Kara - "Gaining popularity, we move to a bigger dorm and we choose our food"

Kara (Park Gyuri, Han Seungyeon, Jung Nicole, Goo Hara, Kang Jiyoung) shared that they are moving to a bigger dorm on April 10th in the Lesmore/Spris Fan-Meeting.

Kara was called "Economical Idol" early on. After big hits with "Honey," "Mr.," and "Lupin," Kara established itself as the "Girl Group Trend"

Han Seungyeon commented that they moved to a bigger dorm. Before three members had to sleep together in one room, but now only two people sleep together, and there are members who sleep in separate rooms.

Han Seungyeon contunued that the members can choose their food too.

Also, the maknae Kang Jiyoung laughed saying that her parents moved from Gyeongido to Seoul.

Meanwhile the actor Suh Hyorim appeared as a surprise guest.

Source: http://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201004101843351002

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2NE1 "Try To Follow Me" to be performed at Anycall Festival!

On the 12th, Samsung representative, Choi Jisung stated that they will be holding the 'Anycall Corby Family Festival' at the Olympic fencing stadium on the 24th, with 2NE1 and 2PM, etc.

Much interest has been gathering for this event, as 2NE1 and 2PM will be performing their CM songs 'Try to Follow Me', and 'My Colour' etc. that have each scored high ranks on various online music charts. In addition, Son Dambi and Kim Taewoo will also be attending, and it is planned give guests a memorable experience.

There is a lot of hot demand to participate in the 'Anycall Corby Family Festival' and 3000 people have already requested to attend within just one week.

Samsung representatives stated "We have prepared the event well in hopes to thank the guests attending the festival for their unchanging love from last year to this year." "I hope that fans will continue to show love for Corby." Within 4 months of the release of the Corby phone, its widely-acclaimed hit model has already sold 500 000 devices.

Source: http://news.nate.com/view/20100412n06116

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[Photo] Wonder Girls Sponser Photos for Pacumong!

Source: http://www.pacumall.com

Trans Credits: World + airajasmine + wonderfulsworld

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A.N Jell is back again due to popularity!

Although Korean Popular TV Drama "You're Beautiful" came to an end last year, but its popularity is still

constantly increasing until now.

A.N Jell's members consist of actors: Jang Geun Suk, Jung Yong Hwa, Lee Hongki & Park Shin hye.

It is confirmed that A.N Jell official website (http://www.anjells.com/) will be officially launched on 12 April 2010.

One of the netizens who get the URL of A.N Jell website in advance shared it with fans all over South Korea,

Taiwan and Mainland China, causing 30,000 fans visiting the website at the same time.

Due to that, it resulted in a breakdown in the server.

The website is back to normal on 8 april 2010 and it's reported that the website bulletin board will be updating all news and contents in 4 languages: Korean, Chinese, English and Japanese. Not only that, the contents will contain "You're Beautiful" theme songs and episode summaries.

A.N Jell Production Company also mentioned that: 'Although "You're Beautiful" did not large-scale broadcast in foreign countries, but we are really surprised by the strong responses from the fans. We are really very grateful to all those who give us all their supports and encouragement and we also hope that "You're Beautiful" could be bring up a new korean wave.'

Source: TV DAILY

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2PM's new contract with Hanbul Cosmetics

The bluechip of the advertising world 2PM, as singers each member is appearing in dramas and variety programs, showing great acting ability and overflowing energy. Hanbul Cosmetics explained that they invited them to be their highly valued exclusive models. Hanbul Cosmetics said there are plans for 2PM to shoot a TV advertisement for the brand shop 'It's Skin', as well as a 2PM fan signing and various promotions for the It's Skin stores, strategizing to raise awareness for the brand name.

Source: Hankyung

Trans Credits: jennying♥@2ONEDAY.COM

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[Photo] Sunmi Spotted in Pohang for High School Diploma Exam

On the 11th of April, Sunmi was spotted at 4:40pm at a GED test center in Pohang for her High School Diploma exam by fans. Based on recounts, she was spotted after the exam ended and fans went up for autographs and took pictures of her.

Bonus Fancam of Sunmi signing autographs for fans:

All the best for her examinations as well as academics! Sunmi, we’ll wait for you!

Source: Wonderholic+ World for the photos + 할라@Daum Video + stj486@Daum Media

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How Did the "Big 3" In the K-Pop Industry Fare in 2009?

In Korea, it's not just the name of the artist or group that matters, but also which entertainment company is the one backing them up. Aspiring artists can only dream of being signed onto one of the "Big 3" companies: SM Entertainment led by Lee Soo-man, YG Entertainment headed by Yang Hyeon-seok, and JYP Entertainment fronted by Park Jin-young. SM Entertainment has churned out hit makers such as Girls Generation, TVXQ, Super Junior, Boa, etc. YG Entertainment has produced what's arguably the most popular male idol group in Korea, Big Bang, and the ever so popular group 2NE1. JYP Entertainment is responsible for having catapulted Rain to world stardom level, the Wondergirls, 2 PM, 2AM, etc. So how did these three companies do in 2009? On the 12th, reports of SM Entertainment and JYP Entertainment's financial statements from the Financial Supervisory Board had been released. This follows YG Entertainment's reports having surfaced earlier on the 9th.

