After School reveals the face of their newest ‘freshman’, 17 year old Gaeun

Pledis has revealed the face of their newest After School member, Gaeun.

According to Pledis, 17-year-old Gaeun went through intense training with Pledis and has the most powerful vocal talent among all the Pledis trainees.

Acknowledged for her musical skills, Gaeun has been ‘admitted’ as the fifth newest ‘freshman’ of After School.

Gaeun spent her junior high school days in Japan, and her fluent Japanese skills will be a huge benefit to the group as they promote in Japan.

“I’m both nervous and excited now that I have been confirmed as the newest member,” Gaeun remarked. “I want to become a helpful and necessary member for my After School seniors.”

An insider from Pledis remarked, “After School is an ever-changing group, with the addition of UEE, Orange Caramel, and Yiyoung since their debut. We hope you look forward to yet a new After School, with the addition of newest member Gaeun.”

Gaeun will hold her very first stage performance after the drop of After School’s new album on June 21st.

In related news, After School will be embarking on their first independent Japan tour on April 27th.

Source & Image: MoneyToday StarNews via Nate

After School’s Nana to be a fixed panelist on Japanese beauty show, ‘Tokyo Brand New Girls’

After School‘s Nana has been chosen as one of the fixed panelists of a Japanese variety program!

People weren’t joking when they said Nana’s popularity was skyrocketing in Japan. Starting April 1st, she’ll be joining three other Japanese panelists for TV Tokyo‘s ‘Tokyo Brand New Girls‘ to talk about fashion, beauty, and the latest updates on everything that interests girls.

Officials from the Japanese fashion industry had been keeping an eye on Nana’s activities, especially with her expanding her career on the runway and major fashion magazines, so this seems to be just the beginning of many more good news to come!

Recording was completed on March 23rd with special segments on creating outfits, hair, makeup, beauty, and trend information.

Source + Photos: Star News via Naver

After School hopes for success in Japan with their formal Japanese album, ‘PLAYGIRLZ’

After School is ready to officially conquer Japan.

On March 14th, the ladies released their formal Japanese album ‘PLAYGIRLZ‘. The album consists of Japanese versions of “Diva“, “Bang“, “Because of You“, “Shampoo“, among other songs that were hits in Korea. As a bonus, the album also contains a Japanese version of Orange Caramel‘s “Shanghai Romance“,

Furthermore, eight other songs which were previously released in Japan such as “Just In Time“, as well as “Rambling Girls“, “Broken Heart“, and “Gimme Love” have also been added.

With a total of 13 tracks, the album is sure to reveal all the different appeals of all eight girls, and fans’ expectations for their new promotions are only increasing with time.

On the day of it’s release, ‘PLAYGIRLZ’ rose to #6 on the Oricon chart, breaking a new record for the girls, and proving that they are quickly gaining popularity in the local area.

A poster of the girls can also be found on the Shibuya 109 building, a major shopping location in the busy streets of Tokyo, and the members have also become the first idols selected to model for a globally famous brand of handbags.

In related news, AfterSchool will be embarking on their Japanese tour ‘PlayGirlz’ on April 27th, covering Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka.

Source & Image: SportsSeoul via Nate

After School’s Nana walks the runway for the ’2012 Tokyo Girls Collection S/S’

After School‘s Nana is no stranger to the catwalk, so as the official model of the ‘2012 Tokyo Girls Collection Spring/Summer‘, Nana hit the runway and showed off a new season of changes.

Held on March 3rd at the Yokohama Arena, Nana earned attention not as a part of the congratulatory performance or a guest model (which most Hallyu idols are usually invited for), but as an official model of the collection. The ‘Tokyo Girls Collection’ is known for only showcasing top stars and top models, so it’s quite the honor for Nana.

Fans may remember her experience with the ‘Girls Award‘ fashion stage as well as her participation in the ‘Seoul Fashion Week S/S 2012‘ for designer Park Yoon Soo. Her stardom is also reaching into Japan, as she’s graced the cover of major Japanese magazines like ‘SWAK’, which previously featured hit stars like Mizuhara Kiko and Tsuchiya Anna.

