Girls’ Generation debated whether they were artists or idols.
The girls recently participated in a documentary on Japanese channel, MBS, where they talked about their Japanese activities and tour. During their interview, the girls were asked, “Is Girls’ Generation an idol group or an artist?“.
Jessica answered, “To
be honest, it’s an honor to be called an idol. The word ‘idol’ is like
that. But recently, the meaning has changed a little bit. Now, if you’re
young, you’re just labeled as an idol. Idols and artists
are considered different.”
Sooyoung stated, “It’s hard to differentiate between idols and artists, but I want to be called an artist.” Yuri added, “I don’t think you can differentiate yourself as an idol or an artist. We’re just following people’s perceptions.”
DBSK’s Changmin is debuting as a movie actor in Japan! Recently Changmin was cast in the Japanese film “Grab the Gold and Run.” In the film Changmin will play “Momo” which is one of the main characters. “Momo” is a student in Japan but he is also a North Korean spy.
“Grab the Gold and Run” is based on a bestselling crime-thriller novel of the same name (The Novel on Amazon is titled “Fly Holding a Golden”) written by Kaoru Takamura. The basic storyline is about five men who are all planning gold robberies.
Changmin began his transformation into an actor with “Paradise Ranch,” there he was recognized as having good acting skills.
Recently, DBSK finished a successful live tour “DBSK LIVE TOUR 2012 ~ Tone ~” in Japan which had nearly 450,000 viewers.
Kim Hyun Joong made a surprise appearance at Shibuya and Ginza music stores on January 29. Kim Hyun Joong’s agency “Key East” made the announcement on February 2, “Kim Hyun Joong made a surprise appearance in front of fans. Although it was cold a lot of fans came out to the event and gave cheers for joy.”
The fact that Kim Hyun Joong had made a surprise event was spread out through social networking services. Some fans even broadcast the event live.
A representative of the event stated, “Despite the cold weather Kim Hyun Joong were very nice to the fans. He signed autographs for fans and also did an impromptu hand shaking event.”
Kim Hyun Joong will hold another event “Premium Live 2012” on February 5 at the Yokohama Arena.
Se7en's new Japanese single will be realesed on January 18 as announced in Se7en's Japanese home page.
With this new album, Se7en will start his promotion activities in Japan, after he recently perfomermed during the "15th Anniversary YG Family Concert," where Se7en presented to his fans the new song for the first time.
Se7en himself announced his upcoming album through his Twitter account, posting a photo of him with the album's three different covers.
The album will be released in three versions and it will be available in music store from January 18. The first version will be a CD-only copy and the others will be two types of CD+DVD. In one DVD fans will be able to enjoy a making of the MV "Somebody Else", the other one will contain Se7en's different concerts and latest perfomances. However, the fans who buy only the CD will get a nice photo-booklet instead.
The album will contain the new songs "Somebody Else", "Understand" and the digital single "Angel" that was realesed in November, the Japanese version of "Better Together" and "I Am Going Crazy."
SNSD members Yuri and YoonA's names were featured on the Japanese SAT.
The Japanese SAT exam similar to America and Korea's, the aptitude test which evaluates students and determines their college attendance was held in Japan on January 14. During the Korean language portion, members Yuri and YoonA's named appeared in some of the problems asked.
That day, during the Korean test, Yuri's name was mentioned in paragraph 2-C question 7 in the following problem : "Yuri couldn't even speak because she was () surprised" and students had to fill in the parenthesis with the word (so).
Also, a multiple choice question was asked at paragraph 2-C question 8 with the following problem : "YoonA () ate breakfast and went to school." One of the answer was "hurriedly."
Even though the group's name "SNSD" wasn't mentioned, the names "Yuri" and "YoonA" emerged, who both are members of SNSD.
Netizens reactions to this were : "I'm really surprised to see their names appear in the Japanese SAT," and "Now i'm sure that SNSD really are the nation's treasures," and "SNSD is the ambassador of culture between Korea and Japan!"
Yahoo Japan recently released data for the top searched terms in 2011 for male entertainers, female entertainers, and sport athletes. From the list of 20, a whopping 18 spots were filled by Koreans.
The ranking took the aggregate data from search queries on Yahoo Japan from January 1st to October 31st. Out of the top 20, only Lady Gaga at #5 and Avril Lavigne at #17 were non Koreans:
1. SNSD
2. Kara
3. TVXQ
4. Jang Geun Seuk
5. Lady Gaga
6. BIGBANG
7. Super Junior
8. Kim Hyun Joong
9. FT Island
10. 2PM
11. SHINee
12. CNBLUE
13. Supernova
14. JYJ
15. B2ST
16. 2NE1
17. Avril Lavigne
18. After School
19. Kim Tae Hee
20. T-ara
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 promoting2PM-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 Schoolalso 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.”
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.
"ACUO" has just selected their new model for their gum. The model is none other than Jang Geunsuk.
Just last month, Jang Geunsuk shot the CF for the "ACUO" gum in Korea. The commercial's green background is very simple and it is said to portray the freshness of the gum through Jang Geunsuk's qualities. The CF clearly displays Jang Guensuk's manly qualities and his charms.
