Tablo’s Daughter Haru Dresses Up as Snow White

Tablo’s daughter Haru recently played dress-up and transformed into a miniature Disney princess! 

During the filming of KBS 2TV’s “Superman Returns,” Tablo prepared a surprise visit for Haru to a studio specializing in recreating storybook scenes. Haru changed into different costumes pertaining to the Snow White princess concept, and daddy Tablo couldn’t help but laugh aloud at her adorable costumes. 

Tablo even requested for a fish to replace the trademark apple to be used in the Snow White photo shoot, since Haru loved fish so much. They ended up giving the photo shoot the title, “The Fish-Loving Snow White Princess.” 

When Tablo was escorting Haru in her cute wedding dress, he adorably remarked, “The time will come when I will be doing this for real…” 

The episode featuring Haru’s fun day at the studio will air on March 2! 

source:soompi

Title: My Beautiful Stranger

Here I am at the same place and the same spot like two days ago. Why I am here again? I do ask myself the same question.  I suppose to enjoy my holiday, not just sitting in here in the cozy coffee shop looking outside through the glass window like a depressed person. May be I am depressed. That why I am here at the first place. Place that I also didn’t know. May be I should meet psychiatrist instead of going holiday. I sigh with nth time. 

It’s been one hour I’m sitting here, just looking at the window. Looking peoples passed by. What the hell I’m doing right now? I frown a bit. Suddenly the rain pour down without any sign, and everyone outside the window running to find shelter. I’m just smiling. Now I’m glad that I’m in the café. To think that I’m outside without an umbrella in this kind situation will make me more depressed! I smile again.

The café starting to filled with peoples. Since it’s raining outside so there no doubt that most of these peoples just want to find a shelter from the rain. I look around, the table almost full. Thanks God that I sit on table for two. To be honest I don’t want any disturbance right now. Please. I hope no one come to my table. I’m not in the mood to make a friend right now. I look outside again. 

“May I sit here?”. Oh God. Why You not fulfill my wish right now? I’m not looking to that person; instead I look around the café. “There no other vacant seat for me”, he said again. I lift my head to see him. Beautiful. That the first thing I think when I see his face. Beautiful instead of handsome? hemm..I am weird. “It’s ok. I will find another seat”, he starts to shift his body. “yes u can”, I said. What wrong with me? Just a minute ago you didn't want any disturbance and now u says yes???

He looks at me with confused look of course. “Sit”, I said without looking at him anymore. “Can I?” he asks. Is he dumb? Or deaf? This starts to annoy me. Calm down, I tell myself. “You will not find any vacant seat at this kind of situation”, I drink my coffee. Oh, I hate coffee. I frown a bit. Then why I’m drinking it? I sigh again not even consider my new companion right now.

“Thank you”, he put down his bag on the side of the window. I can see his red hair under his wet hoodie. Red hair? I never have friends that have red hair. What kind of person you being friend with? I can imagine my father’s complain right now, even he definitely never complains in front of me. I still remember when my friends come to visit my house, one of them wearing a short not very short actually, the short that under your knee. Beside it ‘he’ not ‘she’, so I think it’s not a problem but it was a problem to my father. I smile a little. 

He’s standing in front of me and takes off his almost drench grey cardigan and I can see a few of droplet water on our table. He take something from his beg, a book. Pride and Prejudice. Aha.. book worm. I look at his hand. He has such a beautiful hand, his hand look delicate with his long finger and white milky tone. I wonder whether it soft or not, whether it will give strong grip or not. I shook my head a little. What a creepy person am I.

I shifted my gaze to his book when he takes his sit. Pride and Prejudice, I know this book but of course I never read it. I watched the movie that adaptation from the book. Well, for what reading something that already make into screenplay. It’s easier to watch than to read, of course this opinion come from someone that hate reading like me.  

“Can I take your order sir?”, the waitress asked my new companion. I can see she smile widely to my new companion which is completely stranger to me. “Espresso, please”, I look at him. He smiles to the waitress. Not just his lips form a smile but also his eyes. I always wonder what kind of “eye smile” that people talking about, but now, I can say I understand it. Because I just saw it. He definitely has beautiful eye smiles. His ayes really small, I wonder he can see or not with that eyes. (I wonder a lot of things today). His nose perfectly nice on his face and his lips..hemm...plump and naturally pink.. I hope I have that kind of lips, no need to apply lip gloss anymore and its also.. Really seductive. Oh my God! What I’m thinking right now? I can feel the blood rush in my face. It’s hot. His skin..No complexion on his skin, it’s just kinda pale but that pale skin perfectly fit to his red hairs. Beautiful. 

