IU reveals "You & I" MV

Source: LOENARTIST

Lee Hyori donates $87,000 USD towards animal rights

Just days after going public about her relationship with songwriter and fellow animal rights activist Lee Sang Soon, singer Lee Hyori reportedly donated 100,000,000 won (~$86,670.10) towards animal rights, drawing much attention from the public.

Through a press release on November 28th, the Animal Rights Coalition stated, “On the evening of November 25th, Lee Hyori attended an evening event with her companion Soonshim at the Animal Rights Coalition Nursery Establishment along with 130 other guests to discuss ways of animal protection.”

They added, “While talking about the poor conditions of animal shelters in the country, Lee Hyori, who periodically serves at these shelters, privately donated 100,000,000 won towards the Animal Rights Coalition before the event even began, and this fact was made known by the end of the event.”

Also, “With this donation, the Animal Rights Coalition is considering to construct a ‘Lee Hyori Home’, which we are planning to utilize so that many animals will be able to receive protection, treatment, care, and eventually adopted from the ‘Lee Hyori Home’.”

Source: OSEN via Naver

cr: allkpop.com

Kim Hyun Joong to star in a drama next year

Singer Kim Hyun Joong has announced that he will be starring in a drama soon.

On November 29th, the star attended a press conference for the ‘2011 MAMA‘ in Singapore’s Sands Expo Convention Center. He said, “It hasn’t been officially revealed yet, but I will be acting in April of next year. We originally had a world tour in mind, but we postponed that for the drama.”

He continued, “I heard that I did well on the Billboard charts. I am very happy about that. It feels real that being #1 in Korea means being #1 in the world.”

Stay tuned for more updates on Kim Hyun Joong’s new drama!

Source: OSEN

cr: allkp[op.com

The Hallyu wave’s ever-growing influence in Japan

The term ‘Hallyu’ is now a part of everyday Korean vernacular, but its international influence is exceeding what anyone had ever expected. Glimpses of the Hallyu wave can now be seen regularly on the streets of Tokyo, Japan.

For starters, Jang Geun Suk‘s recent concert at the Tokyo Dome drew 45,000 fans, causing much commotion on the streets. His fans eagerly bought devil-horn headbands to showcase their fandom, and promotional posters for the concert were well-scattered on the streets of Ginza as well as Tokyo.

Not only that, billboards promoting 2PM-2AM‘s joint concert were visibly seen from the major streets of Akasaka, Ginza, Roppongi Hills, and more, informing fans of the boys’ January show. One fan remarked, “I personally like INFINITE. The more that boy bands like 2PM and 2AM gain popularity, the younger K-pop fans seem to get.”

A billboard of girl group After School also hangs from a department store building in Roppongi with aChristmas promotion in Shibuya, and actress Kim Tae Hee‘s endorsement advertisement can be easily spotted in the Japanese subway stations.

Hallyu is proving to have a significant impact on the Japanese lifestyle, to the point where an organization understandably protested Korean TV in front of the FujiTV building.

But the Hallyu-effect is proving to change not just entertainment in Japan, but the way the Japanese think about Korea.

A tour guide who has been living in Japan for over 15 years remarked, “Even just 10 years ago, the Japanese resented and belittled anything from Korea. But ever since actor Bae Yong Joon catalyzed a Hallyu boom [with dramas like 'Winter Sonata'], the wave has been sweeping Japan since.”

Source & Image : enews24 via Nate

cr: allkpop.com

Running Man Gary only has eyes for Song Ji Hyo. Who’s Son Ye Jin?

 

‘Running Man’ Gary showed off his unchanging ‘love’ for Song Ji Hyo.
On the November 27th episode of SBS‘s ‘Running Man’, the leading actors of the movie ‘Chilling 

Romance’ to premier soon, Lee Min Ki and Son Ye Jin made guest appearances.

