YG Family on Dara and dating

The recent episode of Strong Heart was a "YG Family Special" that featured the entertainment company's top artists like Psy, Bigbang, Se7en, Gummy, Tablo, Sean and 2ne1. It attracted a lot of viewers not just in Korea but also around the world since some YG artists rarely go on talk and variety shows.


The episode surely made a tremendous impact to fans as the artists did a lot of honest sharing about themselves, even including mushy and surprising revelations about one another. But one of the highlights was that of 2ne1's pretty noona Sandara Park, whom the public knows as YG's precious gem.  Her label mates revealed some interesting facts about her ever so popular dating ban and the type of men that she likes.

Seungri:
“Dara always says on TV that she has never dated, when in fact she is a very scary girl. She told me she was lonely so I set her up with two guys who were Lee Seung Gi style, the type of guys that every girl likes. But Dara didn’t keep in contact with them so they both lost touch.

Seungri continued to talk about a third guy that he introduced to her. He was a gentle guy who actively approached Dara with an open heart. He even went to her house to see her but she did not come out to meet him.

Dara explained, “He was someone who actively pursued me but I was worried about how he might have a misconception of who I really am. I have a bright and cute image on television but in reality, I am not like that. I was scared that he would leave after he found out what I am really like."

Seungri added, “The Sandara Park everyone knows is the wrong image. The statements that she never dated, which she said because of the dating ban, are lies.”

Se7en:

“Text messages keep coming recently”, revealing Dara’s biggest problem with her low standards. “The four or five guys, that she asked me if okay, didn’t really act like men. They had bad personalities or bad manners. You see, she likes younger men. She doesn’t see them as men if they are the same age as her or older. She likes flower boys, like Lee Seung Gi.”

CL:

“I introduced Sandara to a number of guys,” Seungri remarked. “But one said that she hung up on him when he tried to call and talk to her.”

Sandara attempted to explain the situation and said, “That’s because CL picked up the phone and hung up on him.”

CL shared, “Seungri has a loud voice, so when he calls Sandara, everyone in the room can hear him. But that day, something was strange. I felt like it was an unfamiliar man who was calling her, so I picked up the phone instead and hung up.” When asked why she did so, she answered, “Because I’m the leader, and we are banned from dating.”

During the show, Dara also shared that her dating ban will be lifted by the agency and revealed that she had asked Se7en and Seungri to help her overcome her loneliness. To showcase her charms to her potential boyfriend out there, she performed her parody of Se7en’s, ‘Even if I Can’t Sing‘ by changing the lyrics to fit a girl who gets dumped by her boyfriend because she has no aegyo.  She called the song, ‘Even if I Don’t have Aegyo’.

The lyrics, “Even if I don’t have aegyo, even if I cannot wear short skirts, even if I can not longer fool around, and turn 30 soon.  Can you love me just the way I am?” brought laughter to the audience.

Ethan Ruan spends holiday with Tiffany Xu

Popular Taiwanese actor Ethan Ruan has come under constant media scrutiny ever since he enlisted for national service. Not only were there reports of how the actor was coping with military life, the media was also hot on his heels each time he was allowed a holiday.

Previously, Ethan's girlfriend, the beautiful actress Tiffany Xu let on that she rarely cooked now because Ethan is often not around and that she is currently busy with work, causing a fast dip in her weight. Two days ago, the actor, who was on his break, took Tiffany out on a date and had a steamboat dinner so as to nourish her body. Ethan, who sported a buzz cut, attracted some diners' attention as soon as he entered the restaurant, creating a small commotion. However, the actor kept his cool and focused on his meal the entire time.

In other related news, the actor's movie Love did well at the box office, and his convincing portrayal of a man who stutters and has low self-esteem, won praise from netizens.

SHINee’s flawless live performances of “Sherlock” impress netizens

SHINee is back, and they are back with a vengeance. The popular SM junior group showed some explosive performances for their title track “Sherlock” Music Bank and Music Core.

Prior to the performance, leader Onew commented to reporters, “It has been a long time since we were on stage so we are very nervous. We have prepared very hard for the stage so its a shame we can’t perform for a long time.” With regards to the preparation for the album, Onew said, “I did not consciously begin a diet but practicing such a dynamic performance caused me to get a V-line naturally.”

Furthermore, Onew spoke about his absence from SHINee’s performance earlier this year in Paris due to his injured ankle, “I very  much regretted not being able to perform on stage. Through this comeback performance, I will vent my regret.”

When SHINee took to the stages for “Sherlock”, they were near perfect live performances filled with fantastic dance moves. The choreography for ‘Sherlock’ was created by renowned choreographer Tony Testa and required much skill and precision by all the members.

