THE 45th Golden Horse Awards held in Taiwan sees a tough fight between top films from Hong Kong, Taiwan and mainland China.
New names and faces abound in the competition this year with the glam factor provided by China’s Jet Li and Hong Kong’s Louis Koo, who have both received nominations in the best leading actor category.
Hong Kong filmmaker Peter Chan’s period actioner The Warlords is the top contender with 12 leading the field with 12 nominations, including best feature film, best director (for Chan), best leading actor (for Li), and best cinematography.
Taiwanese filmmaker Wei Te-Sheng’s runaway hit Cape No.7 scored 10 nominations, including best feature film, best director (for Wei) and best cinematography. Additionally, Wei himself is in the running for the much-coveted Taiwanese filmmaker of the year award.
China filmmaker Feng Xiaogang’s war epic Assembly secured six nominations including best feature film and best leading actor (for Zhang Hanyu).
Another movie with multiple nominations is Hong Kong arthouse flick Ocean Flame with five nods, including best feature film, best actor (for Liao Fan), best actress (for Monica Mok) and best cinematography.
Big budget films with big names like John Woo’s Red Cliff received four nominations while comedy maestro Stephen Chow’s CJ7 got a nomination for best visual effects and Jay Chou earned a best original film song nomination for Hero Chou in Kevin Chu’s Kung Fu Dunk.
Two Singaporean films also scored one nomination apiece; Royston Tan’s 12 Lotus got a nod for best original film score while Jack Neo’s Money No Enough 2 secured a nomination for best supporting actress (for Lai Meng).
Friday, December 05, 2008
Wang Leehom (王力宏) concert
In his concerts, Wang Leehom (王力宏) had showed off his enviable figure, which got lots of praise. In his new album, he will be showing it again, selling his body to increase the eye candy factor. He will also be directly fighting against another 'Golden Melody King', Stanley Huang (黄立行), as both their albums will be released around the same period.
According to Taiwanese media reports, the record business is not doing well. But in December, this will change, because other than Harlem Yu (庾澄庆) and Stanley Huang who are releasing their albums in that period, Wang Leehom will too. This is will be the 'War among the Golden Melody Kings'.
In the 2005 Golden Melody Awards, Wang Leehom and Stanley Huang had an embarrassing encounter when they were giving out the award for 'Best Mandarin Male Singer'. Because of the prize presenter Karen Mok's (莫文蔚) Hong Kong accent, she did not pronounce the words 'Wang' and 'Huang' properly, which led to both Wang Leehom and Stanley Huang going up on stage at the same time, when it was actually Stanley Huang that got the award. However, the next year Wang Leehom won the award back instead.
To prepare for his new album, Stanley Huang shot a healthy 'Male dogs back' photo. He was not the only one; Wang Leehom also bared the top part of his body, showing off his abs, for his new album cover.
While they were shooting, it was winter already. However, Leehom was unafraid of hypothermia. He required his performance to be perfect, and in his free time, instead of lazing around, he didn't forget to do exercises. He repeatedly practiced with the dumbbells, saying: "I always bring along my dumbbells with me, everyday, other than making music, I would spend at least 1 hour on working out."
Wang Leehom has been nicknamed 'Iron Man' by his workers, other his love for working out, he loves music even more. Before this, while preparing for his album, he only slept 3 hours everyday, together with 1 hour of exercises. The other 20 hours were spent on composing music. His new album will start it's pre-orders in December.
According to Taiwanese media reports, the record business is not doing well. But in December, this will change, because other than Harlem Yu (庾澄庆) and Stanley Huang who are releasing their albums in that period, Wang Leehom will too. This is will be the 'War among the Golden Melody Kings'.
In the 2005 Golden Melody Awards, Wang Leehom and Stanley Huang had an embarrassing encounter when they were giving out the award for 'Best Mandarin Male Singer'. Because of the prize presenter Karen Mok's (莫文蔚) Hong Kong accent, she did not pronounce the words 'Wang' and 'Huang' properly, which led to both Wang Leehom and Stanley Huang going up on stage at the same time, when it was actually Stanley Huang that got the award. However, the next year Wang Leehom won the award back instead.
To prepare for his new album, Stanley Huang shot a healthy 'Male dogs back' photo. He was not the only one; Wang Leehom also bared the top part of his body, showing off his abs, for his new album cover.
While they were shooting, it was winter already. However, Leehom was unafraid of hypothermia. He required his performance to be perfect, and in his free time, instead of lazing around, he didn't forget to do exercises. He repeatedly practiced with the dumbbells, saying: "I always bring along my dumbbells with me, everyday, other than making music, I would spend at least 1 hour on working out."
Wang Leehom has been nicknamed 'Iron Man' by his workers, other his love for working out, he loves music even more. Before this, while preparing for his album, he only slept 3 hours everyday, together with 1 hour of exercises. The other 20 hours were spent on composing music. His new album will start it's pre-orders in December.
Aaron Kwok Under Planning.
It has been a quiet year for pop King Aaron Kwok, save for rumors on his relationship with Lynn Xiong. When he appeared in town on Dec 4, he tells xin.sg otherwise. He says he has led a fruitful 2008 and is currently preparing for a theatrical play estimated to be presented three years from now. Only after that will he start to make plans for his marriage.
Kwok was here for the opening of his endorsed watch brand's first flagship in Singapore. Before the official opening, a small incident slightly diverted the focus of the event. The brand's distributing office president was about to make a speech on stage, when he accidentally fell off stage.
The centre stage is an elevated platform, supposed to raise Kwok together with a watch from level one of Wisma Atria to the second level. The brand's president walked right into the pit hole and fell from the second level to the first. Glass shatters were heard and the crowd gave out screams of shock. It was fortunate the president did not suffer major injuries and also made an appearance moment later with Kwok. He later went for a thorough checkup and according to the company's public relations officer, their president is in good shape and did not suffer much injuries.
