Oricon Top 10 Album Daily Charts - B’z takes the #1 spot (9.17.08)
Wednesday September 17, 2008 JapanSubmitted by ttenovy
NOTE: B’z returns in the #1 spot, while last week’s #1, Hamasaki Ayumi, drops to #2. Ne-Yo and Nelly make an entrance into the top 10. ZAZEN BOYS strong at #4 and LGYankees at #5.
1. B’z - The Best “ULTRA Treasure”
2. Hamasaki Ayumi - A COMPLETE ~ALL SINGLES~
3. Ne-Yo - Year of the Gentleman
4. ZAZEN BOYS - Zazen Boys 4
5. LGYankees - NO DOUBT!!! - NO LIMIT-
6. Amuro Namie - BEST FICTION
7. Metallica - Death Magnetic (Strong Edition)
8. ZEEBRA - The Anthology (Deluxe Edition)
9. Nelly - Brass Knuckles
10. Suga Shikao - FUNKAHOLiC
Oricon Top 10 CD Singles Daily Charts - V6 takes the #1 spot (9.17.08)
Wednesday September 17, 2008 JapanSubmitted by ttenovy
NOTE: V6 takes the #1 spot while GLAY drops to the #9 position. Nightmare and Angela Aki make the #2 and #3 punch into the top 3 and Mr. Children continues to hang in the top 4. Okuda Tamio makes an appearance at #5 and “Ponyo on the Cliff” re-emerges into the top 10.
1. V6 - LIGHT IN YOUR HEART/Swing!
2. Nightmare - Lost in Blue
3. Angela Aki - Tegami - Haikei Jugo no Kimi e
4. Mr. Children - Hanabi
5. Okuda Tamio - Sun no Son
6. Shibata Jun - Koi wo suru hito - Orochi’s theme
7. Saito Kazuyoshi - Ya Mujo
8. Lil’B - Kimi ni Utatta Love Song
9. GLAY - Aka to kuro no MATADORA/I LOVE YOU wo Saganutseru
10. Ponyo on the Cliff - Fujimaki Fujioka & Ohashi Nozomi
nt2099
Musical 'Kleopatra' Coming to Town, Wednesday September 17, 2008 KoreaBy Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter
The Czech musical, ``Kleopatra'' starring singer-turned-actress Park Ji-yoon and veteran actress Kim Sun-kyung, is coming to town and will shed light on the legendary life of Cleopatra, the last pharaoh of Egypt, one of the most fascinating figures in history.
Michal David's Korean adaptation of ``Kleopatra'' is a first in the country and the operetta has a running time of one-hour-and-40-minutes. It consists of many musical numbers, including 18 pieces for the role of the queen, raking up 70 to 80 percent of the show.
Also, an ensemble featuring 20 actors will impress the audience.
Kleopatra will change costumes 13 times during the performance and will wear a gorgeous crown worth three billion won.
The show features flamboyant costumes and gigantic stage sets, which portray the size of an ancient Egyptian royal palace.
To reproduce scenes of war in the ancient kingdom, four beam projectors and other special effects will be used.
Park and Kim will alternate the role of Kleopatra, while prominent actor Kim Beop-rae will play the role of Julius Caesar.
Park is known as a successful singer with many hit songs such as ``Sky-blue Colored Dream,'' ``Baby, Baby, Baby'' and ``Adult Ceremony.''
She debuted as a young actress in 1994 and released her first album in 1997 and then continued her singing career until 2003. But she later turned her eyes back to acting and has starred in a few dramas.
Her comeback in the musical will be made after a two-year hiatus following her last TV drama ``Bicheonmu,'' which was shot in 2005.
The musical was first put on stage in 2002 and 2003 in the Czech Republic, attracting a total audience of 550,000. It was also performed in Slovakia in 2004, drawing 100,000 people to 150 performances.
The original version will also be staged in the Czech Republic from September through December.
``Kleopatra'' has followed in the footsteps of other Czech productions such as ``Dracula'' and ``Hamlet,'' both of which were adapted into Korean versions.
Czech musicals are gaining popularity as an alternative for the local industry as many Broadway and West End shows have already been introduced here.
The Czech musicals are different from Broadway and West End productions as they are allowed to be adapted for local tastes to some degree.
Except for the whole context of the work, small changes in details such as scripts, music and stage sets are changeable at the mercy of the domestic demands.
The musical will be staged from Oct. 15 to Nov. 30 at the Universal Arts Center, Seoul.
Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 549-4166/7.
chungay@koreatimes.co.kr
koreatimes
New Drama Series“Water Drops of God” To Star Bae Yong-jun Late 2009, Wednesday September 17, 2008 KoreaHallyu Star, Bae Yong-jun, will be returning to television screens in a new drama series about wine. The show, entitled, <Water Drops of God>, will hit screen late 2009.
