Shinwha Broadcast

As my Shinwha obesession continues...I must make this plea and hopefully someone will listen.  Hopefully Shinwha Company.

For those of you who doesn't know who Shinwha is, they are a boy group that debuted in  March 1998.  They have six members, Eric Mun, Lee Minwoo, Kim Dongwan, Shin Hyesung, Park JunJin and Andy Lee.      

They are the longest Korean idol group that stayed together and didn't have any member leave or added anyone either.  Four years ago, Shinwha took a break for the members to fullfil their Korean duties and one by one joined the army or do individual activities.  In 2012, finally, the last member ended their enlistment and the group had a comeback.

In addition to their comeback song "Venus", they have a variety show called Shinwha Broadcast.  I've watched the first few episodes and some in between.  And I have to say, this is the first show that several times laughed so hard I had to pause or rewind it because I couldn't stop laughing.  And this is for every episode I've watched so far.

Now I don't want to get any accounts in trouble but I think in the end it will benefit Shinwha.   I've been watching Shinwha Broadcast (with English Subs).  What I'm upset about is that I can't find all the full episodes online.  Never mind that I need it subbed in English.  I could watch it and still laugh without understanding three fourths of what they say.

 I need to get all the non-Korean speaking Changjo to plea to Shinwha to have the show officially online somewhere so I can watch it.  I've read complaints of where are the next episodes.

Who's with me?!?!?!  Like this.  Forward this.  Let's get the broadcast out so we can expand their fandom.  Or if it is already online somewhere, can someone let me know?

All I'm doing is re-watching the same videos over and over.

Drama "Reply 1997"

Now I'm watching a popular drama, Reply 1997 or Answer Me 1997.  It's about a girl Sung Si won who is a huge fan of H.O.T. and she's obsessed with them when she was in high school. It shows her and her friends in 2012 at a reunion and flashes back to when they were coming of age in high school in 1997.

Even though I didn't live in Korea, the flash back bring back memories of the style of clothes and hair that happened not only in Korea but in the U.S. too.  Cassette tapes, walkmans, Tamagochis, baggie clothes and I'm only on episode 8.  

What is really entertaining to me is her obsession with H.O.T.  For a while last year, I too, was obsessed with H.O.T. and looked up the music videos and replayed it over and over again.  I loved Candy.  I wanted the song and I couldn't find it on iTunes, Amazon.com or YesAsia.com.  I was so upset.

Even if you don't know who H.O.T. was, you'll enjoy it. Chai, who vaguely knew of them because of me, liked the drama and told me to watch it.  Watching the drama again with me was a whole new level.  Because I watched the music videos, I had pointed out things Chai didn't catch because she didn't know them.  I think it became more hilarious because I squealed and got all excited when the songs played and I recognized H.O.T. references.

Tony An makes a few appearances in the drama.  Also a couple of characters in the drama are from the H.O.T.'s rival group SechsKies.  They play a couple of high school boys who are friends of Si Won.  Hoya, a member of boy group Infinite, is also in the drama.

Find and watch the drama.  So far it's fun to watch.  ~gt

Reloading the Candy MV. Watch and enjoy HOT.

Video Uploaded by misquesie

Photo source: Korean Drama.org

FT Island's Choi Min Hwan in Gwanghwamun Sonata

Choi Min Hwan in Gwanghwamun Sonata
Photo Courtesy Tumblr

FT Island's not often seen, but obviously heard drummer, Choi Min Hwan, will be flexing his musical acting chops.

Min Hwan has been cast in the musical "Gwanghwamun Sonata" in which he will be playing a director named "Jiyong". His character has a very bright personality, very much like Min Hwan's so this role should suit him very well. Maybe he will be called on to do a few of his famous "aegyo" onstage?

I wish him the best! Especially since he sounds nervous about being onstage in front of people. Even though he is a musician, he's almost always in the background, and of course it doesn't help that this is his debut.

The musical will run from November 10th through January 2013.

Source: AllKPop

SBS K-Pop Super Concert 11/10/12

Fans of K-Pop in the USA, you have a chance to be a little more than an ocean away from your favorite K-Pop idols.

The once delayed concert will now be held on November 10th at Irvine, California's Amphitheater.

It looks like the acts have not changed:
Girls Generation
KARA
4 Minute
CNBlue (Squeal!)
BEAST
SISTAR

VIP Fan Meet is on a first come first served basis and Non-VIP Raffle is the luck of the draw.

