►►2009 Melon Music Awards: Full list of nominees!
There are 30 artists nominated overall on the official voting website right now. They have been divided into 2 categories:
- 2009 Top 10
- 2009 Star
More info on the awards is posted HERE.
I’m going to place the artists based on the ranking they are as of Nov. 10th, as I’m writing this 🙂
2009 Top 10
- SS501
- Dong Bang Shin Ki
- SHINee
- SNSD
- Wonder Girls
- G-Dragon
- Super Junior
- 2PM
- Lee Seung Gi
- Kara
- 2NE1
- Wheesung
- Brown Eyed Girls
- K.will
- FT Island
- Big Bang
- 4Minute
- Drunken Tiger
- Davichi
- Outsider
- SG Wannabe
- 8eight
- Lyn
- After School
- Baek Ji young
- Son Dambi
- MC Mong
- Lee Seung Chul
- MC The Max
- Rumble Fish
(more…)
►►The reason why 4Minute’s HyunAh cried on Music Core revealed?
Many fans may suspected this beforehand, but a stable reason has been made behind the HyunAh mystery.
Even though CUBE has not officially given their response to this matter, in actual fact, it all started since the girls’ performance in the heavy rain at KBS1TV’s Open Concert which was broadcasted on 18th October. If you have not read on that, it’s here. Thus, HyunAh caught a cold, which was revealed to the public through Episode 1 of KBS2TV Invincible Youth when she made a phone call to her grandma. HyunAh has always been quite weak, and with the crazily packed schedule she has, as well as the usual activities which are required of her to attend, she still has to join the other 4Minute girls to perform on music programmes. These have been too much for a 17-year-old to handle.
On the 7th November, during their What A Girl Wants performance on Music Core, HyunAh finally could not take the pain anymore, and thus displayed her discomfort on stage.
Info: WGCN + 4minCN
Reporting + Translation: kueensora@4-minute.com
►►After School to make comeback late November…but will it has 5 or 6 members?
After news that member SoYoung has officially left the group, it is known that girlgroup After School has started on the recording work for their new album.
But this have left many fans curious if the group will be 5 or 6 members.
A representative from the group’s company said, “Recently After School has started the recording work for their new album. They will make a comeback into the Kpop world with a new album either late November or early December.”
And after the empty spot after SoYoung left, the representative said, “We have not decided on the final number of members. First the 5 members will starting doing the recording for their new songs. As for the group concept and whether to get a new member to make the group 6 members, we are still in discussion over it.”
SoYoung announced officially that she will leave the team on 29th November on reasons of health problems, this leaves the team as 5 members – GaHee, JooYeon, Bekah, JungAh and UEE.
Cr: sookyeong
►►[VID/DL] 2PM’s MV is OUT! + Comeback date is earlier than expected~ Nov. 12th!
The wait is over!
Download MV Mp4here: Mediafire [HD]
Cr: asianreloaded@blogspot
Also, 2PM will be singing ‘I hate you’ along with the title track of their latest album, ‘Heartbeat’, at Mnet Concert on Nov. 12th, instead of the 13th as previously posted. Fans have been showing interest because this will be the first stage since Jaebum’s leave.
‘Oh~ Good! Concert’ will also feature MBLAQ, Beast, Ivy, SeeYa, Wheesung, Park Hyoshin, and etc.
Since it is the day of the college entrance exams for high school seniors, Mnet said that this stage is especially in support of the test takers. It will be shown at 7 PM with Hyunyoung as the MC.
CREDITS: EDAILY(SOURCE); hazyfiasco@2ONEDAY(TRANS)
►►SHINee MinHo vs. Kim Hyun Joong, ‘Go Dream Team’ Blazing Competitive Spirit
SS501 Kim HyunJoong and SHINEE MinHo (Choi MinHo) had a showdown with each other.
To be broadcasted on 15-Nov, KBS variety program ‘Go Dream Team’ recorded this episode in the newly reclaimed land SaeManGeum tide embankment. The attendance of SS501 Kim Hyun Joong and SHINEE MinHo has gathered a lot of attention.
Kim Hyun Joong said “I am a fan of ‘Go Dream Team’ since young, so I volunteered to participate in it.” He displayed his strong competitive spirit during the filming.