Yoo Jae Suk and other male members could not hide their excitement as Son Ye Jin appeared saying “It’s the first time!”.






However, Gary showed his love for Song Ji Hyo as the official couple of ‘Running Man’ saying “Song Ji Hyo is the prettiest” and Song Ji Hyo replied with a smile.

Guests Son Ye Jin, Lee Min Ki, and Park Chul Min made for yet another great episode of ‘Running Man’

Image: SBS ‘Running Man’

Source: My Daily via Nate

SNSD Taeyeon Pictures in Infinite Dorm

INFINITE's love for SNSD's Taeyeon was proven.

On November 19th broadcast of Saturday Freedom-Family ties, Infinite's lodging was revealed.
Shin Bong Sun raid Infinite's lodging and revealed their life and what's with their new lodging.

However, the object behind Bong Sun that was in the double deck caught the shard eyes of netizens. There was a picture of SNSD's Taeyeon.

By this, netizens proved the love of Infinite towards SNSD's leader.
They commented, 'Their love is uncommon.','I wonder who's bed?','It's good since Taeyeon likes them too.' and so on.

Taeyeon admitted in Choi Hwa Jung’s Power Time on November 7, that she supports Infinite the most.

Source: Starnews
Written by KYUriShana@dkpopnews.net

credit: daily kpop news

TVXQ released Winter Rose album cover

Have a look at the cover of TVXQ's upcoming album Winter Rose!

Christmas is approaching and i am pretty sure it will be an awesome Christmas present for Cassiopeia.

Photo Source:SharingYoochun
Source: Daily kpop

2NE1′s Dara and CL return to Korea for ‘YG Family Concert’ rehearsal

On November 26th, 2NE1‘s CL and Sandara Park shared a fresh selca through the latter’s me2day to commemorate their return to Korea.

Sandara wrote, “Arrived in Korea!  Came here to practice for the YG Family Concert!  All the artists are coming to meet today!  The sunbaenims are coming in one by one! doogeun doogeun, kong dak kong dak! [onomatopoeia for heartbeat].  Today’s fashion is about utilizing a face mask.  Sandara and CL’s 2-set selca!  How is it?”

The photo also contained a caption that read, “The [main] point of this photo! Chae Rin‘s [CL's real name] cute eyes that can only be seen in the dorms.”


Fans were delighted to see the return of the infamous face masks from 2NE1′s “Ugly” MV, especially since they allowed CL to keep her edgy style even though she dressed down and didn’t wear any makeup.
Netizens complimented, “So pretty~” and “CL looks so innocent. Please show us this side more often.”
In related news, the “2011 YG Family Concert” will take place at the Seoul Olympic Stadium on December 3rd and 4th.

Source + Photos: Osen

B2ST’s Hyunseung reveals his ‘Pororo’-inspired style

B2ST‘s Hyunseung is making his Twitter followers laugh with his latest selca.

On November 24th, Jang Hyun Seung tweeted,“Potongryung style~” before attaching a selca of his Pororo-inspired fashion.

In the picture, Jang Hyun Seung sports thick, black glasses that look similar to Pororo’s trademark frames. His ‘charming dork’ look was further heightened by his long, pink scarf and funny expression.
Netizens commented, “That pink scarf is ultra Daebak” and “Hyunseung oppa, you are happy right now because you received an award, right?”




On November 24th, B2ST won the coveted ‘Artist of the Year award’ at the ‘2011 Melon Music Awards‘.

Source: Star News via Nate

2AM’s Jo Kwon & Jinwoon caught snoozing at the airport

On November 26th, 2AM‘s leader Jo Kwon shared a new photo through his Twitter under the caption, “2 floor bed“.

Taken at an airport, the photo showed Jo Kwon and Jinwoon snoozing on a bench for a quick nap. The singers converted the bench into a bunk bed, with Seulong taking the ‘top’ bunk and Jo Kwon sleeping below.