It is on right now!

Get it while you can!

Click here for more ticketing information.

CNBlue Wraps Up Japan Tour

CNBlue, CNBlue, CNBlue! I can't get enough of CNBlue!

First, these guys jet to London, then they're off on tour in Japan. And in between, they're doing their own separate activities. Drummer Min Hyuk accomplished his drama "You Who Rolled in Unexpectedly", bassist Jung Shin wrapped up a drama of his own, and Jong Hyun received thumbs up for his role in "A Gentleman's Dignity". (Yong Hwa was busy working on musical activities)

On their recent Japan concert tour, "Come On", they drew more than 100,000 fans in all to their venues. And each time they rocked the house down. Fans are already asking when they're come back is.

These guys have about as much energy as jumping jalapeno jellybeans! No wait, they're like the Energizer bunny, they keep going and going and going.

I'm cheering these fellas on and I hope they continue to do good work!

Treat yourself to a pic of the group after one of their concerts on tour. Unfortunately, I can't post it due to technical difficulties. But you can go ahead and click the link below.

Chai out~

Source: AllKpop

SMTown's I AM, the movie

A little late but I just saw I AM, the movie from SM Entertainment at the HIFF.  Go and see it, if....

If one of your favorite idol group is either Super Junior, SHINee, TVXQ, Girls Generation, f(x), Kanta or BOA and you have never gone to any of their concerts.  Actually, you should see it on the big screen if you haven't seen their concerts.  It shows some of their concert performances of their popular songs and it is like being at their concert. Plus, you get up close shots of their performances.  It helps if you sit a little back and you have a bunch of fans in the first six or seven rows screaming when the group performs on stage.  It's like being in the front row at a real concert.  It felt amazing.

If you're a fan of any of those groups, then you should see this movie. You get to see their pre-debut days and how they auditioned and practiced.  They were so young, normally around 14-15 yrs old.  They are interviewed and they explained how they felt auditioning, performing and practicing.  There were times I got all teary eyed because of how hard they practiced and how much they love their families and the sacrifices they made.

If you're into Kpop, then you should see this movie.  I would think in any of the Korean groups or idols in any of the companies feel the same way,auditioning and practicing in a similar fashion.  Watching them and listening to them is a little heartbreaking.  It really made me appreciate all the hard work they have done.

One thing I felt sad about was Kangta and Boa.  When they appeared on screen, there weren't any screaming fans in the theatre for them.  They were popular back in the day.  I discovered H.O.T. just last year, so I pretty much knew about Kanta.  I knew of BOA just because she's in the SM company and I recognized the name.  I hope the fans went home to look up Kanta.  I believe H.O.T. was the reason why Kpop groups continued on until today.

I would love to go and see the movie again.  The DVD and Blu-ray box set was released on Oct 3rd. I think it's a set I would love to own and if you're a fan you would too.

Source: SHINee Forum International
Photo: Korean Updates

Hardworking FT Island

In a tweet late yesterday, FT Island's lead vocalist, Lee Hong Ki tweeted:

“Huh?? Oh, yeah, that’s right. I’ve called everyone over and we’re writing a song together”

Along with an image of two members (Lee Jae Jin working on the computer in the foreground and Song Seung Hyun in the background with his guitar) This sent fans speculating as to if this meant that the group is already working on a new song together. The are currently promoting their 4th Korean album, "Five Treasure Box", and their title track, "I Wish".

It seems that these hardworking guys are not taking a breather at all. Then again, in order to keep awareness/interest of fans, artists and their agencies are always trying to push themselves to put out new music. Always composing, always writing, always promoting. (Gee, that should be a mantra for all groups. Kekeke.)

On another note, fans were also wondering why Seung Hyun was shirtless. I don't think it's brain surgery folks. The guy is obviously not in public, he is trying to work comfortably. I mean, for pete's sake, Jae Jin there in the foreground is wearing pajamas!

All I know is that I can't wait for these guys to come up with something else. I love to listen to their music. Their vocals, their instrumental sounds are different from everything else in K-Pop culture. 

Keep working hard fellas! FT Island, hwaiting!!

Source: AllKpop, Lee Hong Ki's Personal Twitter

Shinwha's 14th Anniversary Special DVD

So my recent obsession has been Shinwha.  Ever since their comeback this year with their songVenus, I've been hooked.  They were gone for 3-4 years to do individual activities and to fulfill their military obligations.  Now they are back!

