‘Kpop Dance Cover Festival’ holds its Japanese audition

‘Cover Dance Festival K-POP Roadshow 40120′, held its Japanese audition on September 11th at Tokyo Shinkiba Studio Coast.
Out of the 193 dance cover teams that applied through the homepage, 22 teams made it through the preliminaries, performing in front of 3,000 audience members and KARA.
Various participants from different backgrounds, from a 9 year old girl, a housewife with 3 kids to a 42 year old salaryman, competed in hopes of being selected as the winner. In addition to the usual idol groups like KARA and T-ara, there were also covers of under represented genres of Korean music from UV’s “Itaewon Freedom” to Park Hyun Bin’s “Shabang Shabang”.
KARA’s Gyuri stated, “I was touched by the amount of effort put in by the dance teams… I knew that there were a lot of Japanese fans that were interested in K-POP, but I didn’t know the interest level was to the extent of people wanting to actually go to Korea or students dreaming of studying abroad there”.
The PD in charge of the Japanese auditions, Kim Hyun Chul, remarked, “Through the Japanese audition, we were surprised by the different genders and different age groups of K-POP fans and at all the organized K-POP dance cover teams with their own set of fans” and that “If we look at Japan, where K-POP has reached a certain stage, instead of other countries where K-POP has yet to penetrate, we will be able to confirm the true nature of K-POP’s status and the direction it must head towards”.
‘Cover dance Festival K-POP Roadshow 40120′ is an entertainment-documentary program which will air its first episode on September 22nd through MBC.

Kim Hyun Joong takes the ending stage for Spring Cocoons Shenzhen Bay Stadium concert

Kim Hyun Joong‘s performance at the Spring Cocoons Shenzhen Bay Stadium in China will be broadcast on Chinese networks.
On September 16th, Kim Hyun Joong will be performing live for a 30,000-member audience as the concluding performance.  The last stage is usually left to the most prestigious star, so this is quite an honor in itself.
The Chinese press wrote, “We’re all especially looking forward to Kim Hyun Joong’s performance at this concert.”  His fans had also brought in over $160,000 USD in pre-order ticket sales, proving his popularity in China.
Fans also paralyzed the airport Kim Hyun Joong entered through, showing intense support for his performance.

SNSD, Super Junior to participate in a blood drive on ‘Love Request’

SNSD and Super Junior will be making an appearance on KBS‘s ‘Love Request‘ on September 17th.
Through the show, these groups will be inviting an 11-year-old Cambodian girl, Suraili, who has a heart condition, and a young Indian boy named Nurulee, who lost his eyesight suddenly at the age of 9. These children will fly to Korea to receive treatment.
In addition, the idol groups will also be on site to participate in a blood drive campaign.
The production team stated on the 16th, “This special program was prepared to allow the stars of Hallyu, SNSD and Super Junior, to thank their fans from Asia, who have given them so much love, while spreading the good cause so that everyone can participate”.

Super Junior to make a ‘Music Bank’ comeback on September 23rd

Super Junior has announced that they’ll be making a music program comeback through September 23rd’s episode of ‘Music Bank‘!
As reported earlier, they’ll be releasing their follow-up song, “A-Cha“, from their repackaged album of the same name on the 19th.
To accomodate those fans who don’t want to own multiple copies of their “Mr. Simple” album, Super Junior will release the digital versions of their 4 new songs through music sites like Melon, Dosirak, Bugs, and Naver on that day.
“A-Cha” is a song about holding onto a lover who seems to be unsure about what she wants. It’s described to be a powerful dance track combining rock and electro house styles with an easy melody and sophisticated rhythm.
3 other tracks included in the new album are “Oops!!”, “Andante”, and “A Day”. Members Leeteuk, Heechul, Shindong, Donghae, and Eunhyuk wrote the rap for “Oops!!”, while Leeteuk and Super Junior-M member Henry composed “Andante”. “A Day” is an emotional pop ballad that promises unchanging love.

Lee Min Ho spotted in L.A

Actor Lee Min Ho has been spotted in Los Angles!
A photo was revealed of Lee Min Ho shopping at a vintage store with his staff on an online community board recently. The picture was said to be taken on September 13th.
In the picture, Lee Min Ho was seen wearing a white long-sleeved shirt looking relaxed and happy as he perused the display cases. His tall height of 187 cm drew especial attention.
Netizens replied, “Real ideal body. I thought it was a mannequin“, “Return to Korea quickly“, and “Is he going to be in L.A. for a long time? Is there something good happening?”

