credits to: shirbogurl21

Labels: kim kyu jong, ss501

Labels: kim kyu jong

Labels: ss501

Labels: ss501

source: zing.vn
Translated by Nikki @ asianfanatics.net/news
*Please Credit when Taking Out*

Korean Idol Kim Joon will be make an appearance at a special music show called "Dream" at the Lau Anh Stage on October 24. After the success of Korea's Boys Over Flowers, Kim Joon gained overseas, including Vietnam, recognition as a member of the famous F4.

The singer turned actor born in 1983 will be appearing with his members from T-Max for the Korea-Vietnam collaborated concert at Lau Anh on the night of October 24th. The concert is a part of a special on the Korean Variety show "Road Show" and will be sponsor by TNHH TM& DL Vân Phong. Along with Kim Joon [And T-Max], Korean singer Park Sang Min and female group Brown Eyed Girls will also be on stage that night.

According to a representative,Trần Ngọc Dương, Kim Joon and the rest of the Korean guests will be arrive at Tân Sơn Nhất (TP HCM) International Airport at 13h30 on October 23. Afterwards, the guests will be attending a press conference regarding the show at 4PM at the New World Hotel. Trần Ngọc Dương expressed, "We organized this even with fans in mind, this concert is for young music fans who could only watch Korean artists through a TV screen. 'Dream' will act as a bridge connecting the two countries as well as invite other Korean artists to visit Vietnam in the future."

The director for the night with be Korean director Lee Hyun Jun. The show will also feature two Vietnamese singers; Mỹ Tâm and Ưng Hoàng Phúc. Mỹ Tâm will be performing her popular song "wish" and a Korean/Vietnamese duet, while Ưng Hoàng Phúc will be performing his song "Căn gác trống và Anh nhớ em."

Labels: Kim Joon

source: Yahoo
Translated by Nikki@asianfanatics.net/news
Editor: hippokathy88 @ Asianfanatics.net/news
*Please credit properly when taking out*

On the night of October 17, Korean Idol group SS501 help a concert at Taipei Arena as part of their Asia tour entitled "Persona Tour." This is the second time they have visited Taiwan since their overseas promotions back in earlier July.

Prior to the concert, the 5 members held a press conference at the Sherwood Hotel to preview their upcoming shows. According to the reporters attended, leader Kim Hyun Joong seem to be have lost weight since the September.

Ever since October 15, when SS501 first arrived to Taiwan, they were already gaining attention from citizens. Fans ever speculated and followed the boys in the various places they visited. Sam Chen, president of Warner Music, even personally brought the boys steamed buns and Trà sữa (milk teas). With so much anticipation, the boys worked hard to prepare for the concert even practicing until midnight the night before.

On October 16 at the press conference, President Sam Chen when handed the platinum record to SS501 said "Thanks to SS501, we have achieved optimal selling record this year. Our bonuses and holidays awarded to company staff will hopefully come from this profit."

Right after the President's speech, the boys immediately followed up "Can we go on holidays with your staff too?", "Can we go to Hawaii?".

During the conference, Park Jung Min gave fan a special performance of the song Tian Mi Mi (Sweetness). Hyun Joon then commented, "Jung Min often hides in his hotel room to concentrate/practice. I have also heard him sing other songs, I think Hyung (Anh. Older male) could probably achieve [at singing Mandarin songs] 90%." While Kyu Jong commented, "He practices very hard. In fact, every morning he would greet me in Chinese, its very surprising."

The concert was different than all prior concerts held at Taipei Arena; 50 staff members from Korea came with SS501 to Taiwan for preparation and 100 different outfits were prepared for stand by. Appearing on the colorful stage, SS501 even gave 11,000 fans chocolate. The show really did deserve a red ribbon.

SS501 performed various songs including the popular "Deja Vu", A song calling for you, Warnin and Four Chance. The concert also contained solo performances such as “Hey G”, “Never Let You Go” and “Please be nice to me”. That night, Jung Min had the opportunity to sing the song Tian Mi Mi in its' entirely. As a bonus, SS501 performed two new songs [Never performed Live anywhere elss] called, “Crazy 4 U” and "Pea Princess".

