KBS, MBC, and SBS bans IVY's new music video 'Touch Me'

After 2 years of hiatus, popular female artist, IVY has made her comeback in the music scene. But her first music video for the title single ‘Touch Me’ has been banned by 3 major Korean networks. KBS, SBS, and MBC have banned the music video that was recently released.

One of the stations said that “IVY's 'Touch Me' is to be sexy and sensual however, unexpected results came of the music videos and that is why we decided to ban it.”

IVY's label company is considering editing the MV, however the MV is already a big hit in Korea as it drew close to a million views in total on GomTV already.

Watch and judge for yourselves.

[News] Jaebeom stirs netizens again & again, but this time a change of heart?

After a silent month from former 2PM leader Jaebeom and JYP, 'Hottests', fans have been holding its breath, waiting for JYP's next move. And finally the gears are starting to turn again.

The group has been making the headlines again with their new endorsement, rumors of Jaebeom's return, the airing of the Infinity Challenge episode recorded with Jaebeom before the MySpace controversy, and of course, the anticipated KBS's 'Into Sunday Night' news segment revealing Jaebeom's life after 2PM.

However many viewers were perturbed with the filming that arguably invaded Jaebeom's privacy, especially since he seemed to have been unaware of filming. As the episode showed, the producers of the show actually flew to Seattle and found his house, not through scheduling, but by asking shop owners and other locals for his residential address.

But it doesn't end there, as the show also interviews Jaebeom's little brother and his father. But later in their journey, they finally find the man himself at a recreation centre. Many netizens and Hottests were upset and furious at the producers for invading his home, family and everyday life in Seattle.

On the KBS website discussion board, netizens have written more than 2000 posts criticizing the producers, calling for an apology from KBS and to end the programme 'Into Sunday Night'. Looks like even netizens have their limits about the extremes, aggression and ethics of stalking celebrities.

Heres the clip from Jaebeom's cut in 'Into Sunday Night' (with English subs)

[News] K-Wave in New Zealand

Dae Jang Geum (대장금 also known as Jewel in the Palace) is a 2003 drama series produced by South Korean television channel MBC. The 54 episode drama is based on the historical figure, depicted in the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty.

The drama focuses on 'Jang Geum' (played by Lee Young Ae), the first female royal physician of the Joseon Dynasty. The main themes are her perseverance and the portrayal of traditional Korean culture, including Korean royal court cuisine and traditional medicine.

Exported to 60 different countries, MBC's greatest drama in the 21st century is now finally available in New Zealand.

Dae Jang Geum is aired twice a week on Sundays and Tuesdays 9pm on Triangle TV.

[News] 'Wonder Girls - Nobody' reaches No. 76 on the Billboard Charts

The Wonder Girls have become the first Korean artists to enter the Billboard singles chart, according to their agency JYP Entertainment on October 22nd. The single "Nobody" entered the Billboard Hot100 at No. 76, the first time for a Korean artist to be placed on the chart's history.

JYP had announced that according to an airplay analysis chart by music website Mediabase, "Nobody" was played over 65 times by radio stations between October 12 to 18, increasing the girls group's airplay ranking by 16 spots from the previous week to No. 107.

The girl group, who announced their U.S. debut in June, signed with management company Jonas Group and had been opening for popular boy band The Jonas Brothers U.S. tour over the summer. An JYP official stated (in translation) "It was good targeting U.S. teenagers because they don't discriminate. And it was absolutely effective to target the U.S. market with a Korean concept and song without the help of American producers and songwriters."

WONDER GIRLS - NOBODY MV (ENGLISH VERSION):

[News] Nicole’s a Liberal too?

Maybe, maybe not. But what is definite though is that Nicole will no longer be on KBS's 'Star Golden Bell'. After the scandel about Kim Jae Dong’s dismissal (rumors said he was blacklisted by the government for his Liberal political views), the producers of the popular entertainment show decided to give the whole programme a makeover. Part of the makeover is removing Nicole’s segment.

