http://www.allkpop.com/index.php ALLKPOP.COM | The Latest Stories en allkpop Copyright 2009 2009-11-20T21:30:39+00:00 http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/justin_chon_down_the_rabbit_hole/ http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/justin_chon_down_the_rabbit_hole/ I'm sure many of you are excited for Rain's Hollywood breakthrough film Ninja Assassin for next week, but that's not all that's going on - the ridiculously famous Twilight saga is back with its second installment, New Moon, set to hit theatres in the States today, November 20th! Last weekend, the allkpop crew met up with Justin Chon, who plays the hilarious Eric Yorkie in the Twilight series. Earlier this year, we featured this rising actor up in the Attic, his clothing store, but this time he definitely went down the rabbit hole... if you're confused, well, the interview will be pretty self-explanatory. Our sleep-deprived, bleary-eyed staff (well, maybe that was just me - I missed the last flight to LA on Friday the 13th and pulled an all-nighter in the airport) pulled into the photo studio at 10AM expecting a srs bzns interview. Justin however had a plan of his own. Within minutes, he had set up an Alice-in-Wonderland-esque world, complete with tiny chairs and a picket fence. Sure, Justin's character Eric Yorkie is hilarious in the Twilight series, but we never expected him to be just as, if not more, funny in person. Undeniably good looks and a sense of humor? Edward Cullen better watch his back! Without further ado, check out our exclusive interview with Justin Chon! Make sure to check out New Moon as well as Justin's future endeavors! Photography: Daniel Yoon, Kevin Chang, Alex Gao Video: James Yim Celebrity Specials america, justin chon, twilight, actor, korean-american, exclusive, vampires, new moon Rain's Hollywood breakthrough film Ninja Assassin for next week, but that's not all that's going on - the ridiculously famous Twilight saga is back with its second installment, New Moon, set to hit theatres in the States today, November 20th!

Last weekend, the allkpop crew met up with Justin Chon, who plays the hilarious Eric Yorkie in the Twilight series. Earlier this year, we featured this rising actor up in the Attic, his clothing store, but this time he definitely went down the rabbit hole... if you're confused, well, the interview will be pretty self-explanatory.

Our sleep-deprived, bleary-eyed staff (well, maybe that was just me - I missed the last flight to LA on Friday the 13th and pulled an all-nighter in the airport) pulled into the photo studio at 10AM expecting a srs bzns interview. Justin however had a plan of his own. Within minutes, he had set up an Alice-in-Wonderland-esque world, complete with tiny chairs and a picket fence. Sure, Justin's character Eric Yorkie is hilarious in the Twilight series, but we never expected him to be just as, if not more, funny in person. Undeniably good looks and a sense of humor? Edward Cullen better watch his back!

Without further ado, check out our exclusive interview with Justin Chon!












Make sure to check out New Moon as well as Justin's future endeavors!

Photography: Daniel Yoon, Kevin Chang, Alex Gao
Video: James Yim]]> 2009-11-20T08:30:35+00:00 http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/weve_made_it..._best_breaking_news_site/ http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/weve_made_it..._best_breaking_news_site/ Well, almost! We're still shocked that we've even made it this far, but then again, k-pop fans - we know your online voting powers are enormous... Rain, Time Mag anyone? With that said, we've made it into the final round for Mashable's 2009 Open Web Awards in the "Best Breaking News Site" category. How cool is that? K-Pop is going global! The final voting round just opened up today and will be open until December 13th, 2009. Everyone can vote once per day, so if you love allkpop, please vote for us. It would be rather epic for a k-pop site to win this award, don't ya think? Thanks again to all of our awesome readers for all the love and support - It's the reason why we pull all-nighters to bring you the news and continue being the best and biggest kpop site on the web. Vote for us here! Announcements allkpop, open web awards, mashable
We're still shocked that we've even made it this far, but then again, k-pop fans - we know your online voting powers are enormous... Rain, Time Mag anyone?

With that said, we've made it into the final round for Mashable's 2009 Open Web Awards in the "Best Breaking News Site" category. How cool is that? K-Pop is going global!

The final voting round just opened up today and will be open until December 13th, 2009. Everyone can vote once per day, so if you love allkpop, please vote for us. It would be rather epic for a k-pop site to win this award, don't ya think?

Thanks again to all of our awesome readers for all the love and support - It's the reason why we pull all-nighters to bring you the news and continue being the best and biggest kpop site on the web.

