IU sings "Memories of the Sea" for Expo 2012 + YSB photoshoot

[cherrypark.livejournal.com]

On May 9th, the organizing committee of the 'Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea' officially appointed singer IU as its honorary ambassador.

To commemorate the event, they have released the theme song sung by IU for this year's Expo, "Memories of the Sea". Since the Expo is an international affair that attracts tourists from around the world, IU delivered both a Korean and English version of the song. "Memories of the Sea" was composed by Yoon Sang and lyrics were contributed by Park Chang Hak.

Korean Version/Music Video

( English version + press conference pictures )

via AKP, Nate/Sports News, AsianDream2011, IUbunny

YS'B summer lookbook featuring IU


( HQ eye-candy~ )

via WeHeartIU/YSB blog

IU's voice sounds super smooth in Korean but a little nasal in English. Didn't realize pronunciation could make such a difference.

B2st Album Title + Tracklist + Article

[desty-chan.livejournal.com]

BEAST 1st full-length album ‘Fiction And Fact’

Track-list:
1. The Fact
2. Fiction
3. Back to You
4. You
5. Freeze
6. Virus
7. 불러보지만 (Calling You)
8. 비가 오는 날엔 (On Rainy Days)
9. Lightless (Unplugged Ver.)
10. Fiction (Orchestra Ver.)

BEAST’s sprinting that can’t be stopped!
The first official album [Fiction and Fact]
( Read more... )

source: B2STRISING, Leesmusic
translation: yongism@ B2STRISING

so. fucking. excited.

Jay Park: "My mom cried when I won my first award"

[belong.livejournal.com]

Jay Park; he is back.

I considered which prefix I should use to cover him up but I decided that 'Jay Park' was enough to describe him. When I met him at the filming set of the poster for "Mr. Idol", he said shyly, "The clothes are too erotic eh" while flashing his perfect abs through the leather vest. And the 'General Trend Interview' began in this embarrassing atmosphere.

✔You've made distinct accomplishments including top of iTunes R&B charts, limited edition albums sold out, #3 on Billboard World Album Chart and most subscribed on YT.

I was so surprised. I think YouTube was the most influential since it's viewed the most around the world. I've been doing youtube since last year and even people that do not know Kpop like it; they especially liked it because I did my covers in English. As for iTunes, I didn't even know that I had fans in Norway or Denmark, but my album placed first place there. I've never been there, nor met anyone from there. I'm planning to pay a visit. (laughs). I should go everywhere.

✔ How does it feel to have finished your first broadcast? To have won a 1st place award?

I regret every bit of it. I could have performed better and it was hard to sing while dancing. Um... I never even expected to win first place. I was just thankful for being nominated for the first place. When I was watching the points, they both went up at first and then it became the same. Then I was so surprised because mine went up more. For my speech, there were so many people that I wanted to thank - Sidus staff, AOM friends, fans, family - I think I said them all. Oh! and I want to thank Music Bank as well.

( Read more... )

Source: Lydia@JAYPARK.NET, bnt news

Lonely comeback spot #4

[hwangak.livejournal.com]

2NE1

Lonely MV Released!

[gigiettu.livejournal.com]

Source: 2NE1

love this song love these girls

South Korea row over short school skirts

[unreal.livejournal.com]

The trend for short school skirts is well established in Japan

A row over how to respond to ever-shortening school skirts is brewing in South Korea.

A local education board in Gangwon Province has announced plans to place boards in front of all school desks, to make students more "comfortable".
The local assembly in Gangwon is beginning a session on Wednesday during which they will decide whether to approve funding for the refurbishment.
The move will cost around $700,000 (£427,000).

As hemlines in Korean classrooms rise, so it seems does the cost of accommodating them.
Gangwon's Board of Education says it plans to fit boards to the front of 50,000 desks this summer to "help students sit more comfortably in class".

School rules

It is being prompted, at least in part, by the ever-shorter skirts being worn by female students. In one survey, quoted in a local paper, school hemlines have reportedly risen 10-15cm (4-6in) in the last decade. And that is apparently making everyone uncomfortable.

An official from the Education Board told local media that the blocking boards also had the support of teachers - who wanted to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.
They do not however have the support of the Teachers' Federation here, which has put out a statement condemning the refurbishment as a waste of money.
The matter would be much more easily and cheaply resolved, it says, by enforcing the rules on school uniform.

