March 30, 2011
March 27, 2011
March 23, 2011
March 22, 2011
Veteran Singers Come Together for Concert to Benefit Japan Quake Victims
source: Chosun Ilbo
Mar. 22, 2011 10:19 KST
Veteran Korean singers Lee Mi-ja, Patti Kim and Cho Young-nam will join in a live concert to benefit the victims of the Japan earthquake at KBS Hall on Tuesday evening, which will be aired by KBS 1TV from 7:10 p.m.
"We were discussing ways to raise funds for the victims of the earthquake, then Lee proposed the concert and it all came together in just a few days," said producer Park Tae-ho of the broadcasting station, who is in charge of planning the concert. "Despite it being a last-minute proposal, Kim and Cho agreed to join."
Kim, who was staying in the U.S., arrived in Korea last Friday to meet the schedule after changing her plans. The three, who have performed together in a number of concerts, started preparing on Monday.
From left, Lee Mi-ja, Patti Kim and Cho Young-nam
Younger singers have also volunteered to take part in the 75-minute concert, with several boy and girl bands such as FT Island, CN Blue, Beast, U-Kiss and 4minute answering the donation phone calls.
The show will be hosted by actor Park Sang-won and announcer Hwang Su-kyung. Japanese Ambassador to Korea Masatoshi Muto will also appear on stage to make a speech.
From left, Lee Mi-ja, Patti Kim and Cho Young-nam
Mar. 22, 2011 10:19 KST
Veteran Korean singers Lee Mi-ja, Patti Kim and Cho Young-nam will join in a live concert to benefit the victims of the Japan earthquake at KBS Hall on Tuesday evening, which will be aired by KBS 1TV from 7:10 p.m.
"We were discussing ways to raise funds for the victims of the earthquake, then Lee proposed the concert and it all came together in just a few days," said producer Park Tae-ho of the broadcasting station, who is in charge of planning the concert. "Despite it being a last-minute proposal, Kim and Cho agreed to join."
Kim, who was staying in the U.S., arrived in Korea last Friday to meet the schedule after changing her plans. The three, who have performed together in a number of concerts, started preparing on Monday.
From left, Lee Mi-ja, Patti Kim and Cho Young-nam
Younger singers have also volunteered to take part in the 75-minute concert, with several boy and girl bands such as FT Island, CN Blue, Beast, U-Kiss and 4minute answering the donation phone calls.
The show will be hosted by actor Park Sang-won and announcer Hwang Su-kyung. Japanese Ambassador to Korea Masatoshi Muto will also appear on stage to make a speech.
From left, Lee Mi-ja, Patti Kim and Cho Young-nam
March 21, 2011
[news] 'Dream High ', Season 2
Uploaded by ystarchannel1 on Mar 17, 2011
아이돌드라마로 화제를 모았던 '드림하이'의 시즌 2 제작이 확정됐습니다.
지난 2월 종영한 '드림하이'는 2PM의 택연, 우영, miss A의 수지, 아이유 등 아이돌 스타들이 대거 출연해 10대는 물론 30~40대 여성층까지 폭넓은 인기를 모은 드라마인데요.
드라마 제작자는 "'드림하이'의 제작진이 내년 1월 겨울방학 무렵에 맞춰 방송을 준비하고 있다"고 전했습니다.
시즌 2는 시즌1의 전체적인 틀은 유지한 채 새로운 신입생들의 이야기가 어우러지는 형태가 유력할 것으로 보입니다.
March 16, 2011
Park Yong-ha's Mother Releases Memoir of Her Son
Chosun Ilbo
Mar. 11, 2011 08:51
The late actor and singer Park Yong-ha's mother has published a memoir about her son. Published through a contract with a Japanese publisher, Park's mother Oh Young-ran's 260-page book details the family's close relationships and love for Park, Japan's Sankei Sports reported.
The book covers his life ranging from his childhood to his debut in show business and stardom in Japan. It also includes behind-the-scenes stories on his relationships with close celebrity friends as well as previously unreleased photos and his last interview.
Oh said she published the book to record her family's story and remember the good days they shared together.
Park debuted with the TV drama "Theme Theater" in 1994 and became popular in Japan and Southeast Asia with his appearance in the hit TV drama "Winter Sonata" in 2002 along with Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo.
He released several albums in Japan and received the Golden Disk award for four consecutive years from 2005. He committed suicide last June at the age of 33.
Bae Yong-joon Gives W1 Billion for Japanese Earthquake Victims
Chosun Ilbo
Mar. 15, 2011 09:29
Korean actor Bae Yong-joon donated W1 billion to the Japanese government on Monday to help the victims of Friday's massive earthquake and tsunami (US$1=W1,130). Bae's agency KEYEAST said the actor made the decision when he heard that there was a shortage of relief supplies and recovery equipment "and will look for more ways to help."
Bae (39) became hugely popular in Japan with the soap "Winter Sonata."
