Solbi Comforts A Young Mother

Solbi, one of the members of the pop group Typhoon, comforted a desperate young woman because her child suffers from a rare disease.

Recently, this young mother wrote a letter to one of the radio shows of KBS-2 and shared the story of her daughter, who is only 12 months old and also called Solbi, suffering from a terrible disease but hopes that she will recover and become a beautiful woman like the singer Solbi.

This letter was sent to Typhoon’s Solbi and she immediately went to the mother of the baby and gave her comfort

Credits ~ KBS World + Kpopper.com + noV@Kpop Kingdom

Lee Hyo-lee Says Secret Weapon Is 'Sex Appeal'

"I'll seduce Japanese fans with my sexy looks," promised Lee Hyo-lee, revealing her strategy for cracking the Japan market. Lee was speaking at a press conference on Monday at the Hotel Okura Tokyo in Japan ahead of the launch on Fuji TV CS of her soap "If in Love... Like Them."

"There are a lot of talented female singers in Japan, but I think my bright and healthy image is my trademark," she said. "I bring spontaneity and naturalness to my performances, instead of simply following a script. Wouldn't Japanese men like it if I appeal to them with sexiness? Sexiness is my weapon."

When asked why she didn't enter the foreign market earlier, Lee said, "A great opportunity arose when I moved to a new agency. Before, it seemed like a bad idea to toil for years as an unknown overseas. It'll be easier to enter the Japanese entertainment industry once my drama is broadcast in Japan."

Lee didn't seem to mind being compared to Koda Kumi, one of Japan's top pop divas. "Being compared with Koda doesn't feel too bad," she said confidently. "I watched one of her concerts on DVD and I saw some similarities in our styles. Comparing us is a win-win situation for both of us."

Also at the press conference was Lee's co-star Lee Dong-gun and director Cha Eun-taek, and Lee discussed the rapport she built with her leading man. "Lee Dong-gun never referred to me as his elder, he called me by my name," she said. "I don't know why, but it feels fine for me for a younger guy to call me by my name, and not 'nuna' (elder sister)."

As to the future of her acting career, Lee said she needs a little time off. "I got a lot of offers for movies and TV, but I'm so exhausted after working so much this year -- I'm planning to take a break to study."

Credits ~ Chosun Ilbo + Kpopper.com + noV@Kpop Kingdom

Look! CSJH's new image..

Hey guys...This is CSJH's new image..I think i look really good in their new image..especially Sunday...She lost loads of weight...and looking so much better...They have nice hairstyles...Can't wait till they release their album...The picture is really big and clear! click to enlarge..
Lotsa <33,
Lynn a.k.a Korean-bitez

Star Couple Eric – Park Si-Yeon Broke Up a Month Ago

In the world of entertainment, another star couple has called it quits. This time it is Eric (real name: Moon Jung-Hyuk) and Park Si-Yeon.

Park Si-Yeon’s management company, Iyagi Entertainment, has officially announced on April 27th that the two stars have been separated for about a month. The management company stated that the two have been having problems due to personality differences, and other problems as well. Although the two stars have tried working things out, they both ultimately decided to remain as colleagues in the entertainment business.

Iyagi Entertainment also stated that Park Si-Won has been in Thailand since the 26th to recover from the breakup and come back refreshed. When she will return to Korea is still undecided. It seems that although Park Si-Yeon wanted a vacation right after the break up with Eric, but was unable to do so due to the Baeksang Arts Awards on the 25th.

Eric and Park Si-Yeon became a couple when Eric had boldly announced their love for one another in May of 2005 on his personal homepage.

Eric currently stars in an MBC TV weekend drama, ‘Que Sera Sera’, while Park Si-Yeon has been scouting offers after her drama appearance in ‘Spring in my Heart’.

credits: Tour2Korea
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Ahh! I'm so left out!! I didn't even know about this till today..oh man..they look so good together...i wonder why they broke up...

-Lynn a.k.a Korean-bitez

Kim Ah-joong Dazzles HK

Hong Kong has recognized the fast rising star power of actress Kim Ah-joong, who has been receiving first class celebrity treatment there since arriving Saturday to promote her hit film '200 Pound Beauty.'

A huge crowd of fans greeted her at the airport upon her arrival.

An official at her management agency quoted local media as predicting Kim would surpass the fame of Jeon Ji-Hyeon, the heroine of 'Sassy Girl,' which topped box office records in Hong Kong.

200 Pound Beauty has held four previews in Hong Kong, and interest in the Korean actress is rising.

Kim has held numerous interviews with some 150 media outlets and met with Hong Kong film officials on possible roles in a Chinese film or a joint Korean-Chinese production.

