Saturday, January 28, 2012

B.A.P’s Successful Showcase




It appears that the highly anticipated rookie group B.A.P has been living up to everyone’s expectations.

Following successful debut performances on several music shows, B.A.P put together a debut showcase on January 28th at the Jangchoong Gymnasium. Unprecedented by any rookie group, the grand showcase drew around 3,000 fans.

B.A.P performed 4 of the tracks from their first single album “Warrior.” Additionally, leader Bang Yong Guk performed his song with Secret‘s Song Jieun, “Going Crazy,” as well as his song with fellow member Zelo, “Never Give Up.”

Bang Yong Guk also performed a duet with B.A.P’s main vocalist Daehyun. They performed “I Remember,” which was originally released last August as a collaborative track between Bang Yong Guk and B2ST‘s Yang Yo-seob.

Most impressively, about 500 die-hard fans camped out the night before in order to get space in the standing area. On top of that, about 100 to 200 reporters from media outlets both in Korea and from abroad were onsite to cover the event. Furthermore, about 200 of the fans were foreigners, proving the global interest in B.A.P.

After B.A.P’s first appearance on a national TV channel music program (KBS’s “Music Bank” on January 27th), the number of searches for B.A.P on various search engines skyrocketed.

B.A.P plans to continue promoting their title track “Warrior.” Stay tuned to see what they can accomplish next!

(Source: XSports News via Naver)

FT Island “Severely” Music Video Teaser Released

On January 27th, FT Island released their “Severely” music video teaser from their upcoming 4th mini album on their official Youtube channel.







FT Island’s 4th mini album, ‘Grown-Up‘ will be released on the 31st.


Check out the teaser!








Big Bang releases two more titles


After unveiling their first two titles, Big Bang released two more titles on their upcoming new album.

On the 28th, YG Entertainment released two more songs on their official blog.



03. Love Dust
Written by: G-Dragon and Teddy
Composed by: Teddy and G-Dragon
Arranged by: Teddy

04. Bad Boy
Written by: G-Dragon
Composed by: G-Dragon and Choice 37
Arranged by: Choice 37
Additional Rap by: T.O.P

G-Dragon is involved in writing and composing all four songs that have been released.

YG representatives stated, “Fans and reporters are asking us many questions about Big Bang’s comeback album but it is difficult to answer them specifically. We will update the track list on a daily basis so stay tuned. Also, we have surprising news to be released soon.”

source: newsen


Lyn’s Drama OST 1st Place on Music Charts



Lyn
KIm Soo Hyun


Singer Lyn climbed to the top of music charts with her drama OST for MBC ‘The Moon that Embraces the Sun.’ Check out her OST single called ‘Back in Time‘ below!




As of January 29th (Korea time), Lyn’s new drama OST single ‘Back in Time‘ was listed as 1st place on numerous online music charts, including Melon, Mnet, Olleh, and many more. In less than 2 weeks since its release on January 17th, ‘Back in Time’ made it to 1st place on music charts, after consistently gaining more popularity every day. This put a slight setback on T-ara‘s winning streak with ‘Lovey Dovey.’

Closely following Lyn’s triumph with ‘Back in Time,’ B2ST‘s new ballad single ‘I Knew It‘ is currently placed in 2nd and 3rd place on various music charts.

(Source: OSEN)




Big Bang & 2NE1- Japan’s Biggest R&B Hip-Hop Festival’s Main Guests






Big Bang and 2NE1 will be appearing in Japan’s biggest R&B Hip-Hop festival ‘Spring Groove’.

The line-up for 2012 ‘Spring Groove’ was released on 28th which included Big Bang and 2NE1 as the main performers.

‘Spring Grove’ is known as Japan’s biggest R&B Hip-Hop festival where local artists and international artists are casted. It was first held in 2006, holding its’ 5th event this year.

Snoop Dogg performed at the first ‘Spring Grove‘ back in 2006 and thereafter, Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Ne-Yo, Rihanna, Keyshia Cole, Akon, T-Pain, TLC, and other great R&B Hip-Hop artists performed at the grand festival.

