Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Overheard

"Overheard", starring Daniel Wu, Louis Koo, Lau Ching-Wan and Zhang Jingchu, tells the story of three investigators of a financial crime who wind up embroiled in the intrigue themselves.

The film is co-written and directed by Alan Mak and Felix Chong, the same duo behind the 2002 blockbuster "Infernal Affairs".

Singers Bada and Eugene will come together

Singers Bada and Eugene will come together to sing a duet.

Bada is set to release a new album coming end-July and has fellow member from back in the SES days Eugene for a duet featuring in the album.

Bada’s company said, “Around the end of this month, Bada will release a new full length album. SES Eugene will participate and will sing for a duet with Bada. Rather than signifying the group’s SES coming together, it meant more for Bada’s new song.”

Initially another member Shoo had also planned to participate in this album but her schedule had not allow her time to do recording for the album.

Meanwhile the recording works for Bada’s album is in the way.

SBS StarKing crown Kim Ji Ho (17) will release an album

SBS StarKing crown Kim Ji Ho (17) will release an album.

He had come together with 4 other members, who are visually impaired like himself, to form the band Blue Ocean in 2008.

And in May, they had appeared on SBS StarKing where 2PM member Nich Khun was also present for that episode. Kim Ji Ho who is the main vocalist, had appeared to perform with jazz pianist Yang HanKyu, guitarist Lee JoonHee, bass Km MiSun and drummer Um JinYoung.

Kim Ji Ho had also went to win 3 consecutive crown on Star King, he also get to perform with artistes like In Sooni. He was given the nickname of ‘The heaven voice which can ring a soul’. Kim JiHo has undergone 16 surgeries for his apriority glaucoma but has talked about the pain for not being able to regain his visuals.

He had recently released an official album as part of Blue Ocean with the title song ‘Only’, the album also showcased the different genres of music like ballad, R&B, Rock and Jazz which Kim JiHo is known to be vocally good for.

Blue Ocean, “We know that it is hard for us to promote on stage as a band made up of visually impaired children, but we will work to give other children like ourselves the Eutopia as the first to release an album.”

Their album is released online on 7th July.

Kyumei Byoto 24 Ji.

Fuji TV has announced a new broadcast date for the fourth season of "Kyumei Byoto 24 Ji." Originally scheduled to start on July 7, filming was delayed due to an injury suffered by lead actor Yosuke Eguchi. Now, the series is set to premiere on August 11 instead.

To fill in the weeks before the delayed start, Fuji TV will air a series of special episodes titled "Kinkyu Special: Kyumei Byoto 24 Ji ~Kyumeii Kojima Kaede~," which will focus on Nanako Matsushima's character on the show.

The four episodes, airing from July 14 to August 4, will each feature a guest appearance by a cast member from the show's previous three seasons: Norito Yashima, Risa Sudo, Hiroyuki Miyasako, and Mao Inoue.

Actor Kang Ji-hwan celebrated the first anniversary

Actor Kang Ji-hwan celebrated the first anniversary of his official Japanese fan club, and recently traveled to Kobe (July 3) and Tokyo (July 5) for fanmeetings commemorating the event.

The attendance was pretty high; Kobe’s fanmeeting held 2,000 fans, while the one at Tokyo International Forum in Yurakucho hosted 5,000. He sang a few pop songs in Korean and Japanese and expressed his gratitude to fans for rooting him on, writing supportive messages on his homepage, and visiting his film sets.

Aside from his drama series (Hong Gil Dong, Capital Scandal), Kang’s popularity in Japan has been bolstered by roles in his film Rough Cut and follow-up action movie Level 7 Civil Servant. Kang Ji-hwan’s next project is a leading role (with Lee Jia) in the upcoming joint Korea-Japan telecinema project; his segment is a Shallow Hal-like romantic-comedy story called The Relationship Between Faces, Hearts, and Love about a guy whose head injury causes him to see visions making unattractive women appear attractive and vice versa.

Releasing their 1st minialbum on the 8th

Releasing their 1st minialbum on the 8th, group 2NE1 will continue with their special practice of performing on music programmes once a week.

With the release of their first digital single ‘Fire’ in May, the group has went on 8 times on music shows in the 2 months of their promotion. Their debut stage was on 17th May on SBS Inkigayo and they only went on music shows on 8 times for the next 7 weeks.

YG has explained, “As compare to the popularity they will gain by going to perform on music show, the capabilities they show on stage is more important. You can’t give everyone a good impression with different costumes but the same choreography everytime. Because of that, the girls will practise their new choreography every week for their performance.”

Meanwhile, the girls will have their comeback stage with ‘I Don’t Care’ and ‘Pretty Boy’ on KBS Music Bank on 10th July after their 1st minialbum on the 8th.

Filming of a charity advertisement

Recently in Beijing to attend a TV dance competition, Jet Li met media questions regarding his nationality with silence, and left swiftly in the protection of security guards after the competition ended.

