Romantic and The Idol Season 2 Episode 4

Episode 3 ended with the start of the mid-selections.  Everyone sitting to watch the videos they shot at the aquarium which would show who they like so far.  They only showed Jiwon's selection... Minhyuk.

The start of the 4th episode, sheesh...showed the dinner before the mid-selection.  What a way to prolong the selection. Darn PD.  hahaha.  Then they showed each video.

Jiwon, who was sitting next to Yewon, picked Minhyuk, who looked surprised.  How awkward for Yewon to see that especially when Jiwon started to lean on her giggling and embarrassed.

Eunyeong, picked N. Her video was cute because it looked like she was trying to video behind her and focusing on either Jonghoon then maybe Kevin then N.  Finally it stops at N. He looked really happy.

G.Na picked, of course, Jonghoon.  And Yewon picked Minhyuk.  Jonghoon looked disappointed but he said he wasn't, just flustered.

The guys picks were:

First, Kevin picked Jiwon.  Then N picked Eunyeong  Yea! A real couple who chose each other. Next is Jonghoon who picked, who else? Yewon.  Finally, Minhyuk picked Yewon.

After that, you could expect awkward moments together afterwards. What really struck me as kind of disappointing was a brief interview with Jonghoon.  The PD asked what if he never gets Yewon as a partner. He said that he would stay solo, he doesn't have a second choice.  I hope he has a change of heart later in the show or he'll lose his opportunity in dating different girls, which is the point of the show.

Next morning, Date#4, the sweater selection. The girls selected sweaters and the guys had to choose which style that they liked. Jonghoon, Minhyuk and N all picked the same sweater and had to do rock-paper-scissors to choose the sweater.

N got Jiwon, Kevin got Eunyeong, Minhyuk got G.Na and Jonghoon got Yewon.

The sweater selection finally got the couples all mixed up and they got to experience going out with other people.

G.Na, who had her pride hurt since JH didn't pick her as his mid-selection, wanted to date someone else.  Yewon, said she wanted to date Jonghoon since she liked both Minhyuk and Jonghoon evenly and wanted to date JH once.  Also, I think, her pride was a little hurt because Minhyuk treated Jiwon the same as her.

Minhyuk said that he wanted to try and date all the girls to get to know them more.  I think he has the right idea.  I wish Jonghoon would be less focused on Yewon and be more opened to the other girls.  At one point he even told Minhyuk that he should not be acting so nice and close to each girl or they would get the wrong idea.  It almost sounded like Jonghoon was also telling Minhyuk to pick one now and not lead the others on.  Aish! Isn't this a dating show, where you're suppose to date others and then have a final choice?  Hopefully, the guy and girl pick the same person?

I am getting frustrated with Jonghoon but I can understand where he's coming from.  Hopefully his date with Yewon will get him less obsessed and open up to the other girls.

Kevin, sigh... I hope he learns to date here.  He said that he wasn't disappointed by not being picked by anyone for the mid-selection but I think anyone would be just a little bit disappointed.  It looks like he knows that he needs to improve on his dating skills since he never dated before and he's using this show to learn how.

Well, looks like the raw footage for Episode 5 is out.  I hope the English sub will be out soon too.    Cross your fingers!

Photo source: maniackorea.com

SNSD's Virtural Concert

Did you hear?  SNSD had a virtual concert.  From SMTown Facebook, they gave links to the view the Virtual Concert.  I guess from watching it on a computer, it's no different.  It looks like you got to be there to appreciate the concert.

I watched I Got A Boy performance and it's like watching a Music Bank performance, the only thing is, it looked like the audience wasn't that into it the concert.  You can't hear them screaming or any fanchants.  I like that part of a live performance.  All you see is the smartphones recording the performance.  They do add some CG effects but not much.

One thing I like is that it shows a wide shot of the performance and not just closeups of the members.  It's like watching the dance version.  And I like watching the dance versions of the songs.

Here's the links.  It's from the Naver site. There's also links on SMTown Facebook page. Enjoy!