Won Bin’s ‘The Man From Nowhere’ to be released in China

Actor Won Bin‘s blockbuster film “The Man From Nowhere” will be meeting audiences in China.
According to the Beijing, China office of the Korean Film Commission on September 15th, “The Man From Nowhere” will be released in more than 4,000 cinemas across China on September 16th.
Depending on the turnout of the opening week of this intermediate scale distribution, the movie may further expand on the number of cinemas that it will be showing in.
Along with the release of the film, the main star of the film, Won Bin, will be participating in stage greetings at 4 primary cinemas in Beijing.
The Korean Film Commission stated, “At the press conference prior to the release of the film on the 15th, there was a hot response from over 100 media outlets including 3 major Chinese portal sites.”
Meanwhile, following “The Man From Nowhere”, the animation “The Hen That Left the Yard” will be released on September 30th.

Rain to join the military in October

Fans have long dreaded Rain‘s enlistment, though up til now, they’ve had no idea when he’d join. It’s just been revealed that he’ll be starting his mandatory military service in October!
On September 15th, a representative from Rain’s agency revealed, “Rain will be enlisting in the military this October. We plan to hold a press conference right before he enlists.”
This press conference will be for Rain’s concert in Seoul from his nationwide tour. Scheduled to be held on September 24th, Rain will discuss his feelings on joining the military, what his plans are before enlisting, and when his last broadcast on television will be. He’ll also share details about an album he’s working on with J.Y. Park.
Rain recently concluded filming for his upcoming movie ‘Emergency: Close to the Sun‘, and is currently touring Korea for his concert series, ‘The Best Show‘.

Kim Hyun Joong reveals his CF for Japanese brand, ‘HEATFACT’

Singer/actor Kim Hyun Joong has become an endorsement model for Japanese clothing brand, ‘HEATFACT‘.
On September 12th, HEATFACT’s parent company Ion Co. made an announcement through a press release, stating that they’ve chosen popular Asian celebrity, Kim Hyun Joong, to represent ‘HEATFACT’.
The company explained, “Not only is Kim Hyun Joong a famous Korean celebrity, but he’s also renown all throughout Asia. We believe Kim Hyun Joong will play a big role in spreading HEATFACT’s brand awareness“.
Shortly after his Asian tour, Kim Hyun Joong filmed a commercial with famous Japanese actress, Nakamura Anne, at a studio in Seoul.  The shoot lasted two days, from August 30th through the 31st.
According to Key East Entertainment, Kim Hyun Joong was very friendly towards Nakamura and they collaborated well (despite the fact that this was their first meeting).  It was also reported that staff members were quite impressed by Kim Hyun Joong’s professional work ethic and charismatic acting.
Kim Hyun Joong’s HEATFACT CF began airing on TV since September 13th.
Check it out below!

BoA to pick top contestant of L.A’s ‘K-POP Star’ auditions

allkpop has just been informed by SBS‘s “K-POP Star” that BoA would personally pick the top contestant from their L.A. auditions!
BoA was named as a role model by applicants from all over the world, and is recognized as one of Asia’s top stars. Having achieved ‘world-star’ status by her teens, BoA will offer knowledgeable advice and commentary to all those who try out.
Meanwhile, JYP Entertainment‘s J.Y. Park will also meet the New York contestants in person. He’ll be looking for another star through these U.S. auditions based on their raw potential. Hidden talent will be looked for rather than current skills or abilities, so contestants who have not yet refined their skills are encouraged to try out.
Applicants can feel hope in J.Y. Park’s abilities to scout diamonds in the rough, as he was able to mold Taecyeon (who didn’t know how to sing or dance before) and Nichkhun (who had been an ordinary student) into the K-Pop idols they are today.
These U.S. auditions will be the best opportunity for star-hopefuls to show off their talents and ability to a world star, and to the best producers in Korea.
✧ To participate in the U.S. auditions:
Download the application here, and after filling it out, email it to either the L.A. email address (kpop@sbs.co.kr) or to the N.Y. email address (kpopny@sbs.co.kr).
✧ Deadline for Application:
N.Y. – 09/16/2011 (Friday)
L.A. – 09/23/2011 (Friday)
✧ Audition location:
N.Y. – 9/17 (Sat) ~9/18 (Sun) Bergan performing Arts Center
L.A. – 9/24 (Sat) ~9/25 (Sun) Artesia High School
Contestants who pass through the 2nd round of U.S. auditions will be given the opportunity to participate in an audition in front of J.Y. Park (New York) or BoA (LA).
The person that receives a plane ticket to Korea from J.Y. Park or BoA could be you!