In Taiwan on July 3 to attend a Buddhist event, Li took the initiative and spoke about this matter. He expressed that he was not surprised to learn of the public's reaction to his nationality issue but has learnt to see both sides of a coin.

He gave an unrelatable comparison, "For example, having a car may be cool, but there are maintenance costs, taxes, insurance and the possibility of accidents. I'm not surprised. If one is able to learn the uncertainty of life, you will also get to taste bliss."

However, during the filming of a charity advertisement when he was asked again about the matter, Li neither admitted nor denied but just thanked the Chinese government for their hospitality regardless of the passport he held. Li also went about the topic of his nationality by saying, "The earth is my home."

Leehom Wang has been filming a new drink

Recently, Leehom Wang has been filming a new drink endorsement ad in hot Malaysia. Not only does he have to act out high-difficulty hurdle jumping moves, he also shows off his guitar playing, and bamboo dancing. He even transforms into a waiter and 'serves' everyone.

During the filming process, Leehom has to act out high-difficulty hurdle jumping moves. During rest time, he is still one big clown. To change the atmosphere, he and the band held a musical instrument competition, bringing a cheerful sound of drums and guitar. Other times, he would show off his bamboo dance. Other than this, he would personally go get cans of Coke from the cooler for the photographer and other actors, so that they can cool down; he really is very considerate.

Throughout the whole filming process, the temperature remained at 36ºC and all the actors had to get up at 5am to do outdoor filming. Leehom doesn't like to hide in the air-conditioned car, but likes to sit down at random places, placing his ice-cold Coke on his face, also cooling his neck.

Sunday, July 05, 2009

Second book ‘Qiao Jian Ba Li’《乔见、巴黎》

Currently Chen Qiao En’s second book, ‘Qiao Jian Ba Li’《乔见、巴黎》is printing for the third time. And within a short duration, the sales of 50 thousand copies were achieved. This made Chen Qiao En very touched and her eyes reddened. At the press conference of her new book on 3 July, Chen Qiao En almost moved to tears at the event. Manager, Sun De Rong, came back from Beijing especially for the event to congratulate Joe; he told the media to promote Taiwan artistes and he came also to present Chen Qiao En with an ‘unlimited’ gift.

Joe Chen Qiao En who has gained utmost popularity after acting in the idol drama: ‘Fated to Love You’held the new book: ‘Qiao Jian Ba Li’《乔见、巴黎》 press conference on 3 July. She wore a white bright short foreign-styled dress and bare her sexy back.. This drew the reporters and camera crew at the scene to keep snapping photographs non-stop and when she heard that the volume of sales reach 50 thousands and the publisher is printing for the third time, she was so touched.

Manager, Sun expressed his concern and support and flew back one day before the occasion to Taipei just to attend the press conference. Sun went on stage to narrate Chen Qiao En’s performance since she entered showbiz till now including the first time when she acted, hosted a programme and was blacklisted by the company and saw other artistes getting famous and now she became a first-line renowned ‘household name’ actress. The route where she travelled is recognized and especially this time round, the sales were fast and Sun said that if Qiao En continue to sell items which she likes,‘Qiao Jie Li’will give ‘unlimited’ funding.

When Sun said this, Chen Qiao En was very touched and said that this unlimited funding, she will keep it in her heart and if her book sells well, she will buy a present for Sun. . And earlier on, when Cai Kang Yong mentioned that her book is just a pretty girl wanting to snap beautiful photographs, Chen Qiao En expressed that she does not have particular good feelings for pretty photographs and the phrase is used for the effect of the programme and in private, they view the book seriously.

Chen Qiao En expressed her gratitude to the business partners who have helped in the completion of her Paris new book and to the publisher who has spent 1 million over dollars and it is considered a very high sum on an artiste and the end results were good. The only setback was the temperature was only 5 degrees and Chen Qiao En’s face was frozen. And as to which photograph Joe Chen like most, and she called it ‘pigeon, dove’ because she was dressed beautifully with the accompany of a flock of pigeons and it was very artistic. In actual fact, while filming what was on her mind was if she faints, will she be carried away by the pigeons to their ‘pigeon immortal kingdom'.

'4 Minute' @ music bank

At Music Bank, popular girl group '4 Minute' has once again performed a magnificent stage.

On July 3rd at a broadcast station KBS2 song program 'Music Bank' girl idol group ' 4 Minute (JiHyun, GaYoon, JiYoon, HyunAh, SoHyun) put up another extraordinary performance.

HyunAh who used to be Wondergirls member now joins 4 Minute which has gained popularity at a scary speed. With debut song 'Hot Issue' they enter the music industry and quickly get hot response.

Worth to mention that 4 Minute is reported to be standing strong at music download from popular P2P music site and web. They have taken a total of 22.5% of the download chart.