Dancing Queen Holographic performance: http://tvcast.naver.com/v/31839
I Got A Boy Holographic performance: http://tvcast.naver.com/v/31842
Chat session 'Viewable Radio' 1: http://tvcast.naver.com/v/31845
Chat session 'Viewable Radio' 2: http://tvcast.naver.com/v/31846
Chat session'Viewable Radio' 3: http://tvcast.naver.com/v/31847

Photo:SMTown Facebook

Super Junior's Weibo and K-Pop Smartphone App

***Update***

If you're joining the Weibo, here's Donghae's ID too add:  Donghai1015

I'm guessing it' like a Twitter account.

I'm a bit late on these news but if you haven't heard:

To all ELF, Super Junior fans!  This is from SMTown's Facebook page.  Super Juniors has an official Weibo, where you can get the latest news about them.  I thought you can only get on if you're in Korea but I guess not, now.  Korea is so good at promoting their Kpop and KDramas.  I wish Japan would be good with promoting their Jpop too.

My laptop will translate the registration into English, hope yours will too.  I didn't join yet, but will.

Here's the site: Super Junior's Weibo

One more app news. Google's Genie K-pop App.

This is a global version app for the smart phone.  This will let you listen to the full K-pop song tracks for free before you purchase it.  Unlike Tunes, where you will only hear a minute of the song.  You can also download images and videos at a price.  SMTown is promoting this and will have their SM artists on Genie.  It's available in Google Play.  I think you can install for free but only purchase the song(s) at a price.  They say it's reasonable.

Here's the site where you can read the full description of the app: Google Play Store

Let me know if you joined SJ's Weibo and/or installed the Kpop Genie app.  Tell me how you like it.

Photos: SMTown Facebook and asianfanfics

Romantic and the Idol, Season 2, Episode 3

Episode 3, it's a new day with new partners, date #2.  Hopefully you've watched episode 2.  The first couples were, JongHoon and G.Na, Minhyuk and Yewon, Kevin and Jiwon, N and Eunyeong. Seemed like the first date was a short date since it took a while for the  couples to meet up.

The second "date" selection was based the necklace selection.  Each guy selects a necklace for the girl to pick.  The girls then picks the one she likes.  The third "date" selection was based on the seating arrangements on the bus.  I think it was a more, get to know the others, and ends the 2nd date.  The guys first get to pick which seat they would sit in then gets off the bus.  The girls goes to one of the four seats and waits to see who sits next to her. They will also film a mid-selection, of who they like so far.

For the second date, Jonghoon was funny and a bit tricky.  He had a wine cork on a black nylon string.  He was hoping Yewon would choose it since he likes her.  He mentioned her when they were describing their ideals.  The previous evening he had told Yewon that he had drank a lot and now he hoped that she would remember and pick it.  Unfortunately, it didn't turn out how he wished.

The couples that did not change are Jonghoon and G.Na and Minhyuk and Yewon.

Yewon was really happy since Minhyuk was the person she mentions in the first episode that she likes.  Two days in a row being with Minhyuk and she must be in heaven.  Imagine being on a date with your idol, that must be how she felt. Lucky girl.  I think she's getting a bit too attached to Minhyuk.

N and Jiwon are a new couple as well as Kevin and Eunyeong.  N and Jiwon seemed comfortable with each other on their date until they got to their mission.

Their new mission on this date was to film the guy giving the girl a backhug.  What??? So soon?!?  I think all these couples think all this skinship missions are going way too fast.

Everyone at first seemed so awkward when they heard about the mission and just before they carried out the mission.  Jonghoon and Minhyuk acted like it was a movie project with their partner, giving directions, setting up the camera, scouting out the area to be filmed.  Basically, acted like a PD.  When the actual backhug happened, both couples looked comfortable with each other.

N/Jiwon and Kevin/Eunyeong couples both "chickened out" the first time they attempted to give a backhug.  It was the Kevin/Eunyeong couple that had to do 4 takes before they had one that looked romantic. One of the hugs looked like, as Kevin said, "he was strangling her."

In my opinion, out of the four couples, Minhyuk and Yewon seemed the most natural hugging each other.

After the date all of them went back to the cabin to meet up and head out to the aquarium, but everyone gets to sit with a new partner.  From here they would film their mid-selections at the aquarium.  Jonghoon was again denied to be with Yewon on the bus.  He was paired with Eunyeong, Minhyuk sat with Jiwon, Kevin with G.Na and N with Yewon.