Fans particularly favored the performance of "Please be nice to me" by Leader Kim Hyun Joong. The female fans were treated to a "hot boy" image when Hyun Joong began tearing his own shirt on stage in the middle of the song.

After the success of the concert, SS501 returned to Korea were they will be releasing a new mini album called "Rebirth."

Labels: ss501

Recently, korean Idol Kim Hyun Joong and the rest of SS501 arrived in Taiwan for the White Golden Disk Award and personal concert. When the boys arrived, Taiwanese fans filled the aiport to greet the five handsome boys, in particular Kim Hyun Joong was surrounded by a mob of fans. With the crowd gathering and the body guards trying to protect the members, the incidents suddenly turns gloomy. One fan reportedly collapsed after being pushed too had by the body guards. Fans were very angry afterwards over no one taking responsibility.

Kim Hyun Joong expressed, "Our body guards only want to protect us. I am sorry if they pushed everyone too aggressively."

His apology was especially admirable knowing the fact that he kept his smile throughout his visit despite the fact that he has just recovered from a serious illness [H1N1].

Labels: kim hyung joong, ss501

Entertainment companies, including YG Entertainment, were ordered to correct their unfair contracts after a government inspection by the Korean Fair Trade Commission (FTC).

FTC announced on the 20th that 198 contracts between an entertainer and their company were corrected after their inspection on 20 entertainment companies. The inspection was carried out from April to May of this year.

For example, YG deleted the clause that reads “After the day that the contract between the company and the entertainer ends, the company is relieved from the duty to pay royalties from recorded materials to the entertainer and all proceeds from said materials belong to the company,” meaning that YG’s entertainers can now receive royalties from the songs they made with YG even after they leave the company. YG also changed the clause that reads “Entertainer must receive permission of the company in order to travel outside of Korea” to “Entertainer must inform of their out-of-country travel plans to the company beforehand to not cause any disruptions in management planning process,” meaning that YG’s entertainers like Big Bang and 2NE1 now may travel outside of the country without YG’s permissions.

Entertainers are now given the right to retire at will as well. “Entertainer may not cease performance or retire during the life of the contract without permission of the company” was changed to “If entertainer seeks to cease performance or retire during the life of the contract, the company and the entertainer may discuss the topic.” “Entertainer must use their talent and skills in accordance with the company’s decisions” was changed to “Entertainer must perform by fully employing their talent and skill, and the company must aid the entertainer with appropriate opportunities,” giving entertainers a bit more legal freedom with their decision making.

Overall, clauses that overly invade an entertainer’s privacy, invade an entertainer’s right to be a part of the decision making process for their career and performances, and clauses that force entertainers to perform for the company’s promotional activities without compensation and without consent of the entertainer were corrected.

This is a step towards a better environment for Korean entertainers, but this is just a small step. Merely 20 entertainment companies were inspected and corrected, as 320 companies under Korean Entertainment Producers Association were not a part of this inspection. FTC acknowledges the fact that unfair contracts are common in the entertainment industry and plans on directing the association in inspecting and correcting its members. It may be hard to imagine SM giving freedom to its entertainers, especially after the whole Kangin fiasco, but one day SNSD will be free to travel to Canada, to hang out with me without having to receive SM’s approval. One day.

Labels: big bang

Credit: Chinatimes.com + Yahoo.com.tw + (English translation) Feissy@Quainte501.com

SS501 returned to Korea on 18 October (Sunday) with 1000 fans swarming the airport to send them off, including 60 Korean, Japanese and Hong Kong fans who crossed the immigration gates with them. Some Korean fans even took the same plane with them back to Korea.

But SS501 was "lacking of 1 member", with Kim Hyun Joong having gone back to Seoul earlier due to work.

After the concert on 17 October, SS501 and their staff headed to "Longevity" Korean Restaurant to celebrate the successful completion of the concert. All members of SS501 gave the Taiwanese fans 100 marks (for their enthusiasm).

They also 'lifted the ban on alcohol' and were offering toasts all around. Member Park Jung Min was so high (on alcohol) that he sang "Tian Mi Mi" again (the mandarin song he sang at the concert) to thank the staff.

Following the Taiwan concert, they will be heading to places like Hong Kong for more concert performances.