The series is based on the original Japanese animation series of the same name and soon became a bestseller, stirring up a newfound interest in wine throughout Japan. The Japanese version begins with an internationally renowned wine critic named ‘Kanjiki Yutaka’ who offers his life’s fortune, including his entire wine collection, to anyone able to find the 12 bottles of wine called the ’12 Apostles’ along with a bottle of wine named the <Water Drops of God>. This, in turn, triggers a competition between his son, ‘Kanzaki Sizuku’, and adopted son, ‘Tomini Itze’. Interestingly enough, the original authors of this Japanese cartoon, the ‘Agi Tadashi’ brother and sister, modeled the ‘Tomini Itze’ character after Bae Yong-jun.
As Bae Yong-jun rested up and received treatments for his injuries during his last drama in 2007, <Taewangsasingi>, he began studying about wine in order to prepare for the filming of the drama that is slated to begin in early 2009. Furthermore, Bae Yong-jun will be returning to supply the voice of the male lead in the animated version of the popular drama <Winter Sonata>, along with Choi Ji-wu.
Official Site of Korea Org
SM Entertainment launches ‘EverySing’, Thursday September 18, 2008 KoreaSMEntertainment has added another business to their enterprise - karaoke.
So Nyeo Shi Dae, Dong Bang Shin Ki and SHINee are amongst the ones who attended the launch of SMEntertainment’s karaoke business ‘EverySing’ on 18th September in Seoul ApGooJungDong.
‘EverySing’ representing ‘Everyone sings’ opened its first shop in ApGooJungDong. And there are plans to open more more ‘EverySing’ branches in Korea as well as opening it in other countries.
The first branch at ApGooJungDong is an e’block where from the basement level 1 to level 4 contains not only includes the karaoke business but also a venue for holding auditions, mini showcases and for the new trainees to train, and a cafe where parties can be hosted.
source: kbites
Seo In Young-Crown J ‘Bad Guy-Bad Girl’ Transformation, Thursday September 18, 2008 Korea‘We Got Married’ couple Crown J and Seo In Young sudden ‘Bad Guy-Bad Girl’ transformation. Both were recently involved in a photo shoot for the casual brand, Armani Exchange.
This new “Bad Guy-Bad Girl” look of Seo In Young and Crown J’s was not revealed at the time of their broadcast.
With a variety of features the two were able to produce a charming look with Crown J’s aggressive features giving the impression of a fierce man and Seo In Young’s rough image.
The photographer in charge stated, “The two were able to express the concept so well with their pose and awareness,” praising them both. “The photo shoot proceeded very harmoniously.”
Seo In Young and Crown J’s new Armani images will be featured in October’s Cosmopolitan magazine.
source: seoulfull
credit: newsen
Voluptuous Femme Fatale; Is that really Jung Ryeo Won?, Thursday September 18, 2008 KoreaIn October’s edition of Marie Claire magazine, Jung Ryeo Won revealed to the public a different style rather than usual one she usually portrays.
Photographed in Tokyo, Japan, the concept of this photo shoot is portrayed with a variety of poses, hairstyles and sexy smoky gazes.
“Jung Ryeo Won’s appeal and charm has given her the reputation as the entertainment world’s best fashion leader” stated the photo shoot’s artistic director.
source: seoulfull
credit: my daily
Chae Yeon does BEQUEM, Thursday September 18, 2008 KoreaInstead of entering the upcoming Fall/Winter K-pop wars, this Chae Yeon is milking whatever is left of her popularity to sell her new “total fashion brand” called BEQUEM.
In order to secure enough sales, Chae Yeon partnered up with another brand IMPLIED by MAC to bring you “IMPLIED by MAC with BEQUEM.”
source: seoulbeats
Hyun Joong: Not in his best conditions for filming WGM on the 18th, Thursday September 18, 2008 KoreaHyun Joong was scheduled to shoot WGM on the 18th.
He was sent to the hospital on the 16th because of a sleeping pill overdose, but was released shortly after the test results showed that there were no problems, and was to resume his schedules without any disruption.
He was supposed to have shot WGM on the 16th, but shooting was postponed to the 18th because of the incident. However, Hyun Joong's management contacted WGM on the 17th asking to postpone the shooting to the 20th as he was still not in the best of conditions to film WGM.
The producers of WGM have accepted the request stating that it was important for Hyun Joong to rest and be in his best condition in order to ensure that the filming of WGM is fun. They also said that they have decided to give him more time as the schedule was one for outdoor filming.
source: allseouldout
credit: newsen
Behind the scenes with SE7EN, Thursday September 18, 2008 KoreaSE7EN is still in America working on his new English album, which everyone has been waiting for so long. SE7EN is planning to debut later on this year, so his fans should be counting down.
SE7EN has updated his Myspace so check it out!
SE7EN decided to make a video of his photoshoot, he took some while ago to make his fans happy. It’s really interesting. SE7EN looks really cool in the photographs.
Photoshoot BTS:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rxj7DEg56Dw&eurl=http://kojaproductions.wordpresssource: kojaproductions
credit: OfficialSe7en@YT
Yoo Chae Young's getting married too, Thursday September 18, 2008 KoreaThe actress who starred in both Sex is Zero and Sex is Zero 2 is getting married. Yoo Chae Young and her partner will be tying the knot on the 28th September at the Walker Hill hotel.
