Comedian Kim Gura embroiled in controversy over past remarks, will halt all broadcast activities

Comedian Kim Gura, famous for his sharp wit and unflinching criticism, will be stepping down from all of his current broadcast activities thanks to a wave of criticism over some of his past remarks.

The controversial incident in question occurred during one of his prior Internet broadcasts. A group of female workers from the Texas area of ‘Cheonho-dong’, a red light district in Korea, who had been protesting against police crackdowns by renting two busses to take them in front of the human rights office.

The problem started when Kim Gura compared this with the Japanese occupation, saying, “Prostitutes dividing themselves up into two busses haven’t been seen since the Korean Women Labor Brigades.”

The Korean Women Labor Brigades were an organization formed by the Japanese rulers during the waning days of the Korea occupation, and are – predictably – a major bone of contention among Koreans today.

As the furor over his remarks refused to subside, Kim Gura released an official statement saying he will be retiring from the broadcast industry, effective immediately.

“If the public can no longer feel enjoyment seeing my face on TV, then I have no right to be a broadcast worker,” he said in a prepared statement, released on the 16th. “As such, starting today I have decided to take some time to myself thinking and reflecting on my actions.”

“As I realized how much my words affected many people, I’ve always lived with a feeling of responsibility in the corner of my heart,” he confessed. “I’ve always been thankful to those who helped me continue my career despite my many faults. But I once again realize that I cannot wash away all of my mistakes… I bow in apology towards everyone who’ve loved me and to whom I’ve disappointed again. I also apologize to my colleagues and friends who will be affected by my sudden decision. To those who’ve been hurt and angered by my words, not even a lifetime of reflection and apology will be enough.”

“I will spend some time thinking over my actions and looking back on my immaturity,” he finished.

It’s currently unknown what will happen to his many programs, such as “Immortal Song 2” or “Golden Fishery – Radio Star“. Stay tuned to allthatkpops for updates.

Source: Sports Chosun

Comedian Shin Bora disses Lady Gaga

 

Comedian Shin Bora dissing pop star Lady Gaga has become a hot topic online.

Lady Gaga, who is known for her unique sense of style, has been targeted on the April 15th segment of ‘Brave Rascals‘ under KBS 2TV‘s ‘Gag Concert‘.

Shin Bora began by saying, “World pop star, Lady Gaga. Her provocative outfits. Her unique performances. However, if you were in Korea, you’d just be known as a comedian.”

She then continued, “Lady Gaga. You’ll find a lot of your favorite outfits in the wardrobes here at ‘Gag Concert’,” causing the audience to laugh uncontrollably.

Netizens were amused by Shin Bora’s brave remark and commented, “I think Shin Bora is becoming braver by each episode”, “That’s exactly what I’ve been thinking“, “As expected from Shin Bora“, “I wish I met a girl like Shin Bora“, “She’s good,” and more.

 

Source & Image: Newsen via Nate

S.E.S’ Eugene will face off Fin.K.L’s Lee Hyori through their reality shows ‘Super Couple Diary’ and ‘Golden 12′!

 

Former S.E.S member Eugene and former Fin.K.L member Lee Hyori will both reveal their private lives and once again become rivals through the reality shows, ‘Super Couple Diary‘ and ’Golden 12‘.

The two stars, who were both part of the two biggest girl groups in K-Pop during the early 2000′s, will be featured in two different reality shows broadcast on the same day.

Lee Hyori was selected as the MC for OnStyle‘s ‘Golden 12‘ that is broadcast on Thursdays at 11:10 P.M. ‘Golden 12′ aims to turn the focus away from her celebrity activities to her social life, where she works as a spokesperson for various societal problems and issues. For a while now, she’s been showing her support and interest in abandoned animals, suicide, the impoverished, and the elderly living alone, by communicating actively with her fans on social networks.

On the other hand, Eugene will also be showing her newlywed life with her husband, Ki Tae Young to the public through StoryOn‘s ‘Super Couple Diary‘, which will be broadcast at 2 P.M. on the same day as ‘Golden 12′ . This show will feature different star couple’s and show their lifestyles. The first episode will be broadcast on April 19th, where Eugene and her husband will visit a coffee street in Italy. Eugene’s agency, G.G Entertainment, stated that, “Eugene has a really open and cool personality and decided to be part of this reality show without much hesitation. She’s the type of person who doesn’t mind revealing her private life and was really positive about being featured on the show with her husband“.