Nicole co-hosted ‘Level with Me', a segment which showcased her imaginative descriptions of various Korean celebrities, movie and song titles, phrases, and proverbs. She would often tickle celebrity guests with her creative and hilarious ways. Nicoles participation in the show was well received and it helped increase the show and her popularity as well as KARA’s.

Star Golden Bell with new lead MC Ji Seok Jin has already been filmed. Nicole is said to have been a guest on the new episode.

[VID] YG Songs Compared

A clip while surfing around Youtube. The shows a bunch of Big Bang and 2NE1 songs compared with other songs. Take a look and hear for yourself. Are these songs plagiarised?

[News] Commercial Songs really working?

Looks like LG and Samsung are doing everything they can to promote their products. Why? Cause the iPhone is coming to Korea very soon. When? Most likely in December or early next year. Many communication companies have been releasing their version of touch screen phones, and app. stores to match the awaiting popularity of the iPhone. In addition, KTF is likely to promote the iPhone once the Korean market opens their doors for the sale of foreign devices.

In order to sell their products more effectively, LG and Samsung have advertised their products through commercial songs. They use popular idol groups to advertise their products in full length music videos. But does this method really work? While these songs do prove to be popular, some suggest the commercial songs promote the stars rather advertising the product. Before 2NE1 debuted, they appeared with Big Bang to promote LG's new 'Lollipop'. 2NE1 certainly benfited from the commercial song as they held the number 1 spot in various online charts, also gaining huge popularity.

Commercial songs have already become a category in some online music charts, where they offer best MV and best song. While the songs are catchy, memorable, and popular, their original function to advertise fails, as they are overshadowed by the popstars.

Here are some clips of popular commercial songs released in 2009:
f(x) - chocolate love (electro-pop ver.)
SNSD - chocolate love (retro ver.)
Big Bang & 2NE1 - Lollipop
Son Dam Bi & After School - Amoled

[News] The final straw for Kangin? Another alcohol related incident

It is revealed that Super Junior member Kangin was involved in a hit and run case, where one of the victim states "Before we turned our heads around the driver of the car that hit us already ran away."

In the SBS morning programme "Good Morning" (배기완 최영아 조형기 좋은 아침) which broadcasted the incident on October 19th. The victim stated that the "We were riding the taxi about 3 in the morning, when another car hit us from behind. Hereupon, our car hit the car infront of us. The taxi (stated) driver the (hit and runner) ran away"

On October 15th, 3:10am, Kangin caused a car accident that involved two out three cars in a rear end collision in Kang-Nam. Kangin, who got out of his car and made a runaway, came clean by acknowledging he was the cause of the accident. He turned himself into the Kang-Nam police station on the same day at 8:50am. His alcohol breath test showed he was still over the limit after 5 hours from the initial incident.

On the following day, Kangin was brought into police again for his 2nd investigation. Before the investigation SM Entertainment was already publishing apology letters for those involved in the accident. On the 18th, a representative from Kang-Nam police stated to Newsen: "At the time of the accident, Kangin was confused. He turned himself in after feeling guilty for running away."

So what happens now for the once highly popular idol star? Just one month ago he was involved in a brawl with three other men at a local bar. So that makes two major incidents, in two months, and both related to alcohol. SM Entertainment is relatively quiet this time around. Could this be the end for Kangin?

[News] Mariah Carey responds to YG's plagiarism claim

During her stay in Korea, it was revealed that she was informed of what YG Entertainment CEO Yang Hyun-Suk had to say about the plagiarism controversy. Regarding to the the accusation against YG, Yang Hyun-Seok stated:

"A few days ago, Mariah Carey's new song, Standing O teaser was released on youtube. Comparing this song to In The Club, you get 8 bars of similar parts. It is 24 seconds, instead of 5 seconds, also has it as its major motive, and adding up the similar parts together, results in approximately 1 minute. What is Sony ATV's opinion towards this song? I don't know, but I am sure that you can't easily say that Mariah Carey has plarigiarized 2NE1's song that was released 3 months ago, although it contains longer and clearer motives from In The Club."