Fans commented, “Haha, I should order one of those benches. So funny” and “Looks like you guys were at the airport.  Didn’t people stare at you?”

Either these two have mastered the art of sleeping anytime, anywhere, or they’re making the greatest comment on the absurdity of planking ever.


Source + Photo: Naver

Kim Hyung Jun draws a huge welcoming party at Japanese airport

Singer Kim Hyung Jun‘s popularity in Japan is becoming a hot topic back home.
Kim Hyung Jun was scheduled to perform at Yokohama Pacific Hall on November 26th at a OST concert for the drama, ‘Lie to Me‘
.
When the singer stepped through the airport gates in Japan, he was greeted by a huge welcoming party, who screamed and cheered wildly for the SS501 star. Kim Hyung Jun’s Japanese fans had prepared signs that read,  ’Kang Min jjang!‘, ‘I love you‘, ‘Transformed into top star Kang Min! The best!‘, ‘I love you Kang Min!!‘

‘Kang Min’ is the character that Kim Hyung Jun is currently playing in his new KBS mini-series, ‘She’s Completely Insane‘.

Kim Hyung Jun bowed to his fans, who had been waiting since the early dawn. Like a true top star, he showed everyone a bright smile and waved to the crowd until he exited the airport.

Source & Photo: Naver

‘We Got Married’ reveals Leeteuk’s middle school photos & grades

On November 26th, MBC TV‘s ‘We Got Married‘ aired and featured a school date between Super Junior leader Leeteuk and actress Kang Sora.

The couple paid a visit to a school office, where they were warmly welcomed by Leeteuk’s middle school homeroom teacher. The teacher first revealed Leeteuk’s middle school photo, and then tried to show his report card. Leeteuk was strongly against revealing his grades, but Kang Sora was curious to learn what her
 ‘husband’ was like as a young student.

As it turns out, the idol achieved impressive scores and she complimented him with, “What a perfect guy!“.

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Additionally, it looks like the entire SMTOWN family will be making an appearance on next week’s episode of ‘We Got Married’.


Source + Photos: TV Report via Nate

SHINee thanks fans for Osaka concert

On November 26th, SHINee‘s Minho uploaded a warm photo with all 5 members through SHINee’s official me2day as a thank you gift for their successful concert in Osaka, Japan. .

The idol posted, “Finally, the short but long concert has ended… It’s an unforgettable experience… Everyone, thank you and thank you again^^.  Let’s make another meaningful memory again~~”

The concert was indeed a success according to multiple reports. 18,000 fans were present for the concert as the boys rocked the stage with their hit tracks, “Juliette“, “Replay“, and “Lucifer“.

Netizens commented, “OMG, its Minho! I missed you so much“, “Please make a comeback in Korea fast!“, and “We love you!“.


Source + Photos: SHINee’s me2day

Tip: Summer67

Melon Music Awards - Falling down and getting up

IU won bonsang (top 10 artists) as well as daesang at MMA.

But fell while receiving her daesang award.

















Credit: weheartiu
Source: news sources

Starship Planet reveals “Pink Romance” MV

Starship Entertainment has kicked off the holiday season in K-Pop by releasing this music video for their special digital single, “Pink Romance“.

Coming together as ‘Starship Planet‘, SISTAR, Boyfriend, and K.Will collaborated on a festive MV that sought to express the warm love they carry for each other and for their fans.

A part of the digital single’s sales will donated to charity to help share the love, so be sure to grab the single here.





Tip: flowerz0524

SNSD members devour snacks and talk about their eating habits

On the November 23rd airing of KBS 2TV‘s ‘Star Life Theater – SNSD‘, the dressing room of the SNSD ladies were revealed for their fans to see.

The members were seen busily preparing themselves to go on stage for a music program. The girls who have recently been photographed exhausted and drained due to their busy schedule were more than ecstatic when they saw their staff bring snacks into the room.