Netizens responded to the explosive live performance by commenting, “The performance and live vocals were all Daebak! Where are all the haters who said they were lip syncing?” , “They eat CD’s… that is why their live is so good” and, “Do they have radio implants in their throats? I got goosebumps from the live vocals“.

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2AM’s Seulong talks about his rumors with Wonder Girls’ Sohee

 

2AM‘s Im Seulong finally cleared up the rumors surrounding himself and Wonder Girls‘ mandoo beauty Ahn Sohee.

Earlier this year, these JYP Entertainment label mates created quite a buzz in the Kpop entertainment circle when Dispatch reported that they are dating, even posting pictures of the two as proofs that started from a late-night dinner. Seulong was quick to announce to the media that both of them are just friends. The rumors actually lasted for a couple of weeks before they just eventually died down. But on ‘Radio Star‘, the MCs questioned Seulong again about that late-night Christmas dinner with the Wonder Girls' baby member.

“We’ve been close friends since we were younger, and so we very naturally met up to eat dinner. All the members know that we hang out. Christmas was a special occasion, and we were both free after our concert was over,” he continued. “We buy each other gifts on a regular basis.”

The MCs were then quick to point out that he gave Sohee four shopping bags full of gifts. “Three of the four bags were full of snacks from Japan.” he explained.

And when asked why he was only close with Sohee out of all the members, he answered, “Sohee is an introvert, so she isn’t close to too many people. I’ve just been close to her since we were young. I’m five years older than her, but she calls me ‘Yah’,” he added. “Because I’ve known her since she was a student, she and I are more like family.”

ALLKPOP
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Ella's wedding photoshoot and hopes for Hebe

Now that S.H.E member Ella Chen has found true love, she hoped the same would happen to good friend and band mate Hebe Tien.

Ella, together with her Malaysian fiancé Alvin Lai, headed to Guam Island over the weekend with an entourage of 30 people for her wedding photo shoot. Throughout the trip, Hebe tagged along and played gooseberry to the soon-to-be newly-weds. The humourous singer smiled in reply to the media's nickname of her playing 'third wheel' to the couple, "We're not that bright, as compared to the overwhelming sense of happiness emitted by Ella and Alvin."

In Guam Island, the group visited the various tourist attractions, including Lovers' Cliff, which was Ella's favorite destination. This place is one of the must-visit places for couples on their honeymoon, because according to the island's legend, couples who ring the bell, found on the top of the cliff, three times, will have a long and happy life together. Ella, who believed in the legend, made her fiancé ring the bell together, before she and Hebe rang the bell together again, hoping that the latter could share her happiness.

There was also a special place on the cliff where couples can write their names on locks and have them locked there, symbolizing 'together forever'. There, Ella found a couple lock inscribed with the phrase "Sunshine Hebe" and exclaimed that it "is a good omen. I hope Hebe will find her true love too".

That night, the group enjoyed a dinner by the beach, and was watching a samba dance performance, when Ella and Alvin were asked to join in the dance on stage. Ella, who is known for her bubbly character, shook and twisted with all her might; on the other hand, Alvin did not know what he should do, tickling everyone present with his awkwardness on stage.

On the day of their departure, Ella and Hebe, who boarded the Hello Kitty private jet for the first time, were excited to see all the adorable accessories. "This is our first time going to Guam and taking a Hello Kitty plane. It felt like we've become cute as well since everything from food to utilities consists of these irresistible Hello Kitty products. It's so romantic," the pair gushed.

When the air stewardess gave Ella with a pink Hello Kitty apron, used by the flight's stewardesses, the singer immediately put it on and joked, "Wearing it this way (over her clothes) is not sexy at all because the apron hides everything. Maybe I can wear nothing but this (the apron) privately?"

Due to her packed schedule for the next half of the year, Ella decided to treat this trip as her early honeymoon. "Every day is like going on a honeymoon, as long as two people are happily in love," the singer said sweetly.

 XINMSN

SHINee's "Sherlock" music video revealed

 

When SHINee released their mini-album “Sherlock”, fans have been anxious for the release of its official music video. Well, it seems the wait is finally over.

Quite similar to the ‘Sherlock Holmes’ theme, the music video shows these grown-up boys some years ago as detectives. And in true SHINee fashion, the choreography is outstanding. Jessica of SNSD aka Girls’ Generation is also featured in the video, showing some SM Town family love.

Without further ado, check out the MV for “Sherlock” below.

Video: SM Entertainment

SHINee's music video teaser for "Sherlock"

 

SHINee has been revving up for their comeback for the past few days, and with much fanfare, SM Entertainment is now releasing the pop quintet’s newest music video teaser for their return track “Sherlock” on Youtube!

