Friday, 27 December 2013

'Ssul Jeon' discusses 'Running Man' + Heechul finds the variety program immature


JTBC aired a new episode of 'Ssul Jeon' on December 26 and discussed variety programs.  One thing they noted was that the third season of '1 Night 2 Days' managed to top the other variety programs in terms of viewer ratings as soon as it began!



Another show, 'Running Man,' had managed to consistently achieve a viewer rating of over 12%.  In relation to this, Kim Gu Ra said, "'Running Man' is receiving wholehearted support from those in their teens."



However, Heo Ji Woong said, "It is difficult for the audience to become immersed in 'Running Man' in the traditional sense."  Park Ji Yoon said, "For some reason, it is too difficult for me to watch them run so diligently."



Heechul likewise added, "Truthfully, when I watch 'Running Man' once in a while, there are a lot of immature moments . . . It makes me go, 'What is that?'  But I see elementary school kids chuckling as they watch it."



Kim Gu Ra said, "Seeing as how 'Running Man' has a solid teenage fandom, it is rather easy for them to get guest appearances . . . Whether they are idols, actors, or sports athletes, those kinds of stars appear because they need to be publicized as trends to those in their teens."



Do you enjoy 'Running Man' and agree with their opinions?



source:allkpop

Heechul discusses how viewer ratings for 'Real Men' went up with female narrators like IU and Suzy

A new episode of 'Ssul Jeon' aired on December 26 and this time, they talked about variety programs.


Heechul talked about the secret to the successful viewer ratings of MBC's 'Real Men.'  He pointed out how the viewer rating would increase whenever they had a female narrator.  When IU was the narrator, the rating was at an impressive 18.8%. It was 17.4% for Suzy, 17.8% for singer Park Ji Yoon, and 17.5% for Kim Sung Ryul. On the other hand, the show achieved lower ratings of 13.2% when Baek Chul Soo narrated and 12.6% for Kang Suk Woo.


Heechul said, "One ambiguous part is when singer Lee Eun Mi narrated, the show got 14.5%, which is in-between the two extremes.  Maybe because her voice is rough."



Fellow cast member Park Ji Yoon suggested that this disparity may be due in part to 'Real Men' having a dominantly male audience.  


source:allkpop

Sung Si Kyung reveals why he decided not to go on 'We Got Married'


Sung Si Kyung was a guest on KBS 2TV's 'Happy Together 3' on December 26 and talked about turning down the offer to be on 'We Got Married.'


It started when Jung Joon Young talked about being on the show as Jung Yoo Mi's on-screen husband.  He said, "I wish we were really dating."



Sung Si Kyung said, "Truthfully, there were a lot of offers . . . The reason I did not go on it was because I thought it would be more truth than fiction.  I felt like we would keep hugging during the broadcast.  And touch each other."



He added, "That kind of lie does not exist in this world.  In order for the show to do well, at least one team needs to date in real life."



Do you agree with his thoughts on 'We Got Married'?


source:allkpop

Big Bang Adds Another Date to Their 2014 Concert for Fans Who Couldn’t Get Tickets

Big Bang Adds Another Date to Their 2014 Concert for Fans Who Couldn’t Get Tickets

Upon requests from fans, Big Bang has added an additional date to their originally 2-day “2014 BIGBANG +α IN SEOUL” concert, to be held at the Olympic Park Gymnastics Stadium on January 25 and 26.

The tickets for this upcoming concert were sold out as soon as ticket sales were opened, and it became hard even for YG employees to come by tickets. At the passionate requests of fans who weren’t able to get tickets, Big Bang added another performance on January 24 at 8pm.

An official at YG commented, “On the day of the ticket pre-sale, ‘Naver clock,’ ‘world standard clock,’ and ‘Big Bang,’ were the most-searched words on portal sites, which was in part due to fans who wanted to get on the site at the exact time for Big Bang’s concert tickets.”

This will be the first time in a year that the five members of Big Bang get together on stage in Korea since their concert earlier this year, “Live Galaxy Tour The Final,” although the members gathered abroad on occasion for their Japan tour and the 2013 MAMA in Hong Kong.

As much as it is has been a year since their last performance in Korea, fans are intensely excited for this upcoming concert, which Big Bang has held annually since 2009 at the Olympic Park Gymnastics Stadium. Moreover, this year, each of the members have grown even more through their solo activities, and it will be phenomenal to see how they’ve grown as a team, as well!

source:soompi

“Voice Korea Season 1” Contestant Oh Seul Gi Sheds 13kg Prior to Debut

Voice Korea Season 1

Singer Oh Seul.Gi, who as a contestant on Mnet’s “Voice Korea Season 1,” revealed her new image.

