KARA’s limited edition poster auctioned in Japan for $734 USD

KARA’s limited edition poster has been auctioned on a Japanese auction site for 60,000 YEN (824,688 WON / $734 USD).

The poster was first released to 50 special event winners that bought KARA’s first official Japanese album, “Girl’s Talk,” on November 24th. The poster was especially coveted since it contained individual autographs from each member.

Additionally, the limited edition of their debut single, “Mister,” which features a DVD as well as an album, is also being auctioned for 39,800 YEN ($486.90 USD).

The group has been enjoying immense popularity in Japan lately, as they’ve recently ranked in 6th place for “The Rookies That Shined in 2010.” Their album, “Girl’s Talk”, also passed 200,000 in sales within a month of its release.

Source + Photos: Sports Chosun via Daum, allkpop

SHINee’s Japanese website crashes moments after opening

SHINee has shown their explosive popularity in Japan once more through the opening of their official Japanese website.

On January 4th, Sanspo reported, “Moments after the opening of SHINee’s official site, the site crashed due to the mass influx of traffic.”

SHINee previously performed for a 24,000 member audience during their first Japanese concert last month, and had announced that they’d be opening their official website.

The site had opened at 8PM, and within the hour, over 20,000 fans rushed to take a look, crashing the server and member registration system for two days.

Sanspo continued, “There wasn’t any other notification regarding the site’s official opening, so this is quite the exceptional feat for the group.  After the server was recovered and an official announcement was made, over 100,000 page views have been recorded within a week.  SHINee has been earning much popularity lately, as exemplified by the 100,000 members that joined the month-long ticket event for their Yoyogi Live concert.”

SHINee will be making their official Japanese debut this March.

Source + Photos: Sports Chosun via Daum, allkpop

Super Junior-K.R.Y to hold their first Korean concert

Super Junior’s ballad unit, Super Junior-K.R.Y will be holding their first Korean concert, “SUPER JUNIOR-K.R.Y THE 1ST CONCERT,” for three days from February 11th through the 13th.

Consisting of members Kyuhyun, Ryeowook, and Yesung, Super Junior-K.R.Y was the first ballad sub-unit for the group. They’ve also featured in a variety of OST albums.

SM Entertainment officials revealed, “Super Junior-K.R.Y completed concerts in Japan and Taiwan last year.  A lot of Korean fans have been wanting to see their concert, and so we’ve decided to listen to those requests.  We’re anticipating a hot response.”

Tickets will go on sale starting January 13th through G-Market.

Source + Photos: Asia Economy via Daum

SECRET teases comeback with album jacket photo

After releasing their teaser for their retro comeback, “Shy Boy” yesterday, SECRET has returned with yet another teaser, this time in the form of an album jacket photo.

TS Entertainment released a single photo of the group on January 4th, which features a retro club background and the girls donning crisp white suits.

The girls will be releasing their “Shy Boy” single on January 6th. Stay tuned to allkpop for further updates!

Source + Photos: Osen via Daum, allkpop

Perez Hilton blogs about TVXQ’s new “Keep Your Head Down” MV

Juicy American celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton is no stranger to K-pop. He’s been periodically posting about K-Pop since 2008 and now he’s at it again with this latest post on the much anticipated return of TVXQ and their MV for “Keep Your Head Down.”

He wrote,

“Check out the brand new music video from TVXQ (above)!
Too hot to handle!!!!”

I agree, it’s definitely too hot to handle!

source allkpop

Super Junior’s Shindong to appear on sitcom, “All My Love”

Super Junior’s Shindong will be making a guest appearance on the MBC sitcom, “All My Love.”

Shindong directly announced to his fans through his Twitter that he was to make an appearance on the sitcom. He tweeted, “I’m currently shooting for “All My Love”. I will be appearing on the 43rd and 44th episodes! Everybody, please have fun watching it!”

In addition, 2AM’s Jo Kwon also tweeted about Shindong’s appearance as he wrote, “I’m currently filming for the sitcom, Shindong’s here too!”

Shindong’s featured episodes is scheduled to air on the 19th and 20th of January.

Source: TV Daily via Nate, allkpop

Super Junior’s Heechul and IU are awkward together?

An “awkward” photo of IU and Super Junior’s Heechul from his radio show “Kim Heechul’s Young Street” has been gaining interest on the internet recently.

Having made a guest appearance on the radio show recently, the two took a simple picture for which IU is wearing a baby pink jumper with her hair cutely tied up in an “apple” hairstyle. Heechul’s fresh face and his classical “V” pose would make it difficult for anyone to realize a 10 year age difference between the two singers.

However, what caught the most attention out of this photo was an unusually awkward vibe from their facial expressions. Both are known to have very bright active personalities, however their smiles are stiff and rigid, as if they felt awkward taking the picture.

