Archive for September 2007
More of Super Junior, it’s Choi Si Won himself ladies. And the story is a twist comedy of Chun Yang. OOHH WAITT!!before i forget, it’s only two episodes.Title: 향단전 / Legend of Hyang Dan
Genre: Romance, comedy
Episodes: 2
Broadcast network: MBC
Broadcast period: 2007-Sept-03 to 2007-Sept-04
Air time: Monday & Tuesday 21:55
Synopsis
The drama is a twist to the well known classic story of The Legend of Chun Hyang. The big question revolving around this plot is what if the one that Lee Mong Ryong loves is not Chun Hyang but Hyang Dan? The drama will deliver a refreshing new comedy style.
Cast
Choi Si Won as Lee Mong Ryong
Seo Ji Hye as Hyang Dan
sources: shenyuepop
pic sources: dramabeans
Hyori is trying hard to make us believe that her comment about her nose job during SBS’s Platter Karaoke was a “joke.” When comedian Shin Dong Yup suggested making piggy nose to match the song they were rehearsing, Hyori replied “I can’t because of my plastic nose.” That was aired and within hours, Ms. Hyori retracted her comment and responded “What, people can’t even take a joke?” Obviously, her management company intervened, but Ms. Hyori, we don’t need your words to confirm that you have a plastic nose. The picture speaks for itself.
I expected better from FT Island, but they turned out to be no different from other boy-bands populating the industry. FT Island’s bassist Lee Jae Jin is jumping on the acting bandwagon with sitcom Unstoppable Marriage, re-make of the movie that starred Eugene and Ha Suk Jin. Jae Jin will play the youngest of four children who falls in love with an older love interest, played by Girls Generation’s Yuri and Soo Young.
I could care less about the remake of a mediocre movie, but I’m curious to see how FTers and GGers will react when they see their beloved idol kissing someone else. Will FTers and GGers collaborate with each other for the sitcom’s success or will go overboard becoming each other’s antis?
source: popseoul
[MV] SG WannaBe - Timeless
Dana- Diamond 다이아몬드
(guess who's the famous guy seen in this music video)
Brown Eyed Girls ft Lee Jae Hoon - Oasis (오아시스) MV
F.T Island - Thunder + Only One Person MV *ENG SUBBED*
I think I - Byul (Full House OST)
My Angel - Fly To The Sky
Younha - Password 486 MV
J duet w/ Lee Jung - 눈물로 (With Tears) MV
see ya - love's greeting
I believe - Shin Seung Hoon
Dana- Diamond 다이아몬드
(guess who's the famous guy seen in this music video)
Brown Eyed Girls ft Lee Jae Hoon - Oasis (오아시스) MV
F.T Island - Thunder + Only One Person MV *ENG SUBBED*
I think I - Byul (Full House OST)
My Angel - Fly To The Sky
Younha - Password 486 MV
J duet w/ Lee Jung - 눈물로 (With Tears) MV
see ya - love's greeting
I believe - Shin Seung Hoon
What’s oppa’s new image?I am not all that great with doing requested posts these days because of school .. people, have a little mercy on us LOL it was summer when we were COOL Now if we were getting paid like your oppas that was whole another story*rolling eyes*! Anyways, I thought Rain’s fake tattoo been around and everyone had a glimpse of it so i never made a post … I donno what is the deal … but unlike some other bloggers .. I tend to not post what has already been posted before on our friend’s sites! I feel like I am going to be cheating them if I do .. since I’ll be reading their post first it will effect on what I will be presenting myself … Aigooo .. why do I need morals for? But there we go for those who requested it ^ ^
You know! What makes me wonder is that .. he was spotted sporting that tattoo sleeves doing a rehearsal for his upcoming concerts in China! Did you read it with me? R.H.E.A.R.S.A.L so that is Rain Oppa’s (he is the only active guy in the industry as of now I can call OPPA .. he is my senior only by ONE day! Pretty sad huh! You 15 year olds dare to rub it in our face! YA! dare calling me NUNA or UNI .. next thing you know .. I will have a Finance and computing site here instead of your Oppas drooling tool! Hehehhehe) will have to rehearse with the new image? Hence the tattoo? I donno maybe I am thinking way too much into it .. but Rain recently been actually pretty active in the press department .. There are all sort of news coming out one after another .. the most Bizarrest ones is this one: Rain is planning to study in US !!!!!!! Then there goes another news that IT IS A RUMOR! that he has no intention to study any further … yeah why the bother when they give you your degree in Korea the second you ask for it! I wish I was a celeb times like this!!! I will post the news translation for you guys to read it yourself ^^
9-27-07 HongKong Freedom Times : Rain will come to US in November
Rain already applied a few colleges in United States to study Management courses. His plan is to study in school and work on his English album at the same time. Rain is also in the talk with another movie producer regarding a leading role in a Hollywood movie. This is his official step to start his career in US. Rain’s destination city will either be New York or LA. Depending on the acceptance of the school. He will leave Korea and go to US in November. Rain’s goal is to be accepted in the American market and get into top 100 songs on the billboards.
Source: Hong Kong Feedom Times//dsl99a@rain-usa
_______________________________________________________________________
09.27.07 Rain–”Studying Abroad in The US Is Rumor…Only For Prep of Special Album”
Singer Rain expressed that his going to the US is only to prepare for his special album, and he has no intentions of studying abroad there (basically meaning to stay to further his studies).
