2PM’s Jun. K drops teaser for solo debut track, “ALIVE”

Ever since 2PM‘s debut, member Jun. K (Junsu) has been praised for his all-around musical talent, from his soulful vocal pipes to a knack at composing his own tracks. With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that he’s making his official solo debut this month, starting with the release of a music video for his brand new track, “ALIVE”!
Now, he’s dropped a hot teaser that combines all of these talents! The teaser opens with an orchestral introduction and the words “NO ♥”, which suddenly breaks down into a sexy electronic hip hop beat.
Fans who attended 2PM’s recent “HANDS UP” concert in Seoul got the opportunity to see Jun. K perform “Alive”  onstage and have given rave reviews, so we’re expecting a lot from this official release.

Fans swoon over Hyun Bin’s ‘uncle smile’

A recent photo of actor Hyun Bin taking a photo with a small child left fans swooning over his good looks.
On October 5th, an online community board shared the photo uploaded under the title, “Hyun Bin and child”.
This photo was taken back on September 30th at the KBS Hall in Yeouido, Seoul when the actor participated in the Marine Corps Marching Band Concert as the event’s host. The shot was taken in the facility’s waiting room.
Fans were charmed by the actor’s ‘Uncle Smile’ as he rested his hands affectionately on the boy’s shoulders.
Netizens left varying comments on the site like, “What is that kid wearing….O_o?“, “I wish i had an uncle like Hyun Bin~” and, “Every uncle should look like this!”

U-KISS makes their comeback on ‘Music Bank’!

U-KISS is finally back with their new song, “Neverland“, which they performed for the first time on tonight’s ‘Music Bank‘.
Remarkably, member Eli made his comeback with the rest of U-KISS despite his knee injury, and impressed everyone in the studio with his fighting spirit. As for their performances, U-KISS performed “Someday” and ”Neverland“, showing off both their improved vocals and strong dance skills. Judging by the screams of fans, the boys definitely made a formidable comeback.
Check out their performance below!

SNSD’s Sooyoung creates a thank you video for fans

SNSD‘s Sooyoung got into a car accident a few weeks back which forced her to withdraw from her activities for some time. Fans have been sending her an unceasing wave of get-well messages and gifts to show their support during this difficult time.
Touched by everyone’s concern, Sooyoung personally created and edited a video message for her fans.
Check it out below!

Super Junior performs “Highway Romance” on Music Bank

‘Music Bank’ kicked off its new episode today with a special Chuseok stage from Super Junior!
Dressed in colorful hanboks (Korean traditional clothes), the boys performed a fun cover of “Highway Romance” for their screaming fans. Departing from their aggressive “Mr. Simple” image, Super Junior simply had fun for this performance, as they jumped around and waved enthusiastically to their fans. Afterwards, they gave the audience their traditional greeting by bowing on the stage.

B2ST wishes for health and happiness this Chuseok

With Chuseok right around the corner, B2ST sent their holiday greetings with pictures of the members dressed in hanboks.
The members revealed through the official Cube Entertainment website that they would be spending time with their family this holiday to relax after a very busy year.
Doojoon wrote, “I think our parents and members will spend an enjoyable Chuseok.” He continued, “Spending time with your family during this time is very valuable, so I hope our fans will put aside their worries and troubles for the time being and enjoy themselves.”
Hyunseung added, “I want to have time to talk with my family and have a great time hanging out with the members. I hope you all will also converse with your family and spend a good time.”
The members also revealed their wishes for the holiday. Doojoon wished for “B2ST’s advancement and growth, good health for family, members, and fans, and world peace”, while Hyunseung’s wish was “More music related activites and advancement”.
Yoseob stated, “Good health and happiness for everyone I love”, and Joonhyung wished for “Everyone to be healthy”. Kikwang said, Dongwoon wished for “Everyone’s happiness and health.”

MBLAQ performs at ‘Cover Dance Festival K-POP Roadshow 40120′ in Brazil

For the past few days, the boys of MBLAQ have been enjoying their very warm welcoming in Brazil and now the boys returned the favor by performing at MBC‘s ‘Cover Dance Festival K-POP Roadshow 40120′.
The boys performed “Oh Yeah” and “Mona Lisa” which was all captured on fan cam.

