KARA Members to Go Separate Ways

Members of top K-pop girl group KARA will go separate ways.

KARA’s agency DSP Media announced through a statement Friday afternoon that KARA members Gyuri, Seungyeon and Hara are the only members who have renewed their management deal for two more years with the agency.

The management deal with member Nicole, who has clarified that she had no intention to renew the deal with DSP Media, is set to be expired next January as scheduled.

Jiyoung, the youngest member of the group who just turned 19 this year, will take more time to think over her future and career since it is set to be expired next April, the agency explained.

DSP Media cleared out that KARA will not be disbanded and continue its domestic and overseas activities, even though part of its members will not expand their deal and leave the group.

Debuted in March of 2007, KARA is considered as one of the most successful Korean girl groups that have successfully broken into the Japanese music market.


Source : tenasia

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One Year On, 'Gangnam Style' Still Setting Records

When the music video for Psy's "Gangnam Style" was released, few people expected it to become such a global sensation -- topping charts and smashing records around the world, emerging as the most-viewed video on YouTube, and spawning the most emulated dance in recent memory.

It has been about a year since Psy released the music video that subsequently went viral, and it continues to set new records.

◆ A Catalyst for the Growing Appeal of K-Pop

Psy's hit song blazed a new trail in terms of profits it earned overseas as well. According to music industry insiders, royalties paid overseas have exceeded W500 million (US$1=W1,152) since the third quarter of last year. This is the first time a single by a Korean artist has generated so much foreign revenue. Most of the royalties came from Britain and the U.S., and Psy split them with the song's co-writer, Yoo Gun-hyung, at a ratio of 3:1.

"Royalties are still being generated, mostly from clubs and online music sites. Many parties, including YouTube in Europe, haven't paid up in full yet, so the total earnings will increase further," estimated one music industry insider.

YouTube said on Monday that other Korean music videos have become much more popular in the wake of "Gangnam Style." It said the number of online clicks they receive has almost tripled since the release of "Gangnam Style," suggesting a healthy spillover effect for the industry. Psy's music video has attracted 1.7 billion views as of Friday, meaning it is likely to keep boosting interest in other K-pop singers.

◆ Positive Effects

Pop critics say that the biggest achievement of the song is that it elevated Korea's brand value. "Thanks to 'Gangnam Style,' it's been so easy to promote Korea for the past year," said Sohn Jie-ae, CEO of Arirang TV. "Regardless of whether K-pop is popular or not in some specific region, everyone knows Psy and 'Gangnam Style.' Because he promoted his song while speaking Korean and singing a Korean song, global recognition of Korea has grown significantly," she added.

"The song helped spread Korean culture, including the Korean language, quickly around the world," said Kim Seung-soo, a professor at Seoul Institute of the Arts.

◆ Psy's Next Move

Now attention is focusing on Psy's next move, as he has wrapped up promoting the song and its follow-up, "Gentleman." Although the latter, which he performed for the first time at a concert in Seoul in April, climbed to fifth place on the Billboard Hot 100 within just two weeks of its release, it failed to emulate the success of "Gangnam Style." Most industry insiders predict that his new album will determine his future in the global market, as he can still trade on the so-called "halo effect" of his first hit.

Psy started working on his new song in the U.S. after performing at a charity football game hosted by former Korea international captain Park Ji-sung in Shanghai last month.

"We plan to release a new song this fall, but we haven't decided what genre or format it will be," his agency said.

source : Chosun Ilbo

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Lee Byung Hun and Lee Min Jung unveil their wedding invitations

Fans were able to get a peek at Lee Byung Hun and Lee Min Jung's wedding invitations!

The couple sent out their invitations titled, 'MJ & BH WEDDING INVITATION', and it reads, "Thank you for being with us for the first day of our new life together. We will repay your congratulatory messages by working hard and living happily together."

Lee Byung Hun and Lee Min Jung will tie the knot at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Seoul on August 10 at 6 PM KST. Actor Shin Young Gyun will officiate the ceremony while actor Lee Bum Soo and MC Shin Dong Yup will host the reception. 