On December 25, Oh Seul Gi posted on her Twitter account, “December 27! My first single will be released. As a way of celebrating. Was this me?” Along with the message, she posted a photo comparing her image when she was on “Voice Korea Season 1” to her image now. The photo shows a drastic difference of the singer 13kg lighter than when she was on the show.

A representative of her label stated, “Oh Seul Gi gained a lot of weight from the stress of having to deal with personal issues that delayed her debut. However, for five month prior to the photo shoot for her new album, she ate one meal a day with exercise achieving a 13kg weight loss. She continues to learn cross-fit in order to maintain a healthy fit body.”

Oh Seul Gi received much praise from judge Shin Seung Hun during her appearance on “Voice Korea Season 1,” and receive much attention as she battle against Son Seung Yeon singing Bubble Sister’s “It’s Raining Men” which showcased her powerful vocal range.

Meanwhile, Oh Seul Gi’s debut single, “Mini Drama” is due for release on December 27. 

source:soompi

How Does FTIsland and CNBlue Split their Year-End Income?

As the year comes to an end, artist are receiving more than Christmas presents; they’re receiving their year-end income. FNC Entertainment revealed how the members of FTIsland and CNBlue receive their annual pay through the company focused reality show.

On the December 26 episode of tvN’s “Cheongdam-dong 111,” viewers got to watch how FNC Entertainment distributed the year-end incomes to their artists. As it was revealed that the company artists were given their incomes twice a year, the recent episode of the tvN reality show went into detail of how FTIsland and CNBlue members split their pay.

A staff of FNC stated, “In the case of a singer, the company and singer split in proportions the income from the artist’s albums, online music sales, overseas sales, MD, and advertisement earnings. For FTIsland, they have been receiving individual earnings, while CNBlue had previously divided their earnings based on fixed proportions per member. However, for the first time the group will start receiving their income based on proportions of individual earnings.”

The recent episode showed how FTIsland’s Choi Jong Hoon and Lee Jae Jin received their earnings for the copyrights of their composed songs, while drummer Choi Min Hwan received his proportions of the earnings from the musical he had acted in. Furthermore, CNBlue members showed excitement as they received the total of six months’ worth of income at one time. Member Lee Jung Shin revealed that he would save his earnings, while Lee Jong Hyun said, “I don’t really need a lot of money, but I am still very happy. My father loves making kim bap, so I plan to make a kim bap restaurant for him.” Drummer Kang Min Hyuk also said, “Whenever I receive money, I give it all to my parents.”

cn blue

Although there are artists who are excited to receive the earnings from their activities, AOA was not able to receive their earnings because they were not able to earn more than what was invested on to the group by their company. However, the girl group’s leader Ji Min received her pay because of copyrighted material for the rap parts of AOA’s “Moya,” and “Shake.” The leader excitedly said, “This is the first income I have received in my life,” and received congratulations from her fellow members.

The inside details of FNC Entertainment’s artists show a small view of the business behind the K-Pop industry, as the artists’ incomes reflect their pay after the company has taken a portion from the overall earnings. FNC’s variety show, “Cheongdam-dong 111” broadcasts every Thursdays on tvN at 12:10AM (KST).

source:soompi

“Shinhwa Broadcast” Officially Canceled, Final Broadcast in January

[Update] “Shinhwa Broadcast” Officially Canceled, Final Broadcast in January

JTBC has announced that “Shinhwa Broadcast” has officially been cancelled.

Shinhwa members commented, “As the title of the program shows, ‘Shinhwa Broadcast’ comes together through Shinhwa, and with two members out, we decided that there was no meaning to ‘Shinhwa Broadcast.’ We discussed the cancellation of the show seriously with the production team.”

The final episode of “Shinhwa Broadcast” will air January 19. 

[End Update]

The fate of “Shinhwa Broadcast” is uncertain, with talks currently going on about whether to discontinue the show.

A JTBC representative took a cautious stance, saying on December 26 that, “It is true that there is a discussion going on about whether ’Shinhwa Broadcast’ will be cancelled, but nothing is certain.”

“’Shinhwa Broadcast’ has Shinhwa’s name attached to it. Kim Dong Wan stepped down from the show to concentrate on his musical, while Andy is off the show following his gambling incident. So now there are meetings going on to decide if the show should go on.”