Fans of Ha Ji-won threw a birthday bash

Fans of Ha Ji-won threw a birthday bash for their beloved star on June 21. The actress who turned 30 (some say 31 or 32 depending on which system you're counting with, I guess) on June 28 was moved to tears when her fans performed for her.

But before Ji-won shed tears of joy, she spent the day playing games and sports with her supporters. They ran about and sweated, and even ate ice-cream together. It is also reported that Ji-won spoke to some overseas fans in English without an interpreter.

The actress had a fantastic time with her fans, and she is all set to do what she does best by appearing in the new film Haeundae, which is scheduled for a July 23 release in South Korea.

Happy belated birthday, Ji-won sshi! :-)

Sydney Olympic Park Acer Arena

CANBERRA, July 3 (Xinhua) -- More than 15,000 local and overseas fans flocked to Sydney Olympic Park Acer Arena on Friday night to see the Asian pop star, Jay Chou's first live concert in Australia.

The attraction of Chou is his originality and creative work that embraces a unique mix of Chinese music and western influences.

He combines Chinese and Western music styles to produce songs that fuse R&B, rock and pop genres, covering issues such as domestic violence, war, and urbanization.

"I believe my music can speak to young generations from many countries as music is an international language that can help to break down the language barriers," Chou said.

During the concert, Chou displayed his talents in playing piano, drum, guitar and guzheng that showed distinctive Chinese characteristics. His stage show was complemented by a top Taiwanese band, exotic dancers and state of the art visual effects.

He dedicated his sensational song "Dao Xiang" to the youngsters and encouraged them to have a positive attitude towards life.

"You got to be strong....don't give up your dreams even when facing difficulties in life," Chou said.

Ryan Shum, a young student who attended the concert, described it as an "awesome experience".

The 19-year-old Shum said he was uplifted by Chou's music and inspirational message.

"I was amazed by Chou's talents in magic and Chinese martial art performance. I would like to see him perform again in Australia", Shum said.

Upcoming movie "Kaiji"

Actor Kenichi Matsuyama (24) has been revealed as a supporting cast member in the upcoming movie "Kaiji," which stars Tatsuya Fujiwara (27). This reunites the pair, who last worked together in the hit live-action "Death Note" films in 2006.

"Kaiji" is based on Nobuyuki Fukumoto's popular manga about a gambler named Kaiji (Fujiwara) stuck in a dangerous game trying to clear an enormous debt. Matsuyama plays Kaiji's colleague Sahara, who shares a similar fate.

The "Kaiji" movie was first announced last year and has been scheduled for an October 10 release. The supporting cast includes Yuki Amami and Teruyuki Kagawa.

Rain meeting with sexy Hollywood

World star Rain has suggested meeting with sexy Hollywood star Megan Fox. Aired on MBC Section TV Entertainment show on 3rd July has hinted that he did not know that he may just be interested with a date with Megan Fox.

Rain has always stated Megan Fox as his ideal type of woman. And on the 9th last month, Megan Fox has also visited Korea for the promotions of the movie ‘Transformer: Revenge of the Fallen’ and had said, “Rain has a really sexy body. I hope to meet him for once.” After which, Fox has picked Rain as her ideal type of guy doing promotions in other places.

On the show that day, Rain responded to Fox’s comments, “It feels great.” And when asked by the reporter if he will accept Fox’s date, he diverted away to say, “My movie ‘Ninja Assassin’ has started screening in North America, this is great and fun news to me.” Whether he will accept it is still a large guess for many.

Meanwhile, news have surfaced recently that Fox had called and emailed him several times to go on a date but accordingly, he had rejected by saying that he was “not interested”.

New book 'Joe Sees Paris'

Joe Chen’s new book 'Joe Sees Paris' reveals another interesting ambiguous story. In the article titled 'Good Person', she writes: "Truly know that 2 hearts were once closely relied on, only we have tried, but it seems it won’t work out, I think that we are all good people, only fated to be friends."

Coincidentally, the time when this book was written, was when Joe had just finished filming 'Fated To Love You'. And she had sparked many rumours with male lead Ethan Ruan. Yesterday, at the press conference for her new book, Joe immediately denied, she is most afraid of the media pigeon-holing: "That’s my own fantasy after watching a film la." Her manager also shook her head saying: "She and Ethan have no chemistry whatsoever."

Currently, Joe is collaborating with Blue Lan in SETTV drama 'Easy Fortune, Happy Life.' However, she has never tried to hide her differences with Blue; his jokes never make her laugh. There was once when the 2 had an intimate scene, and Blue wanted to melt the awkwardness so he suddenly said: "You have sleep in your eyes." So Joe immediately turned around to find a mirror, asking him: "Which eye?” But Blue replied: "Just kidding." Hence, Joe really does not understand Blue’s sense of humour.

Earlier, Joe went on 'Kang Xi Lai Le' and host Xiao S asked her who is better, Ethan or Blue? Joe replied straightforwardly: "Ethan's good wins over Blue, he is a pistachio; just looking at him will make me happy."

