MTV Style awarded Rain as “Hottest Hustler of the Day”

MTV runs a style blog titled MTV Style, from time to time they’ll choose someone looking fashionable and coin them with “Hottest Hustler of the Day” title. Earlier today, the title was awarded to Korean singer / actor Rain. If you can recall, Rain was also awarded the “Biggest Badass Star” award for his role in ‘Ninja Assassin’ at the MTV Movie Awards back in June.

Hottest Hustler Of The Day: Korean Cutie Rain

“People are torn over what makes singer/actor Rain hot. Some say it’s his killer dance moves. Others say it’s his charming smile. And another set of fans say it’s his rock solid abs. We’re probably biased, but we definitely think it’s his amazingly chic style. The singer arrived at a Cartier jewelry fair in Switzerland last night wearing a sleek black tux, crisp white button-up shirt, gray and white striped tie, lace-up shoes, and a brown leather watch. We love how he oozes confidence, sex appeal, and all-around badass-ery (plus, he gets brownie points for winning an MTV Movie Award for his performance in Ninja Assassin!). What do you think?”

Have to admit that rain looks very slick in that suit.

Source : AllKpop

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KARA cancels appearances, “URAKARA” to air as scheduled

Due to the contract terminations filed by KARA’s Seungyeon, Nicole, and Jiyoung, DSP Media will be halting all of their scheduled appearances.

Seungyeon, Nicole, and Jiyoung’s lawyers, Landmark, reported on January 19th that DSP Media will no longer be managing the three girls, and thus suspended their KARA schedules.

KARA will not be making an appearance at the “Seoul Music Awards“, scheduled for January 20th. Leader Gyuri will also be temporarily halting her appearances on her radio program with Super Junior’s Shindong.

Representatives of DSP Media stated,”Gyuri was put in a state of shock after receiving notice of the contract terminations, and expressed that she could not take part in the live recording for her radio show on the morning of the 20th.”

Their Japanese drama, “URAKARA,” will continue to be aired as scheduled. Representatives of Nihon TV spoke with Star News on the 20th and stated, “We are planning to air the episodes of ‘URAKARA’ according to schedule. Rumors of KARA’s disbandment are worrying their Japanese fans. Because their drama completed all the necessary filming, it will air without any problems.”

Source : AllKpop

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Jay Chou thinks Asian actors working in Hollywood films is inspiring

Taiwanese actor Jay Chou commented on his fellow Asian actors advancing into Hollywood at a press conference for his movie, “Green Hornet 3D,” held at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul.

A reporter asked, “Kwon Sang Woo could have been cast for your role, how do you think that influences the movie’s success or failure?“, to which he replied, “As a fellow Asian actor, no matter who goes to film a movie in the Hollywood market, it is an inspiring and amazing act.”

He also stated, “I have seen Rain’s Hollywood films. As an Asian actor, I hope to appear in more Hollywood films alongside Rain.”

A reporter then mentioned that his monolids gave off a strong gaze, just like Rain’s, to which Chou replied to the amusement of the rest, “I’m very different from Rain. I can’t dance as well as he does, and I don’t have muscles.”

He continued, “But I have worked hard to create many amazing action movies. I hope the Korean audience will watch them.”

Chou concluded, “A lot of Asian actors are working hard to make their mark in Hollywood, and comparing such efforts is meaningless. I don’t think I have the peace of mind to think of such things.”

Chou and his castmates arrived in Korea on the 18th for a three-day promotional period. The group will be returning to Taiwan on the 20th.

Source : AllKpop

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Dream High ranks in at #1!

“Dream High” has ranked in as the #1 Monday and Tuesday night drama, even with hot competition from SBS’ “ATHENA“, starring some of Korea’s hottest actors (Jung Woo Sung and Soo Ae).

JYP and Bae Yong Joon have been able to create a remarkable synergy, and with leading roles played by 2PM’s Taecyeon and Wooyoung, miss A’s Suzy, Kim Soo Hyun, IU, and T-ara’s Eun Jung, it’s no surprise that this drama is on fire.

Viewers have been extremely impressed with everyone’s acting skills and as every episode airs, we at allkpop are getting hooked onto this drama even more. So if you haven’t had a chance to check it out yet, you definitely should!

Additional plans include airing Dream High in over 5 countries, including Japan and China.