A member of team that promoted Mariah's visit to Korea said, "The controversy was explained in detail to Mariah by her management." The explanation included accusations against G-Dragon, the trouble between YG and Sony ATV, and YG's official statement including the part where he mentioned Mariah's new song. After receiving this information, Mariah answered, "Too complicated," and made a smile, according to the member.

Mariah Carey was in Seoul to promote her new album Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel. She arrived on October 12 and left Korea on 15th for Japan.

[News] No boyfriends for 2NE1 members for 5 years

On October 13th, 2NE1 members appeared on the SBS talk show 'Strong Heart' (강심장). During the show, the subject of YG CEO (Yang Hyun-Suk) came up.

During the discussion, CL stated that 'YG is too strict'. The members are not allowed to have boyfriends for 5 years because it was demanded verbally in their contracts with YG. Host Kang Ho-Dong stated that "then that means Sandara Park cannot have a relationship until she is 31 years old?" CL responds by saying "Well there might be a way around it, if the guys goes through YG's physical and health examination test"

But later the other members of the group said they argued with YG over the 5 year rule, and eventually got the 5 years reduced to 3. Is this another case of slave contracts? Is YG trying to protect these girls? Or are they just restraining their freedom? At least the reduction gives the older members of the group some hope!

[Pic] Entertainment Companies Violates Human Rights

Source: [Star News + DNBN]

Translation Credits: jeeelim5@tohosomnia.net

[News] LG Cyon Chocolate Commercial Song “Chocolate Love” not so new?

SNSD (Top), f(x) (Bottom)

Recently, SNSD and f(x) have released their own unique and representative version of the song “Chocolate Love” to promote LG's new Chocolate phone for ‘Cyon’. But is it really unique?

At first, I thought song was a bit predictable, and after a while I realized the MR was very similar to “Sweet Dreams My LA EX” by Rachael Stevens (Former S Club 7 member).

Rachel Stevens - Sweet Dreams My LA EX

“Sweet Dreams My LA Ex” was released in 2003 and was produced by Bloodshy & Avant, a music producing and songwriting team from Sweden. They have worked with many high profile singers such as Britney Spears, Madonna, Kylie Minogue, and Jennifer Lopez. They have also produced South Korea’s BOA’s first American album, and SNSD songs.

It just so happens that Bloodshy & Avant produced the songs for “Chocolate Love” for both SNSD and f(x).

While there are differences between “Chocolate Love” and “Sweet Dreams MY LA EX”, the similarities are quite obvious. Is it just coincidence? Maybe, but after finding out both songs were produced by Bloodshy & Avant, it makes me feel that both SNSD and f(x) received re-modified song.

So with this reason, this is not a case of plagiarism, but just a work of a recycled song from the producers. I believe that SM Entertainment and LG would be smart enough not to use plagiarized work when it has became such a hot issue with YG Entertainment’s recent allegations.

[News] Kim Jae-Dong blacklisted by the Government?

Kim Jae-Dong (Left), Yoon Do-Hyun (Right)

In a strange turn of events, Ji Seok-Jin will return to KBS’s ‘Star Golden Bell’ as the replacement for the dismissed MC, Kim Jae-Dong.

There is much speculation as to why Kim Jae-Dong was dismissed from his role in the show. The ratings for the show were strong, and his relationship with staff and guests were said to be good. Rumor has it that Kim Jae-Dong is being blacklisted by the Korean Government for his Liberal political views. Certainly this was not the first issue of the government controlling the industry.

Yoon Do-Hyun had to cancel his show ‘Yoon Do-Hyun’s Love Letter’ because he supported former president Roh Moo-Hyun’s political views. Roh was under investigation for allegations of bribery of his family and relatives early this year. Both Yoon and Kim were members of the 'Love Roh Moo-Hyun' group and were vocal when Roh was under investigation. Kim also hosted Roh's national funeral.

Could this be a political witch hunt in South Korea? Is it modern day McCarthyism in Seoul? Or is Korea moving backwards in democratic practices? Let’s hope not.

[News] Yoo Jae-Seok, the NO.1 Korean MC

It is revealed that, Yoo Jae-Seok had pocketed more than 1 billion won (NZD 1.1million), making him the highest paid entertainer in MBC last year.