He sits in front of me taking his book and starts to read. I give a quick glance towards his hand again, no ring. I smile a little. “You should smile more, you know”, he speaks without looking at me. I look at him, his hands on the table holding the book and his eyes still on the book. I raise my eyebrow a little. What’s wrong with this weird guy? “Here your drink, sir”. Both of us look at the waitress, she smile widely to him and of course he gives his signature smiles to her. I look to the window, it still raining and don’t have any sign to stop. I sigh for nth times for today.

“This is the second times” he said and sip his drink. I look at him. “You sighed two times since I got here”. I raise my eyebrow again. He gives small smiles without looking at me. I keep looking to his face. Staring intensely for more accurate. “You digging a hole on my head”, he let out small chuckle and of course without looking at my face. Since he’s not looking at me, I continue staring to his face. I never like red.  But I like that red hair on him, it’s pleasant to my eyes and perfectly fit on him. “Just thinking when the rain gonna stop” I said with my gaze shifts to the window. “It will stop eventually. Even it not stop you can just go through it. What bad consequences you can get except a cold”. I can hear a small chuckle from him. I smile a bit. 

We spend the rest of evening talking about everything and nothing. From the book he read right now, music, foods, sports and even political view but not our name. He's not telling his name and neither me. We just talk without ‘calling’ our name. What more surprisingly is how comfortable our little talk can be. It’s just like we know each other for our whole life. Its really comfortable. Being around him make me relax. Even the bitter of coffee turn to sweets taste. After almost three hours our comfortable chat, we make decision to end it, since the rain already stop one hour ago. “Hope I can see you around again” he said. I just give small smile to him. I look he put the book inside his bag and take his wet grey cardigan, stand up and give a little bow before living me with his signature smiles. Since I don’t have anything to do, I sit there for a while, looking at him living the café behind the glass window in the cafe. 

Will he look at me? I ask myself then shook my head and smiles a little. Less than 30 seconds I smile again, wider this time. He looks at me. After ten minutes sitting alone, I take my hp and put in my handbag. I stand up and start living the café. Before living I manage to gives smiles to the waitress that served us today. 

I walk to the hotel that I stay for almost three days. I think..Will I be able to see u again Mr. Beautiful Stranger? 

'Ssul Jeon' reveal more thoughts on the recent popularization of sexy girl groups

JTBC's 'Ssul Jeon' again discussed the recent sexy craze among girl groups on February 27.  

They talked about the three prohibitions regarding the sexy dances, "Don't lie down," "Don't touch yourself," and, "Don't unzip your clothes."  The first one referred to Girl's Day's "Something" when they dance on the floor, second one to Dal Shabet's "B.B.B" when they press their hand to their chest, and the third one to AOA's "Miniskirt" when they unzip their skirts. 

Kim Gu Ra said, "Because they are so young, they seem like they're just imitating the sexy concept.  Rather than sexy, it's a little pathetic." In relation to Dal Shabet's dance, he said, "I thought they were checking themselves for breast tumors.  I was so shocked because they were touching themselves too much." 

Choi Hee brought up the fact that the producers and writers would go in and check the girls' outfits before they went up on stage to make sure they were properly covered. They would check that their underwear would not flash and more.  

They also talked about Stellar's "Marionette" MV which was known for being especially provocative.  The men said they could not remember the song at all because of the MV.  

Addressing the whole sexy business, Heo Ji Woong said, "As Kang Yong Suk said, you can't help but laugh.  When an ordinary man is watching this, he is not excited by it but rather laughs at it."  He said it seemed like they were unable to effectively make the public remember the song, which was the foundation of any singer.

source:allkpop

Krystal, Kyuhyun and Kim Tae Woo React to CNBLUE’s “Can’t Stop”

CNBLUE has recently started their comeback activities with their 5th mini-album “Can’t Stop” to the delight of many fans. As part of their comeback promotions, CNBLUE revealed some celebrity reactions to their newest song “Can’t Stop.” Such celebrities included ZE:A‘s Kwang Hee, Kim Woo Bin, Park Shin Hye and Park So Hyun.

On February 24, three more celebrity reactions from f(x)‘s Krystal, Super Junior‘s Kyuhyun and Kim Tae Woo were revealed! CNBLUE’s official Facebook page uploaded the photos and captions from each celebrity’s reaction.

Krystal commented, “First of all, it’s a good song. The song changes in the middle. I feel the spring aura. CNBLUE has always been strong when it comes to music charts. It will be a big hit.”