In related news, After School will be releasing their first Japanese studio album, ‘PLAYGIRLZ‘, on March 14th, and wil be kicking off their nationwide tour on the 27th.

Source + Photos: TV Report via Naver

After School leader Kahi becomes a college student

After School leader Kahi (31) is going back to school.

According to her agency Pledis on the 29th, Kahi enrolled at SeoKyung University as a Film & Theater major.

Not only did Kahi attend the matriculation ceremony, she also captured the fans’ attention after attending her new student orientation.

Though the singer is busy promoting with After School and acting as a cold and charismatic professor on ‘Dream High 2‘, she is reportedly showing her strong determination to study hard.

An insider from her agency remarked, “Kahi wants to study acting in-depth as a film & theater major in order to broaden her horizons.”

In related news, Kahi and the rest of the AfterSchool members will be embarking on a three-city independent Japan tour starting this April.

Source & Image: MoneyToday StarNews via Nate

UEE reveals that she makes the most income within After School

UEE revealed the revenue structure and division of profits within the group After School.

On February 25th, UEE guested on KBS 2TV‘s ‘Entertainment Weekly popular segment – Guerrilla Date‘.

During the recording, UEE confidently revealed that she made the most income among the After School members. After her debut, UEE participated in many solo activities, from variety shows to modeling in CFs to dramas. On top of this, unlike other idol groups, she stated that After School accurately divides the income according to their solo activities, making UEE’s revelation about her inflated income understandable.

Also, regarding her solo activities, UEE emphasized, “I will not leave After School. I’m going to stick with them until the very end. I could one day honorably graduate from the group, but I won’t ever give up on them.”

Source: Newsen via Nate

After School’s UEE denies rumors of a relationship with co-star Joowon

On February 24th while recording for the guerrilla date corner on KBS 2TV‘s ‘Entertainment Relay‘, After School member and ‘Ojakgyo Brothers‘ star UEE firmly denied recent rumors about a potential relationship between her and her ‘Ojakgyo Brothers’ co-star Joowon. UEE stated that there was “absolutely no possibility of progressing to a dating relationship with Joowon“, and put to rest the speculations of a relationship between the two co-stars.

UEE and Joowon portrayed such a natural, loving image that is reminiscent of a real-life couple in their KBS 2TV’s drama ‘Ojakgyo Brothers’ that viewers and fans began to speculate that the two were actually dating.

In addition to setting the rumors straight, UEE performed a surprise dance on the streets near Hongdae, capturing the hearts of her male fans. The guerrilla date corner is scheduled to air on the 25th.

Source: Star News via Naver

After School’s UEE stuns as a blushing bride on ‘Ojakgyo Brothers’

After School‘s UEE looked breathtaking as a blushing bride on a recent episode of ‘Ojakgyo Brothers‘.

On February 18th, fans got to see the long-awaited wedding ceremony between Tae Hee (Joo Won) and Ja Eun (UEE). After going through numerous ups and downs, the two characters finally tied the knot.

UEE came out in a one-strap wedding dress that complemented her sleek shoulder and collarbone. Since her veil was quite elaborate, UEE kept her accessories and bouquet to a simple minimum.

Considering how UEE and Joo Won both confessed that they would date each other in real life, could this be a portent of things to come?

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Source & Image: Segye via Nate

After School member Nana graces the cover of ‘SWAK’ magazine

After School member Nana has been selected to model for a famous Japanese magazine.

Leading Japanese fashion magazine ‘SWAK‘ recently approached Nana for a special interview, and requested the former supermodel to grace the cover of their March publication.

Only the most elite of Japanese celebrities such as Sawajiri Erika, Sasaki Nozmoi, Mizuhara Kiko, and Anna Tsuchiya are given the opportunity to pose for the cover of ‘SWAK’ magazine, and this opportunity is as a tremendous honor for a K-pop idol star.

