Park Jin-young a.k.a. The Asian Soul and Son Dambi heat up the stage at the KBS Gayo Daejun on Dec 30 with a special dance performance.
Moves: 'Ah ha ha ha ha ha...stop it, Dambi...it tickles'.
The pair wiggled their tush to three tracks: Crazy, Elevator and Bomb Bomb Bomb. Watch the vid below!
The award ceremony was held at the KBS Hall in Yoido and this year’s winners include 2PM (Again & Again), Super Junior (Sorry, Sorry), Girls Generation (Gee), 2NE1 (I Don' t Care), Kara (Mister) and Davichi (8282).
Hwanhee, formerly of Fly To The Sky, had to quickly end promotional activities for his new track Bring It Back because of a problem to his vocal chords.
The 27 year old has been treated for the ailment since October 2009, around the time he released his first solo album, H Soul. His throat has not improved so he was advised by the doctor to stop singing or risk making the problem worse. Hwanhee is now resting.
Bring It Back: We hope you'll do just that once you've fully recovered, Hwanhee
The singer/actor’s representative said: “His throat has been unwell since 3 weeks ago due to the common cold. He has been busy doing TV shows and concerts so that he had little time to rest. Now he is advised to stop singing and focus on recovering.” On Dec 23, Hwanhee was in Tokyo for a concert and talk show entitled HWANHEE presents – LOVE in Christmas. About 2,000 fans turned up for the event.
He returned to South Korea on Dec 24 and continued promoting Bring It Back…until he was advised to stop all promotional activities to recover.
Nonetheless, Hwanhee isn’t twiddling his thumbs while resting. He is apparently looking for roles in dramas and films, as well as preparing for his next album!
Man, these Korean stars don’t stop, do they?
Hwanhee, here’s wishing you good health for the coming New Year. 아자 아자 화이팅!
South Korea’s celebrities came out to play on Dec 28 at the launch of Jung Yoongi’s book entitled All About Style. Jung Yoongi (pic below) is a famous stylist to the stars in Korea.
These “newbies” are currently the oldest members of Jewelry since seniors Park Jung-ah and Seo In-young left to further their respective solo careers.
Cheers!: To new beginnings :-)
Kim Eun-jung (left) and Ha Ju-yeon will be gracing the January 2010 cover of nail glossy, Nail Up!
The pair is seen as Party Girls – no doubt kissing 2009 goodbye and welcoming 2010 with a bang.
Music: 'Some reggae, please.'
Dolled up: 'Yeah, all this for that natural look.'
The girls were interviewed about their future plans now that two of the group’s original members said hasta la vista to the band. While they are sad to see Park and Seo leave, they will just have to bite the bullet and move on.
All the best, girls. Go for that hit...one more time :-P.
Just the two of us: 'Can't wait to work with our new members. Now they will be the ones to carry our shoes around.'
Joo Jin-mo was heard talking about depression over the airwaves of SBS Power FM (107.7MHz) on Dec 24. He was talking to DJ Gong Hyung-jin, who is a good friend, in the programme Gong Hyung-jin’s Cinema Town.
Happy: 'I was depressed once, but now I'm euphoric! Laughing gas ain't called laughing gas for nuthin'.'
Joo, who made his acting debut in the movie Dance Dance (1999), has since become one of Hallyuwood’s most wanted actors.
The Frozen Flower actor playfully complained to DJ Gong: “Did you have to call me on Christmas Eve?” Gong replied: “You have nothing to do at home anyway, don’t you?”
During the show, the eligible 35 year old revealed that among the movies he has worked on so far, A Love (directed by Kwak Gyung-taek) was the only one where he personally approached the director for the role because he liked it so much. (Read A Love review here!)
He also had this to say about his career lull in 2003: “The work I've been preparing for have either been delayed or cancelled and I fell into depression. That was the hardest time in my career.”
Let bygones be bygones, oppa.
Joo is currently looking forward to his latest project.
“I am training hard for No Enemies, inspired by the Hong Kong box office hit A Better Tomorrow.
“For me, acting has always been about doing my best, and I always try to show a different side of me to viewers,” he added.