Big Bang and 2NE1 will be attending 2012 ‘Spring Groove‘ for the first time, performing along with the worldwide shuffle dance music sensation, LMFAO, electronic music DJ David Guetta and other international artists.

2012 ‘Spring Groove’ will be held on March 31st at the Osaka Kobe World Memorial and on April 1st at the Chiba Makuhari Messe Hall.

Source: TVDaily

T-ara Complains, “No Vacation Since Debut…”




T-ara members Soyeon, Hyomin and Boram revealed their true feelings to the president of their agency on JTBC ‘Idol Premiere’.

Boram stated, “We haven’t had a single vacation since our debut and haven’t had a day off for the past year”, with an upset expression.

When the MC, Kim Goora, asked, “Are there members who are not nearly as active?” the members replied, “Other members are active with their own schedules. They’re working somewhere right now. None of us gets a break, therefore we are always on a schedule”, and showed their disappointments.

After the show was aired on 27th, netizens commented, “T-ara is actually pretty active”, “They are definitely the mainstream these days”, “It’s good to be busy”, “It’s sad to be jobless”, “But I wish they would occasionally have a short break”, “Their health must be in a terrible condition”, and more.



Source: StarNews

What Made SNSD Yuri Cry on MBC Music Core?




SNSD member Yuri, who co-hosts MBC Show! Music Core with other SNSD member Tiffany, shed a few tears at the end of this week’s MBC Music Core. It turns out today was Yuri’s last day as MC for the music program.

While closing January 28th’s episode of MBC Music Core, MC Tiffany made the following announcement: “We’ve got some sad news. Yuri has officially begun her acting and filming activities for her upcoming drama. So as of today, Yuri will be leaving MBC Music Core.”

Yuri teared up and said, “I’m so sad to leave MBC Music Core. But parting brings another meeting. I’ll greet you all again as a more mature, improved version of myself. Please cheer me on until the end.” Overwhelmed by emotions, Yuri could not go on with her good-byes at the end. Tiffany hugged Yuri and helped wrap up the last show.

After leaving her MC position at MBC Music Core, SNSD’s Yuri will focus on her acting career through her upcoming role on new SBS drama, Fashion King.


(Source: MK Sports)

SHINEE'S TAEMIN COMPLETES HIS FIRST IMORTAL SONG 2 PERFORMANCES




We found out a few weeks ago that SHINee’s maknae Taemin would be following in band-mate Jonghyun’s footsteps by joining the hit TV show Immortal Song 2.

He successfully completed the recorded a few days ago and the recording aired on the 28th.

The episode was based on Son Changsik, with the 14 contestants singing his hit songs. Taemin chose to sing At Least Once and received a lot of praise, not just from the audience and viewers, but also from Son Changsik himself. It was something new for Taemin and also for the fans but it allowed Taemin to be seen in a new light and it was a way for the little dancer to broadcast his vocal talents instead of his dancing skills that he is famous for.

Taemin has received a lot of bashing in the past for his singing and despite being nervous, he managed to pull of the performance well. Taemin himself had said that he felt very nervous about the stage but seeing Son Changsik smile at him during his performance put him at ease.

You can view the perfomance below.


(source : kpopconcert)



Rumors of g.o.d’s Return After 7 Years




With all the upcoming debuts and comebacks, 2012 has already promised to be an exciting year in K-Pop. Not only are the current idol groups returning to the scene, but many rumors have been circulating about the beloved idol groups of the 90′s reuniting again this year. The latest to join that list? None other than the once-popular 5-member group g.o.d.

According to an insider, “Since the end of last year, the members’ respective agencies have been discussing methods to release a new g.o.d. album and to hold a concert.“

g.o.d’s final album, “Into the Sky” was released in 2005. Since then, the members had all moved on to building their individual careers. It appears that g.o.d is now ready to reunite after taking a 7-year long break. With rumors of both H.O.T (read about it here) and g.o.d making a comeback this year, fans can barely contain their excitement.

