IDOL KPOP GROUPS DOMINATES TV, THEATER AND FILM
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Love them or hate them, idols today are the kings and queens of Korean entertainment, dominating not just the music world but, increasingly, television and film as well.
According to an analysis by the JoongAng Ilbo and Mnet Media, an entertainment company based in Seoul, these cutesy bubblegum divas exert an enormous influence on Korea’s entertainment industry.
The analysis followed the daily schedules of 11 major idol groups and concluded that variety TV programs (called yeneung in Korean) function as incubators, cueing the Korean public to the next big thing. On yeneung programs, idols show off their nonmusical charms, dancing or doing impressions.
Kim Eun-a, head of the public relations team at SM Entertainment, which manages the idol group f(X), explained, “Since each member has many different schedule obligations, it is hard to gather them together in one spot.” Like other idol groups, the five members of f(X) often host music shows or appear on reality programs.
The 11 idol groups tracked included Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, Big Bang, 2PM and 2AM, which were the most popular on Mnet’s charts between February and May.
Among them, nine groups appeared on yeneung programs at least once before they topped the charts. Many are also regulars on primetime programs. For example, singer Jo Kwon is currently a regular guest on four TV programs as of this month, but his group 2AM was not very successful when it debuted in July 2008. As Jo started to appear on TV, however, doing flamboyant dance moves and offering exaggerated reactions, 2AM’s popularity began to flare.
After debuting on television on Nov. 9 last year, Jo appeared on “We Got Married,” which pairs up celebrities and provides a glimpse into what their lives might be like if they were married. When Jo joined the cast, 2AM sales sharply rose, and the group finally reached the top of the charts for the first time earlier this year with a song titled, “Can’t Let You Go Even If I Die.”
“Doing these TV shows is one way to promote our songs,” said Jeong Jin-woon, another member of 2AM. Jeong also regularly appears on television as a guest.
Once idol groups reach No. 1 on the charts, the next step is to cash in by appearing in TV commercials. Then many idols expand their careers to fictional dramas, films and musicals.
Theatrical producers are happy to have the idols, because they guarantee high ticket sales. When idols are cast in musicals, an average of 96 percent of seats are filled, compared to 70 percent or lower for typical Seoul productions.
Tickets for the musical “Palace,” which stars Xiah Jun-soo, a member of the disbanded idol group TVXQ, sold out in just two minutes after they went on sale earlier last month.
Jessica, a member of Girls’ Generation, took part in the musical version of “Legally Blonde” in March, and Tae-yeon, another member of the group, featured in the musical “Midnight Sun” in May. Onew, a member of SHINee, did the musical “Brothers Were Brave” in April. All the musicals turned handsome profits.
Dramas and films are idols’ favorite side jobs. T.O.P., a member of Big Bang, appeared in the TV drama “Iris” last year and also landed a role in the film “71: Into the Fire.”
In fact, it would be inaccurate to call most of these idols “singers.” Instead, they are all-around entertainers. It’s become the norm for idols to look forward to success in show business, whether they keep pursuing their singing careers or not. “I think I will start acting in 10 years,” said Sulli, a member of f(X).
Pop music critic Im Zin-mo said, “One thing I can say for sure is that idols are the ones who sustain the nation’s K-pop scene, and they go even beyond that.
“They truly rule the whole entertainment industry,” Im said.
credit: [so@joongang.co.kr]
GREAT NEWS FOR FUTURE ASIAN GIRL GROUP WANNABEES
Wonder Girls watch out. A new Asian girl group is on the way.
FarWest Entertainment — a production company helmed by former Walt Disney Company (Asia Pacific) president Jon Niermann — and a group of Asian partners are behind a fledgling girl band enterprise called “Project Lotus.”
The concept behind “Project Lotus” is simple.
Grammy Award-winning producers Eliot Kennedy (left) and Brian Grant (center) are set to compose songs with Canto-pop singer Jonathan Wong for a new Pan-Asian girl group. FarWest Entertainment
Get five talented girls from Korea, Japan, China, India and the Philippines. Pair them up with Grammy Award-winning producers Eliot Kennedy and Brian Grant. Give them songs composed by prominent song writers like Take That’s Gary Barlow. Get it all down on film and drop it on the world.
In the midst of pre-auditions, FarWest and team are busy culling talent from a variety of outlets, including the Internet, where hopefuls can upload their audition videos onto Project Lotus’ website (www.projectlotus.tv), Facebook page or their YouTube channel.