Joe’s new book has already sold 50,000 copies through pre-order. Yesterday, 'Jungiery' boss Sun De Rong expressed: "8 years ago when Joe starred in ‘Lavender’, she was still a newbie, her achievement now depends entirely on her own effort, I will give her a LV bag, with no ceiling price."

‘Fire’ on Yoo Hee Yeol’s Sketchbook

3NE1 consisting of Park Kyung Rim, Lee Soo Young and Jang Nara have appeared with a powerful and well received performance of group 2NE1’s ‘Fire’ on Yoo Hee Yeol’s Sketchbook on 3rd July.

Jang Nara has introduced the performance as “we have brought you a performance with Beyonce and J.Lo’s choreography.”

Park Kyung Rim was ‘SanDal Park’, Lee SooYoung was ‘LeeReon CL’ and Jang Nara was ‘Meong Bom’. They were dressed just like the 2NE1 members and their performance was a result of a 20-days long practice.

Loved the performance but seeing them try so hard with the performance makes me think that the 2NE1 girls did real great making it look so easy.

Releasing single album ‘Pretty Flowerpot’

There is a female group who has been gaining popularity online amongst netizens for their comical version of UCC video to 2NE1’s ‘Fire’. They are known as the ‘female Norazo’ and are new singers called Go Go Girls.

The group consists of JiNa (22) and SaeRa (23). They will be releasing their new single album produced by big names who also made hits for SS501, Kim Wan Seon etc. The title song to their single album will be ‘Pretty Flowerpot’.

Their company said, “The Go Go Girls will don an image which is enjoyable to the Koreans, different from the cute image that of So Nyeo Shi Dae, KARA, After School and WonderGirls.”

Saturday, July 04, 2009

Guinness World Records to J-pop group GReeeeN

Guinness World Records yesterday formally recognized "Kiseki," by J-pop group GReeeeN, as the best-selling digital downloaded single of all time. The single was used as the theme for last year's hugely popular TBS teen baseball drama "Rookies" and went on sale in May 2008. The application to GWR was made on May 24, at which point the single had been downloaded more than 2.3 million times. But the success of a Rookies spinoff movie gave another boost to digital sales, which are now said to be over 5.9 million. Sato Ryuta (29), star of the drama and the movie, was clearly delighted as he received the official record certificate yesterday from GWR Japan president (and old Japan Zone friend) Russell Willis at the TBS studios in central Tokyo. He said he has yet to meet the four members of GReeeeN (Hide, Navi, 92 and Soh), who hide behind masks in official photos, but hopes he can now finally do so. The group recently saw sales of their 3rd album, "Shio, Kosho" break the million barrier.

‘Tell Me’ on 2nd July on Mnet

4Minute HyunA has expressed her regrets and unsatisfactory with their performance of WonderGirls hit song ‘Tell Me’ on 2nd July on Mnet M!Countdown, revealing that they had little time for practice for the song.

The girls had transformed into the WonderGirls members and performed the hit ‘Tell Me’ on the show. And after the performance, HyunA, “The time we were given for practice is not enough. It is a pity because we wanted to show a more perfect performance. But I am really happy because I was reminded of my past memories through this performance.”

It was the period for end-term examinations, and the girls had to board an airplane to GwangJoo for their performance.

Meanwhile, HyunA had left WonderGirls in 2007 when the girls were preparing to promote the song ‘Tell Me’ on reasons of health problems. She had even filmed for the MV to the song back then.

Her company said, “HyunA has also good feelings towards WonderGirls, and she had brought with her the good old memories with her performing on the stage. It would be great that fans enjoyed the performance too.”

Won on Mnet Countdown

2PM is currently in Thailand to accept their position as delegates for the "I Love Thailand" tourism campaign. Half-Thai / half-Chinese member Nichkhun is an even bigger star in his home country than he is in Korea, and 2PM's breakout success has given way for this national honor. The JYP seven met with Thailand's Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, to receive the honor of his presence and their new titles. This is 2PM's second victory for "I Hate You", as they also won on Mnet Countdown! yesterday.

" Momo love " in progress

Jiro Wang (Da Dong) and Cyndi Wang are shooting “Momo Love”, is there really sparks between them? Since the announcement of the two being in the same drama, immediately rumours of Jiro being interested in Cyndi surfaced and that Cyndi wasn't resisting it. In front of the drama team Jiro would ask her out, especially just recently when Pussycat dolls and Namie Amuro had concerts, he asked in private if she had a preference, rumour has it that the two went to enjoy Namie Amuro's concert. As to the new romance, Cyndi Wang's manager Zhang Jia Rong denies it, saying that Cyndi is busy with filming and didn't go see Amuro, the whole drama crew can be witnesses.

