2NE1's Dara glows with 'happiness' at the theater

2NE1's Dara is one of those rare women who never seem to age. 

Dara tweeted, "Da Rong who came back from watching a theater performance. The show is really fun to watch! It's not difficult to understand+.+ I've seen many fun theater performances. But if you watch this theatrical show titled, 'Happiness', with someone you love as you hold hands together, you two will love each other more^^. But why I am I going around so often in my bare face? ke."

Dara held up her V sign at the theater in front of the 'Happiness' poster proving that thirties are the new twenties with her milky skin.

Fans were floored by her beauty commenting, "I can't believe that's her bare face", "This unni never ages", and "If that's her bare face, then she is beyond gorgeous." 

allkpop

YG Entertainment Expands To China: New Girl Group Mystery Solved?

With the announcement last month that Korean entertainment agency YG will soon expand their offices to include one in China, many see it as another way for the company to increase their international status.

YG Entertainment is home to some of the biggest and most respected acts in the biz including Psy, Big Bang, and 2NE1. They are counted as one of the "Big Three" agencies in South Korea for their large share of the market and are well known for the unique sounds each of their artists bring to the table.

China's market has been obviously dominated by Chinese-language acts singing what is known as Mando-pop, but the recent success of Korean artists in the country has opened up new opportunities for South Korean agencies such as YG to expand and promote their acts.

Specifically the international phenomenon of "Gangnam Style" and Psy's continued popularity the world over has made YG Entertainment a household name in many countries across the globe, China included.

In an official statement, YG said, "We plan to put more resources and invest more into the Greater China market, which we believe will be the next big market next to Japan. We are currently cooperating with our partners to create a company within the year, in either Beijing or Shanghai."

The company added it is too early to tell if their efforts in China will focus on promoting their existing acts or if they will develop local Chinese groups.

But this presents an interesting situation. On their current roster of active acts, YG Entertainment is the only major Korean record label without a Mandarin-speaking singer. Their rival companies, namelySM and JYP Entertainment, have several singers who are bilingual, or, as the case with boy bandsEXO-M and Super Junior-M, are entirely made up of Chinese-speaking members.

YG Entertainment's ambitious business venture in China seems a little late to the game when considering their competitor's efforts.

That said, for the better part of the past year, YG has been teasing fans that they will soon debut a new girl group. Specifics have been kept pretty tightly under wraps and there is a tremendous amount of mystery surrounding the members and what kind of new sound they will bring to the overflowing K-Pop market.

Could a Chinese-language group be the trick up YG sleeve?

The pre-existing acts already have had a fair amount of success in China with Big Bang and its leaderG-Dragon having sold out concerts across the country in a matter of minutes despite performing entirely in Korean.

While YG Entertainment has not said if they would develop new Chinese acts for certain or not, that does not necessarily mean they are not planning on debuting a group they already have been training for quite some time with the sole purpose of infiltrating the Chinese market.

Wild speculation or mystery solved? We will all just have to wait until YG Entertainment opens their China office and finally gets around to debuting their new girl group to find out. 

kpopstarz

Haha’s “Hybrid” Character Is No More!

On his Twitter on June 8, “Running Man’s” Haha uploaded series of photos along with a message, “Should I get a haircut? Everyone! Should I really cut my hair? Just do it? If there are over 50 replies in a row right now, I will do it!”

When his goal of 50 mentions was reached quickly, Haha stated, “1000 mentions were received easily. Yes! I will get a haircut! No more macho man. I wear hat all the time anyway. Goodbye my hair. I would like to thank you. I won’t be able to let it grow like this again. Goodbye Hybrid.”

In the released photos is Haha getting his haircut at a hair salon. He looks excited in some photos, while he has sad expressions in others.

Netizens that followed this event commented, “He really did it” and “I want to see the after-photo.”

Meanwhile, “Hybrid,” which is short for “Hybrid Sammy Sosa Rio Raybe,” was a character Haha created on MBC’s “Infinity Challenge.”

