EXO-K & EXO-M receiving an explosive response from Japan a week after debut

SM Entertainment‘s EXO-K & EXO-M who debuted a little over a week ago have already topped the record store charts in Japan without any promotions.

According to the April 15th Daily Chart of Tower Records, EXO-K & EXO-M’s first mini-albums have already seized the #1 and #2 spots respectively.

The more astonishing fact is that EXO’s albums have not been officially released in Japan, and the boys topped the charts with only the numbers from their Korean import album sales.

K-Pop is already the craze in Japan, and EXO is expected to become major stars in Japan in the near future.

EXO is a 12-member boy group, and the group promoting in Korea is called EXO-K, while the team promoting in China is being called EXO-M.

All 6 members of EXO-K are Korean, while 2 members of EXO-M are Korean and 4 are Chinese.

Both teams debuted with the same track “MAMA“, written in Korean and Mandarin Chinese respectively.

Though it’s only been a week since, the boys are being acknowledged for their live performances, refined talent, and good looks. Some believe they are the best rookies to debut this year.

Source & Image: Newsen

Shinhwa’s Minwoo has a habit of taking showers while wearing shades

 

Shinhwa member, Lee Minwoo recently revealed his strange habit while taking a shower.

On the April 14th broadcast of JTBC‘s ‘Shinhwa Show‘, the members brought the cameras into their personal lives and showed their true sides.  On this broadcast, the members were given a mission by the show staff to act like their normal selves for a week.

Through a small interview session, Lee Minwoo expressed, “I was really happy when I heard that we could reveal our personal and private lives that we hid until now.  I’ve always wanted to show it once.”

As soon as Minwoo walked inside his home, he started taping himself with a portable handheld cam recorder.  ”Do you want to see my eyes?  However, I can’t show you my eyes tonight.  It’s because I have this habit when I take a shower.  That is taking a shower with sunglasses.  Occasionally, I wear sunglasses while taking a shower“, he told.

When asked why he wears a sunglass, Minwoo hilariously answered, “It’s because my body shines so bright [aka my body is too hot/beautiful]“.  Moments later, Minwoo apologized for his joke and truthfully told, “Sorry.  To be honest, the fog covers the shades and irritates my eyes.  I would never recommend taking a shower with sunglasses to anyone.”

 

 

Source + Photos: Newsen via Nate

Singer Lee Juk to sing at actress Jun Ji Hyun’s wedding

It’s been revealed that singer Lee Juk will perform his song “I’m So Fortunate” at actress Jun Ji Hyun‘s wedding.

Lee Juk’s company informed OSEN on April 12th, “It looks like Lee Juk will sing “I’m So Fortunate” at Jun Ji Hyun’s wedding. He is planning on singing just this one song.”

“I’m So Fortunate” is considered one of the nation’s best love songs and is often performed at weddings.

Around April 10th, Jun Ji Hyun’s representatives put in a request for Lee Juk to sing at the wedding as the actress has always been a huge fan. Though the two were not previously acquainted, Lee Juk agreed without any hesitation.

Jun Ji Hyun will walk down the aisle with her groom Choi Jun Hyuk on April 13th at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul where the two plan to spend their first night as a married couple as well. They are pushing back their honeymoon due to Jun Ji Hyun’s filming schedule for her new movie, ‘Berlin‘. The couple will begin their newly married life at a villa in Kangnam until the end of the month, when Jun Ji Hyun will begin filming ‘Berlin’.

Congratulations to the soon-to-be newlyweds!

Source + Picture: OSEN

Jun Ji Hyun takes part in a wedding dress photo shoot for ‘Elle’ Magazine

Actress Jun Ji Hyun will soon be walking down the aisle, but ahead of her wedding, she took part in a special photo shoot.

The actress who will be tying the knot later today at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul revealed the process of planning for her big day as well as her wedding dress photo shoot, through the May publication of ‘Elle‘ magazine.

During her interview, Jun Ji Hyun reportedly could not stop gushing about her fiance, revealing her genuine love for him.