“Shinhwa Broadcast” Season 1 gained popularity for its unique format and the camaraderie between the Shinhwa members. The show was overhauled and aired the first episode of Season 2 on November 3 this year. Season 2 began with the slogan of “kind variety,” but with Kim Dong Wan’s absence and Andy’s departure, ratings dropped.

While it is unlikely that we’ll be seeing all six members together on screen anytime soon, will JTBC drop the show entirely? We’ll just have to wait and see how this plays out.

source:soompi

EXO Breaks 12-Year Drought, “XOXO” Becomes Million Seller

EXO Breaks 12-Year Drought, “XOXO” Becomes Million Seller

The curse has been broken, and the Korean music industry seems to show some signs of life in its album sales, as 12 member group EXO has sold 1 million copies of their album, “XOXO.”

There has not been an album that has sold one million copies since 2001, when Kim Gun Mo’s seventh album and g.o.d’s fourth album recorded album sales of one million copies. However, it seems the drought in K-Pop album sales has ended, as SM Entertainment’s EXO has sold a whopping 1,007,577 copies of their first full-length album, “XOXO.”

On December 27, SM Entertainment stated, “EXO’s first album has sold 471,570 copies, and the repackaged version has sold 536,007 copies, thus today recording a sales of 1,007,577 copies. Also, the group’s special album, ‘Miracles in December,’ that was released earlier this month, has recorded sales of 430,000 copies, estimating a grand total of about 1,440,000 EXO albums sold this year.”

EXO, now seen as a rising star, debuted back in April 2012 with their mini album “MAMA.” The group had been split into EXO-K and EXO-M, distinguishing the two sub-groups to be focused towards the Korean music industry and the Chinese music industry, respectively.  However, the group became one and made a comeback this past May with the song, “Wolf,” from their first full album, “XOXO.” After, the group released a repackaged version of “XOXO” in August, making another comeback with their new song, “Growl.”

The group was seen as unique and versatile as EXO released two versions of each album, a Korean version and a Chinese version, showing their focus towards the two music markets. After a few months break, EXO presented a special gift to their fans, showing their gratitude towards the love and support received in 2013, by releasing a special album in the beginning of December titled, “Miracles in December.”

Furthermore, the group was awarded with awards from the “Melon Music Awards,” and “Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA),” validating the group’s rising status and popularity. With the release of their special album, the members of EXO have been showing different styles of stages through their slow ballad, “Miracles in December,” and the jazz themed, “Christmas Day.” EXO has solidified their presence as rising stars in the Asian music industries.

What a great way to wrap up 2013. We hope 2014 will provide more success to this hard working group. Congratulations, EXO!

source:soompi

Chinese Media Survey Picks Girls’ Generation’s YoonA to be Asia’s Best Female Beauty

Chinese Media Survey Picks Girls’ Generation’s YoonA to be Asia’s Best Female Beauty

A particular Chinese media source has chosen Girls’ Generation’s YoonA to be Asia’s best female beauty, beating out other well known female Asian celebrities.

According to a survey done by Youth Entertainment Net, YoonA was found to have been voted as Asia’s best female beauty. The Chinese website that specializes in entertainment commented, “Through the site we conducted a survey for Asia’s best female beauty. In the end, Girls’ Generation’s YoonA was picked with 8,762,167 votes, barely beating out fellow member Jessica.”

The results show that after YoonA and Jessica, Chinese actress Ryu Seu Seu (Korean pronounciation), Jung Swang , Yang Mi, Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon, Chinese singer Yang Wui Ying, actress Tang Yen, Lin Shin Roo, and Korean actress Park Shin Hye were ranked respectively.

Having put together a list of female celebrities by their public image, popularity, and achievements, Chinese netizens were able to vote on their opinions of who was the most beautiful female in Asia.

In the end, Girls’ Generation’s YoonA came out on top, proving her beauty to be boundless. Most importantly, the fact that four Korean female celebrities ranked on the beauty list conveys how Hallyu continues to expand.

Congratulations, YoonA! 

source:soompi

SHINee’s Minho, Choi Jin Hyuk, Park Seo Joon, and More Compete for New Male Actor Award at 2013 MBC Drama Awards

SHINee’s Minho, Choi Jin Hyuk, Park Seo Joon, and More Compete for New Male Actor Award at 2013 MBC Drama Awards

MBC Drama Awards announced the nominees for New Male Actor, and it seems like this year will be a tough competition.

On December 26, MBC representatives announced the nominees: Park Seo Joon for “I Summon You, Gold,” Oh Chang Suk for “Aurora Princess,” Lee Sang Yeob for “A Little Love Never Hurts,” SHINee‘s Minho for “Medical Top Team,” and Choi Jin Hyuk for “Gu Family Book.”