Vote for us here!]]> 2009-11-18T19:44:09+00:00 http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/mblaq_is_the_host_for_season_5_of_idol_army/ http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/mblaq_is_the_host_for_season_5_of_idol_army/ Even I've been waiting for the next season of the hit cable show Idol Army and it's finally here! After fully enjoying all the seasons, I kept wondering who will be the idols for the newest season but I had to keep waiting. Now it's here and the group that is growing in popularity daily, MBLAQ are the newest idol hosts for the show! For me, it's going to take a lot to beat 2PM's season but I'm still more than excited for MBLAQ's season. Oh Yeah! Check out the preview! cr: absolutemblaq I wonder which girl groups they will cast this time. Maybe Thunder's sister, Sandara Park's group, 2NE1? Thanks to sahara for the tip! TV / Movies mblaq, host, idol army
After fully enjoying all the seasons, I kept wondering who will be the idols for the newest season but I had to keep waiting. Now it's here and the group that is growing in popularity daily, MBLAQ are the newest idol hosts for the show!

For me, it's going to take a lot to beat 2PM's season but I'm still more than excited for MBLAQ's season. Oh Yeah!

Check out the preview!

cr: absolutemblaq

I wonder which girl groups they will cast this time. Maybe Thunder's sister, Sandara Park's group, 2NE1?

Thanks to sahara for the tip!]]> 2009-11-20T21:30:39+00:00 http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/rain_walks_the_red_carpet_at_the_ninja_assassin_premiere_in_la/ http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/rain_walks_the_red_carpet_at_the_ninja_assassin_premiere_in_la/ Last night was a big night for Rain / Bi as he was the star of the Ninja Assassin Premiere event at the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, California. He was accompanied on the red carpet by James Mcteigue, Sung Kang, Rick Yune, Joel Silver, and other celebrities. Hundreds of fans were in attendance to cheer Rain on as he walked the red carpet. I'm so glad for Rain that the premiere looked like a success! In case you missed it, check out our interview with Rain. Thanks to matarbi for the tip. And also sixtofive1982, MyNinjaClothing , rainalice, rainstorm, @nee_nr (twitter), tgig, adamreich, sthanlee, afp, daumblog, Albert L. Ortega, 2factorphoto, memo rain blog, getty, and life for sharing the photos. Check out the video and photos below and I hope Ninja Assassin does well at the box office. cr: ratoka28 cr: amekame777 Bonus Photo of Rain in Hong Kong newspaper: TV / Movies rain, bi, ninja assassin, hollywood, los angeles, red carpet, james mcteigue, sung kang, rick yune, joel silver Rain / Bi as he was the star of the Ninja Assassin Premiere event at the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, California. He was accompanied on the red carpet by James Mcteigue, Sung Kang, Rick Yune, Joel Silver, and other celebrities. Hundreds of fans were in attendance to cheer Rain on as he walked the red carpet.

I'm so glad for Rain that the premiere looked like a success! In case you missed it, check out our interview with Rain. Thanks to matarbi for the tip. And also sixtofive1982, MyNinjaClothing , rainalice, rainstorm, @nee_nr (twitter), tgig, adamreich, sthanlee, afp, daumblog, Albert L. Ortega, 2factorphoto, memo rain blog, getty, and life for sharing the photos. Check out the video and photos below and I hope Ninja Assassin does well at the box office.








cr: ratoka28


cr: amekame777



Bonus Photo of Rain in Hong Kong newspaper:
]]> 2009-11-20T21:07:47+00:00 http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/behind_the_scenes_with_kim_heechul_for_nylon/ http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/behind_the_scenes_with_kim_heechul_for_nylon/ A few days ago, NYLON KOREA released some photos of Super Junior's Kim Heechul. As per usual, NYLON decided to release a behind the scenes video of the photo shoot. Check out the video of Heechul below and thanks to everlastingfriend for the tip. cr: Babochorom2 Eye Candy / Fashion super junior, heechul, kim heechul, nylon NYLON KOREA released some photos of Super Junior's Kim Heechul. As per usual, NYLON decided to release a behind the scenes video of the photo shoot.

