Lee Seung-gi: 'My Debut Single Ranks Atop Oricon Chart Thanks to You'

Singer and actor Lee Seung-gi held a fan meeting entitled "Lee Seung-gi Japan Debut Premier" twice at the Tokyo Dome City Hall in Tokyo on March 21 with the fans who had purchased his Japanese debut single "Alone In Love". Lee Seung-gi said to his fans who attended the event, "I came here right after I finished filming the drama until 5 am in the morning". He also revealed his feelings about his debut single "Alone In Love", which was released in March 6 and ranked atop the Oricon daily chart, saying, "It was all thanks to you. I had concerns about whether this album could achieve success or not in Japan, but you have encouraged me and supported me. It was you who made my album rank atop the chart. Thank you. I will continue to do my best".

In addition, Lee Seung-gi explained his appearance in the new MBC drama entitled "The King 2 Hearts", saying, "It is a black comedy drama that emphasizes humanity while treating sensitive issues in pleasant and cheerful ways". He unveiled the video of the film set and actress Ha Ji-won's encouraging message, which created excitement in the hall. Lee said, "I have been exhausted from a tight filming schedule, but I could completely be recharged by looking at you". Then he sang some songs: his Japanese debut song "Alone In Love", "We Are Friends", and "Smile Boy" to music played by a band, and the venue was filled with an enthusiastic response.

Lee Seung-gi, who will hold his first solo live concert at Budokan on June 1 only three months after his debut, said, "I am very glad that I can perform at such a good concert hall thanks to you. Please come and enjoy the concert together". He also promised his fans that he will concentrate more on holding activities in Japan after he finishes the drama and his first concert in Budokan. Lee Seung-gi's first best-of album entitled "Lee Seung-gi - The Best" will be released in both Japan and Korea on April 18, and the Japanese version of his fifth album "Tonight", which was released in Korea last year in October, will be released in Japan on the same day.

Source : english.kbs.co.kr/Ent... ( English Korean )

T-ara Covered With 100 Million Won Travel Insurance

It takes a lot to support a female idol group. Especially when traveling.

Reps of the popular group"T-ara" shared how much the girls were insured for to prepare for a trip around the world. Apparently, the company invested about 100 million won (about $88,400) in travel insurance. The girls will be traveling through Italy, Austria, and Switzerland for a 9 day trip.

Along with the group, will be another 7-membered newbie idol group, director Cha Eun-taek, photographer Jo Sae-hyun, and about 20 other staff members. They will be creating a on-the-road movie throughout the experience.

The newbie group, which also includes actresses Hwang Ji-hyeon, Lee Hae-in, Choi Soo-eun, and supermodel Kim Hye-ji-I as members, will be debuting in May.

Source : english.kbs.co.kr/Ent... ( English Korean )

Jay Park's new album sells 80,000 copies

Singer Jay Park has sold 80,000 copies of his new album "New Breed" since its release on Feb. 10, rocketing the artist to No. 1 on the Hanteo Chart, which tracks offline or physical music sales.

The record is an achievement for the former idol band singer as he took part in producing all of the songs contained on the album. Park also wrote the music and lyrics to more than 80 percent of the songs. In addition, the album had some help from music industry heavyweights such as music producer Rob Know, who produced Justin Timberlake's albums as well as the K-pop act Dynamic Duo.

The album has also been well received overseas, having ranked highly on iTunes and Billboard's World Album chart.

Currently Park is busy promoting the title track from the album, "Know Your Name".

By Carla Sunwoo [carlasunwoo@joongang.co.kr]

Source : koreajoongangdaily.jo... ( English Korean )

Daesung sports platinum blond do

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Singer Sim admits incarceration after President Park's assassination

Sim Soo-bong

By Kwaak Je-yup

Sim Soo-bong, a singer and actress who found nationwide fame in the 1970s and '80s but remembered more for her turbulent career and personal life, revealed for the first time on television that she was incarcerated after the 1979 assassination of President Park Chung-hee.

Shinhwa sells out reunion concerts

Boyband Shinhwa performs during the 10th-year anniversary concert at the Olympic Gymnastics Arena in Bangi-dong, southeastern Seoul, in this March 29, 2008 file photo. / Courtesy of Shinhwa Company/Topclass Entertainment

Boy band remains hot ticket 14 years after debut

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