Fans Turn Into Consumer Activists

By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter

Park Jin-young, president of JYP Entertainment, made an official statement on Sept. 17 to explain his stance regarding Park Jae-beom, the former leader of the uber-popular boy band 2PM. The briefing was an inevitable measure in the face of the aggressive activism from 2PM fans.

It was the band’s loyal fans – who have printed advertisements in newspapers and are threatening to boycott 2PM-related products and items – that pushed him to make a reluctant speech over Jae-beom, who left the band after negative comments he made about Korea four years ago were made public.

However, Park is about to make another big decision as unsatisfied fans are asking him to disclose the singer’s working contract.

The fans also continue to release newspaper advertisements calling for Jae-beom’s reinstatement, in which they allude to a potential boycott of TV and other programs involving 2PM until the music tycoon takes back the member.

The world of fandom is changing rapidly. Gone are the days when they were mere consumers of pop culture. They are now the largest influence in the field, able to “solve the problems on their own.”

This is a long way from the image of fans screaming or crying in front of their favorite stars’ residences.

“They are quite frank about what they want and know how to get it,” online showbiz critic Fiancee said.

“They have realized that they do have power over their stars. They make statements, hold protests and write appealing letters to reporters, industry insiders and others. They are becoming a ‘political power’ in a way,” she said.

A while ago, SM Entertainment, which represents the boy band Super Junior, planned to hire a Chinese member for the band to woo the Chinese market. Consequently, angry fans gathered in front of the headquarters every second Saturday to protest the decision.

The company later withdrew the announcement, saying they “respect the fans, who are the biggest assets to Super Junior.”

Fan clubs are now boycotting SM products because they canceled concerts at which TVXQ was scheduled to appear.

“This is our time to show SM that we are more than passive stance,” a fan said.

This is the case not only with the fans of singers.

When it was announced that the MBC cult hit “Tamnaneundoda” (Tamra, the Island) was wrapping up on Sept. 27, far earlier than the originally planned date of Oct. 11, fans held an online campaign to urge the station to withdraw the decision.

Kim Mi-kyeong, one of the cast members, said in an interview that it was the first time she had felt such intimacy with her fans. “The fans would bring snacks, try to encourage us and make every detail of the drama an issue so that the station could give it a second thought. I never imagined in my life that fans would act to influence a TV drama,” she said.

“This is a new wave of the consumer’s rights movement. They stand for the entertainer’s rights and their own rights against an offensive and cold capitalism,” Kim Seong-su, another culture critic, said.

But in some cases, the depth of the fans’ affection is becoming aggressive and offensive to others.

Fans of G-Dragon, the lead singer of Big Bang, bombarded the Web site of the MBC radio program “Bae Cheol-soo’s Music Camp,” and several others for raising suspicion over the plagiarism.

It was later revealed that his recording company was warned over the issue by Sony Korea.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr
Credits: sharingyoochun @ WordPress

 

A New BIG BANG MV?

Big Bang has been working hard on their Japan promotions as well as solo projects and are planning to return to the Korean scene on T.V! Sadly, not with a new album.

The five-member group will come back as part of the upcoming Chuseok special on SBS. This is a surprise appearance since they were not supposed to have Korean activities for most of 2009.

As many already knew, G-Dragon and 2NE1 performed on a special stage for the highly anticipated Idol Big Show, an episode to be revealed on October 3rd. This is a performance unlike any you have seen before! Are you excited?

As this is a pre-recorded performance, it has been reported that G-Dragon performed “Breathe”, “Hello” with Dara, and “1 Year Station”. Then 2NE1 followed up with “Fire” drum music/rhythmic version as well as “Let’s Go Party” from their 1st Mini Album. “Let’s Go Party” has not been performed live yet so that’s definitely something to look forward to.

Then the surprise arrival of Big Bang had many fans shocked, because no one had any idea they were coming. They were there to support their fellow YG Family members, 2NE1 and their brother G-Dragon. The group sang “Last Farewell” with 2NE1 as well as their song, “How Gee”. A freestyle dance battle with 2NE1 also occurred…

credits: allkpop
================================================

Is Big Bang filming a new MV? There have been some rumors that they are after photos of the boys filming surfaced on the internet. It looks like Daesung has recovered nicely and was healthy enough to be present for the shoot as well… however there was one Big Bang person missing. TOP, Seungri, Taeyang, and Daesung were all present but G-Dragon wasn’t. He probably was busy because of his HEARTBREAKER promotions and his scenes will probably be filmed at a later date.

