Big Bang Adds 9 More Countries to ‘Global Event’
Big Bang has just added more countries to their ‘Global Event’ on Facebook. Curious which countries?
Last month, with the release of their special edition, Big Bang has started a ‘Global Event’ on their official Facebook page. Millions of fans have been voting like crazy for their countries as they want Big Bang to visit it very much.
Today Big Bang added 9 more countries to vote for. In addition to the already listed 27 countries from America, Europe and Asia, a new division has been launched with the following additional countries.
Source : GoKpop
Former U-Kiss Member, Kim Kibum to Hold Fan Meeting in Singapore
Kibum announced via Twitter that he will have a fan meeting in Singapore on May 21st.
Former member of boyband, U-Kiss, Kibum, will hold a Meet&Greet Session in Singapore at IMM Garden Plaza on Saturday, 21st May at 2.30 p.m.
He revealed this news by tweeting, “Kwahahaha Singapore Fan Gathering May 21, Saturday Meet&Greet Session: 2.30pm at IMM Garden Plaza.”
His current company, HnB Company, confirmed his fan meeting, “Kim will be visiting Singapore next week regarding business deals for his doll, Piro Piro, and while he is there he plans to meet his fans. We are still in talks on the final schedule.”
“(…) it’s great to see that Kim Kibum has not forgotten about his fans”, netizens commented on Kibum’s upcoming event.
Will SHINee Debut in Europe?
Chosen hold an interview with SHINee and the current SM’s CEO, where they discussed about their overseas expansion.
SM’s CEO Kim Young Min mentioned that the European market is currently the biggest around the world, and they want to enter it, their reason does not mean that they want to sell a great amount of albums or get into the charts, but because they want to expand k-pop.
SHINee members commented that they are not sure if they will be able to have a success, however they still want to go to Europe and show their talent.
It was also revealed that an European debut would be fun. They continued saying that they will likely adapt their style, since it is different from the usual local music, so they will be able to have a better content.
Actually SHINee members will have a special showcase in the ‘Abbey Road Studios’, after the SMTown Paris.
European fans will surely be thrilled to hear that k-pop is finally expanding to every corner of the world.
Source : GoKpop
The First Idol-Themed Cruise to Set Sail
The plans to launch a Hallyu idol-themed cruise line featuring the participation of various SM Entertainment artists has been announced for January 2012.
“All That” cruise line has recently announced their plans to create Korea’s largest idol-themed cruise in light of the popularity of Hallyu artists.
Tentatively slated to make its voyage journey in January of 2012, it will make various stop throughout Korea, Japan, and China. And during the six-day cruise, passengers will be given the luxury of multiple on-deck performances from a variety of SM Entertainment artists, such as BoA, TVXQ, and SNSD. Dramas and movies featuring Hallyu idols will also be aired during the cruise.
The total package, as of now, is estimated to cost arounf 1.2 million won, or around $1,200 USD.
Wouldn’t you like to go on a luxury cruise with some of your favorite Kpop idols?
Source : GoKpop
Super Junior Crowned as the Most Popular Group in Mexico
Super Junior voted as the most popular K-pop group in Mexico.
TV Azteca recently conducted a survey/poll with over 32,851 participants to find out the most popular singer in their place.
Super Junior claiming the first place with 8517 votes (25.67%). Other artists who made it in the list that came behind Super Junior are TVXQ, SHINee, SNSD, SS501, Big Bang, Wonder Girls, 2NE1, Beast, U-Kiss, FT Island, C.N. Blue, 2PM, Miss A, and BoA.
As of now, Super Junior is busy with some activities of the group’s sub-unit Super Junior M in Taiwan. On June 8th, Super Junior will officially release their “Bijin” album in Japan.
Source : GoKpop
U-Kiss to begin their Asian promotional tour in May
NH Media announced on April 28th that male group U-Kiss will begin their Asian promotional tour starting in May. U-Kiss will visit Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore. U-Kiss will be visiting Brunei on May 29th and will return to Korea before setting off to visit the listed Asian countries.
U-Kiss is the first Korean group to hold a fanmeeting and showcase in Brunei.
A NH Media PR told 10Asia, “The boys will be heading off to Brunei on May 28 and return to Korea two days later.”
U-Kiss said, “”We feel that this will be a new and interesting experience since none of us have ever visited Brunei before. We are nervous and working hard on perfecting our performance because we will be first-ever Korean singers to do so.”
