[Update] KARA’s Jiyoung wants to know if you saw her ‘Dazed and Confused’ photos

KARA‘s Jiyoung made sure to let her fans know that they should check out her latest photo shoot with ‘Dazed and Confused‘ magazine.

She tweeted the photo above with the message: “Have you seen my pictorial in ‘Dazed‘? [Hehe, We all worked hard today].”

The idol, who recently turned 20 in Korea, is also letting fans know she’s not just the cute maknae. Many commented that her selca shows an elegant beauty and that the baby of KARA has now matured into a beautiful young woman.

Fans left messages like, “Beautiful,” “The maknae gets prettier by the day,” and “Makes me look forward to how beautiful she’ll look in the pictorial.”

[Update] MFBTY featured on Billboard

Billboard has featured MFBTY (My Fans Better Than Yours) on its K-pop centric column K-Town.

The hip hop project group, composed of Yoon Mi RaeTiger JK, and Bizzy, were praised for their performance at ‘K-POP Night Out at MIDEM 2013‘ during the Cannes Film Festival. They were also noted for spreading “Korean Hip Hop in France.”

According to Billboard, “Whether or not MFBTY intended to, the group cemented Korean hip-hop as a viable genre that can please anywhere in the world — including MIDEM.” Yoon Mi Rae and Tiger JK were also described as the “Queen of Hip Hop” and the “Korean Jay-Z.”

MFBTY stated that the trio will all be releasing solo albums. In other news, MFBTY’s first single “Sweet Dream” is currently at #13 on Billboard’s ‘K-pop Hot 100′ chart.

[Picture] Let’s Take A Look at Photographer INFINITE’s L’s Photos Collection!

It looks like someone is into photography these days! INFINITE‘s L has been spotted with a camera in his hand and taking photos of especially INFINITE’s members since the showcase of INFINITE H and it looks like he’s enjoying his new hobby.

L has been uploading some photos taken by himself on his Twitter account, so let’s take a look of his photos collection, shall we?

[Concert] T.O.P & his mother guest blog on Naver to reflect on Big Bang’s epic World Tour

Big Bang kicked off their epic journey across the world back in March 2012 for their grand-scale ‘ALIVE‘ world tour. The boys faithfully visited several countries to see their fans for their tour, even while still carrying out other activities such as promoting their album and participating in various solo activities.

We previously reported G-DragonTaeyang, Daesung, and Seungri‘s reflections on their epic World Tour sharing memorable moments and experiences with fans.

Now here is T.O.P’s guest “Star Column” blog post on Naver:

 

Hello, it’s Big Bang’s T.O.P!!

During that time I was going through sort of a busy schedule, while simultaneously doing the Big Bang World Tour and filming ‘Alumni‘, I especially got to greet my domestic fans in a long time. After a few more days, it’s finally the finale! We are waiting for the Korea concert so please anticipate it~

After traveling for the Big Bang World Tour, I think we spent a lot of time inside the airplane. Are you curious on what our members did during our spare time in the airplane? Some members ordered and ate the ramyeon that can be cooked inside the cabin right after entering the plane, watched a movie, and slept. (Especially during long flights, there were a lot of times that I slept to make up for the hours I missed during my movie filming.)

But there is something that all of the members do. We read our fan letters received from our fans at the airport. Although I can’t tell you specific details, when I read the fan letters, they were filled with a lot of content about how they monitor the different stages at each country, support messages, and stories from fans’ daily lives.

It is more entertaining than any book, and when I read the fan letters filled with affection and love, I feel a sorry heart at the thought that I can’t send more love than the love that my fans send me. After I read the fan letters, I receive positive energy from the fans and gain the strength to put on a better show.

On stage when I say my last words, I often say I love you. Honestly, before I go on stage I wonder what I should say… I think a lot about it. Sometimes I say a speech that is prepared beforehand, but when I see the fans, suddenly my heart becomes softened and there are many times when I improvise my honest feelings that I feel at the time. As I see each individual fan when I’m on stage, I want to remember at least one of the light in their eyes and their passionate images. And in my wish to express my feelings, I say things jokingly, but when I say I love you I’m being sincere.^^

Honestly, as we traveled for the Big Bang World Tour there are hardly any memories of us going outside. Especially in some countries, fans gathered all at once and to prevent any accidents, there are many times when we all spent all of our free time at the hotel.

At warm countries, the members would spend an enjoyable time at the hotel swimming pool with the dance team and staff. But since I was filming a movie at the same time, whenever I had remaining time, I would review and practice the script and meet with the director (there are many times when I would hold meetings on the phone.) While doing that, it was to the point that I was so busy that I didn’t realize the time has passed.