One of Rain’s top representative-in-charge said, “There is no basis to the rumor of Rain furthering his education abroad upon completion of his film shoot and the hold on his domestic activities. The officials have not expressed any similar meaning to this. The US trip is only for the purpose of preparing for the special album.”
According to this person in charge, upon completion of the Shanghai concert Rain will be going to the US in preparation of his special album. This time Rain will be collaborating with a well-known American producer to officially make his march into the US market.
Meanwhile, a close friend of Rain also said, “It is a very famous black music producer. There might be a possible conflict between the release time of the special album and the screening of Rain’s movie, so there might be some rearrangements that have to be made.” Rain will be in contact with part of the staff from the LA concert which was cancelled, and his upcoming work schedule as an actor will be determined based on how his US plans go.
Regarding the matter of Rain’s studying abroad, the related personnel stated, “At present the company has yet to determine if he will attend classes at a university or if he will have a personal tutor.”
_______________________________________________________________________
09.27.07 [Newsen] Rain’s People Explains Rumor Derived From His US Trip
Singer Rain’s spokesperson explained that regarding the rumor of him “comprehensively putting a stop to all his domestic activites is nonsense”.Regarding the viewpoint made by a media statement that “singer Rain will put a hold to all domestic moves starting in November”, Rain (Jung Ji-hoon)’s spokesperson has published an official remark.
During a telephone interview with Newsen, one of Rain’s related personnel explained, “We have heard about the report stating that his domestic activities will be put on hold. Some domestic media interview that was carried out in China was a misinterpretation of the content of Rain’s interview.” “Rain staying in the US starting in November is a fact, but to say that he will put a hold on his domestic activities is a groundless statement.”
This related personnel said, “Starting in November, during the production of the special album and activities for the area of US there is also the need to consider the study of English, but the learning program and the length of stay all have yet to be determined at this time.” This personnel continued,” It is not wrong to say that he will study, but this does not mean studying abroad.”
Regarding the rumor of him putting his domestic activities on hold, he said, “Apart from making work arrangements for the production of the special album, Rain will work on activities for domestic appearances/performances. The domestic activities will not be put on pause, and this does not mean that his acting career will be interrupted.”
Regarding this small ‘disturbance’, Rain’s spokesperson expressed this regret, saying, “Whatever Rain says becomes news at this time, this minor ‘disturbance’ is the consequence of an exaggerated report.”
On another note, Rain will be having his individual concert on October 6 in China’s Shanghai, and he will be flying into Shanghai on the 4th.
__________________________________________________________________________
07.09.27 Rain clarifies about his USA plan
Singer Rain has made clarification on the rumours regarding his USA plan, “It said that Rain will stop all his activities in Korea, this is indeed ridiculous!” Regarding the reports by some media “Singer Rain will stop his activities from November onwards”, Rain (Jeong Jihun) voiced his official statement. A spokesman of Rain explained to Newsen during the telephone interview, “We’ve heard about the rumours saying Rain will stop all his activities in Korea. A media had twisted the facts during the interview in China.” He added, “It is true that Rain will go to USA on November onwards but it is untrue to say that he stops all his activities in Korea.” “From November onwards, Rain will work on the album production and at the same time, he is thinking to learn English for his future activities in America region. At this point of time, there’s still no concrete studying plan nor staying period in USA.” The spokesman said, “Yes he’s keen to learn, but not enrolling for long term studying.” About the rumours saying Rain will stop his activities, the spokesman mentioned, “Other than album and some schedules in USA, Rain will concurrently attend some performance events in Korea. Not staying in Korea doesn’t mean that he completely stops his career.” The spokesman also added, “Well when every word from Rain can get up to the headlines, it shows that the rumours are caused by overstated news.” On the other hand, Rain will fly to Shanghai on Oct 4 to get ready for his Shanghai concert held on Oct 6.
__________________________________________________________________
07 Sept 26– Rain Passes Through Eventful Period, Starting Afresh With Activities
Han Lianshe Nantong, September 26 - For singer and actor Rain (25 years-old), the early part of this year is considered “the most eventful time” for him. Rain himself also said that the experience of this period of time is “the pain of production”.
This year, Rain acted in the movie
On the 24th, Rain attended the closing ceremony of the 9th Asian Cultural Art Festival in Nantong of Jiangsu Province in China–the Central Committee Television (CCTV)’s reporter for the music program “Zhong Hua Qing” had the privilege of interviewing him, and could not resist asking him about his feelings regarding supporting oneself (meaning being his own boss I guess) as well as regrets deriving from the world tour.
Rain smiled and said, “During this period of time there has been many matters, and I have also gone to many countries. It’s possibly because of all this, I think that my body is not like before, condition is not very good…”
He did not disclose any further, and expressed his regrets regarding this.
“To me it is difficult (withstanding) matter. It’s too soon to discuss all the situations right now, so I think that after some accurate results I will inform everyone.”
But as soon as the matter of his film shoot in Berlin between July 2 to August 31 was mentioned, Rain became very happy.
Rain indicated this, “With Susan Sarandon, Matthew Fox, Emile Hirsch and other actors, it felt like one big family spending this 2-month period together. They taught me many everyday usages of slang words which has helped me out a lot. At the movie studio each actor was provided with a trailer, and the inside of each trailer was organized like his/her own home. Each week we all took turns to dine together in these trailers. I used barbecued meat and other Korean dishes to entertain them, and they all had a good time eating.”