Source: bbc

Kim Dongwan "I Don't Believe My Fans Will Leave Me Just Because I'm Doing Hedwig"

[miuratenshi.livejournal.com]

( Click to read the interview! :D )

Sources: 10Asia and orisic@shinhwa.biz

Love him. ♥

Tablo delves into identity at Asian Images

[ashiva.livejournal.com]

Korean hip-hop star and Stanford graduate Tablo spoke Tuesday evening at the annual Asian Images event in his first public appearance in over a year.

Daniel Seonwoong Lee ’01 M.A. ’02, also known as Tablo, the front man for Korean hip-hop group Epik High, addressed a variety of topics with an intimate gathering of students in Cubberley Auditorium.

Christopher Sung ’12 moderated the discussion, and questions from audience members for Lee were received via text message. Sung opened the discussion by asking Lee about identifying with multiple cultures; Lee has lived in Korea, Canada and the U.S.

“I never really thought of myself as Asian until I was put into a position where I had to,” he said. “Learning to deal with being Asian was learning to deal with being different.”

( Read more... )

Source: Kate Abbott @ The Stanford Daily

I guess this is what it means to be in the middle of a HoMin sandwich

[-ochre.livejournal.com]

Source; frikouliariko

This is a teaser for idgaf. The sandwich happens at 0:14.

Young Saeng's Let It Go MV

[elementalranger.livejournal.com]

B2ment

Ballad Prince Shin Hyesung Is Back, Releases "Come A Bit Closer" Duet With YoungJun

[miuratenshi.livejournal.com]

( Click for the lyrics, romanization, and translation of the song. :D )

Sources: UefiKB@YouTube.com, Liveworks SHS 4th Album Blog, orisic@shinhwa.biz and angelix@shinhwa.biz


SHAKING AND CRYING RIGHT NOW IT'S PERFECT.

Thunder confesses that he joined MBLAQ 15 days before their debut

[asteri5k.livejournal.com]

On May 10th, MBLAQ’s Thunder guested on SBS’s “Strong Heart” and confessed that he didn’t participate in MBLAQ’s debut album at all.

Thunder first came to Korea from the Philippines when he was 17 years old. Because he’s always been a fan of Rain’s, he auditioned for J.Tune Entertainment, but was unfortunately eliminated twice in the finals. As an alternative plan, he auditioned for IU’s agency and prepared to debut there.

Later, he received another opportunity to audition for J.Tune through a dancer he came to know. After his audition, Rain commented, “I’m not quite sure about your level of passion,” which urged Thunder to respond, “I’ll put my life on the line for this.”

Fortunately, his determination paid off, and Thunder was able to join MBLAQ just 15 days before their debut (the original fifth member had to leave the group because of his poor health).

Thus, the voice that fans presumed was Thunder’s belonged to the ‘original’ member.

Because MBLAQ had already completed their recordings and reported their debut to the press, they couldn’t postpone it for Thunder. Thunder had also only taken vocal lessons, so his rap skills weren’t quite on par with the ‘original’ member’s then.

He revealed, “I was called the hole of MBLAQ.. and I cried for three days a week because of that.” With a smile, he added, “Seven days after I began training, we shot our music video and then debuted a week later. I tried my best to match my tone to his voice.”

Thunder concluded his confession with a message to his fans, “I’m apologetic for what I’m about to say, especially for those who really loved MBLAQ’s first album. I would like to say that I’ve always tried to show who I was and never once lip-synced my part. It’s always been me since our second album, so I hope that you continue to give us your love. Thank you.”

Source: Sports Seoul via Naver
Translations by VITALSIGN @ allkpop

X-5 XENOS Album Scans~

[kyten-zstutsuru.livejournal.com]

This is my first post here ^^ Hello all~

I just scanned my X-5 Album and wanted to share the scans with you all. I love these boys like no idea haha, this album is really great ^^ I just want to share the X-5 love~~~

( X-5 Beauties~ )

 

Please credit kyten_zstutsuru  if you take out~ They have no watermarks on them and they're really beautiful, please enjoy!