During the tour, I who couldn’t barely go outside of the hotel finished the LA concert and flew straight to New York. And although it was short, I was able to enjoy some time to myself. Although there is nothing special about going out, it was an enjoyable time just to go and visit the restaurants that I like. The menu that I recommend is New York’s famous hamburger Shake Shack Burger and Totto Ramen.

I normally have a lot of interest in furnishings so I remember a lot about my time going to furniture stores in New York. When I shop, there were a lot of times that I bought clothes and shoes, but since I have a lot of interest in furnishings, whenever I look at furnishings there I don’t realize that time has passed. (Although I am sorry to my manager who always goes with me..^^;)

There is one other reason why I especially remember New York. Honestly I didn’t arrive in New York by myself, my mom and aunts also came to watch the New York concert and spent time with me. I didn’t get to spend much time with my family while promoting as Big Bang, but during this New York concert I was able to spend a meaningful time with my family. Especially my mom said she had fun eating delicious dinners and riding the horse carriage in Central Park, and my aunts who have a deep interest in art loved visiting the MOMA museum, and said they were touched. After hearing that although I didn’t go myself, I felt the feelings they were sending me so I was happy.^^

I want to share that all of you who came are the reason why we were able to successfully finish this world tour safe and sound. Through this tour, I was reminded once again that there are a lot of people who love us, and as I met fans from each country it became a meaningful time through which I learned and felt a lot. When I see fan letters from foreigners who seem like they don’t know Korea or the Korean language at all write in Korean, and people who shed tears just from seeing us, I was able to realize how big the level of how touched we get from our fans are. Honestly, I was having a difficult time because this tour and my film schedule overlapped, and there were also hardships that I can’t even express. But as I spend time with the fans, I was able to have a time to mature myself.

Note that the film is currently in its last-minute filming!!^^ To meet my fans with upgraded music and image in the future, even though today gets a little difficult and tiring, Big Bang and T.O.P will work harder and do our best. Honestly I want to tell more funny stories, but even during the tour I think a lot about filming the movie so I don’t have any special episodes [to share]. Although I regret that I don’t have any funny stories to share like the other members, I will make an effort to share more stories during the next world tour.^^

Even now I am currently conducting last-minute filming for the movie. Although it was short, it was an opportunity to reflect on the fun memories as I shared past stories so I wanted to share my message of gratitude to Star Column. Goodbye, I have to go film the movie. I ask for your love and support for ‘Alumni’ which will meet everyone soon! (The movie came out very well. hehe)

# T.O.P’s Mother’s Story

Hello, this is Big Bang’s T.O.P, Seunghyun‘s mother. During this vacation in New York, I spent my son Seunghyun’s birthday together, and I also got to go watch Big Bang’s concert.

I was unexpectedly touched in New York by my all-grown up son’s proud image, Big Bang’s concert’s impressive production and experienced a refreshing revelation at the arena. An audience of different demographics including people of different skin color, seniors, and children all became one while singing and dancing along to Big Bang’s songs, and my sons’ bright images on stage still remains in my heart.

Big Bang were so perfect on stage, the refined production, and the emotions felt from the music were a gift. Also with the careful support of my son Seunghyun, we were able to stay in a beautiful artist’s house in Soho and were able to tour a museum which made it an even more happy vacation.

Hwaiting to Seunghyun and the Big Bang members in New York which I left..!! It was a memory that our family will never forget for the rest of our lives and will remain as a touching [memory].

Thank you son♥”

[Events] Photos from Wonder Girls’ Sun’s wedding ceremony revealed + bonus photo with Girls’ Generation

Photos from Wonder Girls Sun wedding ceremony have been revealed.

On January 26th, Sun tied the knot with James Park, becoming the first member out of the current idol groups to get married!

Sun commented, “Marriage to me is a turning point in life and a new start. Since I was little, I liked being on the stage and being a singer so I have kept running towards achieving that until now. However, as time passed, I wondered about what direction my life would take next. And naturally, marriage came about and I think it is a new start as a turning point.”

Check out the beautiful photos from the wedding ceremony below along with a bonus photo with Girls’ Generation members Tiffany, Sooyoung, Seohyun, and YoonA.

[Picture] Jo Kwon and Joo share photos from Wonder Girls Sun’s wedding

Jo Kwon and JOO shared some photos from Wonder Girls‘ Sun‘s wedding!

Jo Kwon posted two photos of 2AM with Sun on his Twitter with the description, “I will pray for you to always be happy. Be happy my dear friend Sunye.

