Tuesday, June 30, 2009

"Ninja Assassin" will hit world theaters

Starring South Korea pop star Rain (Jung Ji-hoon, 28) as a main character, "Ninja Assassin" will hit world theaters, starting on Nov. 25 in the United States.

Rain has already made his debut in Hollywood by starring in a supporting role in "Speed Racer," produced by Larry and Andy Wachowski of "The Matrix."

In their next film, "Ninja Assassin," the Wachowski brothers set the star as a leading character.

Produced in Berlin Germany and inspired by traditional Japanese culture, "Ninja Assassin" plots a ninja's betrayal and revenge.

In the movie, Rain appears as Raizo, taken from the streets and raised into one of deadliest assassins in the world, by a mysterious ninja clan. After a cruel murder of his friend by the clan, Raizo turns away from the clan and prepares for revenge.

Besides the singer, the film stars Naomie Harris from "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" (2006), and Ben Miles from "V for Vendetta," (2005).

X-Men Origins: Wolverine premiere on October 4th

A little earlier this year, Daniel Henney made an apperance on X-Men Origins: Wolverine as Agent Zero. If you thought that was big news, get ready for something bigger. He's back in the states and will be starring in a new CBS drama coming up in October called "Three Rivers". This medical drama goes deep into the emotional lives of transplant surgeons, organ donors and the recipients. Daniel Henney will be playing as Dr. David Lee who is "a womanizing surgical resident who's broken as many hearts as he's replaced" (CBS website). His character is no surprise; a mixed British and Korean with a nice body - perfect for being a womanizer!

The drama is scheduled to premiere on Sunday, October 4th.

Singer Yoo Yeong Seok releasing a new album

Singer Yoo Yeong Seok who has been promoting as part of Blue sky and white will be releasing a new album on 30th June online.

The title song to the album is the hit song ‘7 years long love’ which will feature Super Junior member Jo Kyu Hyun. This song will be a little different from the original song as it will be the new bossa nova version.

The MV to the song, starring actress Choi Jong Yoon, has also been filmed.

She will also be singing the songs ‘Days when tears come’ sung by Toy vocal Kim Yeon Woo and CF song ‘Happy Bubble’ sung by 4-member jazz group Winterplay.

She will be performing onYoo Hee Yeol’s Sketchbook on 7th July.

2nd single ‘Gara Gara GO’ from Big Bang

Big Bang’s first debut single has went up higher on the Oricon chart.

They released their debut single ‘My Heaven’ on 24th June and on the day of its release the song ‘My Heaven’ was up #4, and the next day it went up to #3 on the chart. And after 5 days into its release, the song is up #2 on the chart, marking the group’s remarkable achievement on the chart.

On the 24th, at #1 was Kamiji Yoosuke, #2 went to female idol group AKB48 and #3 went to pretty boy singer Koike Tepei. As a newcomer to the industry, it is remarkable that they are staying in the top 10 and moving up the chart.

Meanwhile, Big Bang will also be releasing their 2nd single ‘Gara Gara GO’ on 8th July.

Black And White beat the Golden Melody Awards ceremony

PTS aired the last episode of "Black And White" the night before yesterday. With a viewership rating of 4.03%, it beat the Golden Melody Awards ceremony broadcasted at the same time, achieving top viewership in the country. Its producer revealed that she wants to raise NT$1 billion in funds to shoot a film version and, laughing bitterly, said, "I don't have anymore house to sell!" Fortunately, the drama's high quality and Zai Zai's popularity as seenfrom the fan meetings he held in Japan these two days attracted Japanese investors. The film version is estimated to start filming at the end of the year.

The drama version of "Black And White" spent NT$10 million and although it was a hit, there has not been much returns yet. Its producer said that because they spent too much, they were really struggling. Previously, Director Zai Yue Xun had painfully agreed to remove a few scenes but just before the final episode was to be aired, the perfectionist felt that it was not satisfactory. He got Janine Chang to return to film some scenes. The scene showing her shooting back (at her attackers) in the final episode was actually only filmed last week.