Check out the video of Heechul below and thanks to everlastingfriend for the tip.


cr: Babochorom2]]> 2009-11-20T19:30:46+00:00 http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/yuri_shows_off_her_sexy_flexibility/ http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/yuri_shows_off_her_sexy_flexibility/ During the filming of KBS 2TV's Invincible Youth, G7 members followed SNSD / Girls Generation member Yuri's lead and participated in various stretching exercises before tending to their morning tasks together. As the group attempted to perform small work-outs to warm up their bodies, SNSD's sexbomb demonstrated her hidden talent for yoga. Kara's Goo Hara, on the other hand, struggled to execute the yoga poses as effortlessly as Yuri and appeared to be the most stiff of all. To this, Hara expressed, "I thought I could get by with just the butt dance, but it seems I need to work on my flexibility." However, Hara fared much better than Brown Eyed Girls' Narsha as the latter only attempted one pose, complaining that she was tired and collapsed on the floor in forfeit. On this day, SNSD's Sunny, also assumed the role of the yoga instructor and flaunted her impressive flexibility, mastering all the poses flawlessly and doing fairly well in a contests of splits. Unfortunately, because of Sunny's short legs, she was unable to advance further into the competition and fell short of 1st place (pun intended). Most of the female idols on the show revealed their splits on stage in the past, but, in the end, the two finalists were narrowed down to 4minute's sexy HyunA and SNSD's Yuri. Eager to declare a winner, MC Kim Shin Young offered that she would give twice the points to the girl who can turn while doing the splits. Check out the scene from the episode below! cr: SmoothyEco2nd I'm not gonna lie. I tried imitating Yuri's pose in the second picture to determine my flexibility, but, as I was raising my bended leg, I heard something crack. She made it look so easy that I thought I could be able to do it too, but I dream... I'll leave the yoga to Yuri and Dhalsim. Here's a Bonus Video of Yuri falling asleep while making kimchi: cr: teamomurice TV / Movies girls generation, snsd, 4minute, yuri, hyuna, invincible youth, flexibility, yoga KBS 2TV's Invincible Youth, G7 members followed SNSD / Girls Generation member Yuri's lead and participated in various stretching exercises before tending to their morning tasks together. As the group attempted to perform small work-outs to warm up their bodies, SNSD's sexbomb demonstrated her hidden talent for yoga.

Kara's Goo Hara, on the other hand, struggled to execute the yoga poses as effortlessly as Yuri and appeared to be the most stiff of all. To this, Hara expressed, "I thought I could get by with just the butt dance, but it seems I need to work on my flexibility."

However, Hara fared much better than Brown Eyed Girls' Narsha as the latter only attempted one pose, complaining that she was tired and collapsed on the floor in forfeit.

On this day, SNSD's Sunny, also assumed the role of the yoga instructor and flaunted her impressive flexibility, mastering all the poses flawlessly and doing fairly well in a contests of splits. Unfortunately, because of Sunny's short legs, she was unable to advance further into the competition and fell short of 1st place (pun intended).

Most of the female idols on the show revealed their splits on stage in the past, but, in the end, the two finalists were narrowed down to 4minute's sexy HyunA and SNSD's Yuri. Eager to declare a winner, MC Kim Shin Young offered that she would give twice the points to the girl who can turn while doing the splits.

Check out the scene from the episode below!




cr: SmoothyEco2nd



I'm not gonna lie. I tried imitating Yuri's pose in the second picture to determine my flexibility, but, as I was raising my bended leg, I heard something crack. She made it look so easy that I thought I could be able to do it too, but I dream... I'll leave the yoga to Yuri and Dhalsim.

Here's a Bonus Video of Yuri falling asleep while making kimchi:

cr: teamomurice]]> 2009-11-20T19:11:24+00:00 http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/samsung_corbys_interactive_site_featuring_2pm/ http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/samsung_corbys_interactive_site_featuring_2pm/ Though we’re still waiting for the official release of 2PM’s Corby cell phone CF, Samsung has yet again launched something else to keep us entertained while anticipating for the official release of the actual commercial film. Samsung recently launched a fun and interactive website promoting their new Corby phones with the help of 2PM. On the site, you can click on any one of the colorful Corby phones which will then lead you to a room of the same color. Once there, (if you don’t understand Korean) you drag the boy(s) who belong to that room based on the color. Of the many features of this site, you can watch Chansung and Junsu have a dance-off and Taecyeon doing a ‘no-handed’ pushup. The other remaining members (Wooyoung, Nichkhun, and Junho) also show their charms but I’ll let you guys watch what happens for yourselves. In addition to those features, you can also become 2PM’s stalkerazzi cameraman right from the comfort of your own home. These pictures that you can take, simulates the cell phone’s function of photographing and on top of that, you can save any of the pictures that you took! So go check out the website for yourselves here. Also, visit our friends at 2ONEDAY FORUMS . Thanks to Kvanne for the tip! Endorsements 2pm, samsung, corby 2PM’s Corby cell phone CF, Samsung has yet again launched something else to keep us entertained while anticipating for the official release of the actual commercial film.