So ‘Golden 12′ vs. ‘Super Couple Diary’ and ‘Fin.K.L’s Lee Hyori vs. S.E.S’s Eugene’. It seems like the two stars will be facing off against each other again, but this time through reality shows. Many are curious which show will have more viewers and popularity.

 

Source + Photo: Star News via Naver

Core Contents Media establishes an online shopping mall

It’s been recently revealed that T-ara‘s management company, Core Contents Media will be opening their first online shopping mall, ‘C Sharp(C#)‘ on April 16th.

Although the name of the new site seems simple, there are many meanings behind it.  The ‘C’ for example, represents Core, Contents, Creative, and Challenge while the sharp, ‘#’ represents improvement.  The sharp means higher in pitch by music termonology and instructs musicians to raise a note.  Likewise, the mission behind ‘C Sharp’ is to enhance their products and improve step by step.

‘C Sharp’ will be offering a variety of apparel to its consumers including: handbags, shoes, accessories, and even cosmetics.  The business will also sell quality brand items, designed by famous Korean designers like Yoon Jung Min, Shin Hye Young, and Jeon Joo Hyeon.  If this isn’t enough, the site will also supply over 50 Indie Brand items from up-and-coming designers.

Not surprisingly, Core Contents Media plans to use their own artists, T-ara, Davichi, Hong Jin Young, and others as models for their new fashion business.

Source + Photos: newsis via Naver

T-ara’s “Roly Poly” choreography based on comedian Song Eun Ee’s dance moves

T-ara‘s extremely popular choreography for “Roly Poly” has been revealed to have been inspired by comedian Song Eun Ee.

On the April 12th broadcast of MBC Every1‘s ‘Infinity Girls‘, the cast members worked on Korean classical songs as well as a dance by T-ara for the special “Make Our Songs Known” episode.

While the members were practicing, the choreographer, who has a long history with Song Eun Ee, revealed, “The dance to ‘Roly Poly’ is based off of Song Eun Ee. Song Eun Ee and Lee Hwi Jae came to practice disco at the studio years ago, and I adapted [the 'Roly Poly' choreography] from her dance moves.”

Even Song Eun Ee was surprised by the revelation as she asked with disbelief, “I gave you inspiration?” causing the cast to laugh.

On the same episode, comedian and ‘Infinity Girls’ cast member Kim Shin Young made a phone call to KARA‘s Goo Hara to prove that she did have a close relationship with a number of idols. Hara confirmed, “Unni and I are very close.”

However, when she thought the phone call was no longer being recorded, Hara had a cute complaint for Kim Shin Young. She asked, “Why are you calling me?”

The seven members of ‘Infinity Girls’ worked very hard to show people the beautiful music of Korea ranging from Korean classical to K-pop. This episode was aired on April 12th at 6:00PM KST.

Source: TV Report via Naver

SS501′s Park Jung Min applies to nullify contract with CNR Media

SS501‘s Park Jung Min has put in an official request to have his exclusive contract nullified.

Park Jung Min recently applied to suspend his exclusive contract with his former agency CNR Media at the Seoul Central District Court.

The singer has been battling with CNR Media over profit distribution, and the situation reportedly became quite difficult about a month ago.

“We agreed to divide domestic profits 8 to 2 (80% to 20%), and overseas profits 5 to 5 (50%/50%),” Park said. “But excluding last year’s payment of $135,000, they have failed to distribute the profits properly.”

Park Jung Min has parted ways with the agency, but cannot join another label as he is still under contract with CNR Media.

Source: TVReport via Nate

[ Thanks to everyone who sent this in. ]

Core Contents Media sued for cancelling ‘K-Pop Power & Beauty’ concert in San Francisco

Core Contents Media, home to artists like T-ara, Davichi, Yangpa, and more, has found themselves in the middle of a lawsuit.

You may remember the ‘K-pop Power & Beauty’ concert that was scheduled to take place back in January of this year in San Francisco, California. The concert, which would have featured T-ara, Davichi, and Yangpa, was unfortunately postponed due to Visa issues, and later cancelled. Due to the cancellations, concert organizer, Namu Entertainment, has submitted a lawsuit against Core Contents Media.

On April 5th, Namu Entertainment sued Core Contents Media and First Creative Company for 390 million Won (~ $344,974 USD) as compensation for damages, at the Seoul District Court.

