Kim Hyun Joong Releases Surprise Single for Fans

Although June 6th is Kim Hyun Joong’s birthday, it was actually the artist who gave a present to his fans.

The singer surprised everyone on his birthday by releasing a single entitled, “The Reason I Live” (aka “Why I’m Alive”). The lovely ballad expresses his appreciation to the fans which have supported him so faithfully over the years.

Although fans had been expecting the release of the singer’s “Tonight” album, most of them were surprised and grateful for the singer’s single released for his birthday.

The singer will perform the song for the first time in public on June 8th at a fan meeting in Seoul. June 8th is also the anniversary of the group ss501, of which Kim Hyun Joong is the leader. Several of the members have made comments lately which hint at a reunion, so some fans are wondering if the rest of the band members will be making a surprise visit at the “2013 KHJ Show- Party People,” since it coincides with the group’s anniversary as well.

The release of the single comes on the heels of a special event KHJ held in Tokyo, where he spent approximately 6 hours shaking the hands of over 8,000 fans. Reports say the singer even showed concern for his fans standing outside in the hot sun and asked them to be escorted inside. Time after time, the talented singer and actor has expressed his gratitude to his fans and continues to show his appreciation by these special events and surprises. Along with his many talents, his humility and true appreciation for his fans continue to earn him more support and respect from Kpop fans around the globe.

We wish Kim Hyun Joong a very happy birthday and many years of continued success! 

Ivy’s new number is a dance song made in collaboration with JYP

On June 7, Ivy’s agency released a teaser image bearing the words “IVY X JYP, I Dance, Feat. Yubin, 6.” Since June 3, the agency had been arousing people’s curiosity, releasing mysterious teasers consisting only of letters and numbers. Strong red letters announce the title of the new song, “I Dance,” and the collaboration with Park Jin Young. Park Jin Young was in charge of producing Ivy’s debut song, “Tonight’s Secret,” which catapulted her to “sultry singer” status. It played an indispensable role in creating the “Ivy Syndrome.”

“I Dance” is an experimental song that combines the three genres of tango, hip-hop, and electronic music. Park Jin Young took part in writing the words and music, including the rap. Yubin, a member of the Wonder Girls who is represented by JYP, is featured in the song as the rapper and has promised to help Ivy with her performances of the new number.

Ivy will be unveiling “I Dance” not on a music program but on tvN’s SNL Korea. The program will be broadcast at 11:00 p.m. on June 8. Ivy’s second EP will be released on June 13.

• Source: TV Report

Shinhwa begin their Asia tour and sell a souvenir necklace commemorating their 15th anniversary

On June 7, Shinhwa’s agency announced that the group will begin their Asia concert tour, the 2013 Shinhwa Grand Tour Classic, at Hong Kong’s AsiaWorld-Expo Arena on June 8. After Hong Kong, the tour will proceed to Shanghai, Taipei, Tokyo, Beijing, and then on to the finale in Seoul. The total audience in the six cities is expected to reach about 100,000.

A staffer from the group’s agency says, “This is the first time for Shinhwa to hold a concert in Hong Kong since they debuted, so the concert will be especially meaningful not only to the fans but also for the members of  Shinhwa themselves.

Commemorating their 15th anniversary, a necklace dubbed “Forever” well be on sale at each concert venue. Shinhwa is going to donate part of the earnings to the city where the concert is held. The design of the necklace is same as the one worn by Dong Wan and Jun Jin in the music video of the song “This Love,” from the group’s 11th album.

• Source: TV Report

Fashionable “flower boy” Kim Beom visits Hong Kong

The actor Kim Beom, who is beloved in Chinese-speaking countries thanks to such TV dramas as Boys Qver Flowers and That Winter, The Wind Blows, is on a visit to Hong Kong. According to a June 7 report by CFP (China Foto Press), Kim arrived at Chek Lap Kok airport on the afternoon of June 6 to attend a promotional event for a cosmetic brand. Accompanied by several people including his manager, Kim was wearing a white T-shirt under a gray shirt and slim-fit black pants, making for a fashionable entry at the airport. Smiling at the fans who had gathered there to welcome him, he got into a car and left the airport.

Kim has become a popular Korean-wave star in Chinese-speaking countries thanks to the popularity of the TV series he has appeared in. He is also going to appear in the Chinese TV series V Love (微时代之恋 in Chinese), a love story of the younger generation.

• Source: TV Report

Lee Byung Hun and Lee Min Jung Announce their Wedding.

Much has been said about the relationship between Lee Byung Hun and Lee Min Jung, and just recently they have announced about their upcoming wedding. Lee Byung Hun’s agency, BH, made the announcement last Wednesday stating that the couple are to tie the knot in August, with the ceremony to be held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Seoul.

Lee Byung Hun and Lee Min Jung have been a couple since August 2012, and are set to get married exactly one year later.

• Source: Chosun Ilbo

MBLAQ holds a showcase of their new album

 On June 4, boy group MBLAQ held a press conference and showcase at an art center in Seoul to promote their fifth EP, Sexy Beat. Through the showcase, the group announced the release of the new EP, which contains six songs, including “Smoky Girl,” the strong electronic dance number. This is their first new work in 17 months.
First, the group performed “Smoky Girl” dressed in suits, showing manly charisma on the stage as they announced their new release to fans. Park Gyung Lim emceed the showcase, and leader Seung Ho expressed his feelings, saying, “During our work, I’ve always felt that we have learned a lot by sharing the stage with senior singers, and we want to learn more. We will try to do our best to bring greater maturity to our performances.”
Chun Doong says, “We are here with help of great songwriters and choreographers. We will do our best to give something back for their support.”
The song “Smoky Girl” is an electronic dance number. It was written by Primary and Jianty, and Simon D. joined to make the rap.

• Source: Starnews

2PM makes an appearance on SBS’s Running Man

 Teac Yeon and Chan Sung of 2PM showed up for the recording of the episode of Running Man that was shot on June 3, showing off their athletic ability, after returning from from the K-pop Festival 2013 in Gumamoto, Japan.
In spite of their hectic schedule, they looked lively and happy and were well focused during the shooting. An official of the show says, “The guest cast of the show include such people as martial arts director Jung Doo Hong and other martial artists. The strongest man will be chosen as the winner, making this an exciting competition.” It will be interesting to see how the singers do against such athletic opponents.

• Source: Starnews