Soompi

Nichkhun Is Picked as the Worst Boyfriend Material in “Sebakwi”

On the recent episode of MBC’s “Sebakwi,” which was aired on June 8, several male idol members appeared as special guests including 2PM’s Taecyeon,Nichkhun, and Jun. K, and MBLAQ’s Lee Joon and Seungho.

During the show, the female members were asked to rank the idol members as the best and worst boyfriend material. Taecyeon was honored with the first place as the best potential boyfriend while, to everyone’s shock, Nichkhun was picked as the worst boyfriend.

Sayuri explained, “His face is way too small. Any girl who stands beside him would look like she as a huge head.” Announcer Seo Hyun Jin, who also chose Nichkhun as the worst boyfriend material, said, “He is a foreigner, so I don’t think it would be possible to have meaningful conversations.”

ohkpop

MBLAQ's Mir tries to break chopsticks with his butt on 'Star King'

MBLAQ's Mir showed off his stamina or lack of thereof on 'Star King'!

During the 'campus king' special, Mir attempted to break 15 chopsticks in half with his butt. While MC Boom was getting him set up for the challenge, Mir seemed to sweating bullets as he kept repeating, "It feels weird." 

Mir grabbed the pole and pushed with all of his strength to break the pile of wooden sticks. But he couldn't help to bring everyone to laughter as he kept trying and trying to no avail and eventually dropped to the floor in pain. 

Ouch! That's got to hurt! 

Mir was also involved in tons of other 'Star King' antics today.

allkpop

Girls' Generation takes a proof shot with 12 'cute wolves' at the 'Girls' Generation World Tour -Girls&Peace-'

Girls' Generation kicked off their 2013 'Girls' Generation World Tour -Girls&Peace-' this weekend in Seoul and 12 'cute wolves' went backstage to congratulate and support the girls.

Group leader Taeyeon posted the above photo on her Instagram along with the caption, "Yesterday's surprising guest. It was great that cute wolves came even though they have a busy schedule. Yay gwiyomi (cutie)... and thanks to Eunhyuk oppa who watched from the beginning to end even though I couldn't take a picture of him." The massive picture included all twelve EXO members and all the Girls' Generation members with everyone seeming to enjoy the camaraderie. 

After Seoul the girls will be visiting Taipei, Taiwan on July 20 and 21 for their world tour. 

Thanks to Xesyre for the tip!

allkpop

Flashmob Of 1,000 Teenagers Greets Psy In Moscow Read more at http://www.kpopstarz.com/articles/30633/20130608/psy-russia-flashmob.htm#05FtFELhuWHMW6IT.99

Psy performed at the MUZ-TV Music Awards in Russia on June 7, but before he went in the venue, he was met with a big surprise.

Organizers for the awards program that celebrates the best in Russian and world music enlisted the help of 1,000 teenagers from Psy's fan club in Russian to greet the singer with a "Gangnam Style" flashmob.

Reuters spoke with some of the teenage Psy fans about the flashmob even they had planned to greet the Korean mega star for his first visit to Russia.

"We came here because we love Psy, we love K-pop (Korean pop), and we are happy to plunge into this atmosphere," explained one of the flashmob dancers, Masha.

"We adore this dance, we gather every day with the whole studio and dance it. It brings us positive mood, we like it very much. Let's clap," said Kirill who came from a Moscow suburb.

Check out the impressive "Gangnam Style" flashmob that greeted Psy in Russia below:

Read more at http://www.kpopstarz.com/articles/30633/20130608/psy-russia-flashmob.htm#05FtFELhuWHMW6IT.99 

kpopstarz

Kpop Invades Kdrama: Will There Soon Be An Idol In Every Drama?

Idols in Kdrama In Last Year

Suzy Bae

Yong Jun Hyun of Beast

IU

In an article previously released, Kdramastars weighs in on the occurence of Kpop idols in KDrama. 