Source: 10Asia via KoreaBoo
B1A4 receives explosive response from international fans
Rookie group B1A4 has been gathering interest from overseas fans, setting a wave of interest in South Korea’s music industry.
Shortly after B1A4’s debut performance on MBC’s Music Core, the group rose to #1 on various real time searches, as well as trending worldwide on Twitter.
Their official homepage and fancafes all over the world in the U.S., England, Canada, France, Spain, Brazil, and various others helped spread their unfamiliar band name to more than 110 countries. The site had over 2,000 visits from overseas and is still being flooded with curious music fans.
One fan account claimed the audience members were surprised to hear that overseas fans had gone so far as to fly to Korea by plane in order to personally go watch the first debut performance on the 23rd, showing their overwhelming enthusiasm to support.
Also, on YouTube, the music video for their title song “OK” gained a total of over 30,000 views, while the debut performance on the 23rd had gathered a view count of over 10,000. Other videos related to B1A4 received hot responses from fans as well.
Their agency responded, “They’re still rookies who have recently debuted but since they are receiving such huge interest from Korean fans and of course, the foreign fans, the members are all dazed about this. They will do their best to work hard to repay their fans by showing good sides of themselves.”
Source: TV Daily and Flight B1A4 via KoreaBoo
TVXQ’s Korean Break Plus International Activities
After going back to the Korean stage, TVXQ is ready to start their promotions overseas.
During the 600th episode of ‘Music Bank’. Yunho and Chagmin hold an interview where they talked about the ending of the promotions of their album in Korea,
The members presented a special stage with ‘Rising Sun’ and ‘Keep Your Head Down’.
Yunho mentioned that he was happy since they performed both songs and was thankful for being able to go back to the Korean stage after such a long time, also he continued and said that he was able to have so much strength due to their fans, who waited for so long.
From now on TVXQ will suspend their Korean activities and focus on the international market.
Source : GoKpop
TVXQ to begin overseas promotions soon
After a hiatus of two years and three months, TVXQ returned to the Korean music industry with their fifth album “Keep Your Head Down.” The success of the album was phenomenal, reaching first place on many music programs continuously. They also released a repackaged album titled “Before U Go.” Their goodbye stages recently took place on Music Bank, Music Core and Inkigayo, ending their promotions in Korea.
TVXQ will now be moving on to promotional activities overseas. According to SM Entertainment, “TVXQ has received invitations from Japan and various Asia countries. Thus, they will be taking a short break before starting their overseas activities so that they can focus better on their overseas promotion.”
The two members will be performing in the “Seoul-Osaka Music of Heart 2011 Fighting Japan” June concert, along with 2PM, MBLAQ, U-Kiss, T-ara and more. Additionally, the OST for the SBS drama starring Changmin “Paradise Ranch” will be released on June 15th in Japan.
Are you excited to see them continue their activities overseas?
Sources: Sports Chosun and continueTVXQ via koreaboo
Super Junior’s “Bonamana” Conquers at #1 for 46 Weeks in Taiwan!
Super Junior had released their single followed with their album of “Bonamana” in May of last year and was known for being an all-kill all over Asian for topping Asian music charts. Surprisingly almost one year later, their single “Bonamana” is still holding strong at #1 for 46 weeks straight on Taiwanese music charts!
Last time we reported Super Junior’s domination, they were holding steady at #1 for 34 weeks back in February. Two months later, Super Junior’s reign at #1 did not budge for the 46th week and counting! Talk about an over-kill!
Super Junior’s leader Leeteuk even commented about it on his Twitter account,“Miina is 1st place in Taiwan for 46 weeks!!!” Shindong retweeted Leeteuk’s post and commented, “Wooo!!!! It’s such a big hit!!!! Super Junior is great~~~~^ ^”
Source : GoKpop
Super Junior’s Kyuhyun Covers Taiwanese Song, “If You Have Heard”
In a recent recording with Super Junior M, member Kyuhyun blew away fans yet again by covering “If You Have Heard” by Taiwanese singer A-Mei. With Kyuhyun’s amazing vocals and thorough pronunciation, this cover left a big impression on the true lovers of the original song!
Popular mando-pop singer A-Mei is one of Taiwan’s gold stars in the music industry. In honor of her work, Kyuhyun covered her very best song, “If You Have Heard.” What do you think of his cover?
Source : GoKpop
Henry Lau Launches Official Chinese Twitter Account
Earlier today, Super Junior M member Henry Lau announced his official Chinese twitter which is in part of his official Chinese website, www.henrylau.cn!