According to a representative, Jun Ji Hyun’s grandmother-in-law, hanbok designer Lee Young Hee, and fashion designer mother-in-law Lee Jung Woo had suggested a special wedding dress photo shoot.

The multiple dresses were flown in from London, Paris, New York, and more, and a Bourbon tiara provided by French jeweler and watch designer Chaumet will also be revealed in the photos.

Jun Ji Hyun’s wedding dress photos as well as her special wedding story will be unveiled in the May publication of Elle Magazine which hits stands April 20th!

Source & Image : TVDaily via Nate

Super Junior’s Leeteuk expresses his opposition to ‘We Got Married’ cancellation

Super Junior‘s Leeteuk expressed his thoughts on MBC‘s ‘We Got Married‘ being cancelled.

A media outlet announced that ‘We Got Married’ would be taken off the air altogether due to MBC’s on-going labor strike, and on April 12th, Leeteuk displayed his opposition to the cancellation by writing via his official Twitter page, “No, no this can’t be~ we only saw each other a few times…”

Ahead of this tweet, on April 10th, ‘We Got Married’ wrote on their official homepage, “The program will be cancelled on Saturday April 14th, due to the ‘Music & Lyrics‘ broadcast.”

As soon as netizens read the update, rumors began to spread regarding the cancellation of ‘We Got Married’, and viewers began to voice their opinions, stating that they could not understand why the program would be coming to an end.

“We are willing to wait, watching the ‘special’ re-runs, but what do you mean cancellation?”, as well as, “What are the reasons for this cancellation? Please take it back!”, and more, trying to prevent the show from being taken off the air.

‘We Got Married’ has aired a few re-runs in February due to the labor strike, and aired a few new episodes in March, but the show once again became pre-empted starting on April 7th.

Source & Image: SportsSeoul via Nate

SHINee share their thoughts on wearing makeup for TV

Idol group SHINEE revealed their thoughts on the effects of face makeup.

SHINee served as the guests on the April 10th episode of KBS‘ ‘Lee Sora’s Second Proposal‘.

Member Jong Hyun remarked, “I think that no matter how busy you are, thorough face exfoliation is crucial to maintaining healthy skin.”

“After we began our promotions for this new album, I tried smokey-eye makeup for the very first time,” he added. “But when I removed the makeup and looked in the mirror, it was really embarrassing,” offering laughs to the audience.

Fellow member Key added, “When we first debuted, I didn’t wear eyeliner, but after I started wearing it, I realized that my eyes are really far apart from each other. I look so plain without my makeup.”

The boys who returned to the K-Pop scene with a more fierce image and powerful vocals then put on a synchronized performance on stage. Remixing their song “Stranger“, SHINee proved that they were indeed versatile K-Pop artists.

Source & Image: Etoday via Nate

Yuri’s curvy body on ‘Fashion King’ melts hearts of male viewers

Girls’ Generation member Yuri showcased her healthy body shape on ‘Fashion King‘.

On episode 7 of SBS ‘Fashion King’ that aired on April 9th, Anna who has been in a long-term relationship with Jae Hyuk (Lee Jae Hoon) was turned off by a sudden kiss from Young Gul (Yoo Ah In), and was stressed by Gayoung (Shin Se Kyung) who was a threat to her, both as a fellow woman and designer. To blow off some steam, she decided to go for a run at the local gym.

In the gym scene, Yuri melted the hearts of her male viewers with a work out top that revealed her curvy body.

“I Had no idea she was so voluptuous,” viewers wrote after watching the program, along with “She looks so mature.”

Meanwhile, ‘Fashion King’ boasts the second-highest viewer ratings amongst the Monday-Tuesday dramas within the same time slot, and is continuing to show potential as the show goes on.

Source & Image: Etoday via Nate

Recent photos of actor Kim Jae Won reveals he’s doing well

Actor Kim Jae Won was recently spotted shopping at a department store. Fans were relieved to see the actor in good condition after his unfortunate injury last year.