Zai Zai, who had to act ruffian,make faces and sacrifice his suave looks to play the part of a vagrant, received much praise. As he had to rush to Japan for his fan meeting, he was unable to attend the production team's finale party at Kaohsiung. Over in Japan, Zai Zai remains a money-magnet. Thinking for his fans, he was willing to sponsor the cost of renting the venue and hence the ticket price was lowered from NT$3,500 to NT$2,000. With the two fan meeting sessions attended by 12,000 fans, the total takings was NT$24 million.

For the remaining half of the year, Zai Zai is placing his focus on the silver screen and may participate in two films. When asked during the fan meeting whether he prefers to sell cars or curry rice if he wasn't an artiste, Zai Zai, who loves cars, picked curry rice on purpose, causing his fans to laugh in amusement.

2NE1's 1st mini album

aving concluded their Fire promotions on SBS Inkigayo last Sunday, 2NE1 will be hoping to continue their momentum with the impending release of their new song and their 1st mini album on 1st and 8th July respectively.

Their 2nd title song after Fire will be a reggae R&B ballad called I don't care which is co-produced by YG producer Teddy and Kush from reggae group, Stony Skunk. They hope to present a totally different side and image of 2NE1 to fans after their Fire promotions.

Besides I don't care, there will be another 4 new songs in the mini-album consisting of In the Club, Let's Go Party, Pretty Boy, Stay Together. Adding Fire and Lollipop (w/ Big Bang), 2NE1's 1st mini album will have a total of 7 tracks.

01. Fire
02. I don’t care
03. In the club
04. Let’s go party
05. Pretty Boy
06. Stay Together
07. Lollipop (Bonus Track)

King of Concerts brings MayDay the awards

Sure enough, they have truly earned the name "King of Concerts"! Mayday were honoured with the award for Best Band at the 20th Golden Melody Awards. At the conclusion of the awards event, they went to Mei Zi Restaurant to hold a celebratory dinner. When asked how they felt about receiving the award, band leader Monster expressed that he was very happy. Adding to that, 2009 is also their 10th year as a band so receiving the award this time held extraordinary significance. Furthermore, even though Mayday joked that defeating their rivals "The Chairman" felt "really good", in actual fact everyone's great friends. At the same time, Mayday raised their glasses to all the other bands that were nominated, expressing that all the nominees were all respectable opponents.

In regards to taking home the Best Band award for the third time, Monster also jokingly said that Mayday had finally fulfilled "無三不成禮" [T/N: phrase meaning not complete without the third]. Lead singer Ashin also joked, "Is this like the phrase insurance companies often use, 'the longer you live, the more you gain'." Besides receiving the Golden Melody Award for Best Band, in September Mayday will be bringing their DNA concert to Taipei Arena. Ticket sales achieved great success with two concerts sold out in record time. Mayday recently had to urgently add another concert for September 25, these were sold on June 26 but in less than 3 hours, they were completely sold out. The next day they were awarded the award for best band at the Golden Melody Awards event, it could be said that two happy events occurred at the same time!

At the celebratory dinner, Mayday were asked, since they were so happy about receiving the award, would they do something shocking? Masa expressed, they're really happy about getting Best Band but, "The late justice is still late." Everyone felt that Ashin had been wronged, not yet winning Best Lyricist, Ashin also hopes to write even better songs in the future. Moreover, Fish Leong who was nominated for Best Female Singer for the 5th time, had just finished her concert in Guangzhou and had to rush back to Taiwan to attend the GMAs. The travel-worn Fish Leong went home to rest after the awards event and didn't attent the celebratory dinner. Having not yet been able to get the award, Fish expressed that she was disappointed in herself. Originally she had hoped to use this opportunity to thank all her friends onstage for supporting her all the way, but the caring Fish Leong didn't forget to text and congratulate Mayday.