Da Dong regularly has rumours with mixed race beautiful girls, his taste preference seems to lean towards big breasted, big eyed beautiful girls, but in contrast with Cyndi it's the extreme opposite. An acquaintance with inside information says that Jiro actually has a very wide range in “taste”, you can see this from his girlfriends in his former days before entering into show business, to his rumoured girlfriends Liu Hong Ling and Rainie Yang

Michelle Reis plans to have her own baby

Hong Kong entertainer Michelle Reis plans to have her own baby, at least that's what the Hong Kong-based Three Weekly reports.

The entertainment magazine says Michelle Reis has already given up on the idea of looking for a surrogate mother, which she once thought to be a favoured option as she was afraid of gaining weight during pregnancy.

Rumor has it that Michelle Reis may already be pregnant as she has reportedly shown signs of pregnancy, and her husband, Julian Hui, was spotted shopping for snacks that are a pregnant woman's favorites, said the report.

The actress cut back on her work after she married Hong Kong business tycoon Julian Hui, 46, last November. But she is still active in promotional events and as a brand spokeswoman.

For Michelle Reis, deciding to have a child was a hard choice. She once publicly talked about her intentions to use a surrogate mother, who shall be kind and good-looking, during a publicity campaign in May.

The couple had a high-profile wedding ceremony at the Hui family mansion in Hong Kong last year, which cost more than HK$100 million. The 1988 Miss Hong Kong has never been far from the media that she doesn't intend to now.

SS501 returned to Seoul from hong kong

SS501 returned to Seoul after their 4 days visit to Hong Kong. Around 300 fans sent them off at the airport. During their interview, 5 of them were offered Hong Kong delicacies/tidbits.

SS501 was in Hong Kong to promote their Asia Tour, while holding a fan meeting. During their interview, they were offered Hawthorn Cake, Ma Chai, Wife Cake and Gingerbread. Kim Hyung Joon lost in the finger guessing game and was forced to choose Hawthorn Cake. He said he smelled acid rancid flavour, but Park Jung Min forced him to taste it.

SS501 was excited over their visit in Hong Kong and also said that they would like to try Siew Mai, Shrimp dumplings and seafood, not forgetting about the night scenery at the Peak and touring in Ocean Park. Kim Hyung Joon praised Hong Kong girls as lively and enthusiastic, which fits his criteria as girlfriends, but Park Jung Min revealed that Hyung Joon was hard to please. As for Kim Hyun Joong, he said that he is still in contact with the rest of the F3.

The night before leaving Hong Kong, SS501 visited a Korean restaurant (新罗宝)for celebration. A large crowd of media and fans went. A reported and security went into conflict due to the large crowd, causing some commotion. After eating, at around 10pm, SS501 went back to their hotel to rest and arrive at the International Airport at 1pm the next day, with 300 fans sending them off. The 5 of them waved goodbye to their fans before entering the departure gate. Some Korean fans took the same flight back as their idols, SS501.

God of Cookery Expedition

SS501’s member Kim HyungJoon revealed that he received confessions from 2 female artistes before.

Recently at the filming of MBC Dramanet ‘God of Cookery Expedition’ of 30-years traditional chicken KalGukSu (hand-made knife cut noodles) and sweet mini cake at Gyeonggi-do Ilsan, he revealed the truth about it.

Before the food was served on that day, they made a casual conversation among themselves and made it to talk about magnae Kim HyungJoon’s love story.

MC Jung JoonHa asked Kim HyungJoon “Have you ever dated a female artiste before?”, Kim HyungJoon replied “No”. In addition, HyunYoung asked “Then, have you ever received (love) confessions from female artistes?” and Kim HyungJoon face turned red and was not able to give an answer.

Jung JoonHa, HyunYoung, Kim ShinYoung got carried away and continued asking. Kim HyungJoon was in a awkward position and tried to demand for the camera to be switched off, but finally Kim HyungJoon revealed that he had ever received confessions from 2 female artistes, and they are entertainers who are active in various fields of entertainment.

Kim ShinYoung left a significant remark by saying “I think I know who is she”, stirring up the topic about idol singer’s love life during the filming.

Idol group SS501 Kim HyungJoon’s talks on love will be broadcast on 3-Jul.

Friday, July 03, 2009

Sniper @ Hong Kong and Singapore in April

Hong Kong director Dante Lam's gunfight flick "Sniper" will finally hit screens in Taiwan on July 10th after the long delay following cast member Edison Chen's sex photo scandal.

At the cost of 30 million Hong Kong dollars, the movie boasts the most expensive production for such flicks of Hong Kong's film industry in recent years. Starring Taiwan actor/singer Richie Jen, Hong Kong actor Edison Chen and mainland heartthrob Huang Xiaoming, the movie highlights a never-seen-before visual effect on gunfight scenes, which was an experiment by director Dante Lam, a veteran in Hong Kong's typical cops-and-robbers film.

Finished in 2008, the film's overall screening schedule in Chinese-language speaking regions was disrupted by Edison Chen's nude photo incident which brought tremendous notoriety to the rising star after its outbreak in January 2008.

