FT Island's Song Seung Hyun Seen Sporting a Ring

FT Island Performing "I Hope You'll Be My Bride" (to the tune of "We Hope to Be Lovers") at the "wedding" of vocalist Lee Hong Ki to actress Fujii Mina

In a previous post, I mentioned that FT Island's maknae had confessed that he was in a relationship.

Now, I hope I'm not starting a rumor, but recently, I had seen him sporting a very simple gold band....on his right hand. Haha, thought that I was gonna say "left"?

Most jewelry on idols nowadays range from as simple as a necklace or bracelets to something outlandish as spiked headbands. (I'm definitely thinking of Hong Ki as I'm writing this.) But nothing speaks more or is more noticeable than a 반지 (panji/ring).

There it is! Can you see it??

During the 8th episode of the reality couple show, "We Got Married Global", you can see Seung Hyun with a ring on his right ring finger. Aww, could this be a tribute to his "significant other"? One can surely hope so.

So sweet Seung Hyun!

~Chai

Source: We Got Married Global YouTube

FT Island's Song Seung Hyun the Musketeer!

Song Seung Hyun as the Young d'Artagnan

En garde! And prepare to defend yourself against the charms of FT Island's maknae, Song Seung Hyun as he embarks on his newest musical, "The Three Musketeers".

Japan will be re-booting this classic onstage and Seung Hyun has been cast as one of the leads playing the young swashbuckler d'Artagnan August 8th through 24th.

Song Seung Hyun is showing that he has more than just guitar playing skills. He's surprised fans, including myself, with his sweet singing voice and his acting skills. He finished promotions for his last musical, "Jack the Ripper" earlier this year and it seems like he is on the rise as a musical star. Looking forward to hearing only great things about him!

Don't forget to parry Seung Hyun!

Source: AllKpop

FT Island and CNBlue Invited to Summer Sonic 2013

CNBlue (top): Jung Shin, Jong Hyun, Yong Hwa, Min Hyuk
FT Island (bottom): Seung Hyun, Jae Jin, Min Hwan, Hong Ki and Jong Hun

Summer Sonic. One of the biggest concerts of the summer. And FNC Entertainment groups CNBlue and FT Island have been selected as the South Korean representatives to perform at the Summer Sonic concert in Japan on August 10th and August 11th.

These two groups are actively promoting their own concerts and tours. CNBlue is currently on their "world" "Blue Moon" tour and FT Island has just released another Japanese album and are promoting their "Freedom" and "Take FT Island" tours this summer. And this is only the top of their busy schedules as they are all in the midst of their own individual activities. CNBlue's Jong Hyun will be promoting a new drama (rumour has it), FT Island's Lee Hong Ki just wrapped up his new movie, "Passionate Goodbye" and reality TV show, "We Got Married Global". FT Island's bassist, Lee Jaejin, is currently promoting his new musical, "High School Musical" and guitarist Song Seung Hyun has recently been cast in yet another musical, Japan's version of "The Three Musketeers"!

But, as they say, they have to strike it while it's hot to have snatched up this opportunity! This is quite an honor since they will be performing with a lineup of superstars such as Muse (A favorite of FT Island's Jong Hun), Linkin Park and rock/metal legend, Metallica.

You can start searching for Summer Sonic tickets here. But be forewarned, the July 11th show is already sold out. Good luck!

Source: Soompi.com, photo credits to their rightful owners.

FT Island On Seven City Japan Summer Tour

FT Island (l to r): Song Seung Hyun, Lee Jaejin, Choi Minhwan, Lee Hong Ki and Choi Jong Hun

If I lived in Japan, I would be extremely excited. But since I don't, I'm just excited and I must admit a little bit jealous of fans in Japan!

Korean K-PopRock group FT Island has begun their Japan promotions for their "FREEDOM" tour in Japan. Their seven city tour will also include cities that they haven't visited before and they seem super excited. 

