Whether Singer Lee Hyori will challenge acting again is stirring up rumors in the movie industry.
It has been four years since Hyori acted in the 2005 TV series, “Three Leaf Clover,” as Kang Jina. On the 23rd, news surfaced that the movie “Bling Bling” whose script is already done, has unofficially casted Hyori.
“Bling Bling,” a cheery and light comedy, is based on the book, “Apgujeong Diary.” The plot centers around three women. While they spend their last Christmas together as a group, they bet on who brings the most handsome boyfriend to their final gathering, which initiates a series of love stories.
The producers of “Bling Bling” said, “There are many people under consideration and plans aren’t confirmed as of now.” However, they seem confident in casting Hyori for the role. Although Hyori has been criticized before, most of the criticism stemmed from the character written by the script that Hyori played on the series. Officials from the movie industry stated, “At the time, Hyori wanted to portray a girl who remains happy and cheerful despite bad times. In the end, what failed was the choice of the role,” and “There’s a very good chance that Hyori may transition into an actress through the straightforward and honest role in ‘Bling Bling’ which matches her personality very well.”
While being interviewed for a magazine, Hyori said, “I don’t want to be casted simply for my popularity or influence. It has to be a role I’m suitable for. If such a role exists, I want to try acting again.”
However, worries arise due to the untimeliness of this role. Sources said, “We haven’t received any plans about this role,” and “Her album is coming out soon, so filming and promoting might be too exhausting.”
“Bling Bling” will be directed by Bae Yong Joon’s ex-girlfriend, Lee Sa Gang. She graduated from Chung-Ang University as a film major and has directed music videos for Fly to the Sky, 2AM and other idols. In addition, she received an award for her first short film from The London Film School and the 2004 Judges’ Award for short film.
Singer Brian of Korean R&B duo Fly to the Sky has set up an agency to help promote his United States debut, according to a press release on Wednesday.
The Korean-American singer established Onpoint Entertainment with Lee Joo-hong, who has been working as a manager for the group, the statement said.
“Our relationship is one that is not as an agency versus an artist but as family-like companions”, explained Lee, now president of Onpoint. “I will do my best to support [Brian]“.
Lee went on to say, “We have signed an overseas record distribution and a promotion deal with Sony Music. We are set to take off preparations to make a debut in the Asian market, such as in Japan and China, and particularly the U.S.”
Fly To The Sky, a popular two-member boy group who debuted in 1999, were represented by SM Entertainment, a major talent agency in South Korea, until November 2004.
They moved to a smaller label PFull Entertainment, where they released three studio albums, and it has been reported that each member will be focusing on their solo activities.
Brian is currently working on his second solo album, which will be out early December.
2AM Jo Kwon talks about being confessed to by group female singers.
Jo Kwon appeared as one of the MCs to the new SBS environmental variety show ‘Find it! Green Gold’ on 14th September, and SS501 member Kim HyungJoon has asked the question, “Have you been confessed to by more than 1 female entertainer?” and Jo Kwon answered, “Yes”.
And then Fly To The Sky Brain asked, “Group singer? Solo singer?” hoping for a truthful answer, and then Super Junior ShinDong interrupted with, “OK, we shall stop here” giving hope to Jo Kwon to change the topic.
But Jo Kwon had gone to answer Brian’s question, “Group”. And ShinDong joked, “Since you said group, we shall not ask if she is a singer or actress.”
The show features 2AM’s Jo Kwon, SS501 Kim Hyung Joon, Super Junior Shin Dong and Brian Joo as MCs going around to places on their bicycle and solving environmental problems they spot.
After hearing the news of SS501’s leader being diagnosed with H1N1, it’s only natural that fans would become very concerned about the future of their leader and his group.
Fortunately for fans and concerned netizens, fellow member Kim Hyung Joon was present at the ‘Find it! Green Gold’ press conference and appeased any worries. He stated, “We are absolutely fine now. I was really surprised when I heard of the news that Hyun Joong hyung was infected with H1N1 influenza. I knew that Hyun Joong hyung could not return from Japan because of H1N1 influenza through news reports. Even though we didn’t talk (over the phone) to each other, I heard he is getting better in health. His condition is getting much better and seems that he will be able to resume his activities within 2 weeks’ time.”
In the meantime, magnae Kim Hyung Joon, along with Super Junior’s Shin Dong, 2AM’s Jo Kwon, and Fly to the Sky’s Brian, will be hosting a brand new SBS variety program called ‘Find it! Green Gold’ focusing on the envirornment. For those interested, the show will air on September 14.
Flower boys Brian, ShinDong, Kim Hyung Joon and JoKwon will all come together for an environmental cause.
Fly To The Sky Brian, Super Junior ShinDong, SS501 Kim Hyung Joong and 2AM Jo Kwon will be appearing together for a new broadcast show SBS environmental variety ‘Find it! Green Gold’.
All 4 idol members will ride on their environmental-friendly bicycles in search of places with environmental problems and present a solutions to them.
If girl groups like Girls’ Generation, 2NE1, Kara, and Brown Eyed Girls were dominating the music scene in summer, it will be male singers who will be taking the stage by storm in autumn. Celebrated ballad singers such as Kim Tae-woo, formerly of g.o.d., Park Hyo-shin, Wheesung, and Hwan-hee of Fly to the Sky are gearing up for comeback, as well as popular hip hop groups, including Epic High, Dynamic Duo, and DJ DOC.
