Ailee to perform at Mnet’s Pre-Grammy party

Mnet America will be hosting its first Pre-Grammy party at the East West Studios on February 7 with the celebration focused around K-pop’s breakthrough year in 2012. Headlining the evening will be K-pop star Ailee.

Ailee will also be honored with the ‘Mnet America Rising Star Award’ for her accomplishments, which includes wining ‘Best New Female Artist’ at the ‘2012 Mnet Asian Music Awards’, which are likened as the Korean equivalent to the Grammys.

The Pre-Grammy party will be hosted by ‘Dancing With The Stars’ judge Carrie Ann Inaba and television host and actress Suzanne Whang. This event will be benefiting the CAPE foundation, a group dedicated to expanding diversity and cross-cultural awareness.


Source: Billboard



M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com

Legendary idol group, Shinhwa, to hold concert in March

Shinhwa, the legendary idol group, will hold a concert in March to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their debut.

According to several officials in the singing world on January 22, Shinhwa will hold their exclusive concert in March at the Olympic Park in Seoul. They are currently considering an exact date for the concert.

The group will be the first to hold a concert to celebrate their 15th debut anniversary in Korea. They debuted on March 24, 1998 and there have been no personnel changes at all over the years.

Even though the members have joined the army and were discharged from their duties, they have been stayed together as a team. They have received grand prizes at awards ceremonies.

Shinhwa released their tenth EP The Return, last March, to celebrate the 14th debut anniversary and showed off their power, selling over 80,000 copies. The group, who was a lead in early Hallyu fever, also went on an Asian tour in the same year.

A spokesperson for the group says, “The concert will be held in March and we will inform you of the exact day soon. Shinhwa will also release their new EP this year.” The new EP is likely to be released in late April.

Shinhwa meets their fans every Sunday through JTBC variety show Shinhwa Broadcast.

M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com

May Doni to make comeback with 2nd single ‘Beginning’

After being away for four long years, solo singer May Doni is finally making her return to the music scene!

May Doni will be releasing his second single ‘Beginning’ on February 1st. The album’s lead track will be titled “What Did I Do” and will feature Anni. She is said to have participated in composing and writing process for all the tracks in the album.

The solo singer first debuted in 2009 with her first single ‘7TEEN’. In 2010, May Doni returned and released a duet with singer Hwanhee called “Nam Nam.”

M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com

Kang Dong Won spotted attending a fashion show in Paris

Actor Kang Dong Won, who just finished his military service over a month ago, was recently spotted attending a fashion show in Paris.

On January 21st, fashion director Shim Woo Chan shared photos of the actor on his Twitter and wrote, “True handsomeness stands up at anywhere. Kang Dong Won was the most handsome one at a fashion show.”

In one photo, Kang Dong Won is sitting in the middle of the crowd and waiting for the collection to start. Shim Woo Chan also wrote, “This photo is amazing! He's in Europe, but he’s still so tall,” and shared a photo of the actor giving a bright smile to the camera.


Source: StarN News

M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com

MBLAQ’s Lee Joon wraps up filming for ‘An Actor is an Actor’ movie

MBLAQ’s Lee Joon has wrapped up shooting for the upcoming movie ‘An Actor is an Actor’.

On January 22, the film’s distribution company reported that the cast and crew concluded the final scene on January 19th at the National Theater in Seoul.

Lee Joon shared, “I can’t believe that I’m in this film and the shooting is already finished. I think I’ll remember this project forever. It was a challenge for me every day but I could have fun thanks to the director and many senior actors. I hope this will be a movie that will last long in the hearts of audiences”

Director Kim Ki Duk stated, “Lee Joon is very energetic and powerful as an actor. It will be good to anticipate seeing him bring out all the burning and passionate feelings of an actor through this new production.”

M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com

Yoo Ah In confirmed for upcoming drama ‘Jang Ok Jung’

Actor Yoo Ah In is now confirmed for the upcoming SBS’ drama ‘Jang Ok Jung Lives in Love’ (Temporary Title) and will play a part opposite to actress Kim Tae Hee.

According to Yoo Ah In’s agency Star K Entertainment on January 22, “Yoo Ah In has confirmed that he is appearing in the upcoming drama ‘Jang Ok Jung Lives in Love’ as the lead actor.”

He will play the role of a charismatic and romantic Joseon Dynasty’s 19th King Sook Jong and will be in love with Kim Tae Hee, who will turn herself into Korea’s famous femme fatale of all time, Jang Hee Bin.

‘Jang Ok Jung Lives in Love’ is about the love story between Joseon’s fashion designer Jang Ok Jung and King Sukjong. The series will air following the conclusion of ‘Yawang’ on the third week of April.