In an instant, a buffet table was spread out for the members to feast on. The girls had copious amounts of ddukbokki, fried foods, kimbap, chips, beverages, and the like.

“We are always eating. We need to eat to survive“, Tiffany remarked with a laugh. Seohyun added by saying, “We definitely eat more than three meals a day“.

“We probably eat something like five meals a day“, Tiffany said, surprising the ‘Life Theater’ staff members.

When asked if they go on diets regularly, Tiffany responded, “We don’t diet. I mean we do sometimes, but it’s just to maintain our figures“. Hyoyeon added, “If we gain a little weight, we diet, and if not, we eat“.

This episode especially garnered attention as Tiffany recently began starring in musicals while Hyoyeon and Sunny have been making appearances on variety programs more regularly.






Thanks for the video tip!
Source & Image: Newsen via Nate

Dara shares a picture of 2NE1′s ‘Melon Music Award’

Earlier today, we revealed that 2NE1 won the ’2011 Top 10 Artist Award’ at the ‘2011 Melon Music Awards‘.

Not long after, the group’s ‘Communications Director’ Sandara Park revealed a photo of their award through her me2day. She expressed,

“Ahh~!! A Top 10 Melon Music Award!!! We received this nice and warm trophy! ^0^ Clap clap clap!!! Thank you so much~!!! We’re sad we couldn’t attend [the award show]!ㅠㅠ We just finished performing at Kobe’s Best Hit Song Festival~ we did a good job on stage! Ah~! Today we received so much love from Blackjacks~! Even if we don’t eat, we’re full from everyone’s love!^0^ ah!”.

Later on, she heard that 2NE1 won the  ’2011 Album of the Year’ award, which prompted her to exclaim, ” 

Oh..My..Go..D!!! 0.0 Bam Ratatata! Tatatatata!!! We received Melon’s album of the year award?!?ㅠ.ㅠ ohh..ohh..!!! Ahh~! This award! I dedicate this award to our 5th 2NE1 member Teddy, who is like a God! He always gives us great songs, so all the thanks and congratulations goes to Teddy oppa!^0^”.
Netizens commented, “2NE1 forever!”, “You guys really, truly deserved this”, and “Now you can really say that ‘I Am The Best’ kekeke“.


Source + Image: Sandara’s me2day

SM releases Taemin’s teaser for SHINee’s Barcelona travel book

Over the course of the week, SM Entertainment has released teasers for SHINee‘s ‘Sons of the Sun‘ travel guide to Barcelona, Spain. Now, they’ve revealed the final video clip with member Taemin.

Just like in Onew and Key‘s teasers, this clip features shots of the idol diving into the lifestream of the city.
The book will include the members’ photos and stories from their time in the country as well as suggestions on where to eat in Barcelona. It’s targeted for readers who enjoy travelling, and for SHINee fans who would like to get a glimpse into the members’ experiences in Spain.

SHINee’s ‘Sons of the Sun’ will be available for pre-sale online on November 21st (KST). Those who reserve the book before the official December 8th release will receive a bonus postcard set of unrevealed photos.
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MBLAQ’s G.O and Seungho pose with ‘Jason X’ in Vegas

MBLAQ‘s G.O and Seungho are cracking up their fans with this hilarious photo they took while in Las Vegas.

This photo first appeared on G.O’s Twitter along with the description, “Oh no, Jason~ Seungho’s face seems a little too bright.” G.O poses as if he’s trying to run away from the ‘Friday the 13th‘ boogeyman, while Seungho looks as if he’s almost encouraging the ghoul.

Netizens commented, “This is so funny. They’re full of wit“, “G.O really looks scared. This is too good“, and “Wow, the details in the posing… He even put his jacket in Jason’s hand. Daebak.”

In related news, MBLAQ will perform at the ’2011 Billboard K-POP Masters’ in Las Vegas on November 25th.