Furthermore, for the congratulatory performance, SHINee will perform for the first time “Green Rain,” the ost for the drama “The Queen’s Classroom.” Fans can expect the special stage as the five member group will perform with the child actors of the drama.

Moreover, the opening performance of the second part of the award show will be performed by no other than Kim Bo Yeon and Park Hae Mi, who acted as sisters on “Aurora Princess.”

The MBC Drama Awards will broadcast live on December 30 at 8:55PM (KST). We want to congratulate all those who have been nominated, and hope for more exciting dramas in 2014!

source:soompi

Leeteuk Drops By Super Junior’s Practice Room While On Break

Leeteuk Drops By Super Junior’s Practice Room While On Break

Super Junior leader Leeteuk recently dropped by to say hello to his members while on Christmas break!

Donghae shared a photo of the reunited group on December 25 with the caption, “While practicing for our concert. Super Junior’s core leader, teukie, teukie – Leeteuk! He’s out for break. There isn’t much time left! SJ & ELF – Merry Christmas – God Bless all!” 

In the photo, the members are smiling cheerfully with their Super Junior pose. However, Donghae covered Leeteuk’s face out of consideration for status as an enlisted army recruit. Leeteuk began his military service back in October 30, 2012 as part of the 306th army draft camp in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi-do province.

In related news, Super Junior will be wrapping up SMTown’s Concert Week with special performances on December 28 and 29. 

source:soompi

Book “JYJ Republic” Will Follow the Fandom of JYJ

JYJ

A new book following the activities of JYJ’s fandom will be released on December 26. Celebrating the members’ 10-year anniversary since their debut back in 2003, JYJ will be described through their fan’s eyes.

“JYJ Republic” will follow the perspectives of JYJ’s fans, recording the strength of K-Pop fandom. The book will portray the unifying fandom through both the success and the hardships of JYJ’s Junsu, Yoochun, and Jaejoong. Furthermore, the book describes the fans’ efforts to assist the group’s lawsuit against their former agency SM Entertainment, advertisement against the corrupt television companies, donations toward society, and many more actions in order to uplift the members of the group. Ultimately, the book encompasses the constant support of the fans throughout every possible scenario.

A representative commented, “The writer, who became a fan of JYJ while covering the fandom, looks warmly towards JYJ and their fans after being included in the warm community of the fans, rather than being on the outskirts. Also, the book represents the method of “research the fandom as a fan.”‘ 

The author described group’s fans as a ‘republic’ because of the fandom’s traits and personality that represent a republic. If you want something interesting to read, “JYJ Republic” is the perfect book to grab. 


source:soompi

“Daesang” Winner Kim Joon Ho Thanks “Gag Concert” Colleagues by Treating Them to Lunch Boxes

“Daesang” Winner Kim Joon Ho Thanks “Gag Concert” Colleagues by Treating Them to Lunch Boxes

To show his appreciation for “Gag Concert” colleagues, Kim Joon Ho recently treated the whole crew to delicious lunch boxes.

Female comedian Jang Hyo In wrote on her Twitter on December 25, “Joon Ho senior’s Daesang celebration! Along with a thank you message~ 5-layer lunch boxes arrived here at the ‘Gag Concert‘ set^^ Eating it together makes it taste so good~ Thank you Joon Ho senior~♥” In the picture, she could be seen enjoying the lunch boxes together with Park Ji Sun, Kim Young Hee, and others while smiling brightly for the camera.

Kim Joon Ho sent a message to the ‘Gag Concert’ team, showing his gratitude for their support, “I received the Daesang at the 2013 Entertainment Awards thanks to all of you~~ ‘Gag Concert’ hwaiting in 2014″ 

His agency shared, “To thank the ‘Gag Concert’ comedians and producers, Kim Joon Ho bought them 100 lunch boxes. It is to show his appreciation for winning the 2013 KBS Entertainment Awards’ grand prize.” 

The entertainer received the grand prize, also called “Daesang,” at this year’s KBS Entertainment Awards.


source:soompi

“K-Pop Star 3” Judges: Yang Hyun Suk, Park Jin Young and Yoo Hee Yeol, How Do Their Training Styles Differ?

"K-Pop Star 3" Judges

The different training styles of the three “K-Pop Star 3” judges Yang Hyun Suk, Park Jin Young and Yoo Hee Yeol are gaining attention.

The second round of auditions on SBS survival audition program “K-Pop Star 3” has started and competition is fierce. But what’s gained viewers’ attention are the different training methods used by the individual judges.