Kyuhyun commented, “‘Can’t Stop’ has an addictive melody. Has Jung Yong-Hwa written it? Really? Haha.” After listening to “Diamond Girl,” Kyuhyun said, “I like this song too. This song has a catchy melody lines. This album will be loved by many people. Every songs are made by CNBLUE? What an overachiever. Not only their looks, songs, but also their performances at live concerts…They make me strive to practice and work harder.”

Kim Tae Woo, after listening to “Cold Love,” commented, “The song is so cool. Did Jung Yong-Hwa write it? When a composer writes a song for himself, he knows how to maximize his strengths whether he knows it or not. This is unfair…Jung Yong-Hwa looks good, sings well, plays instruments and writes songs and lyrics…”

Then, Kim Tae Woo listened to “Can’t Stop” and said, “Such a nice sound. It must have been hard writing such a song—couldn’t have just composed it. This song must have made him happy, when he was composing it. He must be proud! Ask him. This sounds like a pop song… What I like about CNBLUE is that they keep the K-pop sound in their own way. They come up with a friendly melody, and arrange it in a whole new way. Jung Yong-Hwa, out of all, is a great singer—he has Beatles-like, Maroon5-like feelings. This song will be a big hit. Write me a song someday!”

source:soompi

Critics and Fans Give Rave Reviews on 2NE1′s Upcoming “Crush” Album

Critics and fans who attended 2NE1′s private listening party, “The Listening” have been raving about the group’s new song.

2NE1 held this private listening party at midnight on February 26 with just a day remaining for their comeback. 21 fans and critics attended this party, where they became the first people to hear 2NE1′s new music.

One of 2NE1′s double title tracks, “Come Back Home” received great reviews on its unique genre and melody. Critic Kang Myung Seok of the web zine “Ize” commented, “Instead of having just one genre, it is a mix of reggae, dupstep and hip-hop. ‘Come Back Home’s hip-hop aspect had the greatest impact on the song.”

“Spectrum”s Hong Seok Woo commented, “You can feel the rising effects through the beat and rhythm. It has an easy melody that you can sing along to. Teddy, PK and DP‘s great teamwork showed in the track. It’ll be a song that will change 2NE1′s past identity.”

The other title track “Gotta Be You” was highly praised for its popular mass appeal. Media Bling’s CEO Lee Se Hoon commented, “It is very 2NE1-like and has mass appeal.”

A 2NE1 fan club member Han Hyun Jin commented, “It is a dance pop track where the beat and melody come straight into your ears. I think the general public and the fans will like this song for a long time.”

For the three tracks that CL wrote and composed for her first time, including “Crush,” “Hope To Live” and “Baby I Miss You,” people said things like “It is a track that highlights 2NE1′s identity,” “It’s a unique track that has a good emotional touch,” “It is an urban-style track with interesting vocal tones,” respectively.

Overall, the 21 listeners emphasized that this album protects 2NE1′s identity but at the same time, attempts at new musical direction.

2NE1′s “Crush” will be released on February 26. The group will also be kicking off their “All or Nothing” world tour on March 1.

source:soompi

How Jun Ji Hyun Got Kim Soo Hyun to Join “Man from the Stars” + Other Casting Secrets

The wildly popular series “Man from the Stars” has recently revealed some intriguing behind-the-scenes and casting secrets such as how Jun Ji Hyun convinced Kim Soo Hyunto join the cast, Park Hae Jin‘s last minute role change and more.

It’s safe to say that “Man from the Stars” is quite possibly the most popular TV program at the moment. Jun Ji Hyun and Kim Soo Hyun’s amazing chemistry and acting have led viewers to laugh and cry for each episode. In just four episodes, the drama surpassed the 20% viewership mark.

Here are some of the casting secrets that have been revealed for the first time.

1. The PD and Main Writer Only Had Eyes for Jun Ji Hyun, What Made Jun Ji Hyun Say OK?

It was revealed that Jang Tae Yoo PD and writer Park Ji Eun have not thought of anyone else to play the role of Chun Song Yi but only had eyes for Jun Ji Hyun.

After only acting in movies for a long time, Jun Ji Hyun was starting to get interested in appearing in a drama again. She noticed that Director Jang and Writer Park have had stellar resumes with hit projects such as “Deeply Rooted Tree” and “You Who Rolled In Unexpectedly.” It is said that Jun Ji Hyun took one look at only the first episode synopsis and chose the drama. Jun Ji Hyun said when she first met Writer Park, she took note of her unique way of talking and actions. When she saw those things reflected in the script, she fell for Writer Park’s special senses right away.