Though the opening ceremony was delayed, it proceeded as usual after the unfortunate incident and went on smoothly.
"This is like a 'boom'. I think this is an accident and the most important thing is that nobody is injured. Though it's a little dangerous, I think it brought a great surprise to people. This is also luck; I wish this 'booming' incident will be a good omen and business will boom," Kwok says.
In the interview with Xin.sg, Kwok reveals that watches are important accessories to him and he has a strong sense of time.
"I think it is unacceptable for people to be late all the time; but if it is because back-to-back jobs overrun, I think it is forgivable," he explains.
43-year-old Kwok is currently working on a play where he is producer as well as actor. This romance theatrical play is expected to be presented in 2011 and to him, it is even more important than his marriage.
"I hope to find a significant other before 50. But I think there is still an uncertainty. To put it in a corny manner, it is destiny," he says.
Kwok will be putting more efforts in charity in 2009, hoping to raise funds through different performances, for the foundation he has set up. Other than that, there are also plans to release an album.
Kwok was here for the opening of his endorsed watch brand's first flagship in Singapore. Before the official opening, a small incident slightly diverted the focus of the event. The brand's distributing office president was about to make a speech on stage, when he accidentally fell off stage.
The centre stage is an elevated platform, supposed to raise Kwok together with a watch from level one of Wisma Atria to the second level. The brand's president walked right into the pit hole and fell from the second level to the first. Glass shatters were heard and the crowd gave out screams of shock. It was fortunate the president did not suffer major injuries and also made an appearance moment later with Kwok. He later went for a thorough checkup and according to the company's public relations officer, their president is in good shape and did not suffer much injuries.
Though the opening ceremony was delayed, it proceeded as usual after the unfortunate incident and went on smoothly.
"This is like a 'boom'. I think this is an accident and the most important thing is that nobody is injured. Though it's a little dangerous, I think it brought a great surprise to people. This is also luck; I wish this 'booming' incident will be a good omen and business will boom," Kwok says.
In the interview with Xin.sg, Kwok reveals that watches are important accessories to him and he has a strong sense of time.
"I think it is unacceptable for people to be late all the time; but if it is because back-to-back jobs overrun, I think it is forgivable," he explains.
43-year-old Kwok is currently working on a play where he is producer as well as actor. This romance theatrical play is expected to be presented in 2011 and to him, it is even more important than his marriage.
"I hope to find a significant other before 50. But I think there is still an uncertainty. To put it in a corny manner, it is destiny," he says.
Kwok will be putting more efforts in charity in 2009, hoping to raise funds through different performances, for the foundation he has set up. Other than that, there are also plans to release an album.
Filming ‘Fated To Love You’
After filming ‘Fated To Love You’, Chen Qiao En has completely said goodbye to ‘sticky note girl’ as she poses for the December issue of ‘GQ Magazine’, wearing only fur on her upper body. The first time doing a sexy photoshoot, her mood is evidently quite nervous, and had to drink a lot of red wine: “Last time when I filmed bed scene for ‘Fated to Love You’ my mum was very angry when she saw it, this time if she sees these photos, I’m scared she might kill me!”
Qiao En reveals that she only loves herself and her cat, and has no vision about marriage, because she has no way to determine how much she loves the man infront of her: ‘So in my life, am I only going to love this one man? Will I never feel anything again for any other men?”
Qiao En doing this kind of annoucement, perhaps it is because she and her white boyfriend Michael are having some kind of relationship crisis? Her manager Li Shi Xiang clarified saying that they are fine, and Qiao En is only saying this as it is her personality problem, does not mean that she will change her feelings.
During the photoshoot, Qiao En had fur wrapped around her shoulders, and in the middle of her body, revealed her full D-cup breasts. If it wasn’t for red wine, she would definitely not have enough courage to stand infront of the photographer, and do a variety of sultry poses. However, Qiao En’s mind is full of performance, she has a 40-inch projecter at her home, and whenever she has time, she will stay at home to watch DVD, and when encountering a special storyline, she will continue to pause and re-wind, to carefully examine how other people act. Just like Julia Robert’s ‘Notting Hill’ or Sammi Cheng’s ‘My Left Eye Sees Ghosts”, Qiao En is basically able to recite the whole script.
Lately, Qiao En and Ming Dao have gone to Beijing to film ‘Staying By Sunshine, Staying By You’ and the storyline tells of 2 sisters competing for 1 guy. Because Qiao En plays the role of a dancer, she flew there a lot earlier to take up intensive dance training, and even when she injured her back, she did not dare to rest. At the end, her character will also go blind, indeed is a very challenging role.
Qiao En reveals that she only loves herself and her cat, and has no vision about marriage, because she has no way to determine how much she loves the man infront of her: ‘So in my life, am I only going to love this one man? Will I never feel anything again for any other men?”
Qiao En doing this kind of annoucement, perhaps it is because she and her white boyfriend Michael are having some kind of relationship crisis? Her manager Li Shi Xiang clarified saying that they are fine, and Qiao En is only saying this as it is her personality problem, does not mean that she will change her feelings.
During the photoshoot, Qiao En had fur wrapped around her shoulders, and in the middle of her body, revealed her full D-cup breasts. If it wasn’t for red wine, she would definitely not have enough courage to stand infront of the photographer, and do a variety of sultry poses. However, Qiao En’s mind is full of performance, she has a 40-inch projecter at her home, and whenever she has time, she will stay at home to watch DVD, and when encountering a special storyline, she will continue to pause and re-wind, to carefully examine how other people act. Just like Julia Robert’s ‘Notting Hill’ or Sammi Cheng’s ‘My Left Eye Sees Ghosts”, Qiao En is basically able to recite the whole script.
