Korean Pop Stars: June 2012

2012/06/25

2NE1 Wins Best New Artist Award at MTV VMA Japan

It appears the 2NE1 girls have another trophy to add to their ever-expanding collection as they took home the Best New Artist Video Award at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards Japan.

The girls beat out nominees LMFAO, James Blake and Japanese singer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu with the music video for hit I Am the Best to snag the award at the event, which was held at the Chiba Makuhari Messe on June 23.

The group accepted the award, saying “Thank you to the staff and Black Jack,” before yelling the signature “Let’s play, 2NE1!” 2NE1 also took to the stage to perform I Am the Best and Scream at this year’s show.

Congratulations, 2NE1!

Photo credit: YG Entertainment
Reporter: Nancy Lee (nancylee@cj.net)
Source: Mnet
[Copyright CJ E&M Entertainment Portal enewsWorld, All Rights Reserved]

2PM Wins Best Group Video Award at MTV VMA Japan

2PM has won the Best Group Video award at the MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2012 (MTV VMAJ 2012).

The ceremony was held on June 23 in Japan at Chiba′s Makuhari Messe, and awarded singers in a total of 16 categories, including Best Video, Best New Artist Video and Best Group Video. The winners were chosen through viewer and public votes.

The Japanese girl group Perfume acted as host, while many Japanese stars and pop stars such as Bump of Chicken, EXILE, JUJU, Miliyah Kato, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, Linkin Park and J Soul Brothers performed. 2PM and 2NE1 attended as the Korean representatives.

2PM had been nominated for the Best Group Video award with the music video for its Japanese single I′m Your Man, and in the end beat out its competitors to grab the trophy. Other nominees for the award included prominent names like Coldplay, Ikimono-gakari, Maroon 5 and Monkey Magic.

When 2PM′s performance started up, the 6,000-member audience and officials in the venue watched on with interest and didn′t hold back on their praise for its intensity.

2PM performed two songs, more than any other singer, and even had some time to talk with its fans in a short break between performances.

The members proved they were ready as global stars by talking in Korean, Japanese and English.

2PM said, "We want to give this honor to those who love 2PM and I′m Your Man. We thank you so much. We′ll become a group that works harder."

Photo credit: JYP Entertainment
Reporter: Choi, EunHwa (choieh@cj.net)
Source: Mnet
[Copyright CJ E&M Entertainment Portal enewsWorld, All Rights Reserved]

SNSD Transform into Sweetly Scented Ladies for ‘High Cut’

Already busy with their own individual activities, the girls of Girls’ Generation (SNSD) gathered together to flaunt their dazzling beauty with fashion magazine High Cut.

On June 21, High Cut released photos of SNSD, posing behind a background of trees, making the girls look like goddesses in a hidden forest.

Each member wore different dresses, characterized by her personal style. In their hands were small bottles of ‘Girl de Provence’ perfume.

In the second picture, Yoona, Sooyoung, Yuri, and Jessica posed on an elegant pink couch, surrounded by flowers. The members posed glamorously, looking very mature and ladylike.

More pictures of SNSD will be available in the 79th edition of High Cut as well as High Cut Online (www.highcut.co.kr).

Photo Credit: High Cut
Reporter: Grace Danbi Hong (graced923@cj.net)
Source: Mnet
[Copyright CJ E&M Entertainment Portal enewsWorld, All Rights Reserved]

Teen Top’s Fan Event Attracts 5,000 in Japan

Teen Top is showing its impressive popularity in Japan.

On June 18 Teen Top held its ‘high touch’ event with fans at Tokyo’s Lasonza-Kawasaki mall.

Though only 1,000 lucky fans, who had purchased the group′s special license album ahead of its debut album, were able to participate in the event, some 5,000 fans stayed to watch and cheer on the members from afar.

The fans at the event were visibly diverse, as there were school girls in uniform to mothers carrying their infant children.

The event was momentarily halted at one point when the Teen Top members attempted to come to a fan in a wheelchair which resulted in the frenzy crowd beginning to rush towards the members. The event resumed once more after safety personnel were in place.

Teen Top will kick off its first exclusive Japan tour Teen Top Japan 2012 on June 19.