To date 850 girls have sent in their clips. The number could more than double by the Aug. 2 submission deadline.
Applicants need to be Asian women aged 18 to 25 who can speak English and sing and dance. Clips should feature hopefuls singing an English-language pop song.
According to production manager Laura Conway, video clips are just the beginning of an extensive auditioning process that includes country manager-hosted tryouts. Producers will also tour Asian cities to scout out candidates from performing arts schools, modeling agencies and local management companies.
“The candidates who are successful will be invited to attend a live audition in their capital city,” Conway explained via e-mail. “This audition will take place in front of a panel of celebrity judges.”
A group of 25 finalists, five from each country, will then fly to Hong Kong to take part in a six-week training process. One girl from each country will be eliminated every week until only five are left.
The resulting footage is slated to air in February and March. The album release is set for April.
“TV deals are currently in negotiation,” said Conway. “We intend that the television show will be broadcast throughout the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Asia of their desire to target an international audience of girls aged 6 to 14, Conway said: “We believe that the timing is right for singers from Asia to make it big in the West.”
By Jean Oh (oh_jean@heraldm.com)
credit: heraldm.com + kpop.ph
SE7EN TO MAKE COMEBACK WITH NEW ALBUM
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Korean pop singer Se7en is set to make a comeback to the local music scene next week, making his first album release in Korea in over three years.
Agency YG Entertainment (YG) announced in a press release that Se7en will be coming back on July 21, as shown in the teaser page set up for the singer (http://www.hello7.com) last Friday.
The singer, who has been busy working in the U.S. for the past few years, had originally planned to return to Korea at the end of May.
But, as YG explained several months ago, he decided to push the date back because he “wanted to make it perfect” and “wanted to make the [comeback] date relevant to ‘seven.’”
The agency had also hinted that the upcoming record will be “completely different in style than what Se7en has shown in the past” and that fans will be “very surprised” by the new music.
“This is his comeback to the local scene in three years so all the producers and staff members at YG, not to mention Se7en, put in their best efforts into the album,” an official at YG was quoted as saying. “We have been preparing this album for a long time so we will do our best in supporting Se7en.”
The new album is said to feature noted K-pop producer Teddy as well new record producers recruited by YG this year.
Se7en, whose real name is Choi Dong-wook, trained under YG Entertainment for four years before making his debut in 2003 with the album “Just Listen.” He became popular throughout Asia, releasing four full-length albums in Korea and seven singles in Japan.
In 2006, he went over to the U.S. to break into the global music scene and started collaborating with noted record producers such as Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins. He has yet to achieve notable success there.
His last album release in Korea was in 2006, the fourth record “Se7olution.”
credit: asiae.co.kr
[SUPER JUNIOR] FULL MV OF NO OTHER AND ANOTHER GREAT NEWS FOR THE FIL.ELF
The wait is finally over..
credit: sment@YT
~0O0~
SUPER JUNIOR’S 4TH ALBUM “BONAMANA” (VERSION A & VERSION B) OUT NATIONWIDE ON JULY 9 ! FREE LIMITED EDITION POSTER IN SELECTED RECORD STORES!
VERSION A
VERSION B
Super Junior’s fourth album is here! Sporting hot new looks for the highly anticipated comeback, Super Junior may be a few members short at the moment, but they’ve definitely brought their A-game for their 4th album”Bonamana”. This time the group has created their own genre dubbed “SJ Funky” to describe their groovy main track “Bonamana” composed by Yoo Young Jin. “Bonamana” is being released in two editions (Version A & Version B) with different album covers.
“Bonamana” has been receiving amazing response since its release and has broken the record for selling the most albums in the shortest amount of time. They have sold 100,000 albums after 8 days from album release! Industry experts expect the album will surpass the group’s previous sales record, achieved with its third album “Sorry Sorry.” That album sold 250,000 copies and topped the album sales chart when it was released in March last year. “Bonamana” has sold more than 160,000 copies so far in Korea alone.
Their “Bonamana” music video has been viewed more than 4.2 million times on SME YouTube Channel. “Bonamana” was #1 on KBS Music Bank K-Chart for 3 weeks as well as triple crown on SBS Inkigayo and reached #1 on music charts in various Asian countries like Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the Philippines!
“Bonamana” Version A & Version B come with one (1) randomly selected photocard and big poster (size 24″ x 36″) in selected record stores. Limited supplies only!
