Lunafly Wants You to Direct Their “Stardust” MV! Special Contest

Have you ever dreamed of filming and producing a legit K-Pop music video?

Legit as in it will be uploaded on the agency’s official Youtube channel as the official music video. Who knows? It could end up being played after your favorite Korean drama, music program, or variety show on Korean national television. Woah! What a better way to get your foot in the door? Or you can just do it for fun and it would be really random and cool to put it down on your resume- if you’re applying for a job that’s not related to the entertainment industry, that is.

Anyhoo, Soompi teamed up with Nega Networks to bring you this awesome opportunity where you can be the music video director behind Lunafly’s just released track “Stardust.” The project is called “I Am A Movie Director.” You can make it yourself or plan it with your friends. There can be an awesome storyline or you can have the Lunafly members against the backdrop of your country’s beautiful scenery.

Be creative. Go crazy! Be original! And remember, have fun.

Details

Submission period: August 26 to September 15 (the deadline is 11:59pm, KST)

Material

The single and instrumental version is available at iTunes! ~> Click here

How to submit:

(1) Upload MV onto Youtube

(2) Title MUST include: “Lunafly – Stardust (made by: your name, your country)

(3) Comment on this page with: Your Youtube link and Twitter account

What to include in the video:

So, what are you waiting for? Put on your thinking caps and let the fun begin!

soompi

2PM accounts for 79.91% of JYP Entertainment's profits in first half of 2013

After JYP Entertainment's US branch suffered a heavy blow, the company ended up in the red for the past fiscal year.

According to Korea's Financial Supervisory Service, in the beginning of the year, JYP Entertainment earned 9,900,000,000 KRW (approximately $8,890,000 USD) in sales, and 2,000,000,000 KRW (approximately $1,796,000 USD) in net profit. However, taking last year into account, the company had a net loss of 400,000,000 KRW (approximately $359,200 USD). The loss came from JYP's United States branch JYP Entertainment Corporation, where JYP holds 90% of the stocks. 

SEE ALSO: 2PM tease Jun.K on the possibility that he has a girlfriend?

Because of this, the JYP Entertainment stock on the KOSDAQ fell 6% to 16,620 KRW (approximately $15 USD). JYP Entertainment still has some risk because of the fact that 2PM makes up most of JYP Entertainment's profits. 2PM was responsible for 61.63% of JYP Entertainment profits in 2011, which rose to 72.42% in 2012. So far in 2013, it rose to an even higher 79.91%.


allkpop

J.Tune, Starship, & WM Entertainment mentioned as some of the possible candidates for next merger with SM C&C

Ever since the merger between Woollim Entertainment and SM C&C, music fans have been eager to learn whether any more mergers may be coming about, and the simple answer is probably yes.

This shouldn't be a surprise as with the previous merger, SM Entertainment, the biggest shareholder of subsidiary SM C&C, clearly revealed their hopes of becoming a leading global music group like that of Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group.

In order to reach such a level, SM will need to bring in several agencies under them to become a major label or a group like the aforementioned three.

One previous report mentioned that insiders in the music industry claimed, "With Woollim as a start, there is a rumor that several companies will be going under the SM label. There are several that are already being discussed. Although many agencies are venturing into the overseas market riding on Hallyu, it's hard for them to catch up to the know-hows and network of SM, who has built up a long history... Making good music and producing singers is a separate issue from marketing them. If they are able to distribute these responsibilities through label mergers, then it is a win-win situation for everyone."

Regarding all this, a SM C&C rep did not deny it, but also didn't give specific details as he said, "As we have started a label business, we will be pursuing more label-joinings with various companies. There is a possibility open with various companies. Through this project, we look forward to an effect of simultaneous growth between SM Ent and various labels."

Since this article, a more recent one has surfaced, naming three companies in particular among the mid-tier agencies that are currently being discussed for a merger: J.Tune Camp (representative artist: MBLAQ), Starship Entertainment (representative artist: SISTAR), and WM Entertainment (representative artist: B1A4).

A rep from one of these companies is said to have cautiously responded, "It is true that we have discussed with SM before, but nothing has been decided upon."