2. How Did Jun Ji Hyun Convince Kim Soo Hyun?

Furthermore, there has been recent rumors among fans that Kim Soo Hyun recommended Jun Ji Hyun for the Chun Song Yi role. However, it is the opposite. After becoming close through the film “The Thieves,” both actors found out that they received offers for the same drama. It was then when Jun Ji Hyun personally called Kim Soo Hyun, asked him if he got the offer, and said, ‘Let’s do this together.”

3. The First Person to Get Cast Was Hong Jin Kyung

It is said that Writer Park first thought of the story for “Man from the Stars” while listening toHong Jin Kyung‘s radio show last year. She felt a certain sense of familiarity and closeness while listening to Hong Jin Kyung’s voice so she created the character of Chun Song Yi’s best friend and comic book store owner.

After receiving the offer, Hong Jin Kyung wondered if she could do a good job. After thinking about her role, she recommended her friends and comedians, Jo Se Ho and Nam Chang Hee, since they gave off the image of comic book fans. It was said that Writer Park delightfully accepted her recommendations.

4. Park Hae Jin’s Role Was Originally Shin Sung Rok’s Role

Park Hae Jin was not cast for the role of the hopelessly-in-love-with-Chun Song Yi, Lee Hwi Kyung character. Actually, he was cast for Shin Sung Rok‘s sociopath Lee Jae Kyung role. It is said that they even finished filming the first episode with Park Hae Jin as Lee Jae Kyung. However, the rookie actor who was cast for Lee Hwi Kyung’s role suddenly stepped down from the drama. Therefore, Park Hae Jin took over that role and Shin Sung Rok was quickly added to the cast for Lee Jae Kyung. Shin Sung Rok is currently enjoying immense popularity for his bone-chilling portrayl of Lee Jae Kyung.

Meanwhile, “Man from the Stars” is running into its final stretch with the last episode to be aired on February 27.

source:soompi

Kim Su Ro’s Warm Advice Causes K.Will to Tear Up on “Real Men”

Actor and fellow soldier Kim Su Ro‘s heart-warming words caused singer K.Will to shed tears in the latest episode of “Real Men.”

On the February 23 episode of the program, Henry and K.Will finished their basic training and were transferred to the Special Forces Phoenix Battalion. 

As the seniors welcomed the new members, Sam Hammington said, “I am a foreigner so there are similarities between me and Henry. I know how hard it is, so I will do my best to actively help him.”

Hyungsik of ZE:A greeted the fresh faces, “It is nice to meet you. I am Private Park Hyungsik. I understand your feelings well. However, I received guerilla training from the beginning. I might be your junior in daily life, but not in the army. I hope you will show a hard-working side of you here in the military.”

Finally, Kim Su Ro touched everyone with his kind words, “It must be very difficult for Henry. He probably doesn’t understand everything either. I am worried because his body moves to the rhythm all the time. He will probably receive many warnings here, but I hope he will get over it with a positive mind. I hope he will happily reform by immersing himself in the military.”

“It will be very tough for K.Will as well. I know everything. If you actively face the troubles whenever it’s tough, you will experience feelings that you haven’t felt until now. I hope you will keep that in mind,” the experienced soldier shared.

Hearing the advice, K.Will could not hold back his emotions, and tears begun to roll down his face. He was not the only one, as also Henry showed tears on this episode as the two left their training camp.

source:soompi

Infinite’s L Talks About His Past Relationship Scandal at Interview for “Cunning Single Lady”

Infinite’s L recently spoke about the relationship scandal he was involved in last year.

On February 24, L attended the press conference for MBC’s new miniseries “Cunning Single Lady,” and at the round interviews held following the press conference, he talked about the old relationship scandal.

Last September, L was involved in a relationship scandal after being captured on camera shopping for groceries with Kim Do Yeon, the ‘chocolate girl’ who became famous through tvN’s “Martian Virus.” At the time, L’s agency Woollim denied that the two were dating. However, in November of last year, Kim Do Yeon confirmed that the relationship scandal two months prior from September was true, and declared that she would take action against the netizens who were continuously posting malicious comments, throwing the incident back into the spotlight. Her agency revealed that the relationship scandal confirmation was for her protection, after which L’s agency also acknowledged the past relationship, saying that at the time of the scandal in September, the two had been meeting for about 4 months, and that while L had wanted to come out about the relationship, his agency didn’t allow him to do so for protection reasons.

When L was asked about the scandal at the interview, he said, “Through the new drama, I will be creating a much more happy and cheerful image. Because it [the relationship scandal] is a thing of the past, I believe that I just need to work on and show a better and more improved me. If you watch this new drama, you will definitely be able to see that I’m different from before,” adding that he would do his best.