In the beginning the Hollywood stars were doubtful of Rain as a first-timer from Asia, thinking “will he be able to act well, or will he have issues with the language?”. But Rain’s performance stemmed out from their anticipation and his role was increased from the initial script. Moreover after listening to his music via Youtube, they showed their appreciation towards Rain.
The two-month long film shoot has enabled Rain to come up with new ideas for his next activity. Rain is determined that even if he fails, he must diligently work towards obtaining success in the American show business and music industry.
Rain has received an invitation from a famous Hollywood director to act in a leading role (unclear as to whether it’s ONE or many invitations), but he is presently still considering. As a singer, Rain is establishing an effective system in the US. Rain will also go to the US in November to study English with the possibility of him going to and fro South Korea amidst that time, but he is planning on staying in the US temporarily for one year.
Rain said, “After watching the very first episode of the American show
Rain added, “After such a long time of seperation I am very happy to be back in China. I am also very grateful for the fans’ enthusiasm. I will definitely put in all my efforts.” (End
Kim Heechul admited that he spitted blood twice while he was recording SuJu¡’s second album. All of his peers was worried about him. His health is not in danger, after he comfirmed with his doctor. He was too busy with his schedule and he was having too much pressure, which made him looses his physical strength. Heechul said he was very surprised but also happy, because this showed how hard he worked.
source: shenyuepop
After that horrifying accident … it is said that Wonder Girls resumed their activities on the 27th Sept with the recording of SBS Inkigayo.. and Yobin CUT HER HAIR TOO!
source: shenyuepop
If this is a contract issue with Sprite, I guess he has to go back with no other choice ~
source: shenyuepop
DBSK will collaborate with Koda Kumi, Japan’s answer to Lee Hyori, Chae Yeon, Suh In Young and the like for her upcoming 38th album titled Last Angel. Koda Kumi has collaborated with many artists in the past – 11 to be exact, but this is Dong Bang boys first time working with someone who has been well-known for her sex appeal. This inadvertently leads one to think – will the experienced one lead the naive boys on? Will there be any sparks..or friction?
source: popseoul
Korean Wave 101 Class in Session
I just got bored last night and thought I might check this quiz out; test my k-pop knowledge and stuff. My score is 21/25 whew, I thought I would flump this quiz, some questions are really hard, others I have absolutely no idea! Nah..I did just fine here, I think this would be an interesting subject in school. Try answering it! Just highlight the answers at the bottom of the quiz if you’re finished. Then post up comments and tell me your score too.. J Aja Aja Fighting!
Korean Wave 101
As few who live in Korea could have avoided hearing during the past year or so, there's a "Korean wave" out there. Korea's popular culture, from movies to pop music to fashion, has become fashionable in many Asian countries, particularly Japan, where Korean actor Bae Yong-joon, affectionately known there as "Yonsama," was last year's hottest celebrity.
The hanryu ("Korean wave") phenomenon has even become a field of academic study. This fall, Chung-Ang University plans to launch a graduate program in hanryu studies, examining Korean culture in the context of other cultures in East Asia. The program will cover both popular culture and the serious arts, including music, theater, food, fashion and film.
If hanryu is now an academic discipline, then educated, socially aware residents of Korea (such as the Joong-Ang Daily's readers) will want to make sure they're familiar with the basics. To that end, here's a quiz to test your knowledge of Korean pop culture. If you don't do well, you might want to at least consider a correspondence course.
As few who live in Korea could have avoided hearing during the past year or so, there's a "Korean wave" out there. Korea's popular culture, from movies to pop music to fashion, has become fashionable in many Asian countries, particularly Japan, where Korean actor Bae Yong-joon, affectionately known there as "Yonsama," was last year's hottest celebrity.
The hanryu ("Korean wave") phenomenon has even become a field of academic study. This fall, Chung-Ang University plans to launch a graduate program in hanryu studies, examining Korean culture in the context of other cultures in East Asia. The program will cover both popular culture and the serious arts, including music, theater, food, fashion and film.
If hanryu is now an academic discipline, then educated, socially aware residents of Korea (such as the Joong-Ang Daily's readers) will want to make sure they're familiar with the basics. To that end, here's a quiz to test your knowledge of Korean pop culture. If you don't do well, you might want to at least consider a correspondence course.
QUIZ answers are on the very bottum, try not to cheat please =]
1. The common term for Korean teen-pop music is:
a. K-pop
b. Hanpop
c. Hanbeat
d. Joseon Motion
2. The number of Japanese tourists visiting Korea soared last year because of:
a. Discount golf packages on Jeju island
b. The popularity of the TV drama "Winter Sonata"
c. The popularity of singer BoA
d. Japanese right-wingers in speedboats trying to claim Tokto
3. Which Korean movie did not win an award at a major European film festival in 2004?
a. Park Chan-wook's "Old Boy"
b. Kim Dong-wan's "Repatriation"
c. Kim Ki-duk's "3-Iron"
d. Kim Ki-duk's "Samaria"