HenryLauCN Tweeted, “Here is the official twitter of Liu Xianhua Chinese website 
please support Liu Xianhua! support Chinese network!
This twitter account was created to keep his Chinese fans up-to-date on the latest happenings of their idol, Henry Lau!
For more information, please visit henrylau.cn!
Source : GoKpop
SHINee interviewed by French newspaper “Le Monde” on “European SHINee-holics!”
One of SM Entertainment’s hottest groups, SHINee, recently had an interview with the one of France’s influencial French daily newspaper, Le Monde (The World). SHINee was interviewed by Le Monde about the “K-pop” craze that has been taking over.
The interview took place on April 20th at 3PM for 30 minutes at the SM Entertainment building in Cheongdam about the K-pop culture in France. Le Monde reporters were present to visit the Hallyu cultural experience of 54 French fans.
The Hallyu Wave has already hit China, Japan, and other Asian countries, as well as the U.S., however, this is the first time that a European fan group has visited Korea.
Before starting the interview, SHINee French fans cheered, as well as danced to and sang to SHINee songs, showing their K-pop love. SHINee finally made their appearance and sang a small part of their song, “Hello,” with the fans to the French fans’ delight. The atmosphere was high in spirits as the interview began.
Le Monde took an interest in SHINee’s debut and training up until their debut. Through this, they realized why SHINee were so popular and why their popularity has reached even to Europe. The only other Korean artist to be featured in Le Monde was BoA in 2002.
In the news video (which have been included below), fans expressed their love for both K-pop and SHINee. One fans said, “Minho, I love you! I like SHINee!”
One particular male K-pop/SHINee fan said, “What I’ve learned of them is that their professionalism is exceptional. When a French singer/group makes their debut, thy’re usually already at their capacity. [Their] singing skills, dancing skills, even acting, they always give 200% of everything.” He continues to say, “I’ve liked K-pop for 10 years. I started with Park Jin Young (JYP). [I like] SHINee, KARA, Seo Ingook, and Seo Inyoung.”
Another woman goes on to say that their songs are “very romantic and are stories of hope when it comes to love.”
SHINee also announced “SM Town Live in Paris,” which had fans cheering. The concert will be held on June 10th at “Le Zenith de Paris,” and it is the first K-pop concert to be held in Europe. Other SM artists who will be attending “SM Town Live in Paris” other than SHINee include SNSD, TVXQ, Super Junior, and f(x). BoA will not be participating due to her “COBU 3D” shoot in Toronto.
Source: Newsen, TVXQSujuSHINee, anjutenshi and vivianlou123 via KoreaBoo
BoA will begin shooting for “COBU 3D” in May
Update: BoA will begin film in Toronto starting May 9th until June 24th. Due to this, BoA has confirmed on her Twitter that she will not be attending “SM Town Live in Paris” on June 10th. “I’m not going to “SM town in Paris”.. I will be in Toronto shooting the movie.. ;(”
It has been announced that BoA has been casted for one of the lead characters in an upcoming Hollywood dance flick called “COBU 3D.” Derek Hough, a known dancer from “Dancing With The Stars,” will play the lead male character alongside BoA. BoA and Derek’s characters fall in love with each other, and they must choose between their love or their family.
For months now, BoA has been in Toronto training in dance for the movie. Most recently, a tweet by BoA indicated that she has been training with famous choreographers Tabitha and Napoleon. These hip-hop choreographers are known for their amazing work on the Fox show, “So You Think You Can Dance.”
BoA has been taking lessons in both hip-hop and tap dancing in preparation for “COBU 3D.”
It has been reported that BoA will finally begin shooting for “COBU 3D” in May. BoA began preparing for her shoot in February in LA, then moved to Toronto for more preparation.
‘COBU’ is a group that fuses the art of Japanese traditional taiko drumming with tap dancing and has received rave reviews from the New York Times and Chicago Sun Times.
Source: Sports Ilbo, mrwillw and @BoA_1105
Teen Vogue reveals interview and BTS video from Wonder Girls’ photo shoot
American magazine, Teen Vogue, recently named the Wonder Girls as one of their “six up-and-coming music acts to watch” together with artists like Lupe Fiasco, Christina Perri, Greyson Chance, Adele and Dirty Gold.
On April 19th, the popular magazine unveiled a video on their website featuring interviews with the talented young stars as well as a behind the scenes look at their photo shoots for Teen Vogue’s “Music Special” May issue.
