Music Core performances from May 21st

MBC’s Music Core is back once again with yet another fun and exciting show!

Besides the usual stages, B2ST and Jewelry made their comebacks, while Heo Young Saeng debuted. Elsewhere, CNBLUE performed their goodbye stage.

Please Reade More: All Kpop

JYJ’s Yoochun attends press conference for “Ripley”

On May 17th, MBC’s new drama “Ripley” held its production conference at the Banyan Tree with lead roles Kim Seung Woo, Lee Da Hae, Park Yoochun, and Kang Hye Jung in attendance.

As it’s his second drama, Yoochun was asked to explain the difference between his role in “Ripley” and his role in “Sungkyunkwan Scandal.”  He answered, “Well, I’ve gone from wearing hanbok to suits now…  I think the way the two characters express pain is different.  Unlike ‘Lee Sun Joon’, my character in ‘Ripley’ starts everything with a laugh.  He’s always smiling, but it only takes a moment for him to begin shedding tears.”

He continued, “There was definitely a lot of pressure, and even after I decided to take the role, I was still worried over whether I’d do well.  One of my greatest concerns was how the viewers would perceive me, especially since they thought well of me with my previous work.  Everyone treats me so well at the recording so I’m able to take part in it comfortably now.”

When asked about working with his seniors, he revealed, “I was so nervous, I made a lot of NGs.  I’d blush and sweat.  It’s my second drama so I’m definitely seeing a wider perspective in comparison to my debut.”

Kang Hye Jung praised, “Yoochun-ssi is so great at acting and works extremely hard.  I think he fits his character well of being a smooth man of the city.  A person of his level could probably take on dramas catering to the teenage audience, but he doesn’t rely on his popularity at all and is determined to live life as a true actor.”

On his reasons for choosing “Ripley”, Yoochun commented, “I’ve really wanted to do a melodrama.  I loved the character as well, and after seeing the line-up, I wanted to be able work with them.”

“Ripley” begins airing on May 30th.

Source + Photos:alkpop

the GazettE release a longer teaser for upcoming single, “VORTEX”

Last month, Visual Kei band the GazettE announced a new single, “VORTEX“, which will be released later this month on May 25th. The track will be the band’s first single of the year.

Just recently, Sony Music has released a longer teaser version of the title track, which you can view on Sony’s Official Website for the GazettE.

source:allkpoptokyo

SHINee releases MV teaser for “Replay -君は僕のeverything-”!

Having announced earlier that SHINee would be debuting in Japan with “Replay“, EMI Music Japan has today released the official MV teaser through their YouTube channel.

“Replay” was the song which SHINee debuted with in Korea, and this Japanese version will herald a brand new beginning for the boys in Japan.

source:allkpop.com

Gear up for the ‘2011 JYP U.S.A Audition Tour’!

Want to be a star? Do you think you’ve got what it takes? Well mark your calendars because here’s your chance to work with one of Korea’s top producers and most successful artists, J.Y. Park!

The 2011 JYP USA Audition Tour is coming soon to the States and Canada, so be sure to check out the audition website for more information.

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*Audition Categories: Singer, Actor, VJ, MC, Model

Qualifications for Audition: Any resident in the US or Canada may participate regardless of nationality or gender. Candidates should be born from 1983 to 2001.

*Audition Schedule Stops: (Locations for the auditions will be announced at a later date)
May 21st, 2011: Los Angeles

May 28th, 2011: Vancouver

June 11th, 2011: New York

June 18th, 2011: Toronto

*How to apply:

1. Log onto http://audition.jype.com/2011usaaudition

2. Register as a member (a non-member application procedure is also available)

3. Input your name and email address

4. Receive the audition code via email (it will be sent immediately)

5. Fill out and complete the audition form

*Things to prepare for at the audition:

A. Vocal Part – One minute of singing (without MR)
B. Dancing Part – One minute of dancing, and Music CD
C. Acting / VJ / MC Part – One minute of impromptu or memorized acting (no designated script)
D. Model – Posing and Cat Walking

*Directions:
A. A list of those who have passed will be individually notified by July 10th.
B. JYPE reserves the right to keep copies of audition footage it has filmed and received.
C. The selected finalists will have an opportunity to be trained by the JYPE Training Program.