His colleague Ryu Si-won (39) donated W200 million through his Japanese management agency. R's Company, his agency in Korea, said Ryu plans to visit Sendai, which was hit the hardest, and volunteer in relief efforts.
Kim Hyun-joong (25) of the popular boy band SS501, donated W100 million for relief efforts and actor Jang Keun-suk (24) 10 million yen or around W140 million to the Japanese Red Cross.
S. Koreans step up efforts to help quake-stricken Japan
2011/03/15 11:29
SEOUL, March 15 (Yonhap)
From the president, to top celebrities, companies and ordinary people, South Korea is stepping up efforts to help quake-stricken Japan as the neighboring country is grappling with its worst natural disaster ever.
The gigantic tsunami spawned by a 9.0-magnitude offshore quake last week swept northeastern Japan, claiming thousands of lives and the death toll is feared to rise.
President Lee Myung-bak called for the international community to make all-out efforts to help Japan and offered condolences to the families of victims. "All countries in the world should pay attention to Japan and cooperate (for its recovery work)," Lee said Monday while on a trip to the United Arab Emirates.
Seoul has dispatched more than 100 rescue personnel to the quake-ravaged areas and pledged to provide as much support as possible for Japan.
The development could help improve relations between South Korea and Japan, which have often been strained by historical disputes stemming from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula.
Relief organizations and local civic groups joined the campaign to collect donations and aid supplies.
Korea Disaster Relief Association said it plans to provide 4,000 emergency supply kits that include blankets, clothing and underwear, in addition to 150,000 bottles of water.
The Korean Committee for UNICEF said it has launched a donation campaign through e-mail as well as social network services such as Facebook and Twitter.
The local office aims to initially raise 1 billion won (US$888,000) and extend its donation campaign over the next two months in a bid to raise restoration funds, it said.
The Community Chest of Korea has said it would donate US$500,000 to Japan for relief efforts.
South Korean celebrities also joined the campaign. Bae Yong-joon, a hugely popular actor in Japan, has donated 1 billion won to the Japanese government, according to his agency.
Ryu Si-won, an actor who also enjoys immense popularity in Japan, is also set to donate 200 million won to Japanese victims.
On Tuesday, South Korea's public broadcaster KBS plans to air a two-hour live fundraising program. Another major broadcaster, MBC, also plans to air a similar donation program on Wednesday.
Daum, one of the nation's major Internet portals, raised more than 40 million won from some 900 netizens in less than two days after launching a donation drive. South Korea is one of the most densely wired countries in the world, with 95 percent of its people having access to high-speed, broadband Internet.
Also Tuesday, Samsung Group, South Korea's largest business conglomerate, said it has donated 100 million yen (US$1.22 million) to help Japan's earthquake relief.
The group will also dispatch 10 rescue workers from Samsung Rescue Corps. and 11 medical workers from the Samsung Medical Center after consulting with the Japanese government, it said in a statement.
Asiana Airlines Inc., one of the top two Korean air carriers, has provided blankets, instant noodles, mineral water and other relief items to Japan.
SEOUL, March 15 (Yonhap)
From the president, to top celebrities, companies and ordinary people, South Korea is stepping up efforts to help quake-stricken Japan as the neighboring country is grappling with its worst natural disaster ever.
The gigantic tsunami spawned by a 9.0-magnitude offshore quake last week swept northeastern Japan, claiming thousands of lives and the death toll is feared to rise.
President Lee Myung-bak called for the international community to make all-out efforts to help Japan and offered condolences to the families of victims. "All countries in the world should pay attention to Japan and cooperate (for its recovery work)," Lee said Monday while on a trip to the United Arab Emirates.
Seoul has dispatched more than 100 rescue personnel to the quake-ravaged areas and pledged to provide as much support as possible for Japan.
The development could help improve relations between South Korea and Japan, which have often been strained by historical disputes stemming from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula.
Relief organizations and local civic groups joined the campaign to collect donations and aid supplies.
Korea Disaster Relief Association said it plans to provide 4,000 emergency supply kits that include blankets, clothing and underwear, in addition to 150,000 bottles of water.
The Korean Committee for UNICEF said it has launched a donation campaign through e-mail as well as social network services such as Facebook and Twitter.
The local office aims to initially raise 1 billion won (US$888,000) and extend its donation campaign over the next two months in a bid to raise restoration funds, it said.
The Community Chest of Korea has said it would donate US$500,000 to Japan for relief efforts.
South Korean celebrities also joined the campaign. Bae Yong-joon, a hugely popular actor in Japan, has donated 1 billion won to the Japanese government, according to his agency.
Ryu Si-won, an actor who also enjoys immense popularity in Japan, is also set to donate 200 million won to Japanese victims.
On Tuesday, South Korea's public broadcaster KBS plans to air a two-hour live fundraising program. Another major broadcaster, MBC, also plans to air a similar donation program on Wednesday.
