She wrote,

“Kekeke I’m Amberrrr~ Also, [here's] Sulli. Having a ribbon party with Sulli in Taiwan keke~ Fail..^^;;”

Source + Image: Amber’s me2day

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The seven boys of talented hip-hop group Block B made their return on the February 4th edition of MBC‘s Music Core with a performance of “Nanrina” from their second mini-album titled ‘Welcome to the Block‘.

Fans would normally be happy about this but many Block B fans were angered over their perceived mistreatment of the boys.

Block B opened the show on Music Core, and some fans took this as an insult because Block B is a hot group making their return and usually the opening of the show is reserved for lesser known artists. Additionally, fans didn’t like the fact that the important dance routine from the beginning of “Nanrina” was cut out. After the broadcast was over, many netizens immediately took to online message boards and utilized SNS to share their angry thoughts.

Netizens commented, “I was so surprised that they cut out the most important dance part. I was also really upset that they put Block B first over the lesser known artists,” and “The cameramen didn’t even properly capture the members performance.”

Block B has showed power and compelling choreography through “Nanrina”. Member Zico also had a huge influence by producing 5 of the 6 tracks on their new mini album.

Should fans be legitimately angry or is it an overreaction?

Source + Image: Newsen via Nate , Allkpop

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Pledis Entertainment‘s first boy group, NU’EST, have finally opened an official Facebook page!

NU’EST’s Facebook page!

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Jisook tweet:

“4-part series of ‘Jisook in a knapsack’, hehehe. The weather is cold nowadays, but in here it’s warm! ehehehehe You could even eat kimbap in here.”

Source & Image: Jisook’s Twitter

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Recently, idol group TEEN TOP won their very first #1 on KBS Music Bank with their latest single, “Going Crazy“.For TEEN TOP, who debuted in July of 2010 with their first single ‘Clap‘, the achievement took them exactly 564 days after their debut. This begs the question, how long does it take for idols to reach #1?

According to the source,the idols who took the shortest time to reach #1 were:

CN BLUE: 15 days after their debut with “I Am a Loner“
miss A: 22 days after their debut with “Bad Girl Good Girl“
2NE1: 40 days after their debut with “Fire“
F.T. Island: 55 days after their debut with “Lovesick“

On the other hand, the idols/singers who took the longest time to reach #1 were:

K.Will: 1,490 days after his debut with “My heart is Beating“
Jewelry: 1,494 days after their debut with “Superstar“
IU: 818 days after her debut with “Good Day“

It's really difficult to reach #1 ~

Source & Image: Star Today via Daum

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Girl’s Day member Minah had a very memorable graduation experience, as she became a high school graduate and a college freshman all within the same day!

Minah was dining out with her parents after attending her graduation ceremony at Jinseon Girls’ High School when she received the exciting news.

Girl’s Day’s agency informed OSEN on January 3rd that “Minah heard the news when she was with her parents. She was so excited to hear about the acceptance on the same day as her graduation that she shrieked in delight and wrapped her arms around her parents.”

“Now that she is 20 and has been accepted into college, she is more determined than ever to excel both in school and at her career,” they said.

As for Minah’s feelings on graduating high school, representatives revealed, “She’s confused as to whether this is the beginning or the end. She feels glad it’s over, but she’s also nervous and excited to start her life as a 20-year old.”

Minah has been accepted into the Broadcast Entertainment School at Dongduk Women’s University.

Congratulation Minah ~

Source & Image: OSEN

_________________________
I added cool smileys to this message... if you don't see them go to: http://s.exps.me

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Super Junior's Shindong posted his personal request to deactivate the accounts pretending to be him. He also advised his fans to stop adding him as their friend as he will not be able to accept everyone as one.

Shindong wrote : "To the people who have used my name to make an account on facebook.. This is a personal favour and request from me, please deactivate your accounts.. Enough of the pretending.. Also, please stop trying to add me as a friend. I’m sorry for not being able to accept all of you as a friend.. If I end up accepting everybody, it is going to be hard for me to read and catch up posts of my actual close friends.. "

Further adding that, "I hope you will understand me.. But I will set all my status and picture posts settings to public.. If there’s anyone who is able to translate this status for the foreign fans to read, please help me to translate it^^ I’m really sorry^^ But really, enough of the pretending.."

