Friday, February 10, 2012

Park Jin Young Required to Pay Compensation for Plagiarism Case – JYPE Protests the Ruling




Singer, producer, and composer Park Jin Young‘s plagiarism case has partially been resolved.

Composer Kim Shinil had previously filed a lawsuit against Park Jin Young for plagiarism. On the morning of February 10th, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of Kim Shinil. The jury stated, “We have ruled that the defendant Park Jin Young has 4 points in his song that are remarkably similar to plantiff Kim Shinil’s song. As the defendant has violated copyright laws, the defendant will have to pay the plantiff 21,670,000 won (~$21,670) in compensation.“

The jury made its decision after considering 4 issues. They first deliberated whether or not Kim Shinil was the original composer of “To My Man” (sung by Ash) and if the song was worth protecting. Then, they discussed if Park Jin Young had written “Someday” (sung by IU for “Dream High” soundtrack) after he had listened to Kim Shinil’s song. They also had to figure out if the two songs were similar. Finally, they had to determine whether or not Park Jin Young had made a grave enough mistake to warrant monetary compensation.

The jury commented, “We have acknowledged that Kim Shinil is the original composer of the song and after listening to the stories from specialists from both parties, we have determined that the chorus from both songs have 4 points of similar tune, harmony, and rhythm. Since “To My Man” has been released on CDs and tapes and has also been featured on national television shows, we believe that it is entirely possible for Park Jin Young to have mistakenly infringed upon copyright.”

Composer Kim Shinil filed his complaint to the Seoul District Courts on July 11, 2011, stating, “‘Someday’ is a plagiarized track from singer Ash’s second album called ‘To My Man.’ The composer and writer of ‘Someday,’ Park Jin Young of JYP Entertainment should pay 110 million won (~$110,000) in compensation.”

However, due to the fact that the entire song was not plagiarized but only the chorus portion, the jury did not decide upon the full amount of 110 million won. Instead, Park Jin Young will have to pay only 21,670,000 won.

The Justice Department has stated, “It’s very difficult to draw the line with the law regarding music problems.” Both parties have met several times to try to mediate the issue, but could not come to an agreement due to their large differences.

Update:
In response to the jury’s decision, JYP Entertainment has stated, “We have been wrongfully accused.“

The agency has stated, “We cannot agree with the court’s decision regarding ‘Someday.’ We are currently preparing to appeal.” They added, “While Park Jin Young was composing ‘Someday,’ he had never even listened once to the song ‘To My Man.’ The chord structure that the plantiff is asserting to be his original composition was actually first used by Park Jin Young when he wrote g.o.d‘s ’0%.’ Afterwards, he used the same portion in Bi‘s (Rain) ’Move On.’ Likewise, the intro melody that the plantiff claims as his own was first used by Park Jin Young in Park Ji Yoon‘s ‘Gwi Hyang (Return Home).’ Since the past, Park Jin Young has always recycled the chords and melody patterns from his old songs into new, original songs.“

JYP Entertainment also commented, “It really doesn’t make sense for a song that is featured on a nationally televised drama to be a plagiarized track. Who would do such a thing when it’s clear it would become a huge controversy? We will appeal the case and will be working our hardest to get a different verdict.”

Park Jin Young also wrote on February 10th on his me2day, “I’m so frustrated. I’ve never heard Ash’s ‘To My Man.’ They say I’ve plagiarized a song that I’ve never heard before. I guess I just have to gather my strength to butt heads again.“

(Source: Sports Hangook + Sports Chosun via Daum)

SNSD Admits They Hate Jet Lag, But Love Their Fans and Macaroons




“The hardest part about touring around the world is the jet lag. We need a chartered plane.“

The girls of SNSD (Girls’ Generation) are busier than ever! Immediately following their successful appearances on several talk shows in the States, the girls headed off to begin promotions in Europe.

SNSD appeared on France‘s top talk show Canal Plus’s “Le Grand Journal” and M6′s main news show “Le 7H45″ on February 9th (France time). On the 10th, they will be reappearing on “Le Grand Journal” to participate in a segment called “Question Box.” During SNSD’s appearance on “Le Grand Journal,” the girls performed their hit song “The Boys” and also revealed their plans for the release of their European album.

SNSD will be releasing “The Boys” on February 13th through Polydor Records, a record label under Universal Music Group.