Daum, one of the nation's major Internet portals, raised more than 40 million won from some 900 netizens in less than two days after launching a donation drive. South Korea is one of the most densely wired countries in the world, with 95 percent of its people having access to high-speed, broadband Internet.
Also Tuesday, Samsung Group, South Korea's largest business conglomerate, said it has donated 100 million yen (US$1.22 million) to help Japan's earthquake relief.
The group will also dispatch 10 rescue workers from Samsung Rescue Corps. and 11 medical workers from the Samsung Medical Center after consulting with the Japanese government, it said in a statement.
Asiana Airlines Inc., one of the top two Korean air carriers, has provided blankets, instant noodles, mineral water and other relief items to Japan.
March 15, 2011
Even anti-Japan groups join the aid bandwagon
Korean JoongAng Ilbo
March 15, 2011
Korean rescue crews, relief workers and aid organizations are flying to Japan to help in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami, while donations are pouring in and an extraordinary amount of condolences are being offered to Korea’s former colonizer.
“Making statements such as ‘Shame on Japan!’ or ‘Japan deserves such an ordeal’ is wrong” said Seo Gyeong-deok, a visiting professor at Sungshin Women’s University, in an interview with the JoongAng Ilbo yesterday.
Seo has organized numerous anti-Japan campaigns on the Dokdo islets and compensation for “comfort women,” or Korean sex slaves during World War II. Putting all that history aside, Seo said: “Now is the time to show the Korean people’s humanity.”
The Korean Council for the Women Drafted for Military Sexual Slavery by Japan officially expressed condolences to the devastated neighbor, despite its deep-rooted resentment of Japan.
The group issued a statement Sunday that said, “We are one creation under one heaven. Everyone is precious ... We express sympathy towards Japanese victims who are suffering from the massive earthquake.”
Another civic group called Hwalbindan, which has led an anti-Japanese movement over the Dokdo islets, said Koreans should transcend attitudes of being pro- or anti-Japanese and help the neighboring country.
Hallyu, or Korean Wave, stars are donating large sums of money to Japan and expressing condolences on their Internet home pages.
“Famous celebrities including Lee Byung-hun, Bae Yong-joon and Ryu Shi-won are offering donations to Japan along with six private organizations in Korea,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said yesterday through its official Twitter Page.
Actor and singer Kim Hyun-joong, who is a popular star in Japan thanks to the hit drama “Boys Over Flowers,” has also decided to donate 100 million won ($88,649). He said he would like to be of help “even if it’s only in a small way.”
The JoongAng Ilbo announced yesterday that it will hold a fund-raising event in collaboration with the Korean Red Cross. Other newspaper companies including Chosun Ilbo and Dong-A Ilbo have opened up bank accounts that readers can contribute to.
In the meantime, international relief organizations have been sending teams to Japan since Saturday, a day after the massive quake, to assist while asking for support from the public.
World Vision started fund-raising Sunday and is aiming to collect $400,000 internationally. World Vision Korea is supposed to collect 25 percent of the total amount.
The Community Chest of Korea said it will donate 561 million won ($500,000). The Salvation Army in Korea has revived its Red Kettle fund-raising event, which is usually held at Christmas-time, for two days from Friday in 20 locations around the country.
Gwangju, which has a sister-city relationship with Sendai, one of the worst hit areas in Japan, has decided to send rescue teams and emergency aid kits to the city.
The country’s largest portal site Naver started collecting money online on Saturday and reached its target of 5 million won in two days.
Another portal site, Daum’s Agora blog, has collected 64 percent of its goal since Saturday.
By Yim Seung-hye [enational@joongang.co.kr]
March 15, 2011
Korean rescue crews, relief workers and aid organizations are flying to Japan to help in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami, while donations are pouring in and an extraordinary amount of condolences are being offered to Korea’s former colonizer.
“Making statements such as ‘Shame on Japan!’ or ‘Japan deserves such an ordeal’ is wrong” said Seo Gyeong-deok, a visiting professor at Sungshin Women’s University, in an interview with the JoongAng Ilbo yesterday.
Seo has organized numerous anti-Japan campaigns on the Dokdo islets and compensation for “comfort women,” or Korean sex slaves during World War II. Putting all that history aside, Seo said: “Now is the time to show the Korean people’s humanity.”
The Korean Council for the Women Drafted for Military Sexual Slavery by Japan officially expressed condolences to the devastated neighbor, despite its deep-rooted resentment of Japan.
The group issued a statement Sunday that said, “We are one creation under one heaven. Everyone is precious ... We express sympathy towards Japanese victims who are suffering from the massive earthquake.”
Another civic group called Hwalbindan, which has led an anti-Japanese movement over the Dokdo islets, said Koreans should transcend attitudes of being pro- or anti-Japanese and help the neighboring country.
Hallyu, or Korean Wave, stars are donating large sums of money to Japan and expressing condolences on their Internet home pages.
“Famous celebrities including Lee Byung-hun, Bae Yong-joon and Ryu Shi-won are offering donations to Japan along with six private organizations in Korea,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said yesterday through its official Twitter Page.