Photo credit: T.O.P Media
Reporter: Stewart Ho (stoo@cj.net)
Source: Mnet
[Copyright CJ E&M Entertainment Portal enewsWorld, All Rights Reserved]

2012/06/24

The Best Kdrama Kiss as Selected by Netizens

In honor of Kiss Day, an unofficial romantic holiday celebrated every June 14 in Korea, netizens voted Ji Hyun Woo and Yoo In Na’s dreamy tip-toe kiss in tvN’s “Queen In Hyun’s Man” as the best kiss ever.

An online dating site conducted the survey, asking 1,083 single men and women in their twenties and thirties to vote for the best kdrama kiss. Yoo In Na and Ji Hyun Woo’s kiss raked in 39% of the votes, taking home the title as the “best kdrama kiss.” Jang Dong Gun and Kim Ha Neul’s cherry-bloosom kiss in “A Gentleman’s Dignity” followed with 25% of the votes. “Rooftop Prince’s” tear kiss between Park Yoo Chun and Han Ji Min came in third with 20%, and Lee Seung Gi and Ha Ji Won’s refrigerator kiss in “The King 2hearts” came in fourth with 16% of the votes.

A representative from the online dating service explained, “Ji Hyun Woo’s recent public confession attracted a lot attention, as well as envy from many netizens. It’s probably one of the reasons as to why netizens voted their kiss as the best kiss in dramas.

What about Soompiers? What was your favorite kdrama kiss? (It doesn’t have to be among the ones listed above!)

Yoo In Na & Ji Hyun Woo’s “tip toe kiss”

Jang Dong Gun and Kim Ha Neul’s “cherry blossom kiss”

Park Yoo Chun and Han Ji Min’s “tear kiss”

Lee Seung Gi and Ha Ji Won’s “refrigerator kiss”

Source: Soompi

Teaser Photos of Leeteuk and Ryeowook Revealed

With Super Junior making their comeback soon, more teasers pictures have been released on SM Entertainment’s official FB page. Today we are treated to new concept pictures featuring Leeteuk and Ryeowook.
Previously, teaser pictures of Eunhyuk and Donghae were released.
Super Junior’s new album “Sexy, Free & Single” will be released at July 1 at 12 am KST through various music websites such as MelOn, Genie and Naver Music. The offline version will be avaial later on July 4. As previously reported, this comeback will also include Kangin, who makes his return to Super Junior in after a three-year hiatus.

Leeteuk

Ryeowook

What do you think of their new concept? Are you exited for their comeback?

Photo: SM Entertainment
Source: Soompi

U-KISS to be the First K-Pop Band to Hold Fan Meeting in Cambodia

Boy band U-KISS will hold its fan meeting in PnomPenh, Cambodia on June 18. According to NH Media, the members of U-KISS will depart for Cambodia as soon as they wrap up their performance on SBS’s “Inkigayo” on June 17. U-KISS, along with a volunteer organization, will visit a school near Pnom Penh to spend time with the local children and hand out baseball equipment.
It’s been said that Cambodia’s state guests will also attend the fan meeting. U-KISS will be the first ever hallyu artists to hold a fan meeting in Cambodia. As such, many local fans and media expressed great interest and anticipation at the upcoming event.
Meanwhile, U-KISS became the first Korean band to hold fan meeting in Colombia last May. The group is also receiving many love calls from Peru, Brazil, and other countries around the world. On June 5, U-KISS released its special album “The Special to KissMe” and is currently promoting “Believe.”

Source: Soompi

Teen Top Successfully Finishes Their First Japanese Tour

Popular idol group Teen Top successfully completed their first two days of their solo live tour.
On June 19, the group kicked off their “Teen Top Tour 2012” in Nagoya, then traveled to Osaka on the 20th, and their last stage was held on the 21st in Tokyo.
Fans were ecstatic as they were treated to a two-hour long show, during which 21 of Teen Top’s biggest songs were performed at the event. Teen Top began the show with “To You“, followed by “Don’t Spray Perfume,” their debut single, “Clap,” and from earlier in the year the group’s chart topping hit, “Crazy.”
When the members finished singing their debut song they spoke to the crowd expressing their gratitude, “Thinking back to our beginnings two years ago. We were concerned about how many fans would show up to our concert today here in Japan. So we are sincerely touched by seeing all of you here supporting us. By holding this concert two years after our debut has fulfilled our dream of having a solo concert. It is because of all of you that we are able to be here.”
The group performed their last song, “Angel” and the crowd sang along which moved the members so much that they began to tear up. The audience then cheered so loudly that Teen Top came back out on stage for an encore performance of their new track, “Shake it!” along with a few other of their hits. At the concert’s conclusion they made a promise to fans, “We will come and perform here live again, once we have grown more and will show you an even more fabulous stage.”