The article mentions that it seems like these companies are waiting to see how it works out for INFINITE, TASTY, and NELL under Woollim. If SM can help INFINITE's new world tour see much success, it's expected that the next merger for SM may happen soon.

How do you feel about all this? Is there a specific company you'd want to see join in?




allkpop

Weekly K-Pop Music Chart 2013 – August Week 4

For the 8^th straight week, we have a new No. 1 song. This time it belongs to EXO’s “Growl.”  This song moves up seven places to take over the top spot and becomes EXO’s first ever No. 1 song on our chart.  “Growl” has swept nearly all music shows in Korea in the last two weeks and is also ranked high on independent charts, so it is not surprising to see this song being No. 1 on our chart. Despite debuting just over a year ago, EXO’s popularity is skyrocketing. It is not hard to imagine that they are following the successful footsteps of other SM Entertainment male groups like H.O.T, Shinhwa, TVXQ, Super Junior, and SHINee to become household names in K-Pop. Congratulations to EXO.
If “Growl” is to become the first song this summer to spend more than a week on top of our chart, it will have to get past 2NE1’s latest hit “Do You Love Me” which makes an impressive debut at No. 2 this week, just 17 points fewer than “Growl.” As mentioned, 2NE1 will release a new song each month in the second half of 2013. “Do You Love Me” replaces “Falling In Love” which was their single of July. Written and produced by Teddy, DEE.P, and Lydia Paek, this dance track is expected to be the next summer hit after “I’m the Best.” The music video shows the girls partying up in Seoul and Jeju Island.
The only other new song in the top 10 this week is Lim Jung Hee’s “Luv Is,” moving up 13 spots to No. 10. In this song, Lim Jung Hee joins hands with rap duo, Baechigi. It is a pop R&B number with hip-hop rhythms.  The singer’s vocals flow well with Baechigi’s.



soompi

Se7en Tried to Hide Massage Parlor Scandal from Park Han Byul?

It's official that all rumors about Se7en and Park Han Byul breaking up are false.
In the midst of all the rumors about the two breaking up, attention has once again been redirected to Se7en's past "On-Site 21" massage parlor scandal.
Recently several reporters covered the story on TV Report's "On-Site 21"of Se7en's massage parlor scandal. They're especially interested on what happened at the time of his entering into the massage parlor. Upon being spotted, Se7en became very defensive and even reacted violently to the main reporter.


One person said, "At the time Se7en was afraid that his girlfriend Park Han Byul would find about him going into the massage parlor. That's why he reacted violently," explaining the situation.
In May, following his performance, Se7en was seen leaving his hotel and heading over to a massage parlor. His leaving the workplace was a breach of duty, and he received 10 days in military prison as punishment.
Meanwhile it's been revealed that the rumor of Se7en and Park Han Byul's breakup even before his enlistment and the rumor about Park Han Byul and Ryu Hyun Jin dating are all false.



kpopstarz

Group B.A.P Tops German K-Pop Chart, 'Top 10 for 19 Months'

Group B.A.P has topped the German K-Pop chart for the 7th time. They have also been ranked in the top 10 for 19 month straight as well and has proved their global popularity.
They had been ranked number 1 on the chart for  their song, "Hurricane."
On August 22, it was revealed on the German K-Pop charts that B.A.P had ranked in the Top 10 and had ranked first place 7 times as well.


This chart is based on votes from fans each month, allowing us to see which groups are popular.
"Hurricane" is part of their third mini album, BADMAN, and is one of the 3 title songs. This song features a electronic house sound that also showcases trendy DJing and hip-hop elements.
Their other title song, "Coffee Shop" was also seen in the Top 10 as well as their previous song, "ONE SHOT" at number 4.



kpopstarz

Super Junior concludes successful concert in Shanghai

Super Junior successfully concluded its exclusive concert in Shanghai.
On August 24, the group held its ‘SUPER JUNIOR WORLD TOUR – SUPER SHOWS IN SHANGHAI’ at the Mercedes Benz Arena in Shanghai. On this day, more than 10,000 fans were in attendance, proving Super Junior’s popularity in China.
Super Junior heated up the stage with performances of hit songs “Sorry Sorry”, “Mr. Simple”, “Sexy, Free & Single”, as well as special unit and solo stages, which deeply impressed the audience with their fantastic performance.
The fans also surprised Super Junior members by presenting a special event during “Marry U” performance, holding placards with message “Yes I Do” written on it. It is said that all of the members were deeply touched by the fans’ love and support.