Actor and singer Kim Hyun-joong, who is a popular star in Japan thanks to the hit drama “Boys Over Flowers,” has also decided to donate 100 million won ($88,649). He said he would like to be of help “even if it’s only in a small way.”
The JoongAng Ilbo announced yesterday that it will hold a fund-raising event in collaboration with the Korean Red Cross. Other newspaper companies including Chosun Ilbo and Dong-A Ilbo have opened up bank accounts that readers can contribute to.
In the meantime, international relief organizations have been sending teams to Japan since Saturday, a day after the massive quake, to assist while asking for support from the public.
World Vision started fund-raising Sunday and is aiming to collect $400,000 internationally. World Vision Korea is supposed to collect 25 percent of the total amount.
The Community Chest of Korea said it will donate 561 million won ($500,000). The Salvation Army in Korea has revived its Red Kettle fund-raising event, which is usually held at Christmas-time, for two days from Friday in 20 locations around the country.
Gwangju, which has a sister-city relationship with Sendai, one of the worst hit areas in Japan, has decided to send rescue teams and emergency aid kits to the city.
The country’s largest portal site Naver started collecting money online on Saturday and reached its target of 5 million won in two days.
Another portal site, Daum’s Agora blog, has collected 64 percent of its goal since Saturday.
By Yim Seung-hye [enational@joongang.co.kr]
S. Korean actor, pop star make donations for Japan quake relief
yonhap news
2011/03/14 17:25
SEOUL, March 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korean actor Bae Yong-joon has donated 1 billion won (US$888,000) to the Japanese government's fund for earthquake relief, his agency said Monday.
Keyeast, Bae's management firm, said the 38-year-old actor offered his donation after hearing about Japan's struggles in dealing with the aftermath of the 9.0-magnitude earthquake and an ensuing tsunami last Friday. Thousands of people are feared dead and missing, and Japan is also confronted with a nuclear crisis following an explosion at a nuclear power plant in Fukushima, north of Tokyo.
Bae is a hugely popular actor in Japan, thanks to hit television drama "Winter Sonata." Earlier Monday, Bae wrote on his Japanese homepage that he was "saddened" by the news of the growing damage and that he would find ways to help Japan's relief efforts.
Also Monday, Kim Hyun-joong, a member of the popular South Korean boy band SS501, donated 100 million won for earthquake relief efforts in Japan. Kim is also represented by Keyeast.
To mark the Japanese premier of his South Korean television show, Kim was scheduled to meet with fans in Tokyo last Sunday, but he canceled the event after the earthquake.
Kim, 24, is the leader of the quintet SS501 and has also appeared in hit local television dramas.
2011/03/14 17:25
SEOUL, March 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korean actor Bae Yong-joon has donated 1 billion won (US$888,000) to the Japanese government's fund for earthquake relief, his agency said Monday.
Keyeast, Bae's management firm, said the 38-year-old actor offered his donation after hearing about Japan's struggles in dealing with the aftermath of the 9.0-magnitude earthquake and an ensuing tsunami last Friday. Thousands of people are feared dead and missing, and Japan is also confronted with a nuclear crisis following an explosion at a nuclear power plant in Fukushima, north of Tokyo.
Bae is a hugely popular actor in Japan, thanks to hit television drama "Winter Sonata." Earlier Monday, Bae wrote on his Japanese homepage that he was "saddened" by the news of the growing damage and that he would find ways to help Japan's relief efforts.
Also Monday, Kim Hyun-joong, a member of the popular South Korean boy band SS501, donated 100 million won for earthquake relief efforts in Japan. Kim is also represented by Keyeast.
To mark the Japanese premier of his South Korean television show, Kim was scheduled to meet with fans in Tokyo last Sunday, but he canceled the event after the earthquake.
Kim, 24, is the leader of the quintet SS501 and has also appeared in hit local television dramas.
Korean Entertainers Step Up to Help Japan
Chosun Ilbo
Mar. 14, 2011 08:35
Some of Korea's top celebrities are preparing to help the victims of Japan's deadly earthquake and tsunami.
R's Company, the management agency of actor and singer Ryu Si-won, one of the most popular Korean stars in Japan, said on Sunday, "Ryu is deeply grieving the catastrophe that struck Japan. He has decided to donate to the victims and write a letter of condolence to his fans there."
Bae Yong-joon's management agency KEYEAST said, "The entire company, including Bae, is discussing ways to help the victims." Bae donated 30 million yen to the victims of the earthquake that hit Nigata, Japan in 2004.
BH Entertainment, which manages Lee Byung-hun and Han Hyo-joo, said, "We are thinking of ways of working with Lee and Han to raise the spirits of the Japanese people."
Mar. 14, 2011 08:35
Some of Korea's top celebrities are preparing to help the victims of Japan's deadly earthquake and tsunami.