South Korea’s Song Hye-kyo (Full House) is set to appear in Wong Kar Wai’s The Grand Master. The film, which will be in Cantonese, stars Tony Leung, Chang Chen and Zhang Ziyi.
Woo-ed: Song Hye-kyo fell for Wong Kar Wai's charms and will be appearing in his next flick
“Song has decided to work with Wong at his suggestion, although we can't reveal what role she will play yet. Right now, she is learning Cantonese and martial arts,” says a rep at the 28 year old’s management agency, Eden Nine Entertainment, on Dec 21.
Colleagues: Song will be working with shining stars such as Tony Leung (left) and Zhang Ziyi
Apparently, Wong has been wooing Song for quite some time now. While at the 2004 Pusan International Film Festival, he publicly announced that he would like to work with Song. It looks like his wish is coming true.
Hi guys, the give away is over (Dec 27, 10:30am Malaysian time).
We have our six recipients of the Christmas gift, courtesy of the generous people at DramaFever.
The happy recipients are listed below in no particular order:
Teresa Kwon of Kansas City, Missouri
Karrol Altarejos of Haverhill, Massachusetts
Thea Speicher of Ellicott City, Maryland
Elizabeth Xu of Diamond Bar, California
Ana Castro of Miramar, Florida
Jennifer Sheu of Los Angeles, California
Please check your e-mail for the good news!
Some of the entries for the giveaway were not complete, for example an e-mail address was given instead of the mailing address (that’s what “snail mail” means).
Meanwhile, others were either from countries apart from the US and Canada (you won’t find the gift useful as you can’t access DramaFever) or simply too late.
Thanks to all for the kind words and the rockin’ enthusiasm. We wish we could give you more. Next time, maybe?
Are you residing in the US or Canada and love ‘em K-dramas? If you answered yes, the good news is K-popped! has six, yes, SIX DramaFever Premium accounts to give away!
Now showing: All In is currently playing at DramaFever
Uh-huh, no kidding. All you have to do is write in to kpopped.contest@gmail.com. Entitle your e-mail: All I Want for Christmas is DramaFever!
In the e-mail, give us your:
Name: Valid "snail mail" address: Reason(s) why you love K-popped!:
The first 6 readers (residing in the US/Canada) who send in a complete e-mail will be given instructions on how to obtain a FREE one-year subscription of DramaFever’s Premium account. Already a DramaFever account holder? No sweat, get this one-year upgrade (worth US$39.99) free!
Dramas galore: The selection of K-dramas at DramaFever
DramaFever has fast, high quality videos that are professionally subtitled in English. On top of that, Premium account holders will have access to commercial-free dramas as well as faster access!
All dramas at the site are streamed legally as the founders have licensed the dramas directly from the Korean broadcasting companies. However, the license obtained by the site only covers the USA and Canada. Thus, readers residing in other countries – like Malaysia – will not be able to access the dramas.
Honey Lee is going back to her roots this Christmas!
The beauty queen turned actress, who is a bona fide gayageum (12-string traditional Korean instrument) player, will be holding a concert at the National Center for the Traditional Performing Arts on Dec 25.
Family ties: Meet South Korea's fav gayageum players from left Lee Seul-gi, Moon Jae-sook and Honey Lee (Lee Hanui)
The 26 year old will share the stage with her Mom and elder sister. Yes folks – it’s all in the family.
Lee’s mama, Moon Jae-sook, is not only a professor of traditional Korean music at Ewha Womans University, she is also an “intangible cultural asset” for her (mad) skillz on the gayageum. Meanwhile, Lee’s sister Lee Seul-gi graduated with a degree in Korean traditional music from Seoul National University. She has since released 3 albums: The Song of String, In the Green Café? and Blossom, and have performed at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, KBS Hall, the University of California and even Carnegie Hall.
On Christmas Day, the trio will entertain the crowd with a fusion of traditional and modern music to celebrate the Yuletide season. Their playlist includes The Beatles’ Let It Be, Baek ji-young’s Don’t Forget and Christmas carols such as White Christmas.
Mmm hmm, it will be a happy Christmas indeed. Ho ho ho!
Now you can listen to the latest Korean hits on your iPhone!