Samsung recently launched a fun and interactive website promoting their new Corby phones with the help of 2PM. On the site, you can click on any one of the colorful Corby phones which will then lead you to a room of the same color. Once there, (if you don’t understand Korean) you drag the boy(s) who belong to that room based on the color.

Of the many features of this site, you can watch Chansung and Junsu have a dance-off and Taecyeon doing a ‘no-handed’ pushup. The other remaining members (Wooyoung, Nichkhun, and Junho) also show their charms but I’ll let you guys watch what happens for yourselves. In addition to those features, you can also become 2PM’s stalkerazzi cameraman right from the comfort of your own home. These pictures that you can take, simulates the cell phone’s function of photographing and on top of that, you can save any of the pictures that you took!

So go check out the website for yourselves here.

Also, visit our friends at 2ONEDAY FORUMS .

Thanks to Kvanne for the tip!]]> 2009-11-20T19:00:18+00:00 http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/dok2_teases_with_thunderground_ep_preview/ http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/dok2_teases_with_thunderground_ep_preview/ Dok2, the newest addition to Map The Soul, has just released a preview video of his new EP "Thunderground Music" via Map The Soul's YouTube channel. Check out the hip-hop goodness below: Along with Dok2's wicked flow you can hear Double K's and Tablo's voice featured on the tracks. Map The Soul also released an interview video for fans to get to know Dok2 a little better. It's great that they've released this video because I think he's an incredible prodigy. The highly anticipated 8 track EP is set to be released on November 25th and you can expect a review from me, so stay tuned to allkpop! Music epik high, preview, map the soul, dok2, thunderground ep Dok2, the newest addition to Map The Soul, has just released a preview video of his new EP "Thunderground Music" via Map The Soul's YouTube channel. Check out the hip-hop goodness below:



Along with Dok2's wicked flow you can hear Double K's and Tablo's voice featured on the tracks. Map The Soul also released an interview video for fans to get to know Dok2 a little better.



It's great that they've released this video because I think he's an incredible prodigy. The highly anticipated 8 track EP is set to be released on November 25th and you can expect a review from me, so stay tuned to allkpop!]]> 2009-11-20T18:30:57+00:00 http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/big_bang_-_making_of_nii_winter/ http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/big_bang_-_making_of_nii_winter/ Near the end of October, Big Bang's had a photo shoot for the NII winter collection. Although more than 2 weeks has passed since then, NII decided to upload a Making of / Behind the scenes video for that particular photo shoot. Watch TOP play around with G-Dragon's Gaho and the rest of Big Bang's crazy antics below, also remember to visit the Big Bang VIP Forums. cr: taijizero1 Eye Candy / Fashion big bang, nii, winter collections Big Bang's had a photo shoot for the NII winter collection. Although more than 2 weeks has passed since then, NII decided to upload a Making of / Behind the scenes video for that particular photo shoot.

Watch TOP play around with G-Dragon's Gaho and the rest of Big Bang's crazy antics below, also remember to visit the Big Bang VIP Forums.


cr: taijizero1]]> 2009-11-20T18:00:43+00:00 http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/super_junior_12_plus_pocket_moisture_cologne_cf/ http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/super_junior_12_plus_pocket_moisture_cologne_cf/ Super Junior has been endorsing Thailand's 12 Plus cosmetic brand for some time now. Recently, six Super Junior members participated in another CF / commercial for their Pocket Moisture Cologne line of products. The commercial is pretty simple. The Super Junior boys are performing in front of a crowd when a Thai model shows up with the cologne and sprays it in the air. One of the Super Junior boys is mesmerized by the smell and this causes him fall off the stage. Check out the CF below and also some behind the scene photos courtesy of 12 Plus. cr: KpopGroupsFanClub Endorsements super junior, suju, thailand, thai, pocket moisture cologne, 12 plus Super Junior has been endorsing Thailand's 12 Plus cosmetic brand for some time now. Recently, six Super Junior members participated in another CF / commercial for their Pocket Moisture Cologne line of products.