Recently, they have come out with their 14th Anniversay Special DVD "The Return."  It will be released on October 30th (the pre-sale is this Friday).  It will have 2 DVDs and a Photobook.  One of the DVD is a documentary of "The Return" and the second DVD has the making of the Venus MV and clips of all 6 members, Eric, Minwoo, Dongwan (my bias), Hyesung, Junjin and Andy.

I've known of them several years ago when I heard a Kpop mix that included a Shinwha song, but I was into Baby Vox, SES and FinKLE at that time.  Then a couple of years ago I saw a program, We Got Married, which one of the featured couples included Shinwha's maknae Andy Lee and his "wife" Solbi.  They were a cute couple and he was a great "husband." I watched his season because Kim Hyun Joong, leader of SS501, was in the same season and ended up liking the AnSol couple as well.

Then Junjin, another member of Shinwha, also participated in We Got Married. I wasn't really into that couple because his "wife" was weird.  She was cute but she just acted too creepy, almost like her character in Boys Before Flowers, but not that creepy.

So fast forward to 2012.  After watching the Shinwha's comback performances, I love Venus.  Then I found some Shinwha Broadcast videos.  I got to know all six personalities.

I watched the Shinwha Broadcast because SHINee guest on a couple of episodes.  I got hooked on watching whatever videos I could find because Shinwha is hilarious group of guys.  No...men.  They are men and pretty good looking funny men at that.

If you can find it, watch it.  I've never cracked up so much watching a Korean variety show.  I wish Shinwha would put the series on their YouTube account with English Subs.  ~gt

Source: Shinwha Company

HIFF showing of Shanghai Calling

Daniel Henney has a new movie out called Shanghai Calling.  Daniel is most noted for being a K-Drama actor as well as acting in a short U.S. TV series in the called Three Rivers.

On a side note: Daniel will be reunited with fellow Three Rivers co-star Alex O'Loughlin.  Daniel will guest star on Hawaii 5-0 with Alex, who stars as Steve McGarrett.  The episode will air in November.

HIFF first viewing of Shanghai Calling was on Friday, Oct 12th.  The movie is a light romantic comedy that mostly takes place in Shanghai.  Daniels plays Sam, a NY lawyer being sent to Shanghai for an assignment.  As when he first started acting in K-Dramas he barely spoke any Korean.  Well, Daniel didn't speak any Chinese either.  The movie is mostly in English with some english subtitles.  He is suppose to play an American Chinese but I can't get over the fact that he is Korean, probably because I've always known him to be a Korean actor.

I really enjoyed the movie and I must say it was way better than his Korean romantic comedy, Seducing Mr. Perfect.  I would actually buy the DVD and watch it again.

Daniel Henney and Daniel Hsia, the director, made an appearance after the show.  They had a Q&A, where fans could ask questions to both Daniels and could win a t-shirt from the movie.

His fan club, Hermosa International, even had a brief meet and greet with him.  He was very accommodating, friendly, charming and very tall.

Go see Shanghai Calling if you can.  Click here to visit Shanghai Calling site.  Here's the trailer.

Video: Uploaded by Shanghailicious

FT Island Wins Lawsuit

K-PopRock band FT Island filed a lawsuit against cosmetics company, Baviphat, earlier this year.

After reviewing both sides, it looks like FT Island was in the right and Baviphat in the wrong.

Claims by the group and their agency say that Baviphat used the members images in products outside of the scope of their contract. The contract prohibited promotions of any Baviphat products that the group had been endorsing outside of Korea. Baviphat didn't heed that part of the contract and marketed products all over Asia. Busted!

It's a big no no to break a statement like that in a contract. And what's worse, Baviphat claims that they are not doing well financially, so the settlement was reduced. Instead of the original $180,000 USD the group members were expected to get, they are getting $36,000.

If Baviphat breaks contracts like they did with FT Island, it's no wonder they're not doing well financially.

Although it's not the amount they were hoping for, I'm glad FT Island got something out of it. No artist/group should be taken advantage of.

Source: AllKpop

1 Million Followers for Jaejoong!

Wanted to send a quick congratulations to JYJ's Jaejoong!

He is one of the distinguished few that has hit the 1 million followers mark on their Twitter account. Another known K-Pop idol to have reached this status is Super Junior's Siwon.