Her wedding photoshoot was done by Lael Wedding which also covered the wedding of comedian Park Kyung-lim. Enjoy the rest of the lovely wedding photos. Wishing them a blissful marriage.
source: hanfever
*complete wedding photoshoot from the source*
So Hee & Kim Hye Sung Chosen as SIFFF 2008 Ambassadors, Thursday September 18, 2008 KoreaWonder Girls member Ahn So Hee (16) and Kim Hye Sung (20) have been picked as joint ambassadors for the 2nd Seoul International Family Film Festival.
As the youngest member of the Wonder Girls, So Hee has won the love of many regardless of sex or age. Her natural acting ability as a high-schooler in “Some Like It Hot” has also shown us that she can equally cut it as an actress.
Kim Hye Sung also made his debut at the age of 16 in “Jenny, Juno” and is currently acting in KBS2TV “Kingdom of the Winds” as Prince Yeo Jin. He gained prominence as Lee Minho in MBC daily sitcom “Unstoppable High Kick”.
According to the SIFFF 2008 organizers, “The Seoul International Family Film Festival is an event where we hope to catch the attention of the nation. And to make it more attractive, we decided on a young actor and actress as ambassadors. We believe that they fit in with our festival image and we anticipate seeing them in future promotional events as SIFFF ambassadors.
Hye Sung and So Hee will attend the SIFFF press conference at the Koreana Hotel where they will be officially appointed as the ambassadors. A promotional clip (probably just introducing the movie, not acting in it) for the movie “My Dear Enemy” directed by Lee Yoon Ki starring So Hee will also be shown.
source: wonderland
Hanazakari No Kimitachi e SP Preview Screening, Friday September 19, 2008 JapanActors Mizushima Hiro (24), Ishigaki Yuma (26), Tajima Ryo (21) and others attended a preview of Fuji TV's drama Hanazakari no Kimitachi e ～Ikemen♂Paradise～ Graduation Ceremony & 7 and 1/2 Episode Special (airing on the 12th of October at 9) at Hanzoumon's TOKYOFM Hall in Tokyo on the 18th of September.
It's a Special of a popular drama series. The 8 ikemens entered in their uniforms, accompanied by shrieks from the 230 girls chosen from about 10 lotteries. Mizushima Hiro, who has his first starring role in Fuji TV's drama Room of King (starting 4th of October, on Saturdays at 2310) said, "We've returned more powerful than before, in this drama which for all of us, was a big stepping stone." "My mother actually came today," Ishigaki said, as he waved to her in the hall. "I have bad memories of this hall. 2 years ago, at the M1 preliminary competition, no one even laughed once," Tajima said as laughter was heard around, much to his relief this time.
Other news articles stated that Maki, Shun and Toma could not attend due to work.
source: hochi.yomiuri
translations: unleashthegeek
Choi Woo Hyuk comes back with "Empress Chun Chu", Thursday September 18, 2008 Korea*halos puro pics.. eto ang link:
asianfanatics.net/forum/Choi-Woo-Hyuk-comes-back-with-Empress-Chun-Chu-talk581433.htmlCharice earns rave reviews from NYTimes, NY Post, Thursday September 18, 2008 PhilippinesIs Charice's star ever going to dim? By the looks of it, not anytime soon.
Fresh from the success of her performance in the concert of international pop star Celine Dion at Madison Square Garden, sixteen-year-old Charice continues to gain more fans after two major newspapers, the New York Times and the New York Post, heaped praises on her performance last September 15. (Watch a video clip of that duet here.)
In an article published September 16, reviewer Jon Caramanica of The New York Times described Charice's voice as "impressive" and praised the young diva for giving a rougher, more emotional edge to her performance of Dion's hit song "Because You Loved Me."
"They performed 'Because You Loved Me', though Ms. Dion mostly stayed out of the way as Ms. Pempengco explored the song’s heretofore unheard rougher edges, with ample gesticulations and melisma.
"As Ms. Pempengco brought the crowd to its feet, Ms. Dion struck poses behind her: awestruck wonder, heartfelt empathy, ambient triumph," the New York Times review read.
A separate review written by Dan Aquilante of the New York Post described Charice's performance as the brightest moment of the Celine Dion concert.
"One of the most interesting turns in this show was the MSG debut of 16-year-old vocal prodigy Charice Pempengco, whose manager, Oprah Winfrey - that's right - secured the Philippine singer a duet with Celine for the song 'Because You Loved Me.'
"The Charice segment was the night's brightest moment. The teen was able to blast notes with Celine-like power, but she was also able to get in touch with the song's emotions," the review read.
Online videos of Charice's performance at the Dion concert showed people giving a standing ovation to the young Filipina after the duet.
Before they performed, Dion introduced Charice to the audience as a Filipina whose voice "can literally blow the roof off Madison Square."
"Charice vowed to save her mom from a life of desperation and despair. You know, through prayers and dreams and God-given talent, an incredible voice, Charice entered and won every singing contest in her native country and eventually, was noticed by such influential people such as Oprah and Oprah took her under her wings and David Foster joined in," Dion said.