TEEN TOP releases MV for “The Back of My Hand Brushes Against Yours”

This week, the members of TEEN TOP are wrapping up promotions for their latest album, “Roman“, with special performances of their ballad track, ”The Back of My Hand Brushes Against Yours“.
Representatives of T.O.P. Media revealed, “Fans have been making many requests to see TEEN TOP perform that particular song on stage, so we decided to use it as the follow-up.”
On September 9th, TEEN TOP shared an additional treat with their fans by releasing the music video for “The Back of My Hand Brushes Against Yours”. Although it’s a simple compilation of backstage clips, fans felt that it matched up wonderfully with the their feelings for the boys. The ballad lyrics express a person’s shy confession to their long-time crush.
Check out the MV below!

SNSD, Wonder Girls, G-Dragon, IU, BEG, and T-ara create huge anticipation

Around the months of October and November, the biggest girl groups and hottest ‘icons’ are going to be butting heads, releasing their new albums around the same time for a competitive battle to the top. Big Bang’s G-Dragon will also be unleashing his new album around October. Contestants of ‘Superstar K2’ will be coming out with their new genres and ballads respectively, while scheduling their comeback dates.
Girls’ Generation (SNSD) and Wonder Girls have been focusing their time on overseas promotions but their comeback is very highly anticipated by the Korean pop industry. Girls’ Generation will be releasing their new album this October. After their scheduled movie filming in October, the Wonder Girls will be coming out with their long awaited Korean album in November, right before their scheduled American promotions in December.
With last year’s mega record hit ‘A good day,’ Korea’s younger sister IU is in the midst of compiling a new album, producing and featuring top famous musicians such as, Yoon Sang and Lee Juk in October.
To battle and go against the Wonder Girls and Girls’ Generation, girl group T-ara will be unleashing their new mini-album ‘Black eyes.’ T-ara’s Agency stated “T-ara will release their new album on October 27th, following close to the new albums of Girls’ Generation, Wonder Girls, G-dragon and IU. Their new album will consist of an electronic sound concept.”
The rumors and talk about the actual comeback date for Big Bang’s G-Dragon is fluttering around the K-pop industry. That’s how much of an issue his highly anticipated comeback is. Last year in March, G-Dragon announced his first solo promotions, ‘Shine-A-light.’ Brown Eyed Girls will be releasing their highly awaited 4th album this month on the 30th.
It is prospected that the second half of the year will be a hot one, due to the artists at the end of the year award ceremonies. There is a truth in the tendency that promotions active near the latter half of the year, as opposed to the early half of the year, receive much more interest and popularity. One music official commented, “No matter how determined and hard the artists promote in the early half of the year, if they don’t have promotions in the latter half of the year, they will be crushed by other artists who promote in the latter half. Even though importance of quality has been raised, there are cases that pressure the rush of the album announcement date. K-pop this October and November is very much highly anticipated and eagerly awaited upon for.”

After School’s UEE is… homeless?

Singer-actress UEE has unexpectedly  transformed herself into a homeless girl on KBS ‘Ojakgyo Brothers‘.
On this week’s 11th episode of ‘Ojakgyo Brothers‘, viewers will be able to watch UEE living out the ‘1 Night 2 Days‘ lifestyle on a farm courtyard.  Previews have revealed the idol eating and sleeping inside a pitched tent. UEE shot a scene which required her to boil ramen while wearing shabby training clothes and sleep in a sleeping bag under the tent.
There was also a funny incident during the set when director, Kim Min Soo shouted, “OK!” before UEE could finish her ramen.  The production team burst into laughter when UEE protested, “But it’s so delicious…”
On the other hand, UEE has been improving her acting skills by playing as the lead actress in ‘Ojakgyo Borthers’ and tvN’s ‘Birdie Buddy‘.

Which member of B2ST would place first in an audition?

