China is well known to clamp down on the free flow of information. Apparently, the country’s Olympic committee was effective in silencing Korean megastar Rain.
It was initially reported through the Chinese media that Rain was being considered as a possible guest and had been invited to take part in the closing event of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This made a lot of fans curious as to whether Rain will really perform or not. However, Rain’s management, JTune Entertainment, refused to confirm only saying: “We do not know anything about it.”
It was later revealed that according to the Chinese media, the Olympic Committee had concluded a contract with Rain but stipulated that if Rain or his management reveals the fact that he will take part in the Beijing Olympics’ closing ceremony, he won’t be allowed to participate in the event. Hence, the secrecy. Such is the power of China these days.
Rain’s management broke their silence a day after the Olympics stating: “Rain signed a contract to perform at the closing ceremony some three months ago when the International Olympic Committee made an official request. But the contract required us to keep it confidential.”
Rain sang the closing theme song “Beijing, Beijing, I Love Beijing” with other Chinese stars, including Hong Kong-based Kelly Chen, Taiwanese singer Wang Lee hom, and Chinese star Cecelia Han. A total of 68 celebrites shared the stage and some of those captured on film were Andy Lau and Hallyuwood ambassador and movie star Jackie Chan.
Before going onstage, Rain said he felt honored and excited when first asked to perform, as though he had been chosen for the national squad. He also seemed overwhelmed with joy after the ceremony. “I have never felt this nervous since my debut,” he said. “I was very moved to see people around the world gather and enjoy this occasion of harmony and festival.”
Hmmm, some say that the gag order may have been a bit too severe but at least compared to the SBS’ Olympic Opening Ceremony leak, Rain kept his promise.
Popularity: 2% [?]
Hallyuwood actress and former Fin.K.L member Lee Jin will make her comeback as an MC when she host the new cable channel Millionaire’s Shopping Bag-Season 2 (Korean: 백만장자의 쇼핑백- 시즌2) on the ETN cable channel.
Lee Jin started appearing on the show beginning this August and is following the heels of former MC Hwang In-young who hosted the first season of Millionaire’s Shopping Bag-Season.
Lee Jin said, “I am not a millionaire myself, so whenever I saw this show as a viewer I thought ’Wow! I never knew there was such a thing like that!’ or ’Wow! That looks nice!’ or ’Wow! I want to try that on!’ Through this experience I would like to help give ordinary people satisfaction by giving them information that can be helpful to their actual life, such as money managing skills at the same time showing them the luxurious life of rich.”
Popularity: 3% [?]
Model turned up and coming actor Lee Eon died in a road accident in the early morning of August 21.
Lee, whose real name is Park Sang-min, was on his way home driving his motorcycle after celebrating the completion of his recent drama Strongest Chilwoo, when he hit a guardrail at the elevated roadway in Hannam-dong, Yongsan at about 2 AM.
Lee Eon was taken to Soonchunhyang University Hospital in Hannam-dong, Seoul were he was pronounced dead. Lee was only 27 years old.
Lee Eon is perhaps best remembered for his role as the half-witted but charming Min-yeop in the hit drama Coffee Prince.
Lee Eon will be greatly missed and our deepest condolences to his family. RIP.
Popularity: 3% [?]
Korean singer and idol Seo Taeji recently completed the successful ETP FEST 2008 (Eerie Taiji People Festival) but not without catching the eye of many fans who noticed the star singer wearing some make-up during a press conference before the concert.
Many said that Seo Taeji must’ve been influenced by singer Marilyn Manson’s goth make-up but Seo’s stylist clearly placed some make-up on the singer to make him look better.
The rock concert also got a taste of star power as Hallyuwood stars Han Ji-hye, Jang Jin-young and other celebrities bought tickets to see the show.
Even prior to the concert, the official homepage and blog for the festival has numerous visitors and the ETPFEST festival was the number one search word in portal site Naver.
Despite not performing live in concert for four years, Seo didn’t disappoint fans as he sang songs from his latest album such as Moai, Take 4, Internet War and Live Wire. 34,000 fans packed the Olympic baseball stadiu as they chanted and sang with their rock idol to the wee hours of the night.
Check out Seo Taeji’s latest MV single Moai
Popularity: 9% [?]
Miss Korea winner Nari (left) and Jang Yoon-hee (right) all hail from Yonsei University
In the recently concluded 2008 Miss Korea Beauty Pageant, students of Yonsei University drew a lot of attention as the alumnis from the school won first and third place respectively.
On the 6th in the afternoon, Nari, who is a junior in the applied statistics department of Yonsei University, won first place in the 2008 Miss Korea Beauty Pageant. Jang Yoon-hee, who won third place, also is a junior of Yonsei University in the English literature department. Incidentally, Jang Yoon-hee also won first place in the Seoul Beauty Pageant and overnight Netizens began talking about the two students from Yonsei.
Former Miss Korea beauty pageant contestants from Yonsei includes Kim Joo-hee, who currently works as an announcer, won Miss Korea of 2005. Kim Joo-hee was also a graduate of the English literature department program of Yonsei University.
Another Yonsei beauty is Lee Yuna, who is currently an announcer of SBS. She won third place at the Miss Seoul pageant in 2006 and majored in journalism and broadcasting in Yonsei University.
A person in the public relations center of Yonsei University said, “There are many pretty students in our University. Jang Yoon-hee is well known as the prettiest student of Yonsei University and is currently pursuing PR related activities for our school.”
Yonsei University is considered among the top Universities in Korea. Other top ranked schools are Seoul University, Korea University and the all-women Ehwha Univeristy.
Popularity: 10% [?]
Hallyuwood star Bae Yong-joon recently went under the knife at an undisclosed hospital after he torn a shoulder ligament.
The 2 hour surgery was successful and Bae is currently recuperating and will stay in the hospital for a week.
Bae’s management agency BOF said that Bae pulled his shoulder ligament and injured his knee while shooting the popular MBC history drama “Taewangsasingi” last year.
Bae Yong-joon recently stayed and rested in the US for 2 months to get regular treatment for his knee which has almost healed.
To Bae Yong-joon, get well soon!
Popularity: 10% [?]
Life Imitates Art: Park Sung-woong and Shin Eun-jung are Engaged
0 Comments Published August 15th, 2008 in News
There’s an old saying that art imitates life and for Hallyuwood actor Park Sung-woong and actress Shin Eun-jung, the reverse of the saying is certainly true. The two stars who were a ‘reel’ couple in the epic drama ’Taewangsashingi,’ will now become a couple for ‘real’.
Actor Park Sungwoong (35) and Shin Eunjung (34) will tie the knot at the Daemyung Vivaldi Park located in Hongchun in Kangwon Province on October 18th.
The two fell in love after playing the couple role of Jumuchi and Dalbi in the said drama. At a ’Taewangsashingi Premium Event’ held at Osaka, Japan last June, Park Sung-woong professed his love in front of 35,000 people saying: “Shin Eun-jung is my girlfriend now,” which drew a lot of applause and attention from the crowd.
The two are again set to star together in the new MBC drama East of Eden to be aired at the end of this month.
Congratulations to the new couple!
Popularity: 9% [?]
Recent Comments