Source: hyesa.com
Special thanks to mhbt @ soompi for posting the scans.
doozy: This set of photos is lovely! The pictures have this refreshing and relaxing feel to them. I really like the nature setting. SHG is gorgeous as always.
It looks like at any moment the pink T-shirt holding in his bulging muscles will be able to contain him no more: shoulders that look as if they have spread another 10 cm in the last year from a new and deeper confidence in his words and ways. K-Pop’s brightest star Rain, who will kick off a world tour at a release event for his fourth album at the main stadium at the Jamsil Olympic Stadium on Oct. 13., agreed to a chat with the Chosun Ilbo.
"What happens now will determine whether I’ll be taking a big step forward or staying where I’m at," he says. "If you just grasp a handful of sand, it will only slip through your fingers. You need to sprinkle water on the sand to make mud, which can then become cement and be made into a building."
"This world tour is the biggest opportunity I’ve ever had in my life," says the pop star, who has prepared for it as much as humanly possible. The biggest difference between this and his last tour is that a top crew that has worked on the shows of all the top U.S. and U.K. stars has been assembled for the show. "Things that no Korean musician has yet been able to do are happening now," he says. "Even when those who come to the show reach their 40s and 50s, they will automatically think of it whenever it rains, that’s the kind of masterpiece that I will make. When I was drinking with (tour) producer Jamie King, he said, 'I’m the best there is. If I can’t make your stage the best, there’s no reason for me to be here.' It was like a spark."
After wrapping up his Madison Square Garden concert back in February, Rain had two choices. There was the perhaps too hasty fast track: putting together an album in English and heading guns blazing into the U.S. market. And the slower and surer option: heading back to Asia to cement his popularity with a world tour first. He went with the second option. "I thought that the first order of business should be giving a big gift back to the audiences in Asia. Towards the end of next year, I’ll officially release an album in English, and then I’d better get up on those Billboard Charts," he says.
"I don’t have the words to express how ready I am for battle. Usually, once the curtain goes up, the roars of the audience shake me like a wave and electricity surges from head to toe. But now I’m in that state of excitement even though the concerts haven’t started."
Rain's ambitions as an actor are not too modest either. He recently finished work on the latest film by director Park Chan-wook, Cyborg Girl. In the midst of all that, he has also been putting together his fourth album and preparing for the tour, putting his daily schedule a long way from comfort. "I sleep for one or two hours," he admits.
"In my days as a backup dancer, a mentor of mine who was the drummer said something that always stayed with me: 'When you lie down in bed at night, if comfortable sleep doesn't come to you, you haven't put everything into your work that day." These days, when I lie down for bed, I am often uneasy. I struggle to think of just what it is that I've done wrong, then finally, I just get back up and practice dancing and singing again. It seems like I may have some kind of an obsession."
Even though Rain lives as though there are 48 hours in a day, he still meets his friends from time to time. But he confesses, "After just the first shot of Soju, I start asking myself, 'Is it really OK for me to be messing around like this now?' and then it is difficult for me to just enjoy small talk." His "obsession" with work is more than your garden variety self-motivation. "Yes, I'm a workaholic."
"When I think of how I wasn't able to even buy a meal, or a bouquet of flowers, for my mother who left this world after she couldn’t get adequate treatment for her diabetes, I realize that I can’t spend one minute or even one second in vain," the singer says. "People who have gone five days without food see the world with different eyes. A lot of my older friends tell me that I should spend more of my money."
The album, to be released at the event on 13th, has his fans all over the world on pins and needles. "In places that have been ravaged by war and starvation, the falling Rain brings the sprouts of peace and love," is the theme that was chosen to base the album around, explains the singer.
In August last year, Rain donated enough to have 50 wells built in Kampot, Cambodia. "It was such a small thing, but many people helped, so we had good results." Recalling the Time 100 party last May, where the singer rubbed shoulders with some real big-timers, he says, "I was introduced with the phrase, 'In North Korea there’s Kim Jong-il, in South Korea there’s Rain,' and I was together with Condoleezza Rice and Jerry Bruckheimer, it was like a fantastic dream. I was infused with a new energy when I returned home." Back in my days as a dancer, whenever things became overwhelming, I used to head up Mt. Namsan, he says, closing his eyes.
"Then I said to myself, 'Someday every single one of those people down there will know my name.' These days, when I think about the U.S., it brings back those memories. Now is only the beginning. Soon the day will come when everyone in the U.S., the home of pop music, will also recognize that Rain is the top star."
(englishnews@chosun.com)
Source: english.chosun.com
The pictures that inspired the blog's new banner. They are from Lee Da Hae's new CF for BC Cards. Enjoy!
Behind the scenes
LDH's previous advertisement for BC Cards
What a constrast!
Potato chips commercial with Gong Joon Pyo (Dr. Gong from Alone In Love)
Haha.. They're so silly!