Namu Entertainment stated, “We had contracted a San Francisco concert featuring T-ara, Davichi, and Yangpa with Core Contents Media… However, with the excuse that they were unable to obtain the visas necessary, they cancelled the event with four days left til the concert.”

They continued, “With the concert being suddenly cancelled, we have suffered great damage, such as losing the trust of those within the industry.”

Core Contents Media fired back, “Preparations such as obtaining Visas were something that Namu Entertainment should have taken care of… We cannot comprehend why they have submitted a lawsuit against us when it was them who didn’t do their job properly.”

The agency further revealed, “We are currently obtaining related documents to counter-sue.”

Source + Photo: Star News

Comedian Jo Hye Ryeon and husband of 13 years divorce

After 13 years of marriage, comedian Jo Hye Ryeon is getting a divorce.

Agency TN Entertainment, told Star News on April 5th, “Recently, she and her husband have filed for a mutual divorce.”

Her agency went on, “They have had conflicts due to irreconcilable differences, and they’ve fought through it. However, in the end, the two decided on divorce. We have yet to ask about who is going to get custody of their children.”

According to TN Entertainment, Jo Hye Ryeon will temporarily take a break from MBC‘s ‘Quiz to Change the World‘ and other TV programs.

Jo Hye Ryeon married her husband, Kim Hyun Ki, in December 1998. They have a son and daughter.

Source & Image: Star News via Nate

Hwang Jung Eum leaves Core Contents Media + signs with Sidus HQ

Actress Hwang Jung Eum has left Core Contents Media and has signed up with Sidus HQ.

Sidus HQ released press documents on April 5th, announcing the signing of Hwang Jung Eum.

Sidus HQ stated, “Hwang Jung Eum who has been seen in television, the big screen, and commercials, has become a new family member of Sidus HQ.  She leaves a deep impression in all her work and now she has decided to join Sidus HQ and expand her horizon even more.  She will show off her various talents and we hope for all of your love and support.”

Her contract with Core Contents Media expired last month and signs pointed to her re-signing with them, but in the end she went with Sidus HQ.

After making her debut in girl group Sugar, Hwang Jung Eum started her acting career in 2005, and has been appearing on screen ever since.

Hwang Jung Eum is currently filming ‘Full House 2‘ with Noh Min Woo and Park Gi Woong.

Source: My Daily via Nate News

Comedian Jung Jun Ha to get married this May

It has just been reported that comedian Jung Jun Ha (41) will be getting married to his girlfriend “Nemo“, who’s 10 years younger than him.

According to a media outlet on April 2nd, Jung Jun Ha and his girlfriend have already met with their families and are planning to wed sometime in May of 2012.

His soon-to-be-wife, “Nemo”, is said to be a flight attendant who studied abroad in Japan. Information such as the location and the date of the wedding have already been decided however, they have only revealed the date to be sometime in May.

Meanwhile, Jung Jun Ha revealed that he was in a relationship back in March of 2009 during the recording of KBS 2TV‘s ‘Happy Together 3‘.

Source: eToday via Nate

SHINee members receive “senior” treatment from ‘Brave Rascals’ comedians

SHINee were caught off guard by “senior” treatment from the ‘Brave Rascals‘ team of KBS 2TV‘s ‘Gag Concert‘.

Comedian Park Sung Kwang posted on his Twitter March 30th KST, “At KBS 2TV’s ‘Music Bank’ bowing to seniors SHINee.” The ‘Brave Rascals’ have just begun promoting their own single “Wait and Prepare“, which technically makes them SHINee’s “juniors” in the music world. The comedy group visited SHINee backstage, and apparently, the SHINee boys weren’t exactly comfortable with the treatment as they responded quickly with their own bow. Member Onew seemed to find the situation funny as he raised his arms above his head, mimicking the pose made popular by the ‘Brave Rascals’ comedians.

Followers commented, “Onew’s variety skills shine here too. Adorable,” “SHINee members! They’re so personable,” and “It’s funny that the SHINee members are your seniors.”

The ‘Brave Rascals’ are officially promoting themselves as singers with their single “Wait and Prepare”, which was released on March 26th KST.

Source + Photo: Osen

Core Contents Media insures T-ara for up to $8.8 million USD for their overseas trip

Core Contents Media has revealed that they have insured the members of T-ara for up to 10 billion Korean Won, or $8.8 million USD, while the girls go on their nine day vacation overseas.