Tracklisting :
1. 미 인 아 (Bonamana)
2. 나쁜 여자 (Boom Boom)
3. 응결 (Coagulation)
4. 나란 사람 (Your Eyes)
5. My Only Girl
6. 사랑이 이렇게 (My All Is In You)
7. Shake It Up!
8. 잠들고 싶어 (In My Dream)
9. 봄날 (One Fine Spring Day)
10. 좋은 사람 (Good Person)
11. Here We Go
WATCH “BONAMANA” MV HERE : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSOSxwEWFA4
GET FREE LIMITED EDITION SUPER JUNIOR “BONAMANA” (VERSION A OR VERSION B) BIG POSTERS (SIZE : 24″ x 36″) (STRICTLY FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!) IN THE FOLLOWING RECORD STORES WHEN YOU BUY SUPER JUNIOR “BONAMANA” (VERSION A OR VERSION B) CD:
METRO MANILA :
Odyssey Gateway 4210596
Odyssey SM Megamall 6873620
Odyssey SM Mall Of Asia 5560138
Odyssey SM Manila 5249098
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Odyssey SM Southmall 8062602
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Odyssey Robinsons Galleria 6314889
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Odyssey SM Bicutan 8229040
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Music One Quezon Avenue 373-7376
Music One Glorietta 752-8095 to 96
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Astroplus SM Mall Of Asia 5560080
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Astroplus SM North Edsa 9201531
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PROVINCES :
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Odyssey NE Pacific Nueva Ecija (044) 9409038
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Odyssey SM Bacolod (034) 468 0036
PLEASE CALL YOUR FAVORITE STORES AND RESERVE YOUR SUPER JUNIOR “BONAMANA” (VERSION OR VERSION B) BIG POSTER NOW! HURRY! AVAILABLE ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS! HURRY WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!
source: Universal Records Philippines Facebook Page ~~> HERE
GUESS WHO IS C.N BLUE’S JUNG YONG-HWA’S IDEAL WOMAN IS.
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Korean singer Jung Yong-hwa of idol group CNBLUE has confessed that Japanese actress Ueno Juri is his ideal woman.
The singer made the remark during a recent guest appearance on SBS radio show “Choi Hwa-jung’s Power Time” where he talked about romance and relationships.
“Who is your ideal woman? Seo-hyun’s husband Yong-hwa~,” asked the show’s host Choi Hwa-jung, referring to Jung’s current variety show gig “We Got Married” where he plays a make-believe couple with Girls’ Generation member Seo-hyun.
Jung said in response, “I love Seo-hyun. She has a good personality. But these days I am into watching Japanese drama ‘Nodame Cantabile’ and I really love Ueno Juri who appears in the show.”
Other band members also revealed their ideal type of women; Kang Min-hyuk said that he likes a woman with short or long straight hair who looks good wearing a baseball cap, meaning a female celebrity who would wear baseball caps in disguise; Jung-shin described his ideal woman as one with fair skin and who looks great in skinny jeans; Jong-hyun picked Korean actress Son Ye-jin, saying he likes a woman who is funny, easy to talk to and looks good in a white T-shirt and jeans.
The members also chose Kang Min-hyuk and Jung Yong-hwa as most likely to have successful romantic relationships with women.
In response to the question whether they have more than two women around them that they want to have a relationship with, all the members answered ‘yes.’
After releasing two singles in Japan, CNBLUE made their debut in the local music scene last January with their mini-album titled “Bluetory.” The group had received much attention ahead of its debut with leader and main vocalist Jung Yong-hwa gaining popularity through SBS TV series “Minamishineyo” last year.
They released their second mini-album “BLUE LOVE” on May 19, which features the title track “LOVE.”
The band is currently preparing for their first concert “Listen to the CNBLUE,” to be held in Seoul on July 31.
cre: asiae.co.kr
KOREAN RAPPER AND BIG BANG MEMBER TOPPED THE MNET’S SINGLES CHART
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Korean rapper MC Mong has topped the Mnet’s singles chart with his recent duet “Hurts Like Death” with female singer Mellow for the first week of July.
According to data released by the cable music channel on Tuesday, the rapper pushed back previous week’s winner Big Bang member T.O.P, taking his first win on the music chart.
The latest collaboration is featured in the second album “Blue Brand; Trauma” that includes various tracks from different recording artists. The songs from the album have fared well on several web-based music charts since its release on June 24.
The new single “Over Time” by singer Baek Ji-young came in at No. 2 and climbing up 11-slots to third place was “Because Of You” by rap duo Supreme Team Feat. Soulman.