She said she invited Charice as a guest to her concert after seeing the girl perform on "The Oprah Winfrey Show."
After inviting Charice to the stage, Dion praised the vocal prodigy and asked if she was nervous. When Charice answered yes, Dion said she always remembered to take the advice given by her manager and future husband, Rene Angelil, when she first started singing at the age of 12.
"He told me 'Celine, I know you're nervous. Don't be scared. You love to sing. When you go up there, you'll be nervous. Don't be.' I will give you an image that you can think about. Think that all the people you see in front of you are your brothers and sisters. You are singing in your living room and it's your family," Dion told Charice.
Charice then said that she was ready to sing and dedicated their song to her mother, Raquel.
Ever the gracious performer, Dion let Charice take the lead in the song - allowing the young singer to show off her vocal prowess that brought the house down.
"You did amazing, and the roof of the Madison (blew) up tonight," Dion said after the performance, adding that she could not wait until Charice had her own concert in Madison Square Garden.
"When you do perform in Madison Square, are you going to invite me? I love you and I can not wait to be with you to perform here for a whole concert," she added before Charice left the stage to more applause.
'The Most Talented Girl in the World'
Charice's whirlwind rise to popularity started after YouTube videos of her jaw-dropping performances caught the attention of popular US TV host Ellen Degeneres. Her performance at the "Ellen Degeneres Show" later led to appearances in the Oprah Winfrey show as well as performances with international stars Michael Buble and Josh Groban.
Charice also performed with renowed tenor Andrea Bocelli in his hometown in Italy.
In the episode titled "Dream Comes True", Oprah tracked the rags-to-riches story of Charice starting with how she once witnessed how her father almost killed her mother in a fit of rage before neighbors stopped him.
Charice said it was then that she and her mom decided to live their own lives away from their father. Charice's mom worked 16-hour days, six days a week to make ends meet while Charice signed up for more than 80 contests to help her mother.
"I really want[ed] to help Mom," she told Oprah. "When I'm joining singing contests, and I won some $50, she was, like, 'Okay, we're going to have some food for one month, and we're very happy.'"
She was later able to save enough of her contest winnings to help her mother pay for an apartment. In 2005, she joined the ABS-CBN talent contest "Little Big Star" where she placed 2nd runner-up to contest winner Sam Concepcion.
The series of YouTube videos posted by an avid fan later led to Charice performing at Star King, a famous talent show in South Korea, on October 2007.
But it was Charice's performance in the Oprah Winfrey Show last May that cemented her claim to fame. After hearing Charice sing, Oprah said she couldn't get the little girl with the big voice out of her head and invited her back to the show.
Instead of flying back to the Philippines after her appearance on The Oprah Show, producers pulled Charice off the plane and brought her back to Harpo Studios. Then, Oprah called legendary producer David Foster to see what the starmaker could do for Charice.
Oprah, who once called Charice "The Most Talented Girl in the World", says she is impressed not just with Charice's voice but with her attitude in life.
"One of the things I love most about Charice is that no matter what obstacles she's faced in her life, she's never given up on her dream of something better," Oprah said.
www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/0...nytimes-ny-postDa S doesn't regret breaking Peter's heart, impossible to be in love in two years, Thursday September 18, 2008 TaiwanDa S doesn't regret breaking Peter's heart, impossible to be in love in two years
Source
translations: xiaochien @ devoted2barbie
Da S went to to her good friend Patty Hou's "Entertainment @ Asia" program, and talked clearly for the first time, she said "I dont know is this would hurt him, but him and I are impossible in 2 years!". Seems like Peter Ho has to wait for another 2 years for her.
Da S has been working out recently and also been practicing boxing. She said she wants to learn wrestling because boxing does not satisfy her anymore.
Her movie Connected will be shown in Taiwan on the 26th. In the movie she suffered a lot of tortures. She also did dangerous stunts and insisted not to have a double to do her part, and because of this, Director Chen praised her professionalism.
Jay Chou's new song "Fragrant Rice" premiere broadcast on the 22nd of September on Hit Fm, Friday September 19, 2008 TaiwanTranslated by:
www.jaychoustudio.comSource: Hitoradio
Heavenly king Jay Chou has grown up! His latest song "Fragrant Rice" will have its worldwide premiere broadcast on the 22nd of September on "Only Want to Listen to Music Hit Fm Web", DJs who have heard the song expressed: "It's a very sincere song, it's worth recommending!" Jay Chou expressed that this song made him go back to the roots in terms of writing, he used the most simplest lyrics and music to convey the meaning of encouragement, in order for the song to be even closer to his original meaning, Jay Chou wrote the lyrics and melody for this song, this made his long term work partner smile and say: "He's fishing past the line again!" Having seen his good friends Will Liu and Devon Song both getting married, Jay Chou, who has a successful career, expressed that he didn't have any thoughts on getting married until 35, he's sticking to his original plan, he also smiled and answered: "I'll see how they get along now they've gotten married, then I'll think more about this question."