Source: Shindong's Facebook, @teukiebiased and Sup3rJunior,Koreaboo.com

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Hyomin tweeted :

“I don’t know exactly why, but I had a lot~ a loooot~ of fun during today’s volunteer event and musical. Hohoho~ As a bonus, I am sharing six still-cuts~~!!!!”

Source : Hyomin’s Twitter

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Minah of Girls Day has finally graduated from high school.

She attended the high school graduation ceremony along with her parents on the 3rd of February and despite her busy schedule, she still attended the ceremony and celebrated with her friends.

Last November, Minah took College SAT exams and right now she is considering to study in Dongduk Women's University and take a broadcasting major. Minah shared her thoughts about her graduation saying, "High School was a great experience and Im glad that I have graduated and will be going to college. I had a hard time coping up in school because of my schedule but im happy that I passed."

With Girls Day's new album release set for Japan this coming March and after in Korea, Minah will be busy with promotional activities and hopefully she can balance it with her studies as a freshman in college when the next term starts.

Source : Nate

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Flower Boy Band : Shut Up to Broadcast in 9 Different Countries.

CJ E&M Corporation announced that tvN’s “Shut Up: Flower Boy Band” will be aired in nine different countries through CJ E&M’s overseas branch, “tvN Asia.” The nine countries where tvN Asia will be broadcasted are: Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Australia, Malaysia, and Myanmar.
tvN Asia announced, “We are aiming to air ‘Shut Up: Flower Boy Band’ in April. We are hoping that the good looking actors and their talent combined with the uniquely Korean style of the show and picture will attract much of the younger population in Asia.”
“Shut Up: Flower Boy Band” is about a high school band named “Eye Candy” and its members’ journey in searching for the meanings of friendship, love, and passion for music. “Shut Up: Flower Boy Band” airs every Monday and Tuesday at 11pm KST on tvN.

translation by : Soompi

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The seven boys returned to the stage on today’s episode of KBS’s ‘Music Bank‘ to perform their title track, “Nanrina“

Check it out below!

I'm so proud with them,this is really AWESOME...~ I really like this song so much..:D

Credit : shu35151224

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Cho PD, the mastermind behind Block B, has revealed that he once inquired about a loan for the first time in his life.

Cho PD said that he estimated the amount of money it would take to push the seven-member idol group and agency Brand New Stardom to the top; the figure made him think about putting in a loan application for the first time in his life.

He stated, “I’m not paying a monthly installment for my car, nor do I have any loans right now. However, I looked into how much money I could borrow by using our agency office as collateral, so that I would not have to receive help from outside sources.”

Cho PD’s investment in Brand New Stardom with Block B’s debut last year was said to be around 1.5 billion Won (~ $1,341,297 USD). Ten months later, it was estimated to have surpassed 2 billion Won (~$1,788,350).

The reason why Cho PD sought a loan rather than accept funds from outside investors lies in his belief in Block B’s talents. He wished to preserve their freedom, which would not have been guaranteed if outside investors had their say.

ChJo PD stated, “In pushing for concepts that haven’t been tried by others, and giving the members the authority over their music, there will be strong opposition by individuals in those positions [investors]. These things cannot be achieved when leadership has been dispersed… The trust in the members’ talents and abilities should be absolute.”

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This week's no.1 nominees are MBLAQ and TeenTop!! Who will win today??
Today Music Bank winner is Teen Top ~
Congratz to TEEN TOP on their first ‘K-Chart’ win ever!
Check out the performance ~

[뮤뱅120203] 틴탑(TEEN TOP) - 미치겠어 (CRAZY)



[뮤뱅120203] 틴탑(TEEN TOP) - 이 주의 K-Chart 1위 수상 소감+앵콜



Niel looked shocked for a minute ~ Congratz again to Teen Top !!! Niel said "thank you, Angels!"