If you want to make it as an actor in Korea these days, the best way may be to succeed as a kpop idol first. So many new dramas feature boy band and girl group members that it seems like securing an idol may be part of what's needed to get a drama produced.

Not that there's anything wrong with that. Most idols are talented, some are even better actors than singers, and they do draw in a younger, more musically inclined viewing audience. That's good.

And to even things out, there are actors who became singers, like Lee Min Ho, Jang Keun Suk and Kim Bum. YoonA from Girls Generation acted before she debuted, as did Jr. and JB of JJ Project.

But just for fun, lets count up all the idols that appeared in dramas in the last year alone.

Chansung of 2PM starred as Gong Do Ha in "Level 7 Civil Servant," group A Pink's Jung Eun Ji was Moon Hee Sun in "That Winter, The Wind Blows," Kara's Han Seung Yeonplays Maid Choi in the drama "Jang Ok Jung" and JYJ's Park Yoo Chun was Han Jung Woo in "Missing You." "Reply 1997" had Seo in Guk, Jung Eun Ji and Infinite's Hoya.

Miss A's Suzy Bae stars as Dam Yeo Wool in "Gu Family Book," IU plays the lead role in "You're the Best Lee Soon Shin" and Eugene, former SES member, appears as Min Chae Won in "One Hundred Year's Inheritance."

In the latest round of dramas, Girls Generation's Sooyoung plays Gong Min Young in "Dating Agency Cyrano" with a special guest appearance by SHINee's Lee Taemin, Beast's Yong Joon Hyung stars as an idol in "Monstar," 2AM's Im Seulong appears in "Heaven's Order," and Kara's Park Gyuri stars in "Nail Shop Paris." All of Kara have signed on to do a televised series, "Secret Love 2013," which will feature an episode with each of the singers. Wonder Girls' Park Ye Eun was cast in a new series, "Basketball."

This list probably misses someone but there are a lot of idols in kdramas to count. One person that could be blamed for this trend is singer and now also actor Rain, who starred in the 16-episode 2004 drama, "Full House." The show was very successful, earning ratings as high as 42 percent, and it set a precedent.

After that producers were eager to audition idols. They often say they do not cast someone merely because he or she is an idol. They must act well and work for the part. But being an idol can't hurt. What do you think? Should every drama feature an idol? Should they get preferential treatment? Does it matter if it's your favorite idol? Let us know.

kpopstarz

Comedian Kang Ho Dong’s Head Circumference Measures 26 Inches!

The head size of comedian Kang Ho Dong, who is well known among Korean celebrities for his usually large face, is receiving a lot of attention.

During the recent filming of SBS’s variety show “Star King,” MC Kang Ho Dong’s head circumference measurement was revealed.

When Goo Jong Yoon boastfully stated that his waist size is only 26 inches, MCBoom suddenly decided to measure Kang Ho Dong’s head. With the help from Kim Na Young, Boom used the measuring tape to get an exact measurement. When it turned out to be 26 inches, everyone at the set could not hide their surprise.

Meanwhile, this upcoming episode of “Star King,” which will also reveal Goo Jong Yoon’s dancing skills, will be aired on June 8, 2013.

soompi

[Recap] I Wish Us Nothing But the Best – We Got Married 060813

On this episode of We Got Married Jo Jung Chi and Jung In bring out the dirty laundry on their temple stay, Jinwoon and Go Joon Heeturn into anime characters, and Taemin gets owned by Son Na Eun. 

If you missed it, here is last week’s WGM recap:I’ll Do Anything For You. 

I Wish Us Nothing But the Best - this is your weekly Soompi WGM recap. 

soompi

Ivy debuts her sizzling new track "I Dance' with Yubin on last night's 'SNL Korea'

To stand out among the myriad of comebacks this month, sexy diva Ivydecided to debut her latest song, "I Dance" during her hosting stint on last night's 'SNL Korea'.