Meanwhile, the first studio release from Big Bang member Taeyang made its debut atop the album charts, scoring the title of best-selling record during the week of June 28 to July 4.
The second album “Blue Brand; Trauma” featuring various artists slipped a notch from last week to No. 2, while the best collection record “Timeless; The Best” from Baek Ji-young bowed into third place on the music chart.
cre: asiae.co.kr
[4MINUTE] FULL VERSION RELEASE OF MUSIC VIDEO “I MY ME MINE”
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Korean girl group 4minute have released the full-length music video for their latest song “I MY ME MINE (IMMM)” today, according to their agency Cube Entertainment on Monday.
Cube announced in a press release that the music video for their follow-up song “IMMM,” showing each girls’ personality and powerful dance performances, has been unveiled on the group’s official webpage and various portal sites.
The five-member girl band composed of members Jihyun, Gayoon, Jiyoon, HyunA and Sohyun, made their debut in 2009 with their single “Hot Issue.”
They have enjoyed success with their mini-album “For Muzik” which topped various charts in Asia including Taiwan and the Philippines.
The girl group returned to the music stage last week with their new track “IMMM” from their second album “HUH.”
cre: asiae.co.kr
TOP ASIAN PROMOTERS TO PRODUCE JAY PARK’S FAN MEET
Fan Meets in 8 Cities Confirmed for Late August and September with Kickoff in Seoul
July 6, 2010, International – Jay Park better known to his fans in Asia as Park Jaebeom will be working with Asia’s top music promoters to launch his solo fan meets tour in September. The fan meets kick off in Seoul on August 28th and go on to Taipei, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore throughout the month of September.
“We are very pleased to make this announcement,” said Tinzar Sherman, official management representative for Jay Park. “The fans have been so patient and supportive of Jay. He wants to take the opportunity during the fan meets to thank all the fans for their unwavering support, and is looking forward to making it a lot of fun.”
The idea of the fan meets has been in development since May when several top promoters approached Jay’s management about the possibility of doing fan meets for Jay in their own countries. There are discussions about expanding the tour to additional cities in Asia and North America.
Jay will be bringing his dance crew AOM to the various fan meet locations, where he will perform songs, choreograph special dance sequences and play games with the fans. Jay and AOM will also battle top local bboy crews in a friendly exchange to promote youth culture in each country.
“I am blessed to have such incredible fans. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to go on the road and meet with you in so many great cities. I hope to make you proud,” said Jay Park.
Fan meet schedule will be posted on Jay Park’s official website www.jaypark.com/fanmeet.html and full details of each stop will be announced on the site by around the middle of July.
Media Inquiries:
Tinzar Sherman
info@jaypark.com
310-855-0033 ext. 702
Business Inquiries:
fanmeets@jaypark.com
source: jaypark.com
shared/cre: fangirlizm@twitter.com
SM TOWN LIVE 2010 PERFORMANCE LIST UNVEILED
< SMTOWN LIVE ‘10 >
▷ 공동제작 : S.M. ENTERTAINMENT
DREAMMAKER ENTERCOM
▷ 후 원 : ㈜ G마켓
▷ 일 시 : 2010년 8월 21일 (일) PM 05:00
▷ 장 소 : 잠실 올림픽 주 경기장
▷출 연 진 : BoA,강타,유노윤호,최강창민,Super Junior, 소녀시대, SHINee, F(x),TRAX, 장리인Special Guests
▷ 티 켓 : A FIELD / B FIELD / C FIELD
※ 전 좌석은 지정좌석입니다.
