Korean Media News

From HIGHCUT May issue:
“If there are male celebrities that make men question ‘Why do girls love such average face?’, it’s likely they have a dubu face. Onew is a representative dubu face who made his debut as SHINee in 2008 and surpassed his teammates, ‘standard flower boys’ Taemin and Minho, in popularity - obtaining placement as fandom’s no.1.”Other ‘dubu face’ celebrities mentioned in the article are Joongki, Yoochun etc. It also says ‘dubu face’ is trending as ideals. 
Onewthings note : I hope they realize Onew is not a representative but in fact, was the first celebrity to have been compared as dubu (They wrote as if he is one of many). I always thought dubu was somewhat Onew-specific. Yoochun is considered ‘milky’ not dubu-like but whatever.

Source : HIGHCUT Translation : onewthings @tumblr 

SBS ‘K-Pop Star’ grand winner, Park Ji Min, has finally picked her management agency to her music career.

On May 21, SBS announced, “Park Ji Min has signed an exclusive contract with JYP Entertainment and will start producing her debut album soon.”

Regarding her decision, Park Ji Min shared, “This is like a dream to be able to join one of the three agencies that still makes my heart flutter. I’m very excited to be able to continue receiving personal guidance from Park Jin Young. Through this, I will do my best in learning to show a more improved side of myself.”

As for the other competitors of the show SBS stated, “Baek Ah Yeon and Lee Ha Yi are receiving countless calls from these agencies and news of their contract is expected to come within this week.”

JYP Entertainment’s latest group, JJ Project made a shining debut in the iTunes chart with first single “Bounce”!

JJ Project released their debut single on May 20 and performed well on several Korean music charts. In addition, the duo cracked the iTunes’ Top Dance Albums Chart, placing at the 10th spot alongside Calvin Harris, David Guetta and more.

A representative from JYP Entertainment stated, “JJ Project members are happy to hear the news that their song ranked 10th on the iTunes chart. They are working hard preparing for their debut performance so please pay a lot of attention to JJ Project.”

JJ Project is set to give their debut stage on May 24 on Mnet’s M Countdown.

Source: Xsportsnews

Throughout the week, Girls’ Generation has been reported on by numerous news portals. Most of these websites are international-based, proving Girls’ Generation’s role in spreading K-Pop worldwide.Earlier this week, “CNN Geek Out!” published an article regarding the upcoming Google concert which would be hosted at its headquarters in Mountain View. The article then proceeded to describe K-Pop’s global appeal. Several mentions of Girls’ Generation include their appearance on “Letterman” and their musical career in the Japanese market. The writer concludes the article by agreeing to a statement which states that “K-Pop captures happiness”.Malaysian newspaper “The New Straits Times” has published an article in relation to Girls’ Generation – TTS’s breakthrough on the Billboard charts as well as their record-breaking success on the international iTunes chart. The article also contains a short blurb on fellow Girls’ Generation member Yoona’s character in her drama, “Love Rain”.Reported by the official site itself, Billboard covered Girls’ Generation – TTS’s breakthrough onto the Billboard 200 chart, where they placed at 126. The article outlines the success of the three teasers uploaded prior to the release of “Twinkle” as well as several bonuses when purchasing the mini-album. “Billboard” praises the trio by describing Taeyeon as “one of the group’s most powerful vocalists”, Tiffany as “the charismatic and English-speaking [member]”, and Seohyun as the “youngest”. The article ends by saying that Girls’ Generation – TTS is “completely revamped” by focusing the girls on “funky vocals and vibrant outifts”.Not long after Girls’ Generation won the site’s poll, “Popdust” covers Girls’ Generation – TTS’s latest release, “Twinkle”. The article comments on both the music video and the song, describing it as “big and brassy, with singing just as big and just enough modern production touches”. It also applauds the release by saying that it “could well be a massive hit”.Last but not least, popular music magazine “Vibe” introduces Girls’ Generation to its readers on May 15. According to the site, Girls’ Generation’s English album “The Boys” has a sound which is similar to “Spice Girls meets the Pussy Cat Dolls”. Sooyoung has also told “Vibe” that Girls’ Generation’s performances “give off a certain energy” that is “not restricted to language or culture”, something that she believes is a key to their success in the U.S..'
Sources: CNN Geek Out!, The New Strait Times, Billboard, Popdust, VibeWritten by: spiceshoe@soshifiedContributor: bethlyhem.@soshifiedEdited by: SeraphKY@soshified

“I know the fact that I can’t promote on TV shows so it was very hard at the beginning. Even though I have hesitated a lot, concert is the only way I can meet everyone so thanks to you, I have released this new album. Thank you very much.”‘


Using the name ‘XIA’, JYJ Kim Junsu has held his own solo concert.


Considering that the album can’t be promoted on TV, this concert has a special meaning for Kim Junsu and his fans as this is the only place where Kim Junsu can fully reveal his true self through his songs after 8 years.
At 6pm, May 20, XIA’s first Asia tour concert officially started at Jamsil Indoor Stadium, Seoul.


◆XIA’s sexy allure which no one can take their eyes off


After the fireworks sparked from the middle of the stage, Kim Junsu appeared on stage just like a magician. Opening with the song ‘Breath’, Kim Junsu overwhelmed the audience in one stroke with his pelvis dance moves and sexy glaze. After that, two female dancers appeared and lied down on his thigh from both sides and get fully intoxicated by his sweet lullaby. Then, Kim Junsu completed 3-4 more songs showing a persistent and strong performance.
In the next 10 minutes, while facing against a mirror, Kim Junsu presented his new song ‘Intoxication’ which showed his moderate dance and manly charm to the audience. Being immersed in Kim Junsu’s song, as soon as the fast and hightempo song ‘Set me free’ started, the audience started cheering along with its rhythm.◆Junsu-time “Until when will you request ‘Angel Xiah’ ?”