In the drama, L plays the secretary of Cha Jung Woo (played by Joo Sang Wook). L said, “I will be acting as the 23-year-old Kim Myung Soo, not Infinite’s L,” expressing a desire to be seen as a genuine actor, not an idol in the drama.

“Cunning Single Lady,” starring Lee Min Jung and Joo Sang Wook, is a romantic comedy about a woman who, seeing that her ex-husband is now a successful businessman, tries to win him over once again. It will air its first two episodes back-to-back after the end of “Miss Korea” on February 27.

source:soompi

Chu Sarang Breaks Jang Joon Seo’s Heart on “Superman Returns”?

Even despite his constant effort to gain Chu Sarang‘s attention, actor Jang Hyun Sung‘s son Joon Seo has sadly been rejected by the young girl.

On the latest episode of KBS2TV’s “Superman Returns,” Jang Hyun Sung and his two sons Joon Woo and Joon Seo travelled to Tokyo to visit Chu Sung Hoon and his daughter Chu Sarang.

As has been seen in the previous episodes, Sarang’s heart has been stolen by the tall and handsome Joon Woo. Despite this, Joon Seo has been trying his best to get closer with the young girl, making the whole situation a complicated love triangle.

To gain her attention, Joon Seo wore a costume of Sarang’s favorite character Peter Pan, but was sadly met with a cold response. He even read a book for her, but again, she was not impressed.

Joon Seo confessed, “I thought my heart is going to explode,” when he saw Sarang running after Joon Woo and shouting his name in an adorable way.

source:soompi

Actress Kang Hye Jung Says Her Husband Tablo Is a Good Father

Actress Kang Hye Jung praised her husband Tablo calling him a “really good father.”

On the February 23 episode of KBS 2TV’s “Happy Sunday – Superman Returns,” Kang Hye Jung said about husband Tablo, “I think my husband is a really good father.”

She explained, “Truthfully speaking, if I had to watch Haru by myself for three days, the bags under my eyes would come down to my feet. I’m so thankful and proud that he is so good to Haru.”

The production staff of the show suggested, “Let’s have a 48 hours with Mommy special,” to which Kang Hye Jung immediately refused. 

Meanwhile Tablo and Haru enjoyed spending time with Kang Semi’s family who was a member of girl group T.T.Ma. that was active from 1999 to 2002. 

source:soompi

WGM GLOBAL EDITION – KEY AND YAGI ARISA

Hello readers.

Here I come again with new topic to be discussed. At first I planned to continue the discussion about speculation around Woollim-SM merger issue or my “dream” from this merges. But I think, I can save it later. So for this moment let’s talk about We Got Married (WGM) Global Edition. And for this entry I will focus on KEY-YAGI ARISA couple. 

Yagi Arisa definitely beautiful. No doubt about it since she’s one of top model in Japan. I’m not going to talk about this girl since I know nothing about her accept she mixed of French-Japan. What I really want to talk right now is the participation of Key in this program. Yes I know that Key had told that she want to participate in WGM and now…Walla! He’s one of the couple. I’m glad to hear that he’s one of new couple (of course I like it since I’m big fans of KEY). But what I’m “not glad” to hear is he in WGM GLOBAL EDITION. Please no offense, I don’t have any problem with WGM Global Edition, It’s just that I think Key is more suitable for Korean/local edition. 

YAGI ARISA

I really like Key character, his Diva-ness and wittiness is an antics. I just think being in WGM Global edition just LIMITing his wittiness. There some opinion that WGM Global Edition was extremely successful which explain why they have season 2 and the WGM is flop. To think about it of course we want to be in success program rather than flop program. BUT I think Key can give back momentum to WGM if he participates in local edition. Pairing Key and Apink’s Eunji definitely can increase the rating. Why I say like this? Well, basically they already ‘unofficial’ couple in WGM. They already have fanbase which mean they can attract people to watch the show. Beside Key-Eunji definitely can be an AWESOME couple. Both of them are good in variety show, they can pull the rating. I didn’t know why the PD didn't use this opportunity. In my opinion WGM Global Edition should find someone that can speak English, or at least they can speak comfortably in one language (either Korean or English or any other language). Language barrier make the couple awkward and us as the one who watch it make it more awkward.  

KEY-EUNJI

Here I’m not saying that Key cannot speak English, he can. But! He will be more “shining” if he in WGM Korean version. I think it such a waste to put someone like Key in global edition. His wittiness and diva-ness can’t be shown fully. 

