Who are the best dance idol groups ranked by professionals?

[jibegajima.livejournal.com]

According to a recent report, there is estimated to be a total of 100 teams of boy and girl idol groups in the Korean mainstream music scene by the end of 2011. However, these groups are usually judged on the basis of popularity and their fans rather than by professionals. With that said, how would professionals rank the groups? 27 choreographers and dancers were asked to pick the groups with the best performances.

Idol groups usually use their performances to visually deliver their music. The performance that goes along with the song is the weapon of idol groups to captivate their fans.

( So who were the top groups chosen? Let’s take a look. )

credit: AKP
source: Naver

Big Bang above Infinite for dance

[OMG] NEW AMERICAN BOY BAND ‘HEART2HEART’ MODELED AFTER K-POP HIT THE SCENE

[gunsandsmoke.livejournal.com]

I always knew that this day would come.

( Read more... )

source: theprophetblog, youtube, soundcloud page

November just got brighter!

[jeit91.livejournal.com]

Nine Muses will be wrapping up promotions for their digital single, “Figaro“.

On September 20th, the group’s agency, Star Empire, announced that the girls will be holding their goodbye stage for ‘Figaro’ on music programs this week, with the September 25th broadcast of SBS‘s ‘Inkigayo‘ being their last performance.

A representative from the agency stated, “Nine Muses will be wrapping up their promotions and, with November as the goal, will be entering the studio to work on their follow-up song.”

Nine Muses has been drawing attention with their song ‘Figaro’, which has a unique retro feel to it. The song was produced by Sweetune, who’s responsible for hit songs like KARA‘s “Honey” and “Mister“, Rainbow‘s “A“, and INFINITE‘s “Be Mine“.

Nine Muses became a 7-member girl group after members Bini and Rana quit to pursue solo activities. A representative revealed, “We will soon be adding two more members and are planning to promote as a 9-member group once again.”

akp+naver

so excited omg !!

Kim Bo Kyung releases second mini-album, “GroWing”

[bubble-monkey9.livejournal.com]

On September 21st, singer Kim Bo Kyung made a dramatic femme fatale for her second mini-album, “GroWing“!

Her title track, “It Hurts“, features an orchestra sound to compliment her heartbreaking lyrics of a woman hurt by love.

The album contains other songs worthy of being the title track, like her acoustic ballad, “#15“, a fun rock style with “Without You“, and a cute and upbeat song titled “I Miss You“.

Netizens commented, “She’s really made a change”, “A singer you look forward to”, “A voice that rings in your heart”, and “There are no words to describe her.”

Check it out below, and remember to support the artist by purchasing the album here.

02. It Hurts

( more )

source: akp

I really liked her song 'Suddenly' from the city hunter ost. 'It Hurts' sounds kind of kelly clarkson-ish.

and they say they aint gotta recycle single.... oic!

[blancapslove.livejournal.com]

IM EXCITED STILL THO!


Source

Infinite's Paradise Teaser MV!

[woohyun.livejournal.com]

( ┌(・。・)┘♪└(・。・)┐♪┌(・。・)┘ )

Infinite's Website Woollim

BoA Mega Post

[aunts.livejournal.com]

BoA looking stunning for a new CF



On September 21st, singer BoA showed off her mature new look while filming for a CF.

BoA shared the new picture through her Twitter, which had a caption that read, “In the middle of filming a CF”. Dressed in a sleek black dress with her long, wavy hair flowing down her shoulders, she gives the camera a gentle smile.

Netizens commented, “You’ve really grown into a woman now”, “I can feel a goddess aura”, “Every day, you get more and more beautiful”, and “So very beautiful.”

( Read more... )

source: nate, naver, avex, ameblo
translation: akp (1, 2), koreaboo
twitter: @BoA_1105 (1, 2, 3)
youtube: BoAmusicKorea ( 1, 2, 3)

apologies for the double submission mods, yt embeding failed on the first one. ;;

also to those in the los angeles area, she'll be coming down this weekend (particularly saturday & sunday) to artesia high school as a judge for sbs's k-pop star auditions. more information can be found here.

Super Junior’s Sungmin breaks his pure image on ‘Best Couple’

[miuratenshi.livejournal.com]

On a recent recording of E Channel‘s ‘Best Couple‘, Super Junior‘s Sungmin suffered some slight embarrassment while eating cream sauce spaghetti for the show.