200 Pound Beauty will open in some 20 Hong Kong theaters May 17.

credits: KBS Global

Kim Yun-jin Unveils Photo Album

Actress Kim Yun-jin has introduced her photo album on an overseas Web site recently.

Kim, who has been busy filming the third season of the TV show "Lost" and appearing on various U.S. shows lately, arrived in Korea on May 3 and soon afterward began filming her new movie, "Seven Days."

The actress plans to stay in Korea for the time being. Her new movie is slated to open in the fall.

Meanwhile, the U.S. broadcaster ABC, which airs "Lost," plans to air the series through 2010.

credits: KBS Global

Ahh! So good to be back! Well..wait..not exactly..

Hey guys...I'm so sry for not updating for a long long time...I was super busy with studies..gosh..it's so tough..i'm resting for awhile now..so i was thinking, why not i drop by leaving a post to all of you out there..=) Midterms on Monday..Yes! Monday! No kidding! nervousssss...neways...after my midterm I'll be officially back to update as many news as last time...*smiles widely*..but of course..I still have to concentrate on my studies for finals...I'll be posting some news after this..See you guys! muaxxiesss...<333

lotsa <33,
lynn a.k.a korean-bitez

TVXQ's Radio Program Airs in Japan

Radio program hosted by the Korean pop idol group TVXQ is becoming quite popular in Japan. From earlier this month TVXQ has been hosting a weekly program called "TVXQ Bigeastation" on the Japan FM Network channel. The program is currently being aired on six local FM stations, and one more station will start broadcasting the program starting next month.

The program mainly consists of anecdotes by TVXQ members and their music. It is also open to new production ideas and requests from listeners. Attesting to the soaring popularity of TVXQ, fans have asked the program to be aired in large cities like Tokyo and Osaka as well.

TVXQ will represent Korea at the MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2007 on May 26th at the Saitama Super Arena.

credits: KBS Global

Japanese Media Extol Kim Tae-hee's Looks and Wit

Actress Kim Tae-hee has gained recognition in Japan not only for her pretty looks but also for her intelligence as well.

Japan's broadcaster TBS will introduce Kim in a special show that deals with the laws of various countries of the world. The show's episode featuring Kim will introduce Korea's laws on educating talented children.

TBS will introduce Kim as a popular celebrity who is also a graduate of Korea's top university.

The TBS' show will once again underscore the high status of Korean celebrities by covering Kim, who is popular not only in Korea but in Japan as well.

credits: KBS Global

Actor So a Secret Helper during Duty

Heartthrob So Ji-sub, the star of the blockbuster Korean dramas "Sorry, I Love You" and "Something Happened in Bali," will give a helping hand to needy children.The actor has worked at the Mapo district ward office under alternative military service, which will end Friday.The office says that early last month, So expressed his wish to do something meaningful for the community by giving a 10 million won donation to Mapo's children assistance project. He had asked that his deed be kept a secret.So had avoided media exposure during his military service. In a farewell interview with a district newspaper, So thanked officials for helping him complete his duty.

Credits: KBS Global

Rain Atop Time 100 Online Vote

Singer Rain could well be named as one of the world's top 100 influential people by Time magazine for the second year.The singer current sits atop the ongoing online survey to determine this year's Time 100 list.Rain made it on the list for the first time last year and attended the award ceremony and the Time 100 party at New York Lincoln Center last May, which earned him global fame.In the online poll underway on the Time Web site, Rain has garnered 22,310 votes as of Monday morning, Korean time, followed by rock band U2 frontman Bono and U.S. President George W. Bush. There are a total of 200 candidates.The Web site introduces the Korean singer as having topped music charts in Japan, China, Taiwan and Indonesia, performed at Manhattan's Madison Square Garden and recorded a duet with B2K's Omarion.


Credits: KBS Global

Rain to Perform at Madison Square Garden Again

Top Korean singer Rain will hold another concert at Madison Square Garden in New York, the venue of his debut performance in America. The New York concert is part of his June world tour, which includes stops in Atlanta, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.Prior to his American tour, Rain will hold a concert at the Tokyo Dome in Japan on May 25th for over 35,000 Japanese fans. The Tokyo Dome is also the home field for Korean slugger Lee Seung-yeop, who currently plays for Japan's top professional baseball team, the Yomiuri Giants. It has also served as the venue for concerts by the global pop stars Beyonce and Madonna.Rain's world tour organizer confirmed his North American tour schedule in June. Rain will first perform at the Molson Amphitheater in Toronto, Canada on June 9. Then his next concert will be staged at the Philips Arena in Atlanta on June 15, New York's Madison Square Garden on June 23, at the Cow Palace in San Francisco on June 27,and the Staples Center in Los Angeles on June 30.At the end of this month, Rain will hold a concert in China, followed by one at Japan's Tokyo Dome. Before Rain leaves for North America, he will wrap up the Asian tour with shows in Thailand from June 2 to 3.