Cable channel ETN and production company GSI reached out to netizens asking, “Who do you expect to win 1st place in an audition out of the B2ST members?” Over 300 people participated in this survey through Twitter and various portal sites.
The member who received the most votes from the fans was revealed to be Yoseob. Yoseob, having been recognized for his vocal talent on KBS’s ‘Immortal Song’, secured more than the majority of the votes.
Coming in second was Kikwang, who is currently leading a busy schedule as a MC on a variety show. Following Kikwang was Doojoon, Joonhyung, Hyunseung, and Dongwoon, who were neck-and-neck for the amount of votes received.
Despite the ranking, most of the netizens emphasized the value of B2ST as a group by saying, “B2ST’s true value shines when they are one,” and, “If B2ST as a group were to participate in an audition, they’d definitely take 1st place.”
Which member do you think would win?

Suki, Kim Greem, and Lee Boram pose in traditional hanbok

Wishing a pleasant Chuseok holiday for their fans, Nextar Entertainment‘s Suki, Kim Greem, and Lee Boram struck a pose in traditional hanboks, marking the start of the annual festivities for the Korean equivalent of Thanksgiving.
The ladies expressed, “We hope your entire family has a blessed and plentiful Chuseok. Please have relaxing times together, and be sure to make your wish upon the full moon.”
Suki, Kim Greem, and Lee Boram can be seen exuding grandeur as they model a more modern spin on the traditional Korean dress.
Which dress is your favorite?

Does Rainbow’s Jisook resemble SNSD’s Taeyeon?

Girl group Rainbow‘s member, Jisook is gaining lots of attention from viewers for a cute photo she recently tweeted.
On the afternoon of September 8th, idol Jisook uploaded the photo above and wrote, “I’m squatting down because of boredom.”
Netizens who read her page commented, “You’re so cute“, and, “You look so sorrowful.” Others pointed out her facial similarities to SNSD cutie Taeyeon as well. What do you think?
Currently, girl group, Rainbow is promoting their debut track, ‘A‘ in Japan.

SISTAR’s Hyorin & So Yoo want to be on “We Got Married” with ..?

In the upcoming episode of MBC’s Everyone’s ‘Weekly Idol’, SISTAR appeared as a special guest. In the corner called ‘Rewriting the Idol Profiles’, SISTAR was honest and bold about what they thought.
MC Jung Hyung Don and Def Con were surprised by their surprisingly frank responses that didn’t seem characteristic of a girl group.
Hyorin talked about her ideal man, saying, “It’s already been revealed that my ideal is Kang Dong Won, but if I were to be in MBC’s ‘We Got Married’, I want to be paired with actor Yoo Ah In. I’m attracted to bad boys.”

Another SISTAR member So Yoo boldly responded, “Like Hyorin I like bad boys too. I want to film ‘We Got Married’ with Yoo Ah In”, causing competition among the two SISTAR members.
So Yoo even sent Yoo Ah In a video message saying, “Pick between Hyorin unni and I!”

G.NA says hello in an pretty hanbok for Chuseok

Singer G.NA has donned a pretty hanbok (Korean traditional dress) to greet her fans for the upcoming Chuseok holiday.
On September 9th, the singer sent out a message to her fans regarding her plans and wishes for the upcoming holiday. G.NA began by expressing her wish, saying, “I have always hoped for this, but I wish that everyone who I love (including myself) lives life healthily just like a “Top Girl “.
G.NA also shared,  ”Because the day after Korean Thanksgiving is my birthday, this holiday is probably going to be very special [to me]. I hope you guys stay healthy and eat a lot of delicious food. I too will have a good time and work hard at the same time.”
In her photos, G.NA revealed a refreshing new look that departed from her usual fierce and sexy image. The bright colors of her hanbok gave her a girlish charm that still retained the elegance of a “Top Girl”.
G.NA is currently promoting her comeback song, “Top Girl”, on various music programs.

INFINITE wins #1 + Performances from September 8th’s ‘M! Countdown’

Mnet’s “M! Countdown” is back with another episode of great performances!
It was a hot battle between Leessang, Davichi, and INFINITE for the #1 spot on “M! Countdown” today, but in the end, it was INFINITE who finally clinched a win with “Be Mine“!
Congratulations to INFINITE on their second consecutive ‘M! Countdown’ win!

U-KISS makes their comeback on ‘M! Countdown’!