Prior to the main competition, ‘Go Dream Team’ had a physical/stamina test ‘Dream Physical Medal’ between the old dream team and young dream team, where Kim Hyun Joong and MinHo challenges in jumping over the tall vaulting stacks.
Being senior-junior in music industry, Kim Hyun Joong and MinHo had a fierce competition and finally Minho was able to outdo Kim Hyun Joong and won.
Meanwhile, Dream Team which comprises of Kim Hyun Joong and MinHo in the team, challenges with firemen team who is the winner of ‘2009 Fire Fighting Competition’, and silver medalist of ‘2009 National Wrestling Games’.
‘Go Dream Team’’s young hero MinHo and new joined Kim HyunJoong as well as strong rookie Run did their best to win the competition with veteran old members Hong SeoBum, Lee SangIn and Danny An.
Kim Hyun Joong and MinHo’s active participation can be seen on 15-Nov through KBS 2TV ‘Go Dream Team’.
Credits : sky@tvdaily.co.kr + SS601.com + (English Translation) xiaochu @ Quainte501.com
Please repost with full credit.
►►Caught on Cam: Suju’s Leeteuk & SHINee’s Minho backstage together
haha sensing a little bro-mance mixed with a bit of awkwardness here~♫
I believe this was from the “Ring Ding Dong” perf that Leeteuk replaced Onew (when he was down with swine flu) on SBS Inkigayo 091108
Cr: as tagged /FallingInLove
►►[VID] 091110 JaeJoong greeted Cassies after “Heaven’s Postman” Press Conference
DBSK’s JaeJoong took time out of his busy schedule and talked to Cassies after the ‘Heaven Postman’ movie preview. Many fans were touched and broke into tears afterward.
MC: Now, let’s welcome Hero JaeJoong. (Fans cheering~)
JJ: Hello everyone. (Fans continue cheering~)
JJ: Woo~ It is much more comfortable here~
JJ: I… what should I say?
(A fan amidst the crowd: I LOVE YOU!)
JJ: … Hello.
JJ: Press conference has just ended ; There was too many cameras, too uncomfortable… (Laughs)
JJ: Is everyone feeling great?
Fans: Yes!
►►Concert to watch for: “Yes Yes Yes to Fighting AIDS” feat. Mblaq, Beast, FT Triple
Wow Beast and Mblaq together in a concert?! Coolio! And I love FT Triple (FT Island in general) so no doubt I’ll be watching out for this!
BEAST, MBLAQ, F.T.Triple, and more are coming together for an AIDS benefit concert.
It is hosted by The Body Shop and MTV and titled,”Yes Yes Yes to Fighting AIDS.” The concert will be held at 8PM on November 24th at the Hongdae live hall.
Alex will host the event and performers include, Jewelry, No Brain, Lyn, Tei, BEAST, MBLAQ, and F.T.Triple.
A representative from The Body Shop said, “This benefit concert is targeted at young people who should be open to more information about AIDS.”
Cr: allkpop
►►[Interview] The Wonder Girls asnwered questions by Access Hollywood!
P.S. ‘Access Hollywood’ is a really popular TV show in America which airs everyday talking/stalking stars here.
NEW YORK, New York —
For the first time ever, a music group from South Korea has debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. Already a hit in Asia, the Wonder Girls are striking a chord with a young U.S. audience, having just completed their first U.S. concert tour with the Jonas Brothers.
The Wonder Girls are one of Asia’s most successful music artists where they have sold millions of singles including the international #1 songs “Tell Me,” “So Hot” and “Nobody”. Comprised of Sun, Yenny, Yubin, Mimi and Sohee, the group formed just over two years ago and quickly became one of the country’s most popular new acts earning dozens of awards and an unprecedented amount of digital downloads.
Access Hollywood had a chance to talk with these Wonder Girls for this Q&A.
Q: Your single, “Nobody”, cracked Billboard’s Hot 100–making you the first Korean act to do so. How does it feel to make history in the U.S.?
A: SUN: First of all, I feel so honored that I can’t even describe how I feel right now. When I first heard about it, I didn’t think it was real. All I can say at this moment is THANK YOU.
I know that now, there is this title of “being the first Korean act” to do this. But we are just thankful that we are able to do what we love and know that people, no matter where they come from, especially here in the states, are enjoying our music.