Special thanks to "Mukgu-ers" (pinklily and lambutan) @ LDH's soompi thread for posting these lovely pictures.
doozy: Lee Da Hae looks gorgeous in the new CF. I like everything about the pictures, from hair, make-up, and dress, to her poses and the black and white theme. She looks very classy and elegant, yet with a hint of playfulness.
The giant, strikingly beautiful face of Ha Ji-won will adorn walls all over Cannes during the international audiovisual content market show MIPCOM 2006 running there from Oct 9-13, the posters advertising the historical TV drama Hwang Jin-I.
KBS Media, which is involved in bringing Korean pop culture to foreign audiences, says at the main entrance to the largest venue, the Palais des Festivals, will be a large visual from the early days of shooting the story of the famous Chosun-era gisaeng (female entertainer).
But those involved are trying to persuade MIPCOM to switch those images of the actress for a newer one, which they think is even more stunning: it depicts her lying down and looking over her shoulder with a decorative wig on her head and clad in a jeogori (short jacket).
Those in charge of the PR for Hwang Jin-I say they plan to unveil a total of five posters, and they have already heard from people who want to buy the series.
Source: english.chosun.com
doozy: Wow, the poster is so colorful and beautiful! The red really stands out. Upon first glance, I couldn't even tell that it is Ha Ji Won. She looks really different in the poster.
The Korean Wave or Korean pop culture craze is set to sweep the world’s second most populous country, as the KBS hit drama Emperor of the Sea began airing in India on July 23. It is the first-ever Korean drama to be broadcast in that country, which has a population of 1.1 billion.
Also, last Saturday on Sept. 24, the MBC hit drama A Jewel in the Palace began airing there during prime time.
It may be premature to say that Emperor of the Sea, which is being aired nationwide through the country’s state-owned DDTV, will become a big success, because the viewing rate initially recorded no higher than 0.8 percent. However, it should be taken into account that it is being shown on Sunday morning, and the viewing rate has increased to 4 percent since its first episode. A Jewel in the Palace is also being carried on DDTV.
Emperor of the Sea is a large-scale maritime war drama, while A Jewel in the Palace is a story about Jang Geum, a female royal cook who overcomes many difficulties to become the chief of royal physicians. Thus, the two dramas can potentially draw a different response from Indian viewers.
The Korean Embassy in India said that they had seen locals respond very enthusiastically to the Korean dramas. "Indian viewers who watched A Jewel in the Palace told us that they marveled at the colorful royal costumes and various foods, and that the way the drama is unfolding is very unique and mysterious, causing curiosity," it said.
Local newspapers have also shown great interest. The Hindustan Times reported, "A Jewel in the Palace is the life story of the first female royal doctor during the Joseon period."
"A Jewel in the Palace" will be aired in India over the next two years. DDTV said that an enthusiastic response could increase the number of times it is aired per day.
"With Emperor of the Sea and A Jewel in the Palace at the forefront, Korean dramas are likely to captivate Indian viewers," embassy official Kim Seung-ho said Monday. "We are planning to hold a joint event in cooperation with India where Korean dramas and films are systematically promoted."
Source: KBS Global
doozy: Dang, the Korean Wave is everywhere! I'm currently watching bits of A Jewel in the Palace again on AZNTV during the weekends. Although the drama is long, it is very addicting. I can definitely see why it's so popular, not only in Korea but also overseas.
Credits: isplus/ lovekoreastar
Special thanks to ripgal @ soompi.com for posting the pictures.
doozy: Since the blog's name is inspired by My Girl, I'm making this post to show support to all four main cast members. "Mukgu-fied" has featured Lee Dong Wook, Lee Da Hae, Lee Joon Ki, and now, Park Si Yeon. My favorite picture from this set is the sixth one. She looks very pretty!
Last episode, Eun Ho unintentionally embarassed Dong Jin in public. Hence, at the beginning of episode 2, Dong Jin plans to introduce Eun Ho to a man that has all the characteristics that she dislikes as a way to take revenge. However, his plan falls flat because on the meeting date, the new man is not who Dong Jin thought he would be.
This scene made laugh out loud because Le Ha Na (the actress who plays Ji Ho) is hilarious and has great comedic timing!
Korea’s first Playboy model and actress Lee Sabi has gained a lively following in Japan. Her latest diet video, which follows the release of her yogha poses on her website, looks set to become a mega hit in the island country, with 40,000 advance orders already in.
A spokesman for the video production company said such huge advance orders are unusual. "I think Lee’s perfect poses and the video’s personalized exercise prescriptions appeal to the Japanese market." With the video, which consists of a section each focused on the upper body, the lower body and the whole body, people can intensively take care of the part where they especially want to reduce fat, the firm says.
Source: english.chosun.com
doozy: If you've seen My Girl, Lee Sabi plays Gong Chan's loyal secretary. She can also be seen in the recent drama One Fine Day.