Lately, Qiao En and Ming Dao have gone to Beijing to film ‘Staying By Sunshine, Staying By You’ and the storyline tells of 2 sisters competing for 1 guy. Because Qiao En plays the role of a dancer, she flew there a lot earlier to take up intensive dance training, and even when she injured her back, she did not dare to rest. At the end, her character will also go blind, indeed is a very challenging role.
New Song : Look Who's Talking
On 3rd December 2008, Korean pop diva Kwon BoA debuted on the American stage in New York City, performing her american debut song, Eat You Up, korean song Girls On Top, and a new song, Look Who's Talking, for the very first time! The crowd was ecstatic, and MTV Iggy has featured BoA again in another one of their flattering reviews:
New Film " She Ain't Mean " from Tsui Hark's
Tsui Hark's (徐克) new film 'She Ain't Mean' (女人不坏) is confirmed to be premiered on the 11th of December. Everyone is curious, as to how Zhou Xun (周迅), Guei Lun Mei (桂纶镁), and Kitty Zhang (张雨绮) will act out their characters on screen.
Yesterday, the character Guei Lun Mei was playing was revealed, and there were quite a few scenes where it was reminiscent of the case of Yang Lijuan (杨丽娟) 'crazily chasing' after Andy Lau (刘德华).
It is understood that Guei Lun Mei is acting as a wild and slightly babaric musician, although she has no lack of men to pursue, she still secretly loves a certain Heavenly King, an international celebrity 'X'. She would often make very strange moves, like talking to the air, thinking of him as her 'boyfriend' and fantasizing about them taking a drive in his car. When X actually did appear before her, she was too overwhelmed and fainted. These scenes really let people recall back to the time where Yang Lijuan was crazily chasing after Andy Lau.
According to Guei Lun Mei, when she first read the script, she originally really thought that the character X was going to be acted by Andy Lau. Tsui Hark also did invite Andy Lau to take up the character, but after much consideration by Andy, he had to refuse the role due to personal considerations. From this it can be seen that the Yang Lijuan incident did play a part in it.
Yesterday, the character Guei Lun Mei was playing was revealed, and there were quite a few scenes where it was reminiscent of the case of Yang Lijuan (杨丽娟) 'crazily chasing' after Andy Lau (刘德华).
It is understood that Guei Lun Mei is acting as a wild and slightly babaric musician, although she has no lack of men to pursue, she still secretly loves a certain Heavenly King, an international celebrity 'X'. She would often make very strange moves, like talking to the air, thinking of him as her 'boyfriend' and fantasizing about them taking a drive in his car. When X actually did appear before her, she was too overwhelmed and fainted. These scenes really let people recall back to the time where Yang Lijuan was crazily chasing after Andy Lau.
According to Guei Lun Mei, when she first read the script, she originally really thought that the character X was going to be acted by Andy Lau. Tsui Hark also did invite Andy Lau to take up the character, but after much consideration by Andy, he had to refuse the role due to personal considerations. From this it can be seen that the Yang Lijuan incident did play a part in it.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
The Good, The Bad and The Weird from Group Big Bang
Group Big Bang will transform into the characters of movie ‘The Good, The Bad and The Weird’.
It was announced on 1st December by one of the MBC Korean Movie Festival officials, “Big Bang members will transform and impersonate the characters of the movie and present a startling show for this year’s movie festival.”
The official also added, “Big Bang have done a lot of preparation to fit into the roles of the characters in the movie”
Big Bang will also be in western suits for the complete impersonation for the special show that day.
Also for the movie festival, Jaurim’s Kim Yoon Ah will also transform as Kim Hye Soo’s character in movie ‘Modern Boy’ for a jazz performance, after which she will also do a rock performance for the movie ‘Go Go 70′.
Korea Movie Festival will open on 4th December.
It was announced on 1st December by one of the MBC Korean Movie Festival officials, “Big Bang members will transform and impersonate the characters of the movie and present a startling show for this year’s movie festival.”
The official also added, “Big Bang have done a lot of preparation to fit into the roles of the characters in the movie”
Big Bang will also be in western suits for the complete impersonation for the special show that day.
Also for the movie festival, Jaurim’s Kim Yoon Ah will also transform as Kim Hye Soo’s character in movie ‘Modern Boy’ for a jazz performance, after which she will also do a rock performance for the movie ‘Go Go 70′.
Korea Movie Festival will open on 4th December.
Jay Chou Top 1 Again in 2008
According to Taiwanese media reports, although the economic outlook is not good, Jay Chou (周杰伦) was able, in this year, to earn ‘Cape No. 700 Million’! This was earned from album sales, concerts, endorsements, and movies. The total sum he earned was TWD$7.03 hundred million. Second to him is Emil Chau (周华健), who earned TWD$4.6 hundred million. Jolin Tsai (蔡依林) is third in place, becoming the first among the female singers.
Jay Chou is very obviously the popularity king in the whole of Asia, earning record fees for his endorsements and concerts. Just singing in one show alone can earn him TWD$ 1 million. His earnings this year surpassed last year by 2 times. A representative from his music company JVR Records expressed: “Our company has never cared about the fees for producing, we only want to give the audience and fans the very best products.”
Same as last year, Emil Chau was second in place in the list. In these few years, he has rarely been seen in Taiwan, but in China, his singing gigs are never ending, with 22 shows – only less than Jay by 1 show. His manager Yang Yong An humbly expressed: “I don’t think it’s that much! Next year, because of the economic crisis, there are less shows, so everyone will be more worried.”
Jolin is the top earner among the females; her ‘Dancing Diva’ concerts have been going on for more than 2 years, with 10 shows this year. Adding on to her endorsement, she has earned TWD$3.5 hundred million – 2 times more than last year’s. Jolin, who is now in America learning dance, expressed: “I will work hard to produce better things for everyone.”
Last year’s champion S.H.E’s earnings slid a little bit this year, the main reason being that there were no solo performances this year. However, with 13 endorsements this year, they are the group with the most popularity. They said: “We hope that we would have the chance to do more charity work in the future.”