Although their upcoming marriage still seems surreal to many fans, the couple will indeed enter holy matrimony so check out the wedding invitations below.

source : newsen

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 Sohee of the Wonder Girls is making her drama debut this summer

Wonder Girls member Sohee is about to make her debut as a lead actress later this summer.
KBS revealed on July 2 that Sohee has signed on to star in the upcoming television show for KBS2TV's 'Drama Special 2013.'

The program is titled Rose Day and in it Sohee will play the role of a young woman in her early twenties working in a flower shop.

Rose Day will mark Sohee's first lead role and is being produced by Kim Young Jo. Kim has also previously worked on the successful dramas Cinderella Sister and Hong Gil Dong.
No other details have been revealed about cast members or plot, but the KBS special drama is scheduled to hit the airwaves in August.

Fans have been very supportive of Sohee's transition into acting, noting that the singer originally signed with JYP Entertainment with hopes of getting into acting.

In a recent interview with TenAsia, Sohee opened up about her acting dreams.
"I've always liked and been interested in acting. Even when I auditioned for JYP, I did singing, dancing and acting. Hence I had dreamed of pursuing both singing and acting. Acting is a lot of fun. I get to express characters that may be similar or different from me," she said.

She previously acted in a small role for the movie I Like it Hot, and shows a lot of promise.

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Is John Park jealous of Lee Hyori's boyfriend Lee Sang Soon?

Singer John Park revealed his honest thoughts on Lee Hyori and her boyfriend Lee Sang Soon.

John Park, who is known to be quite a fan of Lee Hyori, was a guest on the latest 'Hong Jin Kyung's Two o'clock' on KBS Cool FM Radio. Hong Jin Kyung asked him, "I know you're  fan of Lee Hyori. What was it like working with her?"

The sunbae singer featured in the chorus for John Park's "Being Erased" from his first full-length album, 'Inner Child.

He answered, "I'm not jealous of Lee Sang Soon at all. Lee Hyori always seemed so far away and mysterious, but after meeting her, she was just like any other normal person. The fantasy I used to have of Lee Hyori isn't there anymore," making everyone laugh.

It's good that John Park isn't jealous because Lee Hyori has already announced that she'll be marrying her boyfriend of three years!

source : allkpop

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TVXQ's Chang-min Sheds Hot Tears After Loss

TVXQ's Chang-min finally shed tears. In the 13th episode of Cool Kids on the Block which aired July 2nd on KBS 2TV, the Cool Kidz team faced off against Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province's Ssangchon-dong team in the final bowling game. The two teams were neck on neck until the seventh round until finally the Ssangchon-dong team won 4:3.

The youngest of the Cool Kidz team, Chang-min, burst into tears after the loss. The Cool Kidz team had been in the lead at first, but allowed the Ssangchon-dong team to catch up and tie at 3:3. At that critical moment, Chang-min, who had been shedding his "bowling dunce" image through practice and hard work, rose to the plate. As the fate of the team lay in his hands, the team looked like it was bound for victory.

Chang-min displayed tremendous concentration and skill hitting two consecutive spares, but he just could not shake off the tension. He tried with all his might, even putting down the bowling ball for a while and breathing deeply to relax, but it just wasn't enough and unfortunately, he gave away the lead to Ssangchon-dong team's Park Dong-hyuk.

After the game, Chang-min could not stop his tears saying, "Soo-geun helped me to concentrate at the middle of the game. I knew I was going up to the plate and realized that being nervous wouldn't help. I said to myself, just to try my best just as I've been practicing all this time".

He added, "Because it was such an important game, my palms started to sweat and my thumb slipped out. This is probably the closet loss we've had but I don't have any regrets. I tried my best, and it was a good game. I'm happy with that".
Although the team lost, they were truly happy for the Ssangchon-dong Team's victory. The tears showed that the Cool Kidz team didn't give up and tried their best until the very end.