Source + Image: Osen

A Pink – ‘Snow Pink’

A Pink is back with their 2nd mini-album, ‘Snow Pink‘, picking up exactly where they left off. The question is, is this as bad of a decision as we’d immediately think it to be?

The “cute concept” is something that is both reviled and accepted among the international K-pop community – reviled for its lack of creativity where all it takes is a flowery background and “innocent” looks to pull it off, and accepted because of the simple fact that it’s everywhere. So it stands to reason that when A Pink released the concept for their second mini-album, many K-pop fans cringed at the thought of yet another aegyo-packed music project.

But here’s the thing: A Pink managed to surprise with their take on ‘cute’, and in a way that wastasteful.

I’ll be explaining why after a run-through of all five tracks in ‘Snow Pink’.

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The album opens with “He’s My Baby“, which sounds like your typical SNSD filler track. It’s a bit of a disappointment considering that their last mini-album ended so promisingly with tracks like “Wishlist” and “Boo“, two interesting productions that sounded like ‘Owl City meets K-Pop’. Luckily, most people don’t expect much from the first track, knowing that gold lies in the second or third.

But there’s one thing that “He’s My Baby” did well —  it successfully introduced the ‘theme’ of the album, which in this case, established that A Pink would be continuing with their bubblegum-pop sound.

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Fans of S.E.S. will experience a major flashback with A Pink’s “My My“. It’s like hearing a reincarnation of S.E.S.’s classic track, “I’m Your Girl“, but with a slightly faster BPM to make it platable to modern tastes.

“My My” sounds like something S.E.S. would’ve or could’ve done, and that’s really the charm of this track. This ’90s sugarcoated R&B/pop jam stays true to a classic sound that’s rooted deep within K-Pop’s core. While it’s manifested itself in other forms with great success (see: SNSD’s “Gee“), “My My” gives K-Pop fans old and new a chance to hear that old-school style in its original state.

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The EP quickly picks up with “Yeah“, arguably the closest thing to a striking production in ‘Snow Pink’. Underneath all the cute melodies and playful arpeggiated chords lies a dubstep/dnb-influenced percussion. The influence is subtle and falls slightly short of being innovative, but moments like these separates A Pink from being just another cute girl group falling under the shadow of SNSD’s former image.

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“Like A Dream” sounds a lot like the Koreanized version of “Take A Bow“, a song produced by Ne-Yo for Rihanna back in 2008. While it acts as a breather from the other uptempo tracks in the EP, “Like a Dream” is hardly memorable and lacks the lyrical substance to keep our attention. There isn’t much to say, except that it’s the obligatory album ballad.

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Finally, the EP closes with “Prince“, a fast-paced dance pop number that reminds us of somethingGirls’ Day would’ve wanted to release. It commits to A Pink’s elegant and fairytale-like sound palette, which wraps up this album quite nicely.

One of the advantages of using the same sound palette throughout an album is that it makes it cohesive, meaning that the album flows smoothly track by track, regardless of track order. That is exactly what we’re hearing here, and while there’s a threat of listeners getting bored of an album like this, A Pink utilized just enough variation in their EP to keep us entertained.

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Unlike many other girl groups today, A Pink isn’t relying on catchy hooks to keep them relevant in the industry. They’re utilizing sweet, grounded melodies, which at one point was the very foundation of K-Pop.

One thing we have to note about K-Pop is that although it goes by trends that switches up every minute, it also supports songs with a pleasant melody and production. This is actually the beauty of K-Pop — no sound ever really expires. You can call some things you hear dated or cheesy, but when done right, it becomes a good pop song loved by everyone.

Sure, there’s nothing innovative or avant garde about A Pink. But just like how we all seem to advocate inventive K-Pop music, we should also appreciate and encourage those artists who keep the music we love listening to relevant and alive. It just makes the whole K-Pop listening experience that much more fun.

I tip my hat and bottle of Snapple to you, A Pink, for bringing us the old with the new.

credit: allkpop