Kim Tae-woo, who finished his military duty in May, will release his first solo album, “T-Virus” on September 3. On September 15 Park Hyo-shin, known for his soulful voice, will roll out part one of his sixth album, “Gift.” Wheesung will showcase two title songs in his latest album, due out on October 8th. Hwan-hee debuts as a soloist with a mini album at the end of September.
After successfully wrapping up the Japan and U.S. tour, Epic High will return in mid-September with their sixth album and a concert on September 19. Holding their last concert on September 29 before starting their military duty, Dynamic Duo plans to release a new album sometimes this month. DJ DOC will also release the long-awaited seventh album in late September, the first album since 2004.
On July 7th, 2009, Michael Jackson’s Funeral was held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
Those who were forntunate enough to get a ticket saw amazing performances from Mariah Carey, Trey Lorenz, Usher, Jennifer Hudson, John Mayer, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, & Jermaine Jackson in tribute to the King of Pop. They also heard the heart warming speeches of Brooke Shields, Rev. Al Sharpton, Martin Luther King III, Berry Gordy, Jermaine & Marlon Jackson, Queen Latifah, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, & Smokie Robinson. And let’s not forget Paris Jackson’s words that made the billions that tuned in for the memorial break down and cry. (For those who didn’t cry, DO YOU HAVE A HEART?!)
Rest in Peace Michael, you will be remembered for your brilliance.
As I have posted before, Michael Jackson influenced many artists including the KPopers. Bi (Rain) was one of them. It was however unfortunate for him as he learned the King of Pop died on his birthday, June 25th. Michael inspired many to be all they can be and here are their tributes from over the years:
1TYM
They said Heal The World
2NE1:
They’re singing Umbrella by Rihanna but if you see closely they’re wearing a picutre of Michael on their clothing. This was shortly after the news of Michael’s death.
The Dangerous Pajama Party Remix by Super Junior H (Very Interesting)
Super Junior M playing charades on Sohu Star Chat, Michael Jackson was one of the answers. Starts at 5:08
Here’s the translations from asdfxKATHY
“2nd word: Michael Jackson
Host: isn’t this what Hankyung’s best in?
*Hankyung does the moonwalk*
*Ryeowook performs Michael Jackson’s signature moves*
*Henry misunderstood and did some popping instead*
Host:wow henry, u finally did something you’re really good at!
*Ryeowook whispers to Henry that the word is Michael Jackson*
Zhou Mi: can i request that one of the first few perform again?
* Siwon dances and sings “Dangerous” *
fans: Siwon! Siwon!
Zhou Mi: *guess words* smelt a fart?
host: it’s actually the name of a person. we don’t really know if he really did a smell a fart though
Zhou Mi: ah~~ Michael Jackson”
U Know Yunho (DBSK)
Both are technically the same dance to Scream but different shows
X-Man
Heroine
Victor Petrenko
It’s awesome, Michael inspired figure skaters too.
Collaborations For Tribute:
Lee Min Woo (Shinhwa)- Billie Jean, Psy- Beat It, Bi (Rain)- Thriller, Jun Jin (Shinhwa)- Dangerous
BoA & DBSK singing Heal The World
Jewlery & Bi (Rain) doing what else, Billie Jean
Part 1
Start from 7:57
Part 2
Continuing
A giant Michael Jackson Dangerous Dance Battle on Love Letter (Lee Min Woo of Shinhwa, Jang Woo Hyuk of H.O.T, Bae Seul Ki, Kim Jong Min of Koyote, & Chung Myun Hoon of NRG)
Even though the meaning to album sales has began to take a smaller part to the releasing a new album, but in anyway it is still important to a singer in terms of the value of the music and the singer’s success.
So who has the best album sales in the Kpop realm for the 1st half of year 2009? We follow Hanteo chart to find the results tabulated as till 30th May.
And group Super Junior is said to have the highest album sales, with group So Nyeo Shi Dae following behind at #2. We have our Kings and Queens for the 1st half of 2009!
Super Junior had the highest number of album sales for this 1st half of year 2009. They released their 3rd album ‘Sorry Sorry’ in March selling over 100,ooo copies and then they went on to release version C of the album, to breakthrough 200,000 copies sold.
Following behind at #2 is group So Nyeo Shi Dae. They previously released their 1st minialbum ‘Gee’ in January and seeing over 70,000 copies.
The rest of the results:
1. Super Junior with 200,000 copies sold of ‘Sorry Sorry’
2. So Nyeo Shi Dae with 70,000 copies sold of ‘Gee’
3. Singer Seo Taiji sold 59,000 copies with his 8th album single ‘Seotaiji Atomos Part Secret’.
4. Shin Hye Sung sold a total of 35,000 copies ofhis 3rd album ‘Keep Leaves’
5. Bobby Kim with 34,000 copies sold for his special album.
6. SG Wannabe with 29,000 album sales for 6th album ‘Gift From SG WannaBe’
7. Indie band Jang Gi Ha and the Faces with 29,000 copies sold of their 1st album ‘Living without any special things (별일없이 산다)’
8. Davichi is at #8 with 28,000 copies sold of their minialbum giving hits like ‘8282′ and ‘Get into an accident’
9. Fly To The Sky last 8th album ‘Decennium’ selling 27,000 copies
10. Jo Sung Mo with 23,000 album sales for 7th album ‘Second Half’.
With the first half of 2009 ending, and we have the latter half the year – with many new additions to the competition like 2NE1, HyunA’s group 4Minutes and T-ara’s debuts, Big Bang, Se7en, KARA, So Nyeo Shi Dae and SS501’s comebacks – we have just more to look out for.