The Korean Association of Phonogram Producers (KAPP) announced that it will provide Korean tunes for worldwide iPhone and iPod users through Apple’s i-Tunes store. Hallelujah.
Amazing: The iPhone - everyone wants one :-P
“This is the first time that Korea’s digital music content, approximately 170,000 songs, will be available through a global music service site like i-Tunes,” said Lee Deok-yo, President of KAPP. The service will be launched before the end of the year and download price is set at the current i-Tunes price – US$0.99 per song and US$9.90 per album.
iTunes: Shop for Korean tracks soon!
Apart from that, there will be a special promotion for regions where there is high demand for Korean music.
Is this the season for footballers to get married?
Footballer Lee Ho (25) ties the knot with his girlfriend of three years Yang Eun-ji (25), formerly of BabyVox Re.v.
Happiness: Yang Eun-ji (left) and Lee Ho marry
The couple exchanged vows at the Dynasty Hall, Shilla Hotel in Seoul on Dec 12. The lovebirds met through mutual friends in 2006 and immediately hit it off.
Congratulations to the happy couple.
Elder sis: Yang Mira, elder sis of Yang Eun-ji, attends the happy event
Actress Kim Seong-eun married footballer Jung Jo-gook on Dec 11. The lovebirds celebrated their happy day at the W Hotel in Seoul.
Smooch: Yikes, that looks like one uneasy kiss. The couple has gotta practice more :-P
The pair met last fall through Park Soo-jin and Baek Ji-hoon, another actress-athlete couple. Twenty six-year-old Kim is known for her roles in the KBS drama Bizarre Bunch and MBC’s Who Are You? Meanwhile, Jung (25) plays forward for the FC Seoul.
Congratulations to the newly weds!
Cheesiness: 'We'll have the rest of our lives to get our kiss right.'
Man & wife: Happy together!
Regal: Actress Kim Seong-eun is the princess bride
Groom: 'Yes, my wife fell in love with my pouty lips, which I have so thoughtfully applied some gloss and colour, for this special occasion.'
Double Dragon talks to K-popped! about Rain and what went on behind the scenes during the recording of the English version of Love Story and Rainism.
On the day Rain recorded the English version of Love Story, the singer had to record the Japanese and Chinese versions as well. Phew!
Roy Chong of Double Dragon Productions said: “We were booked at Velvet studios in Gangnam, Seoul. It was going to be a two day affair. The first day was slated for Love Story.”
Makin' music: (L-R) Elmo Chong, Rain, Roy Chong and one of Rain's in-house producers Tae
Rain was running late and when the 27-year-old Korean sensation arrived, he looked every inch the superstar: black leather jacket, aviators and scarf complete with a superstar strut.
“At first, we thought, ‘Oh boy, he will be hard to work with'," Roy recalls, "but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. He was a little shy at first but we all warmed up to each other once we started working.” Of Love Story and Rainism
Love Story and Rainism were recorded in the same session. While the former track took about three hours to record (Rain struggled a little with “R” and “L” sounds), the latter was recorded in about 20 minutes.
The Chong brothers were very picky with Rain's pronunciation, but the star was patient. It was important to them that Rain sounded as natural as possible. While in the studio, they isolated a lot of the common problem sounds Korean people have.
“For example, Koreans tend to pronounce 'V' as 'B', 'R' as 'L', 'F' as 'P', and 'Z' as 'J'. Every word that fell into any one of these traps we kept recording until Rain nailed it. It took some time, but he was patient and didn't get too frustrated – he’s an extremely hard worker,” Roy says of the Energizer Bunny.
The elder of the brothers goes on to explain that singing and speaking in English are very different and they had to coach Rain on how to pronounce certain words “to give them more swag.”
“For instance, in the line: My heart’s gonna wait forever... the word forever sounds too hard when you sing it with the 'R' sound. So instead by singing: My heart’s gonna wait foreva...the phrase isn't over pronounced and sounds much better.”
Meanwhile, Rainism was much easier to record because most of the song was already in English.
Rain (the) man
As the day wore on, Rain became more comfortable with the brothers, who discovered that the Ninja Assassin actor is quite personable.
