Hyun Bin finally enlists in the marines

At 1:30 PM KST on March 7th, actor Hyun Bin (29) enlisted with the marines training camp in Segyeri, amidst the support of over 700 fans and reporters. For a total of seven weeks, he will receive basic training before beginning his 21 months of service. His date of discharge has been set for December 6th, 2012.

Hyun Bin bid his fans farewell for about 10 minutes before he withdrew inside. “Hello, this is Hyun Bin. A lot of people have come today. I, too, left Seoul this morning at 7:00 AM. On my way over, people told me that a lot of you came despite the cold weather. Thank you all so much.

Ever since last year, I’ve received a vast amount of love and support that I can’t handle on my own. I truly do not know how to pay it all back. I’ll make sure to spend my two years wisely to repay all of the love I’m receiving now two years later.

I heard fans from not only Korea, but Japan and Hong Kong came as well. Time is, of course, precious and I’m thankful that they chose to spend that time on supporting my enlistment. I will make sure to come out of the army as a better man.”

After greeting fans, Hyun Bin excited fans by revealing his buzz cut, before bowing deeply on the floor with tears in his eyes.

Fans showed their avid support for the actor throughout the event.

Large banners were held up everywhere, and cars were restricted from parking near the entrance Hyun Bin was expected to walk through.

In order to avoid distracting Hyun Bin’s fans and reporters, his young marine juniors entered through a different entrance.

Hyun Bin’s girlfriend, Song Hye Kyo, was unfortunately unable to accompany her boyfriend to the office because of her filming schedule for her new movie, “Today.” However, we’re sure that the actor was still greatly warmed by the energetic sendoff he received.

dkpopnews / Star News

Heechul injured by fan at “Super Show 3 in Shanghai” concert

On March 5th, Super Junior held their “Super Show 3” concert in Shanghai, but unfortunately, they were exposed to another incident where a member was injured by a fan.

Last time, member Yesung was hit by a projectile as he was crossing the stage; this time, it wasHeechul who got hurt, as a fan’s placard hit him in the face while he was in the midst of performing.

After being hit, Heechul was forced to briefly pause and cover his face, but eventually walked off stage without being able to lift his face. There were reports that he suffered a cut to his eye, but both Mighty Mouth’s Sangchu and Miss A’s Jia assured fans that he was okay.

Sangchu tweeted, “Super Junior fans! I just got off the phone with Heechul and he said not to worry, it’s a bit manly to have at least one cut on his face. He may say that, but I think he’s upset and having a difficult time… Please don’t throw anything on stage! Heechul’s Twitter said not to.”

OMG, you crazy people! Respect your idols and don't go throwing things at them. PLEASE!!!

AKP / video: yangNSJ

[UPDATE]

Through an interview with Star News on March 7th, Super Junior’s Heechul discussed his recent injury, which he received during the group’s concert in Shanghai. Heechul also gave a polite request to Super Junior’s beloved fans.

Heechul shared,

“During the middle of our ‘Super Show 3‘ concert in Shanghai, I headed towards the side of the stage in order to get closer to my fans. A fan threw a present, which ended up hitting the left side of my face. Although it wasn’t a big injury, it ripped the skin under my eye.

After arriving in Korea on the 6th, SM Entertainment was able to reach a hospital (despite it being a Sunday) and got me proper treatment. I’m not worried about my injury so much as I am about this happening again to another member. I know that it’s all because our fans love us so much, but I hope they’ll realize that if accidents like this continue to occur, we cannot show everything we’ve prepared for them on stage.”

Heechul was unable to attend the ending stage for the concert that night, and because his injury couldn’t be covered by makeup, he wasn’t able to attend the recording for MBC’s “The Night of Shining Memories” on March 8th.

He concluded, “There are fans who throw presents at the other members, but I hope they will stop that. They have to stop in order for Super Junior to present the best performance possible, and for fans to enjoy that experience.”

Star News via Nate

Maria Aragon finally sings with Lady Gaga

Ten-year-old singing sensation Maria Aragon of Winnipeg performed with her idol, outrageous chart-topping singer Lady Gaga, during a sold-out concert in Toronto on Thursday night (Friday, March 4, Manila time).

The grade-school student, who caught Gaga’s attention after posting a cover of “Born This Way” online, sang the American pop star’s hit single with her about an hour into the show at the Air Canada Centre. Maria strode out dressed in shiny black pants, a pink shirt and a white hat.

“I’m really excited that Maria is here today, because Maria represents what this song is all about,” Gaga said. “It’s all about the next generation and the future, and no more divisiveness.”

The 10-year-old sat on her idol’s lap at the piano and the pair performed to a roaring, cheering crowd.

Gaga, who called Aragon “Lady Maria from Winnipeg,” was in tears after the young performer left the stage. “Lady Maria really belted it out,” CBC reporter Sheila North Wilson said from the concert. “The crowd loves her.”

Maria Aragon says it was “so great” to sit at the piano with Lady Gaga. She says Gaga’s Toronto fans made her feel welcome onstage. After the duet, Maria thanked her family and friends for their support before heading offstage. “I’m just really grateful to all of you.”

The young singer popped out again during the encore, joining Gaga for a final dance. At a news conference after the show, Aragon said the dance was spontaneous and hadn’t been rehearsed. “She got me all pumped up and she made me so comfortable, so I just started dancing,” Maria said. “It was for the crowd.”