In terms of total revenue, SM earned the most with about 61.8 billion won in comparison to 2008's 43.7 billion won. However, YG Entertainment had the biggest increase in sales compared to 2008, shooting up by 92% increase, from 18.5 billion won to 35.7 billion won in 2009. JYP Entertainment's records weren't too shabby either with 10.2 billion won this past year.

With the various costs taken out of the mix, operating profits for the three entertainment powerhouses stood at about 9.3 billion won for SM Entertainment, 7.4 billion won for YG Entertainment, and 230 million won for JYP Entertainment. Net profits tallied up to be 4.5 billion won for SM Entertainment and 4.2 billion won for YG Entertainment. JYP Entertainment saw a net loss of 4.7 billion won. Reports indicate that this is not necessarily because its fellow artists haven't been doing well, but because a majority of the funds had been invested into the Wondergirls' stab at breaking out in the US market. 

Source: KBS

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Beautiful Scene of ‘Cinderella’s Stepsister’ Impresses Viewers

The episode of the KBS 2TV drama “Cinderella’s Stepsister” that aired on April 8 showed a beautiful scene -- just like a scene from an animation -- to express the change of Eun Jo’s mind (Moon Geun Young).

In the episode, Eun Jo had a big fight with Hyo Sun (Seo Woo) and was flogged by her stepfather. But, she never admitted her fault. Ki Hoon (Chun Jeong Myung) was looking at her unbending attitude and took her outside. While Eun Jo was listening to the sound that came from a liquor making jar, Ki Hoon took care of her injuries. At the moment, Eun Jo opened her mind to Ki Hoon and said to herself, “I cannot feel any pain on my calves. Even though they are bleeding, it is not painful at all. I do not know why. My heart is so light that it may reach the moon.” Along with her monologue, bubbles came out of the jar one by one. Then, the beautiful scene was created and caught the eyes of many viewers. Two people entered the bubble together and flew to the moon in the bubble.

△ Eight years later, Hyo Sun makes a surprising announcement that she is seeing Ki Hoon.

However, Hyo Sun snatched the letter that Ki Hoon had written to Eun Jo before he had left, so Eun Jo and Ki Hoon had to part. After eight years, Eun Jo has grown up as a dignified representative of Daesung Chamdoga. On the way from a company presentation, Eun Jo accidently discovered the photo exhibition of photographer Sohn Sang Ki, whom Ki Hoon once said that he liked, and entered the exhibition. Inside the gallery, she met Hyo Sun, who threw her into confusion by saying, “I and Ki Hoon are dating.”

How the story unfolds regarding the complicated relationships of these people can be seen by watching the drama, which will air every Wednesday and Thursday at 9:55 on KBS 2TV.

Writer: Contributing Reporter No Ji Won

Source: KBS

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Soo Ae to Star as Double Agent in ‘IRIS Season 2’

Actress Soo Ae is cast as the heroine of the spy-action drama “IRIS Season 2 - Athena: Goddess of War,” the production company Taewon Entertainment announced on April 9.

In the drama “IRIS Season 2 - Athena: Goddess of War,” which is a spin-off of the original IRIS drama, Soo Ae will play a double agent, Yoon Hye In. She belongs to National anti-Terror Service (NTS) as a female profiler and also takes a role within a secret organization as a special agent.

Soo Ae has revealed her pure and graceful beauty until now, but this time, she will transform into a cold-blooded spy and will perform difficult action scenes in the drama.

As soon as she finishes filming the movie “Late Night FM,” she will join the shooting of the drama.

The drama already cast Jung Woo Sung and Cha Seung Won as the lead actors before it cast the female lead. As it has now finished casting the female lead, the drama “IRIS Season 2 - Athena: Goddess of War” will begin filming in June.

Source: KBS

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Mun: 'No More Sister Image, Want to be Sexy'

The cast of the drama "Cinderella's Stepsister" was the guest of KBS2TV's "Happy Together Season 3" on Thursday. Actress Mun Geun-yeong, the heroine, said she wants to no longer be seen as a cute girl but a sexy lady.

She said her alcohol limit was two bottles of the Korean distilled liquor "soju" and even showcased a sexy dance performance for the first time ever. She unveiled more surprises, singing, "I Still Don't Know Love."

