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 Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2011 5:03 pm
The Wonder Girls are finally back in Korea! After teasing us with photos and videos, the girls have unveiled the full music video for their brand new track, “Be My Baby.”
The video is in black and white and shows off the glamorous side of the group, reminiscent of their “Nobody” concept.
“Be My Baby” is an upbeat track that will get listeners dancing to the beat in no time. It was reported earlier that the Wonder Girls worked with popular choreographer, Jonte, who is known for being the creative mind behind the dance moves of Beyonce’s “Single Ladies.” He is also known for working with other popular artists such as Namie Amuro and Lady GaGa.
The Wonder Girls' new album “Wonder World” will be released on November 7. whee
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Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2011 5:09 pm
On October 11, Rain joined the army as an active-duty soldier and now is being loved for his expertise in shooting.
According to the report submitted on November 6 by the National Assembly Defense Committee, Rain hit the bulls eye 19 out of 20 during daytime training and 10 out of 10 shots during nighttime training on October 26, achieving a hundred percent in shooting.
Before Rain, Hyun Bin (Kim Tae Pyeong, 29) also achieved the same scores, 19 out of 20 and 10 out of 10, and was called an "Expert Shooter."
In order to pass, a soldier-in-training needs to have an accuracy of 60% or higher. With daytime training, 18 shots out of 20 or higher, and in nighttime training, 9 out of 10 bulls eye hit is considered a perfect score. Along with passing his first time, he is now entitled an "Expert."
Out of 140 soldiers-in-training, 98 passed with 60% or higher accuracy. Among those who passed, Rain was in the Top 3. On November 14, Rain is to finish his training at the Training Center. Even though he is not even out of his training period, he is already wanted by the Air Force and the Marines.
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Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 11:33 am
On November 6, idol group U-Kiss completed their “Neverland” promotions on SBS’ “Inkigayo”. What the group has in store is rather exciting as they set their sights on the international stage. Yesterday, U-Kiss attended the Korea and China Music Festival that was held in Beijing. Prior to the performance, a fan meet took place at which U-Kiss was able to greet their devoted Chinese Kiss Mes. Following their performance in Beijing, the guys will move on to meeting and entertaining fans in Taiwan and Hong Kong. The members won’t have much of an opportunity for a break, as they will then travel to Japan. On November 22, the group will leave for Japan in preparation for their official Japanese debut. The group’s debut is scheduled for December 14. Be sure to watch for it. U-Kiss intends to not only promote in Asia but across the globe as well. Recently the demand for the seven-member group is on the rise. They have quickly become one of the most sought-after artists by international fans. The United States, Europe, Brazil, and many other countries are interested in seeing them perform. The recent sharp increase in international interest can be attributed to the members' precise and powerful choreography, vocal talent, as well as having members well versed in multiple languages. The group’s members are fluent in English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese, making them perfect candidates for promoting in countries around the globe. The public will be putting much attention on their upcoming Japanese activities. However, this will not be the first time U-Kiss has been to Japan, where Avex had previously held a sold-out U-Kiss fan meeting. This will be the first time the group will be officially promoting in the country. They will make their debut by releasing a brand new Japanese language album in mid-December. Anticipation is high for U-Kiss’ Japanese debut, considering the fact that without officially promoting, they were able to attract a large number of fans. The group is expected to be successful and do well with their Japanese promotions. Here's to wishing U-Kiss all the best overseas!
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Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 11:34 am
Recent historic events has brought K-Pop to the worldwide stage through the recent SMTOWN performances in Paris, NYC, and London as well as BigBang’s recent, surprising overseas victory at the MTV EMA’s. As the scope of K-Pop continues to grow it seems everyone is attempting to capitalize on it.
News coming out today reveals that Google has plans to create a K-Pop channel amongst other things. An article written by the Wall Street Journal reveals some interesting rumors surrounding Google and the company’s interest in Korean media. The article also gives a nice shout-out to K-Pop group SNSD and their recent American promotions.