U-KISS is finally back with their new song, “Neverland“, which they performed for the first time on tonight’s ‘M! Countdown‘.
Remarkably, member Eli made his comeback with the rest of U-KISS despite his knee injury, and impressed everyone in the studio with his fighting spirit. As for their performances, U-KISS performed “Someday” and ”Neverland”, showing off both their improved vocals and strong dance skills. Judging by the screams of fans, the boys definitely made a formidable comeback.
Check out their performance below!

**We’re on the lookout for HD clips, so stay tuned for updates!**

B1A4 reveals MV teaser for “Beautiful Target”

After unveiling individual concept photos for each member, B1A4 has finally revealed their MV teaser for their comeback track!
Titled “Beautiful Target“, the video aims to showcase B1A4′s ‘young prince’ charms with comical acting and adorable styling.

Hara personally invites Kim Shin Young to host KARA’s album showcase

Comedian Kim Shin Young has been decided as the host for KARA‘s new album, ‘STEP‘, release showcase on the 14th.
A representative from DSP Media stated, “Goo Hara specifically invited Kim Shin Young to host the showcase. They met on KBS‘s ‘Invincinble Youth‘ and became close so Hara called Kim Shin Young herself to ask her the favor to act as host.”
Apparently, the two still continue to talk and meet even after the show has ended. Though Kim Shin Young has a very busy schedule and she’s been concentrating on TV programs rather than showcases, the comedian has put aside time to host for the showcase because of Hara’s request.
Hara stated, “As this new album is coming out in Korea after a gap of 10 months, I think that Shin Young’s energy, wit, and natural hosting skills will lend a lot of strength to KARA’s showcase."

Kim Ha Neul dresses to impress with her airport fashion

Actress and model Kim Ha Neul touched down in New York on the early morning of September 8th in order to attend the ‘Lacoste NY Collection‘ , which is being held the same day.
Not only is the good looking Kim Ha Neul attending the event, but popular idol group TVXQ‘s Changmin and Yunho will also participate, further exciting fans in the area.
Although Kim Ha Neul’s fashion sense from a quick glance may radiate ‘simple’, her choice of clothing is actually quite stunning.
The actress decided to sport a fashionable denim tunic with a pair of beige gladiator sandals. Underneath the tunic hides a grey tanktop dress which brings the overall outfit together, and adds emphasis on her slender legs.
Accessories are most definitely an essential need when dressing to impress via airport fashion. Kim Ha Neul can be seen whipping out her stylish Louie Vuitton wallet, and camel-colored slouchy hobo bag which match with her sandals.
What do you think of her look?

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Lee Hongki shares a teaser for “Noriko Goes to Seoul”

On September 8th, Lee Hongki tweeted a teaser for his September 10th Chuseok special, “Noriko Goes to Seoul“.
The plot revolves around a Japanese couple who’ve been married for 17 years. Housewife Noriko is in love with Hallyu singer Kim Hyun Je, and her cold husband, Hiroshi, and daughter Miyuki (who just hit puberty) can’t understand her. While at the hospital one day, Noriko receives the news that she has lung cancer, which leads to Miyuki telling her that she’s going to give up track and field.
Noriko hears that Kim Hyun Je will be a judge at an audition, so in order to give her daughter courage, she goes to Korea to try out for the audition. Hongki plays Kim Minha, who helps Noriko in Korea. Hongki jokingly tells Noriko to call him “My Master“, since she doesn’t know what it means, but she ends up calling him that over and over again.
Watch the cute yet heart-warming teaser below:

Baek Ji Young attends 2PM concert with her boyfriend

Celebrity couple Baek Ji Young and Jung Suk Won recently attended 2PM‘s second solo concert from their ‘2PM Hands Up Asia Tour‘ at the Seoul Jamsil gymnasium.
An associate who was also present at the concert told Star News, “Baek Ji Young and Jung Suk Won went to the 2PM concert, and they were clapping and cheering along to the songs, enjoying the atmosphere. They didn’t care about their surroundings during the concert and fully enjoyed their date“.
The two are also planning their first overseas photoshoot together. They’ll be leaving for Bangkok on the 6th and plan to stay there for about a week for their fashion photoshoot.
Baek Ji Young and actor Jung Suk Won (who’s nine years younger than Baek) officially announced their relationship back in June, and have since charmed fans with their affectionate communications on Twitter.