▷사이트 :1) FANMEETING PM 04:00
KangTa, Super Junior, SHINee , Girls’ GenerationSMTOWN LIVE ‘10 프로그램리스트
1)‘POWER SPECIAL 2010’ Special Guests
2) Over The Rainbow – Victoria, Luna
3) 못된 사랑 – TRAX
4) 토요일？- Jang Ri In
5) 내가 사랑했던 이름 – Onew, JongHyun
6) Ring Ding Dong – SHINee
7) 그 해 여름 – KangTa
8) 어느날 가슴이 말했다 – KangTa
9) 우리… – KangTa
10) 미인아 – Super Junior
11) Super Girl – Super Junior
12) No other – Super Junior*** 영상 *** TIME-OUT
13) ‘볼륨배틀’ – KangTa, Luna, YeSung, JongHyun, TaeYeon, Jang Ri In
14） ‘댄스배틀’ – BoA, YunHo, Yuri, EunHyuk, HyoYeon, TaeMin
15) BATTLE SPECIAL -KangTa, Luna, YeSung, JongHyun, TaeYeon, Jang Ri In, BoA, YunHo, Yuri, EunHyuk, HyoYeon, TaeMin
16) Eat you up – BoA
17) Energetic – BoA
18) No Dance No Life + BOOM! LOL- BoA
19) MUSIC FOR U *** 온라인 투표 ***
BoA, KangTa, UKnow Yunho,Choi Kang ChangMin, Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, SHINee, f(x), TRAX, Jang Ri In
*** 이미지 방송 ***
20) 가슴이 차가운 남자 – TRAX
21) Moving On – Jang Ri In
22) JoJo –SHINee
23) Sorry – f(x)
24) In My Dream – Super Junior
25) 별별별 Star Star Star– 소녀시대*** 소개 이미지（소녀시대） ***
26) Oh! – Girls’ Generation
27) 소원을 말해봐 Tell me Your Wish (Genie) – Girls’ Generation
28) Gee – Girls’ Generation
29) 다시 만난 세계 Into the New World – Girls’ Generation
30) Run Devil Run – Girls’ Generation*** 소개 이미지（YunHo, ChangMin） ***
31) Crazy Life – YunHo
32) Wild Soul – ChangMin
33) 단순한 – YunHo, ChangMin
34) 댄스SHOW*** 모던 댄스/재즈 댄스 – YunHo, ChangMin
35) 믿어요 – YunHo, ChangMin*** 소개 이미지 （슈퍼주니어, 샤이니, 에프엑스）***
36) U – Super Junior
37) It’s You – Super Junior
38) 원더보이 – Super Junior
39) Marry Me – Super Junior
40) Y.O.U – SHINee
41) 니가 맘에 들어 – SHINee
42) 산소같은 너 – SHINee
43) 줄리엣 – SHINee
44) 1 년 后 – Jessica , Onew
45) TOXIC – Girls’ Generation
46) Nu ABO – F(x)
47) LaChaTa – F(x)
48) Mr. Boogie – F(x)
49) Chocolate Love – F(x)
50) Love Me – Jang Ri In
51) 연인이여 – Jang Ri In
52) Cold Rain – TRAX
53) One Night – TRAX
54) 나 속인거 아니지? –Typhoon
55) Guitar – JungMo*** 소개 이미지(SMTOWN) ***
멘트
56) Yesterday – KangTa, BoA
57) Summer vacation
58) Dreams Come ture
59) 여름이 좋아 I Love The Summer
60) ENDING SHOWSource: SM Ent.
Credit: Baidu.
Shared by: Jae Ex Dee.
cre: fuckyeahsmfx@tumblr
[SUPER JUNIOR] KANGIN ENTERING THE ARMY
credit: SuJuTV2
Just felt sad that he have to do these now. But come to think of it, everyone should do that and Korean Idols are not an exception to that rule/law of their country. Kangin oppa, be strong. ELFs are here for you. See you after 2 years.
Again, at these pictures, my heart was moved by how supportive his fellow Super Junior were to Kangin. I feel for them. Heechul was kinda like crying or was crying. And Yesung, covered his eyes with his cap and I know that he’s sad that Kangin’s going away. Awwwww~~ what a scene!
picture credit as tagged + Blue★Princez@sj-world.net
LEE HYORI’S AGENCY SUES BAHNUS VACCUUM
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Top Korean singer Lee Hyori’s agency Mnet Media has taken legal action for the recent plagiarism controversy surrounding Lee’s latest album “H-Logic,” filing criminal charges against record producer group Bahnus Vaccuum to Seoul West District Prosecutors’ Office on Thursday.
“Bahnus provided [Lee and Mnet Media] songs that were plagiarized,” an official at Mnet Media told Asia Economic Daily over the phone on Thursday. “Today [July 1], we filed a criminal lawsuit against Bahnus Vaccuum for fraud and obstruction of work.”
The official explained that Bahnus had committed fraud by providing plagiarized songs and obstructed the activities relating to Lee’s record production and sales. He said that Mnet is currently trying to find the original foreign songwriter.
Lee had received a total of seven songs from a producer group named Bahnus Vacuum, known as a project group consisting of seven members, who initially denied the allegations by claiming the demos had been leaked by illegal means.