The commercial is pretty simple. The Super Junior boys are performing in front of a crowd when a Thai model shows up with the cologne and sprays it in the air. One of the Super Junior boys is mesmerized by the smell and this causes him fall off the stage. Check out the CF below and also some behind the scene photos courtesy of 12 Plus.


cr: KpopGroupsFanClub

]]> 2009-11-20T17:05:34+00:00 http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/kbs_interviews_tae_yang/ http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/kbs_interviews_tae_yang/ Yesterday, KBS conducted an interview with Big Bang's Taeyang entitled "I'm Still Dreaming of Love." You can read the full interview below: "When people in their 30s hear the news that their first love is getting married, the first song that comes to mind is Yoon Jong-shin's "Your Wedding." But to teenagers, it appears to be "Wedding Dress" by Tae-yang of Big Bang (real name Dong Young-bae, 21). Tae-yang released his first solo mini-album last year, with his song "Look Only At Me" becoming a big hit. Recently, he has released his first solo album "Wedding Dress." He is the third among the Big Bang members--after Seung-ri and G-Dragon--to go solo. Tae-yang looked somewhat haggard when we met with him on November 17. Wearing his hat tilted, he looked handsome, with his smile being especially charming. His Mohican hairstyle, with his head shaved on the sides, created a perfect harmony with the simple earrings in his ears. He is known as the quietest and most pensive member of Big Bang, and that is exactly how he appeared to be that day. Tae-yang said, "I haven't been able to sleep well for days. I can't sleep when I think of what I'm going to do the next day. When I had just debuted, I couldn't sleep at all. I even seriously considered getting help from a sleep clinic." Tae-yang said that this year he looked back on himself and gained full control of his mind. He said, "I had many worries this year. We were so busy performing in Korea and Japan that sometimes I had no idea what I was doing. When several of our members were active solo and I was left alone in the house, I asked myself, 'Why do I sing?' It was hard for me, but the answer is: I sing for myself." Tae-yang says his newfound mental discipline helped him better concentrate on recording his single album. He was fully involved in the songwriting process for the first time and wrote two songs in collaboration with producer Teddy. The title track “Wedding Dress” and the song “Where U At” from his album are based in the R&B genre. The sentimental melody and funky beat harmonize perfectly with his modest yet impressive dance moves. “Wedding Dress” is about a man who sends the woman he loves to another man. When Tae-yang had just debuted, he said that he had never had a girlfriend. So what was it like for him to sing about love? He said, smiling, "It’s embarrassing for me to say that I have no experience in relationships. I have never had a girlfriend but-–as this song about one-sided love suggests-–I have been in love, which was never realized. That’s why it was easy for me to understand the mood of the song. It would just be an excuse to say that I don’t have time to date girls. I’m simply not ready yet to accept anyone into my heart. But I’m still dreaming of love." On the question whether Seung-ri and G-Dragon inspired him to go solo, Tae-yang said, "Rather than pursuing success, I wanted to sing songs that I really liked. I wanted to sing sentimental songs. Both 'Look Only At Me' and 'Wedding Dress' are warm songs that are pleasant to hear when it’s cold outside. Because Big Bang’s songs are very upbeat, I wanted to sing poignant and serious songs as a solo artist." Tae-yang said it was heartbreaking for him to see G-Dragon, his friend of nearly 10 years, have a hard time because of the plagiarism scandal over his songs, which took him great effort and hard work to write. But he admitted that K-pop is dominated by idol groups these days, saying, "There are many idol bands these days and their music is easy to hear. Despite the wide diversity of music genres, people just can’t afford to pick the music they like. That’s why our role is very important. We must present music that can make a difference." With regard to Big Bang’s unrivaled status in K-pop, Tae-yang said he first learned that Big Bang’s name was a hot issue when he was participating in the recording of the song “Halleluiah,” the theme song of the TV drama “Iris.” But he says he still feels awkward to be a part of an issue-making group. Tae-yang appeared tired of cameras always following the Big Bang members. He also added, smiling, that his fellow group members are his only friends, even almost four years since his debut, because he does not bond easily with people. The average lifespan of idol bands is less than five years. We asked Tae-yang whether he had ever thought about his future and the future of Big Bang. Tae-yang found our question difficult. He said, "If we continue to love music, like we do now, each of us can perform solo while also releasing albums as a group. If I become an influential person someday, I would like to join good causes to help the underprivileged. Just as I liked Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Boyz II Men and Beyonce without a reason, I also want to be a singer who people like without a reason."- KBS I thought the interview was pretty insightful, thanks to AznLyLii for the tip and remember to visit the Big Bang VIP Forums. General big bang, taeyang, interview, kbs, wedding dress KBS conducted an interview with Big Bang's Taeyang entitled "I'm Still Dreaming of Love." You can read the full interview below:

"When people in their 30s hear the news that their first love is getting married, the first song that comes to mind is Yoon Jong-shin's "Your Wedding." But to teenagers, it appears to be "Wedding Dress" by Tae-yang of Big Bang (real name Dong Young-bae, 21).