We know that this is only the beginning for us, and it’s only our first step, making us even more driven than ever before.
Q: You have three #1 hit songs in Asia. How important is it to you to have the same kind of success in the U.S.?
A: YENNY: Well, I want to begin by saying that we are truly grateful for the fact that we’ve been loved by so many different countries within Asia.
We realized that music can transcend everything, go everywhere, and make us united.
To be able to share our music with more people, it’s such a great opportunity for us, especially to perform here in the U.S. To feel that we have made some sort of accomplishment here in the states, the place where the music that we love originally began, is amazing.
We feel so lucky to have had the chance to do this. And we would love to have even more opportunities to go to different places meeting new people through our music. This has always has been our dream.
►►Information about SNSD’s first ever solo concert is released!
I’m kinda surprise that after debuting for like 2 years, this is the first time they hold a solo concert…
SNSD’s First Solo Concert is to be held on the 19th and 20th of December.
SNSD will be starting their Asia tour with their concert at Seoul Olympic Stadium in the Fencing arena.
They are preparing their main songs and flashy solo performances to show off their various talents.
Starting with Seoul, they will be performing in places such as Shanghai and Bangkok
to continue with their Asia tour and to bring awareness to more fans.
“We are happy and nervous to bring you our first solo concert.
We will practice hard to give you a memorable and charismatic performance” says SNSD.
Ticket sales will be available online from GMarket.co.kr from the 19th of November after 8pm. (Korean Time)
Source: Sports Chosun
Translation: Just Love~! @ Soshified.com/forums
►►Lee Seung Gi became another victim of the swine flu..
But I know that about 3 days from now there will be news saying he’s ‘quickly recovering’…so don’t worry 😛
Singer actor Lee SeungGi has been confirmed of swine flu.
After his filming for KBS Happy Sunday 2Days1Night on 7th November ended, he had developed high fever and was sent to a hospital in Seoul where he was tested for swine flu.
It was known through the production team of 2Days1Night that he had been down with high fever.
And on the 10th, the test results shows positive that Lee SeungGi has been down with swine flu. It is known that he has taken Tamiflu and is recuperating.
With that, it will be hard for Lee SeungGi to appear on broadcast programs for the time being.
It will be hard for Lee SeungGi to perform for his schedule concert performance in the States this weekend as well.
Cr: sookyeong
►►2NE1’s Dara is thankful to fans who gave her birthday presents
Dara updated her Me2day on November 10th with these lines:
“속보! 어젯밤부터시작해서 계속 배달되고있는 달옹 귀빠진날 기념선물들로 퉤니원 숙소가 발칵뒤집혓다고합니다! 어쩜그리 우리가 좋아하고 필요한것들만 골랏는지ㅠㅠ센스쟁이들! 선물뜯어보느라 밥도못먹고 급히 리허설하러가는중ㅋ너무 고마워요!!!♥”
“A quick announcement! It started last night and continues. Birthday gifts were delivered to 2NE1’s house and I had to turn them over! I need to know how many to choose ㅠㅠ Adverts! I tore open the presents quickly and I didn’t eat because I had to go to a quick rehearsalㅋ Thank you so much!!!♥”
Cr: aa-chan.net
a slightly different translation just in case:
“From last night, presents from fans keeps on coming to our place! the place is a mess because of that. Fans are really good at guessing our needs, unbelieveable!! they got some sense! we even skipped dinner trying to see what fans gave us. thanks so much…. love ya!!! <3”
Cr: 21evo.com
For those who don’t know yet, Dara’s birthday is on November 12th so that’s in two days!
Happy early birthday, girl! Be healthy and watch out for the swine flu! 😀
►►Suju’s Leeteuk is afraid of announcing songs in English on Sukira?
In one of the Sukira (Super Junior’s Kiss The Radio) transcripts (I don’t know if it’s on 2009/10/23 OR 2009/09/29), the interview asked “Kiss The Radio would often play English songs, but each time, when it comes to introducing the song, Leeteuk would always say, “Eunhyuk, please introduce the name of the next song.” Using these methods to avoid speaking English, is it true?”
Leeteuk: It’s not true, I’m just giving way to Eunhyuk.
Questioner: Then promise right now, that from now on, you will introduce the names of the English songs.