Google’s Executive Chairman, Eric Schmidt has made the long trip over to South Korea where, over the next few days, he plans to meet up with several other executives from major IT companies. His first stop was to speak with President Lee Myung Bak to discuss a team-up with Google and Korean IT firms.
One of Mr. Schmidt’s forthcoming ideas is for Google to create a YouTube channel that will be devoted solely to K-Pop. Much of K-Pop's international success comes in part thanks to YouTube. Also, K-Pop videos were recently spotted being highlighted on YouTube's front page, further bringing attention to the increasingly popular genre to newcomers.
On Tuesday, Mr. Schmidt is scheduled to hold a press conference where there is speculation he will reveal other big Korean related deals. As well as rumors of a large investment on Google’s part as the company could possibly be purchasing Korean mobile search engine Daum. This merger would still put Google behind NHN Corporation’s own popular mobile search Naver, which currently makes up more than half of the market.
So what are your thoughts on this development? Will the interest of Google further aid in K-Pop’s global advancements?
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Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 11:35 am
Youtube describes K-pop as “taking the world by storm with its catchy tunes and trend-setting dance moves. Artists from Girls’ Generation to 2NE1 are inspiring young and old alike.” Youtube then lists the music videos, “Gee” by Girl’s Generation, “I Am The Best” by 2NE1, “Knock Out” by GD&TOP, and a video of a “K-Pop Medley” sung by a choir in Korea made up of older Koreans. This choir is actually from the variety show, “Man’s Privilege,” with the rock group Boowhal’s leader Kim Tae Won at helm. It’s a awesome video that showcases an older generation of Koreans singing and dancing to 2AM, Secret, SHINee, etc.
Youtube and other video-sharing website have been cited by Korean entertainment industries as one of the main mediums of spreading the Korean Wave. Agencies like SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, and JYP Entertainment have official channels on Youtube and often rely on the site to debut music videos and deliver messages to international fans. These videos frequently get millions of views from viewers all over the globe.
While it widens the audience of K-pop, Youtube also provides real time connection for international K-pop fans, who are unable to go to their favorite artists’ concerts in different parts of the world. For example, “SMTOWN’s Live Concert in Paris” was streamed live on Youtube, eventually generations millions of views.
Youtube has certainly played a huge role in globalizing K-pop and it’s awesome to see K-pop getting the spotlight. Let’s hope the great collaboration continues!
Visit Youtube for yourself to see!
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Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 3:08 pm
Every year when November comes to a close, high school senior (3rd year in high school) stars debate whether or not they should apply for scheduled or unscheduled admissions to school. The 2012 Math Aptitude Test will take place in two days, among the student pool are stars who are opting out it. Everyone has a different view on whether or not stars should go to college after high school. Some netizens commented, “It would look better to see them try when they actually can and want to rather than going with the crowd on this matter,” “The attitude towards the mock test is changing, it seems,” and more. I won’t be taking the mock test…I’m focusing more on my career currently Yoo Seung Ho and IU put off the Mock Test and unscheduled (rolling) admission to school, delaying going to college for a bit. As they are very popular, rumors went around saying that they will be going to college. However the two busy young stars decided they wanted to focus on their careers, Yoo Seung Ho with acting and IU with singing. T-ara’s Ji Yeon and Five Dolls’ Hyo Young also revealed that they will not be taking the mock test. SHINee’s Tae Min’s final decision was not to take the mock test either. His party has claimed, “Tae Min won’t be taking the Math Aptitude Test because we decided that he wasn’t ready to take it.” Girl group A pink’s Jung Eun Ji, Yoon Bomi, Infinite’s Sung Jong have also decided to continue their music career as opposed to applying for schools. Kang Seung Yoon also proposed his thoughts on it through his company, stating that he will not be applying for school in order to focus on filming "High Kick 3" and preparing to debut. Admitted through rolling admission — I am a college student-to-be f(x)’s member Luna and actor Lee Poong Woon were admitted to Joong Ang University through rolling admission. Teen Top’s Chun Ji has applied to a school on rolling admission asl well. If he is admitted to that school, he will be a college student without even taking the mock test in the upcoming year of 2012. According to Joong Ang University, Lee Poong Woon and Luna passed the art department audition. However, Lee Poong Woon was not able to audition with Luna for the first audition because he got into an accident the day of. He gave up on auditioning for the first audition but passed the second audition. Lee Hyun Woo, who well appealed to the audience with his cuteness on the KBS drama “God of Study,” was accepted into Dong Gook University’s theater department. The contracting party said, “After turning in the documents and interviewing, he was accepted. Because he was accepted into the department he always wanted to be part of, he was and is very happy about it.” High school seniors face different decisions in their lives regarding schools. The new trend or bold decisions, however, are definitely catching the attention of fans and audiences.