The CF will be aired on television in Japan after November 21. Jang Geunsuk has been very popular in Japan since he has done various promotions and his dramas are very well known. It is surely going to a sucessful CF that will promote the gum through fans of his.
Japan has also now gotten broadcasting rights for "Love Rain," a drama featuring Jang Geunsuk and Yoona. Jang Geunsuk will also be holding a concert in the Tokyo Dome on November 26. Tickets for the concert were completely sold out immediately after they were put up for sale. This time around, Jang Guensuk will be offering a different experience at his concert with new concepts and better performances.
Check out the CF below. Does the CF make you want to try the gum?
2NE1 released their music video “Hate You” in August. However, this video has stirred up much controversy among the Japanese netizens.
These netizens claimed that the video is anti-Japanese because it shows an exploding nuclear reactor and a monster (who dies in the end) with a red dot on his forehead, which implies the Japanese flag. The netizens not only bashed 2NE1, but bashed the whole Korean entertainment industry.
The producer of the music video Kim Kwang Eun has responded to the ongoing debate. He posted the following on his mini homepage: “I just cannot believe this… This is a global world in which content and cultural aspects are free to flow. I will leave these words to those who have a biased sentiment: hate you!” and showed his irritation towards the Japanese netizens.
He continued, “I also saw the debate about Kim Tae Hee regarding Dokdo recently. Dokdo is our ground! Kim Tae Hee fighting!”
In the meanwhile, 2NE1 is planning to release their very first Japanese single on November 16.
A/N: This TV program is an educational variety show that reveals facts about the world that are generally not known. “Ima-chan” refers to the host of this show, Imada Kouji, who is a famous comedian and host in Japan. The term “jitsu wa…” can be roughly translated to “in actual fact…”. Since Imada is a comedian, the show is educational but in a humourous way gaining many fans and has allowed it to continue airing since its debut in 2008. Therefore 2NE1’s song being chosen as the ending theme will give them much (more) exposure to the Japanese public!
Source: 2NE1 Official Japanese Website Translated by aNono @ygladies.com
4minute's official Japanese website recently revealed the exciting news! For promotions coinciding with their new single release this December, 4minute is to hold a fanclub commemoration event in Japan! Japanese 4NIA are truly lucky! Check out the details below:
Fanclub-only event: "4minute Special Fan Event2011 ~ Premium Shooting!~" has been decided! "4minute Special Fan Event2011 ~Premium Shooting!~" information:
November 14, 4NIA JAPAN Special Event
The 4NIA JAPAN first commemoration event will allow fans to take a photo with 4minute in a premium photograhy event! It is free for 60 people who will be chosen through a lottery system who are in the fanclub.
We will also hold a raffle for those attending to receive a special present!
Check the 4NIA JAPAN website for more information!
4minute's single READY GO is set to release on the 7th of December while the girls are scheduled to do a round of promotion the second week of November. Let's wish for a big success for our girls!
After School's Jooyeon and Nana are confirmed to appear as guest models for the upcoming "Girls Award by Crooz Blog 2011 Autumn/Winter" in Japan. The event's homepage revealed today that Jooyeon and Nana will appear as guest models for the fashion event.
The fashion and music event will be held under the theme of "Adventure" and has invited at least a hundred celebrities and models to participate. "Girls Award by Crooz Blog 2011 Autumn/Winter" will be held at the National Yoyogi Stadium in Tokyo, Japan, on November 12.
After School's Jooyeon and Nana will join fellow Korean artists2NE1 and Taeyang, who were also invited for the event.
Jang Geunsuk sang the Korean National Antehm at the Tokyo Dome in Japan and continues to receive positive feedback from his Korean and Japanese supporters. On the 24th of October, Jang Geunsuk sang the National Anthem before the Japanese Tsunami Charity Event "The 2nd Korea - Japan Dream Game" started.
The event was not only anticipated by his Korean supporters present in the event, but also by the Japanese media. After singing the National Anthem, Jang Geunsuk was given a round of applause and threw the first ball as suggested by Kim Seungwoo.
Netizens who witnessed his performance immediately left comments saying, "It's overwhelming to sing the National Anthem in the Tokyo Dome," "He's promoting Korea alright," "I'm proud of him," and many others.
Jang Geunsuk is currently in Japan holding his concert tour, "2011 Jang Geunsuk in Japan 'Always Close to You'," which is set to end in the Tokyo Dome on November 26th.
Girl group T-ara has begun focusing their attention on overseas promotions, starting with the release of their debut Japanese single "Bo Peep Bo Peep". They are currently gearing up for the Japanese "Yayaya" promotions, and will be releasing a PV as well as a CD + DVD set on November 30.
After concept photos for their second Japanese single "Yayaya" were unveiled last week, T-ara followed up by revealing their jacket photos for the release. On October 25, the girls were featured on Japan's ZIP! SHOWBIZ TODAY.
During the program, a brief introduction to to the girl group was followed by clips of T-ara performing "Bo Peep Bo Peep". Finally, previews of the upcoming "Yayaya" PV were shown on screen.
"Bo Peep Bo Peep" was released in Japan just last month, achieving #1 on the Oricon charts. What are your expectations for the "Yayaya" PV?