JOO also posted photos on Twitter with the message, “Congratulations on your wedding, unni! I love you ♥♥ Live happily with brother-in-law ㅠㅠ I will send you off~ Hehehe, please congratulate Sunye unni’s wedding *^^*… Kiss~♥.”

Sun had her private wedding ceremony earlier today with her husband James Park.

Congratulations to Sun once again!

[Concert] Seungri guest blogs on Naver and reflects on Big Bang’s epic World Tour + Daesung makes a special appearance

 

Big Bang kicked off their epic journey across the world back in March 2012 for their grand-scale ‘ALIVE‘ world tour. The boys faithfully visited the countries for their tour even as they were busy promoting their album and participated in various solo activities.

After the first day of the finale of their epic World Tour, maknae Seungri himself blogged on Naver, where he reflected and shared his thoughts about the tour.

The following is a translation of Seungri’s guest “Star Column” blog post on Naver:

 

Hello.
It’s Big Bang’s forever maknae~! Seungri. ^O^

I am greeting you like this because I heard we’re revealing the secret(?) stories only we know about the Big Bang world tour through Star Column.
There are so many cities and countries I visited for the first time through our world tour. I’m not going to tell you one story, but I’ll talk about little things that happened in every country.
I’m not trying to win with quantity over quality!! I just have so many fun things in mind, so I want to share them all with you ~^^ 

                                                         It’s the exterior of the Tokyo Dome before the concert. So many fans came ^^

First, we had the 3-dome concert in Japan for the first time this tour. When we arrived at the Dome concert arena and looked around, I remembered our first Japanese concert.

                                                                                                                The inside of the Dome

Before we debuted in the Japanese major market, the first showcase we held was at a small hall near the Tokyo Dome. We performed in front of about 2,000 people back then. When we performed, I thought, ‘It would be great if we could have a Big Bang concert at the Dome arena,’ and I’m so touched and proud of myself that we were able to perform like this!^^

                                                                 Thanks again to the many people who wished me a happy birthday! ^^

Especially the surprise birthday party I had at the Tokyo dome.. ㅠㅠ To be honest, I thought there would be a surprise party at the Hong Kong concert, but I didn’t know there would be one in Japan. I heard that the Japanese staff prepared it for me to cheer me up because I worked very hard, so thank you so much! And I will never forget everyone who congratulated me that day as well.

                                                                                Looking for the candles during the Hong Kong stage ^^;;

Ah~ talking about the birthday party, I remembered something that happened in Hong Kong. When we had the birthday party on stage, the cake was so pretty and big~ I was so happy, and I was going to blow out the candles, but… there were no candles. So I remember repeatedly yelling to give me my candles in bad English~ (I heard later, but apparently there were no candles because they fell while they were moving the cake on stage. ^^)
“Where is my candle!?!? Where is my candle~~~~~!!”

One of the habits I formed from this world tour is to go around the empty concert hall before rehearsal. The different vibe that the empty stage gives me from the stage with a full audience gives me time to promise myself to put on a cool performance once again.
When I walk the empty hall, I meet some of the staff who always work hard for us in places you can’t see.

Was it Singapore? Once, I walked past a staff member as I greeted him, and he called me over. So I asked him what happened, and he said he had something to say. He told me, ‘Seungri~ I’m honored to work as a staff member for a Big Bang concert.’
When I heard that, I went blank, and I was at a lost for words. When I was walking back to the waiting room after exchanging greetings with him, I was once again thankful to the staff who worked hard for our concerts until now.

Actually, we need help from a lot of staff members to have one concert. I think we can always show you a great concert because of the staff who come with us to every country from Korea, the staff on-site who help us, and many others.
I’m sorry I can’t thank everyone personally, but I want to thank everyone who helped us until now through this Star Column.^^
Gomapseumnida. Thank you! Arigato gozaimasu~ Xie xie!! Khob kun krub~ Terima kasih~^^

Since I’m talking about the staff, I remember our personal masseuse, while we had our Japanese Dome tour. (We have a masseuse in each country.)
When I got a massage from him before the concert, my body felt light  as if I was reborn. So the hyungs called him ‘god’s hands’, and I remember we fought to get a massage first.

Let me whoosh~ fly again, go to USA and tell you about USA~
We safely finished our LA and New York concerts in USA as well as our concert in Peru. (I still get really scared when I think about the story about arriving in New York that Daesunghyung talked about ㅠㅠ). I hastily decided that I was going to stay a little longer in LA.
I went to the hotel restaurant the next day to eat breakfast (I like going to a restaurant to eat instead of ordering room service if it’s not dangerous~^^), and someone who I’ve seen often passed me. I was like, ‘Huh? Who is it? Ah!!!!! It’s Ashton Kutcher!!!’