Show Luo (罗志祥), who improves every year, has earned TWD$2 hundred million this year, becoming 5th in place. He has 16 endorsements this year, becoming the king of endorsements. Wang Leehom (王力宏), Mayday (五月天) and A-Mei Chang (张惠妹) are in the 6th to 8th place respectively. Fahrenheit (飞轮海), learning from their senior’s S.H.E, entered the 9th place for the first time. Angela Chang (张韶涵), who is half resting this year, has no albums nor dramas this year, instead only having endorsements and singing gigs to earn ‘pocket money’, hence staying in the 10th place this year.
This year’s competition was fiercer than last year’s, the earnings of each being more than the previous year’s. All those who are in the top 10, have earned more than 1 hundred million. With the changing of the album business, it is obvious that the singers have used endorsements, concerts and singing gigs to earn the big bucks this year.
Jay Chou is very obviously the popularity king in the whole of Asia, earning record fees for his endorsements and concerts. Just singing in one show alone can earn him TWD$ 1 million. His earnings this year surpassed last year by 2 times. A representative from his music company JVR Records expressed: “Our company has never cared about the fees for producing, we only want to give the audience and fans the very best products.”
Same as last year, Emil Chau was second in place in the list. In these few years, he has rarely been seen in Taiwan, but in China, his singing gigs are never ending, with 22 shows – only less than Jay by 1 show. His manager Yang Yong An humbly expressed: “I don’t think it’s that much! Next year, because of the economic crisis, there are less shows, so everyone will be more worried.”
Jolin is the top earner among the females; her ‘Dancing Diva’ concerts have been going on for more than 2 years, with 10 shows this year. Adding on to her endorsement, she has earned TWD$3.5 hundred million – 2 times more than last year’s. Jolin, who is now in America learning dance, expressed: “I will work hard to produce better things for everyone.”
Last year’s champion S.H.E’s earnings slid a little bit this year, the main reason being that there were no solo performances this year. However, with 13 endorsements this year, they are the group with the most popularity. They said: “We hope that we would have the chance to do more charity work in the future.”
Show Luo (罗志祥), who improves every year, has earned TWD$2 hundred million this year, becoming 5th in place. He has 16 endorsements this year, becoming the king of endorsements. Wang Leehom (王力宏), Mayday (五月天) and A-Mei Chang (张惠妹) are in the 6th to 8th place respectively. Fahrenheit (飞轮海), learning from their senior’s S.H.E, entered the 9th place for the first time. Angela Chang (张韶涵), who is half resting this year, has no albums nor dramas this year, instead only having endorsements and singing gigs to earn ‘pocket money’, hence staying in the 10th place this year.
This year’s competition was fiercer than last year’s, the earnings of each being more than the previous year’s. All those who are in the top 10, have earned more than 1 hundred million. With the changing of the album business, it is obvious that the singers have used endorsements, concerts and singing gigs to earn the big bucks this year.
Ariel Lin Yi-Chen (林依晨) at Aids Angel
On the World Aids Day on the 1st of December, Ariel Lin Yi-Chen (林依晨) took on the role of an 'Aids Angel', hugging a group of Aids stricken babies, hoping that the wider community would be more understanding and help such babies. She felt very sorry that babies suffering from Aids would be ostracised by society, hence she hugged and kissed the babies in front of everyone. She said: "This is a very natural way of interacting with babies, and it is also a very safe way. I hope everyone can change their opinions and views, and accept them with warm and open arms."
In the event, Ariel massaged the babies' faces and chest, even kissing their faces and mouths, showing her warmth and acceptance of them in the most straightforward way, "Bodily contact with them does not transmit the virus, even if you exchange saliva with them, you will only get the virus if it reaches 700cc, provided of course there isn't any open wounds."
A doctor expressed that kissing Aids infected babies on their mouth is equivalent to shaking hands with normal people, and would not transmit the Aids virus in anyway. The ways that the virus can actually be transmitted is through sexual contact with an Aids infected person, and through shared needles. As long as there is no open wounds, kissing an Aids infected patient would not mean any danger to anyone.
In the event, Ariel massaged the babies' faces and chest, even kissing their faces and mouths, showing her warmth and acceptance of them in the most straightforward way, "Bodily contact with them does not transmit the virus, even if you exchange saliva with them, you will only get the virus if it reaches 700cc, provided of course there isn't any open wounds."
A doctor expressed that kissing Aids infected babies on their mouth is equivalent to shaking hands with normal people, and would not transmit the Aids virus in anyway. The ways that the virus can actually be transmitted is through sexual contact with an Aids infected person, and through shared needles. As long as there is no open wounds, kissing an Aids infected patient would not mean any danger to anyone.
Wonder Girls plan to finish up their Nobody album in December
JYP Entertainment revealed on the 2nd, “They (Wonder Girls) plan to end their album promotions at the end of the year music programs (gayo daejun).” They also added, “During this time, thank you for loving Nobody so much. Without promoting a follow-up song, the Wonder Girls will work hard in preparing for their own concert after concluding the Nobody promotions.”
The Wonder Girls would be involved with the JYP Tour 2009 in January and then their own concert in February. The Wonder Girls who debuted with Irony in 2007 have continued to create hits such as Tell Me, So Hot, Nobody and have been playing an active leading role in reviving bokgo (retro) mania.
The Wonder Girls would be involved with the JYP Tour 2009 in January and then their own concert in February. The Wonder Girls who debuted with Irony in 2007 have continued to create hits such as Tell Me, So Hot, Nobody and have been playing an active leading role in reviving bokgo (retro) mania.
Kotomi Aoki's popular shojo manga
Kotomi Aoki's popular shojo manga "Boku no Hatsukoi wo Kimi ni Sasagu" is being turned into a live-action movie, directed by Takehiko Shinjo ("Heavenly Forest"). Young actress Mao Inoue of "Hana Yori Dango" fame has been chosen to star in the film.