In 2008, Yoo hosts MBC programmes such as 'Infinity Challenge' (무한도전), and 'Come To Play' (놀러와) earned around 950 million won for his performance fees. In 2007, he raised 922 million won, and 865 million won in 2006 making him the most expensive entertainer for 3 years in the running.

Yoo who also hosts KBS's 'Happy Together' (해피투게더) and SBS's 'The Family Outing' (패밀리가 떴다!), MBC estimates his total year's earnings is up to 30 billion won (NZD 35 million).
One popular reply stated that "Because Yoo brings so much happiness and laughter in our country, I don't mind if he earns more 20 billion won"
True he brings many laughter and happiness in television, but 20 billion? and that was the most popular comment!

[Events] 2009 Dream Concert Summary

2009 Dream Concert ended in front of a 40,000 audiences. The 15th Dream Concert was held on 10th October in the Seoul World Cup Stadium

A total of 17 performers (not in sequential order):

SNSD (Girls Generation)
KARA
Jewelry
f(x)
2NE1
4Minute
T-ara and Supernova
Super Junior
Big Bang
2PM
2AM
SHINee
Park Hyo-Shin
Kim Tae-Woo
Chae-Yeon
MC Mong
Whee-Sung

Highlights of the concert:

- Super Junior performs without Kang-In as he is currently suspended with all his entertainment roles.
- Big Bang is joined by Dae-Sung and performs as 5 members! 2 months after his car accident, Dae-Sung joins Big Bang to perform for the concert. He did a solo with ‘Only fools tears’ and said, “I wanted to see everyone that is why I came out to perform earlier”
- 2PM performs as 6 members for the first time after leader Jae-Bum left the group. Fans and also other fan club members were shouting Jae-Bum’s name during the group’s performances.
- Big Bang and 2PM’s performances have been requested for no-broadcast by their companies.

After last year's nightmare concert, many fans were worried about SNSD performing at this year’s Dream Concert. In last year’s concert, the crowd turned off their glow sticks and chanted “Wonder Girls” in SNSD’s performance because their fan club “S♡NE” was in feud with DBSK’s “Cassiopeia”. Cassiopeia members worked with other fan clubs attending the event in order to ruin SNSD’s performance. This year, one of the members ended up shedding tears on stage.

SNSD's leader, Tae-Yeon was moved to tears by the support of the other fan clubs at this year's concert. In between their performances, during the group's introductions, Tae-Yeon choked up while speaking and burst into tears.

Rumors also state that about 8,000 fan club members for SNSD were in attendance, breaking FINKL's previous record for the most fans for a girl group in attendance at the Dream Concert.

It is nice to see fans from other fan clubs to support each other in this year’s event. Let’s just hope the friendly atmosphere continues in future events.

Click Here for the complete footage of the 2009 Dream Concert

[News] Hottest and their never-ending protest

It was announced that 2PM will be performing at the 2009 Dream Concert on October 10th. This will be their first performance as as a group without their leader Jaebeom. It has been stated that 2PM will be performing their hit songs, "Again and Again" and "I Hate You."

However, their stage appearance will not be aired on television. SBS who will broadcast this years event have agreed with JYP Entertainment to cut out the footage when 2PM is performing, due to the controversies that is still revolving around the leader's departure.

The official fan club 'Hottests' plan to continue with their boycott by not attending the concert, and instead going to the JYP building to attach post-it notes to voice their disapproval of JYP's decision to ignore their pleas to bring Jae-Bum back.

The trouble that had started from Jae-Bum's MySpace comments are still continuing solidly. This isn't the first time that Hottests have implemented boycotting as a protest to a 6-member 2PM.

The main question now is, would Jaebeom really want this kind of reaction from his fans?

[Events] Bae Yong-Joon & Choi Ji-Woo promote animated version of 'Winter Sonata'

On September 29, Bae Yong-Joon and Choi Ji-Woo attended a commemorative event in front of 50,000 screaming fans at the Tokyo Dome. Seven years after working together in the Korean drama Winter Sonata, the two hallyu stars reunite for the promotion of the animation version of the drama. Both actors lend their voices to the 26-part animation version of “Winter Sonata” produced for television.