On March 22nd, officials explained, “The members of T-ara will be visiting Italy’s Milano and Venezia, Austraia, Swiss, and Milano again during their nine day travel. To prepare and prevent any accidents or emergencies that may occur on the trip, we’ve decided to insure them for up to 10 billion Won.”

Labelmates Hang Ji Hyun, Lee Hae In, Choi Soo Eun, and supermodel Kim Hyeji will be joining the girls during their break, along with director Cha Eun Taek, fashion photographer Jo Se Hyun, and 20 other staff members.

Director Cha Eun Taek and photographer Jo Se Hyun will be documenting the girls’ trip, along with filming the music video and photoshoot for an upcoming seven member girl group comprised of the actors and models listed above. Their debut is currently slated for May.

Source + Photos: Sports Chosun via Naver

Core Contents Media invests $890,000 USD on new girl group

Core Contents Media, famous for being the home to girl group T-ara, has revealed new information regarding their upcoming 7-member girl group.

The company is said to have invested more than $890,000 USD on this project, ensuring the group’s ability to prosper and distinguish themselves in the industry, which is booming with up-and-coming girl groups. Although the new project is heavily veiled in secrecy, Core Contents Media stated that the members are compromised of a unique mix of girls, from actresses like Hwang Ji Yeon, Lee Hae In and Choi Soo Eun, to super model Kim Hyeji. The company also revealed that that the girls have wrapped up the filming for their 7-part music video, which was filmed in various locations such as Italy, Austria and Switzerland.

From the high budget music videos to in-studio collaborations with label mate T-ara, this new girl group project is said to be make a mark in the continually expansive K-Pop industry.

Meanwhile, the girls are now in the recording stages for their debut album, said to be released no later than the fourth quarter of 2012.

Image & Source: Mydaily via Naver

Comedian Kwak Hyun Hwa surprises with her voluptuous figure

Comedian Kwak Hyun Hwa revealed a new selca photo that she took wearing her summer bikini which surprised many of her fans.

The comedian recently uploaded the above photo on her me2day account with the caption, “Getting ready to go tanning.  Let’s go tanned skin!”

In the photo, Kwak Hyun Hwa looked quite ready for the warm season, wearing a white string-halter bikini that displayed some of her voluptuous curves.

Fans who marveled at her unexpectedly busty figure remarked, “Get a beautiful tan“, “A picture that makes men’s hearts jump“, “Amazing body“, and “Tell me where you are getting a tan.”

Source & Image: Kyungje Today

Comedian Park Ji Sun reveals her mother’s reaction to Minho’s teaser image

Comedian Park Ji Sun‘s mother expressed affection for SHINee‘s Minho after seeing his teaser image.

On March 10th, she tweeted, “My mom saw SHINee’s teaser image and she had an expression like time had stopped. That’s what happened. After MBC‘s ‘Idol Championship in Athletics‘, my mother viewed Minho as a man. and said that my dad and Minho do not look similar at all.”

Park Ji Sun’s mother, much like her daughter with her witty words and actions, caused much laughter among fans as she expressed feelings for Minho.

Netizens reacted with, “Park Ji Sun’s mom seems to have a good sense for these things” and “I agree 100%. Should I sign you up your mother for the fan club?”

With the anticipation increasing for SHINee’s ‘Sherlock’, it seems Park Ji Sun’s mother will join the crowd of Shawols cheering for the group!

Source: TV Report via Nate

T-ara’s agency Core Contents Media sues two music distribution enterprises

T-ara‘s agency Core Contents Media took legal action against two illegal music distribution enterprises overseas.

Recently at the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul, CCM sued two enterprises who have been distributing their label artists’ music without notice, violating copyright laws.

The enterprises now facing a lawsuit are under suspicion of distributing CCM artists’ music without permission, and re-recording the tracks with other singers and distributing the music to Southeast Asia.

The sixteen illegally distributed songs include T-ara’s “Roly Poly“, in addition to tracks by Seeya, Davichi, 5dolls, and more.

The police are now closely examining the corporations’ authority to dispense CCM’s music overseas.

Source & Image: MK via Nate

KARA’s Goo Hara re-signs contract with DSP Media

Singer Goo Hara of KARA has agreed to stay with DSP Media.