Leeteuk: I do not promise……
Eunhyuk: This person’s English is very simple and short, if you don’t believe me, let’s have an exchange with Amber to listen.
Leeteuk: Nice to meet you*
Amber: Nice to meet you too. How are you today?*
Leeteuk: Yes…… I’m fine…… Yes, bye bye……*
Amber: What did you eat today?*
Leeteuk: (In Japanese) Thank you.
Eunhyuk: Hahaha…… Leeteuk really doesn’t introduce the names of English songs, once there is English, he would secretly let me do the introductions.
Questioner: Really sly.
*Note: The words in Italics were said in English.
Source: Kimseohye
Korean to Chinese translations by Kimseohye
Chinese to English translations by –dreamx @ sj-world.net
Via Icepluscoffee@wp
haha I think he does want to skip over the English parts…Engrish XD
►►New Releases: 11/10/09
I have a day off tomorrow so happy♥
MVs: 4Men’s “Always knocking” + Yozoh’s “Vono sweet step” + Brown Eyed Girls’ “Fly Higher” + J feat. Supreme Team’s “Dream” + Taw feat. Joo’s “Remember our happy days” + MC Hansai feat. Park SoYeon’s “Hurt” + Brown Eyed Soul Jung Yup’s “How are you” + MC Mong feat. Maybee’s “Who’s the man” + December’s “Love is..”
Teaser: Taeyang’s “Wedding Dress”
Song: IU’s “Marshmallow”
CF: UEE (After School)’s “Passion” for 4Tomorrow project
►►C.N Blue with Jung Yong Hwa will be guest stars of FT Island
Acting as a bassist in “You’re Beautiful” – Towel guy, Jung Yonghwa, will meet his fans for the first time on stage.
Jung Yonghwa will lead his fellow members of the idol band C.N.Blue to perform at FT Island’s concert as guests, at Seoul’s JangChung Gymnasium on 14th and 15th November.
Jung Yonghwa holds the bassist position in A.N. Jell in the SBS Wed-Thu drama “You’re Beautiful“, as Kang Shinwoo. He also became the topic of many after being known that he actually belongs to a 4-member band. At FT Island’s upcoming concert, he will perform on stage with his bandmates, for the first time in Korea, as the lead vocal. This concert holds an even special meaning as Lee Hongki, who acts alongside with him in the drama, belongs to the band FT Island.
According to Jung Yonghwa’s management company FnC Music, “While doing performances with his Indie band in Japan, he got a casting in the drama and so he went over to acting. As he’s busy filming for the drama, it’s difficult to plan other schedules for him. However, we managed to get consent from the drama producers in advance, to arrange for their first stage in Korea to meet their fans, who want to listen to their performance and songs.”
Jung Yonghwa attracted lots of female fans with his tall height and princely image in “You’re Beautiful“. He also studied music while doing street performances and gigs at live clubs with his bandmates in Japan. The other 3 band members are now studying in Japan. They are working very hard with the aim of debuting in Korea early next year.
Credits: Sports Hankook (source) & ying1005 @ primanoona (translation)
►►Top Celebs who look like they’re good at doing special events for their lovers?
Don’t you love it when you watch a good Korean drama and they show these super romantic scenes with the main character doing something really really nice/cool/awesome/unexpected to their lovers? Well here’s a poll for ya:
According to a survey done on Monkey3 from 23rd October to 30th October, and in commemoration of Pepero Day (11th November), and the question ‘Celebrities who looks like he/she is good at doing special events for their lovers’ was asked and 1363 netizens polled. Big Bang TOP came in first in the poll with 23% of the votes.
The rest of the survey results:
1. Big Bang TOP (23%)
2. FT Island Lee HongKi (19%)
►►JYP answers: 2PM’s comeback + Beast-idol status + Who will replace Jay?
Asia.co.kr interview: 2PM will come back with the title song of their first album, “Heartbeat” on 10th Nov. The first stage of it will be a Music Bank of KBS. At last, 2pm, who had many ups and downs, will come back into K-pop culture.
We expect that 2pm will make a lot of issues. there is always a open question, when Jay will come back? and they can rise to the top cuz there are no Dong-Bang-Shin-Ki and Bing Bang in 2009 K-pop. More, Park, jin young said about the title song, “Heartbeat”, – ‘This is a totally new song”, so We hope to see good results.