credits: KBS Global

Singer Kangta to Begin Activities in Japan

Singer Kangta, a significant contributor to the Hallyu boom in China, is set to advance to Japan.He will hold his first fan meeting and live concert June 10 at the NHK Osaka hall, which can seat 1,300 audience members.A former member of the sensational boy band HOT, Kangta was named a goodwill ambassador for the 2007 Korea-China Exchange Year in light of his great popularity in China.The Osaka event will include a mini live concert as well as talk show and games, all to be enjoyed with his Japanese fans.

credits: KBS Global

Actor Jang Dong-gun to Star in Hollywood Film

Actor Jang Dong-gun will make his Hollywood debut in a Korean-U.S. fantasy-action movie called "Laundry Warrior." Hollywood producer Barrie Osborne, who made "The Matrix" and "The Lord of the Rings," will partner with Lee Joo-ick, the CEO of Boram Entertainment and the producer of "The Seven Swords" and "Battle of Wits", to make the US$30 million film.

Jang will act alongside Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi when the movie starts filming in the U.S. next month. Korean director Lee Seung-moo will helm the production. Boram Entertainment and Jang are planning to hold press conferences in Korea and in the U.S. this month to release further details.

- Copyrights ⓒ 2007 The Chosun Ilbo& Digital Chosun Ilbo All rights reserved –
http://english.chosun.com

credits: Tour2Korea

Jeon Ji-hyun Cedes Advertising Power to Jang Dong-gun

Consumers no longer feel that Jeon Ji-hyun is the most bankable advertising model and instead name Jang Dong-gun. The finding is the result of a survey of 1,465 people in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province by brand consultancy Brand38 from March 5 until 15. The interviewees were asked to choose three stars they think are most appealing as commercial models. Jeon, who had always ranked top or second from the top in the biannual survey that started in 2003, fell to fifth place.

◆ Jeon Ji-hyun out, Jang Dong-gun in
Jeon took the top spot five times and second place three times in a total of eight surveys by Brand38, beating out superstars like Lee Young-ae, Lee Hyo-lee, Kim Tae-hee, Song Hye-gyo and Lee Na-young. But in the latest survey Jeon surrendered her place to Jang Dong-gun, the last survey’s runner-up, and ended up in the fifth place.

From left: Lee Young-ae, Lee Hyo-lee, Kim Tae-hee, Song Hye-gyo and Lee Na-young

What the two stars have in common is that they have done nothing but appear in commercials for quite some time. So why is one falling and the other rising? “Jeon still has name value as the most bankable commercial model, but it seems consumers are getting tired of her eternal sexy image and so-called “mystery” which has meant she appears on hardly any TV programs except commercials,” Brand38 says. “By contrast, Jang has successfully changed his image through commercials from unapproachable aristocrat to guy next door.”


◆ Where have all the pretty boys gone?

Comedian and TV presenter Yoo Jae-suk rose to second place from 15th in the previous survey. Other comedians like Park Myung-soo (17th) and No Hong-chul (31st) also rose. The three saw their popularity grow on MBC’s popular TV show “Infinite Challenge.”

From left: Yoo Jae-suk, Park Myung-soo, Lee Jun-ki Daniel Henney and No Hong-chul

The consultancy says appearance still matters when it comes to commercials, but it is getting less and less important. “Economic hardship and harsh realities throughout society seem to make comedians more appealing to consumers,” it explains. “In the previous survey in the first half of 2006, Lee Jun-ki -- the star of the film ‘The King and The Clown’ -- and Daniel Henney, who rose to stardom with MBC hit drama ‘My Name Is Kim Sam-soon,’ ranked near the top in fourth and 12th respectively, but they both fell below 50th this time. That shows that good-looking stars tend to experience a sudden rise and fall.”

◆ Who is suitable for what?

The survey also focused on what type of advertising is suitable for which star according to his or her image. Jang Dong-gun, who is thought of as “handsome” and “gentlemanly,” was thought to be suitable for fashion and car advertising. Singer Rain, who is associated with “passion,” was judged to be perfect for telecom commercials, and “sexy” and “pretty” Jeon Ji-hyun and “sexy” and “attractive” Lee Hyo-lee were thought best suited to fashion advertising.

◆ Politicians make it on the list

With a political season coming up with the presidential election, politicians, made their way into the list of the top 50. Former Seoul mayor Lee Myung-bak ranked 40th and former Grand National Party chairwoman Park Geun-hye 44th. Among businessmen, Samsung Group chairman Lee Kun-hee shared 40th place with the former mayor.

- Copyrights ⓒ 2007 The Chosun Ilbo& Digital Chosun Ilbo All rights reserved –
http://english.chosun.com

credits: Tour2Korea

Ayumi, Preparing For Screen Debut

Former Sugar member Ayumi is in the midst of preparing for her screen debut.