M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com

Rookie singer D.ear releases MV for “Time Goes By”

After releasing his 1st full-length album ‘Love Graphy’, rookie singer D.ear has now unveiled the full music video for his title song, “Time Goes By”.

“Time Goes By” along with nine other tracks from his debut album were self-written, composed and produced by d.ear himself, proving his impressive musicality.

Check out the MV below:

M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com

Dara shows off her sexy collarbone

On January 21, 2NE1's Dara posted a photo of herself through twitter with the message, "I now have over 500 thousand followers! Thank u so much everyone! To show you my appreciation, I’d like to present you with a picture taken with my nikon(p300) camera~ it hasn’t been photoshopped at all".

Even though the photo was unedited, she still showed off her clear skin and sharp chin. People admire her nice clavicle and shoulder. They commented,"Unedited, how can she so beautiful?", "You're getting younger and younger", "Your skin is perfect", etc.

Source: Dara's twitter

M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com

A disabled male fan shared his thought about Girls' Generation Jessica

A disabled male fan shared his story when he met Girls' Generation Jessica at "Legally Blonde" musical and it has become a hot topic.

He uploaded the photos shown above with a post,"I have been thinking a lot before uploading this, but because Jessica's heart is so beautiful so I decided to share this."

He wrote,"I rely on a wheelchair because I'm diabled. I'm a fan of Jessica. I had been continuously gone to Jessica's musical so that I can see her. But one day after the stage ended, a staff came to me and said,"Jessica would like to meet you, would you like to see her?". At first I thought I heard it wrong. I have never once thought that I would have a chance to meet one-on-one with Jessica in my life, but this opportunity suddenly came to me.","After the show ended, the staff led me to the standby room, and I met Jessica. I was like seeing an angel. My heart was beating very fast, and a whole of my body was trembling. Because I was too nervous so I was only able to say "Thank you" ".

The fan also added,"Jessica said "Thank you" to me and she took a photo with me. Actually I had many things to say to her but because of I was so nervous so I didn't say anything at that time", expressing his regret. he also said because of her usual cold image so Jessica has been misunderstood by many people, but she's actually a warm person.

 

M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com

Yoo In Na shows Ji Hyun Woo some support

Yoo In Na once again claims her unchaging love towards her boyfriend Ji Hyun Woo.

On January 19th, Yoo In Na along with her friends went to watch "The Promise" at National Theater in Seoul. It's a musical which stars currently enlisted celebrities like Ji Hyun Woo and Super Junior's Lee Teuk.

Yoo In Na was seen seating in the theater wearing sunglasses and a scarf to cover her face, it's said that she was very awared of people around her.When Ji Hyun Woo appeared, she enthusiastically cheered for him. 

Ji Hyun Woo recently made an appearance on MBC's "Section TV" and confirmed that the two are still in love with each other, as they frequently contact with one another.


M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com

Child actress Park Min Ha takes a photo with Boom and Yoo Jae Suk

Child actress Park Min Ha uploaded a photo on her twitter on January 19th with a tweet," 'Happy Together' shooting ended, with uncle Boom and uncle Yoo Jae Suk~ really interesting"

In the photo, Boom is seen holding the little girl, the three of them were posing with V sign towards the camera, showing a lovely atsmosphere.

Netizens commented,"The photo is so cute","Park Min Ha is realy loved these days" and "Where is your little boyfriend Moon Mason", and so on

 

M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com

Jill Scott compliments Big Bang on twitter

On January 18th, Jill Scott, the winner of Grammy's, wrote on his twitter, "Check out Big Bang- our brand of fresh in Korea."
He continued, "Feeling BigBang's Bad Boy right now. Dope."

Netizens commented, "BigBang is now a world star", "I'm sure Yang Hyun Suk was happy to hear that", and "I'm so proud of BigBang."

On the other hand, Big Bang will be having the final show of their world tour in Seoul from January 25th until 27th.

Source: starN 

M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com

MYNAME to hold first solo concert in Korea

MYNAME is holding its first exclusive concert in Korea!

The group’s agency revealed that MYNAME will hold its exclusive concert titled, ‘The Beginning’ at the Uniqlo Ax Hall in Seoul on March 2. The upcoming concert will be the group’s first in its home country after a year and six months since their debut.

MYNAME has made their debut in 2011 with a song “Message” and gained attention with their vocal talents and perfect performances. The group has been relatively inactive in Korea due to Japanese promotions, and even held exclusive concerts in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan last month.

An official managing this concert stated, “MYNAME members are hard at work to show their fans the best performance. They are very excited to spend time with them during their first solo concert.”

M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com

TVXQ top the Oricon Weekly Chart for the twelfth time

TVXQ created a new history of the Oricon Chart.