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Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2011 3:09 pm
YG Entertainment’s specially designed subway in Seoul, called the “YG Family Train,” has been garnering a lot of attention lately. From November 5, the New Bundang subway line, which runs from the satellite city Bundang to downtown Seoul, decorated several cars with YGE artists such as Big Bang, 2NE1, Psy, and Tablo. The special trains were designed to commemorate the “15th Anniversary YG Family Concert” scheduled for December 5 and 6.
The “YG Family Train” has separate cars named after each of their artists, such as the “Big Bang Car” or “2NE1 Car.” The trains are covered with photos of YG artists and has several LCD screens placed inside, playing clips of YGE’s Family Concert ad, Big Bang’s “Tonight,” 2NE1’s “I Am the Best,” Tablo’s “Tomorrow” and interview.
The “YG Family Train” will run for a month until December 4. The “15th Anniversary YG Family Concert” will be held on December 3 and 4 in Seoul. The second round of tickets go on sale from November 9.
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Posted: Fri Nov 18, 2011 5:30 pm
It has been a busy and exciting time for Big Bang lately, especially Daesung. It hasn’t been long since the group returned from their trip to Europe, coming together (unofficially) as five once again. The trip has ignited hopes of seeing more of Daesung and the rest of Big Bang real soon.
Recently a few interesting photos of Daesung have surfaced on the Internet. As soon as they were discovered they have been spreading like wildfire across the Web. The photos show a side of Daesung which is rarely seen by the public. They display a fit and well-toned Daesung donning a costume and mask in various poses. The images appear to be for promotional purposes, but the question is for what exactly?
A similar image had been spotted by fans sometime last year, back when Daesung was filming for his upcoming drama, “What’s Up.” There were enormous posters emblazoned with Daesung’s image which adorned the building where supposedly filming was taking place for the said drama. Even a ticket for a performance with the title of “Hades” was uncovered. The title matches that on the larger-than-life posters of Daesung. All of these items were believed to be props for a future episode of “What’s Up,” where Daesung appears to be playing the role of the title character in a musical.
Whatever the images might be for, he sure looks good doing it. The photos have created quite the hype amongst fans for the new drama’s debut. “What’s Up” is said to begin airing in December on MBN.
What are your opinions of Daesung’s latest images? Are you excited for “What’s Up”?
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Posted: Fri Nov 18, 2011 5:32 pm
The meeting between world pop star Katy Perry and the idol group Big Bang is drawing attention. On November 8, a picture of Big Bang and Katy Perry was posted on an internet community website.
Katy Perry and the members of Big Bang are smiling widely in the picture. However, everyone in the picture except for Taeyang and Katy Perry are all posing and staring in different directions which drew out laughter out of the viewers.
The photo was taken on November 6 (GMT) at the 2011 MTV Europe Music Awards held in Northern Ireland’s Belfast. Big Bang and Katy Perry had taken the picture in the waiting room as a memento of their meeting.
Netizens who viewed the photo have shown various responses such as “How does it feel to have met a pop star? They are all laughing, but wouldn’t they have been very nervous?” and “A round of applause for Big Bang for their award!” and “It is nice to see Daesung smiling after his long absence.”