On June 8th, Ivy hosted the increasingly popular 19+ variety program 'SNL Korea'. After making viewers bust their gut from laughing by playing a ghostand other hilarious skits, Ivy made their bloods boil with a red hot performance of "I Dance". The song is a fusion of tango, hip hop, and electronic sounds and was been written and composed by J.Y. Park.  

In the performance, Ivy set tongues wagging with her sexy dance moves, confident vocals, and overall command of the stage. As if that wasn't enough, the Wonder Girls' resident rapper Yubin joined the live performance adding her effortless delivery to an already impressive performance. It's unclear whether Yubin will continue to promote the song alongside Ivy, but after last night's performance we definitely hope so.

What did you think of her comeback stage? Do you think Ivy and Yubin make a great duo?

allkpop

Psy gets the crowd dancing along to his hit songs at the '2013 Muz-TV Music Awards' in Russia

Psy said hello to all his Russian fans at the 2013 Muz-TV Music Awards!

Psy has been traveling all across the world and for his latest stop, he made a grand entrance at the 2013 Muz-TV Music Awards held at Olympic Stadium in Moscow, Russia on June 7. Following a warm welcome by the hosts, Psy got the whole audience to do the 'arrogant dance' and 'horse dance' while performing "Gentleman" and "Gangnam Style". Psy was also awarded with a special plaque for being the 'World Break of the Year'.

Check out his performances below!

allkpop

exploring sabah MALAYSIA

SABAH

SABAH, also known as “The Land Below The Wind”, is the northern part of Borneo and it is the second largest state in Malaysia. KOTA KINABALU is the state capital of Sabah, where much of the state remains forested. There are over 32 ethnic communities speaking 80 dialects in Sabah. The main festival here is Ka’amatan when the KadazanDusun, Sabah’s largest ethnic group, offer thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest to the spirit of the paddy. Activities include trekking, rafting, diving, mountain climbing and there are superb coasted resorts to relax in afterwards.

Dominating the landscape here is the iconic 4095m high Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain between the Himalayas and Irian Jaya. Located in Kinabalu National Park, the mountain and its surroundings are said to contain the world’s greatest floral biodiversity, earning a place in the UNESCO World Heritage Site listing.

More Information

For more information, contact Ms Carol Chee
email: acetravelsbh@yahoo.com

Ace Travel & Vacation is a full-service travel agency, holding A Travel Agency State Licence from the Malaysia Tourism (KPP). The target of Tropical Escape Travel Agency is to provide our customers with good prices and the best services.

Our company serves worldwide travellers. Ace Travel in-bound tour packages take travelers through many beautiful regions of Sabah, Malaysia, providing opportunities to experience the unique nd diverse cultural heritages and charms of the country.

Ace Travel & Vacation provides travel packages and customized tours for individuals and groups accordingly to requirement, to various destinations. The nature and variety of our organized tours range from sightseeing, trekking, diving, golfing, cultural and nature to adventure.

   

Exploring Gyeongju: Bulguksa

Since first arriving to Korea in 2008, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to travel to every corner of the peninsula and Jeju. This month on the The Korea Blog, I’m venturing down to the southeastern coastal city of Gyeongju (경주). The city is often referred to as the “museum without walls” because of the large number of historical relics unearthed during archaeological excavations. In this first installment of the series, I visit one of the best known sites in the city and the definitive religious asset: Bulguksa (불국사).

Bulguksa is located on the magical slopes of Tohamsan (Toham Mountain) and is the 11th district head temple within the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Bulguksa is considered to be the best example of temple architecture dating back to the Silla Kingdom. The temple was built in 528 and underwent numerous revisions throughout the Silla era until the Joseon Dynasty when it was destroyed during the Imjin war. It was rebuilt in 1604 and revised until the beginning of the 19th century. Bulguksa was partially cared for during the Japanese Colonial Period, but following the Korean War, a major effort was made to fully restore the temple to its original glory.