The photos were posted by a netizen on an online community board April 10th with the title, “Actor Kim’s current state”. The actor was photographed dressed casually while shopping for new clothes. His bright smile in particular was noticed by fans, assuring them that he is doing well.

Kim Jae Won suffered a severe shoulder injury from a motorcycle accident back in October of last year while filming for the MBC drama, ‘I’m a Flower Too‘, leading him to withdraw from the series.

The actor was scheduled to hold a fan meeting in Korea and Japan at the end of March. However, the pain in his shoulder continued after he diligently practiced dance choreography for the event. The fan meeting has since been re-scheduled to the end of May.

Fans commented, “His smile is beautiful as ever,” “Has your shoulder healed?” and “You look healthy.”

Source & Image: TV Report via Nate

Nancy Lang encourages people to vote while wearing a bikini

Performance artist Nancy Lang encouraged people to vote in elections by taking to the streets in nothing more than a bikini.

On April 10th, she posted on her homepage, “Nancy Lang put on a guerilla performance all throughout Seoul on Monday, April 9th to encourage people to vote on the 11th.”

It continued, “Nancy Lang went to Hongdae, Yueido and other places holding a placard with the word ‘Aang’ written on it, which is her catchphrase.  She did all this while wearing only a bikini.  This project was supported by her enthusiastic fans at the visual arts team, Astronaut.”

According to the artist, “Aang” is a word that symbolizes the cute, sexy kitty that is Nancy Lang as well as a word that’s used to give energy to the people.  Nancy also personally wrote the word “love” with red lipstick across her chest as a way to show her desire to be in a world filled with love, peace, and art.

Nancy Lang commented, “A democracy means that each person has control of the nation and the way to show that is to vote.  I especially hope that the younger generation will vote.”

The artist held the ‘UK Project‘ in London in 2010 with the slogan, “The individual is the nation.” Despite the humorous strategy, good job to Nancy for spreading awareness about the importance of voting!

Source: OSEN

Lee Dong Wook would walk around naked after taking showers?

Kim Ji Suk spoke about Lee Dong Wook‘s strange habits in the army on the latest episode of ‘Strong Heart‘.

Lee Dong Wook is the new MC of SBS’s ‘Strong Heart’, and on his first show which aired on April 10th, he said, “I lost over 10 kg.  I am currently 72 kgs but when I was in the army I was at 86kg.”

Boom brought on laughter as he jokingly teased, “When I would wake up in the morning [in the army] I would be surprised and exclaim, ‘Oh what’, because Lee Dong Wook was a lot heavier.”

Kim Ji Suk added, “Whenever Lee Dong Wook showered, he would end up walking around naked.  I never understood that.“  Boom added, “Only people with nice bodies walk around naked, so it was strange that he would.”

Entertainer Song Eun Yi then made everyone laugh as she added, “All this talks makes me for the first time want to go to the army.”

This was the first ‘Strong Heart’ episode without MC Lee Seung Gi and the first time that the audience was able to see Shin Dong Yup and Lee Dong Wook take the lead.  The logo, trophy and theme songs were all changed and the guests that were featured were all close friends of the MCs.

Source: NEWSEN

Donghae & Eunhyuk’s “Oppa Oppa” ranks #2 on Oricon’s weekly chart

Super Junior‘s unit group of Donghae and Eunhyuk are still holding strong at #2 on the Oricon weekly chart with ‘Oppa Oppa‘.

Donghae and Eunhyuk released the single, “Oppa Oppa” in Japan on April 4th, and landed on the #2 spot on the daily chart. The boys have confirmed their popularity by ranking #2 on the weekly chart that has just been revealed.

The boys were able to achieve second on the weekly chart despite hardly any promotion for the song, just behind popular Japanese rock band B’z, who came in at #1 on the chart. The duo also clinched first place on Tower Records’ music chart, evidencing the support they’ve been receiving in Japan.