Registrations will be accepted the day of the audition.

preview of SNSD’s “MR.TAXI” revealed

As fans patiently wait for SNSD’s upcoming new single, “MR. TAXI” on April 27th, a special video preview for the MV has been released.

The video preview recently aired on a Japanese news broadcast, displaying nearly 40 seconds of visual eye candy.

Rumor Alert! Will Yong Hwa And Seohyun Be The Next Couple To Leave We Got Married?

This is too soon after Ga-in and Jokwon’s departure!

CN Blue‘s Yong Hwa and Girls’ Generation‘s Seohyun may be leaving the popular reality show, We Got Married, this month due to busy schedules.

It seems that it’s the trend to have couples leave the show as soon as they get too close as in “kisses,” hugging, and any form of skinship in general. (Khuntoria is an exception because they’ve been all over each other since Day 1) The couple has been on the show for more than a year and their wedding photoshoot was the first time they were seen completely relaxed and natural around each other.

It’s ironic that they’ll be “divorcing” so soon after their photoshoot though.

CN Blue is set to comeback this month and Seohyun will be heading to Japan to promote “Mr. Taxi” with Girls’ Generation along with an arena tour in May.

Their agencies both commented on the issue saying that there are still in the middle of discussions and nothing is confirmed.

Will you be sad to see them go?

Listen To SHINee’s Songs For Maypole!

It feels like forever since SHINee last released music (to be specific, almost six months) but they did come out with a series of short songs recently!

As models for Maypole, their work doesn’t end with photoshoots.

SHINee also recorded short songs to promote the brand.

Onew’s voice never fails to make fangirls melt!

Someone please make a ringtone of this?

TVXQ boys talk about dating on “Quiz to Change the World”

TVXQ’s Changmin revealed that it has been 10 months since he last went on a date.

He appeared with fellow member Yunho on the February 26th episode of MBC’s “Quiz to Change the World“, and elaborated that he was at an age where he’d like to go on dates.

When asked the question, “How long has it been since you last went on a date?“, he replied “It’s been about 10 months“. MC Kim Gura inquired more about his ex-girlfriend and Changmin stated, “I’ve always said this before but I’m at an age where I’d like to date“. He is currently 24 in Korean age.

On the other hand, Yunho stated, “I haven’t dated in 2~3 years. I found myself reacting to (certain things) in movies and dramas. When I find a girl, I want to reenact the scene in ‘A Moment To Remember’ where Jung Woo Sung tells Son Ye Jin, ‘If you drink this, we’re dating’. It looked very romantic“.

On the episode, Yunho also revealed his disappointment at the female cast on “Quiz to Change the World”.

He said, “I’m very disappointed at the noonims (older noonas). When we came on 2 years ago, there weren’t many idol groups so they gave us lots of love and I was very happy at the thought that I was being loved. But after that, they showed love for every idol that came on this show. Their degree of love became higher so I was sad at finding out that they love all the idols in general“.

Lee Kyung Shil, Kim Ji Sun, and Park Mi Sun did their best to comfort Yunho and Changmin. After TVXQ’s dance performance they praised the two highly saying, “I felt the stage was too small for their excellent performance“.

Yunho danced to Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” and was exploding with charisma.

He sang and danced to the song, capturing Michael Jackson’s unique vocal style and rhythmic dance, and received praises from the cast. He did everything from the moonwalk to popping, showcasing his untouchable dance skills.

The female stars went crazy after this hot performance, and even the noonims called him “Oppa”. MC Park Mi Sun received warnings from Kim Gura for liking the performance too much giving him a standing ovation.