True to the ‘Sherlock Holmes’ theme, the MV teaser hints at a mystery revolving around the video’s guest star, Jessica of Girls’ Generation. The forty second MV teaser only serves to escalate our curiosity regarding the full release. Without further delay, check out SHINee’s latest visuals below!

allkpop & SM Entertainmnet

Thunder thought about quitting MBLAQ because of Seungho

MBLAQ‘s Thunder revealed his fear of Seungho in a recent episode of ‘Park Kyung Lim’s Oh Happy Day’ that also focused on the boys’ trainee and debut days. He further confessed that he was afraid of Seungho to the extent that he wanted to give up being a MBLAQ member.

Thunder was the last member to join MBLAQ as he came to Korea from the Philippines where he was living with his family. He told of his hardships as he stated, “Korea and the Korean culture were still very unfamiliar when I joined MBLAQ.”

When asked which member bothered him the most, Thunder chose Seungho without hesitation. He stated, “As I didn’t know of any older brother-younger brother differences in the Philippines, Seungho took the age difference strictly and used military discipline. Using the hyung position, he took my training uniform from the first practice day.”

Lee Joon further explained, “Thunder was really afraid of Seungho hyung. That’s why every dawn he called me into a convenience store and complained that he couldn’t take it anymore.”

To these complaints, Seungho gave an unexpected retaliation, making the studio laugh. Stay tuned for the update.

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Jo Kwon reveals hardships being a trainee

2AM‘s funny leader Jo Kwon opened up and revealed his honest feelings about his trainee days in JYP Entertainment for eight years.

The March 19th broadcast on ‘Star Life Theater‘ featured 2AM. During the program, Jo Kwon confessed, “While I was a trainee, I would always hear this question countless times, ‘When are you going to debut?’”

He added, “Every time I heard that kind of question, my self-confidence would disappear and I get so embarrassed that I wanted to hide in a hole. So I just lied and answered, ‘I’m going to debut next month’ or ‘I will debut in the beginning of next year’. However, that fact shook me to the core.”

His other members seem to be feeling for him as well, when Seulong revealed, “Jo Kwon was a trainee for a very long time. Whenever he would say, ‘I really want to die’ it really felt like he was being truthful, so I was very upset.”

 ALLKPOP

Lee Hyori makes fun of TOP’s flirting technique

Lee Hyori once again showed off her considerable humor by poking fun at Big Bang member T.O.P‘s flirting technique. On the March 18th broadcast of SBS‘s “Lee Hyori and Jung Jae Hyung’s You & I“, Big Bang made a guest appearance to promote their 5th mini-album, ‘Alive‘. 

On the program, the members were asked about the various ways in which they flirt with women that they like. To this, leader G-Dragon replied, “If there is a girl that I find attractive, I actively approach her.” He added that he tries to show manliness through the expression in his eyes.

Daesung on the other hand said that he approaches with a strong opening line, “It’s our first time“. He said, “When I say that, the girl obviously replies, ‘What is?’, which gets the conversation moving naturally.”

TOP shared, “In my case, I walk by the girl and put my cell phone in her back pocket“. Lee Hyori immediately pounced and joked, “But then you end up touching her butt!“, to which he found himself completely unable to respond as everyone laughed. He quickly tried to recover by saying, “Then I will put it in her front pocket” but he was already the butt of everyone’s jokes by that point.

As the interview continued, member Taeyang said, “I am really bad with this kind of thing, so I just say, ‘Seungri, I want her’ and let the members do the work for me.”

Finally, it was Seungri’s turn to answer but TOP stepped in and demonstrated Seungri’s flirtation by acting it out. He depicted Seungri by intensely checking out a girl from head to toe, to which Seungri protested, “When did I ever do that?”

In related news, this broadcast also featured a segment in which TOP revealed that all the Big Bang members are currently single.^___^

Boracay is Asia’s top beach, ranks 6th worldwide

Boracay Island is voted by netizens as the top beach in Asia and sixth in the world. In the annual Destinations by popular travel website Traveler’s Choice of Award Winning Beach, Philippines' very own island is voted Asia’s best beach for 2012 and 6th in the world.

 

Here’s how the website described Boracay:

 “At only 4.5 miles long, Boracay is small enough to navigate by rented bicycle or motorbike. But don’t let its small size fool you—you’ll have several excellent beaches to choose from. Yapak Beach is known for beautiful white shells; White Beach has picture-perfect sunsets; and Balinghai Beach is a secluded spot, perfect for honeymooners. As long as you visit during dry season, you’ll agree this is one of the best beach destinations in the world.” 