To commemorate the release of Donghae and Eunkyuk’s first single album, a special mini live event will be held for for the fans at Shibuya’s AX Hall on April 11th.

Super Junior will release their third Japanese single on May 9th titled, ‘Opera‘, and on May 12th and 13th they will be holding their ‘Super Show 4‘ at the Tokyo Dome in front of an estimated 100,000 fans. 

Source: OSEN

Big Bang’s Daesung and Seungri to emcee this week’s ‘Inkigayo’ with IU

Big Bang‘s Daesung and Seungri will temporarily be emceeing alongside IU for this week’s (April 15th) broadcast of ‘Inkigayo‘.

The two Big Bang members will be filling in for KARA‘s Goo Hara and Nicole, who are currently in Japan for their Japanese concert.

Daesung and Seungri have already experienced emceeing as they have previously hosted MBC‘s ‘Music Core‘ for a year previously. Fans are highly anticipating their comeback as MCs after two years, and are looking forward to their interactions with IU.

A representative of YG Entertainment revealed, “Because they haven’t hosted a program for a while, Daesung and Seungri have been practicing and helping each other during their spare time while promoting overseas.”

It’s too bad Taeyang couldn’t also join them. IU would have sure liked that!

Source & Image: OSEN via Nate

’1 Night 2 Days’ filming for this week may be cancelled

It seems like ‘1 Night 2 Days‘ will not resume filming this week either.

Last week’s scheduled filming was cancelled, and it looks like the fate of the filming scheduled for Friday, April 13th, is unclear as well. According to PD Choi Jae Hyung, the reason for the cancellations is due to key staff members participating in KBS’s labor strike. ’1 Night 2 Days’, which normally airs two episodes for every filming completed,  has no choice but to postpone further episodes and resort to highlights or other alternatives if they cannot film this week.

One official revealed on April 10th, “There hasn’t been anything said about resuming filming for ’1 Night 2 Days’. There hasn’t been a decision on whether or not the filming will take place.”

’1 Night 2 Days’ has traditionally filmed the same week as the airing of the 2nd episode of each filming, with the completed filming being aired in two parts for the following two weeks. The last travel filming was luckily aired over three episodes, which bought them a week, but with last week’s filming being cancelled and the fate of this week’s filming unclear, it is difficult to say if the show will air a new episode as planned.

Source + Image: Newsen via Nate

Sung Si Kyung to hold a special concert for couples titled ‘The Wedding Banquet’

Singer Sung Si Kyung has revealed that he will be opening a concert specifically for couples!

Sung Si Kyung is known as one of the most romantic ballad singers in the country. His songs are often used for proposals and romantic situations, so it’s no wonder fans are already lining up to be able to hear his songs live.

Scheduled for May 26th and the 27th at the outdoor theater at Yonsei University, the concert for lovers is aptly titled ‘The Wedding Banquet‘. Different from his standard concerts, the singer will not be performing a string of his hit songs, but rather a careful selection of songs fit for the warm breeze of May.

There will be a dress code for the couples attending, and the event will also include various testimonies and stories of couples, making this an event you won’t want to miss if you happen to be in the area! Tickets will go on sale April 12th through Interpark.

Source + Photos: Donga via Nate

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

NS Yoon-G selects Sweet Sorrow’s In Ho Jin as her ideal type

Singer NS Yoon-G has selected Sweet Sorrow‘s In Ho Jin as her ideal type.

On the April 8th broadcast of SBS‘s ‘1000 Songs Challenge‘, NS Yoon-G was questioned about who her ideal type was, to which she answered, “g.o.d’s Kim Tae Woo.”

However, due to the fact that Kim Tae Woo is already married, MC Jang Yoon Jung asked her again, “Who would you select as your ideal type among the male members here today?” The singer ended up choosing Sweet Sorrow’s In Ho Jin for his attractive eyes.

Meanwhile, other guests that participated in this week’s broadcast included ZE:A‘s Dongjun, Bae Da Hae, Seo Jae Kyung, Choi Jin Hee, Lee Jung Suk, and more.