Leader Kim Hyun Joong returned to Seoul at 5 a.m. on 18 October due to work commitments. Many fans realized the "Lacking of 1" situation and thought that Kim Hyun Joong decided to remain in Taiwan for holiday. The moment SS501 arrived at the airport, screams of fans resounded the whole area. Their body guards, reporters and fans were involved in a lot of pushing and shoving.

The fans pushed their way through and to give presents to SS501, even their managers' hands were filled with gifts, many fans risked falling just to catch another glimpse of their idols. SS501's departure at the airport was like a red carpet event with fans surrounding them on both sides. Though it was difficult of them to move with the crowd, they still turned to waved goodbye to their fans before leaving.

Labels: ss501

Popular group member TVXQ Xiah Junsu’s twin brother Kim Junho is preparing for his debut artist.

Recently Kim Junho was seen in one of training building in Kangnam, Seoul, South Korea to have his singing rehearsal which is focused more on vocal training.

Xiah Junsu was also said to be around as his vocal trainer. According to one official, “Junsu was asked to be the vocal trainer to give his elder brother more a vocal lesson,” he said.

Kim Junho appeared the first time in front of Korean public at the end of last year in MBC’s show “Introducing Star’s Friends”. Being 188 cm tall, Kim Junho was a baseball pitcher in one Korea University. Due to his well built body and handsome look, he became popular real soon and was recruited as one milk company’s CF model. Kim Junho specially becomes a topic for his outter appearance which resembles actor Jo Han-sun.

To prepare for his debut, Kim Junho was said to receive acting classes for 3 years in Korea. He also learned about music and how to stand on musical stage during the period.

Junho ever revealed about the kind of relationship he had with his brother Junsu, “He’s my alter ego and even when we were a kid, we never once fought.” he said, “Since we’re young, we always had anything to do together and he even went along to my exercises.”


credit: dnbn
trans + shared by: sharingyoochun@wordpress

Labels: TVXQ

2NE1's Park Bom is often accused by netizens to have gotten eyelid surgery, on top of many facial enhancements. Unlike many others of the Asian descent, her eyelids are similar to Caucasian eyelids. She has a clear crease that folds intensely on her eyelid.

Many celebrities do get eyelid surgery though. Some have even admitted about going under the knife for not only their eyes, but noses, jawbones and everything else that can be altered. For example, Yuri and Baek Ji Young admitted to getting eyelid surgery and Seo In Young admitted to getting her nose done.

Eyelid surgery is done to make a crease in your eyelid so that your eyes look naturally bigger. Many Asians who feel they have smaller eyes do this to make their eyes pop out a little more. In Korea, this is considered a common 18th birthday gift. That's why it's not considered a bad thing in Korea. You're not looked down upon for getting this type of surgery, but people notice easily, especially so, if you have a surgery-gone-wrong incident.

Though Park Bom hasn't come out to clear up whether or not she has undergone surgery, people speak about her as if she's already admitted to it. Netizens commented, "She's so pretty. I just hope she doesn't do any more surgery," "I'm not an anti or a big fan but her eyes just look unnatural," "She'd be cute without the surgery."

Park Bom is known for her cute face that looks like a bunny, but do you think the pictures alone prove she's gone under the knife? Or are the netizens just desperate to pick out a flaw on this talented girl?

Credit: allkpop

Labels: 2ne1

THE Taiwanese call their drama Meteor Garden, while the Koreans have named their production Boys Over Flowers.

But as long as it's an adaptation of Japanese manga Hana Yori Dango and the plot is good, the careers of its hot leading actors continue to blossom.

This is especially true for Lee Min Ho, who plays Goo Joon Pyo, the big, bad leader of F4 - a band of privileged youths in an elite school.

Other members of this foursome are Kim Hyun Joong, Kim Bum and Kim Joon, who acted as Yoon Ji Hoo, So Yi Jung and Song Woo Bin respectively.

Min Ho has clinched multiple product-endorsement contracts, and also appears in many magazines.

In Korea, this advertisers' darling endorses handphones and mobile services (Samsung AnyCall Magic Hole, Samsung AnyCall Haptic, LG Telecom), skin products (Etude House), an alcoholic drink (Cass Beer), food (Dunkin' Donuts, Market O), fashion (Trugen), and even a car (Cadillac CTS).