R's Company, the management agency of actor and singer Ryu Si-won, one of the most popular Korean stars in Japan, said on Sunday, "Ryu is deeply grieving the catastrophe that struck Japan. He has decided to donate to the victims and write a letter of condolence to his fans there."
Bae Yong-joon's management agency KEYEAST said, "The entire company, including Bae, is discussing ways to help the victims." Bae donated 30 million yen to the victims of the earthquake that hit Nigata, Japan in 2004.
BH Entertainment, which manages Lee Byung-hun and Han Hyo-joo, said, "We are thinking of ways of working with Lee and Han to raise the spirits of the Japanese people."
March 12, 2011
March 11, 2011
Pop Music Leads to Fresh Boom in Tokyo's Koreatown
Chosun Ilbo
Mar. 10, 2011 14:07
Tokyo's Shin-Okubo district is home to the biggest concentration of Korean shops and businesses in the Japanese capital and a shrine for followers of the so-called Korean Wave. The district is packed with Korean restaurants with signs advertising popular Korean dishes and stores selling the ingredients. In fact, at first glance visitors could fall under the illusion as if they are in Seoul.
In 2004 and 2005, when the hit soap "Winter Sonata" starring Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo swept Japan, legions of Japanese homemakers descended on the streets of Koreatown. But the waning popularity of Korean soaps in Japan led to forecasts that the Korea Town would suffer. But now the huge popularity of K-pop girl bands such as Kara and Girls' Generation has re-ignited the Korean Wave in Japan and Koreatown is once again becoming a major hot spot.
Now it is not just housewives but Japanese teens who flock there. Long lines can be spotted in front of some stores selling traditional Korean snacks like sugary pancakes. And a growing number of Japanese customers are shopping for ingredients to prepare Korean food at home.
Koreatown was started by Koreans who went to Japan to study or work in the 1980s and 90s. Different from the Korean Japanese who had lived there for generations, these newcomers quickly introduced Korean culture to Japan. Shin-Okubo is now the best place in Japan to get a feel of the latest trends in Korea.
But it is still tiny compared to the Chinatown in Yokohama, for instance, which is crowded with 18 million tourists a year and hosts a variety of annual events showcasing Chinese culture like the Chinatown Lunar New Year's Festival in February, which featured costume parades, lion dance performances and other events. Even though Beijing-Tokyo ties chilled, the festivities in Chinatown continued.
But Koreatown is cramped, with narrow sidewalks and mundane buildings. It is hard to find a site where visitors can really immerse themselves in the culture. When "Winter Sonata" star Park Yong-ha committed suicide, legions of fans visited Korea Town but had to pay their respects at a small altar set up in a Korean restaurant. Korean stars often hold autograph-signing events at Shin-Okubo, but overcrowding in the narrow streets prompted Japanese media to raise safety concerns.
The Korea-Japan Festival sponsored by the Korean government was therefore held in Roppongi Hills instead. Shin-Okubo appears on Japanese TV nearly every day because of the Korean Wave, but the coverage is limited to food. There are no showrooms featuring Korea's cutting-edge electronics, and the Korean Cultural Center built in 2009 is far away.
This is probably why makgeolli or Korean rice wine and distilled liquor soju are the only real beneficiaries of the Korean Wave in Japan so far. Last year, Korea posted a record trade surplus, but its trade deficit with Japan grew. If Shin-Okubo is to turn from just a street lined with Korean restaurants into a showcase venue for the country's culture and high-tech products, the government and businesses need to pay more attention to this unique enclave.
By Cha Hak-bong, the Chosun Ilbo's correspondent in Tokyo
Mar. 10, 2011 14:07
Tokyo's Shin-Okubo district is home to the biggest concentration of Korean shops and businesses in the Japanese capital and a shrine for followers of the so-called Korean Wave. The district is packed with Korean restaurants with signs advertising popular Korean dishes and stores selling the ingredients. In fact, at first glance visitors could fall under the illusion as if they are in Seoul.
In 2004 and 2005, when the hit soap "Winter Sonata" starring Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo swept Japan, legions of Japanese homemakers descended on the streets of Koreatown. But the waning popularity of Korean soaps in Japan led to forecasts that the Korea Town would suffer. But now the huge popularity of K-pop girl bands such as Kara and Girls' Generation has re-ignited the Korean Wave in Japan and Koreatown is once again becoming a major hot spot.
Now it is not just housewives but Japanese teens who flock there. Long lines can be spotted in front of some stores selling traditional Korean snacks like sugary pancakes. And a growing number of Japanese customers are shopping for ingredients to prepare Korean food at home.
Koreatown was started by Koreans who went to Japan to study or work in the 1980s and 90s. Different from the Korean Japanese who had lived there for generations, these newcomers quickly introduced Korean culture to Japan. Shin-Okubo is now the best place in Japan to get a feel of the latest trends in Korea.
But it is still tiny compared to the Chinatown in Yokohama, for instance, which is crowded with 18 million tourists a year and hosts a variety of annual events showcasing Chinese culture like the Chinatown Lunar New Year's Festival in February, which featured costume parades, lion dance performances and other events. Even though Beijing-Tokyo ties chilled, the festivities in Chinatown continued.