Credit : shu35151224

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It’s now February, which means it’s time for high school students in Korea to graduate, and the idols are no exception.

Idols born in 1993 and 1994 are preparing for their graduation, and so are the media and the fans who are planning to attend the ceremonies.

The first to graduate will be C-real leader Chemi who is currently a student at Chungdam High School in Seoul. Her graduation ceremony will take place on the 3rd, and she will be in attendance to receive her diploma.

On the 8th, KARA‘s maknae Jiyoung who is attending Muhak Girls’ High School in Seoul will also be in attendance to receive her diploma. As long as something new doesn’t pop up on her schedule, Jiyoung will be at the ceremony and plans to spend the day with her teachers and her friends.

February 9th will be a big day, as multiple idol stars will be graduating on the same day.

Singer IU who is a student at Dongduk Girls’ High School will most likely be at her graduation ceremony, although that can change according to her busy schedule.

This is the nation’s sweetheart who is graduating, and both the fans and the media are preparing for this event.

Lila Art High School students f(x)‘s Luna and T-ara‘s Jiyeon will also be graduating, however, Jiyeon will be in Paris for KBS 2TV‘s ‘Music Bank‘ Paris Special on the 8th, and therefore will be unable to attend her ceremony.

Luna is still unsure if she will attend, it will all depend on her TV Chosun ‘Saving Ajumma Go Bong Shil‘ filming schedule.

AA‘s Kimchi and Hoik will be attending their graduation at Korea Art School and they will be receiving their diplomas together.

On the 10th, SHINee‘s Taemin will also be graduating from his Hanlim Arts High School, but he and the rest of the SHINee members will also be in France for the ‘Music Bank’ Paris special and will unfortunately be unable to attend.

Twins T-ara‘s Hwa Youngand Coed School‘s Hyo Young will also be graduating from their respective schools, and Hyo Young who is also a member of unit 5dolls has tentative plans to attend, while, Hwa Young will also be in Paris for ‘Music Bank’ and will be unable to receive her diploma in person.

SISTAR‘s Dasom, a student of Anyang Art High School will also be graduating but she will also be in Paris, and actor Yoo Seung Ho currently attending Baek Shin High School will also be graduating on the 9th.

Source & Image: StarNews via Nate

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Time is up - LED APPLE
Chicky Chicky Bomb - Six Bomb

Unni is coming - Yun Jihu
Wanna see me go crazy? - X-5
One more day - Chocolat
Love Confession Happiness - J-CERA
Warrior - B.A.P
Sand Glass - Park HyunBin
She's coming - CHAOS
Nanrina - Block B
In my head - Lim Juyeon
I'll be there - Boyfriend
News - Nine Muses
Is being pretty everything - Fat Cat
Hit U - Dalshabet
Don't go - Buga Kings
The reason I became a witch - NS Yoon G
Leggo - Miryo
Let this die - Brian
Be my lover + Severly - FT Island
Repeating the same words - Koyote
The Grasshopper Song - Sunny Hill
Lovey Dovey - T-ARA
Going crazy - Teen Top
This is war - MBLAQ

Credit : KBS World facebook

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Original Tweet:

[B.F:현성] 제가 제일 존경하는 케이윌 선배님 신곡이 나왔습니다 많은 사랑부탁드립니다 RT @Thsm1: ‘K.will -내가싫다’ 선공개했습니다.얼마만의 신곡인지..ㅋ; 조만간 나올 앨범도 많은 관심과 사랑 부탁드립니다!!ㅎㅎ^^

English Translations:

[B.F:Hyunseong] With best respect to K.Will sunbaenim [whose] new song came out Please give it a lot of love RT @Thsm1: ‘K.will -I Hate Myself’ is revealed.How’s the new song..ㅋ; Please also give my soon-to-come album a lot of interest and love!!ㅎㅎ^^

Source: Boyfriend’s Twitter (thanks @DORKwangmin!)
Translated by: imzee | weloveboyfriend.wordpress.com

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credit : to real owner

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Congratulations to MBLAQ for their second ‘M! Countdown’ trophy today!