She also remarked on her national moniker "Korea's younger sister," which helped build her fame. She said, "I've grown up and it's embarrassing to be still called a sister. The title now belongs to figure skating queen Kim Yu-na. Now I'd like to become a national actress. My own wishful thinking is to be a woman of subtle sexiness." Her words were sincere and witty.

Cinderella's Stepsister is competing with rival dramas on the other two channels MBC and SBS. The male lead, Cheon Jeong-myeong, said he feels the pressure because it is his first role since returning from military service. MC Park Myeong-su added more pressure, saying Cinderella's predecessor "The Slave Hunters" was a big hit.

But Cinderella is off to a good start, topping ratings since its first airing last week. Viewer interest heightened when the cast was known to appear on Happy Together.

The cast told stories of how Cheon was embarrased when Mun's skirt whirled up in the wind during a shoot and about the controversial acting style of actress Seo Woo. Seo said it was torture to pull off her character, trying to be overly cute and lovely.

Writer: Honorary reporter Kim In-hwa

Source: KBS

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Park Jae-beom offered role in Hollywood film "Hype Nation"

Korean pop singer Park Jae-beom [Asia Economic Daily]

 

Park Jae-beom, Korean singer and former leader of boy band 2PM, has been offered to appear in a Hollywood film titled "Hype Nation", according to an industry source on Monday.

"Park and the film's producer Young Lee have been friends for a long time," the source explained. "From what I know, Lee had offered the role to Jae-beom back when he was working as 2PM and recently asked him again."

The singer has yet to announce his plans regarding the movie, known to be about a dance contest between an American dance crew and South Korean dancers.

"Nation" had originally cast Korean female singer Son Dambi for the lead role, but Son reportedly pulled out of the project when production got delayed due to the U.S. economic recession.

Park, 22, had sparked national controversy last September after remarks -- including "I hate Korea" -- he had written on his MySpace account before his debut became public. He quit the boy band four days later and returned to his hometown of Seattle.

He was expected to make his much-awaited comeback to the group this year until agency JYP Entertainment (JYPE) terminated its contract with the singer last February due to "a huge personal wrongdoing" on his part.

Last month, he was seen participating in a b-boy dance contest in Vancouver, Canada with his dance crew Art of Movement.

Reporter : Kang Seung-hun tarophine@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

Source: Asiae

Credits: http://theksource.blogspot.com/

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Big Bang & 2NE1 contribute to "YG Entertainment records biggest profit in history "

Yang Hyun-suk, founder and CEO of YG Entertainment [YG Entertainment]

 

YG Entertainment (YG) -- considered one of the top three talent agencies in Korea alongside SM and JYP Entertainment -- saw its most successful business year to date last year, recording the biggest profit the company has ever seen.

According to the annual audit report YG submitted to Korea's Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) on Friday, the agency recorded operating profits of 7.39 billion won last year with a net profit of 4.16 billion won, the company's biggest profit yet.

YG's total sales for 2009 was reported at 35.69 billion won, up a whopping 93 percent from the previous year to breach the 30 billion mark. The figure had continuously been on the rise since standing at 11.48 billion won in 2007 and 18.52 billion won the following year.

The increase can be attributable to the success of many of its artists including idol group Big Bang and girl band 2NE1, both of whom raked in significant income from their album sales, music downloads, commercials as well as earnings from the members' individual activities.

Meanwhile, SM stood at No. 1 in terms of net profit, posting gains of 4.47 billion won while JYP Entertainment (JYPE) reported a net loss of 4.08 billion won during the same period.

Industry experts explained however, that JYPE's net loss came largely from the company's significant investment in the overseas debut of popular girl band Wonder Girls, whose musical activities have yet to bring in profits.

YG, which stands for Yang Goon, was founded in 1996 by Yang Hyun-suk, a former member of popular Korean group Seo Tai-ji & Boys.

Yang is credited with creating and managing the successful careers of many K-pop artists including 1TYM, Gummy, Jinusean, SE7EN and Wheesung who started his career at YG but left in 2006.

The agency also manages several Korean actors including Kang Hye-jung and Ku Hye-sun of the "Boys Over Flowers" fame.

Reporter : Cho Bum-ja anju1015@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

Source: Asiae

Credits: http://theksource.blogspot.com/

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Rain commands weekly music charts with "Love Song"

Rain on the cover of his special album "BACK TO THE BASIC" [J.Tune Entertainment]

 

Asian superstar Rain has taken command of online and offline music charts with his latest single "Love Song," according to his agency J.Tune Entertainment on Monday.

J.Tune stated that "Love Song," the title track from Rain's special album "BACK TO THE BASIC," climbed to the No. 1 spot on numerous online weekly charts including Melon, Dosirak, Mnet, Bugs and others.

The record itself, released early last week, has ranked atop the weekly, daily and real-time charts of Hanteo, a website which computes local music album sales.

Rain made his stage comeback on several music programs during the week including Mnet's "Mnet Countdown," SBS' "Inkigayo" and MBC's "Music Central."