Tae-yang released his first solo mini-album last year, with his song "Look Only At Me" becoming a big hit. Recently, he has released his first solo album "Wedding Dress." He is the third among the Big Bang members--after Seung-ri and G-Dragon--to go solo.

Tae-yang looked somewhat haggard when we met with him on November 17. Wearing his hat tilted, he looked handsome, with his smile being especially charming. His Mohican hairstyle, with his head shaved on the sides, created a perfect harmony with the simple earrings in his ears. He is known as the quietest and most pensive member of Big Bang, and that is exactly how he appeared to be that day.

Tae-yang said, "I haven't been able to sleep well for days. I can't sleep when I think of what I'm going to do the next day. When I had just debuted, I couldn't sleep at all. I even seriously considered getting help from a sleep clinic."

Tae-yang said that this year he looked back on himself and gained full control of his mind. He said, "I had many worries this year. We were so busy performing in Korea and Japan that sometimes I had no idea what I was doing. When several of our members were active solo and I was left alone in the house, I asked myself, 'Why do I sing?' It was hard for me, but the answer is: I sing for myself."

Tae-yang says his newfound mental discipline helped him better concentrate on recording his single album. He was fully involved in the songwriting process for the first time and wrote two songs in collaboration with producer Teddy. The title track “Wedding Dress” and the song “Where U At” from his album are based in the R&B genre. The sentimental melody and funky beat harmonize perfectly with his modest yet impressive dance moves.

“Wedding Dress” is about a man who sends the woman he loves to another man. When Tae-yang had just debuted, he said that he had never had a girlfriend. So what was it like for him to sing about love? He said, smiling, "It’s embarrassing for me to say that I have no experience in relationships. I have never had a girlfriend but-–as this song about one-sided love suggests-–I have been in love, which was never realized. That’s why it was easy for me to understand the mood of the song. It would just be an excuse to say that I don’t have time to date girls. I’m simply not ready yet to accept anyone into my heart. But I’m still dreaming of love."

On the question whether Seung-ri and G-Dragon inspired him to go solo, Tae-yang said, "Rather than pursuing success, I wanted to sing songs that I really liked. I wanted to sing sentimental songs. Both 'Look Only At Me' and 'Wedding Dress' are warm songs that are pleasant to hear when it’s cold outside. Because Big Bang’s songs are very upbeat, I wanted to sing poignant and serious songs as a solo artist."

Tae-yang said it was heartbreaking for him to see G-Dragon, his friend of nearly 10 years, have a hard time because of the plagiarism scandal over his songs, which took him great effort and hard work to write. But he admitted that K-pop is dominated by idol groups these days, saying, "There are many idol bands these days and their music is easy to hear. Despite the wide diversity of music genres, people just can’t afford to pick the music they like. That’s why our role is very important. We must present music that can make a difference."

With regard to Big Bang’s unrivaled status in K-pop, Tae-yang said he first learned that Big Bang’s name was a hot issue when he was participating in the recording of the song “Halleluiah,” the theme song of the TV drama “Iris.” But he says he still feels awkward to be a part of an issue-making group. Tae-yang appeared tired of cameras always following the Big Bang members. He also added, smiling, that his fellow group members are his only friends, even almost four years since his debut, because he does not bond easily with people.

The average lifespan of idol bands is less than five years. We asked Tae-yang whether he had ever thought about his future and the future of Big Bang. Tae-yang found our question difficult. He said, "If we continue to love music, like we do now, each of us can perform solo while also releasing albums as a group. If I become an influential person someday, I would like to join good causes to help the underprivileged. Just as I liked Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Boyz II Men and Beyonce without a reason, I also want to be a singer who people like without a reason."- KBS

I thought the interview was pretty insightful, thanks to AznLyLii for the tip and remember to visit the Big Bang VIP Forums.]]> 2009-11-20T16:37:39+00:00 http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/super_junior_girls_generation_for_spao/ http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/super_junior_girls_generation_for_spao/ Earlier in the month, SM Entertainment groups Super Junior and Girls' Generation / SNSD modeled for a new Korean clothing labeled named SPAO. A little bit over two weeks has passed since then and a new video featuring both groups was revealed by SPAO. Check out the video and some screencaps of SNSD below: cr: SSYY008 Screen Caps courtesy of Sosiz Endorsements super junior, girls generation, snsd, suju, spao SM Entertainment groups Super Junior and Girls' Generation / SNSD modeled for a new Korean clothing labeled named SPAO.