On January 22, the Oricon Chart, the most recognized music chart in Japan, reported that TVXQ topped the Weekly Single Chart with a new single, Catch Me – If You Wanna, which was released on January 16.

It was the twelfth time they topped the chart, the best record for foreign artists.

It was also 28th time they ranked in the top ten of the chart since they did with the seventh single, Sky, released in August, 2006.

The Oricon Chart reported on its official website, “TVXQ top the Weekly Single Chart for the twelfth time! The best record for foreign artists!”

The lead track of the single is a Japanese version of “Catch Me,” the lead track of the sixth Korean album released in September.

TVXQ will release a new Japanese album, Time, on March 6.

On April 27, they’ll start going on a tour of Japan, making stops at the six biggest domes in Japan – the Saitama Super Arena, the Tokyo Dome, the Osaka Kyocera Dome, the Fukuoka Yahoo! Japan Dome, the Sapporo Dome, and the Nagoya Dome.

M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com

Yujin’s pictorial for Cosmopolitan: Is she really a married woman?

Actress Yujin recently showed off her charms.

Yujin recently did a photo shoot for the fashion magazine Cosmopolitan and released some of the pictorial on January 22.

Getting married in 2011 with actor Ki Tae Young, Yujin attracted a lot of attention at the photo shoot as she didn’t look like a married woman at all. In a long dress, she shows off her pretty legs and a sexy look. She shows off a variety of charms in the pictorial.

 The pictorial of Yujin can be seen in the February issue of the magazine.
Yujin is currently playing the role of Min Chae Won in MBC TV’s new drama series A Hundred Year’s Inheritance.

M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com

Shin So Yul shows off a sexy look in a pictorial

Actress Shin So Yul recently showed off a sexy look.

Shin recently did a photo shoot for the fashion magazine Elle and released some of the photos on January 22.

In the pictorial, Shin shows off a sexy look, along with her pretty legs, in a black dress. She also shows off a stylish look with a luxurious gemstone necklace and a gold bangle.

The pictorial of Shin can be seen in the February issue of the magazine.
M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com

Davichi to return with 2nd full album in March

Vocal duo Davichi is set to return to the local music scene with new album this coming March.

According to the group’s label, Davichi is set to release their second official album in March, five years after releasing their first full length album back in 2008.

The songs on their upcoming full album will be produced by Vibe’s Ryu Jae Hyun, Duble Sidekick, Jeon Hae Sung, 015B’s Jung Seok Won and Choi Kyu Sung.

Davichi stated, “We will be returning with new variety of tracks through our second album which is scheduled to be released in March. Please look forward to it.”

M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com

Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon talks about her first love

Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon recently opened up about her first love.

On January 18th, Girls’ Generation’s TaeYeon, Tiffany, Seohyun and Sunny appeared on SBS Radio Power FM’s ‘Jung Sun Hee’s Night Like Tonight’ and talk about “Song About First Love”.

Taeyeon began her story as she spoke, “I started yearning for love these days.” She continued, “I was really young and just received a lot from the relationship. But when I look back, I don’t think I gave him much and it makes me feel sorry for him. I think I was being too selfish.”

Then Taeyeon selected “Love Ballad” by Brown Eyed Soul as the song that she would like to sing for her first love.

M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com

CNBLUE to embark on world tour

CNBLUE will become the first Korean band to go on a world tour!

On January 22, FNC Entertainment announced, “CNBLUE are planning to get on a world tour in 2013, which the range will include China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Europe, Australia, North America and South America.”

Currently, concert dates for Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Beijing and Shanghai have been confirmed and the group is currently fixing concert schedules in major cities of Europe and America with local promoters.

The label added, “Such an achievement was not achieved in a short while. It is a pure product of the fame and popularity that they grew through previous promotions in different regions.”


Source: StarN News

M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com

TVXQ tops Oricon Weekly Chart with “Catch Me -If you wanna-”

After taking the top spot of the Oricon Daily Singles Chart, TVXQ has once again made history by debuting on #1 of the Oricon Weekly Singles chart.

According to Oricon’s updated chart figures, TVXQ latest Japanese single album “Catch Me -If you wanna-” has debuted at number one on the Oricon Weekly singles chart. This marks TVXQ’s 12th #1 single, making the duo the first foreign artist to achieve twelve #1 single albums on the Oricon weekly singles chart.

“Catch Me -If you wanna-” includes Japanese version of TVXQ’s 6th Korean album title track “Catch Me” and Japanese original ballad titled, “I Know”. The duo is also in Japan this coming March.

Bringing more good news to their dedicated Japanese fans, the duo is set to hold the Saitama leg of their Japan tour on April 27 at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan.

M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com