According to SM Entertainment, Ayumi’s label, after her acting debut in the MBC show “Rainbow Romance”, she is now busy taking acting workshops to pursue her acting career.

Credits ~ KBS World Radio + Kpopper.com + noV@Kpop Kingdom

Pop Idol Ivy Rises Above Simple Sex Appeal

In the prime of her young singing career with the songs "Sonata of Temptation" and "If You're Gonna Be Like This" from her second album topping music charts both on- and off-line, pop sensation Ivy cited modesty as the reason for her success. "I think people like me because I try to be moderate," she said. "I didn't try hard to make myself look beautiful and sexy, I just devoted myself to singing. I think that's the reason for my popularity. Things that go too far tend to turn people off, don't they?"

At a time when it seems as if female singers who substitute sex appeal for talent are being churned out one after the next, Ivy stands apart. If the success of "Sonata of Temptation" is due to its arrangement based on the classical piece "Fur Elise," the popularity of "If You're Gonna Be Like This" proves that the public has begun to recognize her singing skills, rather than underestimate her as one of the many sexy but less talented singers.

Ivy said she still can't believe the enthusiastic response to her songs, although when she released her first album she felt sorry that she drew attention for her image rather than her singing. She has been told that "Sonata" has a powerful force since she first began working on it. "I don't lip-sync except in some unavoidable situations, even though I have to dance while I sing," she said. "I practiced singing everyday on a treadmill for four years when I was training for my debut, and I think that's paying off now."

Four years is a long time to pursue a dream in the hopes of a brighter future, but Ivy said it wasn't that hard to get through because she was both confident and optimistic. "I may look coordinated, but in fact I'm a very clumsy person," she said. "Just a few days ago, I bumped my arm on the edge of my bed as I was bouncing around in joy after reading some complimentary remarks about me on the Internet." She still has the bruise on her left forearm.

Born to a mother who studied singing at university and a father who played the drums in the Navy symphony, Ivy grew up with music. She remembered how proud she was of her father when she saw him perform at the Navy band’s annual concert.

It may be difficult to swallow, but Ivy said the biggest obstacle to her success was dancing. She is a seriously bad dancer, she said. She also confessed that she's been nervous about performing in front of people since childhood. "It's still hard for me to dance, but I'm trying to enjoy it."

So what does she think about her voice? "Almost all my vocal teachers told me that I don't have bad singing habits. I think that's both my strong and weak points. I try to obey basic rules when I sing." she said.

Credits ~ Chosun Ilbo + Kpopper.com + noV@Kpop Kingdom

Super Junior Invited to Beijing Award Show

The 13-member idol boy band "Super Junior" has been invited to a music award show in Beijing opening 7:30 p.m. this Sunday.

They will sing their hit song 'U,' which is beloved by Chinese fans, at the ceremony and meet fans at an earlier red carpet event.

However, not all of the 13 members will be attending. Six of them who work as a smaller trot music band won't be joining.

CQTV will broadcast the award show live throughout China and reruns will air on the BTV-2 and CETV-3 channels.

credits: KBS Global

BoA Begins Tour of 4 Japanese Cities

BoA’s latest tour began March 31 and will last through April 22, taking place in four Japanese cities: Yokohama, Fukuoka, Osaka and Nagoya. The repertoire includes songs from her fifth full-length album, which was released in Japan in January, as well as from her fourth album.

BoA will perform 21 songs from various genres including dance, ballads and punk rock.

Entitled “Arena Tour,” which refers to concerts that draw more than 10,000 people per concert, BoA’s tour is serving as further proof of the singer’s stable popularity in Japan since her debut in the country in 2001.

The Yokohama concert that opened April 1 drew about 10,000 people, mostly teenagers to 30-somethings, all looking forward to seeing BoA's coming-of-age.

After the tour, BoA will return to Korea next month to present songs that she has personally written to her Korean fans. "I want to try my hand at house music as well as at acting, if I am offered a good role,” said the singer.

credit: KBS Global

Dong Bang Shin Ki Releases 2nd Japanese Album in Korea

Popular boyband Dong Bang Shin Ki, known as Tohoshinki in Japan, will release their 2nd Japanese album in their home country of Korea today.
‘Five in the Black,’ which was released on the 14th in Japan, placed 6th on the Oricon Daily Album Charts. The album has a regular version and an extra DVD version, which includes music videos and behind-the-scenes footage. The 13-track album includes hit songs “Begin,” “Sky” and “Miss You,” the Japanese version of “I’ll Be There” as well as other new songs like “Zion,” “Dead End” and “Promise.”

Credits ~ KBS World Radio + Kpopper.com + noV@Kpop Kingdom