They say they will be showing off different genres and not just the "flower rock" they've become to be known for. What is "flower rock"? I know they have a song titled "Flower Rock". Anyone? Anyone? Songs off of their newly released Japanese album will be performed including the title track "Freedom", "Orange Sky" by Lee Hong Ki and "Hold My Hand" by leader Choi Jong Hun.

It seems though that the weather is not cooperating with them. FT Island vocalist Lee Hong Ki tweeted this afternoon that it is raining! Oh no! Those fans in Japan better get some slickers and umbrellas!

Following this tour, FT Island will go on tour promoting their "Take FT Island" concerts in the late summer. Tours upon appearances and musicals for members Lee Jaejin, Song Seung Hyun and Choi Minhwan, this band is really keeping busy!

On another note, CNBlue fans in the Philippines are welcoming FT Island's label mate over there for a stop on their tour! (Double jealous!)

~Chai out

Source: Lee Hong Ki's Twitter,  CNBlue Twitter, KPop Starz, and various news sources

Eyes On FT Island's Lee Jaejin in New Musical

FT Island Bassist and Vocalist Lee Jaejin in Korean version of High School Musical.

Lee Jaejin is working hard to tone his singing, acting and basketball skills in his new musical, "High School Musical". He has been cast in the male lead as "Troy". His label mate, and AoA member ChoA, has been cast in the female lead as "Gabriella".

If this is anything like the American version, High School Musical is about a group of teenagers trying to find a place for themselves in their school and personal lives. For instance, Jaejin's character, Troy, is an all-star basketball player who seems a shoe in into a great basketball school with full scholarship. ChoA's character Gabriella is a sweet kind of nerdy girl who is very shy. When they meet, they find a common bond between them, music. Their bond helps to break down all the social perceptions between cliques at their school, bringing everyone closer. It's a real feel good musical with great music. My favorite songs (personally) were: "Start of Something New" and "Breaking Free". Hmm...I feel like singing those now!

During it's run in the U.S., Disney made a killing on the soundtrack, apparel, spinoffs (into two other movies), toys and memorabilia. The original movie skyrocketed then real life sweethearts, Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens, into fame and mainstream culture.

From what I can see, they have all the essentials for a success here. Cute leads and from what I've read from different sources, they've kept some, if not all, of the original songs from the original movie. What I want to know is... can Jaejin dance?? FT Island members are known for their looks and their singing and playing abilities, but not their dancing!

All I can say is that Jaejin's voice is perfect for the role of "Troy". His sweet mid-tone range is sure to make any girl swoon. Jaejin, hwaiting! Saranghaeyo! 

The musical will premiere on July 2nd at the Blue Square Samsung Card Hall in Seoul and will run till the 1st of September.

~ Chai

Source: AllKPop

(I don't own any images. All right go to their rightful owners)

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

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

End of Year Special Stages

Be on the lookout for content to come out on the web on the end of year specials by each broadcast network. I believe KBS is doing a Road to Faith special with FT Island and Juniel amongst other artists that will be broadcast on December 31st.

And, the MBC Gayo Daejun will feature FT Island, CN Blue and Juniel performing Bruno Mars' "Just the Way You Are".

It sucks that most of the world can't watch it live, but we're still looking forward to it!

Source: Primadonna Indonesia's Twitter

Hong Ki's Festive Nail Art

Long-time buddies Lee Hong Ki of FT Island and Heechul of Super Junior got couple nail designs to celebrate the upcoming holiday. Hong Ki loves to decorate his nails. He loves to go to nail salons period. It stuck with him ever since FT Island released their song, "Hello Hello". If you ever watch that video, he uses his hands a lot during the chorus. He's often said in interviews that his hands become the focal point when he's on stage.

Photo courtesy Lee Hong Ki's Twitter

Going along the same lines(I know that Green Tea will be interested too), I thought it would be kinda cool to post a couple of videos on nail art design.

Happy holidays and happy decorating!

Santa's Coat Nail Art Theme

Glitter Snowflakes and Snowmen Theme

(Videos courtesy of "Lenysea". She has a bunch of other videos on nail art, check those out along with videos from "IHaveACupcake" as well.)