#1. Who will replace Jay?
2PM will be a unique team which come back in very short time after his leader’s resignation. The leader played a pivotal role in 2PM. So, if there is no leader, there should be a big change in members, but, 2pm has no idea to change something till now.
JYPE said, “we did not pick up new leader, and 6 members will help one another and do 2pm’ work.”
The issue around Jay will be a good point that 2pm will be a sensitive issue. But also, it will be a bad effect not to focus their music only. So Jay will be a tension point of 2PM.
What means “totally new music”?
Apart from Jay, the new song of 2pm will be very creative, so can arouse a passionate response. Park Jin Young said already, “this is a totally new song which you cannot imagine”, and expressed a strong confidence.
The keyword of this music is “Heart”. In this new teaser movie, they used the members’ real heart beat sound, and expressed their image as “heated heartbeat”
This song may not be included an usual music genre. JYPE said, “this song is a totally new concept song”
►►SHINee’s Onew is making a speedy recovery from swine flu
Diagnosed with the H1N1 virus late last week, SHINee’s leader Onew is currently making a speedy recovery.
SHINee’s management company SM Entertainment said in a phone interview this morning: “Onew’s body temperature has returned to normal, and he is now making frequent video calls to his good friends. He is in a good state of health as of now.”
The company also said: “Onew will be sent to the hospital on either the 12th or the 13th, to check if he has recovered fully from the virus.”
Before Onew, lead vocal Jonghyun had also fallen ill due to the H1N1 virus on the 3rd, and made a full recovery on the 6th. SHINee is currently promoting title track Ring Ding Dong as a 4-member group.
Source: korea.sohu
Translated by: hazel @ http://asianfanatics.net / theretroradio @ lj
Please take out with full credits
►►Leader Jaebum’s leave is considered a ‘marketing strategy’ for 2PM?!
I can understand the fact that 2PM has gained much popularity due to the Jaebum controversy. But that was a MISTAKE, not a ‘MARKETING STRATEGY’. I just don’t like how this article considered it that way..it’s not like JYP forced him to go so 2PM can be more popular >.<
The title song ‘Heartbeat’ in 2PM’s first official album ’01:59PM’, is garnering immense popularity as soon as it was released on the 10th. It had placed 1st in various music charts and is staying on as one of the top searched terms in various portal sites.
2PM’s new song, ‘Heartbeat’ comes after their debut song ’10 out of 10′, ‘Again and Again’ and ‘I hate you’. The song embodies a powerful yet dark and wistful sentiment — the color of 2PM is well captured. ‘Heartbeat’ is written and composed by Park Jin Young. It uses the actual heart beat sounds of the 6 members as the base and an orchestra is arranged over the sound creating a sad, doleful melody that captures the melancholy sentiment.
As much work has been put into the song, they have put in a lot of effort into the marketing as well. As they have gained a lot of attention through the ’01:59PM’ ‘Tired of waiting’ ‘I was crazy for you’ as well as the teaser marketing, they have completed the image marketing with the connection between ‘Heartbeat’, the idea of ‘waiting’ and the actual pulse of the heart. Anxiety, fear, yearning and various other meanings have been attached to the song ‘Heartbeat’ and has been coupled with the sound of the actual pulse creating an image sound for this whole album’s concept.
The peak of 2PM’s marketing is ‘Jaebum’ who had left the team in September after the anti-Korea controversy (???!!). The song, which is more sorrowful than before, is used along with the idea of fear and anxiety as a theme. This marketing point is combined into one with ‘Leader Jaebum’s absence’ and the fans’ desire for his return.
The result of many fans discussing how the album’s title, ’01:59PM’ has been used to call 2PM without Jaebum, along with how the songs, ‘Tired of Waiting’ and ‘I was crazy for you’ seems to reflect the 6 members’ and Jaebum’s thoughts are all a result of how the marketing point has hit its mark.
Although fans are worried that they are using Jaebum too much for just marketing, many in the music industry see it as a way of telling the story of the whole album, especially after the talk of Jaebum’s return possibly becoming a reality.
Cr: (Trans) saradah@2oneday (Source) MK news
►►2AM’s Changmin is embarrassed to be called an ‘ahjussi’
“Ahjussi” is a term to address a man who is older than you and usually are in their 30+…poor Changmin haha
2AM’s Changmin receives humiliation from child star Kim Soo Jung.
