EXO-M's popularity in China

SM Entertainment’s new boy group EXO-M, who debuted with Korean counterpart EXO-K, showed just how fairly popular they are  in China yesterday. The boys participated in the recording of variety show Happy Camp in Changsha, attracting a huge group of fans in the actual shooting site. 

Lay, who happened to be from ChangSha, was particularly happy that he's returning home. “I am always homesick, thus felt much honored that I can film a program back home. I have already called my family, but I do not have time to return home.”

EXO-M officially announced their debut on April 1 in BeiJing. Although they have only debuted for less than a month, they already made quite a name for themselves. They attracted a lot of fans who welcomed them at the airport when they arrived from Korea. A large amount of fans gathered outside the building of Hunan Broadcasting Station even before 3PM. Some fans also claim that “Numerous fans from Russia, Malaysia and Taiwan actually rushed here.” Their popularity can also be seen from the prices of the tickets. When some reporters went forward to ask, one of the scalpers was exceptionally excited and shared,“Because of EXO and Show Luo, tickets sold today was the most expensive ever since the program started. Korean artists are pretty good (when it comes to selling tickets), it was pretty hot for HanGeng and Lee Minho last year. However, EXO is even better.”

When asked about their future advancements in China, they expressed that they are still planning for their long term, future advancements' path. Even though the competition between boy groups are tough, they shared that they'd still work hard and that they would always keep in mind the advices they always get from their seniors. "At the moment, the most important is to let more Chinese-pop fans know us and listen to our music."

Meanwhile, it also appeared that their hard work and dedication was much appreciated by one of Happy Camp's PDs.

The PD wrote on hiw Wiebo, “Finished satisfactorily! Finally can enjoy a bowl of noodles after the recording and the wrap-up meeting! ~@EXO-M’s today’s performance was very good. Seeing your hard work proves that the directors’ insistence didn’t get wasted; You let your beloved fans see a more lively side of you. Keep up the good work! Looking forward to your future growth. It seems the wishing post posted last night is working! Hee hee hee hee~Satisfactorily!”
Though they may be rookies, EXO-M is certainly carrying themselves well, working hard so their talents will shine through.

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SHINee on TAXI

Idol group SHINee went for a ride in tvN‘s ‘TAXI‘.

During a recent episode, the SHINee boys opened up about the hardships they endured to become a major idol group at the forefront of the Hallyu wave. They revealed that Minho is the member with the biggest appetite while maknae Taemin asked MC Gong Hyung Jin how to attempt to kiss a female. They also revealed which member is the most popular in each country. The MCs also prepared a special gift for the boys who work hard day and night, and SHINee who never took a vacation as a group was also taken to a special location.

During the show, Key and Minho also shared some stories of how they used to argue when they were in training. Key confessed that he had fought with Minho a lot. “We are the same age, and we just fought over the smallest things. Being from Daegu, I spoke with a dialect and that caused Minho to think I was always mad at him.”

“Where I come from, there is no such thing as hierarchy between people of the same age, but such a thing existed when we were trainees,” he continued. “Minho drew a line between us two as junior and senior, and I really didn’t like that. That caused a really big argument to erupt between Minho and I. We were so awkward for two years after that.”

Thinking back to that time, Minho added, “It was so awkward trying to talk to him. We always turned our backs to one another and barely asked each other how we were doing. But after spending 24 hours together for 5 years, we have become closer than family,” Minho explained. “He has become an irreplaceable friend.”

“Now none of us really fight because we all know each members likes and dislikes,” Key added. But Minho begged to differ saying, “Key knows what I hate the most, and he still does it,” causing everyone to laugh.

“Yes,” Key admitted. “I do it everyday.”

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SISTAR's Dasom feels inferior towards other members

SISTAR‘s Dasom admitted that she feels inferior to her fellow members. During a recent recording for Story Show Do Dream, Dasom shared her current struggles.

“This is a concern I’ve had for the last two years,” she began. “No matter how hard I try, my talents fall short of the other members. Because of the difference in our abilities, I’ve developed an inferiority complex.”

Fellow member and group leader Hyorin, who made an appearance on the show with Dasom, remarked, “All of us did our best to help lessen her concerns, but I think it’s becoming more painful for her as time goes by.”

Stay tuned for the full story.