Chang-min's escape from his "bowling dunce" image was in the spotlight all throughout the matches. Chang-min was shown visiting the bowling alley every free moment he had and practicing hard to help the team, despite his busy schedule. The other members knew his passion and determination to win, so they rooted him on.

For the past month, Chang-min truly gave it his best and grew with the team. As the audience saw his genuine heart, determination to improve and make it until the end, his tears were that much more meaningful to them.

The signed ball that the Cool Kidz team gave to each other showed the team members' appreciation and love for Chang-min as well. It said, "Although you may not be the best, you gave it the best! We love you!"

After the game, the audience commented on various SNS, "I cried along with Chang-min..", "Good job! You gave it your best, we're proud of you!", "You did a great job just by being able to say you don't have any regrets!", "You always try hard to improve. You're an inspiration!", "Until the day you become the best in sports and games, good luck!!" etc.

Meanwhile, the episode with the final bowling match scored 6.4% in viewers' ratings (Nielson Media Korea, Nationwide), increasing 0.3%p from last week. The program ranked first among other shows in the same time slot.

Cool Kidz on the Block is a program aiming to elevate the standard of health and happiness through various sports games with ordinary people in our neighborhoods. Starting next week, the Cool Kidz will be facing off teams with badminton. It stars Kang Ho-dong, Lee Soo-geun, Chang-min and Cho Dal-hwan and airs every Tuesday at 11:20 p.m.

source : asianfanatic

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Lee Hyori and Lee Sang Soon Confirm September Wedding

Many people were confused whether Lee Hyori will be marrying or not this September to boyfriend Lee Sang Soon due to mixed reports from the media, but she has officially confirmed recently through her fan cafe.

On July 4, she visited her fan cafe Hyori Together and left a message. “If I go straight to the point, it’s true that I’m getting married. We only agreed that it would be good to get married around September and haven’t told our parents. We haven’t prepared an official meeting with our parents, wedding invitations among other things.”

She continued, “I saw that news reports regarding my marriage went out yesterday and there were a lot of speculative articles and people claiming they’re quoting my close acquaintances. Through that, our parents and close friends found out and it caused a lot of harm.”

She explained, “It is so personal and I wanted to tell everyone with my mouth after uncertain things became finalized, but it’s always been difficult to do so as usual. We needed time to think how we should respond to the news. We wanted to tell our fans in a good way about the news in due time, but I’m sorry to the fans. Since it came out like this, we’ll prepare well and do our best.”

Lee Hyori added, “It seems imposing to say things like we’ll live well after marriage, we’ll have a beautiful marriage, and please give us blessings because everyone else does. We’ll try to live diligently. For the fans who aren’t ready to send me, do you want to drink soju tonight? It’s a relief that my face isn’t on the bottle now. Love you.”

source : nate

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Won Bin’s fans heartbroken over his relationship with Lee Na-young

The emergence of Korea’s new celebrity couple Won Bin and Lee Na-young created much online buzz, after the news was confirmed by their agency yesterday. A fan of the South Korean heartthrob, who was especially affected by her idol’s revelation, said, “I’m so upset I’m going crazy!”

Nevertheless, there were netizens who showed their support for the actors by commenting that the fans should feel “consoled” because “Lee Na-young is very beautiful”.
Although Eden 9 Talent Agency denied the rumours initially, they came clean about the couple’s relationship, after reports which showed Won Bon’s multiple visits to Na-young’s place were published yesterday.
However, a spokesperson clarified that the couple has been dating for four months, and not “one year” as stated in the reports. The company added that the pair had kept a low profile as they are still in the early stages of their relationship.
According to the press statement, Won Bin and Na-young, who first became acquainted through the company, started developing feelings for each other after working together on several projects

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Miss Korea 2013 Contestants Before After Photos Amuse Netizens

The latest reporting on the prevalence of plastic surgery in South Korea came from Reddit, mocking uncanny resemblance of the participants of the Daegu branch of annual beauty pageant Miss Korea, culminating in the below viral image from Imgur:

Known globally for its cosmetic surgery craze, South Korea indeed remains unopposed in the global plastic surgery table, giving the impression that the secret of South Korean beauty lies as much in cosmetic surgery as it does in national genes.

