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)

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

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?

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)

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