Competing for the #1 spot, it was a hot battle between MBLAQ, T-ara, and Teen Top, but in the end, it was MBLAQ who clinched the win tonight with “It’s War“!

Check out the performances below:

'I'ts War'



Winner is MBLAQ @ M! Countdown



credit : to real owner

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Block B are finally back with a new mini-album titled ‘Welcome to the Block‘.

The seven boys returned to the stage on today’s episode of Mnet’s ‘M! Countdown‘ to perform their title track, “Nanrina“.

Thank God , they did't cut their comeback song.

Check it out below!



Video Credit : to real owner

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After completing a successful showcase for the release of their new album, “Welcome to the Block“, Block B has more good news to share, as they’ve taken over the real time charts!

All five of the new songs off of their second mini-album ranked in the ‘Top 5′ on digital music sites like Melon, Cyworld, Olleh, and Dosirak just moments after its release. Their comeback has been a hot topic internationally, with their music video being ranked as the top two ‘most commented’ on 10 hours into its release on YouTube. News of their comeback also trended #1 worldwide on Twitter as well as top search portal rankings.

Brand New Stardom Entertainment commented, “We feel that they were able to attract attention through their unique concepts and the emphasis they put on making sure each member is presented as a talented artist.”

Block B will be making their ‘M! Countdown‘ comeback tonight.



Source: BNT News via Naver , Allkpop

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The showcase was comprised of performances and interviews, and it was during a Q&A session that member Zico addressed the issue of their banned songs.

To recap, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family (MOGEF) had banned several songs from their debut digital album. Additionally, two songs from their comeback album, “LOL” and “Did You or Did You Not“, were also banned by both the MOGEF and KBS.

Leader Zico, who produced the album, explained, “It’s not that we don’t consider the regulations when we’re producing the songs, but I did often think that our freedom of expression was being interrupted. Still, I do acknowledge that as as a producer that creates songs meant for the public, it was a shortcoming of mine to not have paid more attention to the regulations.”

He continued, “There still is that feeling of disappointment, but I’m not going to remain stubborn blindly. I’ll still try to protect Block B’s color; it’s just that since our music is meant for the public, I will try to consider aspects to their tastes.”

The boys are currently ranked in the ‘Top 3′ on album sales charts.

Source + Photos: CBS via Naver

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BEAST's rapper Junhyung will be making his solo debut! Despite the group's preparation for their World Tour which will start on February 4th and 5th in Seoul, BEAST released a digital single last week. "I Knew It" is a ballad track that showcases BEAST's vocal talent.

On February 2nd, Cube Entertainment revealed that BEAST's Junhyung would be releasing his first solo track. This is not the first song Junhyung has composed. Previously, Junhyung has written and co-composed the some of BEAST's tracks, as well as songs for other artists as well.

Junhyung's solo track, "Living Without You," will be released on February 3rd at midnight. "Living Without You" is said to have lyrics that express a man's feelings when he is betrayed. The song has a delicate rhythm along with a strong hip-hop background. Junhyung's debut track will tell a story with authentic lyrics as well.

Since Junhyung's skills as a rapper and composer have already been recognized in the industry, his solo debut track is attracting a lot of attention from the media and fans who both have high expectations for the track.

BEAST's "I Knew It" achieved an all-kill when it was released last week. BEAST will be performing their first "BEAUTIFUL SHOW" tour concert in Seoul on February 4th and 5th.

Are you excited for Junhyung's solo debut track?

Source: Newsen

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Twins Hyoyoung (from Co-Ed) and Hwayoung (from T-ara) will be working together for the first time by featuring in Co-Ed’s music video!

On February 2nd, Core Contents Media revealed that they’ve been finalized for an appearance in the music video with a special feature on shuffle dancing.

Representatives stated, “Recently, Hyoyoung cut her hair short like Hwayoung so it’s gotten harder to tell them apart. We hope everyone will look forward to the twins’ collaborative performance.”

“Lovey Dovey Plus” will be released on February 9th through major online music sites.