Ok that the end of my entry. I’m sorry if u doesn't like it because it just my personal opinion. (^^)

Shindong confirmed as male MC for new program 'Idol Dance Off'

Super Junior's Shindong will be the MC for MBC Music's 'Idol Dance Off' (working title)!

A rep from MBC Music told MBN Star on February 20, "Shindong has been chosen as the MC for 'Idol Dance Off,' which will be organized in April.  He won't be the only MC, there will be one female MC with whom he'll be working.  We have not yet chosen the female MC."

'Idol Dance Off' will be a distinctive and fierce dance competition with various idol group members taking part in sports dance, hip hop dance, and other genres.

The rep said, "The best dancers among idols will gather, be given missions from the production crew, form teams, and then compete against one another to see how well the others do.  Afterwards, the teams that pass will advance into the survival portion. The official filming will begin in March and we plan on having the opening filming some time next week."

The most confident dancer in idol groups such as Dal Shabet, AoA, GLAM, TASTY, Big Star, Boys Republic, MYNAME, Tiny-G, RaNia, Kiss&Cry, and Kim So Jung will take part. 14 guys and 14 girls will compete in the preliminaries, but only 5 guys and 5 girls will move onto the final.  The male winner and female winner will then take part in a beverage CF as the prize!  But that is not all, all of their group members can appear in the CF, which is a great chance for them to get their names out there.

Kim Hee Ae and Yoo Ah In’s Steamy “Secret Love Affair” Poster Revealed

A steamy teaser poster of the upcoming JTBC drama “Secret Love Affair,” starring Kim Hee Ae and Yoo Ah In, has been revealed!

On February 20, the “Secret Love Affair” poster was released, showing a very dramatic and passionate moment between the two leads.

This still is said to perfectly resonate the key atmosphere of the drama, which about a passionate love. The beautiful colors and design as well as Kim Hee Ae and Yoo Ah In’s tight embrace are certainly eye-catching. Both of the leads’ facial expressions show passion, desire, love and it almost looks like they are about to kiss. This chemistry makes it easy for viewers to forget the two actors’ 20 year age difference.

The caption on the poster reads, “My heart races. A bad feeling,” which sets the tone for this intense melodrama.

“Secret Love Affair” will be directed by Ahn Pan Seok PD and writer Jung Sung Joo, who have worked together for the 2012 hit, “A Wife’s Credentials.”

The drama will be about an art program director Oh Hae Won (Kim Hee Ae) falling in love with a genius pianist Lee Sun Jae (Yoo Ah In). Oh Hae Won has led a proper and trendy lifestyle but suddenly, a young man in his twenties enters her life. At this sudden love, Hae Won, who is in her forties, feels that her life is coming apart.

“Secret Love Affair” will air on March 17 after “Can We Love?” comes to an end.

source:soompi

Why did Secret and MBLAQ Choose a Small Record Agency for their Japanese Activities?

Recently, Secret and MBLAQ have re-started their Japanese promotional activities, and the agencies they’ve chosen to work with have been unexpected selections.

Secret released their Japanese single, “I Do I Do” on February 5, making a return to the Japanese music industry after two years. The girls returned through a new Japanese agency, Kiss Entertainment, for their Japanese music activities. However, Kiss Entertainment is a significantly smaller agency compared to the group’s previous Japanese management group. Back in August of 2011, Secret debuted in Japan through Sony Music Japan, but has since left, and joined Kiss Entertainment.

MBLAQ also made their comeback in Japan after three years, planning to release their fourth single on February 26. Similar to Secret, MBLAQ left Sony Music Japan and have partnered with Ivy Records for their Japanese activities. Back in 2011, MBLAQ had reached number 1 on the Oricon Charts through their debut single, proving the group’s popularity in Japan.

Then why have these two groups left their large Japanese music agency, and opted for smaller companies? Secret’s Korean agency, TS Entertainment, commented, “Secret wanted a smaller company that would focus only on them rather than a large management company that was busy with other artists.” Likewise, MBLAQ’s agency, J.Tune Camp also expressed, “For MBLAQ’s growth we wanted to work side by side with their Japanese agency, and we plan to slowly reach the top.”

The two groups’ decisions to go to smaller agencies, despite Secret’s and MBLAQ’s fame, show their desires to bring forth the best from their Japanese music activities. We hope that both Secret and MBLAQ may rise to the top through their Japanese music!

source:soompi

EXO’s Lay is inspired by Beethoven’s Music

EXO’s Lay is known for his tight dance moves, as the EXO member is part of the group’s dance line. However, the singer also has a passion for music, both listening and creating tunes.