The administrator who uploaded the photo explained that the two were a bit awkward during their song break, however later exchanged friendly conversations like two good friends when they were on air.

Netizens commented, “Hee-nim must get nervous around the current big trend, IU”, “Hee-nim has such a young face…. I can’t believe they’re 10 years apart”, “IU is so cute. She looks like a rabbit.”

Source:  TV Daily via Nate, allkpop

FILA releases special Big Bang Limited Edition shoes

The boys of Big Bang have been endorsing Korean sportswear manufacturing company FILA for some time now. For the most part they’ve endorsed FILA’s various line of apparel from shirts to jackets and now they’re making their mark with FILA’s shoes.

Various Photos of Big Bang’s special Limited Edition line for FILA have been released and each shoe has it’s custom color scheme by the individual Big Bang members.

Check out of each of the shoes below and which one is your favorite?

Taeyang:

G-Dragon:

T.O.P:

Daesung:

Seungri:

Tip: jenn
Source: szl夜@baidu via ibigbang, allkpop

JYJ to endorse casual brand NII

Boy group JYJ has been recently selected to be models for casual clothing brand NII.

An official with NII stated, “JYJ has signed an exclusive modeling contract. Currently, we’re planning to release an advertisement photo shoot along with a behind the scenes / making of video around the middle of January and it should show a fresh new look.”

In addition the official stated, “These three young men will show off a fresh, charismatic, intelligent and traditional casual image with NII.”

The official ended with, “We will launch this line with their image with aggressive marketing to use these top Hallyu models.” For this campaign, NII along with JYJ will make use of QR codes, viral marketing and twitter. They hope to receive an influx of customers from JYJ’s fan base.

Tip: ayasan

 

source allkpop

Behind the scenes for 2NE1’s 11st CF

The ladies of 2NE1 have been endorsing online shopping mall 11st for quite some time now and last weekend they released a new CF for 11st to open 2011.

Because the CF was such a hit, 11st released a special making of / behind the scenes video for the Commercial Film. Check out how Sandara Park filmed the sun scene and the girls having fun in front of the green screen below.

source allkpop

Dal Shabet releases “Supa Dupa Diva” music video!

After releasing their MV teaser on New Year’s Eve to generate further anticipation for the “Supa Dupa Diva” music video, Dal Shabet has finally revealed the full version!

Check it out below!

source allkpop

G-Dragon and TOP Reveal “Knock Out” Music Video

Having made a huge splash with their High High music video, Big Bang‘s first unit group G-Dragon&TOP are at it again as they unleash their second music video, Knock Out.

Keeping their sleek and stylish hip-hop concept, G-Dragon and TOP have filled their new music videos with their eccentric  personalities. From their unpredictable outfits to their trademark ‘drunk’ dancing, the music video can only be defined as ‘GTOP’. Check out the music video below:

Meanwhile, YG Entertainment has announced future plans for music video productions for Baby Good Night and Don’t Go Home. Although the boys are on a tight schedule due to their upcoming Big Bang activities, YG hopes to be able to film solo music videos in the future.

Video Credit: BIGBANG@youtube.com
Written by wonderwonders@kpoplive.com
source tvbanimeonline.com

JOO’s ‘Heartmade’ Mini Album Released!

JYP Entertainment’s little diva of the ballads, JOO, makes her comeback with the release of Heartmade.

After making her debut almost three years ago and then going into hiatus, JOO is finally back and ready to show the world how much she has improved since her early stages.

Her new mini album, Heartmade, showcases JOO’s new polished skills and mature voice that will definitely touch your heart.

Check out the tracks from Heartmade, including the title song, Bad Guy, and Do You Even Watch Movies featuring 2PM’s Chansung!

Video Credit: scorpiolimpy@youtube.com
Written by: 2TEARS@kpoplive.com
source tvbanimeonline.com

Super Junior’s New Year Greetings for 2011

Super Junior sends ELFs their hand-written New Year’s greetings for 2011! As for Leeteuk‘s message, he drops a hint about whats to come for Super Junior this year. “2011, the Year of the Rabbit!! Let’s jump far like rabbits!! Fifth album daebak!!“, as stated, the 5th album is coming our way!

Here are the photo cards that were uploaded onto the boys’ official site:

Below are some of the translations:

Yesung: 2011.. Please only share happiness and love ^^
Shindong: 2011… Always together with Shindong! Together with Super Junior!!
Sungmin: I love you. 2011. My birthday!
Eunhyuk: I’ll be better this year… Everyone, please give me luck <3
Donghae: Please stay healthy for the new year and I hope only good things come your way. Please love us more.
Siwon: I hope each day of this year overflows with happiness without any sadness…
Ryeowook: Happy New Year! I love you E.L.F~
Kyuhyun: Let 2011 be another year be an enjoyable time, together with SJ!