SM Entertainment’s Kim Young Min on the success behind the SM system + future plans

Thanks to the efforts and achievements SNSD made in their Japanese advancement, the Hallyu market and the Korean music industry have been revitalized. Previously centered around dramas, the Hallyu wave is now being led by idol groups and singers. SNSD’s overseas success has raised SM Entertainment’s yearly profits to four times what was made the previous year.

It was only through trial and error of the groups (and a soloist) such as H.O.T, S.E.S, BoA, and TVXQ that industry representatives believed the birth of SNSD was possible. At the center of their success, however, lies the CEO of SM Entertainment, Kim Young Min.

Ever since he was six years old, he grew up in Japan and is more knowledgeable in the Japanese entertainment market than any other. “The birth of a star is much like refining a gemstone into a diamond. After you pick a good gemstone, you pay close attention to what type of clothes it’ll match. I believe our success lies behind the individual talents of the nine SNSD members, SM’s system, which gave them the skills to develop into great ‘content,’  and digital media, which spread the girls globally.”

CEO Kim was quick to point out that the success behind SNSD is none other than their exceptional skill set, but it was only through the combination of digital media and SM’s system that really allowed them to gain momentum. Before SNSD’s official debut in Japan last year, SM released SNSD’s Japanese music video for the first time through YouTube, allowing Japanese fans quicker and easier access to their content, which, in turn, raised awareness for the group.

Their system was obviously a success, as their “Gee” single managed to sell 66,000 in the first week and rank #1 on the following week’s Oricon singles chart.

Kim continued, “In the past, groups were contracted for both management and music distribution, but starting last year, SM Japan used their experience and research of the Japanese market in individually managing our artists’ performances, advertisements, and promotions. They’ll be more flexible this year, but will be trying their best in order to make sure that SNSD is able to gain firm status in the Japanese market.”

Although the girls debuted last year, this year will mark their official start. They recently contracted with a Japanese advertisement CF, which will be followed by an official album and their own concert.

When asked about SM Entertainment’s plans for the new year, Kim replied, “As opposed to extending our business field this year, we’ve placed a priority on developing singer trainees, as well as a focus in the domestic market. It’s only after the domestic market is stable that we’re able to advance overseas without any trouble. We’ll be working persistently in producing Korean albums and other related content.”

Ever since 1990, SM Entertainment has placed utmost importance and investments in the development of their singers. Every Saturday, not only do they go through Korean auditions, but also auditions overseas in the USA, China, Thailand, and other locations in order to look for hidden talents.

Once accepted, each trainee is given a schedule catered to their individual needs that involve training in singing, dancing, acting, and foreign languages.

The company is also planning to debut a new rookie this year. Kim claimed that his goals and priorities for the new group this year were to launch the group in Korea first, and help them achieve a comfortable foothold in the domestic market.

Kim’s second goal for the coming year is carrying over Korea’s distinctive and characteristic ‘360 business model’ overseas. The ‘360 model’ requires one agency to control every aspect of a celebrity’s career from production to management; a sort of one-stop system that handles everything from auditions to training, album production, promotions and concerts, and even movie and drama castings.

SNSD managed to pilot the business model for the first time overseas with their Japanese debut. Their senior labelmates, such as TVXQ and BoA, were all promoted and managed by a separate Japanese company. SNSD, on the other hand, was managed by SM Japan.

When asked to describe the driving force behind SM’s Hallyu, Kim replied, “Instead of being satisfied with just success, we consistently researched and reinvested in ourselves to develop the system that we have now. We stress the importance of the development that went on in creating the star, not just the star itself. It’s vital that we continue to produce and plan a variety of different contents in order to create another star like SNSD under the system.”

Kim emphasized that the continuation of the Hallyu wave depended not on the stars, but on the production and mechanism behind the stars such as SNSD. More spotlight, he claimed, must be put on venues such as YouTube and SM’s production system in order for the Hallyu wave to last.