ALLKPOP

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Lee Seung Gi’s gift brings tears to Ha Ji Won

Korean top actress Ha Ji Won recently boasted about the closeness among the cast of her latest drama series The King 2hearts.
The gorgeous lady tweeted on April 25th, “Jae Ha, Si Kyung, Dong Ha of our The King 2hearts rooted for movie Korea.” She even added, “Totally happy, and that day we went out for a meal together. All the staff members rooted for me with applause chanting ‘Korea daebak’. Wow, is it OK to be happy like this? Even Korea cake? Totally totally thank you”, along with a picture taken with Lee Seung Gi, Jo Jung Suk, and Kwon Hyun Sang.

The Korea cake in the picture is a gift from Lee Seung Gi who was not able to attend the VIP screening of her movie Korea due to his busy schedule.

On the cake that Lee Seung Gi personally ordered, there are words that read “The best actress of our time Ha Ji Won!! I am happy to be with you. ‘Korea Hwating!’”, which really tells everyone just how close the actors are.

An insider on Ha Ji Won’s side relayed, “Ha Ji Won was like a happy child at the surprise cake in the middle of the night. She also got teary because she was touched.”

TV Daily via Nate

Lee Hyori and Lee Sang Soon LOVE

Singer Lee Hyori is undoubtedly one of Korea's amazing women of this generation. Not only is she obviously very beautiful on the outside, she also shines with goodness deep within. Looks, talent, wit, heart: everything may have even been given to her at birth. So when the news of her finally getting into a serious relationship broke out, everyone automatically had their eyes on that one lucky guy.

It's not that singer-songwriter Lee Sang Soon is ugly. He's also one talented guy after all. Apparently, everybody just expected for a prince-charming looking kind of guy. As a fan, I really admire how Hyori reacted to all those judgements and negativities about him. Chic and cool. "Handsome or not, what meaning does that have?" Atta girl! And so, I'm sharing photos and articles about the two of them that might become of interest to you all.

On the April 23rd episode of SBS' Healing Camp, Hyori revealed a photo she took with her boyfriend Lee Sang Soon.

The black-and-white photo drew much attention as the two, who were labeled as “Beauty and the Beast” upon going public with their relationship, looked rather good together. Dressed comfortably and posing affectionately, the couple looked to be extremely close. Hyori’s flawless profile shot as well as Lee Sang Soon’s muscular build earned the high praises of ‘Healing Camp’ viewers.

Hyori also revealed that her mother shed tears after seeing her boyfriend for the very first time. “When my mom saw him for the first time, she shed tears because of his unattractive appearance. Meanwhile, Sangsoon’s mother also shed tears after she saw an upsetting article that said he was ugly. After we went public with our relationship, all people could talk about was his appearance,” the singer continued. “It made me so upset.”

“If you look carefully, my boyfriend is handsome,” she added.

Hyori also talked about what attracted her to him and shared their love story.

“He first contacted me for advice when adopting a dog. I liked the way he took his time to select a dog to adopt,” she said. “Seeing his prudent and cautious nature, I thought that he must be a good guy.”

“But back then, we were not romantically interested in one another. We became close while writing a song to support and help abandoned animals. While listening to the song, I realized I really liked his voice.”

“I’ve never met anyone like Sang Soon oppa who is so easy-going when it comes to money. He does not chase money, and what’s most important to him is his own happiness. He lives within his means, whether he has a lot or a little.”

She shared that she became further attracted to him after visiting his home. “He had a small rooftop home, and it was so well-decorated and charming. He had a lot of books, and a lot of flowers. I thought, this person prioritized happiness and fulfillment, more than money. He had more happiness than gold, and until then, I only had a lot of gold,” she continued. “Taking that into consideration, he probably didn’t dislike me too much either,” she joked, causing the MCs laugh.

Way to go, sister!^__^

PHL horror movie hits number 1 in iTunes

The U.S. theatrical trailer of GMA Films’ The Road became number 1 among the most popular trailers in iTunes starting 5PM LA Time (April 23) or 8AM Manila (April 24). In the screen capture below, The Road’s trailer was at the top spot followed by the trailer of The Avengers.

The Road will have a red-carpet gala premiere at the Mann Chinese theater in Los Angeles on May 9 and beginning May 11, it will hit at least 50 theaters in Northern America and in selected theaters in Singapore beginning May 15.The movie is helmed by Yam Laranas, the director of the Angel Locsin-Richard Gutierrez starrer Sigaw which was adapted in Hollywood with the title The Echo and shown in US theaters in 2008. This latest horror masterpiece from Laranas will also hit US theaters but as is, not adapted but subtitled, believed to be the first ever Philippine movie to have a commercial screening in Northern America. It stars Marvin Agustin, Rhian Ramos, Carmina Villaroel, Derrick Monasterio, Lexi Fernandez, TJ Trinidad, Alden Richards,and Louise delos Reyes, and it will be distributed in US and Canada by the Los Angeles-based Freestyle Releasing company.