Nana posed like the true model that she is, showcasing all of her appeals for SWAK‘s March edition.

Nana was a contestant at the 2009 Super Model Contest and has walked the runway for the ‘Girls Award‘ event in Japan for 2 consecutive years. She also served as a model for designer Park Yoon Soo‘s Spring and Summer clothing line during Seoul’s Fashion Week.

Her agency Pledis remarked, “The Japanese really like Nana for her sharp facial features, fashionable style, and eccentric appeal. They have been showing increasing interest after she was selected as a cover model.”

In related news, Nana along with the rest of her After School members have plans to release their full-length Japanese album ‘Playgirlz‘ on March 14th, and will be holding their first independent concert in Japan in April.

Source & Image: IlganSports via Nate

After School to continue promotions in Japan over the Lunar New Year weekend

Looks like the ladies of After School will be busy promoting in Japan even over the long Lunar New Year weekend.

The girls who are preparing to release their third Japanese single “Rambling Girls” on the 25th have a jammed-packed schedule, with TV appearances, various promotions, endorsement photo shoots and more. After School will also embark on a tour once their full-length album is released, and therefore will be residing in Japan for the time being as they have much to do in Japan for the first half of the year.

After the girls made a successful Japanese debut with their previous singles “Bang!”, and “Diva“, they also began collaborating with ‘Shibuya 109‘, and became the first Korean artist to have a large-scale billboard on the ‘Shibuya 109′ main building. Since then, the girls have received non-stop modeling offers from various corporations.

The members are nothing short of top models, and member NaNa even walked the runway at the 2011 Girls’ Awards for four different fashion brands. The members also modeled and performed at the prestigious event.

Member UEE recently stated, “A few days ago we celebrated the 3rd anniversary of After School. We’re so glad that we were able to receive so much love and support from not just Korea, but in Japan as well. We promise to work harder to come out on top.”

Meanwhile, After School has plans to release their first full-length Japanese album on March 8th, and they will embark on their first independent Japanese tour ‘Playgirlz‘ from April 27th to the 30th, covering three major cities in Japan.

Source & Image: TVDaily via Nate

After School to launch their first Japan tour in April

After School‘s management have revealed that the girls will kick off their first Japan tour this coming April!

The tour is being called ‘PLAYGIRLZ‘, and it’s scheduled to kick off at the Zepp Tokyo on April 27th, followed by the Zepp Nagoya on April 28th. The girls will then move onto Namba, Osaka for the 30th.

Member UEE expressed, “Ever since our debut, it’s been a dream of mine to hold our own concert and so I’m really happy that it’s finally happening.” She continued, “All the members are looking forward to it. I will practice hard and show you a great performance.”

After School recently released their 3rd Japanese single, ‘Rambling Girls‘, and are making appearances in Japanese music shows.

Image + Source: X Sports via Nate

After School’s UEE to be absent from “2012 Idol Star Athletics & Swimming Championship”

After School‘s UEE will not be participating again in this year’s ‘Idol Star Athletics & Swimming Championship’.

The swimming component was added last year after UEE, who participated in the ‘Idol Athletics Championship’, had requested the program to include an event for swimmers. Although UEE was the driving force behind the addition, she was unable to participate in the event last year.

Fans who were looking forward to seeing the After School idol in this year’s round will be disappointed at the news that she will not take part in it once again. It’s suspected that UEE, with her on-going drama ‘Ojakgyo Brothers‘ and her new MC duties on ‘Music Bank‘, will be too busy to take part.

On January 7th, a total of 14 girl group members participated in the private filming of MBC’s upcoming holiday special.