Where Did FT Island's Lee Jae Jin Go on Twitter?

That's the question I am posing to all of you.

He was on my very short list of people I follow and he's not showing up anymore.

Does anyone know if he closed his Twitter account and why?

I really like him, he's not my fave out of all of them. But he has a nice voice.

His Twitter handle was @saico011. Anyone?

MAMA 2012 Results

Here's a list of last nights winners. Congratulations to all winners and nominees!


Best Female Rookie : Ailee

Best Solo Dance: PSY

Best Male Group: Bigbang

Best Female Group: Sistar

Best Asian Awards: Wang Lee Hom
AKB48 (Japan)
Agnes (Indonesia)
Sarah Geronimo (Philippines)
My Tam (Vietnam)
Taufik Batisah (Singapore)
Li Yuchun (China)

MNET PD's Choice: B.A.P

Best Collaboration: Trouble Maker

Best Male Dance: SHINee

Best Female Dance: f(x)

Best Vocal Performance Solo: K.Will

Best Vocal Performance Group: Davichi

International Favorite Artist: PSY

Best OST : Eunji & Seo In Guk "All for You"

Best Band Performance: Busker Busker

Best Male Rookie: Busker Busker

Best Female Solo: IU

Best Music Video: PSY "Gangnam Style"

New Asian Artist: EXO
New Asian Artist (Thailand): Natthew
New Asian Artist (China): TimeZ

Style In Music: Gain

TVB's Choice Award: Joy Yuen

Guardian Angel/ Worldwide Performer: Bigbang

Best Rap Performance: Epik High

Best Male Artist: GD

2012 MAMA LINE Award: Super Junior

Best Global Group Female: Kara

Best Global Group Male: Super Junior

International Artist Award: B.o.B

Artist of the Year: Bigbang

Album of the Year: Super Junior "SFS"

Song of the Year: PSY "Gangnam Style"











Source: hallyu8.com

Calling All K-Pop Fans for MAMAs!

The voting for the 2012 MAMAs (Mnet Asian Music Awards) are still going. This is one of the biggest music events of the year!

Go and vote for your favorite artists! Especially these below!

If you're an FT Island fan, vote for them in the "Best Band" category and "Song of the Year" category.

If you're a CNBlue fan, please vote for them in the "Best Global Group- Male" category.

If you're an f(x) fan, vote for them in the "Best Global Group- Female" and "Best Dance Group- Female" categories.

Super Junior is also up for "Best Dance Group- Male" and "Artist of the Year"!

Go and vote! Let them know you love them by supporting them!

http://mama.interest.me/visite?s=1352106514736

Voting ends midnight on 11/28/12. Go and vote!

~Chai

FT Island's Seung Hyun Is In a Relationship

Sorry Primadonnas! Looks like Song Seung Hyun (aka Song Sari) is off the market! (At least for now)

Song Seung Hyun
(Photo Credit to Rightful Owners)

He confessed on the show, "All the K-Pop", very flustered they say since he was put on the spot by his hyung Hong Ki, that he is currently in a relationship! That Lee Hong Ki, he really is a trouble maker! (LOL, no wonder I love his so much!)

But relax, all of the other members are single, for now. So if you had/have a bias for Seung Hyun, perhaps fans may want to focus on the other lonely members.

I had to laugh at the article that AllKpop put out not too long ago about this. The comments referenced their most recent single, "I Wish" in the article saying that finally one of the members is no longer "lonely lonely". LOL!

Take heart die hard FT Island fans, and lets wish Seung Hyun and his new love happiness.

Source: AllKpop

2012 MAMA voting Update

Is everyone voting??

Well, I must have been blind.  My previous post says that voting ends November 22nd.  It's actually November 28th, midnight.

Are your favorites in the running?  So far I have most of my favorite groups winning.  Super Junior leading in Best Male Dance Group and Song of the Year.  Shinhwa leading in Best Male Group and Artist of the Year. TVXQ leading in Best Global Group.  FTIsland leading in Best Band (Chai should be happy).