Playboy model?! Eh?! Does that mean the same thing in Korea as it does in America? Well, after searching further into this, I found out that it does mean the same thing. I am suprised. Click here if you'd like to read more about this topic.
To keep up her strength, she is eating eels, which are believed to be good for stamina. And her pains are rewarded with a sense achievement: after all, she now has several skills she never dreamed of. "I want to break away from the typical image of gisaeng and create a new one to win approval from women," she says.
Source: english.chosun.com
doozy: Wow... Now, that is suffering for your art! And man, this is an episode-drama so Ha Ji Won is going to be in pain for a while. Be strong, Ha Ji Won sshi! For what it's worth, you look gorgeous in the traditional costume. Those pictures above are breathtakingly beautiful! I love the colors and the extravagance of the hanboks. I like her poses as well. She looks very regal and sophisticated.
Lee Soo Young is one of my favorite Korean artists. I love her voice! My most favorite song of hers is "La La La." I've watched several of her MVs and it seems like her signature mark is tragic love story because either someone dies, they all die, and/or there's been some sort of tragic accident. Oh, and another thing. Most of the MVs have multiple parts. Wait. Perhaps, not just MVs from Lee Soo Young, but almost all of the ones that I've seen. Quite depressing, if you ask me. Here, if you haven't seen them already, watch the ones below and you'll know what I mean.
"La La La" by Lee Soo Young
This MV is more creepy than sad.
Lalala
Translation by: JuJu_Bar @ soompi forums
Source: aheeyah.com
Before I realized so, I forgot that you had left.
I'm like this, an idiot without a good sense.
When I hear the phone ring, I keep thinking that it's you.
I even cleared my throat before answering the phone.
Habits are scary. It doesn't happen as I command it in my mind.
Because I'm more used to love rather than separation.
I'll try to forget our love and our memories, even if it won't work, I'll try to forget like there wasn't anything in the first place.
Lalalalala. Lalala. Lalalala. Lalala. Lalala. Lalala.
When I was shopping, I absentmindedly shopped for your things also.
Without speaking, I put back the items like an idiot.
"If there's a good movie, we have to see it together,"
Without knowing, I have those kind of thoughts.
Did you have moments like these? At least once?
Or did it just stop right after we broke up?
I'll try to change, like how you changed.
Now, I'm going to love again.
When time goes by, and I keep living life,
I'll probably get used to somebody else, too.
I'll try to forget our love and our memories, even if it won't work, I'll try to forget like there wasn't anything in the first place.
Lalalalala. Lalala. Lalalala. Lalala. Lalala. Lalala.
You should forget me, and
I'll try to change, like how you changed.
Now, I'm going to love again.
When time goes by, and I keep living life,
I'll probably get used to somebody else, too.
I'll try to forget our love and our memories, even if it won't work, I'll try to forget like there wasn't anything in the first place.
Lalalalala. Lalala. Lalalala. Lalala. Lalala. Lalala.
"Grace" by Lee Soo Young
Special thanks to the subbing team and hypergrl09 and seirin for uploading the videos.
A friend of mine went to Vietnam recently and took a picture Bi's advertisement at the airport and sent it to me as a present. Haha, crazy girl! Thank you!
Speaking of which, the teaser poster for Bi (Jung Ji Hoon)'s new movie is out!
The teaser poster of director Park Chan Wook's new movie Cyborg jiman gwenchanah (Cyborg but okay) was revealed with the two main cast, Lim Soo Jeong and Jeong Ji Hoon.
The photo shoot for the teaser poster took place on Jeong Ji Hoon's birthday this past 25th of June. The poster features the main catchphrase 'This Year's Couple of Shinsegye Mental Hospital' along with Lim Soo Jeong's cunning smile and Jeong Ji Hoon proudly wearing a peculiar paper mask.
Cyborg jiman gwenchanah (Cyborg but okay) is a romantic comedy drawing the love story of a girl that believes she is a cyborg (played by Lim Soo Jeong) and a guy who says it doesn't matter if she is a cyborg (played by Jeong Ji Hoon). The movie is scheduled to be released in early December.
[Copyright © 2006 Goodday News/Goodday E&I Inc. All rights reserved.]
Source: soompi.com
doozy: I'm definitely looking forward to this movie! The teaser poster looks oddly happy, but I guess it fits the movie since the movie takes place in a mental institution.
Remember a while back I posted the news about Hyun Bin's upcoming drama Queen of Snow? Recently, the production company announced who the leading actress would be. If you're interested, read the news below for more details.
The production company "Yoon’s Color" announces that Sung Yoo Ri (25) and Hyun Bin (24) will lead the drama Queen of Snow scheduled to be aired by KBS2 around Christmas. This drama attracts attention because the PD is Lee Hyung Min who produced and directed the popular drama I’m Sorry, I Love You and the script writers are the duo Kim Eun Hee and Yoon Eun Kyung who wrote for Winter Love Song.