Co-star Richie Jen and director Dante Lam denied that Edison's scenes has been re-filmed on the promo conference in Taipei on Wednesday, saying Chen fits his role perfectly and there's no need to cover his part.

Edison Chen, who's supposed to show up at the Taiwan promo, was absent for his attendance may divert media's attention from the movie.

The film will not able to screen in Chinese mainland but it managed to hit the cinemas in Hong Kong and Singapore in April.

Fresh star ranking

Oricon announced its "fresh star ranking" for the first half of 2009, which surveyed 1,200 men and women about young celebrities who have left the strongest impression on them. This time, actress Yuriko Yoshitaka and actor Hiro Mizushima led the rankings.

Yoshitaka, 20, has gained recognition through her roles in various television dramas, but her big break came last year when she received Best Newcomer awards for her performance in "Hebi ni Piasu" ("Snakes and Earrings").

The 25-year-old Mizushima, on the other hand, has been regularly topping recent popularity surveys and is likely to be one of the top young stars for a while.

New Fuji TV drama series "Otomen"

Actress Kou Shibasaki is reportedly tackling her first rock tune for the new Fuji TV drama series "Otomen," set to premiere on August 1. She is singing the theme song, titled "Rabaso ~lover soul~."

Shibasaki wrote the lyrics specifically to match the drama, which stars Masaki Okada as a popular high school boy who secretly has very feminine interests, such as shojo manga.

The song is expected to be released as a CD single in September.

GDragon will release his first solo album

Big Bang leader GDragon will release his first solo album on 18th August on his 21st birthday.

Yang Hyun Seok revealed that on Mnet ‘2NE1 TV’ aired on 2nd July. And on a phone interview with YG on 2nd July, They revealed, “We will have to look into the situation more carefully.”

GDragon’s solo album was pushed back from the initial release date in April because of his slight depression due to great workload he was handling that time. Hence he will be the 4th one from the group after TaeYang, DaeSung and SeungRi to go on his solo activities.

And GDragon is the 2nd member from the group to have his solo album. There are also plans for DaeSung to release a non-trot solo album later this year, and there are also plans TaeYang’s 2nd solo album.

Variety and Infotainment programmes

THEY have captured many fans with their acting skills but now, Hongkong TVB artistes Moses Chan, Wayne Lai, Halina Tam and Wong Cho Lam are trying new things including playing hosts on variety and infotainment programmes.

Chan is the host of the coffee-centric infotainment show, Coffee Confidential; Lai helms a documentary following the classic Journey to the West in The Master of Monkey King; and Tam is co-host of astrology and feng shui show Destiny and Beyond. Wong, who is both an actor and show host, will next be seen in a new sitcom Off Pedder.

The four artistes were in Kuala Lumpur last weekend to plug the shows to be aired over Astro Wah Lai Toi (Channel 311) and made appearances at Cheras Leisure Mall and Sungei Wang Plaza to meet with fans.

Chan, a coffee connoisseur, is thrilled to host Coffee Confidential as he gets to travel to many countries to try out the coffee there. "I’ve come to Malaysia many times but I have not really tried the coffee here," he said, adding that he is contemplating opening a café here!

Lai, who shot to fame in Rosy Business, shows his sense of humour when he said the reason he was asked to host a historical/cultural programme was because he was a learned person.

TOHOSHINKI PREMIUM SHOWCASE 2009 in OMOTESANDO

Dong Bang Shin Ki will be the first Korean artists to perform at the Tokyo Dome, proof that the group has become one of the top stars in Japan.

The group will have their last concert performance for ‘Tohoshinki- 4th Live Tour 2009 – The secret code’ on 4th and 5th July there.

The Tokyo Dome is the dream stage where the top and popular singers like SMAP, GLAY, Ayumi Hamazaki etc had performed on. It can accomodate 50,000 audiences and is about 4 times as big as the largest indoor stadium in Korea.

For their 4th concert tour, Dong Bang Shin Ki had performed at 9 different cities, meeting up with about 250,000 fans through their concert performances.

Meanwhile, from 2nd till 6th July, they will be performing in Tokyo for their event ‘TOHOSHINKI PREMIUM SHOWCASE 2009 in OMOTESANDO’.

Exhibition Centre in Hong Kong

On 1st July, after a night of preparation, SS501 held a fan meeting and charity photography event at the Exhibition Centre (I'm not too sure of the venue) in Hong Kong. The members put up a series of songs and dances and even proposed to fans using Cantonese, which caused uproars among fans.

On the night of arrival, members Park Jung Min, Heo Young Saeng and Kim Kyu Jung went to Tsim Sha Tsui for Korean cuisine at 9am till 12midnight with 黄埔 ( IDK who), before heading back to hotel to rest. During that period, about 60 fans followed them throughout. Yesterday's fan meeting attracted 1500 Asia fans and more than 10 security personnel were needed to maintain order. Even though the event started 45mins behind time, fans were still bubbling with enthusiasm. During that period, 5MVs were shown and fans were singing along and waving their light sticks, building up the atmosphere.