Those visiting the temple are treated to a number of special features that are not typically found at other Korean temples. The main entrance to Bulguksa (Sokgyemun) has a two-tiered staircase leading to it. The thirty-three steps refer to the thirty-three steps to enlightenment. The lower portion, or Cheongungyo (Blue Cloud Bridge), measures 6.3m with seventeen steps. The upper portion, Baegungyo (White Cloud Bridge) is 5.4m in length and completes the journey into the temple compound through Jahamun (Mauve Mist Gate).

Image created by Rémi Cormier.

Walking though Jahamun, visitors are treated to a spectacular view. To the right is the Dabotap (Many Treasure Pagoda). To the left originally stood the Seokgatap (Sakyamuni Pagoda); however, it is currently undergoing restoration. Usually temples only have one pagoda. Bulguksa is a rare exception since it has two. Both are fine examples of stone workmanship and testaments to those that diligently created them. Left exposed to the elements, they do show signs of aging, but the stunning intricate details are still visible. Daeungjeon, or main worship hall, lies just beyond and houses the Sakyamuni Buddha.

Behind the Daeungjeon are two more National Treasures. Yeonhwagyo and Chilbogyo (Lotus Flower Bridge and Seven Treasures Bridge, respectively) are a pair of staircases that rise up at a 45 degree angle. At the top of the stairs is Anyangmun (Peace Enhancing Gate) granting access to another courtyard. Here, visitors will see Geuknakjeon (The Hall of Pure Land). Inside this hall is the Amitabha Buddha. This gilt-bronze statue has broad shoulders and a large lap to promote harmony and stability.

In total, seven National Treasures are located on the main grounds of Bulguksa. Visiting the temple any time of year will provide a memorable experience. To get to the temple from the city, take bus 10 or 11 from the bus terminals or train station. Get off the bus at Bulguksa.

Information

Address

385, Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
경상북도 경주시 불국로 385 (진현동)

Phone: +82-54-746-9933 / 54-1330 Tourism Line

Web pages

www.bulguksa.or.kr (Korean only)

www.jikimi.cha.go.kr/english

Hours: 7am – 6pm (Ticket booth closes at 5:30pm)

Fees:

Adults (ages over 19): 4,000 won
Youths (ages 13-18): 3,000 won / Group (over 30): 2,500 won
Children (ages 7-12): 2,000 won / Group (over 30): 1,500 won
Children (ages under 7): Free (Individual) / Group (over 10): 1,000 won

Seokguram Grotto

Located a few kilometers to the east and higher on the mountain is the Seokguram Grotto. This artificial cave was built in conjunction with Bulguksa as a hermitage. Visitors can reach the grotto either by hiking the 2.2km trail from the temple grounds or by taking bus 12 from the temple bus stop. Once there, you’ll need to walk a short distance, past the ticket booth to the hermitage.

The outer area of the shrine appears like most others in Korea; however, its rear wall opens to the constructed underground area. Inside the circular shaped room is the Seokgamoni Buddha – the Buddha of enlightenment. The statue rests on a pedestal shaped like a lotus flower.  In addition, the grotto houses several other figures, such as the Buddha’s disciples and saints. Stepping inside this remote sanctuary is an experience one cannot forget.

Information

Address

999, Jinhyeon-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
경북 경주시 진현동 999번지

Phone: +82-54-746-9933 / 54-1330 Tourism Line

Website

www.sukgulam.org (Korean only)
jikimi.cha.go.kr/english

Hours: 7am – 5pm

Fees

Adults (ages over 19): 4,000 won
Youths (ages 13-18): 3,000 won / Group (over 30): 2,500 won
Children (ages 7-12): 2,000 won / Group (over 30): 1,500 won
Children (ages under 7): Free (individual) / Group (over 10): 1,000 won

About the Author 

Steve Miller is Korea’s best-known travel video blogger. His videos have been viewed over 3 million times and seen on major international media outlets in Korea, France, the Philippines, Thailand, and CNNGo. In addition to sharing his entertaining and informative videos, he writes for various Korean Tourism publications and shares travel advice on Korea’s domestic and international radio outlets.

ohkpop

Kpop Solo Singer Jang Jane, Birthday Picture 'Healthy Smile'

Singer Jang Jane updated her fans.