On June 20, however, the singer posted a message on her official fan cafe, admitting that several songs on the record were plagiarized and announced a break from all musical activities until the plagiarism controversy gets solved.
According to the Wikipedia entry for Lee, the songs that are reportedly accused of being plagiarized are; “I’m Back” (plagiarized from Canadian indie-singer Lil Precious’ track “So Insane”); “Memory” (from British Trip-Hop group Second Person’s track “The Alphabet Song”); “Feel the Same” (from Canadian indie-singer Melanie Durrant’s “Feel the Same”); “Swing” (of which the melody resembles Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis’ “To treno fegi stis ohto”); “Bring it Back” (from aspiring Canadian girl-group Cookie Couture’s “Boy Bring it Back”); and “How Did We Get” (from Jason Derulo’s “How Did We”, which also sampled Annie Lennox’s “No More I Love You’s”, which on its turn is a cover from the song with the same name by The Lover Speaks).
This is not the first time that Lee’s music has been accused of plagiarism. In 2006, the song “Get Ya,” the title track from her second solo album “Dark Angel,” drew immediate controversy over having plagiarized U.S. pop star Britney Spears’ hit tune “Do Something.’”
Lee, 30, debuted in 1998 as a member of popular girl band Fin.K.L. and went solo after the group disbanded in 2002. She has released four studio albums as a solo artist, producing several hits including “10 Minutes”, “Hey Girl” and “U-Go-Girl”.
She has also branched out to acting, hosting and appearing on variety shows, most notably on the first season of SBS’ “Family Outing”.
The singer was enjoying a comeback to the music scene with “H-Logic,” which was released on April 15. The title single “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” swept various K-pop music charts over the past few months.
credit: asiae.co.kr
[BEAST] KOREAN IDOL KICKS OFF ACTIVITIES IN JAPAN WITH DANCE FESTIVAL
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Korean idols BEAST, who are currently on tour in Asia, kicked off their activities in Japan by attending a dance festival yesterday, according to their agency Cube Entertainment on Friday.
Cube announced in a press release that the group took part in the dance festival titled “Precious Land” along with other dancers from Korea, America and Japan on invitation from the fest’s organizers. Popular Korean dance team Prepix was also invited to the event.
BEAST took to the stage to perform their songs “Shock” and “Special,” presented with new arrangements and choreography.
Meanwhile, their Japanese fans threw BEAST’s leader Du-jun a surprise birthday party for his upcoming birthday on July 4.
The “Precious Land,” held for the first time this year, brings together the best dancers and choreographers from around the world.
BEAST recently visited several other countries in Asia including the Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia while on a tour aimed at expanding their singing careers overseas.
They made their debut in October 2009 with their mini-album “Beast Is The B2ST” and have several hit songs including “Bad Girl,” “Shock” and “Easy.”
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credit: asiae.co.kr
[SMEnt] ARTISTS TO EMBARK ON A WORLD TOUR STARTS AUGUST
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The artists of major talenthouse SM Entertainment will go on a world tour starting mid-August, SM announced on Friday.
SM explained through a press release that their singers, including Kangta, BoA, U-know Yunho, Max Changmin, Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, SHINee, f(x), TRAX, will take off on the “SMTOWN LIVE ’10 WORLD TOUR” which kicks off at the Olympic Park in Seoul on August 21.
The tour will then take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on September 4 and the Hongkou Gymnasium in Shanghai on September 11. The dates for Tokyo and other cities in Asia have yet to be announced.
SM, founded by former singer Lee Soo-man in 1995, is in charge of discovering and training numerous top K-pop artists including Fly To The Sky, H.O.T, TVXQ and Girls’ Generation.
SM also manages the careers many songwriters, music producers, comedians and actors including Ara, Choi Jung-yoon and Lee Yeon-hee.
Tickets for the Seoul performance will be available starting July 15 on online shopping website Gmarket (http://www.gmarket.co.kr) and sold to fan club members two days in advance.
credit: asiae.co.kr
credit: sment@YT
[BIG BANG] TAEYANG’S DELUXE EDITION SOLD OUT
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The limited edition of Big Bang member Taeyang’s new album has sold out on the day of its release, according to the singer’s agency YG Entertainment on Friday.
Offline and online record stores reported that the deluxe version of Taeyang’s first full-length album “Solar” sold out within moments of going on sale, with the servers of several online retailers shutting down from too many shoppers logging on simultaneously, YG said.