As of now, Heechul own signed photo-card has yet to be released. We’ll make sure to post that as soon as he makes one. Happy New Year to all ELFs!

Source + Photo Credit: Super Junior SMTOWN site, tvbanimeonline.com
Written by BIL @kpoplive.com

KARA’s Jiyoung Transforms from Cute to Mature Idol

KARA’s maknae Jiyoung seems to be growing up well, as she showed off through her past and present selcas.

KARA member Jiyoung released a self-taken photo on December 29th as she anticipated her group’s performance on SBS Gayo Daejeun, writing: “The shooting for contents of the special stage has been finished, right now there’s only KARA’s performance left. I can’t wait for 6PM to come.”

Jiyoung looks all grown up in the picture, garnering netizens’ attention especially when it was compared to old picture above. Her cute face has transformed into a very mature one, and some fans have said this was an “idol getting rid of her old image.”

That girl is now a lady!

Source: NewsHankuk, tvbanimeonline.com
Translation: melukia@karaholic
Written by: aetria@kpoplive.com

Two SS501 Members to Hold a Fanmeet in the Philippines

 

Even though the news that the members of renowned group SS501 signed with different companies broke out last year, the boys still promised to stay as one group and to have as many events together as possible.

Green Lights Events Productions Phils Inc. alongside MAYS Entertainment and B2M Entertainment will be bringing KyuJong and YoungSaeng to the Philippines for a fan meeting. The two have already expressed their excitement for the event by filming a promotional video. You can watch it below.

If you want to know what they are talking about, like the fan page of the organizer here to view the video on Facebook with English subtitles.

The fan meet event entitled Kyu-Saeng Story In Manila will be held at Forum 2 of the Philippine International Convention Center on the 5th of February at 6:30 – 8:30 pm. The tickets range from 2000php (45.5 USD) to 6950php (158 USD). Each purchased ticket will have a corresponding add-on. To find out what is in store for you when you buy a ticket, visit the official site now.

So, what are you waiting for? Buy the tickets and support these two idols now!

Source: KyuSaengStoryInManila Official Site, GEPPI, Facebook, tvbanimeonline.com
Photo Credit: KyuSaengStoryInManila Official Site
Written By: Rie27 @kpoplive.com

Lee Min Ho's " City Hunter " Gets an Date Air

Lee MinHo fans, get yourselves ready as this former Richie Rich flower boy cross homosexual wannabe transforms into a private detective for the upcoming 2011 SBS drama, City Hunter, to be aired this May.

According to Starhaus Entertainment on a phone call with 10Asia that, “It has been confirmed that the first episode of City Hunter will air on May 25 next year.”

City Hunter is a Japanese manga series by Tsukasa Hojo. The story revolves around a private detective named Ryo Saeba who tries to solve crimes around Tokyo during the late 1980s.

The manga has been variously adapted as animated series, television specials, animated and live-action films, among others. However, a live-action drama has not yet been done, making Lee MinHo the first TV drama Ryo Saeba. Interesting, isn’t it?

With the success of his recent dramas, we sure can expect a great deal out of Lee MinHo’s latest project.

Source:  Lucia Hong (Reporter), Jessica Kim (Editor) @Asiae, www.kpoplive.com
Written by theshangkee @kpoplive.com

TVXQ releases music video for “Keep Your Head Down”

Yesterday, TVXQ released full audio of their new single, “Keep Your Head Down“, but after being teased for days on end, fans were eagerly waiting for the release of the music video.

Well guys, now your wait is over, as just moments ago the full music video was revealed!

Check it out below!

source allkpop

Kim Tae Hee addresses criticisms of her acting with style

Actress Kim Tae Hee responded back to her acting criticisms with an unexpectedly witty comment.

The press conference for the upcoming MBC TV drama “My Princess” was held in Seoul on January 3rd, and when asked questions regarding criticisms of her acting, Kim Tae Hee began her replies with, “I get these questions a lot.”

She continued, “I’m aware myself that I lack a lot in my acting. I’m trying my best to fill in those lacking areas.”

However, when another reporter asked her thoughts about getting criticized for her acting because of her good looks, Kim Tae Hee answered with wit, “At least I have my looks instead,” causing the room of reporters to laugh.

Meanwhile, the pilot episode of “My Princess” is set to air this coming January 5th.

Source: TV Daily via Nate, allkpop

YG fandom suffers internal conflict due to Yang Hyun Suk’s favoritism for 2NE1

YG Entertainment’s fandom has been suffering internal troubles due to a fan division between Big Bang and 2NE1 fans.