BEAST's Individual Teaser Photos

[katiewenchh.livejournal.com]

( perfect OT6 this way )

source: playb2st fancafe
re-up: ppalganjun @ B2R

hyunseung jfc the things you do to me

4 Smile Angels Reveal Their ‘Smile’ Selca, ‘Heat Up Women’s Hearts’

[woohyun.livejournal.com]

( Read more )

source:InfiniteUpdates BNT news

NEW JEWELRY COMEBACK CONCEPT PIX

[applecutting.livejournal.com]

( starting off with beautiful leader eunjungie )

source: official fancafe (can't direct link)

super gorgeous!!!

F.T Island To Comeback With 3rd Mini Album

[miuratenshi.livejournal.com]

After their successful promotions in Japan with their latest single "Satisfaction," it has been announced that FT Island will be returning to Korea with a new mini-album!

According to FNC Music, their agency, FT Island's 3rd mini-album will be released on May 24th.

The mini-album has been titled "Return," and an official from FNC Music said, “The members are practicing hard, looking forward to the day they will meet with fans at home again."

Along with the announcement of their upcoming mini-album, FT Island also revealed the first teaser image for their comeback. The teaser image revealed all five of the members sitting down in bold clothings.

FT Island will also embark on their "Tour 2011 Summer Messenger" on June 29th in Nagoya, Japan, with more stops scheduled for Osaka on July 2nd, Tokyo on July 6th, Fukuoka on July 8th, and Budokan.

Are you looking forward to FT Island's comeback?

Source: Newsen and Koreaboo

FINALLY.

TVXQ chosen as Pepsi’s advertising models

[rosetta16.livejournal.com]

TVXQ have been chosen as the new models for the global beverage brand, Pepsi. To be more specific, TVXQ's Yunho and Changmin, are the new models for Pepsi's new brand, the zero-calorie Pepsi.

A representative of Pepsi said, "As Asia's leading stars, TVXQ's professional, sophisticated image, and distinctive characters of Yunho and Changmin fit the image of the zero-calorie Pepsi and its refined taste. With that said, as the
next models of Pepsi, their image fits well."

TVXQ have already finished shooting the commercial for Pepsi, which took place on May 7th thru May 9th, and gave off a natural look. The Pepsi CF featuring TVXQ will begin airing in late May.
Source: Sports Chosun
Koreaboo

BEAST Digital Single 'On Rainy Days'

[applesncrack.livejournal.com]

On Rainy Days

Credits: scorpiolimpy@youtube

Super Junior’s Sungmin cast for “Jack the Ripper” musical

[imanat.livejournal.com]

Super Junior’s Sungmin has been cast in the musical, “Jack the Ripper“, as the main lead ‘Daniel’.

Sungmin first watched the musical at the Sung Nam Art Center last year, and reportedly fell in love with it, which encouraged him to audition for the musical in April. Thanks to his previous experience with “Hong Kil Dong” and “Akilla“, he was able to land the role of ‘Daniel’.

Ahn Jae Wook and Um Ki Joon have also been cast for the role, and castings for ‘Jack’ include Shin Sung Woo and Lee Kun Myung. Meanwhile, Yoo Jun Sang and Kim Jun Hyun have been slotted for the role of ‘Anderson.’

“Jack the Ripper” will begin playing at the Chungmu Art Hall in Seoul starting July 5th through August 14th.

Source: allkpop, SPN via Nate

KEY WILL DIE HAPPY

[anthonymarie.livejournal.com]

SHINee will perform at the MTV Video Music Aid Japan as a group representing Korea.

The MTV channel will host the “MTV Video Music Aid Japan” (MTV VMAJ) to be aired all over Asia at 6 p.m., June 25.

The guest stars include global stars like Lady Gaga, Japan’s top girl group AKB48, national group Exile, best under rock band Monkey Majik, and German popular rock band Tokio Hotel.

SHINee are due to start activities in Japan with their first debut single Replay in June. The local press is showing heated interest in the news of SHINee’s participation in the event.

SHINee successfully finished the “First Concert in Tokyo – SHINee World,” which was held in the Yoyogi National Stadium last December with 24,000 audiences. The MTV event is significant as the first stage for them to prove their potential as the next Korean Wave stars in Japan.

Another interest at stake is whether SNSD will win triple awards in the best group video, the best video, and the best karaoke awards in the MTV VMAJ.
newsen
cr.jujugal

Miss A releases "Love Alone" MV

[iyarheaa.livejournal.com]

missA

what's with the sudden influx of releases today lol.