Source: Soompi

Girls’ Generation Releases Gold Dance Ver. MV for “Paparazzi”

After releasing their music video and dance version last week for their new Japanese single “Paparazzi,” Girls’ Generation has now released a second dance version video.
While the dance version from last week features the girls dancing on a street, this new one is called the “Gold” version due to them performing inside a round golden room. As scenes from both dance versions were used in the main music video, it is a really nice gift to fans for them to release full dance versions.
“Paparazzi” is Girls’ Generations fourth Japanese single and will be released next week on June 27.

Girl's Generation Paparazzi Music
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3-pUNhYORw&feature=player_embedded

Source: Soompi

MYNAME Releases Japanese Debut MV “Message”

Despite debuting just last October in Korea, rookie group MYNAME is already set to make their Japanese debut this month and have now released their music video for “Message.” Their single will be released next week on June 25. From there, MYNAME will begin their Japanese promotions in the summer.
Currently they are working on promotions for their first Korean comeback with “Hello and Goodbye.”
Coming from H2 Media, this five member boy group gained recognition for being created by Fly To The Sky‘s Hwanhee. After debuting last October with the song “Message,” they have been under the radar for most of this year. With so many K-Pop groups going to promote in Japan, do you think they will be able to stand out overseas?

Source: Soompi

BEAST’s Hyun Seung Has First Solo Photo Shoot for “Elle Girl”

Jang Hyun Seung, member of popular idol group Beast, will take on his first challenge of a musical in “Mozart!” and is featured in his first solo pictorial.
Jang Hyun Sueng became known by JS during his Trouble Maker promotions with label-mate, HyunA. For his “Elle Girl” photo shoot the title, “Unexpected JS” was chosen since it combines his stage name, JS, with an unpredictable variety of looks as well as a candid interview.
The magazine’s interview gives readers a behind-the-scenes look from his beginnings with Beast all the way to the concept of the blossoming “backstage musical star” showing his preparations for his debut musical role. The photos display various attitudes through the choice of clothing from a casual chic to his sophisticated costume in “Mozart!”
JS was asked how he is handling his first musical role, to which he replied, “I have a lot of integrity and I want to perform the best I can on stage to give the audience an amazing performance. So I have been working out using a combination of aerobic exercises along with much practice to get where I need to be. Apparently, they tell me that I am taking to the burden of acting in a musical quicker than other new starring actors, though I’m not so sure.”
He continued, “I’m really able to connect with my character, it seems we have a few similarities as we both are a bit rebellious and stubborn. So it doesn’t feel like work to portray him, it is actually fun.”
There is much attention surrounding Jang Hyun Seung’s appearance in the musical “Mozart!” as many wonder how he will fair. JS will take on the role of Mozart as he portrays the musical genius through his life and how he has influenced so many musicians around the world. Like Mozart, JS hopes that he will be remembered as well though as someone who is a great singer.
The “Unexpected” side of Hyun Seung can be seen in full within the pages of “Elle Girl’s” July issue.

Source: Soompi

Jang Geun Suk Poses with Himself for Airport Fashion Proof Shot

On June 22, Jang Geun Suk posted on twitter, “Now people look at me as if what I’m doing is a natural thing. Ah~ There is a kind prince in this world who uploads his own airport fashion proof shot~ Bye” and posted a picture of himself. The revealed photo is of Jang Geun Suk standing next to a life-size cardboard panel of himself.
In the picture, Jang Geun Suk seems to be at an airport duty free shop. He is wearing a white tuxedo shirt with sleeves rolled up, matched with black shorts, black and white loafers, and oversized sunglasses. He mentioned the irony of updating fans with his own airport fashion instead of having fans and paparazzis taking the picture, causing many of his fans and netizens to laugh.
Netizens commented on Jang Geun Suk’s self-airport fashion picture, “He’s got the best fan service,” “It’s funny how he uploads his own airport fashion shot,” and “I can’t imagine anyone looking at Jang Geun Suk anywhere as if it means nothing special.”