4. Which of these is not a Korean boy band?
a. Fly to the Sky
b. SMAP
c. Shinhwa
d. Dong Bang Shin Gi
5. What was in the so-called "X-File" that made Korean headlines earlier this year?
a. Before-and-after photos documenting singer Ha Ri-su's transgender surgery
b. Before-and-after photos documenting President Roh's eye surgery
c. Gossip about dozens of Korean celebrities, compiled by a Seoul ad agency
d. Proof that Kim Jong-il is an alien
6. Which of these was a major theme in the hit TV drama "Daejanggeum?"
a. Kung fu
b. Korean royal cuisine
c. Calligraphy
d. Eating disorders
7. Which movie made actress Jeon Ji-hyun an Asian star?
a. "Virgin Stripped Bare By Her Bachelors"
b. "Shiri"
c. "My Sassy Girl"
d. "Taegukgi"
8. Which of these is not one of the Korean actors known in Japan as the "Four Kings"?
a. Jang Dong-gun
b. Won Bin
c. Cha In-pyo
d. Lee Byung-heon
9. Which Western star performed with BoA in 2003?
a. Avril Lavigne
b. Britney Spears
c. Marilyn Manson
d. Justin Timberlake
10. In "Winter Sonata," where did Jun-sang (Bae Yong-joon) and Yu-jin (Choi Ji-woo) share their first kiss?
a. Hongdae
b. Chuncheon
c. Nami island
d. Jongno
11. What's the English meaning of singer Be's stage name?
a. Love
b. Sunshine
c. Rain
d. Two
12. TV producer Yoon Seok-ho (of "Winter Sonata") plans to start filming the last of his "seasonal" TV dramas this year. What's the planned title?
a. "Summer's Fragrance"
b. "Spring's Waltz"
c. "Autumn Leaves"
d. "Monsoon Season"
13. Director Kim Ki-duk's film "Seom" (The Isle) is notorious for a scene in which a character:
a. ‑Swallows a mouthful of fish hooks
b. Eats a live octopus
c. Seduces the high-school student next door
d. Refers to Tokto as "Takeshima"
14. In China, what's the slang term for the teenage fad of imitating Korean fashion?
a. "Ha han"
b. "Hanryu ai"
c. "Yonsama wei"
d. "Boa shi"
15. Which of these was not the premise of a Korean reality TV show?
a. A bachelor gets fashion tips from stylish young women
b. An ordinary woman has a date with a celebrity
c. A woman undergoes plastic surgery
d. A rich girl experiences country life
16. Which American movie star said he'd like to star in a remake of "Old Boy"?
a. Wesley Snipes
b. Nicolas Cage
c. Keanu Reeves
d. Michael Douglas
17. The name of the all-girl band Fin.K.L is an abbreviation of:
a. Finger Killing Lover
b. Fine Killing Liberty
c. Find Korea's Liberty
d. Finland-Korea Linkage
18. Who won the Favorite Korean Artist award at last month's MTV Asia Awards?
a. BoA
b. Bi
c. Se7en
d. Shin Seung-hun
19. Which of these Korean celebrities speaks four languages?
a. Se7en
b. Kangta
c. Lee Hyo-lee
d. BoA
20. In the TV drama "Stairway to Heaven," what song is heard every time Kwon Sang-woo chases Choi Ji-woo?
a. "Stairway to Heaven"
b. "Ave Maria"
c. "When a Man Loves a Woman"
d. "Uptown Girl"
21. The pioneering Korean underground band Crying Nut recently reunited after a hiatus of more than two years. They spent that time:
a. Playing Starcraft
b. In college
c. In the army
d. Recording solo albums
22. The box-office-record-breaking war movie "Taegukgi" actually uses an incorrect romanization for its title, which is the name of the South Korean flag. What is the correct spelling, according to official romanization standards?
a. Taegukki
b. Taekukgi
c. Taegeukgi
d. Taegeukki
23. What's the name of the Korean girl band with one Japanese member that's starting to become big in Japan?
a. Sugar
b. Salt
c. Salt-and-Pepa
d. Jjajangmyeon
24. In which of these TV dramas is a character not diagnosed with leukemia?
a. "Autumn's Tale"
b. "Beautiful Days"
c. "Winter Sonata"
d. "Goodbye, My Love"
25. In which of these TV dramas does a character not suffer from amnesia?
a. "I'm Sorry, I Love You"
b. "Winter Sonata"
c. "Save the Last Dance for Me"
d. "Stairway to Heaven"
ANSWERS
1. a.
2. b.
3. b. "Repatriation" won an award at last year's Sundance Film Festival, but that was in Colorado.
4. b. SMAP is a boy band, but they're Japanese. (They're also in their 30s.)
5. c.
6. b.
7. c.
8. c. The fourth "king" is Bae Yong-joon ("Yonsama").
9. b.
10. c.
11. c. Actually, the correct romanization of the word is "Bi."
12. b.
13. a.
14. a.
15. d.
16. b.
17. b.
18. b.
19. d.
20. b.
21. c.
22. c.
23. a.
24. c.
25. a
Arashi
Arashi (translates to Storm) is a five-member Japanese boy band under Johnny & Associates. They made their debut in September 15, 1999 in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. The group was signed to the Pony Canyon record label from 1999 to 2001 before transitioning to Johnny's Associates-powered J Storm record label in 2002, producing their future singles and albums.
Musical Career
Arashi covers a wide range of music, including R&B, hip hop and various forms of pop music. Aside from being a popular idol group in Japan, the group is widely known across Asia and to J-pop fans all over the world.
In 1999, on the day of their first single's release, more than 80,000 fans showed up to attend the group's debut event. The single, "AERAESHI", went on to become a major hit, selling almost a million copies.