Miss Korea 2012 was dubbed ‘Miss Plastic 2012‘ by netizens for her open use of plastic surgery. Little less known is the growing willingness with which South Korean men go under the knife.
Although many netizens jumped to the cliched conclusion of so-called ‘medically-induced postnatal twinning syndrome’, when the pre-makeup photos (or, as some netizens suggest, pre-photoshop photos) of the participants emerged on Ilbe, the truth was a bit more disappointing.

 Source : Koreabang

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Lee Hyori and Lee Sang Soon's agencies flip flop on their position to suddenly deny news of marriage

Just shortly after confirming the upcoming marriage of Lee Hyori and Lee Sang Soon, their agencies have done a 180 to now deny and claim they have never heard of the matter.

As you can imagine, this is leaving everyone, including the Korean media outlets, quite confused and frustrated as the reps they spoke with over the phone just 5 minutes ago are now saying, "They have never gotten wedding invitations made, and there are no plans for marriage."

The CEO of Hyori's label as well as her managers have now even turned off their phones to close off communication, after leaving things in a state of confusion.

It's not clear why the agencies have suddenly gone from confirming to denying the news, but it is being suggested that the wedding plan is most likely indeed true, for it doesn't make sense that the agency would admit to it in the first place. It seems likely that the agencies have decided this matter needs to be handled in a more cautious manner and decided to fully discuss with the artists in detail before offering their position.

Stay tuned for updates to come after the agencies make up their minds.

Source : allkpop

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Han Hye Jin and Ki Sung Yueng Reveal They Broke Up Once in Their Short Relationship

Appearing back on SBS' Healing Camp, this time as a couple, Han Hye Jin and Ki Sung Yueng revealed their love story.

In a recent recording of Healing Camp, Han Hye Jin was featured as a special guest. There, Ki Sung Yueng made a surprise entrance, as he made a romantic proposal that had Han Hye Jin in tears.

The two sat down to talk about their relationship from beginning to present, addressing all rumors that surrounded them, including pregnancy, parental issues, and more. 

Ki Sung Yueng also revealed that although their dating period was a bit short, they did break up once in between.

"Although there was a short breakup, due to a fateful event, we met again, and because of that breakup, we actually decided to get married sooner.”

The episode will air on July 1.

The couple will wed on the same day at the Intercontinental Hotel in a closed wedding.

Photo Credit: SBS

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Gianna Jun mocked by netizens for weight gain

South Korean actress Gianna Jun Ji-hyun's weight issues became the talk of the town following her recent appearance in a commercial for a cafe. Looking visibly rounder, some sharp-tongued netizens mocked the My Sassy Girl star for “putting on so much weight that her double eyelids are gone”.

In the close-up shots, Gianna, who used to have an enviable V-shaped face, was seen with a double chin and a round face. Her arms also appeared to be thicker as compared to her pre-marriage days.

Dressed in a beige dress, the 31-year-old actress danced excitedly in the commercial, exuding her youthful charm of yesteryear. Despite the flake she's been getting for her rounder appearance, diehard fans have commented that their idol “looks better with more flesh”.

Gianna tied the knot with her banker boyfriend Choi Jun-hyuk at Shilla Hotel in Seoul last April. Her blissful marriage life is believed to be the reason for her weight gain. The married actress' most recent movie project is The Thieves co-starring Lee Jung-jae, Kim Hye-soo and Kim Soo-hyun.

Source : AsianFanatic

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Lee Byung-hun and Lee Min-jung to Wed in August

South Korean heartthrob Lee Byung Hun announced the good news by releasing an official statement this morning. The G.I. Joe actor will tie the knot with actress Lee Min Jung at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Seoul on Aug 10.