His photo spreads are also found in magazines such as Singles and Vogue Girl.

For the Minoz Japan First Event - Min Ho's fan meeting session, which will be held next month in Tokyo - 2,500 tickets were sold out within the first hour after they went on sale last month.

This Saturday, he will make a guest appearance at the flagship store of Etude House at Plaza Singapura here. He will also hold a closed-door meeting with his fans at Movida at St James Power Station the same day.

'Just like siblings'

Since Boys Over Flowers aired in Korea in January, there has been speculation in the Korean media that he is dating pop group Davichi's Kang Min Kyung.

A self-taken photo of Min Ho and Min Kyung in a karaoke room has spread like wild fire on the Internet.

Min Ho told the media: 'After that photo was widely circulated, I predicted there would be rumours.

'I think there will also be rumours about me and three other female artistes - Park Bo Young, Mun Chae Won and Choi Eun Seo.'

Min Kyung has reportedly been on very friendly terms with Min Ho ever since she entered showbiz.

Bo Young, who acted in movie Scandal Makers, and Chae Won, who acted in drama Painter Of Wind, had worked with Min Ho in TV drama Secret Campus and the movie Our School E.T. respectively.

Min Ho denied having these romantic links.

'They are just like siblings to me.

'I have dated two girls since I turned 19, but I'm not seeing anyone now.'

He also emphasised that he is 'definitely not a two-timer, and I won't get into a relationship easily'.

Yet he is clear about what sort of girls he likes - those who are 'innocent and elegant'.

In an e-mail interview with U-Weekly, Bo Young denied dating Min Ho.

'I have worked with Min Ho in three productions before, so it's natural that we become close friends. Despite the rumours, we are purely friends,' she said.


The New Paper

Labels: lee min ho

Credits : Starnew + SS601.com + (English Translation) xiaochu @ Quainte501.com

Male group SS501 Park JungMin has been studying hard for Chinese language for their upcoming Taiwan concert.

SS501 will have their concert ‘PERSONA ASIA TOUR IN TAIPEI’ at Taiwan Super Arena on 17-Oct.

Park JungMin whom the reporter recently met with, is practicing hard for a Chinese song which requires him to study Chinese language for their upcoming Taiwan concert.

Park JungMin said “I am studying Chinese language in order to be able to converse with the fans in our Taiwan concert. Especially since the special solo stage is a Chinese song, I am memorizing the lyrics by heart now.”

In fact, Park JungMin has been memorizing the Chinese lyrics at each spare time during the recording for their mini album ‘REBIRTH’ to be released on 20-Oct, and getting ready for their overseas concert.

Park JungMin said “Even though we have studied a new language due to the long period of activity in Japan, but Chinese language is still very unfamiliar to us. With this opportunity, we will put in even more efforts in studying Chinese language. In the future when we see our Taiwan fans, we want to show an even more ready image.”

SS501 will return with all 5 members after 1 year 7 months with the release of a mini album ‘REBIRTH’ on 20-Oct.

Labels: park jung min, ss501

In recent recording of SBS Kang Shim Jang, it was revealed that KARA's Goo Hara, Big Bang's Seungri, and 2NE1's Minzy were all friends when they were young.

Goo Hara reportedly expressed, "I have been watching 2NE1's Minzy ever since she was young. ... Big Bang's Seungri is our family as well." Her comment roused much curiosity in the rest of the cast.

It was then revealed that Goo Hara and Seungri used to be in the same dance school in their hometown, KwangJoo, before their debut. Minzy, as well as the two, was in the same school as well.

credits: allkpop

f(x) who is emerging as the next hot icons of Asia, will be the face of global premium sports brand K-SWISS.

A month after their debut, f(x) has been chosen as the exclusive models for a cell phone brand and K-SWISS. As soon as they debuted, f(x) has been receiving love calls for many CFs due to their popularity.

A representative from K-SWISS explained they chose f(x) as their models because, “f(x) has already established themselves among the girl groups with their strong performances and multinational members, so we have selected them as our model because we believe that K-SWISS’ active and global image matches well with the group.” Also “With the diverse talents and character each member possesses, we anticipate the great vitality that will stir up in the brand with each member’s charms.