Last year’s number 1, Provideciales from Turks and Caicos, topped the list once again this year. Boracay was number 2 last year, however, it slipped to number 6 this year. Nevertheless, the Philippines’ island paradise is the only beach from Asia to make it in the world’s Top 10 list. 

Tripadvisor.com’s Top 10 Beaches for 2012

1. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
2. Palm/Eagle Beach, Aruba
3. Tulum, Mexico
4. Negril, Jamaica
5. Saint Pete Beach, Florida
6. Boracay, Philippines
7. Cancun, Mexico
8. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
9. Miami/Miami Beach, Florida
10. Varadero, Cuba

The rankings were based on the most highly-rated by travelers’ reviews at www.tripadvisor.com. Meanwhile, in the World’s Best Islands list by the US travel magazine “Travel + Leisure,” Boracay is at number 4 position.

Starmometer

BENCH signs up Donghae and Siwon

It’s official: Philippine clothing brand BENCH has signed up Siwon and Donghae, members of popular K-pop boy band Super Junior, as its latest endorsers, seen as a move to capture the growing K-pop fan base in the country. “ITS OFFICIAL!!! @siwon407 & @donghae861015 are the new members ofthe @benchtm family! #BenchGoesKpop #BenchTwitterParty #Bench25Years,” Bench announced on Twitter and Facebook.

Ben Chan, founder of BENCH, tweeted that they’re in Seoul, South Korea for the photoshoot of Siwon and Donghae for BENCH.  “Bench loves Dong Hae and SiWon! Amazing shoot day in Seoul today. Done with shoot! #SiHaeLovesBench just left the room & am looking at their photos! Watch out for their billboards w/ @benchtm soon!” he posted on Twitter. SM Town posted a photo of Donghae during the BENCH photoshoot in Seoul.

The good news was certainly welcomed by Super Junior fans in the Philippines especially Super Junior United Philippines (SJUPH), the local fan club of the boy band, whose members also relentlessly campaigned for one year to convince BENCH to sign up Super Junior as endorsers. “It has been almost a year since we started this. It’s nice to know that BENCH really did consider our requests. @benchtm rocks!” SJUPH posted on Facebook after the endorsement announcement by BENCH.

“We didn't only have Siwon and Dong Hae as our new addition to the family but the love and support of the ELF community too. THANK YOU,” tweeted BENCH.

BENCH is promising full marketing and advertising campaigns for Siwon and Donghae. “Billboards.Print Ads.Posters.Store Front. The whole shebang! Manila is ready 4 you @siwon407 @donghae861015 #BenchGoesKpop#SiHaeLovesBench,” BENCH posted on Twitter. It also posted a preview photo of the clothes for the shoot with Siwon and Donghae hinting at a smart preppy look for the Super Junior members.

Siwon and Donghae join the list of superstars who are endorsers of BENCH including David Archuleta, Lucy Hale, Bruno Mars, Michael Trevino and Jerry Yan.

Marian Rivera makes it to international beauties list

 

Marian Rivera, considered one of the hottest stars in the Philippines today, made it to the list of the “Top 10 International Beauties Of 2012” made by website TopTenz.Net.

The website described Marian, who ranked 9th in the Top 10, as a “major star in the Philippines.” Born to a Spanish father and Filipino mother, Marian is the only Southeast Asian beauty who made it to the list. According to TopTenz.Net, the list “documents ten beautiful women that are not from the United States. It will examine a new wave of international models, actresses, and celebrity pop stars.”

Topping the list is “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” lead actress and model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. On second place is Dutch model Lara Stone, followed by Victoria Secret model Miranda Kerr, who is married to Hollywood actor Orlando Bloom. Russian model Irina Shayk placed fourth, while popular Bollywood actress-model Katrina Kaif finished fifth. English pop and R&B recording artist and former “X Factor” judge Cheryl Cole is at No. 6, while Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira claimed the 7th spot. Completing the list are French model Laetitia Casta at No. 8 and Leryn Franco, Paraguay’s former beauty queen and athlete-model at No. 10.

The Top 10 International Beauties Of 2012 list also gave an update regarding the ladies’ status. TopTenz.Net revealed that Marian has been dating Dingdong Dantes for a couple of years now. The site also described Dingdong “a popular director/actor and model in the Philippines” and “one of the “25 Sexiest Men of the World” in 2008.

Meanwhile, just like her boyfriend Dingdong, Marian wants to go back to school soon. Her “My Beloved” leading man is currently taking up Techno Management, a business course, at the West Negros University. The 27-year-old actress earlier declared in her past interviews that cooking is one of her hobbies and that she wants to broaden her culinary skills.

Manila Bulletin