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 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

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.)

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

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