Even though he's good at writing music, but Jay Chou's ability to write lyrics are not bad at all, Jay Chou uses simple words to create imaginative worlds, in terms of melody he's also been very courageous, he's combined hip hop and folk music, the beginning folk guitar is especially pleasing for the ears. Jay Chou's also played around in arrangement, he added in cricket sounds at the beginning, and the beginning verse he sings: "If you have too many complaints towards this world, you won't dare to continue walking forward when you fall down, why must people be so weak, depraved..." He was questioning with a lot of power, it was like he was trying to force people to be aware, and ask themselves if they've long since replaced gratefulness of complaining, the idea the song is trying to convey is "to be content with what you have", Jay Chou expressed, the origin of the creation song was from when he watch a report on TV about a natural disaster, add to the fact that a lot of friends by his side are in difficult times, he was even more determined to have "Fragrant Rice" as the first plugged song, he expressed modestly: "I'm 30 after all, I want to give back to society while I still have some influence."
In this song, Jay Chou started from his experiences when he was young, he took everyone back to the country with fun lyrics, reliving the laughter from running in the fields and picking fruits, the carefree childhood, memories like these, Jay Chou said when he was young he really envied children living in the country, at that time there was a mango tree in front of his house, when he was practising the piano, he could see the neighbours climbing over the wall to steal some fruit, that was an interesting experience. He was naughty was he was young, he once caught a Mosquito fish in the gully but accidentally fell in, when he got back his mother teased him saying he only fell in because his head was too big and heavy, all these childhood memories and regrets have become Jay Chou's writing inspiration for this song.
Jay Chou, who is busy doing the post production for his album, has recently fallen in love with magic, besides showing off some tricks at Devon's wedding, he expressed his interest in magic is not below that of music, in order to learn more focused magic tricks, Jay Chou will go to San Chong with his two assistants to buy props, usually after work, even if it's early in the morning he'll go online to search about it, he'll practise on his own, when he meets masters of magic, he won't care about his identity as a heavenly king and will ask questions unashamed, when talking about the reason for such passion, Jay Chou smiled and replied: "Music and magic are both classified as a mysterious language!" Before he once did a trick with a red hearts card in front of Jiang Hui, he amazingly took away one heart from the card, he didn't forget to joke with romance and asked Jiang Hui: "You've taken something away from me!" Jinag Hui replied: "What?" Jay Chou smiled and said: "Because you've taken away my heart!" It made Jiang Hui so happy. Jay Chou stressed that not only can you increase your chances of meeting the opposite sex by learning magic but even if it's the same sex you can use it as an excuse to get closer.
"Fragrant Rice" lyrics
Composer: Jay Chou
Lyricist: Jay Chou
If you have too many complaints towards this world
When you fall down you don't dare to continue walking forward
Why must people be so weak, depraved
I ask you to turn on the TV and see
How many people bravely try hard to continue walking for their life
Shouldn't we be content with what we have?
You should cherish everything even if you don't possess it
I still remember you said your home was the only castle, you continue to run with the fragrance of the rice and the flowing river
Smiling, the dreams when you were young, I know
Don't cry, let the fireflies lead you to escape, the eternal dependence of the folk song in the country
Just go home
Go back to the happiness at the very start
Don't be so easy to give up, it's just like I say
For dreams you can't achieve, switch it for another and it'll be fine
Put some colour into your life, firstly paint the colour you like on love
Come on and smile, merit and fame aren't the goals
Let yourself be happy, this is what you call meaning
The paper airplane from my childhood, it's finally flown back to my hand now
That so called happiness, running barefoot in the fields chasing crickets and getting tired
Picking fruits without permission and getting scared from being stung by bees, who's sblack personing?
I lean on the scarecrow while being blown by the wind while singing while sleeping
Oh oh, if the sunshine sprinkles on the road then I won't be afraid of being broken-hearted
You should cherish everything even if you don't possess it
I still remember you said your home was the only castle, you continue to run with the fragrance of the rice and the flowing river
Smiling, dreams when you were young, I know
Don't cry, let the fireflies lead you to escape, the eternal dependence of the folk song in the country
Just go home
Go back to the happiness at the very start
Son Ye-jin and Kim Joo-hyeok marrying?, Friday September 19, 2008 KoreaNo, it's just a movie teaser poster!
'You are invited to Son Ye-jin and Kim Joo-hyeok's wedding'.
They two movie stars have sent out invitations. They are wearing wedding costumes and took a picture as a sweet couple.
And its all for a movie. They have filmed "My Wife is Married".
They are publicizing to the reporters that their press conference will be held soon.
This press conference will be on the 23rd.
The movie is about a wife who is also married to another man.
source: hancinema
Stars Join "Hanareum Hope Festival", Friday September 19, 2008 KoreaActors Jang Geun-suk, Eric and Park Hae-jin, and singers Super Junior, SHINee, Jang Yoon-jung, Crying Nut and others, will be taking part in the "2008 Hope Festival with Academic Credit Bank System" (Hanareum Hope Festival) on September 23rd and 24th at the Olympic Park in Seoul.
The "Academic Credit Bank System" is a system implementing extracurricular activities as academic credit for junior colleges and universities. This festival marks the 10-year anniversary since the system has been in use.