SM Entertainment’s Kim Young Min talks about Hallyu and marketing strategies

On September 3rd, SM Entertainment CEO Kim Young Min met with reporters at a restaurant in Tokyo to talk about the success of his artists and the ‘new Hallyu wave’.
Kim began, “Whether or not there will be another first-rate group like TVXQ will determine the path of future juniors hoping to make their way into the Japanese market. It’s important that we focus on the production of content that will make K-Pop stand out from what’s already in Japan.”
He continued, “The power of TVXQ is just huge and impressive. Despite the controversy they’re undergoing, it’s because of what the five members accomplished that there’s a K-Pop market right now.”
When asked about the ‘expiration date’ for K-Pop, he replied, “At minimum, K-Pop will be popular for about three to five more years. The reason K-Pop is so popular all over the world is because of the idol groups. I think that it’s either going to last for three to five more years, or continue on forever.  In the case of Japan, I heard that Hallyu contents broke all of the sales records in one of Japan’s biggest CD and DVD rental and sales chain. The international market is always growing.”
He continued, “The influence of social networking services is a considerable factor in our success. SNS is just a portion of our marketing, however, not a main tool. SNS is useful for marketing, but not a necessity.”
On the topic of the anti-Hallyu movement, he replied, “I think that it’s a natural phenomenon since our culture is going into Japan.  There will be people with those thoughts anywhere in the world.  Instead of focusing on that, it’s more important for us to focus on the creation of better content and the creation of an improved culture.”

SECRET’s Zinger updates fans on her whereabouts

On September 5th, SECRET‘s Zinger updated fans on her whereabouts with a new photo update on Twitter.
Zinger wrote, “Hehe, I’m doing just fine lately, you don’t have to worry about me. Zinger is currently collecting energy! Eusha eusha, look forward to it!  I love you.”
Zinger’s bright smile reassured fans that she was indeed doing well, and many commented that Zinger looked prettier than ever. One almost forgets that she’s the rapper in the group because of her cute aegyo.
Netizens commented, “We miss you, we’ll be waiting for you”, and “You’re getting prettier by the day!

KARA releases full track for “Step”!

Fans have been waiting a long time for this moment, and it’s finally here — KARA has just released the full audio for their comeback track, “Step“!
Bright, energetic, and definitely catchy, we can already imagine KARA jumping to the top with their brand new song

Boom holds hands with both Goo Hara and Han Seungyeon

Boom is having a blast as a civilian once again, and the lucky former-soldier recently got to hold hands with both KARA’s Han Seungyeon and Goo Hara!
On September 5th, Boom tweeted, “The lovely KARA, who will soon make a comeback. Boom Academy will always support your future. Daebak KARA. Director: Boom.”
In the attached photo, Boom smiles blissfully while holding hands with both Han Seungyeon and Goo Hara.Seungyeon and Hara seem to be amused by the situation, and are seen smiling widely for the camera.
Netizens commented, “Boom is really funny”, “The girls look so pretty“, and “If I enlist with the army now, can you girls hold my hands too?”
In related news, KARA will be making their comeback later on this week.

Japanese fans feel the ‘Dream High’ fever at Saitama Super Arena

After drawing a crowd of over 3,000 fans to Japan’s Haneda Airport late last week, Bae Yong Joon and Kim Soo Hyun appeared for a sold-out “Dream High Premium Event” at the Saitama Super Arena. The actors were accompanied by their co-stars J.Y. Park, 2PM‘s Taecyeon and Wooyoung, as well as miss A‘s Suzy, who all shared a meaningful meeting with their fans.
The event began with Bae Yong Joon’s greeting to the crowd, and his speech was punctuated by screams of “Yon-sama“, a tribute to his earlier popularity with ‘Winter Sonata‘.  Kim Soo Hyun put on an excellent performance of “Dreaming” from the “Dream High” OST, which received strong praise from the audience.
Bae Yong Joon and J.Y. Park took some time to express their gratitude to their viewers and revealed behind-the-scenes stories from the making of the drama. They talked about some of the drama’s highlight scenes and their experience in working with one another.
Additionally, the main stars of “Dream High” — Kim Soo Hyun, Suzy, Taecyeon, and Wooyoung — had a special talk as they recanted episodes from the drama set, and shared personal stories from when they were filming the show.
The event came to an end with Kim Soo Hyun, Suzy, Taecyeon, and Wooyoung’s performance of the OST track, “Dream High“. They sang the song in Japanese, which delighted their audience. Lastly, Bae Yong Joon and J.Y. Park returned to the stage to give their final messages of thanks to their fans.
The event is definitely build up excitement for the series’ sequel, which was announced earlier this March.