Personable Rain?: I guess it's something you'll have to discover for yourself
“He asked us about our life in Canada and we got to share our backgrounds a bit. He was (even) yelling, ‘Double Dragon!!’ in the booth, imitating how hip-hop artists drop our moniker in their songs.”
Well, that won't be the last time Roy and Elmo Chong meet Rain - or hear him yell "Double Dragon" - as the pair are planning to work with 비 again on his next album ;-). Cool bananas!
K-popped! stumbled upon Double Dragon Productions, the company that translated Rain's Rainism and Love Story into English. Liz hunts the Korean-Canadian brothers down to ask about their production company, working with Rain and…err, Rain’s Magic Stick (whee!).
Tell us about Double Dragon Productions.
Double Dragon consists of Elmo & Roy Chong. We are ACTUALLY brothers and not two guys who are just good friends.
Like almost every other Asian kid, we grew up playing classical instruments: Roy on the violin and Elmo on the cello. Our mother was a piano teacher, so we grew up doing dorky things like playing Christmas carols as a trio at home. In retrospect, these were some of our fondest memories.
Double Dragon consists of brothers Elmo (left) and Roy Chong
In highschool (Burnaby South Secondary), we were introduced to a composition class that taught one how to compose music with a computer and a midi keyboard. For you music nerds out there, we started on Cakewalk 1.0 and a Korg O1/W (I think that's dating us a bit).
After having an "ah-ha!" moment we realized we could make the same kind of music we loved to listen to. We were huge Boyz II Men fans so naturally, we started our own harmony group and did some local talent shows for fun.
After graduating from business school, Elmo and I both realized we could actually make money composing music for artists. We decided to quit our jobs and compose music full time. After many years of traveling back and forth, failed projects, ramen overdose, and a whole lot of debt, we FINALLY landed a spot on Drunken Tiger's, 1945 Liberation with a song called, 손들어! (Put Your Hands Up). This led to us working with a whole slew of artists in Korea, while at the same time we expanded into the US and Canada.
Which artists have you worked with?
Drunken Tiger Yoonmirae (T/Tasha) Rain Lee Ssang Yang Dong Geun Bobby Kim Buga Kingz Dynamic Duo Double K Bizzy B Lady Ann Roscoe Umali Nas Swollen Members (Canadian hip-hop group) Souls of Mischief (LA hip-hop group) Da'Truth (Christian hip-hop artist) Buckwild (Producer for Nas, Jay-Z, Biggie)
How did you end up translating and recording with Rain?
A hyung (big brother) of ours introduced us to one of Rain's managers in Korea a while back. We stayed in touch and one day got a call to translate two of Rain's singles. We jumped at the opportunity and over the following 4 days wrote the English version and demoed up the song as well.
What are the challenges when translating a song from Korean to English?
The biggest challenge when doing a translation like this is to make sure that everything matches syllabically. In the case of Love Story, the rhythm of the translation had to match the way Rain sang the original.
Essentially, the English version is a re-written song based on the concepts and ideas that Rain had in the original version. (Note: Check out the ORIGINAL direct translations of the lyrics and Double Dragon’s re-written version that was recorded by Rain here!)
Our friend Paul helped us with the direct translation. We used that as a guide for writing, then listened to the Korean version syllable by syllable and wrote new lyrics that married everything together – it was a very time consuming process.
Roy (pic above), the elder of the two brothers, did a demo of Rain's Love Story in English for the superstar. No, you'll NEVER get to hear it.
We then had to record a demo of what we wrote in order for Rain to have a vocal reference to practice. Due to a time crunch I (Roy) had to demo up the vocals myself - that version is staying in the vault though (laughs). Every time I picture him (Rain) listening to me singing his song and imitating my pronunciation, I laugh to myself.
How do you respond to:
a. people saying that the English version of Love Story is one of the better Korean to English-translated songs around?
We're definitely thankful!! No one really pays attention to what goes on behind the scenes so it's nice to see some interest in it.
I think it was helpful that we are producers/writers to begin with. It allowed us to offer more to the project than just translating. I also realized how much fans in other countries need good English versions of their favorite Korean songs. (Hear! Hear!)
b. questions like “What on earth is Rain’s Magic Stick”?
Haha... I guess that one will have to be left up to one's imagination.