After the first round of auditions, participants were given the chance to choose which judge they wanted to learn from. They headed to YG, JYP, and Antenna Music training rooms where the judges provided 1-on-1 sessions to help fix their problems and point out areas for growth.

Over at YG, nurturing an unconstrained personality seems to be crucial. During his 1-on-1 coaching sessions, Yang Hyun Suk focused on bringing out the natural personalities of participants. Regarding star quality as being as important as natural talent, he gave advice on things that participants needed fixing, while leaving their distinct characteristics alone.

Trot talent Hong Jung Hee was told that her two songs needed to be reconsidered, and that she ought to find songs that best suited her voice. Yang Hyun Suk made a sharp observation, saying, “There are too many pauses in your singing that the emotions are lost. I think you have to practice singing continuously.” Hong Jung Hee took the short advice and made full use of it, receiving favorable comments from the judges when she took the stage.

In the JYP room, Park Jin Young gave very detailed, technical 1-to-1 lessons. He emphasized that a good foundation in vocalization and basic posture is important, advising those with bad habits to start over. His lessons were fired with enthusiasm, as he patiently schooled participants in the finer points, and it almost seemed as if he cared not a bit that time was passing quickly.

Yao Wei Tao, a former chef from China and “C-Pop Star” contestant, had problems with his high notes. Park Jin Young had a few encouraging words to say to him before launching into his lesson, “If you just fix this problem, you can become a top singer.” The JYP judge laid down on the floor to demonstrate how to vocalize high notes while relaxing, and the two went through the exercise for about 40 minutes until Yao Wei Tao was able to internalize what Park Jin Young was trying to teach him.

Antenna Music’s Yoo Hee Yeol, the incoming judge filling the empty spot left by SM Entertainment’s BoA, hope to “find a ‘musician’ who will keep making music for a long time.” He thinks that if one cannot make one’s world come alive because of one’s troubles, then it will be difficult to make something new or to continue on. He shared this serious conversation with the participants, trying to make them go a level deeper with their musicality.

To the Village Kids, who found their way to the Antenna room, Yoo Hee Yeol did not request for too many changes. While uncertain if their music talent would suffice, he decided to support them since they were having fun with their music. He said, “I think that the aim of music is happiness. You’re shining because you’re having fun. I don’t want to be critical.”

He also told another contestant, Brody, “Even though your basics and singing ability may not be enough, you’re a participant that I want to see more of.” The conversation and lesson continued, and Brody was able to make it through the second round with her confident performance.

According to the production team, “Yang Hyun Suk, Park Jin Young, and Yoo Hee Yeol are music people who have very different personalities, and of course they showed us their different approaches in teaching. With the advice that the three judges have provided, what kind of revelations will the participants have?” The representative requested for the continued support and anticipation for the show’s participants.

“K-Pop Star 3″ airs every Sunday at 4:55 PM KST right after SBS “Inkigayo.”

source:soompi

Chinese Version of “The Heirs” to Start Filming Soon


On December 26, several Chinese publications reported that a movie/television production company in China has already bought publication rights to “The Heirs” and will soon start filming. The drama is set to begin filming in January, and will be a collaboration between Chinese producer Li Shao Hong and Korean director Oh Sang Won. The actors who will follow-up Lee Min Ho, Park Shin Hye, and Kim Woo Bin have not yet been determined.

SBS’s “The Heirs” recently aired its final episode on December 20, after a hugely successful run for the drama as well as its main actors. 

This past November, “The Heirs” production company Hwa & Dam Pictures revealed that they signed a foreign production contract for the highest price in Korean drama history, and that the interest for “The Heirs” is crazy in not only Korea, but abroad, as well.

Publication rights have been completed with Japan, all of Asia, Europe, and the Americas, for a total of 12 countries.

source:soompi

Choi Won Young Reveals He Already Proposed to Shim Yi Young


Just a few days ago, actor Choi Won Young and actress Shim Yi Young acknowledge their couple status. Adding another element to the surprise, Choi Won Young revealed he already proposed to his girlfriend and that their parents’ have already met one another.

A representative of Choi Won Young’s agency, Fantagio, commented to Star News, “Choi Won Young proposed to Shim Yi Young with a ring and a hand-written letter. He told us it was a very simple event, and said to her, ‘I want to ride this car with you,’ as he lent her his car.”

The rep also added, “The wedding day has not been decided, but both think it is better to do it sooner than later. Families from both sides have already met.”

The two stars acknowledged their relationship of six months through their agencies. They played a married couple in the MBC weekend drama, “Hundred Year’s Inheritance.” 

source:soompi