Many Big Bang fans have recently been voicing their disappointment due to their belief that YG’s head man, Yang Hyun Suk, is “favoring 2NE1” over Big Bang. The internal conflict originated from when YG did not approve of and boycotted the selection process of the ‘Best Popular Song‘ award at the KBS ‘2010 Music Festival’ on December 30th, which resulted in GD&TOP being unable to perform on KBS2′s ‘Music Bank.’

On various community sites for Big Bang, fans have voiced out, “2NE1, a group that underwent the most active promotions last year out of YG artists, didn’t have the confidence to win the ‘Best Popular Song’ award, which is why they decided to not attend the show, no? This only resulted in G-Dragon and T.O.P being burdened by the resulting damages. Why does Yang Hyun Suk CEO only favor 2NE1?”

Yang Hyun Suk then wrote an entry on their official YGLIFE blog on December 30th, in what seemed to be a conscious reaction from this backlash. He stated, “The reason why YG decided to reduce broadcast schedules was for the consideration of the artists. 2NE1, for example, must wake up at 2 AM to prepare their hair and make up for their early morning broadcast rehearsal; if they have another schedule the day before, they would be going to the broadcasting building with barely any sleep.”

However, this statement only enflamed the Big Bang fandom. Fans have expressed, “You can take care of 2NE1 in whichever way you like, just let the Big Bang members have more broadcasting time,” and “Yang Hyun Suk has a tendency to only take care of artists who are doing well.”

The general viewpoint of these Big Bang fans is that, just like with the subsiding promotions of Se7en, Gummy, and 1TYM, Big Bang’s promotions has been pushed aside in favor of 2NE1’s.

Source: Sports Seoul, allkpop

MBC plans global Hallyu concert tour for 2011

In celebration of their 50th anniversary, MBC has revealed their 2011 plans on January 3rd.

After announcing that they’ll be opening branches in Japan, China, and Vietnam, their “2011 MBC 50th Anniversary Agenda” went on to state:

“‘Global MBC’ will be the plan for the year.  We will be opening branches in Africa, South America, and the Middle East in order to expand Hallyu content in these selected areas. The plan is to develop a ‘one-source multi-use’ in the sales of drama and broadcast content by setting up international branches.  Details regarding the specific cities the branches will be established in have yet to be finalized.

We will also be holding ‘Hallyu concerts’ to globalize Hallyu and Korean culture.  The concerts will tour all over Asia and in the U.S. as well.”

MBC first started up in 1961 with a radio broadcast program, and started TV broadcasting in 1969.

Source + Photos: Union News via Daum, allkpop

Cube Entertainment reveals their agenda for 2011

Cube Entertainment, home to artists like B2ST, 4minute, and G.NA, made an official announcement on January 3rd revealing their official plans for the year.

CEO Hong Seung Sung wrote on the agency’s official homepage:

“G.NA will be releasing a new album in January.  She’s currently in the final preparation stages and will be returning with a variety of tracks that will surely receive the success that “I’ll Back Off So You Can Live“ achieved.”
“4minute will be releasing a new album in February as well.  The members are currently working hard to create high quality music fitting for the high expectations. Their new start for the new year will be unveiled in February.”
“B2ST will be resting for a brief period after completing their fourth album promotions, and will move onto a new challenge.  They’ve received much attention since their achievements at their first Japanese showcase, and will be focusing on their Japanese debut for the first half of this year.  Their Japanese promotions will become a huge turning point for the group’s future activities.”
Their Japanese activities do not mean that they will not be promoting in Korea as well.  The sons and daughters of Cube are precious jewels that are too big for the limited stage in Korea.  Cube will be continuing to promote B2ST, 4minute, and G.NA all over Asia with powerful content, as that is our priority.”

Source + Photos: Newsen via Daum

J. Tune Camp clarifies MBLAQ’s position in the J. Tune + JYPE merge

Ever since J. Tune Entertainment declared that they would be merging with JYP Entertainment, MBLAQ fans have been raising questions over the fate of the group.

MBLAQ’s agency, J. Tune Camp, spoke with Newsen on January 3rd and revealed, “J. Tune Camp and J. Tune Entertainment are separate corporate bodies.  We would like to announce that the merge between the two companies has nothing to do with us.”

The company also cleared up the relationship between Rain and MBLAQ by stating, “Rain is just a producer that participates in MBLAQ’s album production.  They are of a mentor and student relationship, but we would like to make it clear that MBLAQ is not a group under Rain’s company.”

Regarding the merge between J. Tune and JYPE, the representatives concluded, “They have no legal relation to MBLAQ and MBLAQ will not be seen as a part of the JYP label.”

Source + Photos: Newsen via Daum, allkpop