Source : AllKpop

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4minute announce first release of 2011, “WHY”

Korean pop group 4minute have recently announced their first release of 2011.

The song, “WHY“, will be released on March 2nd and is the theme song to TV Asahi drama, “Akutou~Juuhanzai Sousahan“.

There are three versions, including two limited editions with DVDs. Limited editions A & B will contain a PV, live footage, and a trading card. The first press normal edition will come with 1 of 5 trading cards.

No other information has been released yet, but stay tuned for more news!

Source : AllKpop

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Kimura Takuya to star in most expensive TBS drama ever, “Nankyoku Tairiku”

Today TBS has announced that they are going to broadcast a new drama in October called “Nankyoku Tairiku ~Kami no Ryouiki ni Idomunda Otoko to Inu no Monogatari~” and that it is going to be the most expensive drama serial in the history of TBS. And who else would be more appropriate for such a huge project than the drama king himself, SMAP’s Kimura Takuya.

The drama is going to be based on the true story of Japan’s First Cross-Winter Expedition in Anarctica. Kimura’s role of geologist Kuramochi is going to be quite similar to that of actor Takakura Ken in the 1983 film “Nankyoku Monogatari“, simply known as “Antarctica” in many western countries. However, it’s not going to be a complete remake.

Kimura is already more than excited about this project. “I got really ‘fired up’ whenever I read the script, but I guess it’s going to be freezing cold at the set… I’m going to challenge inaccessible areas, both in terms of the content and the filming, which is making me even more excited for this project,” he said.

The plot will focus on the 11 members of the team and their relationship with the 19 Sakhalin Huskies. Terrible weather conditions make it almost impossible for the team to return back home and they end up being forced to leave all of the dogs behind at the Shouwa Base. One year later Kuramochi and a few others returned to the base with the Third Cross-Winter Expedition and much to their surprise, two of the dogs, Taro and Jiro, were able to survive despite the harsh conditions. Their reunion with the two dogs is going to be the big emotional highlight of the drama.

The filming is going to begin in February and will take more than half a year to complete. The set for the Shouwa base will be established in Hokkaido, but the production team is also looking into the possibilities to film a couple of scenes in Antarctica.

More actors have already been announced for the cast as well. Sakai Masato is going to play Himuro, the biggest rival of Kuramochi and the man in charge for the weather observation. Other roles are going to be played by Yamamoto Yusuke, Terajima Susumu, Ogata Naoto, Kagawa Teruyuki and Shibata Kyouhei.

TBS also won’t hold back with the budget, as it is going to be their biggest project for their 60th anniversary.

As mentioned above, “Nankyoku Tairiku” is going to start airing in October. It is scheduled to air every Sunday at 9pm.

Via TokyoHive

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Watch out for AKB48 Maeda Atsuko’s fake blog

AKB48’s Maeda Atsuko is being used by a vicious hacker who’s grabbing personal information from unsuspecting fans.

Her management company, Ohta Production, made an entry on Maeda’s official blog, warning fans to beware of a fake blog, in which someone is passing themselves off as ‘Maeda Atsuko’.

According to the post, the fake blog uses photos from Maeda’s real blog, and makes it very similar to the real one. Her management team says that this blog is in no way related to AKB48, Maeda, or the company at all, and they are currently considering taking legal action against the impostor.

Via TokyoHive

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Behind-the-scenes footage from 2AM’s 1st concert

On January 18th, Big Hit Entertainment released footage from 2AM’s “Saint O’Clock” Concert through their official YouTube channel.

From the dance rehearsals to the vocal practices with the live band, fans were given a look into the making of 2AM’s first concert. The video also inserts clips from the actual concert itself, including its special stages. At the end, fans can view footage of 2AM being congratulated by their peers, which includes 2PM and San-E.

Big Hit Entertainment tweeted,

“2AM Episode 1!! 2AM Concert Episode ver.1 upload!! There is a 2AM concert in Daegu this Saturday~^^ DooDoong!“

Although the 2AM members have been busy with their individual schedules, the group will come together for yet another concert in Daegu on the 22nd.

Considering how the video is titled “2AM Concert Episode 1,” we can definitely anticipate more episodes in the future. In the meantime, check out the video below!