But Koreatown is cramped, with narrow sidewalks and mundane buildings. It is hard to find a site where visitors can really immerse themselves in the culture. When "Winter Sonata" star Park Yong-ha committed suicide, legions of fans visited Korea Town but had to pay their respects at a small altar set up in a Korean restaurant. Korean stars often hold autograph-signing events at Shin-Okubo, but overcrowding in the narrow streets prompted Japanese media to raise safety concerns.
The Korea-Japan Festival sponsored by the Korean government was therefore held in Roppongi Hills instead. Shin-Okubo appears on Japanese TV nearly every day because of the Korean Wave, but the coverage is limited to food. There are no showrooms featuring Korea's cutting-edge electronics, and the Korean Cultural Center built in 2009 is far away.
This is probably why makgeolli or Korean rice wine and distilled liquor soju are the only real beneficiaries of the Korean Wave in Japan so far. Last year, Korea posted a record trade surplus, but its trade deficit with Japan grew. If Shin-Okubo is to turn from just a street lined with Korean restaurants into a showcase venue for the country's culture and high-tech products, the government and businesses need to pay more attention to this unique enclave.
By Cha Hak-bong, the Chosun Ilbo's correspondent in Tokyo
March 9, 2011
March 8, 2011
March 7, 2011
Dream High-"Special Making Book"
source: The Korea Times
Editorial staff; Seed Paper: 300 pp., 18,000 won
Fans of the hit KBS drama “Dream High” can take a look at the inside story of Kirin Art School, an academy nurturing future entertainers.
The drama, gaining popularity from its music and dance sequences directed by Park Jin-young of JYP, is known for the high-quality performances of the actors.
The book reviews the process of production from scratch, such as the thoughts of creative producer Bae Yong-joon and music and dance director Park.
The six students of Kirin Art School — Kim Soo-hyun, Taecyeon and Wooyoung from 2PM, Suzy from Miss A, Eun-jung from T-ara and singer IU — reveal their student records and their teachers’ comments.
Photo spreads of the students’ performances such as the Kirin Art School showcase are included. Behind-the-scenes photos and analysis on the fashion of the six students are also available in the book.
—KWON MEE-YOO
March 6, 2011
i love Asia project / 2008
Lyrics in Korean
<조성모>얼마나 아프니 정말 너무 많이 힘들 꺼야
<클래지콰이>어둠 속에서 한줄기 빛도 보이질 않아
<박용하>가슴이 너무 아파 눈물조차도 흐르질 않니
<나르샤,간미연>어디로 갈지 몰라 맴돌다가 주저 앉아 있니
I’ll give you my hand 내 손을 잡고 일어나.
눈물이 마를 때까지
나의 어깨에 기대 서 쉬렴 다시 일어나
웃는 네 모습을 기다릴게.
<성룡>둘러 보아도 아무런 희망도 보이질 않고
<황정민,채연>이 긴 어둠은 끝이 나지 않을 것만 같고
<김동완>하루 하루가 너무 길고 힘들게만 느껴지니
<김아중>일어날 힘도 없어 제자리에 주저 앉아 있니
I’ll give you my hand 내 손을 잡고 일어나.
눈물이 마를 때까지
<손호영>나의 어깨에 기대서 쉬렴 다시 일어나
웃는 네 모습을 기다릴게.
<김태희>잊지마 네가 힘들고 지칠 때 마다
<한혜진>내가 여기 너의 뒤에 서 있다는 것을.
<전혜빈>넌 혼자가 아냐 내가 여기 곁에 서 있는 한
<임정희>Cause I’ll always be here for U
<선예,휘성>I’ll give you my hand 내 손을 잡고 일어나.
눈물이 마를 때까지
나의 어깨에 기대서 쉬렴 다시 일어나
웃는 네 모습을 기다릴게.
<장나라>I’ll give you my hand 내 손을 잡고 일어나.
눈물이 마를 때까지
나의 어깨에 기대서 쉬렴 다시 일어나
웃는 네 모습을 기다릴게.
<김연아>다시 웃는 모습을 기다릴게
~*~
Translation into English
I’ll give you my hand / Grab my hand and rise.
Until the tears dry out
My shoulder you can count on / To rest and rise again
I will wait for your smiling face.
I’ll give you my hand / Grab my hand and rise.
Until the tears dry out
I will wait for your smiling face.
Until the tears dry out
My shoulder you can count on / To rest and rise again
I will wait for your smiling face.
Until the tears dry out
My shoulder you can count on / To rest and rise again
I will wait for your smiling face.