The episode ended with showing each person's mid-selection video to the whole group.  They only showed Jiwon's choice and stopped at Yewon.

Now as I watched the last part of the episode, I had read some of the comments made regarding Jonghoon and G.Na.  They were saying how mean of Jonghoon for "dissing" G.Na when she came up to him and asked him a question and tried to engage him in a conversation.  I say, he didn't completely ignore her, he answered her question and looked back at the fishes.  She stood there and turned away.  I know she probably felt slighted because he didn't spend all his time with her and she is falling for Jonghoon but as Jonghoon said it was a "free date," meaning they are not paired up this time.  He likes Yewon and wanted to spend time with her.  G.Na should have spent the time talking to the other guys and even the other girls too.  Like Yewon, G.Na latched on to Jonghoon as Yewon latched on to Minhyuk.  Not Jonghoon's fault for have G.Na falling for him.  He was always nice to her on their dates even though he wanted someone else.  Which was probably why G.Na was falling for him.  By the way, Jonghoon looks like the oldest guy there but he's not, it's Kevin.  Maybe G.Na should hookup with Kevin, they even sat together in the bus.

I can also see Yewon getting possessive when Minhyuk was paired with Jiwon and Minhyuk was treating her real nice like how he treated Yewon.  Minhyuk fans were saying that's how he is. Always nice and caring to others.  So now, I don't know if Minhyuk really likes Yewon or is just being his nice self.  We just got to wait and see. =)

Wow, this was long. I don't know if I should go into details about the show and spoil it for those who didn't watch yet. I guessing you've all watched it before reading this blog.  Let me know if you want more details on the upcoming episodes or even the first three.  I can always update. =)

Photo: romantic and the idol blogspot

Super Junior - M Break Down

The full version of Super Junior Break Down was released.  Wheee!

This is Super Junior - M, so it's in Chinese.  They also include Henry and Zhoumi, who at some parts in the video reminds me of Siwon.  When I first saw him I thought Siwon was in the video.

I can't get over Eunhyuk's blue hair.  In the video, they toned it down and put white over it.  Why??  Ugh, I don't like either looks.  I wish they would stop playing around with his hair.  He looks perfectly cute with is dark brown/black hair.

They even colored some of the other members's hair blue (Donghae, to match Eunhyuk?? Eunhae shippers must be excited. hahaha) and other colors.  But I've been seeing Eunhyuk with his blue hair in other performances. Sungmin doesn't even look like himself.  It took me awhile to realize it was him.

Enjoy the video.

Video: SMTown YouTube

Hyun Bin and Bae Yong Jun in Honolulu

Bae Yong Jun at a Press Conference Before the Release of the Anime Version of Winter Sonata.

Local newspaper, the Honolulu Star Advertiser, reported that Korean Drama stars Hyun Bin and Bae Yong Jun have been spotted near Waikiki dining at Doraku Sushi and shopping at Ala Moana Center.

Hyun Bin

Hyun Bin has made quite a name for himself with dramas such as "My Name is Kim Sam Soon", "The World We Live In",and "Secret Garden". Bae Yong Jun, although absent from the K-drama scene for a while, is famous for his roles in "Hotelier" and "Winter Sonata".

They are possibly in town for the festivities surrounding the 110th Anniversary of Koreans immigrating to the U.S. Possible, but likely? Or are they in town to warm up from the near freezing weather in Korea right now? Either case, we're welcoming them with open arms!

Does anyone out there have any photos or sightings of them or any other Korean stars in Hawaii? If so, can you please share?

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser (if the whole article doesn't show, it's because you need to be logged in as a subscriber. Yes, totally lame.)

Photo Credits to the rightful owners.

Daniel Henney 1000th tweet on Twitter

On January 9th, Daniel Henney  tweeted his 1000th tweet on Twitter.  He celebrated by doing a twitvid for his followers.  He thanked his fans and spoke in Korean to his Korean fans.  He is probably one of the nicer idol/celebraties on Twitter that I follow and also one of the few Korean idols that tweet in English.  Ok, that's not fair, the other idols are nice too, except they tweet in Korean and I got tired of going to Google translate to understand what they are saying.  I just look at the pics they post.