“Some of the fans who were unable to purchase the limited edition even called our suppliers directly to inquire whether more copies would be produced but we were set on releasing only 30,000 copies and have no plans to produce more,” explained YG.
A regular version of the album has been set to go on sale a week later but YG is considering pulling up the release date by a few days due to the high demand.
Meanwhile, the title track “I Need a Girl” and other songs from his album such as “You’re My,” “Just a Feeling,” “Superstar” and “After You Fell Asleep” have placed within the top spots on numerous web-based music charts.
Taeyang, whose real name is Dong Young-bae, made his debut as a member of Big Bang in 2005. He is the first member to debut as a solo artist, releasing his first mini-album “HOT” in May 2008.
He also released two digital singles “Wedding Dress” and “Where U At” last November.
He gave his comeback performance on Mnet’s televised music show “M! Countdown” yesterday, singing “I Need a Girl,” “You’re My” and “Just a Feeling.”
credit: asiae.co.kr
[MISS A] NEW GIRL GROUP DEBUT ALBUM REVEALED TODAY
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New girl group miss A revealed their debut album online today, according to JYP Entertainment (JYPE) on Thursday.
A press release from JYPE announced that their debut album “Bad but Good” containing their title track “Bad Girl, Good Girl” and three other songs, has been unveiled online.
“Bad Girl, Good Girl” is a medium tempo song with a European melody and strong American hip-hop rhythm beats.
The girls also released the music video for “Bad Girl, Good Girl” on their official video channel site on YouTube today.
Composed of members Fei, Jia, Suzy and Min, the group was discovered and trained by JYPE and will be managed by the agency’s sub-label AQ Entertainment.
They will be giving their debut performance today on Mnet’s televised music program “M! Countdown.”
credit: asiae.co.kr
[KPOP] 2AM’S SEULONG AND IU REMAINS VICTORIOUS ON GAON’S SINGLES CHARTS
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Korean idols IU and 2AM’s Seulong have claimed another victory on Gaon’s singles chart with their latest collaboration “Nagging” for the third week of June.
According to data released by Gaon on Thursday, the singers celebrated their third win on the music chart during the week of June 20 to 26.
IU and Seulong had performed “Nagging” on SBS’ music program “Inkigayo” for the first time on June 27, also making it the first-ever TV win for the songstress since her debut in 2008.
Big Bang member T.O.P’s latest solo single “Turn It Up” entered the charts at No. 2 and the recent duet song “Hurts Like Death” from MC Mong featuring Mellow bowed into third place.
Meanwhile, Big Bang’s special album “2010 Big Bang Concert Live Album Big Show” made its debut as the best-selling record for the first time on Gaon’s album chart.
The second studio release “Revolution” from girl group Kara followed behind, making an incredible 44-spot jump from the previous week and Brown Eyed Girls’ third album “Sound G.” followed behind sequentially at No. 3.
credit: asiae.co.kr
[BIG BANG] TAEYANG RELEASES FIRST FULL-LENGTH ALBUM TODAY
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Big Bang member Taeyang will release his first full-length album today, according to his agency YG Entertainment.
YG announced in a press release that the deluxe version of his first studio release “Solar” will hit stores today and that the music video for his title track “I Need a Girl,” featuring fellow group mate G-Dragon and 2NE1 member Sandara Park, will be unveiled at 6 p.m.
“I Need a Girl” sings of the ideal woman of every man living in the 21st century such as a ‘girl who looks better in jeans than a skirt.’
YG stated that retail stores have been demanding for more copies of the deluxe edition, limited to only 30,000 copies, since the number of orders has reached 50,000.
Accordingly, the agency is currently in talks to pull up the release date for the regular version, originally set for release on July 9, by two or three days.
Taeyang, whose real name is Dong Young-bae, made his debut as a member of Big Bang in 2005. He is the first member to debut as a solo artist, releasing his first mini-album “HOT” in May 2008. He also released two digital singles “Wedding Dress” and “Where U At” last November.
He will be making his music comeback on Mnet’s televised music program “M! Countdown” later today, performing his title track “I Need a Girl” with G-Dragon. He will also be appearing on other music shows over the weekend to promote his new album.
Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@
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[BROWN EYED GIRLS] NARSHA IS GEARING UP FOR A SOLO
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Korean singer Narsha of pop group Brown Eyed Girls is gearing up for her upcoming solo debut, releasing a series of images created for her new mini-album.