In the video all the artists were asked various question like their style of music, singers that inspire them, favorite break-up song and their fashion icons.
The Wonder Girls expressed that their music was a good mix of old and new, inspired by Motown artist. YeEun revealed that her favorite song to sing while taking a shower is Beyonce’s “Irreplaceable” and that the perfect song for a break-up was Pussycat Doll’s “I Don’t Need a Man”. They also chose supermodel Kate Moss as their fashion icon.
Througout the video the group is also seen with colorful and unique make-up and clothes, ranging from bright pink and orange to electric blue outfits.
Take a look at the video below.
http://www.teenvogue.com/industry/music-special/2011/video/artists-to-watch-interview
SM Entertainment artists to perform at K-pop concert in France
The expansion of the K-pop craze has left no lack of international fans. All around the globe, K-pop fans are clamoring for their favorite artists to come and visit their country, and it seems like France has a K-pop concert of its own to look forward to this summer.
A French association named Korean Connection began a project a few months ago to organize a K-pop concert in France for 2011. The goal seemed somewhat implausible: France had seen appearances and showcases, but rare were concerts in France. That is not to say that there is not interest in France for the K-pop artists, however. In fact, in 2010 when f(x) filmed their MBC “Koala” show, there was an impromptu fan meeting in front of the Eiffel Tower when the girls were spotted, recognized, and followed by French fans! The dedication and high level of interest from the French due to growing global integration has conveyed that the French definitely have a large thirst for a taste of the musical cuisine that is K-pop.
Thus, a few months after Korean Connection began its project, over 8,000 people had subscribed to their Facebook homepage and actively promoted the project in hopes of attracting some of their favorite artists from the K-pop scene. Their efforts seem to have been successful.
In April, the Korean Connection homepage announced that there was to be a K-pop concert in Paris. The concert will take place on June 10, at le Zénith de Paris, one of the largest performance halls in Paris. The evident honor and adoration conveyed to the K-pop artists was enough to secure such a building, in which many famous French artists have performed.
So which Korean entertainment company is looking to show its artists’ international fans some more love? It is none other than SM Entertainment!
The president of Korean Connection issued an official statement declaring that SM Entertainment has decided to send some of its artists to France. It is still unannounced as to what group or groups SM Entertainment will send, but already, French K-pop fans are excited and ready to welcome the artists!
It appears that K-pop companies are starting to follow a trend and take notice of international fans. Cube Entertainment collaborated with Koreaboo to bring its global auditions to North America and host a G.NA showcase in Vancouver. SM Entertainment held its SM Town Concert in LA and made it onto the Billboard chart for an extremely successful turnout. JYP Entertainment has the Wonder Girls touring the US; 2AM has previously opened for the Wonder Girls during their tour. YG Entertainment has just opened a poll for fans to bring Big Bang to a concert near the fans’ area.
It is the era of globalization, and K-pop fans hve readily taken that connection to grow closer to their idols and learn more about the music. The fans’ interest is not going unnoticed, and it appears that fans are now receiving more recognition for their input with major entertainment companies in K-pop.
Source: Kome-World via KoreaBoo
Wonder Girls’ quotes featured in “Paper” magazine
American magazine “Paper” recently featured Wonder Girls on their April “2011 Beautiful People” issue, and on April 18th, they revealed more photos and quotes from the Wonder Girls on their official online website, Papermag.
The magazine reveals that the girls’ extra photos and quotes were just “too fabulous not to share,” giving fans an extended interview with Yeeun and Yoobin. The two revealed their thoughts about having to start over in the U.S, their motivation to continue, and how they felt about their fame.
When asked what it takes to be a Wonder Girl, Yeeun revealed, “We believe that everyone can be a Wonder Girl, if you believe in yourself and really dream about something. It’s not like we have super powers, or are super talented or super beautiful, super pretty, but we have passion and we believe in ourselves,” showing her great determination and sincerity.
Yeeun also expressed that they all knew coming to the U.S was going to be a brand new start. She stated that they had fun and felt a little more free, since everything was given to them in Korea, and now they had to get what they wanted themselves.
Yoobin mentioned that all of the girls had a hard time being in the group for the first years of their career. As teenagers who suddenly became very busy and felt like they were missing out on other things, they discovered upon coming to the U.S that this career was what they really wanted to pursue in life.
Meanwhile, the girls were also featured on the May issue of Teen Vogue and named one of the “six up-and-coming music acts to watch”, but their photo shoot for the magazine has become the center of discussion by netizens and the media. Great discomfort has been expressed for what they are calling Wonder Girls’ new concept.