Kim Junsu has prepared a special gift to the audience full of his fans. It is called ‘Junsu-time’. Kim Junsu said “Within my capability, I will grant three wishes from the audience”. First, fans requested a live version of the ballad ‘Snow flower’, then they asked him to do “Booing booing” cutely, and the last wish was showing his ‘Angel Xiah’ pose.


To this, Kim Junsu asked “Until when will you request ‘Angel Xiah? Now I’m already 27 years old.”, then he admited “When I saw myself doing that in the past, I think it was cute too but now to be honest, I don’t know if it’s still cute or not”. Still, he tilted his head while placing his hand to his cheek and made a cute ‘Angel Xiah’ pose.

◆The vocalist Kim Junsu: Flower of live singing is blooming.


As the sweet ballad ‘You are so beautiful’ from the drama ‘Scent of a woman’ and ‘Although I knew’, then ‘Round and round’ were resonating in the concert hall, once again, the audience acknowledged the true merit of the vocalist Kim Junsu.
A special stage of ‘The last dance’ from musical ‘Elisabeth with ‘I am, I am music’ and ‘Why don’t you love me’ from musical ‘Mozart’ was also prepared. The thousand different faces of Kim Junsu on stage and his powerful performance are enough to shake anyone’s heart.
◆The performance of title song ‘Tarantallegra’: a series of sensuality and sexy charisma.
The highlight of the concert is the title song of Kim Junsu’s first solo album ‘Tarantallegra’. This sensational dance song which contains an intoxicating and fantasy feeling, was composed and arranged by Kim Junsu himself and its lyrics was written by his brother JUNO.
While dancing on a 10-meter-high pyramid lift, Kim Junsu casted his magic spell ‘Tarantallegra’ and captivated the audience. In ‘Tarantallegra’, his oustanding vocal ability that has been accumulated for 8 years and his perfect performance shone even brighter.


As the audience kept shouting “Encore”, Kim Junsu went on and sang the song ‘Mission’ which was featured in JYJ’s album’, then two more songs from his solo album, ‘I hate love’ and ‘A dew-laden tree’. Today while Kim Junsu sang the song that he has shed a lot of tears while recording – ‘I hate love’, no one knows whether those were his tears or his sweats that kept falling non-stop.
At the last day of Kim Junsu’s concert in Seoul – the first stop in his Asia tour, in 90 minutes, more than 7,000 fans were bewitched by Kim Junsu’s magical voice and gesture.



Source: chosun I Translated by: sweetiexiah of JYJ3

Calvin Klein Jeans has revealed their summer photoshoot with EXO-K members Kai, Sehun, and Baekhyun, who are garnering popularity with their debut track, 'MAMA.' 
In the photoshoot, the EXO-K members show a different image than that of their grand, yet powerful stage presences. They are seen as free, independent boys going on a road trip to the beach under a shining sun.
The members were styled with Calvin Klein Jeans' summer items, such as ice washed denim, lightweight colored denim with vintage tops, and shorts. They emptied themselves of their personal youthful trendiness, and perfectly reflected summer's romantic look.
With their busy schedules, the EXO-K members hadn't traveled outside of the city for a long time, and throughout the entire photoshoot, they were friendly towards the staff. It was later said that they uplifted the atmosphere immensely.
You can see EXO-K's Kai, Sehun, and Baekhyun's freedom and independence captured in the covers of the June issues of GQ and Vogue Girl. Reporter Jung Sung-Hee.
Source: Sports ChosunTranslated by: youreebbong @ CODE:EXO 

May 17th 2012They’ve become strong didn’t they…They’ve overcome all the hindrance laid by various people… hehehe, reversed result. Makes you laugh hahaThose guys, become even stronger now…They are obviously growing rapidly.And then, this time, I’m shocked by magnae Junsu!!!Even watching Junsu who’s answering the interviews, I could feel the confidence he has… It’s seriously awesome!I thought he put his whole for Elisabeth, yet he didn’t just stop there and felt satisfied by it but moved on from there.
Even watching the MV, I could see the hard work he put into the training…and then, that tempered body…expression…I’ve said this many times, but it’s an art!When I went to watch the movie version of COO, I met Junsu and I said “You’ve lost weight” and he replied, “Yes, I’ve been dieting.”The strong determination…That’s because he had always been very positive.Hindrance?…How should I say this correctly…I think they are already happy by just being able to sing.For me, I think it is because all of you who had been supporting them up till now. These 2 years, your support has been excellent.I’m also anticipating the making of their album as JYJ.
Anyway, I’ll be watching Junsu with these eyes.I’ll report again later. Please look forward to it~
By the way, last night, my wife was watching ‘Rooftop Prince’ beside me and made a big fuss “This is going to be bad for Yoochun’s fans!” saying these words…I wonder what happened? *laugh*She also said that it was really painful each time that she cried…?I had been busy with business trips so I couldn’t watch it in real-time…So should I look forward to it in July?Ah! I haven’t watch it so please don’t tell me the details (of RTP) in the comments section!!!
Jaejoong is also vigorously working hard… In any case, I’m glad they’ve return to their usual self.The schedule seems very packed but whatever it is, I’m worried of his body but it seemed that there are talks of multiple stance manager to make sure nothing is to happen… Whatever it is, he should continue taking care of his body, and I hope he have fun right now.I’m looking forward for the result.

Source: Hayato’s BlogTranslated by: Hellyryther of JYJ3