The story revolves around the relationship between Mayu (Inoue) and her first love, a young man named Takuma (Masaki Okada) whom she has known since childhood. Mayu's father is Takuma's cardiologist, and she learns that Takuma may not live much longer past the age of 20 due to his heart condition. When they were 8 years old, Takuma promised to marry Mayu, unaware of his own lifespan. But when he finds out the truth, he tries to distance himself from Mayu in hopes of sparing her the inevitable pain of his death.
Filming is scheduled to start in March, around the time that Inoue is expected to graduate from Meiji University. The completed movie will be released next fall.
The story revolves around the relationship between Mayu (Inoue) and her first love, a young man named Takuma (Masaki Okada) whom she has known since childhood. Mayu's father is Takuma's cardiologist, and she learns that Takuma may not live much longer past the age of 20 due to his heart condition. When they were 8 years old, Takuma promised to marry Mayu, unaware of his own lifespan. But when he finds out the truth, he tries to distance himself from Mayu in hopes of sparing her the inevitable pain of his death.
Filming is scheduled to start in March, around the time that Inoue is expected to graduate from Meiji University. The completed movie will be released next fall.
Big Bang and the Wonder Girls
You just can’t disconnect Big Bang and the Wonder Girls. Both groups have garnered 11 Cyworld Digital Music Awards amongst themselves since their debut and it’s no wonder that their songs are the most often heard on many Cyworld minihompies. (Off-topic: the Wonder Girls endorsed Baskin Robbins last year and it’s the turn of Big Bang this year.)
Big Bang will be picking up their 6th Cyworld Digital Music Award on the 8th December thanks to Sunset Glow being Song of the Month for November. The award is given out based on how often the song is used as the background music on Cyworld minihompies. Since October 2006, Big Bang has won five Cyworld Digital Music Awards for La La La, Lies (twice), Last Farewell and Haru Haru. Sunset Glow will thus be Big Bang’s 6th time winning it.
Earlier on 18th November, the Wonder Girls had won Song of the Month for October thanks to Nobody. This was their second consecutive win for Nobody having won it the previous month. Since their debut in 2007, the Wonder Girls have now won the Cyworld Digital Music Awards 5 times for Irony, Tell Me, So Hot and Nobody (twice), equalling Big Bang’s record of 5 wins then.
But barely a month later, Big Bang has edged ahead of the Wonder Girls. They do live up to their reputation as the most popular groups right now.
Big Bang will be picking up their 6th Cyworld Digital Music Award on the 8th December thanks to Sunset Glow being Song of the Month for November. The award is given out based on how often the song is used as the background music on Cyworld minihompies. Since October 2006, Big Bang has won five Cyworld Digital Music Awards for La La La, Lies (twice), Last Farewell and Haru Haru. Sunset Glow will thus be Big Bang’s 6th time winning it.
Earlier on 18th November, the Wonder Girls had won Song of the Month for October thanks to Nobody. This was their second consecutive win for Nobody having won it the previous month. Since their debut in 2007, the Wonder Girls have now won the Cyworld Digital Music Awards 5 times for Irony, Tell Me, So Hot and Nobody (twice), equalling Big Bang’s record of 5 wins then.
But barely a month later, Big Bang has edged ahead of the Wonder Girls. They do live up to their reputation as the most popular groups right now.
Golden Melody Award Best Group Winner
This year's Golden Melody Award Best Group Winner - Da Zui Ba (Big Mouth) have recently released a digital single "Always by my side" which is a cover version of a Japanese hit song "So ba ni i ru ne" by Teruma Oayama.
It seemed that Jerry had also tried to get the rights to sing the same song but had to give it up after losing it to Da Zui Ba
Jerry Yan was supposed to release his new album end of this year but is delayed to 1st half of next year as it is yet to compete. It is rumoured that it was considered to cover a Japanese song in his new album in consideration of Japanese fans. Teruma Oayama's "So ba ni i ru ne" was a popular hit song in Japan this year, and Da Zui Ba's lead female vocalist Ai Sha also chose the same song and they won the rights to sing since the copyrights of the song is with Universal Music.
When Ai Sha heard that Jerry also tried to achieve to cover the song, she said: "I also hope he can sing the song. Our version is group singing while his is solo, it wil be a different feeling." The orginal Japanese lyrics is about a resultless long distance love relationship but Da Zui Ba's mandarin version changed it to a happy ending.
Jerry's management company expressed: "It is the norm to consider many songs when choosing songs, we did enquire about the song but later decided not to include the song after style of the whole album was confirmed."
It seemed that Jerry had also tried to get the rights to sing the same song but had to give it up after losing it to Da Zui Ba
Jerry Yan was supposed to release his new album end of this year but is delayed to 1st half of next year as it is yet to compete. It is rumoured that it was considered to cover a Japanese song in his new album in consideration of Japanese fans. Teruma Oayama's "So ba ni i ru ne" was a popular hit song in Japan this year, and Da Zui Ba's lead female vocalist Ai Sha also chose the same song and they won the rights to sing since the copyrights of the song is with Universal Music.
When Ai Sha heard that Jerry also tried to achieve to cover the song, she said: "I also hope he can sing the song. Our version is group singing while his is solo, it wil be a different feeling." The orginal Japanese lyrics is about a resultless long distance love relationship but Da Zui Ba's mandarin version changed it to a happy ending.
Jerry's management company expressed: "It is the norm to consider many songs when choosing songs, we did enquire about the song but later decided not to include the song after style of the whole album was confirmed."
‘Skip Beat’ as Superstar Ren Tsuruga
Jerry Yan a member of Asia’s hot band F4, will be acting the manga inspired ‘Skip Beat’ as Superstar Ren Tsuruga in this Taiwanese and Japanese collaboration.