ohkpop

Infinite Sungkyu-Woohyun, Supporting Group Tasty

infinite sungkyu woohyun support tasty
Boy group Infinite’s members Sungkyu and Woohyun showed support for their agency junior group Tasty.
Yesterday, Woohyun posted on his Twitter, “Supporting Tasty. We almost got in trouble looking at our watches,” making a witty comment of Tasty’s song.
In the picture, they were pointing at their watches. Tasty’s new song “MAMAMA” has lyrics that say “AM PM don’t look at your watch.”


ohkpop

EXO Baekhyun, “I Learned Piano From Dickpunks’ Kim Hyunwoo”

 exo baekhyun learned piano from dickpunks kim hyunwoo
Group EXO’s member Baekhyun revealed that he learned the piano from Dickpunks’ member Kim Hyunwoo.
During recent filming for Mnet “Beatles Code 2,” Baekhyun said, “Before going into my agency as a trainee, I wanted to go to college as a music major so I went to get lessons and my teacher was Hyunwoo.”
He conitnued, “Back then, Hyunwoo told me, ‘Because you’re a vocal, you don’t have to try too hard to learn the piano. Just use it to seduce a woman’,” arousing laughter.
Photo Credit: OSEN



ohkpop

KARA ranks #1 on Tower Records' pre-order chart with 'Full Bloom'

Ahead of its release on September 2, KARA's 4th Korean album 'Full Bloom' crossed overseas to Japan where it rose to #1 on Tower Records' pre-order chart. As if they don't have enough on their plate already with their upcoming domestic comeback, KARA will also release their 4th full-length Japanese album 'Fantastic Girls' on the 28th.

The girls will then go on their second 'KARASIA' arena tour starting off on October 8 at Yokohama, where they'll perform in front of 140,000 fans in 7 cities across Japan.

Congrats, KARA!



allkpop

2PM, B2ST, SISTAR, Girl's Day, MBLAQ, INFINITE, A Pink to star in 'Running Man' idol special

'Running Man' will be inviting 14 top idols for their Chuseok special!

2PM's Chansung and Wooyoung, B2ST's Doojoon and Kikwang, SISTAR's Hyorin and Dasom, INFINITE's L and Sunggyu, A Pink's Na Eun and Eunji, Girl's Day's Minah and Sojin, and MBLAQ's Lee Joon and Seungho will be teaming up with each member from 'Running Man' for the special!

All the members are currently busy filming for the special which began on the 26th. Are you looking forward to this incredible special?



allkpop

Taeyeon puts rumors about TaeTiSeo's English album to rest

Over the weekend, rumors that Girls' Generation subunit TaeTiSeo would be releasing an English version of their hit "Twinkle" spread all across the internet.

However, it looks like the rumors were just merely rumors, as Taeyeon herself put the whispers to rest. When she saw the large amount of replies to her Instagram posts were talking about TaeTiSeo's supposed English album, she quickly replied, "What are you talking about, everyone ㅜ Even I don't know about this."

SEE ALSO: 59 celebrities including Girls Generation, Jang Dong Gun, Bae Yong Jun sue the open market

She added, "Everyone, you haven't heard about our albums in a while, huh ^^ I think that's why rumors are going around... Sorry, we'll come back soon with a great album ^^". Her last comment was, "TaeTiSeo's English album... even when I hear about it, I feel pretty excited. Haha, everyone!! We're working hard on our album today, too! I want to give you guys more detailed spoilers, but I'll get scolded kekeke. Wait a little, just a little more, Sone. Sorry I made you wait ㅜ and thanks ㅜ".

So even if we don't get a TaeTiSeo album, looks like a Girls' Generation album is coming up soon!






allkpop

Shinhwa Spotted Filming for “Running Man”

News came out a couple of days ago that the longest running idol group in K-Pop history, Shinhwa, will be appearing on the popular SBS variety show “Running Man,” and now with a photo confirming it, the anticipation is higher than ever.