After finishing their broadcast, the girls briefly met with Korean media source Sports DongAh for an interview and discussed their thoughts on their recent endeavors.

When Sooyoung was asked what kind of questions SNSD was asked during the show, she replied, “They were amazed at how we manage to perform together with 9 girls on one team. They were also curious to know the behind-story on how the team was formed.”

Sooyoung also revealed, “I’m really happy that we were able to come immediately to France after finishing the talk shows in the States. I’m glad that we are making SNSD’s music known to the world, but at the same time I feel a lot more responsibility.”

Seohyun stated, “I was really surprised to see and hear the French fans sing along and cheer us on in Korean.” Likewise, Tiffany added, “There is a chant that the Korean fans usually say when they see us. It’s ‘SNSD is now, SNSD is in the future, SNSD is forever.’ The French fans said the exact same chant in Korean and it was electrifying to hear.”

Yuri commented, “I’m very happy that the European fans are not only interested in our music, but it seems like they are very into Korean culture overall.”

Taeyeon mentioned, “We are prepared to go anywhere that the fans would like us to go.” She added, “Except, we really need to get a chartered plane.” The members cheered in agreement with her comment.

Between Japan, the States, and France, the girls have recently been traveling all over the world. When asked what was the hardest part about promoting worldwide, they all agreed that adjusting to the time differences was the worst. Yuri stated, “It’s pretty difficult for us physically, but the jet lag is the most difficult of all. On the bright side, each country has a lot of specialty foods, so it’s really fun to be able to try and experience new dishes.”

When asked about the differences between Korean fans and French fans, Sunny replied, “The French fans tend to dance when we perform, but their rhythm is a bit unique.“

This visit to France marks SNSD’s second time in the country, as they went for the first time last June for SM‘s family concert. The girls agreed that the most beautiful tourist attraction was the Palace of Versaille, and that the most delicious food they tried were macaroons.

Jessica commented, “I’m so happy that we got to eat really delicious macaroons while we were in Paris. I want to buy some before I head back to Korea.”

SNSD participated in the recent broadcast of KBS 2TV‘s “Music Bank in Paris” on February 8th. After finishing up their final talk show appearance in France, they will be headed to Thailand on February 10th to begin a nationwide tour there.

(Source: Sports DongAh via Daum)

2PM TO TEACH KOREAN ON JAPANESE TV




As if they didn’t have enough to do already, 2PM will be teaching Korean on TV!

Beginning in April this year, the boy group will be teaching Korean travel phrases on the Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) program, “TV Hangeul Lesson.” There will be a 5-minute section of the program called “2PM’s One Point Hangeul,” in which members of the boy group will give short lessons on commonly used Korean travel expressions.

2PM will take over this segment from Supernova, who is currently teaching the lessons. This new TV appearance will give the members of 2PM a chance to show viewers the Japanese that they have been learning throughout the past few years, as they will be using it to communicate with and help viewers during the lessons.

Nothing like a group of dashing and talented boys to get you motivated to learn Korean!

Source: Visit Korea

What drove SNSD’s Seohyun to Tears?



Why the tears, Seohyun?

Recently, photos surfacing of Girls’ Generation member Seohyun have caused concern by loving fans of an online community.




On the 5th, the girls of SNSD attended ‘Street Jam Dance Battle”, where they were filming for their JTBC show ‘Girls’ Generation and the Dangerous Boys‘.  Seohyun was particularly moved by the five boys’ performing on stage, causing her to shed tears.  In case you didn’t already know, ‘SNSD and the Dangerous Boys’ is a sort of rehab show, where the girls meet at risk boys and try to turn them around.

Fans were touched by Seohyun’s tears, showing that she is vulnerable, just like them, commenting:  ”When I saw Seohyun, the tears came out of me too. ” along with “not only does she have a pretty face, but she also has a deep soul.”

Thanks for all your hard work Seohyun and SNSD!

(Source:  STAR NEWS)

Baek Jiyoung & Taecyeon’s Wedding Performance





Singer Baek Jiyoung sang her hit song ‘Candy in My Ears’ at her manager’s wedding.

A photo titled, ‘Baek Jiyoung and Taecyeon at a manager’s wedding’ was posted online.