He said it himself, "There are quite a few similarities between me and the character."
When one sees his seriousness at work and the parts where he makes mistakes, it feels like seeing one’s own laughter.
He said it himself, "There are quite a few similarities between me and the character."
When one sees his seriousness at work and the parts where he makes mistakes, it feels like seeing one’s own laughter.
Monday, December 01, 2008
New film “My So Called Love”
To promote for her new film “My So Called Love”, Da S had a sexy photo shoot for FHM. There was one photo where she had to stick her bottom out and pose, but people laughed and said it was the hot girl version of orz.
After filming 2 films, Da S has not only challenged both her physical and psychological limits, she has also forced love (which she previously had placed most importance on) to second place: “Right now, work is most important to me, it is my biggest source of happiness.”
Although she did not feel troubled from entering the situation too deeply, Da S revealed that while filming “My So Called Love”, due to feeling pressure, she would often call her sister Xiao S and Fan Fan to complain, and then the next day, everything would be alright and she would continue to film like nothing is wrong.
After filming 2 films, Da S has not only challenged both her physical and psychological limits, she has also forced love (which she previously had placed most importance on) to second place: “Right now, work is most important to me, it is my biggest source of happiness.”
Although she did not feel troubled from entering the situation too deeply, Da S revealed that while filming “My So Called Love”, due to feeling pressure, she would often call her sister Xiao S and Fan Fan to complain, and then the next day, everything would be alright and she would continue to film like nothing is wrong.
MTV World Presents : BoA Live in New York
BoA will be performing on the same stage together with some of the famous pop singers like Chris Brown, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Pussycat Dolls and Jessie McCartney.
SM Entertainment announced on the 1st December, “BoA will be in Anaheim Honda Centre in America this coming 6th December at 2pm for ‘Jingle Ball Concert’.”
BoA will be performing for the opening for the concer that day with German rock band Tokyo Hotel with her American debut song ‘Eat You Up’ and also ‘Look Who’s Talking’ off her American debut album.
‘Jingle Ball Concert’ is concert sponsored by America LA’s main radio channel KIIIS-FM and this year the concert’s into its 9th year.
It is a big-scale performance with the participation of many world-famous performing artistes like Britney Spears, Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Nelly and Avril Lavinge.
On another hand, BoA will be performing on a special program ‘MTV World Presents : BoA Live in New York’ in New York on the 3rd.
SM Entertainment announced on the 1st December, “BoA will be in Anaheim Honda Centre in America this coming 6th December at 2pm for ‘Jingle Ball Concert’.”
BoA will be performing for the opening for the concer that day with German rock band Tokyo Hotel with her American debut song ‘Eat You Up’ and also ‘Look Who’s Talking’ off her American debut album.
‘Jingle Ball Concert’ is concert sponsored by America LA’s main radio channel KIIIS-FM and this year the concert’s into its 9th year.
It is a big-scale performance with the participation of many world-famous performing artistes like Britney Spears, Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Nelly and Avril Lavinge.
On another hand, BoA will be performing on a special program ‘MTV World Presents : BoA Live in New York’ in New York on the 3rd.
Pure Comic Strip
Movie “Pure Comic Strip“, which is an adaptation from a comic of the same name by popular comic writer Kang Po, is reporting good news one after another. After the movie has broke the record for the most number of viewers on premiere day in history, it went on to take the crown for the box office last week.
According to the records, “Pure Comic Strip” has attracted a total of 253,279 movie-goers between 28th to 30th, bringing its total audience up to 335,497, ending 1st December 7.11am. Kim Min Sun’s “A Portrait of a Beauty” which has dominated the box office for the previous 2 weeks, slipped to the second place with 240,362 audience. The 3rd, 4th and 5th place goes to “Quantum of Solace”, “Blindness” and “Antique” respectively.
“Pure Comic Strip” is not the first comic by Kang Po that is being brought to the big screen. His works like “Apartment” and “Fool” were filmed into movies previously but did not attract a huge following like the comic version. Even though “Fool” had top stars like Ha Ji Won and Cha Tae Hyun, the result was not satisfactory. Hence, this movie was already under radar ever since its preparatory stage as critics thought it might be another flop in ticket sales.
After the premiere, many movie critics gave the movie an “ok” rating, which means its neither good nor bad but probably clinchs more towards the negative side. However, last week’s result shattered all the criticisms. Although there were some who believed that the movie is a success only because of its cast (Yoo Ji Tae, Lee Yeon Hee, Chae Jung Ahn, Kang In), but one cannot deny the fact that the movie is really a success, at least a very successful opening.
According to the records, “Pure Comic Strip” has attracted a total of 253,279 movie-goers between 28th to 30th, bringing its total audience up to 335,497, ending 1st December 7.11am. Kim Min Sun’s “A Portrait of a Beauty” which has dominated the box office for the previous 2 weeks, slipped to the second place with 240,362 audience. The 3rd, 4th and 5th place goes to “Quantum of Solace”, “Blindness” and “Antique” respectively.
“Pure Comic Strip” is not the first comic by Kang Po that is being brought to the big screen. His works like “Apartment” and “Fool” were filmed into movies previously but did not attract a huge following like the comic version. Even though “Fool” had top stars like Ha Ji Won and Cha Tae Hyun, the result was not satisfactory. Hence, this movie was already under radar ever since its preparatory stage as critics thought it might be another flop in ticket sales.
After the premiere, many movie critics gave the movie an “ok” rating, which means its neither good nor bad but probably clinchs more towards the negative side. However, last week’s result shattered all the criticisms. Although there were some who believed that the movie is a success only because of its cast (Yoo Ji Tae, Lee Yeon Hee, Chae Jung Ahn, Kang In), but one cannot deny the fact that the movie is really a success, at least a very successful opening.