Do you think you will collaborate with Rain again in future projects?
Yes, we're planning on working with him when he starts on his next album.
Of all the projects you’ve worked on so far, what (and with whom) is the most memorable one, and why?
For sure working with Rain was a great experience for us. Mostly because of the magnitude of his success and presence in the entertainment industry. He was also personable. He asked us about our life in Canada and we got to share our backgrounds a bit.
Double Dragon with Rain at Velvet Studios in Gangnam
We also enjoyed working with Drunken Tiger and Yoonmirae. They are professionals and extremely creative. We feed off people that are always being creative. It motivates us to continue stepping out of the box.
Could you please tell us what we should look out for from Double Dragon Productions?
Right now we're working with Yoonmirae, Bobby Kim, and a new group signed to MC Mong.
The MNET Asian Music Awards featured our song Pay Day which was performed by a slew of Korea's next generation female rappers - including Yoonmirae.
K-popped!’s fave holiday is just around the corner. What would you like to say to our readers for the holiday, and the coming New Year?
Have a blessed Christmas and New Years!! *Ba rump pa pa pum ^^
Written by Rain Translated by Double Dragon Productions
A Oh baby, there’s something’s that I have to tell you bout Can’t hold it in my heart / all this pain is breakin’ me down Thought I found my one true love / couldn’t show you how I feel I was stupid baby / my pride wouldn’t let me be real
B I’m asking for one more chance Didn’t know where you stand / or what your feelings demanded from me I pleaded your love wouldn’t pass You left me out in the rain / when you just walked away
C This song is a story of a true love tragedy I gave up my heart I tried to give you all of me We’ve come to the ending somehow / I don’t know what to do But I don’t wanna forget now - I love you, baby I still love you
This is the sound of honesty I gave up my heart I tried to be all I could be My hearts gonna wait foreva / I’m still holding on to All of our moments togetha / I love you, baby I still love you
D We were so much in love / Tell me how could you forget? Wish you were here with me but / memories are all I have left It seems the promises that you / made to me were nothing And you smile girl / But I can see your hurt within
B I’m asking for one more chance Baby gimme your hand / So we can both understand this love I pleaded your love wouldn’t pass All the pieces of my soul / want to live in your heart (Girl)
C*
(BRIDGE) Gotta close the door / just like you did before See my heart is broken / Baby I can’t do it no more Even though it hurts / I’ll make a brand new start And lay to rest all the moments / that played with my heart
But just before I do / I gotta let you know that No man will love you more / so baby never forget Listen / I’m without you / All I know is right now / I love / I’ll always love you
C This song is a story of a true love tragedy Gave up my heart I tried to give you all of me We’ve come to the ending somehow / I don’t know what to do But I don’t wanna forget now - I love you, baby I still love you
This is the sound of honesty I gave up my heart I tried to be all I could be My heart will wait foreva / I’m still holding on to All of our moments togetha / I love you, baby I still love you
Direct Translation of Rain's Love Story
A Oh baby, it’s what I wanted to tell you What has been in my heart, what has made me sad We loved one another, but the reason it wouldn’t work I was stupid, not being able to say anything
B Give me one more chance I didn’t know whether or not your feelings changed I pleaded that it wasn’t too late But you coldly turned away
C This song is a story of true love My story of giving everything But all has now come to an end It’s my love that has passed – I love you, I still love you
D We were in love, is it possible for you to forget? Though you left me, you still live in my memory It seems the promise you made me was nothing You speak about me and can smile
It hurts, I don’t know if I can live without you If only, if only we could be together one more time I can’t breathe Everything in me wants you
C* (BRIDGE) I too will forget, by erasing this memory Heartbroken, I can’t do this anymore Though it’ll hurt, I will let go Of all our shared memories in my heart
Remember one thing, the guy able to Embrace all of you was me Now, even without you, I’m going to accomplish everything (I’ll move on??) Listen to this song now
This song is a love story for you My pure feelings that gave everything No regrets, I’m going to forget you now It’s my love that has passed – I love you, I still love you
(no) these are my last words for you If you hear this last cry, Hear me with everything I have, Come back to my side Forever, do I love you- I love you, I love only you Baby please come back to me
Ever wonder what kids drawings would look like in real life? Photographer Yeondoo Jung probably did. In his 2005 project entitled Wonderland, Yeondoo Jung created a collection of photographs inspired from artworks drawn by children. The photographs are whimsical and fun. Some of them I find quite hilarious. Besides creating a replica of each drawing, Jung injects his own thoughts and interpretations into his photographs. You can view more of his work on his website http://www.yeondoojung.com.