Yesterday, Jang Jane posted on her Me2day, "Thank you, everyone. The song that came out today is a gift for everyone that I'm thankful for. Thank you for being the strength for me to get back up again. Good night" along with a picture.

In the picture, Jang Jane is holding a flower at her birthday party. She seems brighter, indicating that her health got better.

Internet users who saw this commented, "Happy birthday," "I'm glad you look better," "Don't get sick," and "I was really worried."

Yesterday, Jang Jane released her new song 'ZERO.'

kpopstarz

[Summer] Kim Jae Joong, Song Joong Ki and Other Men Who Take the Place of the Sun

As part of our Theme of the Month, we’re celebrating Summer for the entire month of June, so don’t worry, abs, bronzed skin and the hottest of the hot will all be covered – but sometimes the opposite is nice too.

So today we’re highlighting some of the men who literally glow in the light (sparkle like a vampire, if you will) – tans may come naturally with summer, but being pale has never looked so good.

JYJ’s Kim Jae Joong

With such perfect skin, it’s a wonder more people haven’t accused Kim Jae Joong of being a vampire.

We’re pretty sure this singer/actor/model doesn’t completely avoid the sun, but with his famously perfect skin, we’re sure any cosmetics company would like him to be their sunblock model. SPF – it’s the way to go.

Kim Woo Bin

Before Kim Woo Bin leapt into super stardom with School 2013, he actually played a vampire on Vampire Idol – although, ironically, he was considered ‘ugly’ on his planet.

Thank goodness he came to earth, where we can fully appreciate the model-turned-actor’s good looks.

Lee Soo Hyuk

Lee Soo Hyuk is another former Vampire Idol member, though he was well-known for his otherworldly features even before the sitcom.

The young model-actor is famous not only for his distinctive look, but also for his famous friends – his bros include Big Bang’s G-Dragon and T.O.P and actor Kim Young Gwang.

We’re not sure if Lee Soo Hyuk likes to play during the daytime, but if he does, we’d like to just stand next to him to bask in the reflective glow.

CN Blue’s Lee Jong Hyun

Birds of a feather really do flock together, since Lee Jong Hyun is buddies with Kim Woo Bin, thanks to their roles on A Gentleman’s Dignity.

Though they both played bad boys on the drama, it’s no secret that Lee Jong Hyun is clearly as pure as snow (looks wise at the very least).

Song Joong Ki

Song Joong Ki’s skin is so beautiful that it even stresses top actresses out – seriously.

So no wonder the actor was selected to promote the Brighten Up Global Beauty Camp, which promoted skin brightening and activities to brighten the mind as well.

All we have to say is, chilling with Song Joong Ki would be enough to brighten our day.

ohkpop

Shinhwa Begins Asia Tour: First Step is Hong Kong!

After sweeping various music charts and topping TV music show rankings with their 11th album The Classic, Shinhwa will begin their tour across Asia.

On June 8, Shinhwa will kick off their concert tour in Hong Kong at Asia World Expo as the first of many performances to come in '2013 Shinhwa Grand Tour - The Classic.'

The tour will include Shanghai, Tai Pei, Tokyo, Beijing and Seoul for a total of six cities and is expected to bring out100, 000 fans to watch the 15-year old veteran K-pop idol group.

"This is Shinhwa's first ever concert in Hong Kong and it serves as the starting point of the Asia Tour, so it means a lot to the members of Shinhwa. We hope that it will be just as meaningful for the fans in Hong Kong," an associate from Shinhwa Company stated.

Shinhwa has designed and directed a memorabilia necklace that commemorates their 15-year anniversary. It will go on sale at each concert venue and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the respective cities. Launched by Shinhwa members' idea, the necklace was created to express their gratitude for the loyalty and the faithfulness of the fans.

On June 8 at 8 PM, Shinhwa's concert will begin at Asia World Expo in Hong Kong.

kpopstarz