Ahn is overall favorite among Koreans

[ashiva.livejournal.com]

Veteran actor Ahn Sung-ki, 57, was chosen as the most likeable among Koreans according to the Gallup poll released Tuesday.

Ahn received 9.2 per cent of fan support to claim the top spot. The actor known for his wholesome image and a filmography which spans almost half a century since his start in the business as a child actor also grabbed the most votes on the same poll in 2004.

Trailing behind him were other top actors with Song Gang-ho (6.3%) and Jang Dong-gun, Seol Kyung-gu, Shin Sung-il, Jung Woo-sung, Hwang Jeong-min, Kim Su-ro, and Jeong Joon-ho following in that order. Kim Hye-su was the sole female representation ranked at number 10.

Rank based on age groups showed a different result with Jang Dong-gun coming in at the top spot among those in their teens and 30s while Seol Gyung-gu was picked as a favorite among twenty-somethings.

Source

Topless News Channel Under Official Scrutiny

[ashiva.livejournal.com]

The Korea Communications Standards Commission is monitoring Naked News, a topless channel launched here on May 23, it said Monday. Naked News Korea provides two separate services for adult and teens online and through mobile phones and has been at the center of controversy since before its launch.

The KCSC said it assigned staff to closely monitor the channel's news programs and will increase the number as the channel expands its service.

The commission has asked experts to review whether the service is harmful to teenagers and plans to take strict punitive measures if it disobeys relevant regulations.

Source

Who Whore it better?

[xcherryblossomx.livejournal.com]

[Poll #1427179]

source

2NE1 - I Don't Care MV!

[dinobyte.livejournal.com]

source

what do you guys think?
other than the outfits, i think it looks a bit different compared to fire.

min-bb is FIERCE!

Remixing The Human Soul drops July 22nd

[chibi-rei.livejournal.com]

Straight from Tablo himself -

"EPIK HIGH's REMIXING THE HUMAN SOUL (the greatest hits remixed) will be released on July 22nd 2009! Thass my b-day~"

According to Tablo's Twitter the album will also be available on ITunes.

source

Who's excited? I know I am! I'm happy that's it'll be a little easier to obtain than the original.

Sunny wearing Heechul's shoes

[waveless.livejournal.com]

To follow up on this post:


@ shimshimtapa

she finally wore the intricately designed branded shoe by the art of a professional craftsman!

source // jingaling!@soshified

A new Miss Korea is crowned

[-ochre.livejournal.com]

The new Miss Korea has been crowned, and she is Kim Ju-ri, a 21-year-old studying at the Bolshoi Ballet school in Russia.

The Miss Korea Pageant took place on the evening of July 8 at Seoul’s Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, and was hosted by former Miss Korea finalist and now actress-mother-wife Sohn Tae-young. Kim Ju-ri takes over from last year’s winner, Na Ri (whom you may recall suffered criticism for not being “pretty enough” for the win). Preceding her was Lee Ji-sun, who won in 2007, and before her was Honey Lee in 2006.

( More (alot actually) pics and info )

Source: hankooki, nownews, newsen,
Via: dramabeans

Big Bang NII Incheon Baseball Team Promo

[deazaskia.livejournal.com]

only 15s btw, it's repeated. :3

source

SHINee on Flower Boys Generation Episode 1 [english subtitled]

[shuwei.livejournal.com]

PART 1

( Read more... )

Source

one crazy spazz, two awkward teenagers, and one fabulous boy. needs more Onew.
these kids are so dodgy. and they can't eat after 7pm, like wtf no wonder Taemin looks the way he does.
pole dancing next week!

Full version of SS501's solo collection MV NOW WITH HD

[djclazzi.livejournal.com]

Finally out! WARNING: Legitimately violent, very bloody, some scenes are a bit graphic, also be warned of some serious wtfery.

( parts 2-3 + bts/credits )

SOURCE

Now with HD!

Heechul's Cyworld & Fancafe Update 090710

[wishdreamx3.livejournal.com]

( Read more... )

Source: Heechul's CY + Kiseki
Translated by Cinderella @ sj-world.net (1 + 2)

Today, our princess is turning the ripe age of 26 (his real age, not Korean.)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEECHUL

Mezamashi news segment on Big Bang's Yoyogi Park live

[akaich0u.livejournal.com]

( Pics/news coverage from the event! )

SOURCE

Sorry for the pic issue, mods! Fixed/re-uploaded. Thanks for pointing it out!

Anyone know which "Otsuka-san" GD is referring to in the video? Is she a part of the Mezamashi crew? The only Otsuka I know of is Ai Otsuka lol.

090704 Star Junior Show

[blindxbandit.livejournal.com]

With Shindong (Super Junior), Sooyoung (SNSD), Moon Hee Jun, Yesung (Super Junior), Gyuri (KARA), and 3 others I unfortunately do not know. (Any help?)