He had already been met with some embarrassment in the first episode of the show when he desperately asked producers to pause the recording because he was in a rush for the bathroom. The embarrassment continues in the upcoming second episode, as a new game involved eating cream sauce spaghetti didn’t turn out all that clean for Sungmin.

Sungmin’s known as the pure, innocent member of Super Junior in particular, so even producers were said to have been cautious of him ruining his image with the game. That didn’t stop his focus, though, as he went right on eating messily.

Judging from the teaser alone, it’s an episode fans won’t want to miss on September 21st!

Source + Photos: allkpop and Donga via Naver

T-ara’s Jiyeon becomes ‘Sleeping Beauty’

[devilsatin.livejournal.com]

T-ara‘s Jiyeon became “Sleeping Beauty” in her latest selca.

On September 21st, she tweeted, “Even if I sleep and sleep, I’m still tired. Please wake me up“.

Jiyeon’s clear skin and peaceful expression caused many fans to praise the tranquil quality of this photo. Others noted the dark rings around Jiyeon’s eyes, which indicate that her rests are far and few between.

“Light is radiating off her skin“, “The sleeping beauty“, and “You looked like you really needed this. Please rest well,” netizens commented.

akp, naver, @pjy1234

she's so pure and virginal!! love her

B1A4 post!! it B1A4 Album Scans + Shim Shim Tapa pics

[hangingover.livejournal.com]

( it B1A4 Album Scans )

( Shim Shim Tapa )

Sources: FlightB1A4 & Feel the FATE

Junho's Interview from Singles Magazine, Oct 2011 + Real 2PM

[evivante.livejournal.com]

How did you spend your Chuseok holiday?
Luckily I didn't work but spent it with the family. Saw mum, dad, older sister for the first time in a while and came back a bit early because I had recordings to do. My house is in Ilsan but to come to think of it, it was my first visit since the New Years. Mum told me to come home once a month.

It was nice to see all the members in a comfortable manner during promotion. Which aspects were you satisfied and unsatisfied about this album promotion?
Being comfortable was both relieving and a problem, too. I guess it's because to me I have a strong opinion of that a performance should always be like a performance but this felt more like us playing around on stage. But disregarding my worries, it was a huge success. It was kinda sad that the promotion period was short of being only a month long. Oh, and it was really strange because it always rained whenever we were promoting.

( Read more... )

Translation by: Haeda @2pmalways.com
Scans by: kangri_ri, leejunho.net

Uri Junho, always with the galaxy state of mind.. he's always struggling with his needs and fame. YOU ARE PERFECTLY FINE BB.

ivy is now a free girl

[unreal.livejournal.com]

In January of this year, Ivy filed a lawsuit against her management company, Storm E&F. After switching to Storm E&F, Ivy promoted her third album with the title track of "Touch Me." However, due to the song's inappropriateness for minors, and problems with her previous entertainment company and the broadcasting stations, Ivy's promotions for her third album didn't last very long.

Ivy initiated the contract termination lawsuit do to the fact that she claimed she was not paid part of her third album's revenue or the $20,000 USD she earned from her other activities. Ivy followed the lead of comedians Yoo Jae Suk, Kim Yong Man, Kim Yong Man, Song Eun Yi, Kim Young Chul, and Kim Tae Hyun, as well as singer Yoon Jong Shin to terminate her contract.

On September 21st, the Seoul Central District Court declared that under Part 36 of the Civil Code, "Ivy's contractual management company did not fulfill its obligations." The Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of Ivy and against her agency, Storm E&F.

Storm E&F and its former executives have been worsening their own business operations due to embezzlement of funds.

Good luck to Ivy with whichever agency she chooses to sign with next!

Source: star news & koreaboo

Rainbow's achieves 3rd place on Oricon and is the first international female artist to do so

[unreal.livejournal.com]

Girl group Rainbow released their Japanese single "A" last week and has achieved a new record for a debut of an foreign girl group when "A" entered 3rd in the Oricon Weekly Chart. Since the release of the single on September 14th, Rainbow has sold over 24,000 copies of their single.

Rainbow becomes the first international female artist in the last 30 years and 10 months to debut so high on the weekly charts.

In 1980, Irish female band The Nolans took 3rd place on the Oricon Weekly Charts with their single "Dancing Sister." However, this happened 15 weeks after its release, while Rainbow achieved this a week after the release of their single.