Also, are you a pretty girl?  MAMA is having an event for only who think they are pretty (very subjective, I think).  You need to sit in front of the computer and sing B.O.B and Bruno Mars' song Nothing on You.  Winner's video will be broadcasted on the live show and will win a signed CD and TShirt of a Super K-Pop Star.  Comb your hair and put on a pretty blouse and belt it out.  You may win.  Event Ends on November 24th.  Here's the site for more details: Beautiful Girl Singing Contest

Don't forget to vote for the MAMAs: 2012 MAMA voting

VOTE VOTE VOTE!!!

Stars Getting a Start on the Holidays

It's not even Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) yet, but some stars are getting into the holiday spirit already.

Like... Actor Song Seung Hun and FT Island's leader, Choi Jong Hun.

On their Twitter accounts, they posted holiday themed pics.

Seung Hun shared a photo of himself next to a lit tree. While Jong Hun changed his profile pic to a picture of himself against a snowflake background and a few red ornaments.

They make me love the holidays even more. ~Chai

FT Island to Release New Japanese Album November 28th

Yay! First, their 4th full length Korean album, "Five Treasure Box" and now their 9th Japanese album, "Polar Star", which will come out on November 28th.

I am very happy when I see a group that I like being productive. Not only do you see more of them during promotions, but if you're like me and live for new music, you get to listen to something different!

A teaser for their music video, "Polar Star", has already been released. And there's been articles saying that this is another album the members themselves have composed the tracks. Artists actually writing and making the music, how awesome is that? No wonder I love these guys!

The song "Fallin' For You" is composed by bassist Lee Jae Jin, who wrote about a man who wants to be close to his love. Hmm, is this a hint to the girl that dropped him because she couldn't trust him?

Another song, "Beautiful World" is composed by leader and lead guitarist, Choi Jong Hun, who wrote about a man who looks on lovingly at his love. Ah, perhaps another hint towards the ex-girlfriend who suddenly went MIA (missing in action).

These two...I have to say that heartbreak agrees with them. It must have been hard for the both of them, but it looks like they found creative outlets for their emotions.

I can't wait to hear the full album. The sneak preview that they currently have online is not enough!

Source: Yahoo (I do not own the video, credit to Warner Music Japan)

Lee Hong Ki Wants to Do Music His Way

FT Island Vocalist Lee Hong Ki

On the KBS show, "Do Dream", Lee Hong Ki expressed that "The music I want to do and the music that the general public likes are different."

I would just like to say, that not everyone agrees with that sentiment. Not everyone likes the mainstream stuff. I, for one, get bored of hearing the same types of songs over and over. That's why FT Island has become so popular, their sound is different! They're not dance pop techno dolls. And that is awesome! Some of the biggest hits in music have come from artists that went against the mainstream likes. 

Now, whether or not that is possible is a different story. One of the drawbacks to being a star under contract is that you are limited by your contract. If FNC Entertainment says that he has to sing whatever they put in front of him, well, sorry, so sorry Lee Hong Ki.

I hope he will be able to come to a compromise with his agency if that's the case. And I hope he trusts fans, like myself, to be our own judge of good music.

Source: KpopStarz

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

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

FT Island's Jong Hoon Gets Outdoors

I wanted to share this because I absolutely fell in love with this photo of FT Island's Leader, Choi Jong Hoon.

He tweeted from his personal Twitter today that he was out "climbing". Not sure if this is the direct translation or an English equivalent because he definitely does not look like he's breaking a sweat. Lol!

Courtesy Choi Jong Hoon's Personal Twitter

He looks so stylish as he's adjusting his hat in the sunlight. But what is up with the jacket? Is the weather that cool in South Korea now that he needs to keep warmer? He's wearing long pants too!

FT Island's cool leader pretty much looks good in everything he puts on. So it's no surprise he looks good even while he is outdoors.

What a cutie!

Chai out...