On the March issue of The Celebrity, the EXO member shows his daily lifestyle which is surrounded by music. Lay’s interest in creating music led the March issue of the magazine to focus on the singer’s music production. The photoshoot comprised of Lay working with composers Maxx Song and Ahn Sung Chan.

Furthermore, the photos showed the EXO member purchasing a guitar from a mall and going to a music café to enjoy the different albums available. Notably, the photoshoot followed Lay working with the composers to produce a song.

In regards to music, Lay expressed, “I think Beethoven is an amazing person. He gives me a lot of inspiration for my music. I want to make music like Beethoven, in which the music can move the hearts of everyone who listens to it, providing a tune that is agreeable to the listener.”

When it comes to the EXO member’s music producing creativity, composer Maxx Song commented, “Lay has a lot of interesting and good ideas. Also, since he is the type to be full of emotions, Lay is good at making melodies that touch the heart.”

Hopefully in the future we can hear some of the songs Lay has composed. Check out Lay’s photoshoot in the March issue of The Celebrity.

source:soompi

Park Yoochun to Continue Filming “Three Days” Despite Shoulder Injury

It is being reported that despite a shoulder injury, Park Yoochun will continue to film for his upcoming drama “Three Days.”

A representative of C-JES Entertainment told reporters, “Since last week Yoochun had been complaining about pain in his arm. We took an MRI and discovered that he had hurt his shoulder ligaments. The hospital told us that it would take about three months of recovery to heal.” 

Despite this, it seems that the dedicated actor will continue his filming. His agency rep continued, “We will adjust the schedule appropriately, and afterwards do what is necessary for his shoulder. The management is making plans to prevent any future complications.”

The drama “Three Days” had been delayed quite a bit before, even to the point where there were rumors of Yoochun dropping out of the drama. However, the drama went back to a schedule and just released a trailer and character posters. Hopefully, Yoochun and the drama staff members will be careful to avoid any further injury for him. 

source:soompi

Heechul apologizes for having been defensive about the Sulli and Choiza rumor on 'Ssul Jeon'

JTBC's 'Ssul Jeon' had a special episode on February 20 to celebrate the show's one year anniversary. They reminisced on some of the top stories in the past and unsurprisingly, one thing that came up was the dating scandal involving Sulli and Choiza.  

Heechul said, "I joined 'Ssul Jeon' on its 31st episode and the very next episode was that situation."  Kim Gu Ra said, "Sulli gave you a present."

Heechul continued, "I will apologize to the 'Ssul Jeon' viewers about my behavior. Going against the purpose of the program, I came out too defensively."  

It was pointed out on the show that a lot of people were not only curious about the dating scandal but also curious about how Heechul would handle it.  The fact that he was very taken aback undoubtedly remained on people's minds.

He said, "Truthfully, at that time, I thought about what Kim Gu Ra said when I was first mulling over joining 'Ssul Jeon.'  He said, 'This will be hard for you because you have a lot to lose, so no matter what you say here, you are definitely going to lose something.'  I thought, 'Hey, it's okay,' and then the second time I came out, I felt it for sure, 'Oh, that's what he was talking about.'"

source:allkpop

Infinite’s Hoya Returns to Taekwondo in “Our Neighborhood Sports”

Infinite’s Hoya is joining the “Our Neighborhood Sports” team!

Hoya will be making his first appearance on the KBS variety show in the taekwondo episode, and will be putting his athletic ability on grand display. The taekwondo episode, especially, will be something to see. To give an idea of Hoya’s athletic ability, he had made it up to the 3rd dan rank in taekwondo in middle school. While he gave up taekwondo after an injury during competition, Hoya will have a second chance in the new episode of “Our Neighborhood Sports.”

Hoya’s athleticism is nothing new. He had previously shown his crazy speed during the “Idol Star Athletic Championships,” winning gold. It’ll be interesting to also see how the Infinite member fares at tae kwon do!

Whether or not Hoya will become a regular member of “Our Neighborhood Sports,” taking over the empty spot of TVXQ!’s Changmin, remains to be seen.

Also appearing in the tae kwon do episode are 2PM’s Chansung and BigStar’s FeelDog.

source:soompi

Girls' Generation's Hyoyeon wins gold medal in skiing competition

In the spirit of the Olympics, Girls' Generation's Hyoyeon also won a gold medal in a skiing competition!

Hyoyeon shared through her Instagram on the 20th, "I win GOLD medal at Ski racing! :) and showed off her gold medal and certificate in cheerful proof shots.