At the dinner, Mayday also felt pity for Fish Leong and expressed that this year, her "Fall In Love & Songs" album had performed greatly and thus, she would have a really big chance to be crowned Music Queen next year. Masa said, "Regardless of whether Mayday are nominated next year, we will definitely attend the GMAs to support Fish." Their friendship as colleagues was clearly evident. Mayday's 2009 DNA concerts will be held September 25-27. All the tickets have already been sold out and Mayday thanks all their fans for their support. As to whether or not any more concerts will be added, the record company says they are still discussing.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Steven Ma and Linda Chung were shooting new TVB ancient series

Steven Ma and Linda Chung were shooting new TVB ancient series "The Legend of Pu Songling" earlier. The scene consists of them climbing up a tree and meeting each other for the first time. They also play a bickering couple in the series. Whether it's on screen or off screen Steven praised Linda for being very hardworking and that he was very lucky to work with her. Linda stated that she most enjoys working with Steven Ma. Even rumored boyfriend Raymond Lam cannot be compared.

SHINee member Onew is back

SHINee member Onew is back on MBC Music Core looking healthy on 27th June performing the song ‘Juliette’ with the rest of the group members, with fans having to heave a sigh of relief.

Onew was on KBS Music Bank on 26th June when he had fell down and injured his leg while performing the song ‘Juliette’. And after the tabulated K Chart was revealed, he was around with other artistes congratulating So Nyeo Shi Dae for their win when one of the light fixtures gave out sparks and came down.

Super Junior ShiWon and KyuHyun together with 2PM WooYoung together with others had held on to in time. But Onew who was onlooking had received a shock and had fainted on the spot. He was hospitalised immediately.

Onew did not suffer from any major injuries and he was discharged not long after.

A representative said, “He was trying to avoid from being hit with the light fixture dropping and he had a shock. He did not suffer from major injuries, but was just in shock.”

SM Entertainment also revealed that they have decided to send him for close body examination taking in consideration that he lost conscious from shock even though he did not get injured from the accident.

Girl's Generation has recently been gaining popularity

The girls from Girl's Generation has recently been gaining popularity with their current hit 'Tell Me Your Wish (Genie)'. Having to comeback with latest 2nd album and having much success with their hit 'Gee', the girls are having a try to show their new sexy sides. It has just been 6 days when the mp3 version of their hit 'Tell Me Your Wish (Genie)' was released on the internet and 2 days since the release of the MV.

The girl group (Tiffany, Jessica, Hyoyeon, Yoona, Sunny, Seohyun, TaeYeon, Sooyoung & Yuri) has just finish performing on MBC Music Core, which was aired on the 27th of June. They appeared their comeback stage and performed hits 'ETUDE' and 'Tell Me Your Wish (Genie)'.

The first stage when the group appear on MBC Music Core to promote their hit 'ETUDE' this they was super cute and cuddly but now they appear to be more sexier as they perform on stage. During 'ETUDE (Performance)' they wore a blue short dress and their 2nd stage, they wore sexy and short marine uniform to perform 'Tell Me Your Wish (Genie)'

Earlier this year, the girl group had much success with 'Gee' in the music industry. On June 25th, their latest hit was released and a new cover for the 2nd Mini Album stirred a hot response in the public. Recently SNSD performed on KBS Music Bank and MBC Music Core. They will also be performing tomorrow on SBS Inkigayo.

Last week 'Tiffany (MC of MBC Music Core and also a member of the group)' revealed a short teaser of the hit after the release of the teaser. It was revealed that she did not sleep because of the excitement of their 2nd mini album and accidentally revealed it.

Michael Jackson went to Hong Kong in 1987

Michael Jackson went to Hong Kong in 1987 for a vacation and previously visited Shaw Studios and TVB City in Clear Water Bay. During the time Liza Wang had the privilege to represent TVB and award Michael Jackson with a TV trophy as a souvenir. Both of them sat on the throne to take pictures. Michael also wore an Chinese ancient costume. When the reporter asked Liza about it yesterday she stated that she previosly said Hello and took photos with him. She felt that he was extremely talented in the music industry and his dancing was great. The photograph will be placed in her biography. As to Michael Jackson's death, Liza said that artistes with talent have very short lives. Such as Danny Chan, Anita Mui and Leslie Cheung etc. It's a great pity.