Kim Hyun Joong’s ‘Break Down’ limited edition album sells out in 1 hour

Kim Hyun Joong’s ‘Break Down‘ album had previously achieved sales of 100,000 albums within only two weeks, making him the first solo artist to do so this year.
And now, it has been reported that the ‘Break Down’ limited edition album that Kim Hyun Joong had prepared as a way to thank his fans had sold out within an hour of its release on June 23rd, making him the first solo artist to sell a total of 110,000 albums within two weeks this year!
Kim Hyun Joong also recently achieved his second consecutive win on Mnet’s ‘M! Countdown‘ with ‘Break Down’.
It looks like the singer’s soaring popularity won’t be slowing down anytime soon!

SNSD show their beauty secrets in Japan’s “Ray”

Shoujo Jidai (SNSD) is featured on the front cover of the August issue of “Ray” magazine, which started to be displayed in stores on June 23rd.

The nine members of the group showed up on the cover wearing a different coordination of white blouses and denim tops/rompers. To accent the simple outfits, they all wear summer-themed, vivid-colored heels, and show off their beautiful legs which every girl envies.
Their interview in this magazine features their thoughts on their current Japanese tour, and Shoujo Jidai also answered one hundred questions for “100 no Q&A”. Before the photography session, Taeyeon used moisturizer and scrub on her skin to emphasize her flawless skin for the photos.
This issue of “Ray” also featured models Karina, Izumi Rika, and Miyu wearing different summer outfits.
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To check out SNSD’s scans from the magazine, head over to tokyohive!

B1A4 lands a Thai CF deal with “Big Cola”

B1A4 is quickly rising as one of the biggest rookie groups this year, and they’re already regarded as a ‘blue chip’ in the advertising industry.  Just two months into their debut, B1A4 landed themselves a Thai CF deal with “Big Cola“!
This comes just after their joint CF deal with Block B for “Tropicana Sparkling“, as well as a slew of other offers in the works for drinks, clothing, and accessories.
On June 22nd, the boys visited the streets of Insa-dong with top Thai actress May Pitchanat and filmed late into the night. After the filming, B1A4 gave both Pitchanat and the Thai staff traditional Korean presents.
The boys are currently running fan signings nation-wide, as well as starring in the MTV reality show, ‘Match Up‘.  Be sure to check out their follow-up stage on MBC’s ‘Music Core‘ tomorrow!

Kim Hyun Joong & T-ara selected as top CF models!

The seven ladies of T-ara and SS501’s Kim Hyun Joong were awarded the titles of “Best CF actor/actress” at the 2011 MTN Broadcast Commercial Festival.
“Thank you for giving me such a meaningful award,” said Kim Hyun Joong, whose fame skyrocketed through his drama, “Boys Over Flowers“. “In the future, I will do better in commercials as well as branch out into other forms of media.”
All seven members of T-ara were present to receive their award, which is decided by a panel of industry executives and specialists. “Thank you for the award, and please show a lot of love to our new album, which we’ll be releasing soon,” the ladies said.
T-ara will soon be unleashing their new album, “John Travolta Wannabe“

Teaser for KBS’s upcoming drama “Spy Myung Wol” revealed!

Earlier, we reported on the still-cuts for KBS’s upcoming Monday-Tuesday drama, “Spy Myung Wol“, starring Eric Mun and Han Ye Seul.
KBS has recently unveiled the teaser for the drama, and viewers can now see Eric as the sharp Korean star and Han Ye Seul’s plan to marry him, even though she’s a North Korean spy.
The pilot episode is to be released July 11th, taking the place of “Baby-Faced Beauty“.
Check out the preview below, as we wait for Eric’s comeback drama!