In the meantime, check out the US trailer here:

Starmometer / YT The Road

MYX interviews Sandara Park and SHINee

Krungers in the house, have you waited for Sandara Park's exclusive (and Tagalog) interview? Oh well, the wait is over people. MYX has finally found her.


Etude House Korea's newest endorsers, Sandara Park and SHINee, granted an interview for MYX, a popular music channel in the Philippines. In the interview done by VJ Bianca, Sandara answered questions about the kisses she got from the famous SHINee boys and how she felt about them. SHINee, on the other hand, talked about the awkward mood during the whole shoot because of the "kiss".

Watch the interview and translation below:

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Mario Maurer to tour Erich Gonzales in Thailand?

Thai heartthrob Mario Maurer would love to take his leading lady Erich Gonzales around Thailand, which is one of the major locations of their upcoming film. The young actor told TV Patrol in a joint interview with Erich, “I’d bring her to Wat Phra Kaew. It’s like a very old temple in Thailand. It’s very beautiful there.”
 
Mario and Erich met at the story conference of their film (working title Suddenly It’s Magic) in Thailand, together with their director, Rory Quintos. The two apparently clicked together well, with Mario finding Erich a funny girl.

“[The] first time she talked she has many characters, very funny. For me she is not like a woman… Joking. She can rap and she can do beat box.” “So you’re saying I’m crazy?” Erich playfully interjected, to which Mario quipped, “Yeah, kind of.”
 
Mario enthused that in the film, he will play a Thai superstar who gets very bored of the career that he made and one day he just decided that he wants to go to the Philippines. And as fate would have it, he would meet Erich’s character, a Filipina pastry chef who just got out of a bad relationship.

In an earlier interview with Push, Erich admitted how ecstatic and nervous she is about her film project with the award-winning actor. “I'm excited but at the same time pressured din talaga. ‘Yung kaba sobra… pero mas kakabahan ako kung hindi ako kakabahan ‘di ba? Iba naman ‘yung ganun kung walang feelings, parang walang pakialam,” she related.
 
Mario will return to the country for the third time next month to film scenes in Ilocos.
Manila Bulletin

EXO-K live performances

Obviously, I am having this intense fascination over EXO-K these days (DO and Suho in mind, haha). This constantly results to my regularly keeping track of their stage performances from time to time, specifically the live ones. I previously even posted one live performance that I really liked from them. Today, I'm posting two more. I'm just so happy that these boys are finally getting rid of their lip-syncing and nervousness on stage.


Here are EXO-K's live performances:

video: YT LeeKaIn203

video: YT lokyan74

I'm still waiting for EXO-M's live performances though. I'm sure they're also busy promoting in China and Taiwan, but we only get to see a lot of interviews so you know... Nevertheless, EXO do well in the future!^^

Super Junior sets 40 million views on YT

Just two years ago, chances of seeing a K-Pop related video on the front page of Youtube was so slim that it was considered ‘lucky’ just to see one pop up every three months.  That’s not the case anymore.  It’s mind blowing how immensely popular K-Pop has become.  K-Pop music videos appear on the home page weekly now, not to mention the tens of millions of views accumulated by several of them. You know you've achieved something great when you become the first current male K-Pop group to collect over 40 million views on the internet on one video alone.  That day has come for one of the most well-known male groups in the K-Pop industry– Super Junior!

On March 25th, Super Junior’s hit track, “Mr. Simple” surpassed the 40 million view mark, becoming the first current male K-Pop group to achieve such a high level of view status on just a single video (rather than a combined total spread over various uploaded versions). They have also achieved this feat in less than eight months with the video having been released in August of 2011.

ELF have been rejoicing over this accomplishment in the comment boxes, leaving comments like: “Super Junior fighting!“, “Congratulations“, and “Let’s keep at it until we reach 100 million!”

On another note, Girls’ Generation‘s “Gee” currently stands as the most viewed K-Pop video with an astounding 69.5 million views! Were it not for their split into two groups, and the switching of channels, TVXQ (Yunho, Changmin, Jaejoong, Yoochun, Junsu), would have previously ranked as the highest viewed group, but their view counts were lost with their videos becoming deleted and then reuploaded.

allkpop, SMTown

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EXO-K goes live

Now this is the live performance that everyone has been waiting for. Personally (and truthfully), the live performance that EXO-K did on Music Bank didn't quite get in to me. It was... you should know what I mean, right? These boys, in all fairness, have obviously been working very hard with their singing and dancing. But with all those exposure and publicity from SM Entertainment which left us all drooling with anticipation, we were really hoping for a debut BLAST. Instead, they gave us either lip-synced or not-so-good performances. But thank heavens for headset mics and their apparent dancing abilities, EXO-K finally nailed it.