                                                                               One cut with Ashton Kutcher! Hyung, are you doing well?

I was so surprised, I thought about it for a bit and then went up to Ashton Kutcher and told him I was a fan. I had a short conversation with him, and then politely asked if he could take a picture with me. Ashton Kutcher, you’re so cool for agreeing right away! Thank you!
I was always on the receiving end of staring, but now that I’ve experienced being the one who was looking, I thought that when we meet our fans from now on, we should be nicer.

    We’re having a great time at the Malaysian waiting room with the staff. Everyone was happy because of Daesung hyung’s jokes. ^^

You’re really curious about what we do to spend time backstage, right~? I’ll give you a hint~^^

Usually we spend a lot of time eating, chatting, sleeping, working out, or getting a massage.

                                             Daesung hyung is working out intensely before the New York concert. Isn’t he really cool!?

For this world tour, there was a game console in each waiting room, so we spent the entire time just battling each other in games.
Once, Taeyang hyung and I battled, but we played really happily and passionately as if we were pro gamers~.

                                                                                Engrossed in the game with Jiyong, Taeyang hyung!

I don’t know if I won or not (To be honest, I have a pretty good win percentage^^), but you can tell how serious we are through the photo, right~? hehe.

Now~ the last episode of Seungri’s world tour~!!

We heard that there was a flea market every weekend at Notting Hill, a place famous for the movie, near our hotel, so I went with the staff to take a walk. As I walked through the slightly damp London streets (I don’t know how to express it, but I think it was weather that’s particular to London), I was able to relax at least for a bit, and I wondered if I hadn’t been able to feel the happiness of walking because I rode around in a car everywhere.
While I relaxed, I realized I was hungry ^^; So I looked around for somewhere good to eat and found this hamburger restaurant!! (It was really!!!! good~~^^)

It’s a photo that I took myself of Notting Hill Street in England. It was so classy.

When I saw the streets after I ate, I got this want to take pictures~^^ So I’ll reveal the photos I took with my cellphone~ I think the photos came out really cool, so I love them~^^.

                                                                                                              With the English Mos tribe~

And I’m also revealing the photo that I took with the cool Mos tribe that I met on Notting Hill Street~^^.

I had a meaningful time through this world tour in many countries. I was so happy to meet fans, those who liked me. Seungri is going to go now and promise for the day we have another world tour. Bye~~^^

# Hold on! It’s Daesung again!

There was another episode that I didn’t talk about before, so I’m here again ^^.
It was while we were moving to New York for our New Jersey concert after our LA concert. We heard that all airplanes were canceled except for 1 flight because of heavy snow in New York. The members and staff barely got on the single flight to New York, and after a while, we arrived not at the New York JFK Airport, but the Buffalo Airport.
While we were all shocked, we heard the plane announcement. Because the weather got worse, they couldn’t go to the New York airport, so moved to the closest one, which was the Buffalo airport..
Because our concert was happening soon, we hurried to figure out a way to go from the Buffalo airport to New York. There was only a bus, and we were told it took over 10 hours to get there ㅜㅜ If we got on the bus, we would have to change as soon as we got to New York and stand on stage right away.

Our manager hyungs and staff were all conferring busily inside the airplane to solve the emergency situation, and the airplane announcement came on again. The pilot said if we wait an hour, we could go to the New York airport!!

                                                                                                            At the New York waiting room ^^

We worried so much, but we held onto the tiny thread of hope and spent time in the airplane.
Seungri started talking to the foreigner next to him, and Jiyong hyung was listening to music. Youngbae hyung talked about things with the dancer hyung and noona, and I stole wasabi laver from the staff, and one hour passed by.

After the complications, the airplane left the Buffalo Airport and was about to land at the New York Airport. As soon as I thought, ‘I’m finally arriving in New York’! The airplane started to shake so much. We got on an airplane many times and went through a lot of turbulence, but this was the first time the airplane shook so much. In that short time, a lot of things went through my head and I was shaking in fear, but the airplane landed at the airport without an accident. I guess I wasn’t the only one who was scared, because for the first time I saw people get up [inside the cabin] and start applauding. Hahaha~^^

                                                                                                           It’s the New Jersey concert hall ^^

I guess it was because we didn’t have an easy time coming to New York, we were able to have more strength and work harder for the New York audience who we had difficulty meeting. I don’t know if New York fans knew the dangerous process we went through because they enjoyed our concert with a lot of passion! New York fans!! Fighting~ ^.^

[Events] Stars attend Wonder Girls’ Sun’s wedding + Sun reveals her thoughts at press conference

It is January 26th in Korea, which marks a very special day for the lovely Sun of Wonder Girls.