Granted Daniel was born and raised in the U.S.A. and his first language is English, but I consider him a Korean idol since I first saw him in his second Korean drama Spring Waltz.  He was first noticed in the K-drama My Lovely Sam Soon playing Dr. Henry Kim, who's character doesn't speak any Korean.

After a few Korean dramas and movies he started acting in American movies and tv shows. X-men Origins: Wolverines, Three Rivers (CBS series), Shanghai Calling and recently guested on Hawaii 5-0 (CBS series).

I really enjoy his tweets and pics on Twitter.  In November, he had a Q&A on Twitter on his birthday.  For 30 mins, any of his followers could tweet any question(s) to him and he would answer them.  Suffice to say my two questions were not answered since I was 15 minutes late from the start of the Q&A.  In hindsight, I should have known he would have gotten at least 100 questions in the first 5 minutes from all his followers shooting off a bunch of questions to him.  He was nice enough to go over the 30 minutes to answer more questions.  Disappointed, yes, but I  understand he couldn't answer all the questions.

So far he as 91,654 followers and is trying to get to 100K. You can follow Daniel @danielhenney. Let's spread the Henney love. hahaha!

Here's his twitvid to his followers. twitvid.com/05OG3G 

Source: @danielhenney twitter
Photo: theberry.com

The Romantic and Idol, Season 2

I started watching The Romantic and The Idol, a dating variety show.  The basic premise is getting 8 idols (4 girls and 4 guys) together to go on a date with each other.  They will be together as a group for 4 days and 3 nights on Jeju Island.  It seems like this is the only way they can date openly since most idols can't date openly or date at all.  I believe it's because the company who represent them want to keep the fans happy by keeping them "single."

I had watched the "raw" footage of the show.  Meaning that there were no english subs.  FINALLY, someone subbed Episodes 1 and 2.  It's so much nicer watching it and knowing what they are saying.

Side note: A BIG HUGE THANKS to all the subbers everywhere.  Without you I would never be able to fully enjoy any of the Korean/Japanese shows, dramas and even songs.

Episode 1, introduces the cast.  The girls are G.Na, Yewon from Jewelry, Jiwon from SPICA and Eunyoung from TWO X'.  The guys are Jonghoon from FT  Island, Minhyuk from BTOB, N from VIXX and Kevin from ZE:A.  In this episode, each person will tell their ideal type.  They even named specific idols that they like.  It's funny since their ideals are also on the show.

The only one I knew was Jonghoon from FT Island.  I only heard of G.Na, BTOB and ZE:A but don't really know who they are.  Seems like Yewon acted in Reply 1997 but I don't remember her.  Must watch again and see what character she was.

I gotta say Kevin from ZE:A looks like a young Jo Kwon from 2AM and, I think, it's N from VIXX, he resembles the main guy in Reply 1997, when he smiles.  Yewon, reminds me of someone but I can't remember.  I think Eunyoung is the prettiest of the girls even though all 3 girls thought G.Na was the most sexy and beautiful.  At the interview, they seem intimidated by her stage persona.

Episode 2, the cast gets "coupled."  They are sent to meet their "date" in specific situations.  It looks like they get paired by which situation they pick.  They do a small mission then the couples all meet up to go to Jeju Island and live together.  I'm guessing, each day they get to "date" a different idol in the group.

It's fun to watch them meet, they are so awkward with each other even though they have met before.  Some have admitted to dating before (not each other) but it seems like it's all still new to them.  As they fly to Jeju, they all start to look so comfortable sitting with their new partner for the day.  They all move in to a cute cabin.  You can see them slowly and naturally starting to gravitate to someone else.

Don't know if I should spoil who gets matched.  Nah, you should go and watch it.  I'm not going to link it here since I don't want it to be removed but you can find it on YouTube.  I might later on if it looks okay.


Photo: AsianFanFics

Shinhwa Broadcast - Shinhwa's pets

I only knew about Eric's Gomdori.  The first time I ever saw him was on one of the episodes of Shinhwa Broadcast.  Eric was doing a self cam so he could win one of the challenges.  Gomdori is the cutest puppy ever, I didn't realize he got fluffy.

Now on another upcoming episode celebrating the Year of the Snake, they will be featuring all of their pets.  All the members, except Junjin, got to show their pets on tv as an introduction to the show's guest Lee DongHae (not the Super Junior member), who owes about 50 snakes.