The World They Live In shown last week
In the drama that is. According to the news, the episode 11 preview of “The World They Live In” shown last week show a snippet of the break-up scene of Ji Oh (Hyun Bin) and Joon Young (Song Hye Kyo). As the couple is well-liked by many even till the point of jealousy, many viewers expressed objections towards such a direction in plot development after watching the preview.
In the preview of episode 11, Joon Young said with tears: “I want to ask you, why do you treat me like this?”, but Ji Oh replied calmly: “This relationship between you and me isn’t really a big deal, I seriously cannot find any reason why I have to endure all these, hence I have decided to give up.” After the preview was shown, netizens swarmed the internet forums and protested against such a development in the plot.
In addition, the Ji Oh’s eye injury also triggered the curiosity of the viewers. Many netizens speculated that Ji Oh might be facing the risk of going blind or even death. One netizens even gave a bold speculation that Ji Oh will go blind and Joon Young who did not know about the truth, goes overseas for studies and they reunite after a few years.
In response to these wild speculations, the spokesperson of YEG (production company) said: “Writer Noh Hee Kyung is someone who really focuses on the realism of her drama, so the above type of scenario will not happen.”
In the preview of episode 11, Joon Young said with tears: “I want to ask you, why do you treat me like this?”, but Ji Oh replied calmly: “This relationship between you and me isn’t really a big deal, I seriously cannot find any reason why I have to endure all these, hence I have decided to give up.” After the preview was shown, netizens swarmed the internet forums and protested against such a development in the plot.
In addition, the Ji Oh’s eye injury also triggered the curiosity of the viewers. Many netizens speculated that Ji Oh might be facing the risk of going blind or even death. One netizens even gave a bold speculation that Ji Oh will go blind and Joon Young who did not know about the truth, goes overseas for studies and they reunite after a few years.
In response to these wild speculations, the spokesperson of YEG (production company) said: “Writer Noh Hee Kyung is someone who really focuses on the realism of her drama, so the above type of scenario will not happen.”
Nickelodeon Indonesia Kids Choice Awards 2008
Agnes Monica the Indonesian pop princess had big triumphant in the Nickelodeon Indonesia Kids Choice Awards 2008. On this first Kids Choice Awards in Asia, the singer who represented Indonesia in Asia Song Festival 2008 swept 2 awards in 2 categories where she was nominated. Although she's not a child singer anymore, Agnes Monica seems still has a lot of kids fans.
Agnes received Most Favorite Singer; unexpectedly beat the 15 years-old popera singer Gita Gutawa who was initially calculated as the strongest nominee of all. However, Gita had so much pleasure performing two of her singles for the kids in this show.
Agnes also bagged an inspirational award called Wannabe Award. Agnes Monica has been considered as an artist who gives inspiration to the Indonesian kids to be a successful young person and have wonderful achievements at the very young age just like her self.
Special for Wannabe Award, the announcement was presented with a video slide of Agnes journey in showbiz from a 10 years-old little actress till a grown up Agnes now.
Having these two awards, the 22 years-old girl who will release her third grownup album told the children to not afraid of dreaming, and to make it happen, and of course with work hard.
The pretty artist who will perform in Japan-Indonesia Supershow next month said she felt really proud to be the inspiration for the children and felt she has a role for them.
"This is a very so much fun award event for me. I can play, and the ambiance is so cool. They still idolize me and I feel like I can give them a contribution starting from a little thing,” uttered Agnes Monica on the backstage interview after receiving the awards. "This reminds me back when I was still a kid and wanted to reach my dreams," she reflected her childhood memories.
When asked what kind of childhood memory that she still remembered until now, Agnes replied, "When I was around 11 or 12 years-old, a guy who's way...way older than me called our house, my dad answered the phone, and that guy told my dad that he wanted to marry me," Agnes laughed. "But we didn't take the proposal seriously".
Agnes also admitted the children nowadays are more into grownup figures instead of child artists. However she thought it was fine as long as the idol could be a good example for kids.
On the same event, the MTV VJ and Indonesian Idol host Daniel Mananta won Most Favorite Presenter. Luna Maya didn’t win Most Favorite Actress because the 15 years-old actress Cinta Laura beat her, but at least Luna who looked so gorgeous last night was voted for the ‘Artist Slime’ in this fully amusing yucky slippery show.
The glittery event that was packed with excited kids and kid artists, also involved a giant piñata, a cow milky, hocus-pocus, cheerleaders, and of course the slimy slimes. The show was hosted by former child actress Tasya who’s now become a sixteen years old beautiful girl, actors Tora Sudiro and Ringgo.
Some artists who presented the awards were Christian Sugiono, Tika Panggabean, Raffi Ahmad, Marshanda, kids from the film Laskar Pelangi, Nikita Willy, all the VJs of MTV, and many more. The performers who rocked the stage besides Gita Gutawa were Afgan, the energetic Nidji, D'Massive, kids from Idola Cilik (Little Idol), Cinta Laura, Project Pop and many more.
Agnes didn’t prepare to come for the show because she was sick the day before but managed to come in the end. All the winners came to the show, except Sponge Bob who got locked in the toilet. Well, congratulation guys!
Complete Winners List:
Most Favorite Female Singer: Agnes Monica
Most Favorite Male Singer: Afgan
Most Favorite Actress: Cinta Laura
Most Favorite Actor: Dude Herlino
Most Favorite Presenter: Daniel Mananta
Most Favorite Band: D'Massive
Most Favorite Cartoon: Sponge Bob
Most Favorite Athlete: Chris John
Wannabe Award: Agnes Monica
Best Kid Model: Nikita Willy
Agnes received Most Favorite Singer; unexpectedly beat the 15 years-old popera singer Gita Gutawa who was initially calculated as the strongest nominee of all. However, Gita had so much pleasure performing two of her singles for the kids in this show.