So what do you think this is for? People are speculating that it’s for Taeyang’s new MV for his upcoming solo release.

credits: allkpop

 

BIG BANG Members Continue With Solo Activities

Taeyang, a member of top boy band Big Bang, will resume his solo career in October, while another member, G-dragon, holds a solo concert in December.

The head of Big Bang’s agency YG Entertainment, Yang Hyun-suk, posted the company’s plans for the two members on its official website on Thursday.

“Taeyang is going to shoot a music video for his first song “Where u at” this weekend,” Yang said.

“Considering the short session for Taeyang’s first mini-album last year, we are mapping out the way to promote his first original album as long as possible this time,” he added.

In mid-October, the “Where u at ” music video will be unveiled online.

The release date of Taeyang’s original album is not yet decided.

Yang also mentioned the future of G-dragon. G-dragon’s first solo concert will be held at Seoul Olympic Park on the first weekend of December.

Before their debut, both G-dragon and Taeyang had trained for six years at YG Entertainment since they were 12 years old.

In 2006, the two boys finally debuted as members of Big Bang. After acquiring huge popularity with their hit song “Lie” in 2007, Big Bang became one of top idol groups across Asia.

Taeyang made his solo debut in May, 2008. His first single “Hot” was acclaimed by both critics and the public. It sold over 50,000 copies.

G-dragon’s solo debut album was released on his 21st birthday, on Aug.18. All tracks of the album hit No. 1 on K-pop charts after release.

Korea Herald

 

Must Watch The Idol Chuseok Special!

Nine top idol groups will appear on an SBS-TV special on Chuseok, which falls on Oct. 3.

The program, titled “Idol Big Show,” will feature G-dragon of Big Bang, Girls’ Generation, 2NE1, Kara, SHINee, Lee Seung-gi, 4Minute, After School and 2AM.

The stars will present joint performances.

The six members of After School will sing Pussycat Dolls’ hit song “Buttons” and perform what producers have described as a “very sexy dance.”

Girls’ Generation will sing their debut song “Into the New World.” Also, the nine members will be turned “cute bunny girls” and present their hit song of this year “Gee.”

The “Idol Big Show” will be on air at 11:10 p.m. on Oct. 3.

Korea Herald

 

G-Dragon Confirms He’s a Herbivore

“Herbivore” or “Cho Shik Nam” (초식남) is a fairly new term in Korea. Herbivore is a slang term that comes from a new phenomenon in Japan that refers to men who do not show off their masculinity. They’re passive about sex and relationships because they’re too busy and aggressive when it comes to their own hobbies, interests, which are often considered “childish.” They’re “rebels,” don’t have money-driven careers and don’t really care about pursuing women. Want an example? G-Dragon, who has been quite busy lately with his solo album HEARTBREAKER, is often referred to as a herbivore. Now, what does he think of the term?

G-Dragon performed at the 2009 Wonderful Korea concert on the 27th. When the MC of the show asked him “Aren’t you a herbivore?,” he smiled and answered. “I’m not sure what it means but I think it refers to a person who dresses well. In that sense, I think the term suits me.” He might be way off there, but its nice that he at least took the question positively.

When the MC joked “Herbivores apparently aren’t into relationships,” G-Dragon answered, “On the contrary, I’m very interested in having a relationship. I just don’t have a girlfriend yet though.”

G-Dragon also told stories of other Big Bang members: “Taeyang is preparing for his second solo album, Daesung is pretty well now so you’ll be able to see him soon. Seungri is preparing for a musical again and TOP is shooting a drama. Everyone is working hard.”

credits: allkpop

 

4Minutes 100th Day Anniversary

Girlgroup 4Minute has revealed their excitement having won their first #1 on music shows on their 100th day debut anniversary.

4Minute won their 1st #1 on music show with the song ‘Muzik’ on SBS Inkigayo on 26th September. The song was released early September and has been doing very well up on various music charts. And they made headlines for being in the competition with solo singer GDragon.

With that, the girls were excited winning their 1st #1 just 3 months into debut. Especially for member HyunA who left group WonderGirls in 2007 and got to comeback as 4Minute this year. The other members also found it hard to believe when the Mutizen was announced and were seen tearing.

And part of the reason to their tears was that it was their 100th day debut anniversary that day. On such a special day, and even winning their 1st #1, the girls were very happy and excited.

A Cube Ent representative said, “Not just the members, even the company staff did not expect them to win #1. We congratulated the girls on their 100th day but they received a great excitement winning #1 on the show. The girls would like to thank their fans for their support and will work harder in the future.”

source: kbites

 

Another G-Dragon Parody?