T-ara reveals MV for “Log In”

T-ara recently teamed up with SBS and sports apparel company JDX to release a ‘Public Service Announcement’ in the form of a digital single. ‘Log-In‘ was released on September 14th, and on the 16th, the girls revealed its accompanying MV.
The MV took on a “behind-the-scenes” format, showing shots of the girls decorating cakes, singing, and goofing around on set as they filmed their PSA.
JDX will be selling special T-ara T-shirts, and all the proceeds from the sale will be donated to the recent flood victims in Korea.
Check out the MV below!

Yoon Eun Hye considers casting offer for epic Korea-China-Japan joint movie

Actress Yoon Eun Hye is currently considering a casting offer from ‘Dong Jak Dae’, a massive production drawing talents from Korea, China, and Japan.
On September 13th, the Chinese Economy Times reported that Yoon Eun Hye would be working alongside Chinese actor Chow Yun Fat, Taiwanese actor Alex Su, and Japanese actor Tamaki Hiroshi in a historical movie set during the ‘Three Kingdoms’ period. Yoon Eun Hye would be playing a beautiful woman who was entombed with the deceased emperor, Cao Cao.
However, Yoon Eun Hye’s agency ‘The House Company Entertainment‘ stated that “The chance of her appearance is 50%“. They continued “Because there are a variety of factors to consider as the situation progresses, a final decision about accepting the casting offer has not been made.”
‘Dong Jak Dae’ has a scheduled release date for October 2012.

Lee Min Ho and SNSD’s YoonA reveal CF for ‘Eider’

SNSD‘s YoonA and actor Lee Min Ho have finally revealed their CF for outdoors apparel brand, ‘Eider‘.

The pair travelled to the States to shoot this CF, which sees them scaling an impressive rock wall. YoonA stuns with her natural beauty, while Minho showed off his athleticism in the shoot. Both stars delivered a great CF that’s sure to inspire their fans to go outdoors more.
Check it out below!

SS501′s Kim Kyu Jong releases tracklist for debut solo mini-album, “Turn Me On”

Earlier last month, SS501‘s Kim Kyu Jong announced that he’d be the last of his fellow members to finally make a solo debut.  The date has been finalized for September 28th, and the tracklist has just been revealed!
Titled “Turn Me On“, this single will be his first singing efforts in nearly a year and six months. Ever since SS501′s last group promotions, he’s been pursuing an acting career, starring in musicals like “Goong“.
“Turn Me On” was co-produced by Taewan and Han Sang Won, who both have experience composing SS501′s “U R Man” and Rain‘s “Rainism” and “The Song That’ll Hold You Back“.
Check out the tracklist below!
01. No More Yes
02. Yesterday (Sadder Today Than Yesterday)
03. My Love (Feat. Heo Young Saeng)
04. Get Ya’ Luv
05. Get Ya’ Luv (Acoustic Version)

Super Junior’s Kibum reveals his punky look

Super Junior‘s Kim Kibum gave his patient fans something to fawn over as they await his small screen comeback.
On September 16th, a user on an online community board posted a photo of the star under the title, “Kim Kibum, still lookin amazing.” Wearing dark, smoky eyeshadow and having his hair swept to the top of his head, he looks like a shy high school who’s on top of all the latest trends.
Fans also noticed that he’d gained a bit of weight, which they were thankful for.
They commented, “He looks to be in a bit of a daze, but he still looks handsome,” “It’s rare to find someone that still looks this good when they’ve gained weight,” and “He now has a sexy charm to him…”
Kim Kibum will be starring in the upcoming SBS drama, “The Tree of Deep Roots“, on September 28th.