The singer, whose real name is Jung Ji-hoon, made his debut in 2002 with a self-titled album which gained him the title as one of the most popular entertainers in the local music industry.

He continued his path into the small screen starring in the hit series "Full House" and "Sang Doo! Let's Go To School!" and later made a name for himself in Hollywood appearing in the action film "Speed Racer" and martial arts picture "Ninja Assassin."

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

Source: Asiae

Credits: http://theksource.blogspot.com/

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Girls' Generation continues run on top of TV music shows

Female idols Girls' Generation [SM Entertainment]

 

Female idols Girls' Generation celebrated another win on televised music program SBS' "Inkigayo" over the weekend.

The girls were awarded the Mutizen Award for their latest song "Run Devil Run," the title track from their repackaged second album of the same name.

Other contenders on the show this week were Kara, 2AM, T-ara, Beast and Epik High.

"Inkigayo" resumed its broadcast for the first time in three weeks. Korea's major public networks had cancelled or delayed the showing of their entertainment shows following the sinking of naval ship Cheonan in late March.

KBS' music show "Music Bank" did not air this weekend, instead stating it will air its program starting April 16.

Girls' Generation made their debut in 2007 and has since released numerous singles including "Into the New World," "Kissing You," "Gee," "Tell Me Your Wish" and "Oh!"

They have been enjoying a successful comeback to the music scene with "Run" which has topped online and offline music charts since its release last month.

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

Source: Asiae

Credits: http://theksource.blogspot.com/

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Super Junior successfully wrap up Asia tour in Philippines

Korean idol group Super Junior perform at their "Super Show 2" concert held in Philippines on April 10, 2010 [SM Entertainment]

 

Korean idol group Super Junior held a concert in the Philippines over the weekend, wrapping up their nine-month long second tour in Asia, according to their agency on Monday.

SM Entertainment explained in a press release that the group performed a total of 36 songs including individual performances at the show held at the Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.

The second Asia tour titled "Super Show 2," which kicked off in Seoul last July, is said to have attracted nearly 200,000 fans in nine cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Taipei, Nanjing, Kuala Lumpur and Manilla.

The boys also set several new records with their show including being the first to hold a standing concert in China and becoming the foreign artist to attract the largest audience.

In the Philippines, they were the first Korean singers to hold a solo concert while also being the biggest music gig ever held in the country.

Super Junior, created and managed by major talent house SM Entertainment, has been one of the most popular K-pop acts in Asia since their debut in 2005.

Fans attend Korean boy band Super Junior's concert held in Philippines on April 10, 2010 [SM Entertainment]

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

Source: Asiae

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Lee Hyori pulls up album release to today

Singer Lee Hyori [Mnet Media]

 

Singer Lee Hyori's album will be released today, a day earlier than announced last week, according to her agency Mnet Media on Monday.

Mnet decided to pull up the date from midnight on Tuesday to 11 a.m. today, after the title song to her new album "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" got leaked on video website YouTube over the weekend.

A 30-second teaser video to the song from the Korean pop phenom's fourth full-length album "H.LOGIC" had been released Friday, following the release of song "Swing" the previous week, also from her upcoming album.

Mnet added that the music video for "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" will also be unveiled today although the hard copy of Lee's albums will have to go on sale starting tomorrow due to issues over distribution.

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 three studio albums as a solo artist, producing several hits including “10 Minutes”, “Hey Girl”, “Get Ya” and “U-Go-Girl”.

Reporter: Cho Bum-ja anju1015@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

Source: Asiae

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[PHOTO] Minho, Junho & JinOn take part in "Dream Team" shoot

Boy band SHINee member Minho takes part in a game during a pre-recorded session of KBS entertainment show "Let's Go! Dream Team Season 2" at Hanyang University's campus in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea on April 11, 2010.

SHINee member Minho [Lee Ki-bum/Asia Economic Daily]

SHINee member Minho [Lee Ki-bum/Asia Economic Daily]

SHINee member Minho [Lee Ki-bum/Asia Economic Daily]

2PM member Junho [Lee Ki-bum/Asia Economic Daily]

Boy band 2PM member Junho takes part in a game during a pre-recorded session of KBS entertainment show "Let's Go! Dream Team Season 2" at Hanyang University's campus in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea on April 11, 2010.

2PM member Junho [Lee Ki-bum/Asia Economic Daily]

F.CUZ JinOn [Lee Ki-bum/Asia Economic Daily]

F.CUZ JinOn takes part in a game during a pre-recorded session of KBS entertainment show "Let's Go! Dream Team Season 2" at Hanyang University's campus in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea on April 11, 2010.

F.CUZ JinOn [Lee Ki-bum/Asia Economic Daily]

 

Photographer : Lee Ki-bum metro83@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

Source: Asiae

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