It is said that they will proceed with various projects in which they will bring out f(x)’s image, through the clothes and accessories which will be a part of the ‘f(x) line’.

f(x) will officially start their activities as the K-SWISS models through a winter season magazine advertisement photo shoot. The magazine advertisement in which f(x) will emerge as the models, is expected to be revealed in November.

Also through a magazine photo shoot and commercial, they were recognized as having the ability to absorb themselves with a high standard model’s pose and costume. So we anticipate on seeing f(x)’s more stylish side through the coming winter season photo shoot for K-SWISS.

Source: Newsen
Translation: kellykim10 @ affxtion forums

Labels: f(x)

K-pop boy band SHINee will make a comeback with a new single this week, revealing the song on the Internet and then appearing on a music show, according to their agency on Monday.

Their new single "Ring Ding Dong" will be available Wednesday on various music sites including Melon, Dosirak, Mnet and Cyworld, SM Entertainment said in a press release.

The group will then perform "Ring", the first single from their third mini-album "2009, Year Of Us", for the first time on KBS's "Music Bank", which airs Friday.

SHINee, one of the most popular idol groups in Korea, has had several K-pop hits, most notably their debut single "Older Girl, You're So Pretty" and the recent chart topper "Juliette" from their previous mini-album released in May.

The mini-album "Us" will be released in Korea on October 19.

source: asiae

Labels: SHINee

K-pop idol group SS501 has released the jacket for their new mini-album "Rebirth".

The members, in heavy smoky make-up on the revealed jacket, will be making a comeback with a new album later this month for the first time in a year and seven months.

The new album will be available in a regular and special edition, which comes with a 100-page organizer, photobook and poster. The special edition, available in limited numbers, will be released first on October 20 and the regular version two days later.

SS501, who debuted in June 2005, is one of the most popular K-pop acts in Asia. The group has had numerous hits singles in Korea and Japan, and some of the members have branched out to acting and musical theater as well.

The leader of the group, Kim Hyun-joong, who starred in hit TV series "Boys Over Flowers" earlier this year, was infected with the H1N1 influenza virus in Tokyo last month.

Having fully recovered, he is scheduled to perform at the group's Asia tour concert in Taiwan on October 17.

source: asiae

Labels: ss501

Korean singer, actor and producer Rain says he "now knows how Park Jin-young feels" after watching his own newcomers MBLAQ perform on stage.

After wrapping up his Seoul performance of the Asian tour "Legend of Rainism", held at Olympic Park Gymnastics Stadium on Friday, the singer met with the media to share his thoughts on his first and new boy band.

"I was watching the first performance of MBLAQ from backstage, and I was more nervous than when I was debuting," the 27-year-old star was quoted as saying. "I thought of Park Jin-young suddenly so I called him."

The newly turned producer went on to say, "Every decision regarding MBLAQ -- from their head to toes -- was passed through me. I like about 60-70 percent of what I've done but I have a good feeling about them."

MBLAQ made their debut performance opening at Rain's concert last week, singing their title song "Oh Yeah".

The group, who were trained by Rain and his agency J. Tune Entertainment for two years, will make their official debut on October 14. Their teaser video was released today.

The Asian superstar himself is scheduled to promote his second Hollywood film "Ninja Assassin" overseas next month. The actor hinted about "doing a drama in Korea" afterwards.

source: asiae

Labels: Rain

SS501 Kim KyuJong will be taking up the challenge of acting with webtoon drama ‘SETI’.

SS501’s company DSP Entertainment said on 6-Oct “Kim KyuJong had been selected as the main lead for webtoon drama ‘SETI’ recently.” With this, Kim KyuJong has become the 2nd member in SS501 after Kim HyunJoong to have a side career in acting.

In addition, he said “’SETI’ is a work by writer Yoon TaeHo who is famous for ‘The Moss’. ‘SETI’ is an astronomical youth fantasy that talks about searching for extra-terrestrial intelligence where it is filled with what the youths think about the universe.”

According to DSP Entertainment, Kim KyuJong will act as Na HoSik who is a member of SETI club in this drama. HoSik, who is extremely curious and devoted on universe and extra-terrestrial intelligence, is the leader of SETI club. Female lead actress is Seo HyoRim who acts as a member in SETI, Lee MinJoo.