A little bit over two weeks has passed since then and a new video featuring both groups was revealed by SPAO. Check out the video and some screencaps of SNSD below:


cr: SSYY008

Screen Caps courtesy of Sosiz
]]> 2009-11-20T16:15:45+00:00 http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/alex_kissed_his_girlfriend_100_times_in_public/ http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/alex_kissed_his_girlfriend_100_times_in_public/ Singer / Clazziquai member Alex, who is known to be quite a romantic guy, was a guest on MBC's World-Changing Quiz this week and made a confession that really lived up to his romantic-guy persona. MC Park Mi-sun asked him a few questions, among them being, "What was the most romantic thing you've ever done for a girl?" to which he answered (quite cooly, I may add), "The most romantic thing I remember doing is kissing my girlfriend 100 times on the street on the day of the first snowfall." SQUEE! Korean drama moment, anyone? His fellow Clazziquai member Horan added, "Alex gives off the image that he's a really nice, romantic guy on TV but in reality, he's really manly and is more of the leader in the relationship." Whoa, whoa whoa! A kiss on the first day of the snowfall is pretty sweet, but 100 kisses? Damn, what a lucky girl... TV / Movies clazziquai, alex, mbc, romantic, kisses, world changing quiz Alex, who is known to be quite a romantic guy, was a guest on MBC's World-Changing Quiz this week and made a confession that really lived up to his romantic-guy persona.

MC Park Mi-sun asked him a few questions, among them being, "What was the most romantic thing you've ever done for a girl?" to which he answered (quite cooly, I may add), "The most romantic thing I remember doing is kissing my girlfriend 100 times on the street on the day of the first snowfall." SQUEE! Korean drama moment, anyone?

His fellow Clazziquai member Horan added, "Alex gives off the image that he's a really nice, romantic guy on TV but in reality, he's really manly and is more of the leader in the relationship."

Whoa, whoa whoa! A kiss on the first day of the snowfall is pretty sweet, but 100 kisses? Damn, what a lucky girl...]]> 2009-11-20T16:00:41+00:00 http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/the_jyp_usa_audition_in_nyc/ http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/the_jyp_usa_audition_in_nyc/ The JYP USA Audition Tour is almost over with just 2 stops left in New York City and Toronto, Canada. There's not many opportunities left, so if you want to audition you'll have to move fast. Make sure to check out the schedule below and let us know about your experiences! And if you get selected, make sure to drop by in a few years so we can do a special feature on you! Audition Categories: Singer, Actor, VJ, MC, Model Qualifications for Audition: Any resident in US an Canada may participate regardless of nationality or gender. Candidates should be born from 1982 to 2000. Audition Schedule Stops: October 25th: Hawaii October 31st: Los Angeles (Aroma Sports Center 5th Floor Sky Hall - 3680 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90005 - 9:00 AM - 2:00PM) November 4th: San Francisco (Koreatimes Community Hall - 8134 Capwell Dr. Oakland, CA 94621 - 3:00PM - 8:00PM) November 7th: Seattle (KOAM TV Hall - 32008 32nd Ave S Federal Way, WA 98001 - 9:00AM - 4:00PM) November 11th: Vancouver (Central College Small Auditorium - 314 Agnes St. New Westminster B.C. Canada V3L 1E8 - 9:00AM - 4:00PM) November 13th: Denver (Bethany Lutheran Church - 4500 E. Hampden Ave. Cherry Hills Village, CO 80013 - 3:00PM - 8:00PM) November 15th: Chicago (Foster Bank Community Hall - 5225 N Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60625 - 9:00AM - 4:00PM) November 18th: Washington D.C. (Koreatimes - 7601 Little River, Trunpike, Annandale, VA 22003 - 4:00PM - 7:00PM) November 21st: New York (JYP USA Center - 110 E 31st St. New York, NY 10016 - 9:00AM - 5:00PM) November 24th: Toronto (Koreatimes Dosan Hall - 287 Bridgeland Ave. Toronto, Ontario, M6A, 126 - 3:00PM - 8:00PM) November 25th: Toronto (Koreatimes Dosan Hall - 287 Bridgeland Ave. Toronto, Ontario, M6A, 126 - 3:00PM - 6:00PM) How to apply: Download this application and send it to usaaudition@jype.com. Remember to print out the application form with your registration number and have it present at the audition. Things to prepare for at the audition: A. Vocal Part - One minute of singing (without MR) B. Dancing Part - One minute of dancing to a Music CD C. Acting / VJ / MC Part - One minute of impromptu or memorized acting (no designated script) D. Model Part - Posing and Cat Walking Directions: A. A list of those who have passed will be announced individually by December 15th. B. JYPE reserves the right to keep copies of audition footage it has filmed and received. C. The selected final winner will have an opportunity to be trained by the JYPE Training Program. You can also register on the day of the audition. For more info, please contact kjstyle7@jype.com General wonder girls, 2pm, jyp entertainment, park jin young, jyp, joo, 2am, jype, audition, star JYP USA Audition Tour is almost over with just 2 stops left in New York City and Toronto, Canada. There's not many opportunities left, so if you want to audition you'll have to move fast. Make sure to check out the schedule below and let us know about your experiences! And if you get selected, make sure to drop by in a few years so we can do a special feature on you!