( Click here for the following parts )

Source:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Moon Hee Jun's mom seems pretty awesome.

Someone addresses JYP's English skills on Twitter

[turdferguson.livejournal.com]

to which JYP replied:



So there you have it. You go, JYP Coco!


SOURCES:
twitter.com/followjyp
twitter.com/PopoCh3n

Chung Lim Modeling News

[iheartdarkblue.livejournal.com]

Chung Lim modeling for Suga People:



( Many more pics after the cut )

Han Hyo Joo and Chung Lim To Model For Jambangee

( Read more )

Source/credit:Soompi

2NE1 does what not all new singers can achieve

[-ochre.livejournal.com]

Newcomer group 2NE1 is #1 up on various album and music charts. Achievement not all new singers can achieve.

Their 1st minialbum is #1 up on HanTeo chart on the day of release on 8th July. And news have also come that the minialbum is expected to reach reservation sales of over 50K copies.

Not only so, the title song ‘I Don’t Care’ is #1 up on various music charts online, the song also went up to #1 on Melon chart on the day of release on 8th July.

This will make them having 3rd consecutive #1 on music charts after their previous hit songs ‘Lollipop’ released in April, ‘Fire’ released in May-June.

YG said, “The 3 songs released by the group has received overwhelming response, and we can see the effect of this on music charts etc, fans are always looking forward to their music. We hope that they will receive even better responses after the release of their MV.

Meanwhile the MV to ‘I Don’t Care’ will release on 9th July at 2pm. And they will have their performance stage on 10th July on KBS Music Bank.

Source: sookyeong

T-ara to debut not through music show but through ‘Radio Star’

[-ochre.livejournal.com]

Newcomer group T-ara will debut no through going on music shows but through ‘Radio Star’.

T-ara is a group 3 years in the making and of the member JiYeon is known to have worked with SeeYa and Davichi even before debut for project group. And she is also starring in an upcoming horror drama series on MBC.

The members consists of existing members HyoMin, EunJung, JiYeon; and new members BoRam, QRi and SoYeon.

b>The group will make their debut through MBC ‘Golden Fishery – Radio Star’. This is different from other singers who would make their debut through performing on music shows.

T-ara will talk about their trainee life and also family on MBC Golden Fishery Radio Star on 29th July. There are plans for the teaser video to be released too.

Source: sookyeong

Bae Yong-joon school opens in Sri Lanka

[-ochre.livejournal.com]

The school in Sri Lanka, which Bae Yong-joon donated 100 million KRW in order to restore, has been completed.

The hallyu star donated a total of 300 million KRW, to help fund the restoration of earthquake and tsunami damaged cities in Sri Lanka and other Indian Ocean coastal areas. Of the 300 million KRW, 200 million KRW was dedicated to aid the victims of the earthquake by providing food, relief aid supplies, temporary shelter and temporary playground for the children, for a span of 6 months. The remaining 100 million KRW was used to fund the restoration of the middle school in Sri Lanka, damaged by the tsunami.

( Read more... )

Source: popseoul

That is srsly a nice move BYJ. :)

MCountDown w/ 2AM - ChangMin & Jo Kwon

[deazaskia.livejournal.com]

source

:3♥

Kim Joon's "Ready OK" MV Teaser + T-Max singles

[-ochre.livejournal.com]

( Other T-Max solo singles )

Source: 1, 2, 3, 4

Not bad! I really like Park Yun Hwa's End the Tears lol.

The 5: BoA

[pickychu.livejournal.com]

Five things you didn't know about BoA.

Boa - MTV Shows

( Listed for those who can't view )

Source

2PM to have joint stage performance with 4minute

[iheartdarkblue.livejournal.com]

Popular idol group 2PM and rookie group 4minute will come together for a joint stage special dance break performance.

Although the superb seven of 2PM have had a tight schedule to their recent promotions in Thailand, nevertheless, they have put in their utmost effort and preparation to make this upcoming performance a "10 out of 10".


This never before seen special dance break will take place between 4minute's performance of "Hot Issue" and 2PM's performance of "I Hate You".

This special performance brought to you by 2PM and 4minute will take the stage on July 11th at 4:20PM on MBC Music Core. Both groups, known for their stylish and powerful dance moves, will make this a performance that you definitely won't want to miss.

Source

2PM for goodbye stage on 19th July, ending 3 months of activities for ‘Time To Change’

[rainbowpastels.livejournal.com]

After receiving loads of love and support from fans with the title song ‘Again & Again’ and then the 2nd hit song ‘I Hate You’ off their 2nd single ‘Time To Change’, 2PM will say goodbye with their goodbye stage on 19th July before going for a rest.

Their representative said, “2PM will be having their last stage on 19th July on SBS Inkigayo, ending their 2nd single promotional activities.” This will end their 3 months activities to promote their 2nd single.