The distant picture floating around on online communities shows the members of Shinhwa lined up along with the members of “Running Man” along the shoreline on a hot day, dressed in team uniforms. It looks like the format is “Running Man” vs. Shinhwa, and with the well-known energy and variety skills of the boy(?) group, fans of both the group and the show can anticipate an exciting episode full of shenanigans, laughs, and fierce competition.
This episode is set to air August 25. Who’s excited???

SOOMPI

SM Entertainment’s Next Group to Follow INFINITE

INFINITE was just the beginning.
 
There have been rumors of SM Entertainment merging with other companies to follow their merger with INFINITE's agency Woollim Entertainment. Those other companies might be small agencies that have top singers, but everything is still up in the air. However, because in its merger with Woollim SM Entertainment made an official announcement of its new Woollim label, there has been talk that it will inevitably announce other new labels as well.
SM ensured that they would try to maintain the characteristic of the label they are merging with. If anything, that's the core of the merger itself. There is determination to keep the color of the new label, so as to expand the music diversity in the company instead of creating one big music style. And so they decided to keep some of the existing workforce, bringing about 20 staff members from Woollim to SM.

A SM C&C rep said, "Although it is considered a merger in terms of marketing, we plan to keep everything else the same, in terms of workforce and business strategies."
More than INFINITE, fans are curious to see how Nell will do in SM. As a large idol group agency, it is expected that SM will take an active role in INFINITE's marketing and collaboration, but there's no saying how SM and Nell will be working together. Nell and INFINITE, as well as other Woollim artists will be participating in SM Town's next World Tour.
Regarding its new Woollim Label, SM Entertainment said, "Just as Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and other global major music companies nurture a diversity of artists with different personalities, we plan to become a major music company that represents Asia, and that's why we announced a new label in our company."

kpopstarz

Song Joong Ki Shows Tears at Last Fan Meeting before Heading to Army



Song Joong Ki Shows Tears at Last Fan Meeting before Heading to Army

Actor Song Joong Ki held his last fan meeting before heading off to the army on August 27.
Over a 1,000 fans showed up from many different parts of the world including China, Japan, France and others. 
The fan meeting was held this past weekend in Seoul. 


Jo In Sung also made a surprise appearance at the event and the two showed off their friendship.
At the end of the meeting, Song Joong Ki read a letter he wrote to his fans and showed tears.
Song Joong Ki also shook hands with all the fans at the event as well and showed his gratitude.



kpopstarz

YGE reveals potential members of new group in 'WIN' preview

YG Entertainment has revealed the potential members of its upcoming boy group in a preview for 'WIN' ('Who Is Next?')

Team A and B will duel it out to win the survival program that will determine one of the next biggest names in K-pop. As mentioned previously, team A has an average age of 20, and includes familiar faces like Kang Seung Yoon as well as 'K-Pop Star's Lee Seung Hoon and 3 others for a total of 5 members. Team B has an average age of 17 and includes members like B.I, who was the child rapper featured in MC Mong's "Indian Boy", 'K-Pop Star' contestant Goo Jun Hwae, and 4 others for a total of 6 members.

Viewers will cast their votes to determine the final winner of the show between the two teams, and the winning team will debut right away with the name of 'Winner'. The debut of the losing team will be postponed indefinitely once again.

The 10-episode survival program 'WIN' will air through Mnet and tvN starting on the 23rd at 10PM KST.


allkpop

Yang Hyun Suk explains the delay for the Girls' Generation type girl group he planned to debut

YG Entertainment's Yang Hyun Suk recently spoke up about the delay for the girl group he had planned to debut.

He attended the premiere showcase for Mnet's 'WHO IS NEXT:WIN' where he explained the reasoning behind the delay. "In all honesty, I wanted to create a group like Girls' Generation. It's not an area where I'm an expert in but I wanted to create a group of pretty girls who could sing well. I don't know if it's because of a tendency I have, but I focus more on talent over looks. Even if someone is so beautiful, if they don't have the talent that I want, it won't work."