In the 1.5hours fan meeting, Leader Kim Hyun Joong led the group in 6 songs, including "Because I'm Stupid". The fan meeting included a section which requires members to expose one another¡'s secrets and requirements to be their girlfriends. The 5 of them did every means, even using much Cantonese to self introduce, saying "I love you all". Park Jung Min even squatted down, holding to a fan saying "Will you marry me?" In order to thank their fans' support, the members gave roses to lucky fans, which caused another uproars among fans.

SS501 expressed that they hope to hold their Asia Tour in Hong Kong between November and December and expressed that they would like to work with John Woo (吴宇森) and Jacky Chan (成龙) in future. They had also expressed sadness over Michael Jackson's death as they had listened to his songs since young.

Super Junior’s Kibum

“SJ” Super Junior’s Kibum is really just too loved by his fans! Only because he has not appeared for a long time, coupled with the fact that he is unable to join in for Super Show II, some netizens have actually started to claim that he has fallen out with his members and SM Entertainment, and is planning to go solo by setting up a company on his own.

According to one tip-off, Kibum did not join in for promotions for Super Junior’s 3rd jib due to acting commitments, and was originally planning to reunite with his members for the concert tour. However, he’d hurt his leg a couple of weeks back and therefore is unable to join in. This in return, has generated a lot of controversy and debate amongst fans and netizens alike.

This news is believed to be the cause of all the rumours. When Kibum was interviewed recently, he said that he was incredibly touched when SJ won the Mutizen for in Music Bank, and when Leeteuk was crying and calling out to him: “We did it, Kibum who’s watching television now”.

Kibum was affected for a long time after that, and this only furthur proves that SJ is of one heart.

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Hip-hop group RIP SLYME @ Sports brand Adidas

Hip-hop group RIP SLYME will be representing Japan in an international marketing campaign for sports brand Adidas.

This year marks Adidas' 60th anniversary. At the end of January, Adidas started its commemorative campaign, involving about 20 star athletes and entertainers from around the world. Participants include soccer player David Beckham (34), rapper Missy Elliott (37), and NBA player Kevin Garnett (30). Commercials are being broadcast in England, America, and various Asian countries.

RIP SLYME will be collaborating with Adidas in advertising a new line of shoes and clothes commemorating the 60th anniversary. Their song "Good day" from the album "JOURNEY" has been given a remixed version titled "Good Day - adidas Originals remix by DJ FUMIYA," which will be available for chaku-uta download on July 15th. All five members of RIP SLYME will be wearing the new commemorative sneakers in the promotional video.

Marie Claire @ Japanese edition

The Japanese edition of the women's monthly Marie Claire will suspend publication after the September issue goes on sale July 28, due in part to the economic downturn, the publisher said Tuesday.

Debuting in 1982, the Japanese-language edition of the magazine conceived in France and distributed worldwide in local editions won reader support for featuring not only fashion but also novels and cinema.

Chuokoronsha Inc., now Chuokoron-Shinsha Inc., published the Japanese version before Kadokawa Shoten Publishing Co. took over in 1999, followed by Hachette Fujingaho, a Tokyo-based affiliate of France's Lagardere Active, in 2003.

Sprite Music Cruise @ Hong Kong

The "Sprite Music Cruise" held a launch ceremony at Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour, popular idols Angela Zhang and JJ Lin not only sang their songs "I'm In Love", "Little Dimples" and more but they also played the game called "Treasure Hunting in the Water" with fans. According to reports, Jay Chou, Angela Zhang and JJ Lin will be holding a concert in October with 560 fans, the concert will be breaking fresh ground as it is on an ocean liner, the 3 will be writing a new song together for the occasion.

Angela Zhang and JJ Lin expressed excitedly that even though they are good friends with Jay Chou, but the concert in October will be the first time they have performed together, it will also be the first time they hold a concert on an ocean liner. Even though she doesn't know how to swim but Angela Zhang spread the word that she wants to push both JJ Lin and Jay Chou into the sea. As to the concerns of fans that the three will get seasick, Angela Zhang was full of confidence saying: "No, you'll forget about it once you are into the song, as long as it's not a storm then it'll be fine."

1-minute preview ‘I Don’t Care’

On 1st July, 2NE1 revealed the 1-minute preview to the title song ‘I Don’t Care’ off their upcoming 1st minialbum to be released on 8th July. ‘I don’t care’ is a R&B pop number with a reggae melody with medium tempo and collaborated written and composed by Kush and Teddy from YG.

Located at youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntrQLaOQ8qY&feature=player_embedded

Upcoming movie ‘人間失格 / No Longer Human’

The actor Ikuta Toma (24), along with actress Terajima Shinobu (36) and others, attended the press announcement of the upcoming movie ‘人間失格 / No Longer Human’ (scheduled to premiere in January 2010) in Tokyo. ‘No Longer Human’ is originally a novel written by Dazai Osamu, and largely considered to be his masterpiece. The main character is Oba Yozo, a man that is plagued by self-consciousness and cannot socialize with other people. He turns to binge-drinking and womanizing, and gradually ruins himself.