Source: Soompi

Lee Seung Gi Snaps a Picture with Foreign Fans

Recently, a foreign fan of Lee Seung Gi posted on twitter, “We took a picture with tall handsome Lee Seung Gi,” along with a picture. The revealed picture shows Lee Seung Gi in what seems like to be a Korean restaurant with five foreign female fans around him.
He has his arms around these women, gently looking into the camera with a smile on his face. As this was a personal trip, Lee Seung Gi is not wearing any make up or on-camera outfit. But he still looks dandy and handsome in this white shirt and black cardigan. The five women around him seem really happy to see him with huge smiles on their faces.
Netizens commented, “Lee Seung Gi’s evolving from ‘National Little Brother’ to ‘World Little Brother,’” “He’s so nice,” “I’m so jealous,” “He must’ve gone there to grab a bite,” “I read in the paper that he went to Poland to watch a soccer game,” “I hope these foreigners realize how much of a big deal it is to take a picture with him,” and “Lee Seung Gi’s charms transcend national boundaries!”
Lee Seung Gi went to Poland to watch 2012 Euro Cup Quarter Finals game. He is scheduled to leave for London to partake in 2012 London Olympics torch relay.

Source: Soompi

Teen Top’s Niel Becomes Miss Niel

Teen Top’s Niel showed off his beautiful girl pose. On June 22, he wrote on his me2day, “Ho ho ho. I am Miss Niel. (I dressed up like a woman.) It is very awkward. However, please look at me beautifully.”
In the first photo he attached along with the post, Niel’s face can’t be seen well with the veil over his face. However, one can tell that it is him because of his trademark thick lips, which has pink lipstick on it. In the second picture, he is smiling while shyly covering his mouth.
Netizens who saw the photos said, “Truly, really cute,” “I was wondering who the person was in the first picture. Then, I saw the lips and knew right then who it was,” and “You are prettier than me.”
Meanwhile, Teen Top had their first exclusive concert in Japan from June 19 to June 21.

Source: Soompi

Kim Jaejoong: Behind the Scenes for “Dr. Jin”

In an interview with Sports Seoul, Kim Jaejoong showed that he’s full of drive to improve his acting skills for his fans. We first watched him in “Protect the Boss” and are now getting a taste of the progress in “Time Slip Dr. Jin.” The released behind the scenes photos for “Dr. Jin” filming show that he has indeed a challenging feat ahead for his first traditional drama.

He confessed, “There’s so much out there for me to learn, having all these experienced sunbaes around me. But my mind is so busy that it doesn’t seem to have room to take it all in yet.” He still showed determination, saying, “It’s fun to have a new challenge.”
He also shared his experience with the traditional topknot. Dubbing it “the battle with the topknot,” he was warned beforehand by his fellow JYP member, Park Yoochun, about his own ordeal.
“Your hair parts funny with the topknot, and you get marks on the forehead for hours afterwards,” he said, shaking his head. “Moreover, you get tan lines under the sun. At least I should be relieved that they didn’t attach a beard on me.”

Another tough thing about traditional drama is the layers upon layers of costume in the hot, humid weather. Jaejoong feels the need to be extra careful, because his role as a government official entails a dutiful entourage of supporting actors, even under the sun. He believes that everyone on site must be happy to produce good acting and a great drama.
“Traditional dramas usually have a lot of supporting actors. And they go through so much trouble. More than us [main actors] since the same scene must be taken with many different angles,” said Jaejoong, showing consideration for his colleagues. “I bought them all ice cream couple times. It momentarily helps with the heat.”

Thanks to copious amount of horse riding during filming, Jaejoong made a new friend. “My horse’s name is Raphael,” said Jaejoong. “He gets awkward every time we meet. But I think he’s a wonderful fellow. I spend a lot of time with him these days. Having conversations, asking how he’s been doing.”