KBS drama series "Poseidon" is set to go on air in Japan this December. Earlier today, media outlets in Japan revealed today that "Poseidon" will make its broadcast on Mnet Japan on December 14th.
"Poseidon" gained buzz for its stellar line-up which includes Lee Siyoung, Lee Sungjae, Super Junior's Choi Siwon and a special participation by TVXQ's Jung Yunho. Already on its tenth episode in South Korea, "Poseidon" is about the story of National Maritime Police Academy who resolves numerous crimes that happen in the sea.
Due to the popularity of Korean dramas in the country, Mnet Japan is also confirmed to air other dramas such as "On Air", "Goong" and "Dream High" next month.
TVXQ’s U-Know Yunho has shown off his ‘sell out’ power in Japan.
Choi Hyo Jae, who is famous for being one of TVXQ’s dancers, recently posted a photo on his personal Twitter account of a trip he took with U-Know Yunho. In the photo, U-Know Yunho can be seen wearing a hoodie and pants with a unique leopard print pattern. This outfit is from JoyRich’s new collection and as soon as the photo was released online, TVXQ’s Japanese fans began buying the same outfit. This led to the outfit selling out on various Japanese online shopping malls such as Sugar Online and HOOP-LOOP, and even the pair of leggings and t-shirt that have a similar pattern were sold out as well. One photo led to a complete sell out of a product.
TVXQ showed off their ‘sell out’ power in Japan when the collaboration goods they produced with Seven-Eleven Japan sold out across the nation. Also, their fifth Japanese album ‘TONE’ was sold out in Synnara Records in Korea, proving their lasting popularity in both countries.
CNBLUE held release event at Yomiuri Land East Open Theater!
Gathered around 14,000 audiences, exceptional as new artists!
CNBLUE released their debut single “In My Head” on Wednesday 19th October. And on Sunday 23rd October, they held a live event at Yomiuri Land East Open Theater.
This event, in which only the fortunate fans could participate as they were chosen out of all the CD buyers by lottery (lucky draw). The events was held in four sessions in two days. The previous day, Saturday 22nd October, two events were held in Osaka. For those two days in total, they have gathered about 14,000 fans to all four events.
The live concert started with “Man in Front of the Mirror” at the venue packed with lucky fans that were chosen through the lottery.
YongHwa (vocal & guitar): “(Finally) we could have our major debut, thanks to you all! We want you to listen to our new song!”
He greeted the fans and unveiled “Mr.KIA (Know It All)” and “Rain of Blessing” for the first time, those tracks are included in the major debut single album.
“Mr.KIA (Know It All)” is a cynical track, written and composed by YongHwa.
“Rain of Blessing” is a lyrical ballad track, composed by JongHyun (guitar & vocal).
The venue gradually got heated up.
Then as soon as the intro of the long-awaited debut single “In My Head” started, the fans cheer reached the maximum!! It was wrapped in such a large chorus in the fine weather of autumn sky.
After finishing their live performance of all the 6 tracks (excluding the encore), including three new tracks in their major debut single “In My Head”, the talk session gave the audience the glimpse of CNBLUE members’ real face and they also talked about the roots of music for each member’s music life.
Their roots of the music life are:
JungShin (Bass): MR.BIG, JongHyun (Guitar & Vocal): Eric Clapton, YongHwa (Vocal & Guitar): BON JOVI, and MinHyuk (Drums): Maroon 5. Each member’s personality can be seen in their choice of music.
When the MC asked them further about their enthusiasm for major debut,each member replied;
JungShin: “I’m filled with deep emotion.”
JongHyun: “Without being different from what we have done so far, we will become a band which can respond by our music.”
YongHwa: “We’ll do our best! Please keep supporting us!!”
MinHyuk: “It’s the day of our new departure, and also it’s the prologue of us. We’ll do our best!!”
The messages from CNBLUE unified audiences at the venue. At the end of the live & talk show, there was a lottery of signed posters from CNBLUE. The event ended very successfully.
Set List
1. Man in front of the Mirror
2. Coward
3. Illusion
4. Mr.KIA(Know It All)
5. Rain of Blessing
6. In My Head
（encore）
1. Try again, Smile again
KBS 2TV’s Monday-Tuesday drama ‘Poseidon’ will begin airing in Japan in December.
‘Poseidon’, which stars Choi Siwon, Lee Sung Jae and Lee Si Young, will begin airing in Japan for the first time on the 14th of December on Mnet. Nine episodes of the drama have currently aired in Korea.
‘Poseidon’ stars Super Junior’s Choi Siwon, who is very popular in Japan. U-Know Yunho (Jung Yunho) made a special appearance in the drama till the fourth episode as the head of the maritime police’s strategy team.
A representative from Japan introduced ‘Poseidon’ and said, “The battle between the maritime police and international criminals is shown in dynamic scenes,” and “Choi Siwon plays the role of Kim Seon Woo, who is moved to a provincial post after he goes too far on his investigation. TVXQ’s Yunho makes a special appearance as a mysterious character who later goes to Japan. People will be drawn to the unique charm of the uniforms they wear.”