Source : Star News via Naver

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Lizzy tweet the photos via Twitter and wrote, “Good morning~~ A new photo of Lizzy who is once again touched by your love today. Fighting everyone!”.

Source: Lizzy’s Twitter

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Rainbow member Woori remarked that she was jealous Wonder Girls‘ member Sohee‘s pretty face.

During the filming for the February 4th episode of MBC Everyone‘s ‘Weekly Idol‘, the guests on set selected the idols who they deemed to have ‘masterpiece’ faces.

Go Woori honestly remarked, “I am jealous of Sohee’s unique and pretty face,” while the members of Dal Shabet and A-Pink selected T-ara‘s Jiyeon saying, “She’s not only pretty, but she’s alluring as well.”

In the end, T-ara’s Jiyeon came in first place, followed by Girls’ Generation members Yoona and Jessica who came in at 2nd & 3rd respectively.

Amongst the male idols, INFINITE member L, JYJ‘s Jaejoong, and Big Bang‘s T.O.P were the main contenders, and MC Jung Hyung Don remarked that he felt Jaejoong was more handsome than ‘Twilight‘ actor Robert Pattinson.

Did your favorite make the list? Which idol do you think has a masterpiece face?

Source & Image: MyDaily via Nate

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YG Entertainment is back updating their YG-Life blog

with a new track from Big Bang‘s upcoming album titled ‘Alive‘!

It was revealed that the release date for the upcoming album is leap day, February 29th!

Source + Image: YG-Life blog

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After the Idol Star Athletics Championships ended, we came back to the dorm. I looked at posts here and there and now I’m writing one ㅎㅎ

Recently I’ve been thinking that we have to work really hard for the next album to save all you 4nias ㅎㅎ
We have a lot of activities in our schedules so I want to give a lot of hints(?) Is that what it’s called? I want to give a lot of those ㅎㅎ
We want to make it so that you can go around saying that you’re a 4nia proudly ㅎㅎ Not that you’re discouraged to be a 4nia right now ㅎ
Thank you very much to the 4nias who came to the Idol Star Athletics Championships to see us even though we aren’t promoting right now
My eyesight isn’t that good but I think for the few minutes that I was able to see, I only paid attention to 4nias ㅎㅎ Don’t be sad if you couldn’t find 4minute ㅜㅜ
I looked around for 4nias even with my eyes slightly open ㅎㅎ I said this before too, right? I see only 4nias in 3D ㅎㅎ
A lot of things happened today but from now on we will pay more attention to our 4nias ㅎㅎ
And there were people today who almost witnessed something scary, but it’s a relief that nothing happened..!! (?)
Also you probably saw that our hair colors changed in the article photos today, right? I want to give a lot of hints(?) here and there but..
I’m waiting until things are more precisely set before I tell you ㅎㅎ
Even then you feel that our comeback is slowly approaching, right?ㅎㅎ We are trying our best while recording and preparing so even if it’s tiring, please be strong ㅎㅎ ㅎㅎ
4nias are like the kings/queens of patience since you have to wait almost a year for our albumsㅋ Just wait a few more weeks ㅎㅎ
Hwaiting!! ㅎㅎ
Anyway I was looking at my (twitter) mentions and cafe posts so this post turned out to be long.. ㅎㅎ Please understand ㅎㅎ
4minute will be thinking a lot about 4nias ㅎㅎ ㅎㅎ
Ah!! You know that today is 4minute leader Jihyun’s birthday, right? Please wish her a happy happy birthday!!~~~

4nia !! I……..love.. you.. ^^ I’m shy.. ㅎㅎ ㅎ

Source: 4minute’s official fan cafe;
Translated by: Chris@4-minute.com.

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4minute Kwon Sohyun reveals that she wants to appear on ‘WGM’ with TEEN TOP’s L.Joe

In the MBC Lunar New Year Special ‘The 4th Idol Star Athletics Swimming Competition’ that was broadcasted on 24th January; Kwon Sohyun had an interview with MC Lee Teuk before the 50m Sprint Preliminary event.