Agnes also bagged an inspirational award called Wannabe Award. Agnes Monica has been considered as an artist who gives inspiration to the Indonesian kids to be a successful young person and have wonderful achievements at the very young age just like her self.
Special for Wannabe Award, the announcement was presented with a video slide of Agnes journey in showbiz from a 10 years-old little actress till a grown up Agnes now.
Having these two awards, the 22 years-old girl who will release her third grownup album told the children to not afraid of dreaming, and to make it happen, and of course with work hard.
The pretty artist who will perform in Japan-Indonesia Supershow next month said she felt really proud to be the inspiration for the children and felt she has a role for them.
"This is a very so much fun award event for me. I can play, and the ambiance is so cool. They still idolize me and I feel like I can give them a contribution starting from a little thing,” uttered Agnes Monica on the backstage interview after receiving the awards. "This reminds me back when I was still a kid and wanted to reach my dreams," she reflected her childhood memories.
When asked what kind of childhood memory that she still remembered until now, Agnes replied, "When I was around 11 or 12 years-old, a guy who's way...way older than me called our house, my dad answered the phone, and that guy told my dad that he wanted to marry me," Agnes laughed. "But we didn't take the proposal seriously".
Agnes also admitted the children nowadays are more into grownup figures instead of child artists. However she thought it was fine as long as the idol could be a good example for kids.
On the same event, the MTV VJ and Indonesian Idol host Daniel Mananta won Most Favorite Presenter. Luna Maya didn’t win Most Favorite Actress because the 15 years-old actress Cinta Laura beat her, but at least Luna who looked so gorgeous last night was voted for the ‘Artist Slime’ in this fully amusing yucky slippery show.
The glittery event that was packed with excited kids and kid artists, also involved a giant piñata, a cow milky, hocus-pocus, cheerleaders, and of course the slimy slimes. The show was hosted by former child actress Tasya who’s now become a sixteen years old beautiful girl, actors Tora Sudiro and Ringgo.
Some artists who presented the awards were Christian Sugiono, Tika Panggabean, Raffi Ahmad, Marshanda, kids from the film Laskar Pelangi, Nikita Willy, all the VJs of MTV, and many more. The performers who rocked the stage besides Gita Gutawa were Afgan, the energetic Nidji, D'Massive, kids from Idola Cilik (Little Idol), Cinta Laura, Project Pop and many more.
Agnes didn’t prepare to come for the show because she was sick the day before but managed to come in the end. All the winners came to the show, except Sponge Bob who got locked in the toilet. Well, congratulation guys!
Complete Winners List:
Most Favorite Female Singer: Agnes Monica
Most Favorite Male Singer: Afgan
Most Favorite Actress: Cinta Laura
Most Favorite Actor: Dude Herlino
Most Favorite Presenter: Daniel Mananta
Most Favorite Band: D'Massive
Most Favorite Cartoon: Sponge Bob
Most Favorite Athlete: Chris John
Wannabe Award: Agnes Monica
Best Kid Model: Nikita Willy
Safety and Smooth Tokyo Fair 2008
“Multi-talent” Maomi Yuki appeared at the opening ceremony for “Safety and Smooth Tokyo Fair 2008” on Sunday, an event held in Akasaka as part of a wider campaign concerned with road safety and alleviating traffic congestion.
Yuki, 28, was wearing a policewoman’s uniform, and went on to tell of an unfortunate alcohol-related mishap: “I love alcohol, and right around when I graduated from university, I was at an end-of-year party at an izakaya, and I passed out with my head in the toilet bowl.”
Yuki, 28, was wearing a policewoman’s uniform, and went on to tell of an unfortunate alcohol-related mishap: “I love alcohol, and right around when I graduated from university, I was at an end-of-year party at an izakaya, and I passed out with my head in the toilet bowl.”
BoA will present her new song `Look Who's Talking'
Korean pop sensation BoA will make her television debut in the United States through ``MTV World Presents: BoA Live in New York'' Dec. 3.
The recording will be taped by Music Television, or MTV's Total Request Live (TRL) studios, for three hours from 11 a.m.
The 21-year-old singer will not only perform live with her single ``Eat You Up,'' but talk about her life as a singer both in the U.S. and Korea, new plans and how she managed to break into the U.S. music industry. She will also spend time answering questions from the audience.
Along with ``Eat You Up,'' BoA will present her new song, ``Look Who's Talking,'' for the first time.
The show will be broadcast live on a giant LCD screen in Times Square, while the recording will be aired around the U.S. by MTV, MTV Iggy and mtvU, a division of MTV Networks available on more than 750 colleges and university campuses in the U.S. Fans can also get a glimpse of the show through MTV channels like MTV Korea, Japan, Asia and Australia.
BoA, a superstar in both Korea and in Japan, moved her stage to the U.S. with the single ``Eat You Up'' last month. With high expectations, she recently performed at the YouTube Live show in Japan and will release her first official album in the U.S. next year.
The recording will be taped by Music Television, or MTV's Total Request Live (TRL) studios, for three hours from 11 a.m.
The 21-year-old singer will not only perform live with her single ``Eat You Up,'' but talk about her life as a singer both in the U.S. and Korea, new plans and how she managed to break into the U.S. music industry. She will also spend time answering questions from the audience.
Along with ``Eat You Up,'' BoA will present her new song, ``Look Who's Talking,'' for the first time.
The show will be broadcast live on a giant LCD screen in Times Square, while the recording will be aired around the U.S. by MTV, MTV Iggy and mtvU, a division of MTV Networks available on more than 750 colleges and university campuses in the U.S. Fans can also get a glimpse of the show through MTV channels like MTV Korea, Japan, Asia and Australia.
BoA, a superstar in both Korea and in Japan, moved her stage to the U.S. with the single ``Eat You Up'' last month. With high expectations, she recently performed at the YouTube Live show in Japan and will release her first official album in the U.S. next year.
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