The "2008 Hope Festival with Academic Credit Bank System" is sponsored by the National Institute for Lifelong Education, and participants include institutes who use the academic credit bank system, such as Seoul Art College.
The festival program will include performances by celebrities and students, fashion shows, independent film seminars with renowned movie directors Heo Jin-ho ("Happiness") and Oh Ki-hwan ("The Art of Seduction"), singing contests, and magic shows.
In July, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology had named actors Choi Ran, Jang Geun-suk, Park Hae-jin, Eric, and singer Jang Yoon-jung as spokesmodels for the academic credit bank system.
source: kbs
Hu Ge does not believe his character is "third wheel", Saturday October 11, 2008 ChinaMa Chu Cheng’s new kung fu love film "Butterfly Lovers" will air soon, and main leads Chun, Charlene, Hu Ge, actions director Chen Xiao Dong and director Ma came to Beijing to promote. When they accepted an interview from the media, they talked about their filming process, and Hu Ge stated that this time, filming this movie was a big transformation.
"Butterfly Lovers" has a special meaning to Hu Ge, this is his first movie after his car accident. However, when on the topic of characters, he said that he does not agree that his character is a third wheel: "Perhaps many people think that Ma Wen Cai is the third wheel, because he breaks up the pair of lovers, but I think that he is more of a tragic character. So young, and he already occupies such a high position. He should be a very accomplished young man, but because he is too persistent in love, he turns extreme, but he is not a bad person. He only hopes to be with the one he loves, but it is just that the method he uses is too drastic, he does not understand the concept that love is not about possessing your loved one, but rather about her being happy," Hu Ge sure has matured a lot.
Facing Chun and Charlene’s rumours, the 2 never avoid this, and Charlene very boldy replies, "What storms have I not seen, if our rumours can affect the movie’s ratings, then I should request that people talk about it more, I once said that if "Butterfly Lovers" does not do well, my surname is not Cai! Towards this movie, I am very confident, otherwise it is difficult for me to say that la, so we need everyone’s support for this movie."
Credits to: ifensi.com
Translated by: x-WISHFULthinking
Yunho, Heechul And Yesung Pre-debut Photo, Monday October 13, 2008 KoreaThis one candidly captures DBSK’s macho male Yunho U-Know in his boxers alongside his Super Junior counterparts Yesung and Heechul back during their trainee days. All three look like they’re enjoying this Hallmark-worthy male bonding moment.
Check out this recent video clip of Heechul dancing the Wondergirls‘ “Nobody” dance. We all knew it was only a matter of time before he learned those steps. With those moves, he should really consider being a permanent member of the Wondergirls.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS6nUHPNofc2PM to move on with ‘Only You’, Friday October 17, 2008 KoreaAfter the release of their debut song ‘10 points out of 10 points’, JYP dance jewel group 2PM will move on to promote ‘Only You’ starting 17th October on KBS MusicBank.
They will be back with a new concept and performance for this new song.
A JYP representative said, “Be ready for ‘Performance boyband’ 2PM with the promotion of new song ‘Only You’. This song is the favourite song by the 2PM members out of their 1st single.”
source: kbites
1st Tokyo Drama Awards: Pandora, Points and Lines, Friday October 17, 2008 JapanAs part of the currently running Japan International Contents Festival (CoFesta), organizers are holding the 2nd International Drama Festival on October 22-24. This year, the event is introducing the first Tokyo Drama Awards, and the winners were announced during a press conference held on Thursday.
The grand prize was awarded to two dramas, "Pandora" and "Ten to Sen" ("Points and Lines"). "Pandora" aired on WOWOW this spring, starring Hiroshi Mikami as a doctor embroiled in a political war after he discovers a cure for cancer. The two-episode drama "Ten to Sen," which aired on TV Asahi last November, was based on a Seicho Matsumoto mystery novel and starred Beat Takeshi.
In the kids and youth category, the award went to TV Tokyo's "Keitai Sousakan 7" and Fuji TV's "Last Friends." NTV's "Saito-san" won in the family category.
The other winners were "Atsuhime" (jidaigeki category) and "SP" ("non-genre" category). Special awards were given to the art staff of "Ten to Sen" and to actor Tetsuya Takeda and the staff of "3 Nen B Gumi Kinpachi Sensei."
The award presentation ceremony will be held on the 22nd.
tokyograph
Jin Akanishi and Maki Nishiyama caught on a date?, Friday October 17, 2008 JapanThis week's issue of FRIDAY magazine reports that KAT-TUN member Jin Akanishi recently went on a driving date with model Maki Nishiyama. Earlier this month, Akanishi picked up Nishiyama at her apartment in a minivan, and a reporter was able to capture the pair on camera as they drove off.
About a month ago, FRIDAY reported that Akanishi had dinner at a steakhouse with a "model-like beauty," not realizing at the time that it was Nishiyama. The two may have developed a relationship after Nishiyama appeared on "Cartoon KAT-TUN" last year.
Akanishi's management at Johnny's Jimusho stated that the two are just friends, while Nishiyama's agency declined to comment.