Blogger ‘Soon HanGom’, who previously made topic with his parody song ‘CD Breaker’ of GDragon’s hit ‘Heartbreaker’, is back with another parody song getting the attention of netizens once again.

On 24th September, ‘Soon HanGom’ released the parody song ‘He’s Electric – The butterfly which got a shock’ with DJ SH on 24th September on his blog.

They changed the lyrics to the song ‘She’s Electric’ by English band Oasis. This has link with the plagiarism accusation against GDragon’s ‘Butterfly’ which was said to have plagiarised ‘She’s Electric’.

The blogger criticised GDragon for plagiarism in the song lyrics.

Meanwhile, the song continues to get attention from netizens.

source: kbites

 

4Minutes Win Mutizen?

After watching G-Dragon dominate the kcharts and grab his fill of Mutizens, it looks like Inkigayo is ready for another champion, and the verdict is out… 4minute has finally captured their first Mutizen win, beating out KARA, Kim Tae Woo, Tei, Lee Seung Gi, Park Hyo Shin and Jewelry with “Muzik” on 27th September.

It seems like this was a 4minute night – first, the girls revealed a sweeter side in a public transportation song feature, and then their hard work over the past few months paid off with the honor of this award. Their first major award since debuting in June 2009.

When 4minute debuted, the fivesome met mixed reviews regarding their talent and image. However, in the past few months they’ve come a long way and snagged the hearts of many – this is a milestone for the girls, and we expect many more great things to come.

credits: allkpop

 

What’s Next in Store For G-Dragon?

Even though YG Entertainment is in a sticky situation with recent plagiarism issues, don’t think that Big Bang’s G-Dragon will be on the down low until things get resolved.

Besides performing “Heartbreaker” and “Breathe”, rumors have surfaced that YG Entertainment has plans to promote “Butterfly” and ” A Boy” simultaneously on the radio and shows. We previously reported that G-Dragon was set to have to give a triple dose of MVs, but the latest buzz is that he will also be shooting music videos for “A Boy” and “Butterfly”. Others are speculating that “She’s Gone” may also be made into a music video as well. However, none of these rumors have been confirmed, so everyone is still awaiting YG’s verdict.

On top of these promotions and his solo concerts in December, it looks like G-Dragon will be promoting his solo album until the end of the year.

credits: allkpop

 

Interesting Episode of Champagne With Girl Groups

The September 26th episode of Champagne was a girl group special with groups like Kara, Brown Eyed Girls, After School, and 4minute.

BEG’s Ga-In revealed that she was a 1987-er and said,”It’s unfair, all my unnies are aged, so it looks like I am old too.”

Narsha, who is a 1983-er said, “I’m not sorry, aging is the same. In fact, sitting here is uncomfortable. I’m a name tag idol,” which caused laughter in the audience.

Ga-In also said, “Because I’m the magnae of the group, I want to really be the leader.” She confessed, “I want to be 4minute’s leader and mess with the dongsaengs.”

On another topic, the girls participated in the ‘Ideal Guy World Cup’ and chose between 16 male idols. The girls first chose between G-Dragon and TOP and chose G-Dragon as their ideal guy. Kara’s Han Seungyeon said, “G-Dragon is really cute and has a charming innocent look when he smiles.” On the other hand, After School’s SoYoung said, “He is a high school hoobae(junior). I’ve seen him since he was in high school and he doesn’t give me the feeling of a man.”

The girls chose again between 2PM’s Jaebum and Nichkhun and and picked Jaebum. From SHINee, it was between Minho and Taemin and Minho was selected. From Super Junior, Siwon and Heechul were the choices, and Siwon was picked by the girls.

DBSK’s U-Know Yunho and ChoiKang Changmin were up, and After school’s Jooyun said, “I am U-Know Yunho’s fan. He has a good body and can dance well.”

From F4’s SS501’s HyunJoong and Lee Minho, they chose Hyunjoong, from Bi(Rain) and Lee SeungGi, they chose Bi(Rain), and from Alex and Boom they chose Alex.

In the quarterfinals, 2PM’s Jaebum, SHINee’s Minho, DBSK’s U-Know Yunho, and Bi(Rain) were left. Bi(Rain) and Jaebum were the top two and Bi(Rain) was chosen as the most ideal guy.

(This episode was filmed before the whole Jaebum scandal)

source: newsen
Translations: omona pection