Take a look at the extra photos from Paper magazine.
Source: Papermag, Teen Vogue, Newsen via KoreaBoo
Wonder Girls Appear In American Teen Vogue
Ready to invade America once again as they drop their 1st U.S album later this year, Wonder Girls surprised fans as the group was featured in the May issue of Teen Vogue.
From Asia to America, Wonder Girls seem to be everywhere these days as their album produced by hit american songwriter Claude Kelly release date approaches, which the article states will be sometime in the summer.
Dressed in all designer clothes, Wonder Girls reveals their thoughts about being unknown in New York City, to having a swarm of fans follow them in Seoul.
source : GoKpop
Big Bang’s Global Event is Released
Big Bang has one more surprise for VIPs and have finally revealed their new ‘Global Event’.
Well what is the event about?
There is a list with countries from 3 different divisions that include America, Europe and Asia.
Big Bang is making a poll and apparently according to the votes Big Bang will ‘visit your country’.
The list includes the following countries and you can vote HERE.
Do not stay there, go and vote. Who knows maybe your dreams can come true in no time.
Various K-pop Artist To Perform at A Charity Concert in Thailand
Various K-pop artists will perform on a charity concert to be held in Thailand next week.
Woollim Entertainment said, “INFINITE and several other artists including 2PM, Park Jung-min, Kim Hyung-jun and U-Kiss will be performing next week at the concert in Thailand.”
Hosted by organizer PD SHOWTIME, their poster reveals more K-pop artists including Son Ho-young and Kim Tae-woo and will be performing at the “K-POP CHARITY Part 1” concert to be held at the Impact Areana Muang Thong Thani on April 21.
The second part of the concert will feature performances from Super Junior, TVXQ, Se7en, F.CUZ, MBLAQ, Teen Top and The Boss at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre on April 29.
source : GoKpop
[NEWS] BIGBANG Special Album Release Global Event!
From Bigbang’s Facebook Page
“Hello everyone, here’s exciting news for our supportive international fans from all over the world! The next global event is coming soon so please keep your eye on BB’s facebook! oh and, BB’s Special Edition Album will be available soon on iTunes too!!!”
Source : Bigbang’s facebook Page
2NE1’s English Album Is Almost Complete?
Attending the premiere of the his new movie, Black Eyed Peas member Will.I.Am revealed info on 2NE1’s upcoming all English album and his plans on making the group go global.
While he confirmed 8 tracks had been completed, Will.I.Am isn’t stopping there as he plans on recording 2 more songs for the album which he says will take some time.
Will.I.Am who is a close friend with 2NE1, makes it clear that is hoping to take 2NE1’s popularity in Korea, to every country the same way Black Eyed Peas are able to do so with their music.
source : GoKpop
C-JeS and JYJ reveal tour dates for Asia
Fans have been anticipating for JYJ’s 2nd World Tour dates for months now. JYJ announced which cities they would be visiting for their 2nd tour at the end of February, which included USA (Washington D.C., San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York), Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Canada, Malaysia, and South Korea, with Jaejoong as the head director.
C-JeS has now updated their website, as well as created Facebook events for the Asian cities in which JYJ will be visiting. The message on the website indicates that the stop for Indonesia and Singapore has been cancelled, and they apologized to fans who were looking forward to the concert.
For cities that have been confirmed, C-JeS will inform fans about ticket information at a later date through their website.
< JYJ WORLD TOUR CONCERT 2011 >
April 2-3: Thailand, Bangkok
April 23: Taiwan, Taipei
(Facebook Event: April 23)
May 7: China, Beijing
(Facebook Event: May 7)
June 11-12: South Korea, Busan
(Facebook Event: June 11 and June 12)
Source: C-JeS and JYJ World Tour Concert 2011
SNSD Considered Amongst “50 Power Leaders in 2011”
SNSD was recently ranked amongst the “50 Power Leaders in 2011” by Asia Today.
Asia Today recently named the “50 Power Leaders in 2011”, who possess the potential to improve the nation’s global competitiveness.
Of the 50 selected figures, 19 are from the industrial sector, 14 are politicians, 12 are considered culturally or socially influential, and 5 were selected from the financial sector.
There were only two artists listed in the top 50, One of them is Kolleen Park and the other, impressively enough, is none other than SNSD, who, thus far, has achieved much success in both Korea and Japan. Additionally, they are the only girl group who managed to be considered as well.
source : GoKpop
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