On July 31, 2006, the group embarked on their Jet Storm Tour, which aimed to promote their newest album, Arashic. The one-day tour covered Taiwan, Thailand and South Korea, countries which later became part of their Asia tour (The Thailand concert, Thai-J Pop Concert, was cancelled due to a military coup). The concert in Korea was decided due to the fact that about 1,500 Korean fans gathered at the Incheon International Airport during the group's Jet Storm press conference.[1] The concert, held on November 12, 2006, made Arashi the first group from Johnny's Entertainment to perform an individual concert in South Korea.[2] The group proved popular to Korean fans when concert tickets were sold out in an hour, as some 150,000 people rushed to book tickets online.[3] Aside from their concert performances, the group represented Japan in the 2006 Asia Song Festival, also held in South Korea.[1]
To date, Arashi has released eight albums and nineteen singles. On February 21, 2007, the group released "Love so sweet", the popular theme song for the TV Drama Hana Yori Dango 2 which peaked at the number one spot on Oricon's daily and weekly charts. Their latest single, "We Can Make It!", released on May 2, 2007, also charted number one on Oricon's daily and weekly charts, before falling out of the Top 10 in its second week, only to return back to the Top 10 on its third week. This latest single is Arashi's 8th straight number one release and its 15th number one overall.[4]
Arashi's new album "Time" also debuted at the number one spot on Oricon's charts, selling 191,000 copies in its first week.
The group's next single will feature the song "Happiness", which is used as the theme song for the TBS drama "Yamada Taro Monogatari", starring Ninomiya Kazunari and Sakurai Sho. The single will be released in Japan on September 5, 2007.
On April 2007, the group performed in one of their largest concerts to date. Arashi Around Asia was held in the Kyocera Dome in Osaka, and at the Tokyo Dome, with a combined total capacity of 100,000 people.
Members
Arashi is composed of
Aside from their music careers, Arashi members have also appeared in movies, specials, commercials, stage plays, and various television dramas.
Satoshi Ohno is the reluctant "leader" of the group after winning against Sho Sakurai in a round of rock-paper-scissors with the other members on a Japanese variety show. The exact same pattern of him unwillingly 'winning' against Sho has been seen repeating many times ever since. Being the oldest member of Arashi, he often sings the lead vocals and has stated that he wanted to avoid becoming the leader the most. Ohno performed a solo concert in April 2006. Out of all the members, he has appeared in the fewest dramas, preferring to do stage plays or focus on his art. In an interview, the Arashi members have once stated that Ohno is a new-age idol, who leads his group by not leading at all. Ohno is known to be the best dancer in Arashi. He choreographs several of their dance moves, which the other members sometimes find quite hard to follow. Back when Arashi first debuted and before he was elected leader, Ohno was told by Johnny's Jimusho (Johnny & Associates) to be the Dance Leader.
Sho Sakurai sings most of the rap parts (he is known to fans as "Sakurap"), the lyrics of which he also writes. Sho was the first in the group to perform in a solo concert, The Show. He is currently a Monday co-host of NTV's News Zero. Sho is arguably the best-educated member of the group, having graduated from Keio University, the Japanese equivalent of an Ivy League school. During the early years after Arashi's debut, Sho was appointed by the Jimusho to be the Study Leader. Although he lost in a round of rock-paper-scissors, hence excusing him from being the group's leader, the other four of Arashi have made many remarks that Sho is the one who possesses leadership qualities.
Jun Matsumoto is known for his starring roles in dramas such as Bambino!, Hana Yori Dango & Hana Yori Dango 2, Kimi wa Petto, and Gokusen. He is the youngest member of Arashi but has been said to possess the most sex appeal, according to the other members. He is the first Japanese male to grace the cover of Marie Claire (Japan). Ohno has labeled him the "concert master" because of his take-charge attitude and attention to detail during their live performances. During the years after their debut, he was appointed by the Jimusho as the Comedy Leader. By now he has more or less lose the comedic image and has even gained the nickname Do-S from the other members (S standing for 'sadist'). Jun is one of the three idols who are considered elites in the Jimusho because he was called to join the company by Johnny Kitagawa himself, without having to go through auditions.
Kazunari Ninomiya is the first member of the group to crossover to Hollywood, as he starred in Clint Eastwood's critically acclaimed Japanese language film, Letters from Iwo Jima. Along with bandmate Jun Matsumoto, he is one of Japan's leading young actors and have been said to be able to "act with his eyes". Ninomiya stated that he is left-handed but has been forced to write with his right hand by his parents when he was a child. He plays the guitar, a little piano, composes songs and write lyrics. However, he is usually seen with a game console in hand instead and had publicly admitted that he is an otaku. He is also one half of the Arashi skit duo Ohmiya SK, partnering Satoshi Ohno. During Arashi's early years, the Jimusho appointed Ninomiya as the Performance Leader.
Masaki Aiba is the tallest member of the group, with a distinctive breathy voice. He was once hospitalized after fainting due to the collapse of one of his lungs and was forced to stop playing the saxophone due to the operation he had to undergo. Aiba works with various wild animals as a co-host of the TV show "Tensai! Shimura Doubutsuen". He also excels in sports, especially basketball. He has been known to have considerably short attention span and often jumps between topics during talks and interviews, thus earning himself his reputation as the endearing, flaky member of Arashi. Aiba also has troubles with Japanese, particularly in reading kanji. He can be seen making various reading mistakes in talk shows and live performances; bandmate and childhood friend Ninomiya have made many references to Aiba's Japanese. During the earlier years following Arashi's debut, Aiba's leadership appointed by the Jimusho is 'undecided'.