Nishiyama later wrote about it on her blog, amused that she had been described as only "model-like" even though she is an actual model. She acknowledged that she had been spotted with Akanishi, but she emphasized that the two are good friends and are not dating.
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Movie “Pure Comic” to Hit Theatres on November 27, Friday October 17, 2008 KoreaThe movie “Pure Comic” which is an adaptation of a comic of the same name, will be hitting the theatres on the 27th of November. This romance film casts Yoo Ji Tae, Lee Yeon Hee, Chae Jung Ahn and Super Junior member Kang In.
After the original comic was uploaded to the net, it recorded a total of 60million views and an overwhelming 200 thousand comments, causing quite a commotion in the comic industry during that time. And when the news of the comic was to be filmed into a movie, it immediately became a hot search term for major search engines in Korea. The four will play as individuals who has no strategy, no experience and no courage in front of love.
The filming for “Pure Comic” has already ended on the 9th October. On the day, apart from all the leading cast, the author behind the original work Kang Po also arrived at the scene to cheer for the team. The film will hit the theatres on the 27th November.
source: hanfever
Wentworth Miller stole the limelight, Wang LeeHom showed up at the airport and put on a forced smile, Thursday October 14, 2008 ChinaSource : QQ.com
translation by minivicki @
asianfanatics.netMiller stole the limelight, Wang LeeHom showed up at the airport and put on a forced smile
Wentworth Miller who became popular after starring in "Prison Break" arrived at the Pu Dong airport at 5.30 pm today and due to american serial "Prison Break" becoming a success, his arrival in China for the very first time gained the notice of many people. Wang LeeHom who happened to be going to Shanghai to start a concert arrived first and was surrounded by a few photographers. This caused LeeHom to be shocked but after realising that the media came for Miller, it made him felt a bit "awkward".
Wang LeeHom showed up carrying his guitar and his fans gave him some small items and followed him throughout the airport. Although the organising committee had arranged for 6 security guards beforehand, the whole scene was still very chaotic and LeeHom was finally successfully escorted out of the place by the guards. He left in a lengthened Lincoln brand car.
Wonder Girls News Wrap Up, Friday October 17, 2008 Korea“What skinship would you want to have with your boyfriend?”
was asked to the Wonder Girls on Star Golden Bell. SunYe’s answer was to hold hands with her boyfriend while eating ddeokboggi on the street. YeEun said that she wanted to make a romantic pose like the one from the movie, “Titantic”. YooBin wanted to hug her boyfriend. The answer that really got the males’ interest in the filming studio was SoHee’s answer. She would like to run to her boyfriend and throw herself into his arms. (source: artsnews)
Kim C was the recipient of misunderstanding when he showed a blank expression to the Wonder Girls on this week’s Star Golden Bell.
While the Wonder Girls were showing their “Nobody” dance and other males were going crazy, Kim C sat their with an expressionless face. Even when they were singing YeEun’s self-composed song and the rest of the entertainers were giving warm applause, he displayed the same blank expression. Thus he invited misunderstanding from all around the room. When asked about it, member SoHee said with a sad face, “Kim C-ahjusshi seems to dislike us… We very often watch ‘1 Night 2 Days.’” He replied that “it wasn’t a funny thing right?” and produced laughter around the studio. (source: mydaily)
During the #2 time period, SoHee also shared this attention-gathering tidbit,
“Even though I also like Kim C-ahjusshi on ‘1 Night 2 Days’, I especially like Lee SeungGi.” (oOo, nice SoHee. Very good taste!) (source: mydaily)
Korean soccer players love “Nobody”.
The Korean Soccer League has come up with a method to help their players cope with the stress of heading to their next game. The workers prepare a cassette of hit Korean songs that they can listen to on the bus - that way they can loosen up instead of stressing about the upcoming game. When asked what the players favorite song is, the reply was “Nobody”. The athletes on the bus like to sing along or croon softly to themselves. Some change the words from “I want Nobody nobody but you” to “I want Nobody nobody but win”. (source: sportschosun)
Fans would love to have SoHee’s watch and YooBin’s t-shirt. For almost two weeks, netizens voted for stars’ items they would like to own the most on Auction as part of the 2008 MKMF campaign. The Wonder Girls’ two items placed 2nd in the poll that had 113,259 people participate; only losing to Super Junior’s MP3 player that received 21% of the vote. (source: computertimes)
orean Wonderfuls have a chance to win a date with the Wonder Girls.
By following the rules at Onse Telecom’s 1677, 30 people will be picked to meet the Wonder Girls personally. Other prizes include DSLR camera, LCD monitor, and more. (sources: moneytoday + 1677.co.kr)
translations: wWGJJang
It is going to be Dong Bang Shin Ki vs Big Bang for 2008 MKMF, Friday October 17, 2008 KoreaThe final list for 2008 MKMF nominee-and-song list has been released, and has also attracted heated response from music fans.
‘2008 Mnet KM Music Festival (MKMF)’ will he head on 15th November. The list also be announced on 17th November on cable channel Mnet ‘Wide Ent News’.