This is their Music Core performance which made me an even  prouder SM Entertainment artists' fanatic. I have yet to see an EXO-M live performance though. I'll keep you posted people. In the meantime, enjoy and be inlove with EXO-K's live History and Mama (my eyes are on you, Suho).^^

video: musiclovelee1

Predictable scenes in K-dramas revealed

It’s not only the music that made KPOP a worlwide phenomenon.  It was also because of catchy television dramas that surely made an impact or two to thousands of die-hard fans in the world. Some of you might even want to agree with me on this: we were drama and OST fans first before we went mainstream.

Anyways, talking about Korean dramas, I actually believe that even before episode 5 ends, we can already tell what’s going to happen next. One of my friends even joked about how one can just basically watch the first and the last episodes and not miss a single thing. Funny but sometimes true. And so, the most predictable drama scenes, themes, and elements in Korean dramas were revealed on April 1st on MBC‘s program ‘Section TV Entertainment Report‘.

Here's the list!

11. The female lead who transforms into a glamorous goddess just by taking off her glasses.

10. The car accident scene: the main character stands still, paralyzed with only his eyes wide open, and falls slowly when he is hit by a car.

9. When the bad-tempered rich son of the CEO tries to solve everything using money.

8. The main character finds out about her pregnancy because of dry heaving or morning sickness. The doctor follows with the predictable news,  “Congratulations. You are indeed pregnant.”

7. The taxi that always seems to be conveniently waiting for the main character. In the most desperate and dangerous situations, the faithful taxi always seems to appear just at the right moment.

6. The main lead who showers when he’s angry.

5. The unlocked door that results to someone overhearing an important secret.

4. The seemingly invincible main character who does not seem to die easily even after being shot.

3. The doctor who says, “If you had come even a little bit later, it could have been much worse,” to the main character who arrives at the ER in critical condition.

2. The scene in which the male and female lead roles just miss each other even though they are at the same place. Anyone could just turn their head slightly, but the characters always seem to be looking directly in front of them. (SO TRUE!!)

1. Finally, the #1 most predictable scene is where the rich CEO parents hand an envelope full of money to the female character as a bribe to leave their son. Not only is the plot of the poor female lead and the wealthy son of the CEO falling in love overdone, but it is almost always accompanied by the scene with an envelope of money.

What do you think? I bet you are all smiling and laughing your mouths out loud while reading the list. These scenes happen to Asian dramas a lot actually. And although I agree with most of them, I have to say that I agree with number 2 the most. Haha!


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ODINA Magazine interviews Infinite

Korean boy group Infinite rose up drastically to popularity last year by having the two hit songs Be Mine and Paradise reach the top in the time of a year and 3 months since their debut. The group choreography where all 7 of them match perfectly is given the ratio of ‘99.9% synchronization’.

Infinite also received the nickname of ‘boyfriend-dols’ because they were idols that people wanted as boyfriends due to the way they cherish their fans more than anything. It’s to the point where SNSD, KARA, Wonder Girls, Brown Eyed Girls and other girl group members would say their name when asked which juniors they like. And as if they were proportioning out the popularity received in Korea, the anticipation was large in Japan and they finally debuted in Japan on November 19th with ‘BTD’. They received the good results of reaching 2nd place on Oricon daily charts.

You debuted in Japan on November of last year with ‘BTD’. When you look back at it now, what was something that left an impression during your first Japanese promotions?

Sunggyu: Because there were a lot of different points from promoting in Japan as to promoting in Korea, it was interesting and fun. When we had the high-five event for the release of ‘BTD’, it was new because a high-five event isn’t in the Korean culture!

L & Sungyeol: The high-fiving! It was really fun~

Dongwoo: Sungyeol was the most excited. The passionate high-five event was something to talk about.

Sunggyu: We went to a CD shop in order to do the high-five event, but we saw Infinite’s CD or pictures that were as big as us, being displayed. At that moment, we felt, “Ah~ We debuted in Japan, this is the beginning~”, and felt that we debuted.

The “scorpion dance” from ‘BTD’ was a hot topic. During the live for the release event, many people from the audience were screaming loudly at the scorpion dance part. What did you feel after seeing that?

Hoya: As expected, we felt a high amount of contentment. Infinite’s unique point is that we even match acrobatic dances well too. Because they are happy after seeing our positive point, we’re always happy and say, “we did it!”. We’ll surprise everyone more often in the future.