Arashi has hosted a number of variety TV shows over their career. Currently, they are the hosts of "Mago Mago Arashi" and "Arashi no Shukudai-kun".
F.T. Island is a South Korean boy band. The name is abbreviated from “Five Treasure Islands” due to the group being consisted of five members.
Debut and First Album
On 7th June 2007, the group made their debut performance on the music program M!Countdown Their first album, "Cheerful Sensibility", was released the next day. The 13-track album was divided into 2 parts, each with a distinct music style and its own producer. The first division, dubbed "Emotional Chapter", produced by successful producer Han Sung Ho, consists of rock-ballad songs. The second portion, "FT Island Chapter", contains pop-rock tracks.
Band Members
| Name | Lee Hong Gi |
| Birthday | 1990, 6th February |
| Height | 176 cm. |
| Weight | 60 kg. |
| Education | Seongji High School |
| Hobbies | Singing, Listening to Music, Playing Soccer, Video Games |
| Family | Parents & Younger Sister |
| Skills | Singing , Playing Soccer |
| Name | Lee Jae Jin |
| Birthday | 1991, 17th December |
| Height | 177 cm. |
| Weight | 58 kg. |
| Education | Seonyoo High School |
| Hobbies | Internet Surfing, Questioning about music to the music specialist |
| Family | Parents & Elder Sister |
| Skills | Playing Bass |
| Name | Oh Won Bin |
| Birthday | 1990, 26th March |
| Height | 180 cm. |
| Weight | 63 kg. |
| Education | Seongji High School |
| Hobbies | Exercising, Reading, Listening Music |
| Family | Parents |
| Name | Choi Jong Hun |
| Birthday | 1990, 7th March |
| Height | 178 cm. |
| Weight | 60 kg. |
| Education | Shindongshin Middle Information Industry High School |
| Hobbies | Internet, Listening Music |
| Family | Parents |
| Skills | Playing Piano and Guitar |
| Name | Choi Min Hwan |
| Nicknames | Saojung |
| Birthday | 1992, 11th November |
| Height | 171 cm. 5'7 |
| Weight | 55 kg |
| Education | Yanghwa Middle School |
| Hobbies | Internet, Listening Music |
| Family | Parents, Younger Brother |
| Skills | Playing Drums, Eating Chicken |
Dong Bang Shin Ki
TVXQ is the acronym for Tong Vfang Xien Qi, the name of a Korean boy band formed by SM Entertainment. It is composed of five members specializing in the areas of dance, acappella, acting, and pop with an R&B vibe. The group has gained popularity in South Korea, Japan, China, Thailand and other East Asian countries.
In Korea, they are better known instead as Dong Bang Shin Ki (often abbreviated as DBSG or DBSK) while the Japanese equivalent of the group's name is Tohoshinki (abbreviated as THSK). Although their origin is pure Korean, their name on all official non-japanese advertisements and merchandise is scripted as "TVXQ", the chinese version of their name. Although in all three languages, it roughly translates to "Rising Gods of the East."
Members
The first member to join was Kim Junsu. He enjoyed singing at his church when he was young. At the age of 12 he was brought into the band through a televised talent search in which Moon Hee Jun and Kangta from H.O.T. were judges. His vocals won over the judges and won him through training for the next six years. After three years of training, he was supposed to debut, but puberty caused his voice to change and he was unable to sing until his puberty ended late after another three years. After six years, he debuted as Xiah Junsu; Xiah is pronounced Shee-ah in Korean). Xiah was a stage name that Junsu himself chose, explaining to his fans that the name was short for "Asia," as Asia is pronounced "a-shee-a" in Korean. "Xiah" would be a reference to his desire to become not only a star in Korea, but a star recognized all throughout the continent.
The group’s second member, Jung Yunho, secured his spot in TVXQ through a dance competition, winning first place. Prior to this, he accumulated some musical experience as a rapper and backup dancer for K-pop singer Dana in her Diamond video. As a dancer, he accompanied many Korean singers, travelling to China as well. His chosen stage name is U-know Yunho from his Korean name Yunho; U-know is pronounced "You know" in English. However, it is meant to mean "Yunho 'Knows You'" in regards to understanding the other members as their leader. He is the second oldest member and the "leader" in TVXQ.
Kim Jaejoong left his hometown in Chungnam to audition for SM Entertainment. Having left the shelter of home, he experienced poverty and strife before becoming a celebrity. His manager picked the name Hero for him because he wanted him to be the hero of the music industry. Jaejoong was selected from an audition of 5000 people. Jaejoong won first place, both in best looking and best vocals. That made him the main vocal of TVXQ.
Shim Changmin was grouped with the youngest participants in the audition. Like Xiah Junsu, he impressed the judges with his powerful voice. He joined the band under the name Choikang Changmin; the English counterpart to his stage name is Max). Choikang in Korean means "the best;" "Max" became an international rendition of this name.
One month before the group’s debut, a final member was added. Park Yoochun lived in the Fairfax, Virginia for roughly four years and auditioned for Brothers Entertainment and was sent to Korea to SM Entertainment. Micky was Park's English nickname when he lived in Virginia. As the winner of a talent show, he was granted the opportunity to sign with SM Entertainment in Korea. He now performs under the stage name Micky Yoochun.