You can catch Kim Jaejoong and his acting in working progress every Saturdays and Sundays at 9:50 PM KST.

Source: Soompi

After School makes a sexy comeback with “Flashback” on ‘Music Core’!

The ladies of After School have finally returned with their newest single, “Flashback“.
“Flashback” marks After School’s first promotions without member and former leader Kahi, as well as the entrance of new member Ga Eun. For “Flashback”, they decided to mix up dark and sexy for a powerful comeback, while also incorporating a trendy electronic sound to give the song a catchy appeal.
The lyrics talk about wanting to “flashback” to love, and are reported to contain a double meaning as After School seeks to return to the group’s early stages.

Source: allkpop

2012/06/23

Super Junior To Drop 6th Album on July 1; Reveals Eunhyuk Teaser Photo

Big Bang may have ruled for the first half of 2012 but Super Junior is preparing to ascend the throne for the latter half.

On July 1, Super Junior will unveil its entire sixth album Sexy, Free & Single via various online music portal sites.

Sexy, Free & Single marks not only Super Junior’s first album in Korea since the group’s fifth album Mr. Simple, released back in August of 2011, but will also mark the return of member Kangin who was released from his mandatory military obligations in April.

Ahead of Super Junior’s comeback, Super Junior began unveiling member teaser photos , beginning with member Eunhyuk on June 21.

Unlike all the other SM teasers of late, Eunhyuk′s teaser is rather simple, with the singer/dancer/variety star wearing a plain white dress shirt and blue pants. But of course, it′s not an SM teaser without a little mystery, and Eunhyuk is near unrecognizable thanks to a blindfold made of white and pink flowers, as well as a completely different hairstyle.

The full copy of Sexy, Free & Single will be available in stores beginning on July 4.

Photo credit: SM Entertainment
Source: Mnet
Reporter: Stewart Ho (stoo@cj.net)
[Copyright CJ E&M Entertainment Portal enewsWorld, All Rights Reserved]

Suzy Lands Another Success with ‘Big’

Miss A’s Suzy has been enjoying a lot of attention these days. She’s become the icon of first loves through the successful romance film Architecture 101, and she’s continuing her success as an actress through her drama Big.

Suzy took on the role of the young Seo Yeon in Architecture 101, which premiered in March 22. She showed off long, flowing hair and a bright aura about her that represented the first love of any man’s dreams.

Her character mingled with the music of the nostalgic 90s group Exhibition, and made Suzy the ideal first love of every man.

She especially matured as an actress with her stable acting, passing the test of being a singer-turned-actor with flying colors.

Suzy’s value thus soared not only among the public but also broadcasting officials, and brought her offers for many big roles that would’ve normally gone to famed actresses first.

Suzy chose her next piece to be the Hong Sisters’ KBS2 drama Big. Gong Yoo and Lee Min Jung had already been cast for the drama, and the news that Suzy would be joining the crew gave Big an even bigger spotlight.

She thus came to make her first appearance on the June 11 broadcast of Big. Her role, Jang Ma Ri, hurried to Korea when her crush, Kang Kyung Joon (Shin Won Ho), wouldn’t answer her calls.

Armed with her experience from the drama Dream High and the film Architecture 101, Suzy managed to receive favorable reviews that she ‘is fresh’ and ‘added some spice to the story’.

While Lee Min Jung’s cute antics went overboard and gave her viewers something to be uncomfortable about, Suzy acted her age and fit her character perfectly, helping Big meet a turning point while it was lagging behind with one-digit viewership ratings.

Many officials have agreed that Suzy managed to make a bigger name for herself as an actress through Big.

A production staff from Big that recently met with enews also said, “Suzy’s presence on set itself adds to the activity and joy. Her acting exceeds expectations; she was a great casting decision for Big.”

The staff member added, “Suzy will grow to become a talent that will fit in lead female roles also. I’m looking forward to seeing her do more as an actress.”

Photo credit: Bean Pole Outdoors
Source: MnetReporter : Kim, JiYeon (butthergirl@cj.net)
[Copyright CJ E&M Entertainment Portal enewsWorld, All Rights Reserved]

2012/06/25

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