As you all know, Sun is tying the knot with her fiance James Park, becoming the first member out of the current idol groups to get married!

Sun’s wedding started recently at 12:30 PM KST at the Seoul Lotte Hotel, but ahead of the event, the beautiful bride held a press conference and shared her excitement about the ceremony and her upcoming life as a newlywed.

Sun commented, “Marriage to me is a turning point in life and a new start. Since I was little, I liked being on the stage and being a singer so I have kept running towards achieving that until now. However, as time passed, I wondered about what direction my life would take next. And naturally, marriage came about and I think it is a new start as a turning point.”

She consoled some of her fans as she shared, “I’m so thankful that my members sincerely congratulated me and was truly happy for me. As they cheered me on, I felt strengthened while preparing for my marriage… Many people have expressed their sadness and regret as well, but I will continue to be with you all so please don’t be sad.”

She also revealed her thoughts on who she thought might be the next to get married out of the Wonder Girls members, stating, “Each of the members have their dreams about starting a family… And although Lim is the youngest, I personally feel that maybe she will marry before the other members. I think Lim will be a great wife and mother.”

As it is known she’ll be heading to Maldives for her honeymoon, she revealed that she planned to“spend it comfortably” when asked about her first honeymoon night coming up. She also confirmed,“There is no new life in my stomach at the moment” denying any rumors about this being a shotgun wedding. However, she revealed that she would like to have “one son and one daughter”.

“James really loves kids. I always dreamed about a happy family since I was little, so I think keeping that in mind, I think James will be a good father too.”

Sun also explained Jo Kwon‘s reaction to her asking to oversee the ceremony as she stated, “At first, when I asked Jo Kwon, he said that he felt uncomfortable with the idea because he thought he would cry. However since he is a guy who is good with a mic, I’m not worried.”

The idol also revealed more details: “I asked Yenny to sing the congratulatory song. I thought it’d be nice for JYP artist to do so, and J.Y. Park has also agreed to do it as well. I thought it might feel awkward for him, but he seemed to be fine with it so I was thankful.”

The question on everyone’s mind was then answered as she shared the story behind her wedding ring.“According to my husband-to-be, he was trying to prepare a ring from his grandma, but it turned out his parents had secretly already prepared a ring. I learned about the significance of the ring of my in-laws, and how they wanted to get the same ring for the future as well, and I almost cried. I told myself, I’d want to become a mother-in-law like that someday as well.”

Lastly, she sent a message to the public and her fans with a short, but sweet words: “I’ll live happily and well.”

Some of the stars attending the wedding are JJ Project, San E, J.Y. Park, Wonder Girls, Younha, Girls’ Generation, Bada, Noel, Ahn Hye Won, Park Kyung Lim, 2AM, and more.

We hope all the best for Sun!

[Music] SISTAR19 releases teaser images for their comeback

SISTAR19 has released teaser photos for their comeback!

The girls had been expected to make a January comeback, and staying true to expectations, the girls just recently released photos from their new album.

Through the photos, Hyorin and Bora show off their S-line on a bed, teetering on the border between innocence and sensuality.

Their label said, “Fans have been waiting for a long time for SISTAR19′s unit project. The girls put their best into this to give back to their fans’ support. They will show you their best, not only in music but in all areas.

[Update] Wonder Girls’ Sun’s wedding photos revealed

 

Wonder Girls‘ Sun‘s wedding photos have been revealed!

As mentioned previously, the idol took part in a wedding photoshoot ahead of her upcoming ceremony with famous photographer Oh Joong Suk.

For all the fans who have been eager to see more from the bride-to-be, JYP Entertainment shared some of the photos from the shoot on their Facebook page featuring the two lovely, happy couple.

Sun will be tying the knot with James Park at the Seoul Lotte Hotel on the 26th.

Check out more wedding photos below!

  

[Update] Park Shin Hye chosen as endorsement model for ‘SONOVI’

 

Actress Park Shin Hye was recently chosen as the endorsement model for the character brandSONOVI.

4HIM Entertainment confirmed on the 22nd that Park Shin Hye has signed on as SONOVI’s 2012 S/S (spring/summer) model. She’s wrapped up her photo shoot for the brand’s wallet and bag collection recently in a studio in Gangnam. According to staff, the actress livened up the atmosphere of the photo shoot with her bright energy, cute facial expressions, and feminine style, impressing everyone on set.

The pre-released photos reveal Park Shin Hye showing off her cute charms in a white, eyelet dress and a flower headband, leaving fans smiling at her lovely pictorial concept.

In other news, Park Shin Hye is currently starring in the tvN drama ‘Flower Boy Next Door‘.