Source : AllKpop

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BoA shows off her huge…pizza

BoA showed off a ginormous box of pizza made presumably for her and her staff through her Twitter.

On January 18th, she uploaded a photo of a huge pizza box and wrote, “Look at this! I’ve never seen this size pizza before!”

The size of the pizza itself makes BoA look tiny in comparison. Fans commented, “That size is unbelievable…,” “That pizza’s the size of a human being!,” “It’s bigger than BoA,” and “Will you eat all of that on your own?”

BoA is currently working on her leading role in a Hollywood dance film.

Source : AllKpop

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SNSD release “Visual Dreams” music video!

The nine girls of SNSD have just moments ago released the music video to “Visual Dreams“, the song created for their Intel endorsement.

The release comes just under a week after their teaser release and just a few days after the full song dropped. Check it out below!

The girls also performed at the Intel Core Processor launch show on the 18th.

Source : AllKpop

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KARA’s Kang Jiyoung celebrates her 17th birthday

KARA’s maknae, Kang Jiyoung, celebrated her 17th birthday on January 18th!

Jiyoung will become a high school senior this year, a year earlier than her friends because of her early birthday. Thankfully though, she was able to enjoy a peaceful birthday without interruptions from her Japanese and Korean schedules.

One representative revealed, “Kang Jiyoung will be celebrating her birthday by resting with her family, as there is no special schedule lined up.”

Unfortuantely, she won’t be able to throw a party with her KARA members, as Seungyeon and Hara are in Thailand for a special program, while Nicole is in Jeju Island filming for a “Heroes” episode. Leader Gyuri is also DJing for her radio show that day.

Although KARA won’t be grouping together for her birthday, representatives revealed that they have already celebrated ‘the day of the birth of maknae’ through phone calls.

Source : AllKpop

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KARA’s Seungyeon, Nicole, Hara, & Jiyoung to split from DSP Media

Reports of KARA splitting from their agency, DSP Media Entertainment, has sent shockwaves throughout the music industry. The members of KARA, excluding leader Gyuri, reasoned that they had lost their confidence in their relationship with DSP Media Entertainment, and that it could never be regained again.

Landmark, KARA’s lawyers, reported on January 19th:

“Despite KARA receiving much love from their activities in both Korea and Japan, the members have experienced inexplicable pain that brought them to this decision. They’ve held it in for a long time, but in order to protect their rights and their future, the members have decided to part ways from their company.

KARA has tried their absolute best in compromising with their company prior to their decision, but their agency used their power in forcing the members to fulfill schedules that they did not want, and continuously added activities on top of a loaded schedule without prior consent or discussion. The psychological damages that the members were forced to endure cannot be explained in words, and their efforts have gone to waste. Their misery is severe, and they can no longer remain under such a company, which is why they decided to declare their withdrawal.

Trust is the most important aspect of a relationship between an agency and its artist, but the agency has been using KARA as a way to make money. A variety of issues that have not been stated are still present. The agency has decided the majority of the girls’ celebrity activities without any sort of discussion or meeting, and has rejected requests asking for explanations or for proper documents. Their relationship has been destroyed to the point that it could never be restored again.“

Representatives of DSP Media commented, “This is ridiculous, we are not sure what went wrong. We have yet to understand the situation. We’ll be releasing an official statement soon.”

However, because Park Gyuri is not joining the members’ lawsuit, it’s expected to have an impact on KARA’s future activities. KARA is currently filming for their Japanese drama, “URAKARA,” and has been juggling activities both in Korea and Japan. With the group being split into 4:1, many are expecting a variety of different issues to stem from this lawsuit.

Source : AllKpop

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2AM’s Seulong for Men’s Health

2AM’s Seulong flaunts his luxurious abs on the February cover of ‘Mens Health‘.

The February issue of Mens Health will not only exhibit Seulong’s abs, but also his chic and charming masculinity.

In the 8 page spread, Seulong showcased his chocolate abs and sexy appearance, a look different from his usual self.

A representative from Mens Health expressed, ‘Seulong’s body was better than I expected. In particular, the muscle lines on his pelvis is like a work of art. This pictorial will definitely display his masculinity.‘

Source : AllKpop

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UEE asks for Hyun Bin’s first impression of her

Actor Hyun Bin revealed his first impressions of After School’s UEE through a phone call while UEE was making an appearance on the January 17th episode of SBS’s “Night After Night.”