Jaejoong seems to be enjoying heightened celebrity status with his promotions with JYJ and especially after coming off of his drama, "Time Slip Dr. Jin" in which he played military officer Kim Kyung Tak. He didn't get the girl in the drama, but he certainly has many adoring female fans!

Follow him too!

Source: AllKpop

SHINee's Social Game Part 2

The "SHINee My Love" game is being released today along with the Dazzling Girl single.  The CD is out but no MV yet.

The Social Game is out.  There is a free registration from mobage.

This is the story line:  The Hero, you, working for SME joined the Entertainment Department.  You get a call one day from the president of SME.  You have a project, she/he is to scout for artists in Korea to succeed as a group.  You fly to Korea and met Onew, Jonghyn, Minho, Key and Taemin.  You return to Japan with the 5 artists, where members and community life, lessons in debut unfolds. You must follow strict tradition of the entertainment world.  The members look for a lady, love and getting a successful debut.

Here's the access to the free mobile game: Click here.  ENJOY!!

Source: Shinee Japan

SHINee's romance social game

According to SHINee's Official Website, they will or will be releasing a social game called "SHINee My Love" this month.  I couldn't understand the exact release date.

It is being release by mobage.  There's a free Basic Play and a pay-per-item usage.  It's playable on smartphones.

I really don't understand what the goal of the game is but the concept seems to be you're going through their struggle as they debut.  And you get to develop a romance with the member you like.  The translation is a bit odd.

I haven't tried to look for the game on my phone and there's no link to the app.

I don't know if I would download the game.  Although, I would be curious as to what the game looks like.  Would you download the app?  Let me know if you do.

Click here if you want to look at the article.  Maybe you can understand it more than I can.

Source: Shinee Japan

PSY's Seoul Concert for 80,000 Fans

To show his appreciation to his fans, PSY held a free concert in Seoul City Hall for his fans on Oct 4th.  There were about 80,000 fans in attendance.

When PSY performed Gangnam Style, everyone went crazy.  It looked liked every single person there sang and danced along.  He even took off his shirt as he promised in a previous performance.

If you watch the video, it was amazing watching the audience.  Daebak Korea!

Source: Korea.net
Video: uploaded by Gateway to Korea

Shinee's Dazzling Girl Short Ver MV

Omo! How could I have missed this???

EMI Japan released the short version of the video.  October 10th is getting closer.  After listening to the short version, I'm getting excited about the full version.

First off, I love the song.  I, also, love the choreography.  I love the video.  I must say, Key looks the best.  Love his green shirt.  As I said before, Key pretty much can carry off any outfit and look good.  He may not be happy with his looks but he always seems to carry off any look.

It must be the style in Japan now, but it's just odd seeing Onew and Minho in a skirt, especially Minho.  He always seem so conservative.

I'm not rocking the fur and feathers on the jackets but everything else looks great.

Yes, it might be because I just want to watch SHINee but the intro with the girl is too long.

Here's the video from EMI Music Japan.  Enjoy!

TVQX on Live with Kelly and Michael

Wow, first it was Girls Generation on David Letterman and Live with Kelly.  Now TVXQ is on Live with Kelly and Michael.  Well, almost....

Seems like their new song 'Catch Me' was played as the opening song on Live with Kelly and Michael.    

It was background music so you can barely hear it but it's there!  I hope this is a hint of what's to come.  Yunho and Changmin on 'Live'.

Or someone that works on 'Live' is a fan of TVQX.  I wouldn't be surprised since Kpop is very popular around the world.

 Click here to watch 'Live with Kelly and Michael'.  Turn up the volume!

Source: SMTown Staff on Facebook

TVXQ Catch Me Dance Version

I was waiting for TVXQ to have a comeback on Music Bank or Music Core this weekend since their single Catch Me came out, but I haven't seen anything posted.

I did find a Dance Only version where they are in the SM practice room with their clouds background.

First, I got to say, what's with Changmin's outfit?  It's so weird to practice in that.  It's a bit distracting.  It nice watching him dance and hearing him sing.

Then there's Yunho.  Yeah.  He's a dancer.  You can tell by the way he moves, very smooth.  The choreography is very powerful and you could tell that they are trying to convey that.  Yunho looks more effortless than Changmin.

I like how the extra dancers lower Yunho effortlessly and smoothly in the transitions between Yunho and Changmin.  Pretty cool.  I don't think you would be able to notice that in the MV version.

Anticipating their live comeback but in the meantime enjoy the Dance Version of Catch Me from SM Entertainment.