Girl groups Girl's Generation and KARA had their Japanese single, "Genie" and "Mister," reach 4th and 5th on the Oricon Weekly Charts respectively.

Meanwhile, Rainbow is set to release their 2nd Japanese single "MACH" in December.

Source: newsen & koreaboo

THE FOREVER HAIRSTYLE HAS BEEN TOUCHED

[t-domination.livejournal.com]

Taeyang & GD @ Vogue Fashion's Night Out In Seoul



( Read more... )

S: @luvkoffee, @yangunni_k (gd-supporters), J. Ren, Bestiz, WinnieONE, LuciMam, 우유, YB518%, Baidu, Sol-mate, as tagged via: bigbangupdates + ibigbang + bigbangupdatesTV @ yt

Seoul becomes Asia's capital for cool

[empressmaruja.livejournal.com]

In this photo taken June 2, 2011, Christine Rodriguez, second from left, sings with friends in a "noraebang" in Korea or karaoke in their regular gathering in Manila, Philippines.

K-pop's slick productions win fans across Asia
By TERESA CEROJANO, Associated Press

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — How did Seoul become Asia's capital of cool?

Even here in the Philippines, once an undisputed bastion of American pop and Hollywood movies, South Korean pop music, soap operas and fashion are now all the rage.

"I want the same brown, but slightly blonde color, as Sandara's hair," says 22-year-old hotel worker Kins Wu, referring to girl band singer Sandara Park as she sifts through color samples at a Manila branch of a Korean hair salon.

The phenomenon, known as "Hallyu" in Korean, took off around the start of the millennium with TV soap operas that became huge hits with Asians of all ages. Then came K-pop music, with its flashy choreographed dance moves, now imitated by teenagers from Beijing to Bangkok.

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak ranks the overseas success of "K-pop" among his country's top achievements, and the government operates a "Korean Wave" index to gauge the fever for its cultural exports.

Taiwan took the top spot in 2010, nudging out Japan. China, Thailand and Vietnam are also on the list, and the state-funded Korea Foundation for International Culture Exchange says Malaysia will be added this year and the Philippines, as early as 2012.

"The Republic of Korea is making young people all around the world wild with K-pop," Lee said in an Aug. 15 speech marking Korea's liberation from Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule.

( Read more... )

Source: Associated Press

Infinite's Q & A on GQ Korea

[woohyun.livejournal.com]

( Read more... )

trans. cr; hyejin @ infinite updates ; take out with full credits Murisu

LOL Gyulato and Jangborghini XD

A day without TVXQ post is a wasted day

[gardenintheair.livejournal.com]

Brought to you by Changmin's nipple.

( Spain photobook preview - Ginger Magazine November issue. OMFG )

( New Missha photos )

( M-On! Monthly Icon show )

( SSTV show )

( Yunho for GQ's PORTRAITS OF LEADERS preview )

( Easy Mind, Telephone, Thank you my girl lyrics )

( Ho-seidon articles )

( Ho-seidon pics )

Source: RocoChoku
Translated by: Lisalio @ContinueTVXQ.com
Distributed by: Lisalio @ContinueTVXQ.com
Please keep the original credit intact, thank you.

Source: RocoChoku
Translated by: Lisalio @ContinueTVXQ.com
Distributed by: Lisalio @ContinueTVXQ.com
Please keep the original credit intact, thank you.

Source: RocoChoku
Translated by: Lisalio @ContinueTVXQ.com
Distributed by: Lisalio @ContinueTVXQ.com
Please keep the original credit intact, thank you.

Source: newsen
Translated by: CTVXQstaff_mug_ping @ ContinueTVXQ.com
Distributed by: CTVXQstaff_mug_ping @ ContinueTVXQ.com
Please Keep All Credits Intact, thanks.

Source: nate news
Translated by: CTVXQstaff_mug_ping @ ContinueTVXQ.com
Distributed by: CTVXQstaff_mug_ping @ ContinueTVXQ.com
Please Keep All Credits Intact, thanks.