In the photo, Baek Jiyoung and Taecyeon are performing with a smile. Publisher of the photo stated, “During the congratulatory message,  Baek Jiyoung received a song request. She grabbed Taecyeon from the seats and invited him to sing ‘Candy in My Ears’ unaccompanied.”

In 2009, Baek Jiyoung and Taecyeon’s duet performance ‘Candy in My Ear’ gained much popularity which led to many parodies. However, this dance duet was performed as a congratulatory performance unaccompanied when a lovey ballad should have been performed.

Netizens who came across the photo stated, “It’s funny they sang ‘Candy in My Ear’ at a wedding”, “I want to hear it unaccompanied too”, “Please come sing at my wedding”, and showed variety of reactions.

Source: Sport Chosun

MUSIC BANK in PARIS













source: newsen and in2kpop

Miryo No More, Call Her Johoney




With the release of her new solo album, Brown Eyed Girls‘ member Miryo appears to be turning over a new leaf. So much so that she’s even contemplating changing her name.

Miryo confessed to the media, “I’ve thought about changing my name to Johoney. After mulling over it, I decided not to change it, but I would like to be called Johoney from now on.“

Miryo’s real name is Jo Mi Hye. However, when she was a student, because her last name was Jo, her friends gave her the nickname “Jo Miryo” (the word for “seasoning”). Thus, she continued to use the name Miryo when she debuted with the Brown Eyed Girls in 2006.

Miryo commented, “I’ve still been using the name that my school friends gave me, but truthfully I don’t think that Miryo is a very good name.” She reemphasized, “I want to be called Johoney.”

Miryo’s fans have already been calling her Johoney rather than Miryo. In addition, Miryo’s recently released first solo album, “Miryo aka Johoney,” hints at her wishes to be called by a new name.

(Source: My Daily via Naver)

IU’s Cute Graduation ‘Ment



On the afternoon of the 9th, IU‘s high school yearbook page was revealed in an online community.  Instead of looking like the pop star that she is, like the photo above from her album, here IU appears more like a student, fresh-faced and innocent with her straight black hair.




Under the section “a word from me too”, she says, “”안녕^*^ 난 아이유야^*^”" which translates to “Hi ^*^ I’m IU^*^”. One tiny tiny statement pretty much sums up her cuteness.

Netizens of course responded to this:  ”Yes, you are IU kkkkk” and “You’re so cute I can die”.  It is indeed possible for three little words to cause such a ruckus amongst loving fans.

What do you think?

(Source:  STAR NEWS)

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

F(X)’S LUNA GRADUATES FROM HIGH SCHOOL




Not one to let her superstar pop idol status get in the way of her education, f(x)’s Luna has just graduated from high school.

The singer looked like a typical happy graduate in her photo, as she looks proud holding flowers in one hand and her diploma in the other, complete with schoolgirl pigtails and uniform. Luna graduated from Seoul Lila Arts High School on February 7th, an she commented, “I’m going to talk to a lot of my friends after the ceremony. It’s going to be sad to say goodbye to them,” adding, “It’s a new beginning for me, and I’m going to keep working hard in everything I do.”

Luna is set to attend JoongAng University in March, where she will major in theater.


source : in2kpop


Lee Min Ho Finally Spotted After Breakup News




Lee Min Ho has been keeping a low profile since the announcement of his breakup with Park Min Young. The actor was spotted at Incheon International Airport, where he was leaving to go on a photoshoot.

The ‘City Hunter‘ couple became a real-life couple while shooting the drama, to which they eventually admitted.  However, the couple’s popularity, along with their busy schedules, proved to be too much.  After only six months of dating, the two parted ways.

Lee Min Ho was gracious to  allow the Y-STAR ‘Star News’ crew to shoot him.  However, he remained tight-lipped when questioned about his relationship with his former girlfriend.

(Source: OSEN)

2PM’s Wooyoung shows off his guns





2PM‘s Wooyoung reveals his muscles!

On the 6th, Wooyoung wrote on his twitter, “We will make 2012… Haha!” and uploaded a photo.

In the photo, Wooyoung is at the gym wearing a sleeveless shirt and revealing his muscular arms.

Netizens commented, “A cute face with these muscles”, “He’s a bagel man”, and “He’s a real beast!”



2PM will release a best-of album, ‘2PM Best in Korea 2008-2011‘ in Japan on March 14th.



source: startoday