Kdrama Stars Give Back: What Your Favorite Stars Do For Charity

Lee Min Ho

Lee Seung Gi

Song Hye Kyo

When actor and singer Lee Min Ho recently released his album, "My Everything," his agency announced that part of the proceeds would go to charity. Nice. As a fan, it's always nice to hear that your favorite kdrama celebrities are doing their part to make the world a better place.

In general, the most popular kdrama actors are a pretty charitable bunch, donating money and their time to a variety of worthwhile causes.

For example, Lee Min Ho's "Boys Over Flowers" co-star Kim Hyun Joong has donated $150,000 to relief efforts to aid victims of the Japanese earthquake.

Lee Seung Gi, who currently stars in "Gu Family Book," earned the nickname "charity angel" for his four years of supporting the KBS charity program "Field Report Companion." He sent handwritten letters to the families, packed gifts for them and invited them to his concerts.

Actress Song Hye Kyo, who recently starred in the popular drama, "That Winter, The Wind Blows" has always done what she could for charitable causes. As she loves dogs, she has volunteered at an animal shelter for several years. When her role as the blind heiress in "That Winter" taught her more about the challenges faced by the visually impaired, she helped create Braille guidebooks for the Independence Hall of Korea.

Actor Jang Dong Gun, who appeared in "A Gentleman's Dignity," shot a promotional antipoverty documentary in Laos and served as a goodwill ambassador for the UN's World Food Program. He visited schools in Laos and helped provide free meals for students.

Park Yoo Chun donated his time to the charity event "Nice Library Project," which creates audio books and other material for the blind.

Park Shin Hye enjoys working for charity and donates her time whatever she can. Two years ago, she helped raise funds for Japanese earthquake victims. She was designated as the 25th Goodwill Ambassador of Korea Food for the Hungry. The actress, who is due to star in the new drama, "The Heirs," also distributed food to the needy at a traveling soup kitchen.

Song Seung Heon, who stars in "When A Man Loves" and Kim Tae-hee, currently appearing in "Jang Ok Jung," donated $50,000 together to the Vietnam National Institute of Children Foundation when they appeared in "Scandal" together. The money was used to help Vietnam's poor children.

And this year actors Lee Soon Jae, Park Sang Won and Lee Byung Hun donated almost a million dollars to a fund for struggling actors coordinated through the Broadcast Performer Association.

Not only do Kdrama stars provide hours of entertainment for their fans, but they find new and innovative ways to give back to those in need.

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Big Bang”s G-Dragon Entertains 20,000 Fans in Thailand

Big Bang′s G-Dragon gathered 20,000 fans for his world tour concert in Thailand, and had an exciting time with everyone there.

From June 7-8, G-Dragon held his One of a Kind world tour in Bangkok.

He now has only three cities left in the tour, which has been going on since March.

G-Dragon appeared onstage in a sports car while singing MichiGO, then went on to sing Heartbreaker and One of a Kind with some stunning choreography. He sang a total of 20 songs this day, including Butterfly and That XX.

The guest of the day turned out to be Seungri. Seungri sang his solo single Strong Baby and What Can I Do onstage, and also collaborated with G-Dragon in a performance of Bad Boy.

G-Dragon′s tour plans to go through a total of eight countries. Travis Payne and Stacy Walker, assistant producer and choreographer for Michael Jackson′s This Is Ittour, have been working as the tour′s creative director, while Michael Cotton, also of Michael Jackson′s This Is It, took over stage design.

G-Dragon will next perform in Indonesia from June 15-16.

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FTISLAND Lee Hong Ki, First Movie Lands In Japan To A Warm Welcome

Lee Hong Ki, FTISLAND

Lee Hong Ki Phoenix

Arriving in Japan to face the public for the first time as an actor, FTISLAND Lee Hong Ki is touched by the warm welcome and reception of him and his movie by Japanese fans.  In the stage greeting held in TOHO Cinemas in Tokyo’s affluent Roppongi Hills, a crowd of about 650 people gathered on a regular workday to give the FTISLAND lead vocalist some support.