The representative also said, “After ending the promotions for this single, the boys will rest and prepare for their next single album. Part of the members will also continue with their individual activities.”

Source
 

2AM Changmin’s shocking confession

[rainbowpastels.livejournal.com]

2AM ChangMin revealed the shocking fact that he had weighed more than 100kg before debut.

ChangMin was on KBS Star GoldenBell recently and MC Jeon HyunMoo said, “Is it true that you were rustic before debut?”. ChangMin said, “After Igot discharged of service from the army, I joined as a trainee and I was very rustic then. I weighed over 100kg before debut but now I’ve lost about 30kg.”

Other 2AM member SeulOng said, “When I saw ChangMin back then, I thought he was delivery boy for water purifier.”

Also when asked, “What is different after SeulOng had a good built?”, ChangMin answered, “Even though the weather is cold, he has to go around without a top.” causing a ripple of laughter from those present at the filming set.

This episode is set to air on 11th July.

Source

V.O.S Leaves Star Empire & JiHun is a Father?

[girl-vsmachine.livejournal.com]

V.O.S leaves Star Empire Entertainment

Group V.O.S has recently left their company Star Empire Entertainment.

( Read more... )

“I want to confidently reveal that I have a four year old child and a wife.”

Talented vocal group V.O.S, Voice of Soul’s, leader, Park Jihun, recently revealed that he is the father of a four year old child and has a wife whom he has loved for the past 17 years. On the 9th, Park Jihun revealed to the press the reason why he couldn’t reveal the truth and talked about the love story with his wife, Seo Myungsun, and about himself being a father.

( JiHun a Father? )

Sources: 1, 2, 3

I removed the last part of the kpop article because it seemed odd to copy an opinion. Either way if it's true, congrats to JiHun. *____*

(no subject)

[hoyah.livejournal.com]

SNSD decided to focus on group activities rather than participate in overflowing requests to sing OST (Original Soundtrack).

On July 9th, SNSD's SM Entertainment representative said, "A lot of places wanted SNSD to participate in their drama/movie for their OST's, but SNSD are planning on just promoting their mini album." This signifies that SNSD aims to promote acting as group by limiting themselves from non-SM music related activites.

( why the OST offers? )

original source
translated by soshi00 @ soshified

I guess this means YoonA won't be trying to juggle a drama and promotions. Considering how she always says she misses performing with the members, this is great news.

P.S. Sorry about the image, mods - I... I just fail. 8D;

Actress' Husband Kills Himself Over Debt

[ashiva.livejournal.com]

Kim Da-hye

The husband of actress Kim Da-hye was found dead in a motel in Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province, in what is believed to be a suicide, police said Thursday.

The man, identified as Jang, 34, was also the former manager of comedians Nam Hee-suk and Kim Ji-sun. He used briquettes to inhale toxic gases, police said.

Jang ran an entertainment agency and managed a number of comedians.

He married Kim, who starred in the 2006 movie "Silk Shoes," in May 2007.

Jang left a suicide note to his wife, police added. According to close associates, he disappeared in May. He is said to have been suffering from debt problems and overdue payments owed to comedians contracted to his firm. An autopsy is to be carried out.

Source

Korea Marks Biggest Wage Gap Between Genders

[ashiva.livejournal.com]

Korea has the biggest wage gap between male workers and their female colleagues among the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member countries.

According to the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, the OECD said in a report Thursday that Korean men are paid on average 38 percent more than women.

The wage gap is more than two times that of the OECD average of 18.8 percent.

Japan was also very unequal in wages, with males getting 33 percent more than females.

Germany, Austria, Canada and the U.K. also marked over a 20-percent wage difference between the genders.

Korea also marked a wide gap in employment rate. The employment rate gap between males and females was 30 percent in Korea, the fourth biggest gap following Turkey, Mexico and Greece.

The OECD attributed the gap to deep-rooted gender discrimination. It added that males are working in high-paying, regular, and professional sectors compared to women.

( Read more... )

Source

Cyber Attack Hits Korea for Third Day

[ashiva.livejournal.com]

A fresh wave of cyber attacks knocked out key government and portal sites Thursday, fueling concerns that the third round of hacking - which some blame on North Korea - isn't the end of the days-long Internet assault that has been labeled a threat to national security.

Half a dozen Web sites, including those of the National Assembly, the Ministry of Public Administration and Security, the Ministry of national Defense, Kookmin Bank, e-mail sites of online portals Daum, Naver and Paran, the major daily Chosun Ilbo and online shopping site Auction, reported access delays and failures starting around 6 p.m., according to the Korea Communications Commission (KCC), the country's top telecom regulator.

The number of sites targeted was fewer compared to the first and second string of attacks that have brought down more than two dozen major South Korean and U.S. Web sites over the past couple of days. However, the KCC warned that more attacks could be ahead, adding to the list of local sites that have been crippled.