Hyoyeon participated in the 13th Korean Council of Sport for All National Skiing Competition which was held at Welli Hilli Park in Hoeongseonggun, Gangwondo on the 17th. She competed in the skiing race for young women and ended up placing first with a gold medal.

Way to go girl!

source:allkpop

SHINee’s Key and Infinite’s Woohyun Release Prologue for “Toheart”

SHINee‘s Key and Infinite‘s Woohyun,  one of K-Pop’s favorite best friend duos, released a teaser video for their upcoming track “Toheart” through SM Entertainment‘s official YouTube channel.

After Woolim merging into SM Entertainment last year, it was announced that good friend Key and Woohyun would be working on a project duet together. Now, the title track “Toheart” has been revealed, along with a fun video teaser. In the video teaser, Key and Woohyun play with fireworks in a brightly light old fashioned diner. Although not much else is revealed, knowing these two, it’s going to be a catchy and fun song.

Check out the prologue video!

source:soompi and youtube

THE MERGE - WOOLLIM AND SME

Recently I read a lot about ‘ugly truth’ of KPOP, not just about IDOL but also their industries. I do really love KPOP, if not I will not read about it. I just want to know “behind” this glamorous world. There a lot of things in my mind right now, but the thing that caught my intention right now is WOOLLIM merger with SM Entertainment. I know it’s already late to talk about this since this thing happened on August last years. With the announcement of SM Entertainment subsidiary SM C&C was to merge with the group's agency, Woollim Entertainment, to form a new label under the SM family tree, many fans had expressed their outrage that INFINITE would change because of the larger company's influence.

There a lot of speculations arise after the merges. The EXO’s fandom said INFINITE will outshine their idol. Meanwhile the INFINITE’s fandom said that SM doing this to make sure INFINITE not ‘blocking’ EXO’s growth of popularity. (I’m one of the INSPIRIT so, that mean I will be bias towards INFINITE.) There a few of theories that INFINITE’s fandom came out after the merges such as L’s speech after the announcement of merges, L’s scandal, Woohyun and Key subunit and airtime in variety show.  But for this thing I will not discuss in this entry.

Before that, let’s see the benefits that they claimed in this merger:

• This merges will featured the usual corporate buzz words of ‘added synergy with SM subsidiaries’.

• It will be ‘stepping stone’ to the growth of SM Entertainment which their goal to be the global music company that originality from Asia to compete with global company such as Warner Music, Universal, and Sony Music.

SM Entertainment also stated that they will merely be handling the business side of things, namely music distribution and initial investments, but that the Woollim Label, a subsidiary, will manage the music production process. Even SM Entertainment already state that they will not intervene in music production process, the speculation still arise on how about ‘woollim spirit’ would survive in this merges? Since that SM rarely allows their artists to offer input in the creative process. This will arise fandom worries about how INFINITE will lost their ‘special’ quality. As we know, the music the Woollim produces is completely different from those trashy title tracks that SM produces. Also, Woollim makes pretty high-quality videos in comparison to SM’s repetitive, cheap, lit rooms. Woollim takes the effort to fly their artists out to film their videos. I’m not sure if Woollim is going to allow SM to touch their music style (I hope not). Even SM already stated that they will leave the music production to Woollim, but whose know right?

After all, Woollim Entertainment was known with indie acts that got bigger with time such as NELL and EPIK HIGH before going into Idol group industry with INFINITE. And even then, INFINITE at that time was also known as the rookies that seemed to punch above their weight, with sophistication to their songs and performances that made them seemed less like rookies. 

There even speculation that SM Entertainment might have chosen a merger in this case is to learn a bit on how Woollim produces their products to get more from their money had been invested. From this speculation, the most worrying is would be SM Entertainment could just easily “kill” Woollim after they get what they want.

There also some speculation about anti-competition. The argument about the currents states of KPOP industries being UNSUSTAINABLE. There are many small companies that all fighting the same share of pie. Aside, as we know competition is a good thing and can leads to producing a higher standard of idol/pop group than their expected such as INFINITE and CRAYON POP. 

There a lot of speculation that arise from this merges but let see from the positive sight, being attached to SM Entertainment means that the former Woollim Entertainment artists, and the others to be signed to Woollim Label in the future, will have more opportunities to work with top producers, songwriters, and choreographers, giving both their music and their bank accounts a boost. Don’t you think it’s good? There a lot of that we can ‘imagine’ from this merge such as INFINITE doing performance in SMTown concert, new subunit, the ‘epic’ dance battle, new variety and of course new vocal line that will blow all the world. This kind of ‘imagination’/dream will be in the next entry.