Member Profiles
Hero Jaejoong
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U-Know Yunho
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Micky Yoochun
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Xiah Junsu
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Max Changmin |
The Thirteen Princes
Super Junior or simply, SJ or SuJu ,is a large thirteen member K-pop boy band formed by SM Entertainment in 2005. Specializing in various talents of singing, dance, hosting, and acting, they have achieved outstanding success in South Korea, China, Taiwan, Thailand, and other East Asian countries. The group initially debuted with twelve members on November 6, 2005 with their first promoted single, "TWINS (Knock Out)". The original twelve members, in age order (from oldest to youngest), are Lee Teuk (the leader), Hee Chul, Han Geng, Ye Sung, Kang In, Shin Dong, Sung Min, Eun Hyuk, Dong Hae, Si Won, Ryeo Wook, and Ki Bum. By the time of their debut, eleven of the members were Korean and one was Chinese. The Chinese member, Han Geng, was picked among from 3000 applicants through auditions held in China by SM Entertainment in 2001. Many of the members had already made a name for themselves prior to Super Junior's debut through acting, VJ-ing, and modeling. On May 23, 2006 SM Entertainment announced the addition of a new member, Kyu Hyun, making them the thirteen member group they are today.
Pre-Debut
Before their official debut, Super Junior was already a hot topic over the Internet. News broke about SM Entertainment's unprecedented plans of forming a large twelve member group. Rumors about the identity of the members as well as the group's name circulated for months. For awhile, many speculated that they were going to be known as Common Ground. Another speculation claimed that the band was going to be called O.V.E.R (Obey the Voice for Each Rhythm).
Prior to their debut, most members were (and still are) actors, MCs, models, or DJs. Some of the members still continue to do so today, such as Hee Chul, Si Won, Ki Bum, and Kyu Hyun who are active in dramas and film.
Super Junior made their pre-debut appearance on M.Net on October 2005. At the showcase, Super Junior performed various styles of hip hop dancing. They danced in a way where it seems as if they were battling with each other. The three best dancers in the group, Han Geng, Eun Hyuk, and Dong Hae, also performed a seperate dance away from the group. After the performances, a debut expected from the group became more highly anticipated.
All members of the group were present at the showcase with the exception of Ryeo Wook and Kyu Hyun. Both were not present because they were not members of Super Junior at that time. However, Ryeo Wook joined Super Junior soon after this performance. Kyu Hyun did not join the group until after their official debut.
Debut
Super Junior made their debut televison appearance as a group on SBS Inkigayo on November 6, 2005 as a twelve member group. The group performed their first promotional single, "TWINS (Knock Out)." A digital single with "TWINS (Knock Out)", "You are the one", and three more different tracks were released online on November 8, 2005. A CD single was scheduled to be released in November but a more complete album, Super Junior 05, was released on December 7, 2005 instead. Their debut album was a magnificent success, selling pass 73,000 units.
An official fanclub was created for the group, named E.L.F. (Ever Lasting Friends) Since Korean fans tend to support their idols with a certain balloon color, Super Junior's official color became sapphire blue.
To further publicize the new group, in December 2005, Super Junior collaborated with label mate and popular boy band TVXQ. Together they released a single titled "Show Me Your Love". During this time, the two groups could be seen on the same shows together to promote their single.
In the new year, after "Show Me Your Love" performances were finished, Super Junior moved onto their second promoted single, "Miracle". The single version of the song differs from the original, as it has a dance break and an added bridge. In contrast to the edgy, rock-influenced feel of "TWINS (Knock Out)", "Miracle" was a light bubblegum pop love song with light-hearted dance choreography. It was the second and last song to be promoted from their studio album.
On May 23, 2006 SM Entertainment announced the addition of a new member, Kyu Hyun, being the youngest member. The new thirteen membered group polished their newer and more mature look and released their newest single "U" online on May 25, 2006. The title song became a success and enjoyed the #1 spot on music programs for the first time in the group's career for several weeks. Followed, soon thereafter, by the release of "Endless Moment" on May 29, 2006 and "Lovely Day" on June 6, 2006. On July 23, 2006, Super Junior started promoting their new song, "Dancing Out" from the 2006 SMTOWN summer album.
Aside from music programs, they could be also seen in dramas. In Super Junior's Mini-Drama Super Junior wrote, produced, and acted in the drama. The subject matters of the drama were the top three choices from the viewers. The mini-series soon became popular among fans. Super Junior have also participated in ½´Super Junior Show(2005-2006), Mystery 6, (Super Junior Full House) 2006, (Super Adonis Camp) (2006). Their busy schedule was briefly interrupted when Hee Chul fractured his femur in a car accident, but the group managed to restart fairly quickly.
When promotions barely started for their newest single, "U", a new single was released. Super Junior had been frequently appearing in various musical and variety programs to promote their new singles thereafter. Because their single "Dancing Out" was a summer single, they had their "Goodbye Special" (performing their last singles "U" and "Dancing Out" for the last time) on SBS Inkigayo on September 3, 2006.
Super Junior has yet to release their second full-length album, which is currently slated for a late 2007 release.
The group also has intentions in targeting the Chinese market, with a Chinese version of "U" released soon after the official single was released on June, 2006. It is said that the group will perform more Chinese singles in the future.