The 16-episode ‘SETI’ will commence on 6-Oct, every Tuesdays and Fridays, through portal sites followed by comic series in November. DSP Entertainment said “We are really looking forward to this since it will be released as both comic and video format.”

Meanwhile, Kim KyuJong will have his performance at Taipei Super Arena on 17-Oct, named as ‘PERSONA ASIA TOUR IN TAIPEI’ with his SS501 members. SS501 has scheduled to release their new official album by end of this month.

Credits : Starnews + SS601.com + (English Translation) xiaochu @ Quainte501.com

Labels: kim kyu jong, ss501

Shooting cosmetic commercial film with a healthy look
First official performance on 17th at Asia Tour Concert in Taiwan

Kim HyunJoong from group SS501 had his CF shooting and got back into activities.

Kim HyunJoong recently filmed the CF for cosmetic brand TonyMoly at one studio in Gangnam, Seoul. Fans had been worried when they heard the news that Kim HyunJoong was infected with H1N1 influenza, but he showed a healthy look on this day.

SS501’s company said “Kim HyunJoong works on SS501’s album while gradually adjusted his condition. Recently since his recovery in health, he started his schedules on CF filming and others which he wasn’t able to do earlier.”

Kim HyunJoong’s filming went on till late at night on that day. Though it seems like a tiring schedule, the CF filming was finished in a harmonious atmosphere.

Kim HyunJoong came upon as the model for TonyMoly and recorded high sales for this brand in Japan. The CF which Kim HyunJoong filmed for will be broadcasted in Japan where he will be able to show his healthy look to his Japanese fans too.

After Kim HyunJoong was infected with H1N1 influenza, he had been concentrating on his recovery. Recently, he went to a recording studio in Gangnam, Seoul where they rounded up the making of SS501 album. Kim HyunJoong will have his first official performance on 17th in SS501 Asia Tour Concert held in Taipei Arena, Taiwan.


Credits : kiss@sportshankook.co.kr + SS601.com + (English Translation) xiaochu @ Quainte501.com

Labels: kim hyung joong, ss501

Check out “Prince Song” Kim Joon (Boys Before Flowers) in this new photo spread bearing the title “The Man” for fashion mag Marie Claire’s 200th issue.

The photo collection was organized to raise money for the Join Together Society, which works to wipe out child hunger throughout Asia. There are a total of 46 celebrities who are participating, including names like Park Yong-ha, So Si-sub, Lee Min-ho, Lee Beom-soo, Lee Seon-kyun, and Cha Seung-won.

Kim Joon is currently dealing with a packed schedule as he juggles stage performances in his musical debut, appears on variety programs, and participates in activities with his pop group T-Max. In addition to this photo collection, he will also be participating in a related online charity auction.

source: Mk.co.kr
translations: ddramabeans

Labels: Kim Joon

The digital single ‘Chocolate Love’ sang by, So Nyuh Shi Dae and f(x), will be revealed on the 8th through Melon, Dosirak, Cyworld, and various music portal sites.

‘Chocolate Love’ is a song from a famous producer, ‘Bloodshy&Avant’, who participated in BoA’s America Debut album. Kenzie wrote the lyrics, that will bring attention to falling in love that is sweet like chocolate compared to the charming ‘New Chocolate Phone’.

Particularly, So Nyuh Shi Dae and f(x) who were chosen as the models for the ‘New Chocolate Phone’ will reveal 2 versions of the song ‘Chocolate Love’, with the two groups’ distinctive charms and musical colors, music fans will be offered with an enjoyment of different colors.

So Nyuh Shi Dae’s version of ‘Chocolate Love’ is cute yet having a vintage style and arranged with a retro-pop. While f(x)’s version had the participation of hit songwriter Yoo Young Jin and Yoo Han Jin, and of course with member Amber rapping, it is a trendy and minimal sound in the electronic pop genre.

It is predicted that the digital single ‘Chocolate Love’ Music Video will be revealed mid-October.

original source
translated by kellykim10 @ affxtion

Labels: f(x), SNSD

World star Rain will be going on CNN ‘Talk Asia’, and he will be answering questions posted by fans all around the globe.