He continued, "I was also quite jealous of Girls' Generation. I thought...what if a bunch of pretty girls do hip hop? When I look at Wonder Girls I always thought it would be fun if they sang YG style songs. However, as time passed, my plans started to fall apart. I originally chose the girls because they had cute faces, but since they fell short on the talent I had required, it went from dozens of girls to only 6 left. Even at this point, I still don't think I can be 100% satisfied. I'm not sure if the group will consist of 5 members or 3."

Yang Hyun Suk also said that he may debut a boy group first, "I'm going to think more carefully about the girl group. I'm thinking of debuting a boy group first. If it's a girl group, it will be this year. At the latest, I plan on introducing them in the beginning of next year."

Meanwhile, 'WIN' is a survival program about 11 YG trainees who have been trainees for several years. The trainees will be divided into two teams--Team A and Team B. The winning team who will acquire the title 'WINNER' will then debut as a group.


allkpop

'Our Neighborhood Arts and Physical Education' to air on Japanese TV, could it be the Changmin effect?

Within just 4 months since it first aired, KBS 2TV's top-rated variety show 'Our Neighborhood Arts and Physical Education' will air on Japanese television!


Only the most popular Korea variety shows that have been running for a year or more, such as 'Running Man', 'We Got Married', and 'K-Pop Star', get picked up by Japanese broadcasters for syndication, but 'Our Neighborhood Arts and Physical Education' defied odds by being picked up early on. Many are guessing that it's probably due to the overseas popularity of TVXQ's Changmin.

A broadcast insider stated, "Ever since the early stage of 'Our Neighborhood Arts and Physical Education', various Japanese broadcast stations have been sending their offers. Recently, satellite TV's 'DigiKore' offered a hefty price, signing the deal to export the show. It seems MC TVXQ's Changmin had an effect on this deal."

Fans in Japan will be able to enjoy 24-episodes of 'Our Neighborhood Arts and Physical Education' on their small screen soon.
allkpop

Fans All Over the World Congratulate Yoo Jae Suk on His Birthday

The “Nation’s MC,” who is also a bona fide global star, celebrates his birthday today, August 14.  Yoo Jae Suk was born in 1972.
Due to his long-running “Nation’s MC” status and presence on many of South Korea’s most popular variety shows, Yoo Jae Suk has gained quite an international following which showed its power today through various SNS sites. Fans created the Twitter hashtag #Happy42ndYooDay” (Yoo Jae Suk turns 42 in Korean age) and congratulated the popular entertainer on his birthday. Also, according to TVReport, the key phrase “814 Yoo Jae Suk Birthday” rose to the number one spot on China’s Weibo.

Yoo Jae Suk’s fellow teammate in “Running Man” and “Infinity Challenge,” Haha, wished his “Yoo-neu-nim” a happy birthday via Twitter, writing “Wishing you a happy birthday, Jae Suk hyung. The Variety God who is focusing hard on filming even on his birthday! Hahahaha Kya-oh!! Mine is…August 20!” Haha fans, don’t forget Haroro’s birthday or he might throw a fit befitting his “kkoma” status.
Happy birthday, Yoo Jae Suk!

soompi

SISTAR's Hyorin Electrifies and Smoulders in "Vogue Korea" Photo Shoot

SISTAR member Hyorin appeared in a photo shoot and interview for the August issue of “Vogue Korea.”  The article concept was entitled “High Voltage.”  In the photo shoot, Hyorin electrifies and smoulders with her dangerous curves and piercing gaze.  In the interview, Hyorin talks about SISTAR’s new single “Give It To Me” and how her parents raised her.    
On what SISTAR’s many female fans in their thirties would think of SISTAR’s new single “Give It To Me,” Hyorin commented: “[B]ecause of that, we were worried about whether they would be able to sympathize [when hearing the lyric “Before I turn thirty, will I even get married?” from "Give It To Me”].  Actually, I want to get married before I am 35 years old . . .  My mother told me that if I can, I should get married late.  She wants me to try a lot of things before I get married.” 
Hyorin continued: “The fact that I don’t hide anything is a problem.  There are times when women need to hide things that need to be hidden, like a fox.” 
On her parents, Hyorin said: “I tell my mom everything.  When my mom speaks, she pitches stone fast balls.  Other parents know that their kids are the best, but my parents don’t hold me within the bend of their arms.  I like how my parents are objective.” 







ohkpop