~*~
[book] dear son, truth of Park Yong Ha
source: pyh's official site, kadokawa
title: dear son, truth of Park Yong Ha
by: Oh Yon Ran (pyh's mother)
sale date: 10 March 2011
price(tax incl.): jpy 1,785
issue: kadokawa books
ISBN 978-4-04-885091-9-C0095
[brief contents](296pages)
chapter.1 start of our family
chapter.2 dream and preparation
chapter.3 season of "Winter Sonata"
longing for brother Yong Jong, first lost love, encounter with "Winter Sonata", key player of Hallyu wave
chapter.4 getting over conflict
chapter.5 sentence, three months of remaining life
last interview
title: dear son, truth of Park Yong Ha
by: Oh Yon Ran (pyh's mother)
sale date: 10 March 2011
price(tax incl.): jpy 1,785
issue: kadokawa books
ISBN 978-4-04-885091-9-C0095
[brief contents](296pages)
chapter.1 start of our family
chapter.2 dream and preparation
chapter.3 season of "Winter Sonata"
longing for brother Yong Jong, first lost love, encounter with "Winter Sonata", key player of Hallyu wave
chapter.4 getting over conflict
chapter.5 sentence, three months of remaining life
last interview
[news]Korean Wave's focus in Tokyo shifting to music
source: donga.com
FEBRUARY 24, 2011 10:07
A Korean restaurant named “Koshire” opened in August 2006 by Korean actor Bae Yong-joon in Tokyo will be closed next month.
Grabbing more attention, however, is “K Theater,” a performance hall exclusively for Korean pop music that has emerged as the mainstream of “hallyu (Korean Wave).” The theater will open in the Japanese capital’s Shibuya and Ebisu districts, which are major hotspots for shopping and youth fashion.
This case illustrates that the Korean Wave’s focus in Japan has shifted from “Yonsama,” Bae’s nickname in Japan, to K-pop.
Koshire became the Korea Wave hub in Japan after Bae opened the restaurant in Tokyo’s Minato district to create “an upscale Korean Wave restaurant.” Business was so good at one point that fans would say people who do not visit Koshire could hardly join chats between Korean Wave fans.
Fans would wait in long lines extending hundreds of meters even on rainy days to get into the restaurant. Recently, however, complaints have mounted that visitors have few chances to see Bae there or that prices are too high.
Ethnic Koreans in Japan also expressed regret, with one saying, “The restaurant likely won’t last long.”
Eventually, Koshire announced suspension of business on its Web site, saying, “We will only continue operations until late February due to aged facilities.” Whether it will reopen was not clarified.
News of Koshire’s closure was immediately followed by reports on the opening of K-Theater scheduled for April. The theater has paid-in capital of 1 billion yen (12 million U.S. dollars) from an entertainment management company run by Park Seok-ryol, a third-generation ethnic Korean in Japan.
Investment also came from Fuji TV, Japan’s largest private broadcaster and variety show powerhouse. Other stakeholders in the theater include a former chairman of Avex, Japan’s largest entertainment company, and the heads of movie studios.
The theater will exclusively stage performances featuring Korean acts twice a day year-round. It will also reportedly invite not only known Korean stars but also new faces and proactively hold fan meetings and news conferences for Korean stars.
The hope is that K-Theater grows into a hub of Korean pop music in Japan represented by TVXQ, Kara, Four Minutes and Girls’ Generation, who are carrying on the Korean Wave first generated through hit TV dramas in the early 2000s.
Park said, “Hallyu previously reminded people of somewhat chaotic districts including Shinjuku and Shinokubo. But we now need to pursue a strategy to upgrade its quality in Shibuya and Ebisu,” adding, “We will ensure that K-Theater will take root as a permanent hub of the Korean Wave (in Japan).”
FEBRUARY 24, 2011 10:07
A Korean restaurant named “Koshire” opened in August 2006 by Korean actor Bae Yong-joon in Tokyo will be closed next month.
Grabbing more attention, however, is “K Theater,” a performance hall exclusively for Korean pop music that has emerged as the mainstream of “hallyu (Korean Wave).” The theater will open in the Japanese capital’s Shibuya and Ebisu districts, which are major hotspots for shopping and youth fashion.
This case illustrates that the Korean Wave’s focus in Japan has shifted from “Yonsama,” Bae’s nickname in Japan, to K-pop.
Koshire became the Korea Wave hub in Japan after Bae opened the restaurant in Tokyo’s Minato district to create “an upscale Korean Wave restaurant.” Business was so good at one point that fans would say people who do not visit Koshire could hardly join chats between Korean Wave fans.
Fans would wait in long lines extending hundreds of meters even on rainy days to get into the restaurant. Recently, however, complaints have mounted that visitors have few chances to see Bae there or that prices are too high.
Ethnic Koreans in Japan also expressed regret, with one saying, “The restaurant likely won’t last long.”
Eventually, Koshire announced suspension of business on its Web site, saying, “We will only continue operations until late February due to aged facilities.” Whether it will reopen was not clarified.
News of Koshire’s closure was immediately followed by reports on the opening of K-Theater scheduled for April. The theater has paid-in capital of 1 billion yen (12 million U.S. dollars) from an entertainment management company run by Park Seok-ryol, a third-generation ethnic Korean in Japan.