“It is my first time to appear on stage, not as a musician, but as an actor. I’m very happy.  Thank you for watching me,” the passionate rocker said.  Lee Hong Ki was there for the opening of his “Phoenix: A Song Of Promise” in Japan.   During the stage greeting, Hong Ki treated fans with his rendition of “Orange Sky”, his self-composed song included in the movie soundtrack.  He was surprised to find the crowd singing along with him acapella, while the 650-strong audience immersed themselves in the melody of Hong Ki’s powerful vocals.

Coincidentally, June 6th, the day of the event, was also a commemorative day in Japan, as ‘The Day Of Musical Instruments’ and in the film Lee Hong Ki plays a musician role as drummer and guitarist.   Because of this, his fans presented him with a ‘guitar and drum’ cake as a symbol of their well-wishes for the film’s success. 

In his message about the film, Lee Hong Ki says, “It is a chance to look back at one’s own life. Now, I want to live a life I cannot regret.  Everyone watching this movie, let’s value our parents and families who are still around and thank them.”  

With such a powerful message, ‘Phoenix’ regardless of how it fares in the box-office anywhere, is a refreshing break from commercialized stories.  It reminds viewers the importance of living life to the fullest. 

FTISLAND will be releasing their 3rd major Japanese album, ‘Rated FT’ on June 12th, which will then be followed by the band’s Japanese Arena Tour.  The Arena Tour will be held in 6 cities, in 7 arenas, including the Saitama where they also performed last year.

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Kim Hyun Joong celebrates his birthday with 5000 fans

On 8th, Kim Hyun Joong held ‘Kim Hyun Joong Show Party People’ at Koryo University in Seoul. After 1.5 years, Kim Hyun Joong finally held another fanmeet in Korea, celebrating his birthday with 5000 domestic fans.

Kim Hyun Joong performed a total of 18 songs, including latest songs from his 3rd Japanese single ‘Tonight’ and Korean digital single ‘The Reason I’m Alive’. The fanmeet lasted for 2 hours and every moment was a joyous one for both Kim Hyun Joong and his fans.

The highlight of the birthday fanmeet was when a VCR of Kim Hyun Joong doing ‘Kwiyomi’ was shown to fans. This came as a real surprise for his fans as they did not expect Kim Hyun Joong to do so, since he is always awkard about such cute gestures.

During the fanmeet, Kim Hyun Joong also expressed that “I’m the happiest when I’m on stage performing for my fans, I will not forget about the good times I had with you today. I hope to return with being more matured in the future”.

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Infinite’s Sung Yeol, Oh Jong Hyuk, and More Join ‘The Laws of the Jungle’ in Beliz

Prepared to face the wilderness, Infinite’s Sung Yeol, Oh Jong Hyuk, Kim Sung Soo and Jo Yeo Jeong will join SBS’ The Laws of the Jungle.

According to SBS on June 10, the Jungle team will be headed to Belize with the most rookie members in the history of the program.

The team’s stay in Belize will be split into two parts – The Laws of the Jungle in the Caribbean and The Laws of the Jungle in Belize.

The members will be attempting to dive into Belize’s Great Blue Hole, which is listed as one of the world’s top ten scuba diving sites. They will also trudge through the Mayan jungles and survive on what they find there.

The newly recruited team will be leaving for Belize on June 21.

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Girls' Generation's Taeyeon shines from head-to-toe for 'High Cut'

Girls' Generation's Taeyeon treated fans with a pictorial that is just as gorgeous as her regular selcas on Instagram for 'High Cut' magazine!

Taeyeon glowed all over with golden locks, shiny complexion, and even neon eyelashes. 

Taeyeon hasn't seemed to age one bit since her debut and is currently doing her job as a leader for Girls' Generation during their 2013 'Girls' Generation World Tour -Girls&Peace-' which kicked off this weekend in Seoul. 

 

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Yoon Si Yoon's House Revealed 'Cleaner Than Uee's'

Yoon Si Yoon's house was revealed.

In SBS entertainment program "Barefeet Friends" aired today, the members visited Yoon Si Yoon's house while preparing for their camping trip.

As soon as the members came into Yoon Si Yoon's, house, Yoon Si Yoon's mom greeted them in by saying, "I'm Kang Ho Dong's fan."

Yoon Si Yoon's house was full of presents and dolls from his fans. It was too neat to be a guy's room, impressing many.