Big Bang was the first Korean act to receive the Best Worldwide Act award at the MTV Music Awards
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Posted: Fri Nov 18, 2011 5:33 pm
K-Pop has been laying down its foundation and quietly deepening its roots within the global music industry. SNSD and Kara in Japan, Wonder Girls in America, the whole SM Family and JYJ in Europe, it is without a doubt that K-Pop has increasingly globalized. The driving force behind the mass accumulation of fans for K-Pop are the large entertainment companies that train and invest in their idol groups for a long period of time. Powerful performances and amazing vocal abilities have widely captured the hearts and ears of those who are tuned into mainstream K-Pop culture and have even contributed to the universal pop genre with new sounds and a distinct style. Social networking services have helped disperse K-Pop to different countries all over the world. In the midst of the K-Pop diaspora all around the world, YG's Big Bang and 2NE1 have made a big jump in receiving awards in renown American and British music award ceremonies. They have proven that other genres such as hip hop (a little different from general K-Pop market) are also making waves and becoming a competitive force in foreign countries. Already known for their record selling music as a group and solo artists on iTunes, Big Bang received the award for "World Wide Act" at the MTV Europe Music Awards. Big Bang, representing the Asia Pacific, was up against other global artists such as Lena representing Europe, Britney Spears representing North America, Abdelfattah Grini representing the Middle East and Restart representing Latin America. Competition seemed tough, but Big Bang came out on top. The fact that they surpassed Britney Spears in this category is a huge feat, and proves that K-Pop stars are no push overs in the global market. Although a scattered one, Big Bang's achievement proves that K-Pop has a solid fan base all over the world. On November 11 YG's representative girl group 2NE1 received the honor of the "2011 Best New Band in the World" award at the MTV Iggy Awards. Starting in October, there was a six week voting process for world renown bands, and 2NE1, receiving the most number of popular votes dominated for the win. Similarly to Big Bang's feat 2NE1 surpassed other global musicians that represented nine different countries such as America, Mexico, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, and Venezuela. Not only did fans from Korea pitch in to vote, but fans from all over the world made this possible for 2NE1. Most of 2NE1's votes came from America and the Philippines, not Korea. Big Bang and 2NE1 are both groups that have their own style of music and sense of expressing themselves, something that is different from the milieu of other K-Pop groups. They have something more to offer other than another group of cute and sexy girls/boys that come with catchy tunes. Their achievements in the global market reached another milestone for K-pop as a whole, as well as open the world to a different face of K-Pop. The day K-Pop sits down with a confident niche in the global sphere doesn't seem too far off.
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Posted: Fri Nov 18, 2011 5:36 pm
After a brief moment of silence, Yenny opened up and said, “It’s hard to pick one thing but I would say the language barrier was the hardest.” And then she started to shed some tears as she said, “Language does not improve over a day. I could freely express myself in Korean, but to do it in English, I had to be careful with every single word and I was punished a lot for that.” Sunye added, “People would just say anything because they don’t see any substantial results from our U.S. promotions, but that really hurt us a lot.” Sohee also said, “We are very Korean-minded, so it took us a while to learn the U.S. customs. Our personalities aren’t even that outgoing, as opposed to a lot of Americans who are very extroverted. And so when they saw me being quiet, they would just think, ‘Oh, she doesn’t want to work with us anymore.’” After becoming one of the most popular girl groups since their debut in 2007, Wonder Girls flew to the States in 2009 and mostly spent their time focusing on U.S. promotions. Despite enjoying some success – they ranked at #76 on the Billboard Music Chart – the Wonder Girls have been bashed by some for not making it even bigger in the U.S., a prime example being U.S. producer Teddy Riley’s tweet that said, “Wonderfuls just mad, Wonder Girls are flops in America and no one cares about them.”
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Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2011 8:13 pm
Big Bang will be back! march 2012 and p.s. g dragon is the year of the dragon soo 2012 is his lucky yearrr
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DecidedtogetAccountclosed
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Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2011 8:32 pm
Myung-Hee Big Bang will be back! march 2012 and p.s. g dragon is the year of the dragon soo 2012 is his lucky yearrr Bigbang is V.I.P heart
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