Audition Categories: Singer, Actor, VJ, MC, Model

Qualifications for Audition: Any resident in US an Canada may participate regardless of nationality or gender. Candidates should be born from 1982 to 2000.

Audition Schedule Stops:
October 25th: Hawaii

October 31st: Los Angeles (Aroma Sports Center 5th Floor Sky Hall - 3680 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90005 - 9:00 AM - 2:00PM)

November 4th: San Francisco (Koreatimes Community Hall - 8134 Capwell Dr. Oakland, CA 94621 - 3:00PM - 8:00PM)

November 7th: Seattle (KOAM TV Hall - 32008 32nd Ave S Federal Way, WA 98001 - 9:00AM - 4:00PM)

November 11th: Vancouver (Central College Small Auditorium - 314 Agnes St. New Westminster B.C. Canada V3L 1E8 - 9:00AM - 4:00PM)

November 13th: Denver (Bethany Lutheran Church - 4500 E. Hampden Ave. Cherry Hills Village, CO 80013 - 3:00PM - 8:00PM)

November 15th: Chicago (Foster Bank Community Hall - 5225 N Kedzie Ave. Chicago, IL 60625 - 9:00AM - 4:00PM)

November 18th: Washington D.C. (Koreatimes - 7601 Little River, Trunpike, Annandale, VA 22003 - 4:00PM - 7:00PM)

November 21st: New York (JYP USA Center - 110 E 31st St. New York, NY 10016 - 9:00AM - 5:00PM)

November 24th: Toronto (Koreatimes Dosan Hall - 287 Bridgeland Ave. Toronto, Ontario, M6A, 126 - 3:00PM - 8:00PM)

November 25th: Toronto (Koreatimes Dosan Hall - 287 Bridgeland Ave. Toronto, Ontario, M6A, 126 - 3:00PM - 6:00PM)

How to apply:
Download this application and send it to usaaudition@jype.com. Remember to print out the application form with your registration number and have it present at the audition.

Things to prepare for at the audition:
A. Vocal Part - One minute of singing (without MR)
B. Dancing Part - One minute of dancing to a Music CD
C. Acting / VJ / MC Part - One minute of impromptu or memorized acting (no designated script)
D. Model Part - Posing and Cat Walking

Directions:
A. A list of those who have passed will be announced individually by December 15th.
B. JYPE reserves the right to keep copies of audition footage it has filmed and received.
C. The selected final winner will have an opportunity to be trained by the JYPE Training Program.

You can also register on the day of the audition. For more info, please contact kjstyle7@jype.com

]]> 2009-11-20T15:43:38+00:00 http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/t-ara_release_mini-album_photos/ http://www.allkpop.com/index.php/full_story/t-ara_release_mini-album_photos/ After a short break, the ladies of T-ara are back...kind of. A new photoshoot from their upcoming first mini-album has been released! As of now, there are no further information about their album other than these pictures. Stay tuned to allkpop for further developments and be sure to visit Diadem to support T-ara! Many thanks to Katana for the pictures. Eye Candy / Fashion t-ara T-ara are back...kind of. A new photoshoot from their upcoming first mini-album has been released! As of now, there are no further information about their album other than these pictures.

Stay tuned to allkpop for further developments and be sure to visit Diadem to support T-ara!



Many thanks to Katana for the pictures.]]> 2009-11-20T11:00:35+00:00