Source & Image: My Daily via Naver

2AM’s Changmin and Jo Kwon experience the power of the “Gravity Man” on Star King

 

2AM‘s Changmin and Jo Kwon recently experienced the mysterious talent of the “Gravity Man”.

On the April 7th broadcast of ‘Star King‘, it featured a special X-files episode that brought out the world’s mysteriously talented people.

Changmin and Jokwon along with X-5 members Gun and Haewon experienced the power of the “Gravity Man”. Jo Kwon was especially nervous about this experience.

 

 

The “Gravity Man” shot ki at the four healthy young men and Gun, Haewon, and Jo Kwon all fell down. Changmin who handled the shot eventually went down bringing shock to the audience watching.

Changmin stated that, “It felt like getting hit by a wave, but it wasn’t a hard hit.” Jo Kwon said that, “It felt like all my body’s strength was gone and I was pulled backwards.”

After experiencing it again, Gun, Haewon, and Jo Kwon once again fell back after the ki shots but Changmin did not fall down.

 

Source and Picture: OSEN

Jewelry’s Yewon compliments co-star ZE:A’s Siwan at ‘Standby’ press conference

Jewelry‘s Yewon made some interesting comments about fellow idol Siwan of ZE:A.

During the press conference for MBC‘s new sitcom ‘Standby‘ on April 6th KST, Yewon said of her co-star Siwan, “I thought he would get famous because he’s been good looking since his trainee days.” She went on, “Lim Siwan has a face made for commercials. Not only Siwan, but ZE:A in general has members who are like jewels,” praising her label mates from Star Empire Entertainment.

Siwan, who was also present, responded, “Thank you for promoting ZE:A. Jewelry also has jewel-like members,” adding, “Star Empire Fighting, ‘Standby’ fighting.” Apparently, the enthusiasm of the ZE:A member and his tightly clenched fist as he said those words caused everyone present to laugh.

‘Standby’ is a highly anticipated new sitcom, set in a television broadcasting station, as the creators behind ‘Three Guys, Three Girls‘ and ‘Nonstop’ are reported to be working on the series.

The first episode is set to broadcast on April 9th at 7:45 PM KST on MBC.

Source + Photo: Osen

T-ara wraps up their ‘Flower Boys’ show with Woohyun’s brother

T-ara has officialy opened up their street food stand with the older brother of INFINITE‘s Woohyun, Boohyun!

On the last episode of their reality show, SBS E!‘s ‘T-ara’s Flower Boys‘, the members of T-ara rolled up their sleeves and donned their aprons to cook up food for their waiting customers.

Hyomin had already worked with Boohyun in their ‘flower boy chef’ episode so they showed great teamwork and chemistry on the set. After tasting her own dish, Hyomin commented, “I think it’s gotten tastier since last time. I think my skills are getting better.” The group couldn’t help but laugh at her own adorable self praise!

All of the profits made from their street stand were donated to the ‘Korean Society for Animal Freedom‘. The episode broadcasts on April 7th!

Source + Photos: Newsen via Nate

SISTAR’s Bora and Yewon of Jewelry debate ‘public relationships’ on ‘IY2′

Bora of SISTAR argued the downside of public relationships in the entertainment world on the recent recording of KBS 2TV‘s ‘Invincible Youth 2‘.

The cast held a debate tournament to figure out the member with the best speech and communication skills. The debate topic for Bora was “Public Relationships between Celebrities.” Bora, who had to argue against public relationships, tried to convince the cast stating, “Many fans might leave if their favorite celebrity has a public relationship,” and “We need to keep our private lives, private.”

Jewelry‘s Yewon countered wittily, “Are you sure you’re not against public relationships because you’re currently dating someone?” The comment apparently caught Bora off guard as she responded by throwing a doll at Yewon’s face, causing chaos among the cast members.

Catch the debate on April 7th at 5:15 p.m. KST!

Source: Osen