The self-taught musician said she was comfortable onstage, but the whole experience was a bit overwhelming. “Lady Gaga is really big and she’s so amazing,” the Winnipegger told reporters after the show. “Being supported how she was supported up there made me feel really great.”

Maria’s catapult to fame began last month after she posted to YouTube a simple video of herself singing and playing keyboard to “Born This Way.” Gaga herself viewed the video and shared it with her millions of Twitter followers, noting: “Can’t stop crying watching this. This is why I make music. She is the future.”

Super Junior to promote Korean food overseas

Super Junior have been named goodwill ambassadors for traditional Korean cuisine.

The Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said the group was a natural choice as the members are so passionate about Korean food that they carry it with them all the time even while they're touring overseas.

Minister Yoo Jeong-bok said, "In a way, Super Junior are like one of the best Korean foods bibimbap (rice with mixed vegetables and meat) or gujeolpan (a platter of nine delicacies) which combine a variety of ingredients to create a delicious taste, as each member of Super Junior has his own unique character."

By linking Korean food with the band's rising popularity throughout Asia, its appeal can be heightened further around the world, he added.

Chosun Ilbo

Hyun Bin and Kim Sung Oh reunite for SAMSUNG's "Smart TV"

‘CEO Kim’ Hyun Bin and ‘Secretary Kim’ Kim Sung Oh indulged in their bickering “Secret Garden” relationship once more for a fun advertisement CF with Samsung’s Smart TV.

Samsung Electronics specially cast the two actors due to the popularity of the drama, and because of unending requests from fans hoping to see the characters together again. Focusing on their hilarious drama relationship, Samsung produced two CFs under the theme, “The difference between the sky and the ground.” Fit to his character, Hyun Bin can be seen stressing the importance of luxury and the modern to Kim Sung Oh.

Samsung’s representatives revealed, “No matter what TV the Samsung Smart TV is put up against, its features will distinguish itself from all. The Smart TV will be working hand-in-hand with the charms of actor Hyun Bin, who is also one of the top actors of our time.”

*shouts happily* Omo! I LOVE you, SAMSUNG! This a perfect gift for fans [like me] who just can't seem to let go of the "Secret Garden" disease. Hyun Bin-ah, you're killing me! Secretary Kim, you had me at hello!^.~

AKP / Video: xStarcandii

Super Show 3: A success in the making!

Korean boy band Super Junior lived up to its promise and hype as its members delivered another successful concert for Filipino fans last Feb. 26 at the jampacked Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Super Junior’s “Super Show 3: The 3rd Asia Tour” Manila leg was nothing short of spectacular, from the massive stage and giant screens to the wonderful numbers performed by the boy band Fangirls and fanboys screamed and cheered, waved their banners, and sang with Super Junior, holding aloft their light sticks that turned the coliseum into a sea of sapphire blue.

The Super Junior members who performed at the Araneta Coliseum were Leeteuk, Heechul, Sungmin, Siwon, Donghae, Yesung, Eunhyuk, Kyuhyun, Shindong, Ryeowook, and Henry Lau, member of sub-unit Super Junior-M. Special guest was SM Entertainment's artist, TRAX. The concert opened with Donghae being lifted up from the stage by cables.The boy band sang their hits including “Sorry Sorry,” “Bonamana,” “Twins,” “U,” “A Man in Love,” “No Other,” “Hate You Love You” and “In My Dream.”

As both the band and the fans reeled happily from the concert, Super Junior-M member Henry Lau gave a shout-out to the Filipino fans who watched the show. “Had a blast in the Philippines! You were all AWESOME! Thank you so much! Hope to be back soon!” he tweeted after the concert.

Heechul also tweeted to thank the Philippines. “Manila! Feel so good! I really love u! My body didn’t feel good but Philippines’ cheers made me feel better,” he posted on Twitter.

Super Junior made sure that fans were not only able to watch them sing but get up close and personal as well. Members interacted with fans, and leader Leeteuk gave a shirt to a lucky female fan. There were funny moments, too, notably Heechul impersonating Lady Gaga together with Donghae, Eunhyuk and Shindong, who all came out dressed as ladies. Siwon also did fans a service by performing a number shirtless, showing his well-sculpted body to the delight of the audience.

Fans noted highlights and memorable scenes at the concert. For Marquez, whose favorites are Kangin and Kyuhyun, “My favorite would be the part where Heechul went to our side and got the Kangin mask from me. He used it during his solo and gave it back to me. I was really touched. I actually cried,” she said. Super Junior member Kangin is currently serving in the military and was unable to join the Manila concert.

Francisco, who is a huge fan of Donghae, said her favorite moment was the “Rinaldo” song. "It was when all ELFs cried because we miss Kangin and also when Henry said Philippines is the loudest [crowd],” she said.

The Super Show 3 is already over but fans are still talking about the great concert experience. A day after the concert, Super Show 3 in Manila was still a trending topic on Twitter. In fact, fans are already talking about Super Junior’s Super Show 4 next year. Super Junior had a great impression of the Philippines based on the cheers and support of the thousands of fans who filled the Big Dome.

Manila Bulletin / Thank you to all the rightful owners of the pictures above!