Others: bambibambaya, soompi 1 2, uknowmax 1 2 3, Duet_ContinueTVXQ, holovemin, continuetvxq

A dance practice video from a certain dance god + a truckload of BEAST tweets/pictures from Spain

[kei-enigma.livejournal.com]

( Twitter. Tweeting. Ass möde. )

sources: bambirancho @ YT
Hyunseung's Twitter 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10
Kikwang's Twitter 01, 02
Yoseob's Twitter 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
Doojoon's Twitter 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07
Junhyung's Twitter 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07
Son Dambi's Twitter 01
Translations from B2STLYTWEETS 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39

Phew, that was a long post. I'm glad that they seemed to have a good time in Spain, even though it was for work. I feel bad for Junhyung, tho. :<

MYNAME Reveals Third Member JunQ

[miuratenshi.livejournal.com]

MYNAME, better known as Hwanhee's boy group, will be debuting as soon as next month but still has to reveal most of its members. Just a few minutes ago, however, H2 Media revealed the group's third member, JunQ (Junkyu), through their official twitter account.

Previously, two members of MYNAME were revealed to be Seyong ('91) and Insoo ('88). While Seyong appeared in the KBS drama "I Believe in Love/My Love, My Family", Insoo is known as a former Superstar K2 contestant. Newly revealed member JunQ was born in '93.

Back in July, the first rumors of an upcoming boy group by singer Hwanhee popped up. When the singer himself revealed its first member later that same month, the rumors turned to a solid group which was revealed to be debuting as soon as September. Later, the group's official fancafe revealed their debut to be sometime in October.


Source: Koreaboo and @H2_media

Mods I'm sorry if this is a double post, my internet is acting strange so I'm not sure if the post went through the first time.

Lee Joon casted in upcoming drama!

[youlittle.livejournal.com]

MBLAQ's Lee Joon has been casted in the 2012 new drama "Fly Again".

On the 22nd, a "Fly Again" representative told Star News, "Lee Joon was casted in "Fly Again." He's going to participate in the script reading practice on the 23rd."

In the drama, Lee Joon will act as a airplane navigator named Kang Dong-Soo. It's been a year since his last participation in a drama (Jungle Fish 2).

Kang Dong-Soo is a navigator pilot who's been working for 4 years, he's picky on the outside, but warm and happy in the inside.

"Fly Again" is about an assistant pilot who rises to become a pilot. Right now, the drama is in the middle of casting. This drama will be aired after the SBS drama "Deep-rooted Tree" ends.

source: nate via @chicjoon, @BLAQer_1015 on twitter
translation: Lovelyjoonie @ AbsoluteMBLAQ

Gummy to debut in Japan with 'I'm Sorry' Ft. TOP

[t-domination.livejournal.com]

YG Entertainment's solo artist Gummy will be having her Japanese debut with the release of a mini album this November. The mini album has the same name as her last Korean release, and will feature the help of labelmate and Big Bang member TOP for the track "I'm Sorry".

Next to "I'm Sorry" and a Japanese version of "A Moment to Remember" OST song "I Want to Forget"; the release has another four tracks. An extra DVD is also set to come with the mini album.

Gummy was revealed to have been nervous about her Japanese debut, and was quoted saying "I've dreamed of debuting in Japan for so long", as well as "I hope I can reach many people through my music and singing. Please look forward to my music."

Gummy debuted under YG Entertainment in 2003 and was known as the "queen of tie-ins" because of her many OST songs. Her name, which literally means spider, was chosen in order for the singer to be able to captivate people in her web of music.

The mini album will be released through YGEX, the joint label of AVEX and YG, on November 9th.

( Read more... )

S: Koreaboo

*sigh* I wanted new music from her. cmon YG... pls start caring for your other artists :| 

YGE's Kang Seung-Yoon to debut through a boy group next year

[t-domination.livejournal.com]

Seeing many of the Super Star K Season 2 stars having already debuted, news of fourth place Kang Seung-yoon's debut has surfaced. Kang will be debuting under the prestigious YG Entertainment.

At the press conference for 2NE1's Japanese tour on September 20th, a YG rep revealed that Kang plans on debuting through a group next year. However, a solo release is not out of the question, as it's definitely possible following the group's promotions. The official added that Kang is full of various talents and musical genres, thus fans should look forward to him presenting all of them. Because of his young age, it's possible for him to try different musical/entertainment experiences including a group singer and a solo singer.

S: KBS Global via: Koreaboo

Korean indie rock band "The Finnn" is releasing their 2nd album (teaser + track list)

[notochrasy.livejournal.com]

sources: mintpaper + rubysalon (video)

KBS ignores contracts and recasts for the upcoming drama 'Brain', just because

[loverboy.livejournal.com]

'It's absurd to pull out when the contract's already been signed..!'