Lee Teuk asked Kwon Sohyun “Although you’re underage you’ve said that you wanted to appear on ‘We Got Married’; Kwon Sohyun said “I want to appear on it but they said that because I’m underage I can’t’

Following which Lee Teuk asked “Is there any idol here that you want to appear on WGM with?” Kwon Sohyun responded, “There may be” and then she replied truthfully “TEEN TOP L.Joe oppa whom I filmed the MV with?”


eng trans: @oursupaluv

source: http://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201201241747321001

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Boy group Block B who just returned with a new album remarked that they were “nervous and excited.”

At a showcase that took place for their second mini-album ‘WELCOME TO THE BLOCK‘ in Seoul on February 1st, the boys remarked, “We are making a comeback after a long six months. There are six songs total on the album, and we personally produced five of them.”

“Our title song “Nanrina“ incorporates a synthesized blunt rhythm with groovy rap and vocals. The song is for everyone of all ages who enjoy hip hop,” they added.

They also explained the concept behind their title song. “The title “Nanrina” (to cause commotion or pandemonium in Korean) was decided to represent how much commotion we would cause in the music industry once we make our comeback. We are so excited to stand on stage after being away for so long. We ask for your continued cheer and support.”

The boys proved to the world what a performance should look like with their fierce and powerful moves for their title song “Nanrina”. They have already captivated the masses with their impressive synchronized moves and their newly upgraded masculine image.

For those of you who missed it, check out their “Nanrina” MV below.




Source : OSEN via Nate

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The mini album contains six tracks in all and five of the tracks were produced by Block B themselves.

Check out the six tracks below and remember to support by purchasing the music.

"Nanrina"



"LOL"



"Did You Or Did You Not"



"Synchronization 100%"



"Action"



Video Credit : BrandnewStardom Channel , sixthsenseism

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Soohyun tweeted :

"I want to sleep now. Don't be disappointed if you didn't receive a mention. Here's a picture instead! Goodnight KISSME, my loves."

Source + Image: Soohyun's Twitter

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credit : Mnet Asian Music Awards official facebook

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Joon Myun 준면 Kim Joon Myun 김준면 172 cm May 22, 1991 Lead Vocalist, Leader January 29, 2012

Baek Hyun 백현 May 6, 1992 Lead Vocalist January 29, 2012

Chan Yeol 찬열 Park Chan Yeol 박찬열 185 cm November 27, 1992 Rapper January 29, 2012

D.O. 디오 Do Kyung Soo 도경수 January 12, 1993 (age 19) Main Vocalist January 29, 2012

Kai 카이 Kim Jong In 김종인 182 cm January 14, 1994 Vocalist, Main Dancer December 22, 2011

Se Hun 세훈 Oh Se Hoon 오세훈 181 cm April 12, 1994 Vocalist, Lead Dancer January 10, 2012

Xiu Min 시우민 Kim Min Seok 김민석 176 cm March 26, 1990 (age 21) Lead Vocalist January 25, 2012

Lu Han 루한 Lu Han 鹿晗 178 cm April 20, 1990 (age 21) Lead Vocalist, Lead Dancer December 27, 2011

Lay 레이 Zhang Yi Xing 张艺兴 179 cm October 7, 1991 (age 20) Vocalist, Main Dancer January 17, 2012

Chen 첸 Kim Jong Dae 김종대 178 cm September 21, 1992 (age 19) Main Vocalist December 29, 2011

Tao 타오 Huang Zi Tao 黄子韬 183 cm May 2, 1993 (age 18) Rapper December 27, 2011

Credit : to real owner

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Video Credit : to real owner

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The boys recently guest featured on SBS Power FM ‘Choi Hwa Jung’s Power Time‘. On the radio program, instead of individual answers, the boys were asked to answer questions they were given as a team.

When they were asked who they would prefer between Girls’ Generation member Yoona and Wonder Girls member Sohee, all six members responded “Sohee” without any hesitation.

They explained, “Wonder Girls picked us as a good idol group these days, and we wanted to return the favor.”

TEEN TOP also chose hamburgers over kimbap for food, and cooking over cleaning in chores.