Seeing his room, Kang Ho Dong said, "Your room looks similar to Uee's."

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'Whose Brother Is That?' 2NE1 Dara Takes A Photo With Brother MBLAQ Thunder 'Manner Legs'

sandra park picture with brother thunder

Group 2NE1's Dara Park revealed the 'manner legs' of her younger brother and MBLAQ's memberThunder.

 Today, Dara posted on her Twitter, "My Thunder with manner legs for his short sister~ Whose brother is that?!?! ^__^ Proud" along with a picture. The picture seems to have been taken at SBS "Inkigayo."

In the picture, Dara and Thunder are smiling at the camera. Thunder spread out his legs to match the height of Sandra Park.

Internet users who saw this commented, "He has good manners," "Cute siblings,"

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'Barefeet Friends' Lee Hyori-Eunhyuk, 'Gum Smiles' Explosion

'Barefeet Friends' Lee Hyori and Eunhyuk revealed their 'gum smiles.'

In SBS "Barefeet Friends" aired today, the members left for a retreat to a mountain.

On their way to the destination in the war, Super Junior's Eunhyuk made Lee Hyori happy by saying "Something about today makes me feel good." At this, Lee Hyori said, "Eunhyuk's mouth gum is nice too."

She continued, "There are best of gum smiles in the music industry. Lee Hyori, Eunhyuk, Jun Hyosung." Eunhyuk then added, "They're also in the acting industry. Won Bin, Lee Sun Kyun."

Lee Hyori then said, "Let's smile," both of them revealing their bright trademark smiles that show their gum.

Photo Credit: SBS

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MBLAQ’s Mir’s Zombie-Like Profile Photo Scares Fans

Recently on an online community, a photo was uploaded under the title “Zombie Mirprofile.”

In the picture, which is currently used as a profile photo on a portal site, is groupMBLAQ’s Mir looking disturbing. He is wearing pale makeup and contact lenses, and is staring at the camera with an empty expression on his face. Unlike his usual warm self, fans found Mir to look like a zombie in this picture.

Netizens that saw this profile photo commented, “I didn’t even realize this is Mir at first,” “I almost fainted when I saw this picture,” “He looks so scary… This is not the same person,” and “Wow.”

Meanwhile, Mir recently left MBC variety program “Real Men” due to MBLAQ’s comeback schedule.  

soompi

Song Ji Hyo Wows Fellow “Running Man” Members with Her Beauty

On the recent episode of SBS’s “Running Man,” which was aired on June 9, various female guests appeared in white dresses, including Kim Soo Mi, Song Eun Yi, Park So Hyun, and Kwon Ri Sae. In addition, Song Ji Hyo also appeared in an elegant white dress.

The male members of “Running Man” appeared to be stunned by Song Ji Hyo’s beauty. Oftentimes in the past, they have teased how tomboyish Song Ji Hyo is due to her comfortable outfits and personality. However on this episode, Song Ji Hyo appeared in a very feminine dress with her hair down and the men started to act differently. Wanting to be picked by Song Ji Hyo, the male members started to apologize for their past behaviors and compliment her.  

Yoo Jae Suk said, “Ji Hyo, if I have done anything to offend you in the past, I apologize,” while Gary reminded her, “Ji Hyo, today is Monday.” Haha, on the other hand, stated, “Ji Hyo, you are such a beautiful person. I love you.”

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CN BLUE greets their Filipino fans!

One more week to go and the popular boy band, CN BLUE will be rocking Manila! Filipino BOICEs, do you have your tickets already?

CN BLUE, is a boy band under FNC Entertainment and label mates with FT Island, AOA and Juniel. The group is comprised of four members namely Yonghwa, Minhyuk, Jungshin and Jonghyun. They will be holding their first ever concert in the Philippines this coming June 15, 2013 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

PULP LIVE WORLD, the producer of the event released a video of these handsome boys greeting their Filipino fans. Watch it below!

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Kim Soo-ro compliments Hyung Sik, “He’s handsome”

Actor Kim Soo-ro was astonished by ZE:A – Children of Empire‘s Hyung Sik.

He posted the words, “Hyung Sik is handsome” on his Twitter.

Hyung Sik joined the TV program “Real Man” for the first time on the 9th and received his first army training.