The lead actress and actor for the new KBS 2TV drama "Brain" are in shock at the news that the drama will void their contracts.

According to an official in "Brain", Lee Sang-yoon, Yoon Seung-ah, Lee Hyeon-jin-I, Yoo Ri-el and other main characters were notified unilaterally that they will not appear in the drama.

The reason for this was that the actors and their age levels didn't come together with the characters in the drama.

Initially, Lee Sang-yoon was neurosurgeon Lee Kang-hoon and Yoon Seung-ah was neurology student Yoon Ji-hye.

They finished script reading on September 17th, and even had a friendly gathering for everyone to get to know each other.

The management of other actors and actresses involved said, "They just dropped a bomb and said to step off the project. We are just shocked".

Song Seung-heon seems very likely to take on the role of Lee Kang-hoon now.

The brain is the subject matter in the drama "Brain", and it revolves around a story about neurosurgeons. It will be broadcast in the middle of November.

source: hancinema, news.nate.com

Blind masseurs in South Korea worry about loss of status

[strawberry-efeu.livejournal.com]

By the time Lee Hye Gyeong was diagnosed with glaucoma in 2005, she had already lost much of her vision. And now, the former shop assistant sees only shapeless colors as she fumbles through Seoul's crowded subway.

Still, for the past year and a half, this commute has been part of her daily routine: she gets up at 5:30 a.m., cooks breakfast for her husband and two teenage sons and then takes the subway to a government-run school. There, Lee, 42, trains for the one job - masseur - that South Korea has for most of the past century reserved exclusively for the visually impaired.

But lately she fears her prospects in this new profession are under threat.

( Read more... )

source: New York Times

Both sides of the argument have interesting arguments.

This time around... IDEK

[grapewhine.livejournal.com]

Source: HiroNGoRedsGo@YT

i think it's hilarious. what's not to love? i hope taemin gets his japan solo debut soon and... yeah, no, idk, just like... i... what...

Super Junior’s Kyuhyun to MC for ‘Radio Star’

[yukahoo.livejournal.com]

On September 21st, the producers of Golden Fishery revealed that Super Junior's Kyuhyun had become a temporary MC for MBC's 'Radio Star‘. He will be joining a cast comprised of comedians Kim Guk Jin, Kim Gura, and Yoon Jong Shin.

PD Park Jung Kyu revealed, “Kyuhyun will be joining us as an MC for the time being. He is not a fixed MC, but a junior of Kim Heechul. We will be keeping the fourth MC position open for changes. Those that are capable of providing youthful energy for ‘Radio Star’ will be given the opportunity.”

The reason for the change in the fourth MC position was because of Kim Heechul’s departure, who decided to start his military duties this year. Even with his departure, MCs felt that they wanted to keep the role of a younger figure to provide contrast against the three older MCs.

The PD continued, “Kim Guk Jin, Kim Gura, and Yoon Jong Shin are so funny and work very well together.  What we need is a youthful energy.  We hope to use the position of the fourth MC to bring in stars with that energy.  We could set up a fixed position, but we feel that it will only make the show seem too plotted.  We don’t plan on switching out the fourth MC every week or even every two weeks.  We want to leave the door open for potential to just really listen to the viewpoint and stories of the youth.”

As the maknae of Super Junior, Kyuhyun was chosen for his bizarre charms and MCing potential.  “He’s charming, sings well, and is a great fit for ‘Radio Star’.  We’re looking forward to what he’ll be showing on a variety show and how he’ll be interacting with his new hyungs.”

Source + Photos: Star News via Naver, Allkpop

Jaejoong plays tonsil hockey with Wang Jihye

[hellafun.livejournal.com]

the predator gives a slight touch, lulling the prey into a false sense of security

Kim Jaejoong and Wang Jihye showed ‘milk kiss’ and ‘storm kiss’ successively in SBS Wed-Thus drama ‘Protect the Boss’, which leads to exciting reactions.

Two kisses of Muwon and Nayoon, which will appear in the broadcast on the 22th Sept of ‘Protect the Boss’, was revealed. They kiss scene was filmed in an apartment model house at Ilsan. After the ‘cue’ sign of PD Son JangHyung, Wang Jihye gently wiped off milk on Kim Jaejoong’s lips with her own thumb.

( Read more... )

3rebelangelsCLIP@yt
DBSKnights
syc

lmao, you go girl. I would jump him too, if i had a chance