The insider revealed, “The process is a little difficult since the members are all currently signed with different agencies. However, the members Kim Tae Woo, Danny Ahn, Son Ho Young, and Park Joon Hyung definitely want to reunite as g.o.d. Representatives from Kim Tae Woo’s and Danny Ahn’s agencies have been meeting with each other to discuss official plans for the album release.” Unfortunately, it seems that the probability is low for former member Yoon Gye Sang, who left the group in 2004, to participate in the reunion.

The insider continued, “After releasing the new album, the group will most likely focus more on concerts to meet with their fans rather than TV appearances. g.o.d was the first idol group to hold 100 performances at small theaters. They will be holding a concert for all their fans who have been eagerly waiting for their return.“

g.o.d debuted in 1999 under JYP Entertainment and had many hit songs over the years including “Lies,” “An Ordinary Day,” and “Road.” They have even sold well over 1 million copies of their most popular albums. In 2004,  member Yoon Gye Sang left the group. The remaining 4 members released their final 7th album in 2005 before the group officially broke up. Since then, Kim Tae Woo has completed his military service and established himself as a solo singer. Son Ho Young has expanded his horizons as he dabbled in singing, emceeing, and acting. Both Park Joon Hyung and Danny Ahn have gone down new career paths as actors. Last December, all 5 g.o.d members gathered together for the first time in 8 years for Kim Tae Woo’s wedding (read about it here).

(Source: Ilgan Sports via Daum)

After School’s Kahi- “Passport is a Must!”






After School’s Kahi tweeted about the new exclusive ‘passport’ for their show in Japan along with a picture.

In the picture, Kahi, Raina and Nana are smiling brightly, holding the ‘passport’ and the card that fans are required to have for admissions.

Kahi stated, “Wow. Our Japanese fan club has its own passport and card. So cute ^^. Feels like we have a secret between us. Please cheer for After School!! Ahhh~ So cute~ ^^!! Please bring your passports! ^^”



After School has recently been acknowledged as ‘athletic idols’ at the MBC ‘4th Idol Star Athletics- Swimming Championship’.



Source: TVDaily

B.A.P MAKES LIVE DEBUT ON MUSIC CORE






B.A.P has finally hit the stage!


Earlier this week, the new boy band released their debut single, “Warrior,” along with the MV for the track. Following up the release of their single, B.A.P made their debut performance on the Music Bank stage last night, and they performed two songs earlier today, “Burn It Up” and “Warrior.”


The six members of B.A.P are Bang Yongguk, Himchan, Zelo, Jongup, Youngjae, and Daehyun. Some might remember Bang Yongguk from his previous debut as a rapper with the song, “I Remember” feat. Yoseob. In 2011, BANG & ZELO released the track, “Never Give Up,” which they successfully promoted as a unit group.


Check out B.A.P’s live performances of “Burn It Up” and “Warrior” below!











Source: Nate

“SNSD & Dangerous Boys” Successful Guerrilla Concert



The Dangerous Boys from JTBC‘s “SNSD and Dangerous Boys” have successfully completed a guerrilla concert.

With the upcoming February 5th Street Jam Dance Competition ahead of them, the Dangerous Boys put together a surprise guerrilla performance at 5 PM on January 27th at the Seolleung Station Cultural Stage.

Swarms of people began to crowd the Seolleung Station Cultural Stage hours before the performance, reconfirming the public’s great interest in the boys. In fact, at one point the mob grew so large that it interfered with filming of the performance, which ended up being delayed due to this problem.

Fear and nervousness was apparent in the boys’ faces as they climbed on stage for their very first public appearance. Fortunately, their skills did not disappoint, and they received much applause from the crowd. It’s been reported that the boys had been practicing their choreography for 6 hours a day in preparation for the Street Jam Dance Competition.

Meanwhile, fans were curious to see only 4 of the 5 members perform that day, as member Hwang Yong Hyun was missing.

A member of the production crew commented, “Originally, all 5 members were going to hit the stage, but unfortunately Hwang Yong Hyun had some personal affairs to deal with and could not make it.” He added, “A lot of people are curious about it, but all I can say is to watch the show when it airs this week.”

Fans’ curiosities should be satisfied when they watch the show, which will be aired on January 29th at 7:30 PM.






(Source: OSEN via Yahoo! Korea)