Subgroups
Since debut, SM Entertainment has created two subgroups for Super Junior. The intentions of the subgroups is part of SM Entertainment's strategy to not limit Super Junior's activities; the goal of this strategy is to show that Super Junior can do more than just singing one kind of genre of music but a whole range like dance, ballad, trot, rap, etc.
At some concert appearances, the members have been witnessed sectioning themselves off into smaller-groups, and each performing its own set of songs. This causes speculation that the group's strategy is to actively target particular musical tastes. As these smaller groups are rarely permanent, with the exception of Super Junior K.R.Y, the constantly shifting makeup of these groups is able to target as many possible "tastes", and by evaluating which groups were well received, a clearer evaluation of the market tastes is possible and obviously these groups will enjoy reappearances in later Super Junior concerts.
In April 2007, the six members, Ye Sung, Kang In, Sung Min, Dong Hae, Ryeo Wook, and Kyu Hyun were featured in the soundtrack of the MBC drama H.I.T. They sang both the opening and ending theme, titled "Success" and "H.I.T", respectively.
In addition, other members of Super Junior have appeared on variety shows individually, while others have hosted radio shows; three of the members (Kang In, Shin Dong and Lee Teuk) continue to host Mnet's M!Countdown.
SuJu
Being a large thirteen member boy band, Super Junior's main target was at the younger audience when they first debuted. Having good looks, tall frames, bubblegum dance styles, and comedic personalities became the keys to their outburst of popularity. However, after the formation of Super Junior K.R.Y and Super Junior T, Super Junior began to capture different audiences. The majority of Super Junior K.R.Y's supporters are teenagers and young adults due to their active performances in ballad and sad love songs. Super Junior T's possible target are at the older audience due to their singing of trot music and entertaining styles of performing. Recently, Super Junior has developed a more mature style; their vocalization becoming more heavily expressed and their fast tracks began to contain more detailed dance choreography.
Without a doubt, the majority of Super Junior's supporters are female.
Musical Style and Ability
Being a large thirteen member boy band, the members contain a variety of different vocal ranges, therefore it is an advantage for the group to sing in different musical genres to target different audiences. Nonetheless, the group has managed their music to stay in mainstream K-pop.
Super Junior has released only one full-length studio album, and one single to date. Despite this, Super Junior is still frequently seen in joint albums and also branching out to different subgroups to participate in several drama soundtracks to prevent inactivity within members.
Each member has different to similar vocal ranges to complement each other when singing, especially in their fast dance tracks that requires various different techniques of harmonizing. Ye Sung, Kang In, Si Won, and Kyu Hyun are known for their deep baritone vocals. However, they are also known for their vocal belting techniques, notably Ye Sung and Kyu Hyun. On the other hand, Hee Chul, Sung Min and Ryeo Wook are known for their higher, tenor voices while Lee Teuk and Han Geng's vocals come between as a mid-high range. Most non-lyrical introductions or bridges are usually harmonized by Ye Sung and Ryeo Wook. Super Junior K.R.Y were also seen singing short a capella cuts, and ultimately are acknowledged as the most talented vocalists in the group. Shin Dong, Eun Hyuk and Ki Bum are the known rappers of the group due to their different vocal range. Dong Hae constantly raps as the back-up vocals.
Super Junior's debut single, "TWINS (Knock Out)" was a rock-influenced release, and also a cover of the British rock band, Triple 8. However, their follow-up single, "Miracle", was a bubblegum pop love song, a clear target for the younger audiences. The rest of the tracks in their first studio album, Super Junior 05, mainly consisted of pop love ballads and also R&B-influenced dance tracks with rap and fast drum beats.
Nonetheless, Super Junior's main focuses are still in their various dance tracks. Their first official and most successful single, "U", was a dance track, with the influence of rap. Their second heavily promoted single after the 2007 SMTOWN summer release, "Full of Happiness", was a bubblegum pop and dance song that was originally sung by H.O.T.
Talent
As trainees under SM Entertainment, most of Super Junior knows how to play the piano. Some members also knows how to play the guitar, drums, and other known instruments. Although they are treated as vocalists, the majority of Super Junior were professionally trained around areas of dance or drama. The majority of their choreographed dances involve various skills of popping, waving, and locking. They are also seen performing breakdances and robot dances. Han Geng and Sung Min are sometimes seen performing their flexibility and gracefulness during their dances due to their knowledge of the martial arts. Ultimately, Han Geng, Eun Hyuk, and Dong Hae are considered as the most talented dancers in the group because they are usually seen leading the dances and also dancing to solos. Shin Dong is also credited to be one of their choreographers for their various dance performances.
Super Junior has been criticized in the past for lip-synching and lack of vocal skills, specifically for shaky pitch and heavy breathing. The criticisms worsened in July 2006 when they lipsynched on Show! Music Core of MBC, a show that guarantees all live performance. While fans have defended them saying that Hee Chul was ill, their critics argued that they shouldn't have to because they are a large thirteen member group. With Hee Chul being ill does not account for all thirteen members. Despite this, they have still remained popular through their strong fan base and their album sales have been strong.
Criticisms slowly dropped when Super Junior began to give more live performances, displaying steadier vocal skills. Their ability was more strongly proven when they gave in live performances while dancing, most recently in MBC's, Show! Music Core, performing their new bubblegum dance single, "Wonder Boy".