( Read more... )

Source

Official YGJapan photos for Gara Gara Go!! album

[wishdreamx3.livejournal.com]

( More )

Source: soompi
Credit: bbvipz, 그놈

Singer and Actors To Receive Army Chief of Staff Award

[ashiva.livejournal.com]

Singers Psy, Sung Si-kyung, Kang Ta and actor Yang Dong-kun will receive the Army Chief of Staff Award for their dedication during military service, according to the Republic of Korea Army Tuesday.

Psy, 31, and Sung, 30, were recognized for their participation in various military events, including music performances and also for lifting fellow soldiers' spirits. Kang Ta, Yang, Hong Dong-myung and Lee Hyun-gyun were given the honors for appearing in the military musical "MINE" and promoting the army.

The Army added that specific details such as the date and location have not been confirmed.

The award is especially meaningful for Psy, a popular rap singer, who returned to the military after serving two years from 2003 to 2005. The singer had been accused of neglecting his duties, and was called up for the military again last year. He will be discharged on Saturday.

Sung, who also entered the military last year, is famous for his delicate voice and sweet ballads, such as "Can We Start Again" and "In the Street," while Kang Ta, 30, former member of the now disbanded group H.O.T. and now a solo singer, also joined the army the same year, leaving behind hoards of fans from Korea, Japan and even China.

Yang, 30 ― who, somewhat quietly, joined the army in 2008 ― is another popular actor and appeared in the dramas "I Am Sam" (2007) and "Do As You Like" (2002). He is also a singer and has released four albums.

Source

Taking the JYP/Yang Hyunsuk route, I see...

[akaich0u.livejournal.com]

12 years after debut, Eun JiWon to transform as music producer with GYM Entertainment



Much interests have been gathered amongst the netizens for singer Eun JiWon as new singer Kil Mi’s (aka Gil Me) company CEO.

Kil Mi’s representative said, “It is true that Eun JiWon has composed the song for singer Kil Mi. Eun JiWon has set up GYM Entertainment beginning of this year to groom talents, and Kil Mi is the 1st artiste from his company.”

This will be the first time in 12 years that Eun JiWon does music producing since his debut as Secskies in 1997.

Eun Ji Won, “Even though my company is still young, I have wanted to give support to sprouting talents. In the future, I will still continue my career as singer and entertainer.”

He continued, “Not just Kil Mi, I hope to groom more talents in the future. Kil Mi has been a singer in the underground music stage for more than 10 years. She has done more than 300 performances on stage, and is a capable and talent musician.”

Eun JiWon has already performed together with Kil Mi on Mnet M!Countdown on the song ‘Love Cuts’.

( Video under cut )

SOURCE

UNF. I love this man sfm. Not sure how I feel about Kil Mi/Gil Me yet.

{PICS} 090709 DBSK @ Kimpo Airport : Back in Korea

[deazaskia.livejournal.com]

( ~more pics~ )

credit pictures as tagged + minsarang +dbsknights + fanaholic

Why Are Only Men Conscripted?

[ashiva.livejournal.com]

South Korea's Military Law imposing the duty of national defense solely on men has been challenged in a court hearing.

A man filed a complaint with the Constitutional Court, claiming the law conflicted with the right to equality, which is protected under the Constitution.

The court had a public hearing on this issue Thursday, with the date of a ruling yet to be fixed.

Lawyer Chae Hyeong-seok representing the petitioner said, "The Constitution stipulates the duty of national defense is comprehensively applied to men and women alike. But the Conscription Act mandates only men to undertake military service, which is unconstitutional."

Chae said physical strength had been a key factor imposing the duty solely on men, while exempting women from the obligation, but this was no longer applicable.

"The physical strength of soldiers was important in conventional wars. However, state-of-the-art weaponry is much more valuable these days, meaning it's unnecessary to limit conscription to men," he said.

( Read more... )

Source

2PM High Cut Photoshoot BTS!

[crystalheng.livejournal.com]

Part 1

( 2PM's OTP, WooHo, gets into a fight?! )

Source: Symbelmyns' Youtube


Don't break up!

8000 Attend Big Bang's Yoyogi Park Event

[amorspesfides.livejournal.com]

BIG BANG, who released their new single titled "Gara Gara GO!!" yesterday on the 8th held a special event to thank their fans at Yoyogi Park's Yagai Concert Hall.

All who bought their Japanese major debut single "MY HEAVEN" and their second single, "Gara Gara GO!!", which was released yesterday, could attend the event for free. At their previous Japanese major debut commemoration event, 2000 fans rushed in, and the event had to be canceled. However, this event was much bigger; 8000 fans gathered there.
( More info about release of new album...?? *cross fingers* )

Translation: tsuyogari
Sauce: here