyun - Ep14

[Drama] Myung Wol The Spy - Episode 1

[News] Bae Yong Joon returns next year?

[News] Bae Yong Joon returns next year?

[News] G-Dragon gets paid more than composer Jo Yeong Soo for copyright of his songs

[News] Emcee Eunjung cries when T-ara gets first place

[News] Boyfriend making viewer forget the heat, with their smile

[NEWS] The GRACE-DANA&SUNDAYâ€™s Addictive Dance and Unique Lyric of â€˜One More Chance(ë‚˜ ì¢€ ë´ì¤˜)â€™ Became the Talk of the Town!

Reverend's Reviews: Natural Tendencies

A Pink New Korea Girl Group Profile

[Picture] Sleeping beauty!

[Picture] Riding bicycle in practice room??

[Photos] Super Junior is now practicing for 5JIB!

[Variety] Strong Heart - Episode 82

[Interview] Ko Soo, 'I Want to Express My Various Emotions' in "Frontline" movie.

[Info] Recent Drama featuring Yoochun from the Popular Korean Group JYJ airing in Japan!

[VOD & News] Kim Hyun Joong follows up with â€˜Kiss Kissâ€™ on M! Countdown.

[VOD & News] Kim Hyun Joong follows up with â€˜Kiss Kissâ€™ on M! Countdown.

[News] Eugene and Ki Tae-young's unique invitations for wedding.

[News] Eugene and Ki Tae-young's unique invitations for wedding.

[News] Won Bin's face is smaller than bread.

[News] Won Bin's face is smaller than bread.

[News] Kim Hyun-joong requests more meat from sample stands.

[News] Kim Hyun-joong requests more meat from sample stands.

[News/Photos] Meet After School Boys!

Source: Elite Rebels

Edited blurb: ASD

[News] Girls' Generation Release First Japanese Album in South Korea

[AUDIO] Yesung and Jang Hye Jin's " I AM Behind You" released!

[VOD & News] Lee Seo-Jin, Cha In-pyo, Jo Jae-Hyun, Oh Yeon-Su, 'Gye Baek (ê³„ë°±)' Trailer Released.

[News] Kim Hyun-joong takes over music charts in Asia with 1st solo album.

[News] On the set of Jang Keun-suk film "You Are My Pet".

[Interview] Hallyu star Jang Keun Suk, "I love adventure"

[Variety] Happy Together S3 - Episode 199

[NEWS] The GRACE-DANA&SUNDAYâ€™s Addictive Dance and Unique Lyric of â€˜One More Chance(ë‚˜ ì¢€ ë´ì¤˜)â€™ Became the Talk of the Town!

[News] Jang Keun Suk films for â€˜SMAPxSMAPâ€™ and reveals, â€œTakuya Kimuraâ€™s cooking is delicious!â€

[News] Jang Keun Suk films for â€˜SMAPxSMAPâ€™ and reveals, â€œTakuya Kimuraâ€™s cooking is delicious!â€