This will be Ikuta’s debut film and naturally will be his first ever lead role in a movie. He commented, “I’m extremely honored to appear in an important film commemorating the 100th anniversary of Dazai’s birth.” He showed a lot of enthusiasm towards the upcoming filming. “I will let the director and the novel control me and try to gradually lose my mind [like the main character].” Asked about his co-stars such as Terajima and the actress Mita Yoshiko (67), he seemed eager about working with them. “I’m really excited and a little nervous. I want to learn a lot from them.”

Nyeo Shi Dae’s new song ‘Tell me Your Wish’

It is said that So Nyeo Shi Dae’s new song ‘Tell me Your Wish’ is faster selling as compared to their previous hit ‘Gee’ released earlier this year.

According to Hanteo, ‘Tell Me Your Wish’ has sold over 24K copies offline in just 2 days into its release. Back then with the song ‘Gee’, So Nyeo Shi Dae managed to sell over 23K copies only after 1 week into its release.

The girls are also hitting the 100K mark for all their 3 albums released, a sales volume that even the country’s best male idol group will find it hard to achieve.

It seems that the song ‘Tell Me Your Wish’ is gaining popularity faster than ‘Gee’, the song went up to realtime chart at #1 on the day of its release on 22nd June.

The song then went up to #6 immediately on 23rd June on music charts, ‘Gee’ had went up to #10 positions on music charts on first time back then. And right now the song is up #1 on various music charts, bringing back the So Nyeo syndrome.

Momo Love GTV idol drama

On the afternoon of June 29, Ken Chu wore a red nose and acted as a clown reporter for GTV idol drama . The drama has been cutting down on time and other matters, choosing to film at the entrance of their own GTV studio. Recently, Ken Chu revealed his "Zhu" legs by wearing his suit with shorts "豬哥亮 (Zhu Ge Liang) outfit". This time he continues to take the path of acting odd but he doesn't mind, telling his agent, "This is acting, isn't it?"

In Ken Chu acts as a weather reporter but it purposely switched to a news reporter making his unsuccessful character imagine that he has become a clown interviewing people, even constantly hitting walls when interviewing passers-by while other reporters watch him. The microphone he held looked as cute as an ice-cream cone so it didn't look like he was a reporter but rather, as if he was selling ice-cream.

After jogging a few rounds, Ken felt tired due to the blazing sun. He stopped to rest while his assistant kindly passed him a drink. He became hungry and thirsty, talked with some of the employees for a while before hurrying off into the studio where there was air-conditioning.

Ken Chu started out in and was shaped into an idol from F4, yet in he acts as a clown. Previously, he also chose to dress in a suit with shorts while acting as a weather reporter, working hard to free himself from the burden of being an idol. An employee from his agency, Huang Xiao Ling said, "He feel that this is acting and an actor should match their required role, there's nothing to care about."

Charming China concert held at the Bird’s Nest in Beijing

Last night, ‘Charming China’ concert, featuring Jay Chou, Song Zu Ying, Domingo & Lang Lang. was held at the Bird’s Nest in Beijing. The performance stage was done magnificently with brilliant lighting effects to match the superb dancing scenes. Song Zu Ying appeared on the stage in numerous traditional Chinese costumes. ‘Lun Ying’ (Jay Chou + Song Zu Ying) duo held hands and sung ‘A Thousand Miles Away’ and ‘Folk Songs Are Like Spring Water’ together.

Jay Chou then sat on a dragon throne while singing his solo ‘Fearless’. He then sung another solo ‘Chrysanthemum’ while playing guzheng. After this, Song Zu Ying & Domingo held hands while singing ‘Flame Of Love’ together. Domingo even did a Chinese interpretation of ‘Kang Ding Love Song’ .

But the most anticipated item was the final song ‘Auld Lang Syne’ where the 4 collaborated together. First, Jay sung and played on a crystal piano at the same time, then Song Zu Ying came out and sung with him, then Lang Lang rose from below the stage and did a piano battle with Jay. Under the accompaniment of the 2 pianos, Song Zu Ying sung together with Domingo. Finally, under Lang Lang’s accompaniment, the other 3 together ended the concert.

At the press conference before the concert, Song Zu Ying expressed: “Jay Chou’s Chinese style is what we have in common.” And Jay Chou revealed that he was extremely nervous: “I’ve never seen such a beautiful stage, a true eye-opener, I really treasure this opportunity to be able to combine Chinese and Western elements together.” When asked when he’ll hold his own concert at the Bird’s Nest, Jay replied: “I want to wait till I’ve written 100 songs. For this concert, I’ll sing songs that I won’t normally sing at my concerts.”