He became the new ‘black hole’ of the team following in the footsteps of Sam Hamington and caused laughter by making constant mistakes.

Netizens say, “Kim Soo-ro, please take care of our dear Hyung Sik“, “I laughed so hard”, “He’s so handsome but does everything wrong”, “He’s worse than Sam” and more.

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Shinhwa, 2PM, 2NE1, B1A4, and More Head for ‘M COUNTDOWN Halo-Indonesia’

Building up much anticipation, Mnet’s M COUNTDOWN Halo-Indonesia unveiled its lineup of talented stars who will greet fans in Indonesia.

On July 3, Shinhwa, 2PM, B2ST, Secret, MBLAQ, Kim Jong Kook, B1A4, After School, 2NE1, 4minute, SISTAR, Roy Kim, Verbal Jint, VIXX, and Eru will be taking the stage in Jakarta for M COUNTDOWN Halo-Indonesia.

“Although this is M COUNTDOWN’s first visit to Indonesia, we heard that anticipation is on the rise with K-Pop and its culture spreading fast through the internet,” said Ahn So Eun, the CP for M COUNTDOWN.

“We heard that the experience and preference for Korea’s pop culture is the highest in Asia after Thailand. To be showcasing an event in such a place like this, the staff is very excited for it. We’ll do our best to put on the best show.”

The event will take place on July 3 at the MEIS.

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Super Show 5 will be coming to Manila this August 2013!

Good news to all those Filipino Hardcore ELFs! The popular boy group, Super Junior will be holding their Super Show 5 in Manila, Philippines this coming August 2013! Fans certainly were surprised when Ms. Happee Sy-Go announced it in her official Twitter account last 22nd of May but they’re definitely not complaining since they will get to see their idols once again.

This will be Super Junior’s 3rd concert in the Philippines, the first two being Super Show 2 and Super Show 3 both held at Smart Araneta Coliseum. Super Junior members’ Siwon and Donghae also held a fanmeeting before as they were popular clothing brand, Bench‘s endorsers.

Time to start saving up, guys! Be sure not to miss this awesome event because this will be the first time that Super Junior’s Kangin will be visiting the country!

Meanwhile, three members of the group are currently still serving in the army. They are Leeteuk, Heechul and Yesung.

Source: @happeesy|Twitter

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“M!Countdown” Taking the Show to Indonesia

Music program “M!Countdown” will be taking the show on the road, filming for the first time in Indonesia on July 3.
The road show titled, “M!Countdown Halo-Indonesia,” will be held at Mata Elang International Stadium (MEIS) in Jakarta, Indonesia. 

The concert is actually a thank you response to all the support and love the Indonesian fans have shown to “M!Countdown” and all of the CJ E&M programs that show Korean culture.

Last year, “M!Countdown” engaged in a tour to Japan and Thailand and this year has already shot in Taiwan.

This year is “2013 Korea-Indonesia Friendship Year,” and also the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Indonesia.

soompi

B.A.P celebrates 500 days since their debut

Rookie - or not anymore - group B.A.P recently celebrated their 500th day since debut, greeting fans domestic and abroad with a thank-you video!

"It's been 500 days," Bang Yong Guk said. "Through the long and the short, thank you for standing with us. I hope that we'll be able to see each other for the next thousand, ten thousand years."

"I'll hold on to all of the memories that we've gained over the past 500 days,"Himchan added. "BABYs, I love you so much. Thank you."

Congrats to B.A.P! (yes sir!) 

[thanks to everyone who sent this in.]

allkpop

Eye Candy: Males with the "Best Aegyo"

While performances may have occasions where male idols go shirtless, we also can't resist their cuteness overload - their aegyo!

From their bbhuing bbhuing to their puffy cheeks, their irresistible aegyos never fail to melt our hearts.  

Here are some male idols who made it to the list in our aegyo edition of Eye Candy! 

#1 Big Bang's Seungri


#2 B2ST's Yoseob


#3 Boyfriend's Minwoo


#4  2PM's Nichkhun 

#5 B1A4's Gongchan


#6 Super Junior-M's Henry


#7 JJ Project's JR


#8 SHINee's Taemin


#9 INFINITE's Woohyun

#10 B.A.P's Himchan 

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SBS Inkigayo 06.09.13 – CL’s “The Baddest Female” Wins

CL‘s “The Baddest Female” takes the win today on Inkigayo! Congratulations to her for her solo debut!