This year, there will be 7 sections for the singers awards, 5 sections for genre awards, 13 sections for music video awards and other awards, with 3 DaeSang award in the total of 30 awards all together. To order to produce the fairest judging for the awards, much effort has been put into the judging system.
Especially exciting will be the showdown of the different boybands. There is Dong Bang Shin Ki, who never fail not to clinch any of such awards, and also Big Bang who has been rising strong in the Kpop market in the 1 year and 7 months when Dong Bang Shin Ki has been inactive in Korea and promoting overseas.
Will Dong Bang Shin Ki take Big Bang down by showing them their glory of the past, or will Big Bang show that they will continue to defend for their place in the Kpop market as the best idol group, is a hot topic amongst music fans.
Other than this, we are in for more showdowns between different artistes like SHINee and 2PM for Newcomer award, and Kim Dong Ryul and Seo Taiji for Male Singer Award.
More information will be post on Mnet’s official homepage as well as the poll that will take place as part of the judging of awards.
Vote for your favourite singers here
Singer Category
Newcomer (Male)
SHINee - Noona is very pretty
UKiss - Not young
2PM - 10 points out of 10 points
2AM - This song
Mighty Mouth - I love you
Newcomer (female)
Davichi - Love you even though I hate you
Moon Ji Eun - Fox Song
SunAh - Chantey Chantey
Lee Hyun Ji - Kiss Me Kiss Me
Joo - Because of a man
Male group
Dong Bang Shin Ki - MIROTIC
Big Bang - Haru Haru
Epik High - One
FT Island - After love
SG Wannabe - La La La
Female group
Brown Eyed Girls - L.O.V.E
So Nyeo Shi Dae - Kissing you
SeeYa - Hot Girl
WonderGirls - Nobody
Jewelry - One more time
Male singer
Kim Dong Ryul - Let’s start over again
Seo Taiji - MOAI
TaeYang - Look only at me
Toy - Hot Goodbye
MC Mong - Circus
Female singer
Gummy - I’m sorry
Seo In Young - Cinderella
Um Jung Hwa - DISCO
YounHa - Telepathy
Lee Hyori - U-Go-Ril
Mixed group
Turtles - Sing La La (>.<)
Jaurim - Carnival Amour
Cherry Filter - Orange Road
Cool - Want Love
Clazziquai - Robotica
Genre Category
House and Electronica
Moon Hee Jun - Obsession
Seo Taiji - MOAI
Jaurim - Carnival Amour
Transfixion - Radio
Nell - 기억을 걷는 시간
Music Video Category
MV production
Dynamic Duo - Solo (Han Dae Hee)
Um Jung Hwa - DISCO (Seo Hyung Seung)
Epik High - One (Hong Won Gi)
WonderGirls - Nobody (Jang Jae Hyuk)
TaeYang - Prayer (Seo Hyung Seung)
Others Category
OST
Kim Dong Wook, SG Wannabe - 운명을 거슬러 (East of Eden)
Yoo Seung Chan - Love you (Mother is dead upset)
TaeYeon - If (Hong Gil Dong)
Tei - 꿈의 시간들 (Sik Gae)
FT Island - 한가지 말 (On Air)
Auction style
Dynamic Duo - Solo
Dong Bang Shin Ki - MIROTIC
Big Bang - Haru Haru
SHINee - Noona is very pretty
Seo In Young - Cinderella
So Nyeo Shi Dae - Kissing You
Um Jung Hwa - DISCO
WonderGirls - Nobody
Lee Hyori - U-Go-Girl
Nell - 기억을 걷는 시간
Song of the year, Singer of the year, Auction netizen award, Mobile popularity award
2AM, 2PM, Gummy, Kim Dong Ryul, Turtles, Davichi, Dynamic Duo, Dong Bang Shin Ki, Mighty Mouth, Moon Ji Eun, Moon Hee Jun, Park Ji Heon, Brown Eyed Girls, Brown Eyes, SHINee, Seo In Young, Big Bang, Seo Taiji, SunAh, So Nyeo Shi Dae, Super Junior, SeeYa, Um Jung Hwa, Epik High, WonderGirls, YounHa, Eun Ji Won, Lee Hyun Ji, Lee Hyori, Jaurim, Joo, Cherry Filter, Cool, Clazziquai, TaeYang, Toy, Transfixion, FT Island, MC Mong, Nell, SG Wannabe, UKiss, V.O.S
source: Kbites
Release of BoA's Eat You Up MV (Asian Version), Friday October 17, 2008 KoreaFinally, BoA's MV for her US debut, "Eat You Up" has been released by HQ today! This is the asian version, and her american version will be released on the 21st October 2008.
Her digital single of "Eat You Up" will be available for sale online on the 21st October 2008.
Produced by Bloodshy & Avant, this song is a Reverse Beat Dance Track that stirrs Booming Energy, harmonizing BoA's incredible feminine voice to its fullest and creating a really cool cantrast to the agressive beat. Above all, America's rap icon, Flo-Rida, who has a hit single, 'Low', which was the number one song in Billboard Single Chart for 10 consecutive weeks from January, 2008, is to feature for the remix version of 'Eat You Up'.
Credits to: BoA's official american website