In his statement, Byung Hun said that he will continue to improve himself as an actor and try his best to be a good husband. He also expressed his wish for fans to continue supporting the couple.

Byung Hun and Min Jung broke up in 2006 and the 42-year-old opened up about their short-lived romance on a variety show. He explained that it did not work out back then as Min Jung was "just starting out" in showbiz and because he had "many" overseas work commitments.

Although rumours of them dating surfaced again early last year, the couple only publicly acknowledged their relationship in August. In his message to fans, Byung Hun called the actress "the most precious person" in his life. The lovebirds have been dubbed as the "Power Couple" in the Korean entertainment industry since going public.


Source : Chosun Ilbo

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Kim Jae-won ties the knot

Actor Kim Jae-won of the MBC drama “May Queen” married his girlfriend of eight months on Friday at a wedding hall named Raum in Yeoksam-dong, southern Seoul.

Before the 6 p.m. ceremony, the groom met with reporters to share his excitement over the wedding.

“As the wedding has approached, I truly feel why people should have a family of their own and why they should get married,” said Kim, adding that he feels safe and secure. “I’m delighted and happy.”

He also said that he will provide the best love to the child his pregnant bride is carrying. They have decided to call the baby “heaven” until the birth. They do not know the baby’s gender.

The couple have been friends since they grew up in the same neighborhood when they were young. They started developing romantic feelings toward each other in October. Their parents met in February to plan the wedding.

The couple will live in Kim’s home in Bundang, Gyeonggi, and the honeymoon is delayed until next year as Kim is filming for the drama, “Scandal.”

Source : JoongAng Daily

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f(x)'s Sulli takes a group photo with 'Running Man' cast

As most of you have heard by now, f(x)'s Sulli is the next celebrity guest to join SBS' 'Running Man'.

PD Kim Joo Hyung tweeted a photo of Sulli with the entire cast and the message, "The contestants forcibly smiling before the 'Dream Cup'. It was seriously funny because they were so nervous. To add, the center of the photo is peaceful Gary." Viewers of the show are aware that Leessang's Gary is known for the odd faces he pulls in photos.

This episode will focus on Sulli, Yoo Jae Suk, Ji Suk Jin, Lee Kwang Soo, Kim Jong Kook, Song Ji Hyo, HaHa, and Gary as well as soccer players Patrice Evra, Park Ji Sung, and Koo Ja Cheol at the '2013 Asia Dream Cup' in China.

Fans commented, "Yoo Jae Suk's body is pretty good," "I love Gary's expression," "The 'Running Man' family," "Song Ji Hyo's legs are unreal," and "Sulli is so beautiful."

Are you looking forward to this episode?

Souce : allkpop

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2NE1 release teaser image for "Falling in Love" + Comeback date

2NE1's Minzy and Dara have released the next teaser image for "Falling in Love"!

After CL's solo debut, Blackjacks all over the world have been looking forward to the group's return, and it looks like 2NE1 will be making a comeback on 'Inkigayo' on July 7 KST before the single's release on the 8th.

Minzy tweeted, "Falling in love <3 Coming soon," while Dara posted, "Are you falling in love with me?!?"

Are you excited to fall in love with 2NE1?

Source : allkpop

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Byul reveals what a sweet husband HaHa is

Despite HaHa's childish antics on screen, he's an amazing father-to-be and husband according to Byul.

Byul tweeted, "My husband is crazy busy these days. Even today he came in after he finished filming past 4 in the morning, and he only slept for a few hours. He still came to the prenatal exercise lessons we scheduled last week. He's a really good husband to be, but he's also a very good father to Dream... I can't help but love him."

Fans commented, "HaHa even went to prenatal exercise. He's such a good husband," "I'm glad he's treating her well because they say that you should treat a woman very well during her pregnancy," and "I'm curious how he was at the lessons."

Isn't that just the sweetest thing? Were you expecting this from HaHa?

Source : allkpop

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