Compared to American male pet owners, they seem completely opposite.  Most men in America seem to own large dogs (ie. Labs, German Shepards, Rottweillers, etc).  These guys have the cutest, fluffiest small dogs ever.  Girly dogs. haha. You gotta love these guys.

I can't wait to see the episode.

Source: Allkpop
Video: JTB ShinhwaShow
Photo: enewsworld.mnet

Rumour Regarding Lee Jae Jin

I've been finding rumours circulating that actress Lee Chae Won and Lee Jae Jin are girlfriend and boyfriend. Please check your online sources as this is FALSE. They are from the same family!


I can't remember which one, but one of the sites it said that they were recruited around the same time with Chae Won entering first as as actress, followed by HER BROTHER, Jae Jin.

This has been floating around the past couple of months, especially after Jae Jin closed his Twitter account (to the dismay of many fans), but wanted to help nip it in the bud. Please check your sources before saying anything.

Thanks!

~ Chai

Super Junior Coming Out With "Break Down"

Super Junior M Teaser Photo

ELF's all over are rejoicing in this new project coming out featuring Super Junior M with the release of their newest album, "Break Down", on January 7th.

It is said that they initially plan on releasing the album through Asian music sights in China and Korea. And it sounds like they will take it from there as far as where to release it next due to popularity.

Get ready and hit up those music spots when it come avaialable!

Source AllKpop

Video Credit to SM Entertainment.

SNSD's Comeback - I Got a Boy

SNSD got a new song, I got a Boy.  For me, like all SNSD songs, it's take a while for me to get use to it.  Initially, it's always "meh" it's okay.

There's a lot of comments saying they are copying 2NE1 or f(x).  I don't know those groups.  In the beginning, it reminded me of No Doubt.  Looks like they are trying to change their image from the innocent, cute girls to a more edgy-er group.  I guess like 2NE1 or f(x), based from their outfits.  They are getting older so I don't see anything wrong with growing out of their "cutesy" image.

I think this songs matches more Hyoyeon, Yuri, Sooyoung and Tiffany's style.  Not so much the other girls.  Which is probably why Sooyoung, Yuri and Tiffany sang at the beginning of the song and not the usual girls.  Too bad there's wasn't more Hyoyeon.

Seohyun still looks so innocent it doesn't match her.  Sunny just looks so odd with all the different hair colors.  Looks like whoever did Hyoyeon's weird hairstyles before moved to being Sunny's hairstylist.

Also, the video cuts bothers me.  It cuts way to fast and too much.  Maybe to match the pace of the song but it still bother's me.

Well, here's their song.  Enjoy. I'm still getting use to it.

Source: SMTown

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Song Seung Heon!

I hope you can view this link.  Song Seung Heon did a New Year's Greeting to his Facebook Fans.

So cute.  I love that he does these greetings for his fans on his facebook fan page.  And YEA! it has english subs.

Here's the link: Song Seung Heon New Year's Greeting

Source: Video and Photo: Song Seung  Heon Facebook.

2013 Happy New Year from Shinhwa!

Cute New Year's greeting from Shinhwa!

Dongwan and Minwoo, so cute.  I didn't realize they were that short.  Dongwan, always my favorite.

Dongwan copying Minwoo clapping.  Andy copying Eric's thumbs up then the tilt of the head. kekeke.

Naughty Eric and Andy, playing around with each other's pants.  Then Eric encouraging Andy to play with Hyesung's pants. You can see the crotch area moving.  hahaha!

Happy New Year's Guys!

May 2013 be a wonderful, playful, fun year for everyone!

Soure: ShinhwaCompany YouTube

Enter 2013!

So, now 2012 is officially over. We've been on here, Blogger, for at least a couple of months. And honestly, it's been fun!

We're seeing that there are others with the same passions we have for Korean pop culture and other things Asian.

Thank you for reading, coming back, and being there to check in on our thoughts. We appreciate your support!

We hope that the upcoming year will bring even more exciting things to talk about.

And we hope you'll stick around.

Gomawo!
Arigato gozaimasu!

And, happy new year!

Ja mata!

~Green Tea and Chai