According to Star In, Goo Hara displayed her determination to stay with her current label by renewing her contract. An entertainment industry insider remarked, “Goo Hara has expressed her desire to stay with DSP Media. She will most likely stay with the label for the next two years as a member of KARA.”

If this insider is correct, Goo Hara will most likely stay with DSP Media at least until early 2014.

Since Goo Hara’s former contract with DSP Media was scheduled to come to an end this August, and rumors were beginning to spread that Goo Hara would not re-sign. Different from the other KARA members Kang Jiyoung, Park Gyuri, Jung Nicole, and Han Seungyeon, the rumors stated that Goo Hara wanted to go solo. Some circles even began reporting Goo Hara’s annual value estimated at 8.8 million won and watching her next move, while others were criticizing her for wanting to break away.

DSP Media responded to these rumors saying, “KARA’s contract with Japanese album distribution company Universal Music came to an end in August of 2010, and I think there was a misunderstanding because August of 2012 is around the time their new contract terminates. We would like to let you know that all the members of KARA have two years or a little more than 2 years left with DSP Media.”

The public’s response to Goo Hara resigning with DSP Media has been positive. Goo Hara felt it was important to resign with DSP Media as they are the label that she’s grown with, and she wanted to maintain her relationship with her label representatives, her fans, and most importantly, her KARA members. An insider from the entertainment industry remarked, “As soon as the rumors started to say that she would be the only member to leave DSP Media, she felt a need to prove her strong intent to stay with her agency.”

DSP Media is reportedly fine tuning the details after receiving Goo Hara’s proposal.

Source & Image : Star In via Paran

DSP Media denies earlier reports regarding Goo Hara’s contract

DSP Media has denied earlier reports that suggested that KARA’s Goo Hara’s contract with DSP Media will be ending this August.

Earlier today, various news outlets released reports that the idol’s contract would be ending this August. However, the agency has been quick to refute these announcements.

The issue seems to have originated from a misinterpretation. A representative of DSP Media stated, “We are currently in talks with Universal Japan for an extension as [KARA's] contract will be ending in August 31st …We believe that this news has been misinterpreted as Goo Hara’s lone issue.”

The representative continued, “Goo Hara, along with Ji Young, Gyuri, Nicole, and Seungyeon all have different termination dates for their contracts, but all of their contracts continue onto 2014…We were taken aback by these reports. Please don’t bother KARA as they have finally settled back in after struggling with measles this past year,” and requested for the reports to stop.

Source: edaily via Naver

Goo Hara’s contract with DSP Media to end this August

Recent reports have suggested that Goo Hara of KARA has good prospects in the entertainment agency market. It was revealed today that the ‘Invincible Youth‘ and ‘City Hunter‘ star is the only member whose contract with DSP Media will end as soon as this coming August. Big hitters in the entertainment industry are said to be actively planning to recruit the star.

One representative stated, “Because things have happened with KARA before, talk of contracts with media agencies is extremely sensitive. It’s a delicate situation to bring up, the music industry is rocking because such a big star is being released.”

The contracts for the rest of the members of KARA, Kang Ji Young, Park Gyuri, Han Seungyeon, Jung Nicole, will not be ending until next year, and Goo Hara has not made any commitments yet. There’s talk that even a solo career would work for her, especially because she has fans of all ages due to her appearance on popular variety shows.

There’s word that Hara is being very careful about choosing a media company because of past hardships with KARA. An acquaintance commented, “Goo Hara is still young, and she has a lot of ambition to start something new. I think this she’s preparing for another turning point in her life. If you add to that a likelihood to be in it for the long run, it’s probable that there will be aggressive negotiations. “

Source + Photo: Sports Chosun via Daum

Chinese media reports rumor that Hankyung & Jiang Kai Tong are headed for marriage

Former Super Junior member Hankyung has been recently rumored to be dating Chinese actress Jiang Kai Tong who is five years his junior, but now netizens are speculating that the two will soon be getting married.

The paparazzi previously spotted Hankyung with Jiang Kai Tong at the airport, causing netizens to speculate about a romantic relationship between the two.

But now according to rumored reports in the Chinese and Taiwanese media, not only has the couple left for a Maldives vacation together, but the parents of both parties have already met with each other to discuss marriage plans.

The speculation continues, but neither party has issued an official statement confirming these rumors to be true.

Source & Image: StarNews
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