As well as Liza, Simon Yam also bumped into Michael Jackson during his visit at the Shaw Studios. Simon said "In 1987 I was shooting TVB series "The Book And Sword". I was quite shocked to see him. He was very curious about the Chinese costumes. During the time I was wearing a Chinese Emperor costume and he appeared to very interested in it. He touched the material and touhed my bald head. I also took pictures with him and got his autograph. I enlarged the photo and have kept it in the warehouse. Michael is very nice and didn't have an superstar attitude. He is one of my favorite singers. I often listen to his songs with my wife. Originally we bought tickets to watch his concert in England but now we haven't got that chance. It has made me realize people need to cherish and value the people around them".

20th Golden Melody Award Winners

Best Annual Song: ‘Fragrant Rice’ – Jay Chou
Best Mandarin Album: ‘Don’t Want To Let Go’ – Eason Chan
Best Taiwanese Album: ‘Hold You Tight’ – Jody Chiang
Best Hakka Album: ‘Love To Eat Rice’ – Hao Ke
Best Aboriginal Album: ‘Self-titled Album’ – Nan Wang Sisters
Best Music Video: ‘Mr Magic’ – Jay Chou

Best Composer: Crowd Lu – “100 Lives’
Best Lyricist: Wu Yu Xuan – ‘Inside The Electric Car’
Best Arranger: Martin Tan – ‘As Love Begins To Mend’
Best Album Producer: Chen Jian Nian – ‘Nan Wang Sisters Self-Titled Album’
Best Single Producer: Wang Zhi Ping, Guo Wen Zhong – ‘Eye Colour’
Best Mandarin Male Singer: Jay Chou – ‘Capricorn’
Best Taiwanese Male Singer: Weng Li You – ‘Line Game’
Best Mandarin Female Singer: Sandee Chan – ‘If One Thing Is Important’
Best Taiwanese Female Singer: Huang Yi Ling – ‘Listen To Yourself’
Best Hakka Singer: Liu Shao Xi – ‘Fool Captain’
Best Aboriginal Singer: Yun LI Six – ‘Gaga’
Best Band: Mayday – ‘Poetry Of The Day After’
Best Performing Group: Nan Wang Sisters – ‘Self-titled Album’
Best Newcomer: Crowd Lu – ‘100 Lives’

Andy Lau met Micheal once in Seoul

The King of Pop Michael Jackson had passed away, after the news broke out, artistes around the world expressed their sadness. Andy Lau whom met Micheal once in Seoul expressed that it’s depressing that the stage has lost a superstar.

At the end of June in 1999, Andy got to performed in a charity concert together with Micheal. Andy expressed his sadness. Andy talked about the charity concert in Seoul that he met Michael in person, both of them “say hi” to greet each other. Andy feel that his death is a pity as he’s anticipating Michael to make a comeback as he’s finally staging a concert tour after so many years, Andy believed that everybody will feel pity that the stage has lost a superstar.

Super Junior at 20th Golden Melody Awards at Taipei Arena

The thirteen member Korean boyband Super Junior performed at the 20th Golden Melody Awards at Taipei Arena, Taiwan last night. The awards ceremony was broadcast live on television. Did you catch them performing?

Fans in Taiwan were ecstatic and cheered loudly as Super Junior walked down the Red Carpet. On the Red Carpet they sang "Sorry Sorry" for a bit when the Red Carpet host and hostess asked them to do so. This is SuJu's second visit to Taipei. Their first visit was when they attended the 18th Golden Melody awards in 2007.

SuJu performed It's You and Sorry Sorry at the awards. They were dressed in spiffy white suits and black shirts and fans cheered loudly as they danced to the awesome choreography of Sorry Sorry.