Participants this year will include Nine Muses‘ Euaerin, Eunji, and Minha, Rainbow‘s Go Woori and No Eul, Girl’s Day‘s Sojin and Minah, Dal Shabet‘s Ga Eun, After School‘s Lizzy, A Pink‘s Nam Ju, Rania‘s T-ae, T-ara‘s Hwayoung, SISTAR‘s Dasom, and many others. The only solo singer to compete this year will be NS Yoon-G.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Source + Photo: Star Today via Nate

After School’s UEE is now a respectable actress in the industry

Singer and actress UEE is being praised for her acting performance in projects like ‘Ojakyo Brothers‘ and ‘No Break‘.

UEE has officially made her name known as a respectable actress through ‘Ojakyo Brothers’ and is being praised by the viewers for her splendid performance in the drama.

She is sassy at times saying what’s on her mind, while also managing to melt the hearts of viewers with her bubbly and adorable smile. She also proved that she can cry on the spot, shedding heavy tears of sorrow in scenes where she yearns for her father.

She is loved by viewers of all ages, as she is able to be cute with a man she loves, but sociable and pleasant with her elders.

UEE displayed genuine emotions during highly intense scenes, and her believable acting earned her a Rookie Actress Award at the year-end KBS drama award ceremony.

Her agency Pledis stated, “UEE who has worked so hard to improve her acting and is more than grateful that her fans are recognizing her potential. She will work even harder in order to thank her viewers for their support.”

Source & Image: MaxMovie via Nate

MBLAQ’s Lee Joon & After School’s Lizzy become a couple for ‘Pit-a-Pat Shake’

Following the announcement of Sungmin and Hyorin‘s pairing, MBLAQ‘s Lee Joon has been confirmed to be the partner of After School‘s Lizzy for MBC‘s Lunar New Year special, ‘Pit-a-pat Shake‘!

On January 5th, an aerobics coach who had joined the show for its first recording revealed that he had worked with Lizzy and Lee Joon, thus confirming that they were a couple.

That only leaves SECRET‘s Sunhwa and KARA‘s Seungyeon left. Fans previously managed to dig up that Sunhwa and Lizzy’s partners were a singer and an actor, which now means that Sunhwa’s partner is an actor.

As previously revealed, this spin-off has a chance of becoming a regular show in the ‘Sunday Night‘ corner should it do well in viewer ratings.

Source + Photos: Review Star

After School’s UEE celebrates her 1,000th day since debut

After School‘s UEE has reached a milestone in her career, as it’s her 1,000th day since debut!

On January 3rd, she wrote on her Twitter, “Good morning! ^^ It’s the 1,000th day since my debut today! Hehe! Thank you to all of the fans that left congratulatory messages! Let’s be together for~ever!!!^^ Fighting today, everyone!”

Although UEE joined After School in 2009 with “Diva“, she made her first TV appearance as Yubin‘s friend on MBC‘s ‘Introducing a Star’s Friend‘. She was also a trainee for Five Girls with SECRET‘s Hyosung, G.NA, and others.

Netizens replied back, “Congratulations! Fighting for the future!” and “We hope you continue to improve!”

In related news, UEE won the rookie award at the ‘2011 KBS Acting Awards‘.

Source + Photos: TV Report via Naver

[111231] MBLAQ & T-ARA vs INFINITE & AFTER SCHOOL @ MBC Gayo Daejaejun

[111231] After school - Shampoo + Diva @ MBC Gayo Daejaejun

After School and Son Dambi wish fans a Happy New Year in hanbok

Pledis Entertainment labelmates After School and Son Dambi have dressed up in traditional hanboks to wish their fans a Happy New Year.

The girls dressed in matching pastel pink with accent colors like green and purple, which gave them a look of fresh innocence.

Representatives of Pledis stated, “We ask that you give After School and Son Dambi your unchanging love, support, and advice. We pray that you will be met with good health and luck in the New Year!”

Netizens commented, “Warms my heart,” “They look like new brides dressed up like that,” and “Looking forward to their promotions next year.”

Source + Photos: TV Report via Naver

[111229] After School - Diva @ 2011 SBS Gayo Daejun

[111229] Kim Hyun Joong & After School @ SBS Gayo Daejun