Going away from the theme of team, member Niel chose actress Nam Sangmi as his ideal woman, which broke some of the hearts of his many fans.

Source & Image: MyDaily

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On January 30th, U.S. magazine "The Atlantic" (Boston, MA) published an article online titled, "Does Korean Pop Actually Have a Shot at Success in the U.S.?"

K-Pop has already made a path for itself in South Korea and Japan, and has been stretching over the countries in Asia for awhile. In the last year or so, K-Pop began making its way worldwide, holding K-Pop concerts in Brazil, Los Angeles, New York City, Paris, England, Germany, and more.

This week, U.S. television will introduce some of the most popular K-Pop acts, the Wonder Girls and Girls' Generation.

Girls' Generation will be appearing on "The Late Show with David Letterman" on Tuesday and "Live With Kelly" on Wednesday. On Thursday, "The Wonder Girls," Wonder Girls' fictional attempt into finding fame in New York City, will air on TeenNick at 8PM.

The Atlantic writes, "If those sound like small inroads to the American market, it's worth realizing how large these bands' ambitions are. The history of Asian pop stars attempting to crash the U.S. is one littered with artists who went from superstardom in their native country to anonymity in America, along with others who found success only when they morphed into actors or cartoon characters. But the latest contingent headed for the U.S. comes equipped with innovative promotional strategies that may set them up for fame exceeding those of their predecessors.'"

The articles goes on to describe the Wonder Girls success in South Korea before making their way into the U.S. and performing as the opening act for the Jonas Brothers's U.S. tour. It also highlights the Wonder Girls' success at being the first Korean artists to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 2009 with their English single "Nobody."

It then describes Girls' Generation's plan of a U.S. debut by having Snoop Dogg feature in their remix single for "The Boys." Another hot and popular South Korean female group, 2NE1, was described as "a quartet that raps and sings over often-aggressive beats." The writer then adds that Black Eyed Peas' will.i.am has been working with the group for their U.S. debut album.

But will these latest South Korean acts make any waves in the U.S. market? The writer continues, "While these three Asian outfits are the latest to harbor U.S. hopes, they aren't the first. That distinction was awarded back in 1963, when Japanese singer Kyu Sakamoto's melancholy tune "Ue o Muite Aruko" (retitled to "Sukiyaki" in the West) became one of the most unlikely songs to top the Billboard charts. For three weeks, the sung-in-Japanese track stayed at number one, making Sakamoto the first Japanese artist to chart and the only one ever to reach the top spot."

Other Asian artists who made their attempts, but never reached the success that Kyu Sakamato had, included Pink Lady (Japan), Hikaru Utada, BoA, Puffy (Puffy AmiYumi), and Rain.

"First was Japan's Hikaru Utada, who made two of the top three best-selling albums in Japan over the last decade and was named as the "most influential artist" of the '00s by the Japan Times. She released her English debut in 2004, which featured production work from Timbaland and was greeted with indifference. Four years later, the "Queen Of Korean Pop Music" BoA also tried to crossover via an English album and a remix featuring hot-at-the-time Flo Rida."

"Similarly, Korean superstar Rain was named one of the "100 Most Influential People Shaping Our World Today" by Time magazine and went on to appear in the film Speed Racer and star in the movie Ninja Assassin. Yet despite building his fame in Korea on music, Rain never released any music in the United States. He sold out a few concerts, but he is ultimately more famous in America for having a dance-off with Stephen Colbert than for any songs he has made."

Closing the article, the writer comments on the Wonder Girls, Girls' Generation, and 2NE1's success rate in their attempt to break into the U.S. market.

On the Wonder Girls, the writer says, "Whereas Utada and BoA just showed up in America and presumed being big in Asia would equal sales abroad, Wonder Girls is being introduced—or, for those who saw them open for The Jonas Brothers, further developed—specifically for the teen and tween markets. Given the music industry's hyper-segmentation, it's a smart move to focus on the same audience that turned artists like Miley Cyrus and Demi Lovato into household names."