Investment also came from Fuji TV, Japan’s largest private broadcaster and variety show powerhouse. Other stakeholders in the theater include a former chairman of Avex, Japan’s largest entertainment company, and the heads of movie studios.
The theater will exclusively stage performances featuring Korean acts twice a day year-round. It will also reportedly invite not only known Korean stars but also new faces and proactively hold fan meetings and news conferences for Korean stars.
The hope is that K-Theater grows into a hub of Korean pop music in Japan represented by TVXQ, Kara, Four Minutes and Girls’ Generation, who are carrying on the Korean Wave first generated through hit TV dramas in the early 2000s.
Park said, “Hallyu previously reminded people of somewhat chaotic districts including Shinjuku and Shinokubo. But we now need to pursue a strategy to upgrade its quality in Shibuya and Ebisu,” adding, “We will ensure that K-Theater will take root as a permanent hub of the Korean Wave (in Japan).”
March 5, 2011
March 4, 2011
Bae and Lee refute marriage rumors - once again
source: JoongAng Daily
[Talk of thw town]
March 04, 2011
Top hallyu star Bae Yong-joon has once again denied all claims regarding a possible marriage between him and Korean actress Lee Na-young.
On Wednesday, Japan’s Asahi Weekly reported that the two celebrities would be walking down the aisle in April.
The report also contained comments from various sources saying the two had been seen visiting each other’s homes.
Bae’s management company, Keyeast, did not waste any time refuting the reports.
On the same day the Asahi Weekly article was released, the company sent a press release, saying, “We have already proved this rumor false in Korea.
We will prove it through our Japanese management partner and take a solid position on this matter.”
Rumors and the two actors’ romantic relationship began in Korea in 2008.
Bae has tried to dispel the rumors in the past.
During a meeting for fans held at the Tokyo Dome last year, he told the press that “Lee was just a co-star in a drama and I just have no clue where this kind of rumor came from.”
Lee has also refuted the rumors in interviews since 2008.
The two appeared together in the 1999 drama “Did We Really Love,” in which Lee played Bae’s younger sister.
By Hannah Kim Contributing writer
March 3, 2011
Bae Yong-joon & Lee Na-young NOT Getting Married
source: KBS world
2011-03-02
As the rumors surrounding actor Bae Yong-joon and actress Lee Na-young getting married have been getting harder to ignore, both stars' entertainment agency have spoken up. And the verdict? The rumors are groundless.
Yang Geun-hwan, a representative of KEYEAST Entertainment, reported to Star News, "The wedding rumors are groundless. This rumor circled Korea a bit in the past, and now it seems to have reached Japan. However, it's just a rumor that got out of hand; no truth to it at all." According to the recent rumors, Bae and Lee were set to get married this April.
Bae had even addressed similar rumors directly, denying them vehemently, last year. He explained that it was strange that the rumors started in the first place, because Lee played Bae's younger sister in the drama that they acted in together, "Did We Really Love?".
2011-03-02
As the rumors surrounding actor Bae Yong-joon and actress Lee Na-young getting married have been getting harder to ignore, both stars' entertainment agency have spoken up. And the verdict? The rumors are groundless.
Yang Geun-hwan, a representative of KEYEAST Entertainment, reported to Star News, "The wedding rumors are groundless. This rumor circled Korea a bit in the past, and now it seems to have reached Japan. However, it's just a rumor that got out of hand; no truth to it at all." According to the recent rumors, Bae and Lee were set to get married this April.
Bae had even addressed similar rumors directly, denying them vehemently, last year. He explained that it was strange that the rumors started in the first place, because Lee played Bae's younger sister in the drama that they acted in together, "Did We Really Love?".
Bae Yong-joon in Fresh Wedding Rumors
Korean actors Bae Yong-joon and Lee Na-young are to tie the knot in April, the Japanese weekly Asahi reported Wednesday, citing as evidence a house in Seoul's exclusive Seongbuk-dong that Bae recently bought.
This is not the first time that rumors about their impending wedding have been reported. They first surfaced among securities firms in 2008, but their management agency at the time strongly denied them. Last year, Bae himself dismissed the rumors as groundless, saying Lee is just managed by the same agency.
Bae's agency KEYEAST said the Asahi report is equally unfounded and his Japanese agency is dealing with the issue.
Bae Yong-joon (left) and Lee Na-young
Englishnews@chosun.com / Mar. 03, 2011 11:22 KST
This is not the first time that rumors about their impending wedding have been reported. They first surfaced among securities firms in 2008, but their management agency at the time strongly denied them. Last year, Bae himself dismissed the rumors as groundless, saying Lee is just managed by the same agency.
Bae's agency KEYEAST said the Asahi report is equally unfounded and his Japanese agency is dealing with the issue.
Bae Yong-joon (left) and Lee Na-young
Englishnews@chosun.com / Mar. 03, 2011 11:22 KST
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