As Christmas and the year-end approaches, everyone is getting in the party mood. Right across the causeway, Singapore Wonderfuls (Wonder Girls Singapore fan club) are organizing a Year-end Gathering.
Event: Reliving the Wonder Years Date and Time: 5th December 2009, 7pm Venue: PUB Recreation Club - 48 Woodleigh Park S(357844)
They’re taking their online presence into the real world. Who are "they"? We’re talking about Kpop fans in the Philippines, folks.
These dedicated fans are all set for at the first ever Philippines Kpop Convention to be held at 3/F Starbazaar, Starmall Alabang.
Happenin': Make this big, people
The event, which is made possible by the cooperation of the various Kpop fan clubs in the Philippines, is in aid of Gawad Kalinga, a non-profit organisation that provides homes to the less fortunate.
The 5-hour programme will have Kpop performances, Kosplay (whoo hoo!), K-star singing and dancing contests and stand-up Komedy (can I be a judge? I could use a good laugh :-P). On top of that, there's...wait for it...the First Philippine Kpop Awards! Many (Kpop) fan clubs will be represented at the convention. The FCs will have their own booths so if you fancy a star and want to be a part of the "family", just sashay on up to the booth and sign up as a member. There are also goodies on sale, so be there…or be square :-P.
The event will be hosted by Kring Elenzan and a surprise celebrity host! For the latest on this happenin’ convention, go to: http://kpopcon.info.
Moves: 'Ah ha ha ha ha ha...stop it,
Bring It Back: We hope you'll do just that once you've
Check it out: Jung promotes his new book
All black: Han Ji-hye keeps warm
Black & white: Ha Ji-won looks oh-so
Fringe: Cha Seung-won needs a
Happy: Jin Bora is just so glad to be
Style: Yoon Eun-hye makes heads turn
Diet?: OMG, Lee Jung-jae looks absolutely
Bundled up: Kim Suna is all warm and cosy
Elegant: Kim Eun-jung looks very stylish
Unique: Check out Song Yoona's blue
Cheers!: To new beginnings :-)
Music: 'Some reggae, please.'
Dolled up: 'Yeah, all this for that natural look.'
Just the two of us: 'Can't wait to work with our new members.
Happy: 'I was depressed once, but now I'm euphoric! Laughing gas
Woo-ed: Song Hye-kyo fell for Wong Kar Wai's charms
Colleagues: Song will be working with shining stars such
Now showing: All In is currently playing at DramaFever
Dramas galore: The selection of K-dramas at DramaFever
Family ties: Meet South Korea's fav gayageum players
Amazing: The iPhone - everyone wants one :-P
iTunes: Shop for Korean tracks soon!
Annyeonghaseyo Singapore!: The Brown Eyed Girls
Throw your hands in the air: 'We will, we will rock ya!'
Delightful: Hip-shaking magic on stage
Music: 'Let us entertain you.'
Sexy: 'Push that tush'
Happiness: Yang Eun-ji (left) and Lee Ho marry
Elder sis: Yang Mira, elder sis of Yang Eun-ji,
Smooch: Yikes, that looks like one uneasy kiss. The couple has
Cheesiness: 'We'll have the rest of our
Man & wife: Happy together!
Regal: Actress Kim Seong-eun is the princess bride
Groom: 'Yes, my wife fell in love with my pouty lips, which I
Makin' music: (L-R) Elmo Chong, Rain, Roy Chong and one of Rain's
Personable Rain?: I guess it's something you'll
Double Dragon consists of brothers
Roy (pic above), the elder of the two brothers, did a demo
Double Dragon with Rain at Velvet Studios in Gangnam
Written by Rain
Snow White
He didn't sleep for three days
The magician turned the whale into a flower
Happenin': Make this big, people