According to a press release by agency Nega Network on Thursday, the girl band member has unveiled several image shots for the new album in which she poses as an angel, a devil, a saint and a witch. Another series of jacket photos will be revealed on July 5.
An official at Nega Network explained that they made a lot of effort to “upgrade” Narsha’s image concept from her previous image as a member of Brown Eyed Girls.
Yesterday, the singer also released a teaser video of her new single “I’m In Love,” a remake of a song by singer and songwriter Ra.D. The entire song will be revealed tomorrow prior to the record’s release on July 8.
The teaser video featured young guitar prodigy Jung Sung-ha, who shot to fame after his videos received millions of hits on video-sharing site Youtube, and pianist Shin Ji-ho who is dubbed “the Nichkhun of Berkelee.” Jung even took part in the single as a session guitarist.
All tracks from the album, including the title track, will be released both online and offline next Tuesday.
Brown Eyed Girls is composed of leader Jea, rapper Miryo and vocals Narsha and Gain. They debuted in 2006 with album “Your Story” and have since released two more studio albums and two mini-albums.
Their latest record “Sound G.”, released in July 2009, produced the hit single “Abracadabra” which swept various K-pop music charts last year.
credit: asiae.co.kr
[KPOP] IDOLS TAKES OVER MUSICALS
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The first Korean production of the musical “Miss Saigon” was a hit when it premiered in 2006 with more than 85 percent of seats sold. Confident that the show could repeat its successful run, another Korean production of the musical was staged here earlier this year. This time, however, ticket sales were at only 55 percent.
“The Phantom of the Opera” was one of the best-selling musicals here until May, but sales are less than stellar these days.
Korean productions of hit musicals have drawn audiences and re-shaped the landscape of the theater scene in recent years. But the industry that has proven so lucrative for the industry as a whole is experiencing a shift toward a new phenomena that critics say could change things – for better or for worse. While theater critics say recent productions are higher in quality than in the past, sluggish ticket sales in recent months have led the industry to refer to its current situation as musical theater’s “ice age.”
In the midst of the public’s indifference, the only performances that have been able to attract audiences are the ones that have members of Korea’s idol groups as part of their casts.
The musical “Mozart,” which stars Xiah Jun-su, a member of the disbanded group TVXQ, recorded average ticket sales of 99 percent when he was in the role. That figure dropped to just 74 percent when another actor was in the leading role. Similarly, the Korean production of “Legally Blonde” had its own idol star in Girls’ Generation member Jessica. Ticket sales surged to 90 percent when Jessica, who rotated the role with two other actresses, was on the boards, but plummeted to just 70 percent when she was not.
The most recent example of this phenomenon is the production of “Midnight Sun,” which also featured a member of Girls’ Generation, Taeyeon. Sales soared to a whopping 98 percent when she was on stage but fell to 78 percent when someone else was in the role.
“The Korean public tends to be stingy when it comes to paying their own money for cultural events,” pop culture critic Sung Gi-wan said. “The only ones who are willing to do that are fans who want to watch their favorite stars.”
The current trend is not the result of bad acting or a dearth of good musicals, critics say. Instead, it appears to be the simple fact that casting popular singers attracts fans and publicity. “A Chorus Line,” which opened last weekend, has Jung-ah, a member of girl group After School, and Soo-hyun, a member of U-Kiss, in the cast. The producers revealed that they did not want to cast celebrities because of their busy schedules but investors refused to support the production if the stars were not part of it.
“The public is sick of the surge of large-scale musicals from overseas that have arrived since 2001,” theater critic Cho Yong-sin said. “Musicals in the U.S. were also reliant on Hollywood stars until well-crafted musicals were made. If we can create pieces that are moving as well as original, we may be able to remove the idols from the stage.”
By Choi Min-woo [estyle@joongang.co.kr]
[C.N BLUE] CONCERT TICKETS GONE IN 60 SECONDS
C.N. Blue, a four-member idol band, sold out for their July 31 concert, their first solo performance, in just one minute.
“When the pre-sale ticket page opened online on June 28 at 8 p.m., the server immediately slowed down and the show eventually sold out,” the band’s management company, FNC Music, said Tuesday. “We’re still receiving ticket requests.”
The single “Love” from the group’s second mini album “Blue Love,” released last month, was No. 1 on June 10’s “M Countdown,” a music program on MNet. It was also No. 1 on SBS’s “Popular Song” countdown show that aired June 20.
The concert will be held at the 2,000-seat AX-Korea concert hall in Gwangjang-dong.
credit: JoongAngDaily
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