It was revealed on CNN’s homepage on 2nd October about Rain’s appearing on the talk show, and page “Ask Korean pop star Rain your questions” was set up.

CNN introduced Rain on the page saying, “Rain, real name Jung Ji-hoon, broke into the notoriously tough world of South Korean show business with JYP Entertainment when he was just 18-years-old. He made his first mark in Hollywood last year with a role in “Speed Racer” appearing alongside Christina Ricci and Matthew Fox.”

“The 27-year-old South Korean has even faced down U.S. comedian Steven Colbert in a spoof dance-off after Rain placed higher than him in Time Magazine’s 2008 online poll of the 100 Most Influential People.”

source: kbites

Labels: Rain

Funfare managed to do an exclusive one-on-one with Kim Bum, 20 (born on July 7, 1989, a Cancerian). Don’t ask me how. Kim Bum doesn’t speak English. Here are excerpts of his translated answers (in Korean, but of course!):

What does your name Kim Bum mean?
“No specific meaning.”

How come majority of Koreans are surnamed Kim?
“Well, good point! But I don’t know about specific historical background of it.”

What kind of family do you come from, conservative or liberal?
“It depends. My mother is more liberal and supportive, though.”

What can you say about your role in Boys Over Flowers?
“Yi-Jeong is apparently a playboy. I’m not like him.”

What about your role in Dream (also forthcoming on ABS-CBN)?
“Lee Kang-Seok, my character in Dream, is a pickpocket from an orphanage. When he meets this guy Nam Je-Il, he becomes a boxing champion. What they have in common is that they seem to be tough and bad but they are actually soft-hearted.”

Do you know that you have many fans in the Philippines, that Koreanovelas are popular in the Philippines?
“I heard the news about the airing of Boys Over Flowers in the Philippines, but had no idea about the fans and all. I’m just fascinated and grateful for the love and support. Thank you for all the support.”

What can you say about Maja Salvador, your partner in the RC Cola commercial?
“It’s actually my first time to work with a foreign actress. She was more than kind and considerate when it came to the shooting, my first time to do so in the Philippines. She has a good personality that soothes everything.”

How was the shoot?
“RC Cola and the production team were over the top. They were well-prepared and organized. They even prepared Korean food for lunch and dinner! Everybody, from the directors to the last junior assistant directors, was amazingly professional. Working with a great team like that ignited my passion for acting. I was told that some of the directors used to work in the USA, and that the team included half-German/half-Filipinos, Japanese and Korean. Truly an international group of people with different perspectives and experiences working together to make this RC Cola Commercial an inspiring one as the product tries to strengthen the image of RC Cola as ‘RC ng Bayan.’ Thank you so much for making me a part of this great team! I’m just overwhelmed and excited.”

What kind of girls do you like?
“I think Filipinas are beautiful. I like them.”

Do you have a girlfriend?
“No girlfriend at the moment.”

Have you always wanted to be an actor since you were a kid?
“I became an actor by accident, actually. Now I get to think that everything happens for a reason, and what made me decide to become an actor was more of the course of nature. Okay, so the story goes like this. I happened to be at a Movie Awards night in Korea, and I was moved by actors celebrating their colleagues’ works with full support and true heart. I thought that after all, the world doesn’t have to be competitive at all. I wanted to be part of it.”

Do you read and answer your fan mail? An average of how many letters/e-mail do you get per day?
“Thanks for asking this question so that I can at least share how grateful I am to all my fans out there. I don’t get to track down the average number of fan letters/mail, but I hope you all know that it inspires me so much to make me go on as an actor. While I’m on the set, I don’t even get to check my e-mail and don’t get to write back as well. However, I’m doing my best to show a better Kim Bum on TV. I hope the fans will understand me.”

What do you do in your free time; how do you enjoy or pamper yourself?
“I’m a movie buff. Most of the time, when I’m free I go to movies or watch DVD at least. I am really a boy-next-door. I play games at home and, when the urge hits me to be outdoor, I play soccer.”

After shooting a commercial here, would you like to do a TV series or a movie in the Philippines?
“Why not? It will be a great experience. However, as of the moment, I would like to take and enjoy each opportunity one at a time so I’ll be able to give my best shot.”

source funfare

Labels: Kim Bum