UEE, who was a member of the audience on the show, asked Gong Hyung Jin for the secrets behind his ability in casting top name stars such as Jang Dong Gun, Won Bin, and Hyun Bin for his radio program. Jung Sunhee added that Gong was quite the popular figure amongst the radio writers for being able to cast figures that can barely be seen on such programs.

Seizing the opportunity, UEE surprised Gong by asking her for the opportunity to participate in a phone call with Hyun Bin. Although hesitant, she agreed and connected the call to the actor.

UEE exclaimed through the phone, “I’m ‘Joo Won’ obsessed lately. What is your first impression of me?” Hyun Bin replied, “You seem like a very nice person.”

She then asked him to do the drama’s trademark “You’ve received a text message!” line, and although shy, he put the studio in a frenzy by doing the voice acting as she wished.

Source : AllKpop

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SNSD to release Japanese version of “Run Devil Run” on January 25th

SNSD will be returning to the Japanese market with their ‘Black Soshi’ concept through the release of their Japanese version digital single of “Run Devil Run.”

“Run Devil Run” is a track off of their repackaged second album and has been nicknamed the ‘Black Soshi’ concept for their sexy dark charms. Japanese mobile sites will be distributing the digital ring tone of “Run Devil Run” on January 18th, and the full version will be released through music sites on January 25th.

The girls will also be participating in the “SM TOWN LIVE in TOKYO” held at Tokyo’s Yoyogi on January 25th and 26th.

Source : AllKpop

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Big Bang to release new album on February 24th

Big Bang fans can finally circle a date on their calendar, as YG Entertainment has revealed that the group will drop their new album on February 24th!

Representatives of YG Entertainment explained, “After nearly two years, they’ll finally be releasing a new album on February 24th. Details such as the number of tracks or the album’s tracklist have yet to be decided. Big Bang will be holding their first comeback stage not through publicly-broadcasted music programs, but at their own ‘2011 BIG SHOW‘ concerts on February 25th through 27th.”

They continued, “This concert will show just how much Big Bang has improved through the years.”

Representatives further explained their decision behind why they chose to have the first comeback stage at a concert, as opposed to a music show. “Since it’s an album they’ve worked hard on for the past two years, they all agreed to show it to their fans first before they appear on broadcast programs. Instead of being limited to only two or three tracks because of time constraints, they’d rather show all of their new songs at their concert.”

The concert will also showcase GD&TOP’s unit album and Seungri’s solo album.

Source : AllKpop

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T-Max’s Kim Joon casted for upcoming drama, “Serious Crime Squad”

T-Max’s Kim Joon (from the hit drama, “Boys Over Flowers“) has been casted for KBS 2TV’s upcoming series, “Serious Crime Squad.”

The drama currently boasts an impressive line-up of Sung Jiru, Jang Hangsun, Song Il Kuk, Kim Seung Woo and Seon Woosun, who will all throw in their efforts for a unique plot based off the lives of detectives. The group of detectives are known for a specific way they handle each case, and the drama will focus on how they solve multiple crime cases.

Kim Joon will be playing the role of a cowardly detective named ‘Shin Dongjin,’ who specializes in cyber investigations, but has trouble dealing with real-life cases because of his fear of corpses.Upon the sight of one, he’ll habitually faint, much to the criticisms of those he works with.

The drama is highly anticipated, as it plans to feature some of the most controversial cases that have happened in real life.

It’ll air its pilot episode on February 28th.

Source : AllKpop

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f(x)’s Victoria sheds tears on “We Got Married”

F(x)’s Victoria shed tears while leaving Thailand.

On the episode of MBC’s “We Got Married” that’s set to air on January 15th, 2PM’s Nichkhun and f(x)’s Victoria spend their last day in Thailand. As reported earlier, Victoria receives private swiming lessons from her husband Nichkhun, and the couple even goes jet-skiing.

On their last day in Thailand, Nichkhun’s family comes out to greet them farewell at the airport, and Victoria says her last goodbyes to them. At the airport, it was reported that Victoria showed how sad she was about leaving.

During the interview she shared, “It felt like I was leaving my home. Nichkhun’s grandma and family were really good to me. My heart felt warm. I am especially thankful to Nichkhun,” shedding tears.

Source : AllKpop

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