However, Girls' Generation doesn't seem to favor as good a comment as the Wonder Girls, and the writer writes that they "seem poised to repeat the mistakes of previous Asian artists. They released "The Boys" virtually void of promotion, and now will have to hope an established American rapper can give them a boost—although, to be sure, "featuring Snoop Dogg" trumps "featuring Flo Rida" any day."

Not much is said about 2NE1's chance of success as they have yet to release anything official for their U.S. debut.

You can read the entire article by "The Atlantic" here.

NOTE: The article makes a mistake that the Wonder Girls' made their debut through a reality show showed on MTV, which was actually "MTV Wonder Girls," a show that was used to introduce the members to fans prior their official debut.

Source: The Atlantic , koreaboo.com

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The singer recently guest-featured to film the next episode of MBC‘s ‘Joo Byung Jin’s Talk Concert – K-POP Star Special‘, and the bubbly Jiyoung helped create a fun atmosphere on the set.

She talked about her promotions in Japan, as well as the things she unfortunately had to give up on after becoming a star.

But when the guests began speaking of their ideal types, Kang Jiyoung unexpectedly revealed that she liked men who didn’t eat carrots, which highly amused the other guests on set.

She hilariously stated that more specifically, he must not eat carrots that are cooked, which caused the guests to further explode in laughter.

Also on the episode were T-ara‘s Jiyeon, Super Junior‘s Shindong, Rainbow‘s Jaekyung, and ZE:A‘s Lim Siwan.

Source & Image: Newsen via Nate

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SPICA, produced by singer Lee Hyori‘s entertainment label is receiving some new attention, as it has recently been revealed that member Kim Bo Hyung was previously a YG Entertainment trainee preparing to debut as a member of 2NE1.

Kim Bo Hyung is the lead vocal of SPICA, and the singer trained with the 2NE1 members under YG Entertainment for 2 long years. During an interview conducted with SportsKorea on January 31st, Kim Bo Hyung remarked, “I trained with the four 2NE1 members, however after 2NE1 made their debut as a 4-member group, CEO Yang Hyun Suk introduced me to this new label and I eventually became a member of SPICA.”

Kim Bo Hyung has not revealed this information to the public until now. She did not want the public to misunderstand that she was using this information as a way of promoting her new group. But as she made her official debut with SPICA, the news naturally spread.

“I learned a lot from YG Entertainment,” she said. “They taught me everything from A-Z. When I look at past videos of myself as a YG trainee, I can see where I was lacking. I want to develop those areas and become a more mature musician as a member of SPICA.”

Singer Lee Hyori herself has participated in producing SPICA, offering her advice and ideas regarding album jacket designs, stage ensembles, and more. Also in the group is ‘Super Star K‘ contestant Park Narae, and member Yang Jiwon, who was previously in a different girl group. The other two members are Kim Boa who possesses extreme vocal talent and Park Ju Hyun, a previous model who has filmed a number of CFs.

Could you imagine 2NE1 with 5 members?

Source & Image: SportsKorea via Nate

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SISTAR member Dasom and Boyfriend‘s Hyunseong will be enrolling in college next year.

Although both idols took their college entrance exams last year for the 2012 school year, they have decided to postpone college in order to pursue their entertainment careers.

An insider from SISTAR & Boyfriend’s label Starship Entertainment stated on the 31st, “Instead of enrolling in school this year, we decided that it would be better for Dasom and Hyunsung to enroll in college next year. They want to focus on their careers for the time being and we will make sure they get serious about going to school next year.”

KARA‘s Kang Jiyoung who is also in the same predicament is currently still undecided as to when she will enroll. B1A4 members CNU, Sandeul, Baro and Gongchan have plans to apply to the schools of their choice, rather than opting for special admission.

Source & Image : MyDaily

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The singer shared the above photo via his me2day page on the 31st and wrote,

“On the set of my “When I Can’t Sing” MV shoot!!! With my beloved dongseng who came running to film a short cameo!!! Love u GD!!!!! Ps. MV releases tonight at midnight!!!!”

Source & Image: Se7en’s me2day

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Photo Credit : to real owner

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Photo Credit : to real owner

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