On the 7th, KBS 2TV ‘Star Golden Bell’ was broadcasted as Changmin asked Kim Soo Jng “Do I look like an ahjussi?”
Also, KimSoo JUng was asked “Between Kim Tae Hyun and Changmin, who looks older?” and she replied “Changmin” which made him embarassed.
Despite being an idol star, to a six year old child, he’s just an ahjussi. When asked again of Changmin’s occupation, she replied “A movie actor. He seems like he’d do well in roles where he cries.”
Cr: NEWSEN.COM (SOURCE), JIWON @ 2OD (TRANS)
►►Concert to watch for: Korean Cultural Festival @ The Phillipines
For Pinoy K-pop fans, November is the season to be jolly (and for those who aren’t in the Philippines, it’s the season to cry and dream that one day Kpop artists will come to their place too T.T).
To cap the year-long celebration of 60 years of diplomatic relations between Korea and the Philippines, the Korean Embassy will hold on November 19-27 the Korean Cultural Festival, which will let Filipinos have a taste of Korean food, dance, music, theater, and arts.
But the most-awaited event in the week-long festival is the free K-pop concert scheduled on November 27. It will feature popular Korean front acts like boyband SHINee, jazz band Winterplay, and energetic rap duo Mighty Mouth.
In an email message to PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal), Blaise Regacho, Executive Assistant on Economic & Cultural Affairs for the Korean Embassy, said the concert was borne out of several petitions by avid K-pop fans in the country, to bring Korean stars to the Philippines. Shinee was the first group they were able to get, she added. (Click here to read related story)
Composed of five the boys Onew, Taemin, Jong-Hyun, Key, and Min-Ho, Shinee is known for the group’s danceable contemporary R&B songs. Since their debut last year, they have won music awards including Best Newcomer Artist in the 18th Seoul Music Awards. Shinee’s fashion style of high-top sneakers, skinny jeans, and colorful sweaters created the “Shinee Trend” that’s popular among college youth in Korea.
►►3 DBSK members JaeChunSu plan to work on their own & not responding to SME
This makes it sounds like they’re breaking themselves from the company or something >.< but if there’s one thing I know, breaking up DBSK is like impossible due to all the Cassies out there..so keep faith!
The three members of TVXQ who have taken legal action against SM Entertainment are planning to work by themselves, according to their legal counsel.
When Sports Seoul asked the three members’ legal counsel about SME demanding the three members to make a decision by the 12th, they were told:
“The three members are taking a break at the moment and are planning new projects. We do not plan on responding to SME’s press conference. SME was ordered by the court to submit relevant evidences and they have been ignoring this order for almost 3 months now and they also have not been following any other court orders. Conversations with SME will start when they start respecting the court’s decision. The court said that the three members may work on their own, so we do not need SME’s permission on that. We are also seriously considering making criminal accusations against SME.“
Cr: Nate + allkpop
►►Singer IU to comeback on Nov. 12th + Official photos released!
IU, who gained popularity previously with her singles “Boo” and “You Know” (one of my favorites at the time♥) and also for covering Big Bang’s song “Lies” with 2NE1 Dara’s brother Thunder/ Park Sang Hyun (who’s currently in Mblaq), will being coming back with her second mini-album titled IU…IM on November 12.
The title was chosen because IU’s emotions, thoughts and feelings will be expressed through music The title-song is called Marshmallow and is produced and composed by Kim Do Hoon, Park Soo Jong and Chae Gap Won; the latter also wrote the lyrics. The title-song is anticipated to reveal the teenager’s feelings towards love like a squishy, sweet marshmallow.
IU’s album will also contain other songs such as Love Attack, which expresses a confident girl’s honest feelings toward emotions, Riding the Guitar, which reveals IU’s matured vocal combined with a magnificent orchestra, Morning Tears, which has a fantasy feeling, and Dugeun Dougeun Date – which expresses the feelings of a girl’s first dating experience.
IU’s agency Loen Entertainment stated, “In this album, everyone can feel IU’s possibilities of a great future. Everyone will fall in love with the pure emotions she is expressing through her activities.“
☆Kpop Rants☆ 