Comeback stages today were performed by MBLAQ and Rainbow. Super Junior-M’s Henry also had his Inkigayo solo debut performance with “Trap” featuringSHINee‘s Taemin.

Next week’s show will feature comebacks by SISTAR and After School!

Performances: CL, 4Minute, EXO, 2PM, MBLAQ, Boys Republic, 2Bic, Henry, DIA, VIXX, Rainbow, B1A4
-

CL

4Minute

EXO

2PM

MBLAQ

LC9

Boys Republic

2Bic

Henry

Hello Venus

DIA

VIXX

Rainbow

B1A4

BEAST message

CL Interview

MBLAQ Interview

After School Interview

SISTAR Teaser

soompi

[Interview] Kim Soo Hyun Talks About His Bad Handwriting

Kim Soo Hyun may seem perfect, but he was recently brought to confess his greatest weakness: his handwriting.

In a recent interview with enews, Kim Soo Hyun opened up about what went on during the shoots for his film and how he feels about his newfound status.

In the process, he was brought to complain about his bad handwriting.

When a scene in which he writes a letter to his mother in the film was mentioned, Kim Soo Hyun said, “That′s right. I did my best for that scene, but my handwriting was so bad anyway….”

Kim Soo Hyun appears in Be Covert, Be Great as a North Korean spy disguised as a fool named Dong Goo.

In the scene where he writes his letter, the left-handed star tried to write the best he could, but his writing still turned out to be crooked.

“I took my midterm a while ago at school, and I had to write a report right then and there. I did my best and turned it in, but the next day my professor called me and asked me what I wrote,” he said.

He added, “I know my handwriting is bad. Still, I did my best for the movie, so I hope you like it.”

Be Covert, Be Great premiered on June 5.

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'Eat Your Kimchi' Stars Simon and Martina Talk Real Nasty, An Insider's Peek

Who among you have watched an episode or two or all of 'Eat Your Kimchi'? Do you like it, do you like it not? While Simon and Martina, founders and hosts of the webbie show 'Eat Your Kimchi', may not necessarily please audiences of all types, their audience is pretty sizable enough to land them a full-time webbie gig in Seoul.

In these interview series by The AU Review, get to know more about Simon and Martina and their road to providing us daily (Eat Your) Kimchi.

In part 1 Simon and Martina talk about their pets Spudgy and Dr Meemersworth, Dr Meemersworth's viral video, their Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign for the Eat Your Kimchi Studio and Business Time?!?! Anyone who could crowdfund something like a boss earns respect from my book of books. Because y'know crowdfund is the latest shizz these days.

In part 2 Simon & Martina talk about how EYK started, thoughts on blogging full time, or in their case vlogging, how they grew their online audience and how they came up with segment titles like "FAPFAP" and "W.A.N.K". The latter really makes me excited, because while I would appreciate tips on how to successfully be a full time blogger, I just really want to know more about these Nasty naming strategies. You too? Good.

In part 3 Simon and Martina talk about their favorite K-Indie bands, their favorite western indie bands, the future of Eat Your Kimchi,Future Japan expansion and possible EYK cafe?? I'm still trying to decide what excites me more... the fact that Simon and Martina and I have the same faves or that like a Kpop idol EYK is also going to Japan or EYK cafe? After writing this sentence, I think the cafe excites me most. Endless Nasty naming opportunities for those caffeinated concoctions... hmm, surely that's exciting?

In part 4 Simon and Martina talk K-Pop! How K-Pop has changed over the years, their thoughts on the current state of K-Pop, favorite K-Pop groups, honesty in reviewing K-Pop and their favorite K-Pop interviews. "Honesty reviewing Kpop", that's one lesson I won't want to miss. But for me, honesty in reviewing Kpop is all about being honest with yourself, you can't please everyone. I wonder what Simon and Martina thinks...

What's an interview without a greeting. Part 5 is where that all happens. So, I think Part 4 and 5 are the best parts! But of course, Parts 1-3 are also awesome because it highlights their nasty-awesomeness. Oh okay, I'm going to keep quiet and just let you get your greeting.

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