The original series aired in 2002 on KBS. The drama was a mega hit throughout Asia, and especially Japan. The drama had boosted the Korean tourism industry, as there are many tour packages to visit the memorable locations.

Below are some photos from the event.

[Events] Fans organise a Kpop convention in the Philippines

Kpop fans from the Philippines have been making news as they work together for their love of the Hallyu (Korean Wave). In celebration of the Republic of Korea-Philippines Friendship Year, fans in the Philippines come together to organise the country’s very first Kpop Convention!

The convention is a fundraising event that aims to bring together fans and enthusiasts of Korean popular culture. Fan clubs of various Kpop artists are coming together for the event, which will be held in mid to late October. There will be activities for visitors, song and dance performances and contests and games at the convention.

The convention also aims to get the attention of the South Korean embassy in The Philippines. Why? Because the embassy may be bringing in Kpop stars in November for the 60th anniversary of the Republic of Korea-Philippines Diplomatic Relations.

Kim Kie-joo, Counselor for the Korean Embassy in the Philippines stated, “I'm not in a position to guarantee who we can bring. We will try our very best to bring our well-renowned Korean stars so that we can really enjoy together with the Filipino people.”

All the proceeds from the event will be donated to Gawad Kalinga, a non-profit organization that provides homes to the less fortunate.

[News] Possibility of an Official Korean Music Chart?

Recently Billboard that runs the music charts in America is coming to Korea and has already signed a joint venture with two local companies. Billboard will teamed up with ViewLife and the Korean Entertainment Producer's Association to create a Korean music and a Korean language version of the Billboard magazine.

Will Billboard be able to put up an Korean music chart? There are already several TV Stations that have their own music charts (KBS K-Chart, SBS Take 7, M-Net M-Countdown) but there were so many controversy related to how they compiled their figures that most of the charts were disbanded for several years (MBC Music Core).With the increase of digital music sales, where media and portal websites have offered many online charts themselves, but all are disorganised that none really offers a genuine accurate overview of Koreans music taste.

For years, the Music Industry Association of Korea used to keep track of album sales. But with the greatly declining album sales in Korea, their participation in the industry seems fruitless now. Other associations such as the Korean Association of Phonogram Producers and Korean Music Content Industry Association both tried to measure the online and physical sales but failed to do so. I wonder if any of the associations will be able to create a working music chart before all the good names are gone.

I don't really know if Billboards involvement will solve this problem instantly. With the Internet and its digital downloads, from file sharing, background music, blogs, how will we be able to measure the top songs. Label companies seem to be losing power, so do music charts really matter now?

[News] "Haeundae" floods North Korea

Channel News Asia is reporting North Korea is cracking down on foreign films after a university student was caught watching recent South Korean movie "Haeundae" (해운대) on his computer.

It is reported the student downloaded the movie from their relatives house in Chong-Jin north-eastern of North Korea. He then took the downloaded film back to Pyongyang to watch it with his University friends.

North Korea has been awash from popular culture from South Korea for a couple of years now, something North Korean authorities have ignored, as it mostly ignored much of the many markets that has sprung up around the country. But recently, North Korean authorities have starting cracking down those markets, so it looks like popular culture from the South has to go as well.

Why is South Korean pop culture is seen as threat to the North? Some, like Andrei Lankov claim that witnessing South Korea's prosperity can make the North look bad. Bryan Myers, says that the danger is not seeing the material success of the South (which most people in the North probably already know), but seeing that South Koreans do not want a united Korea, one that is under the leader of the North (Kim Jong-Il). Whatever the reasons, the effects are pretty much the same.

On the other hand, South Korean popular culture has been losing its cache in the North for some time, so maybe the North Korean authorities cracking down on South's products is not a bad thing after all.

Anyway, I do find it quite interesting that an illegal download of the blockbuster "Haeundae" (now the fourth biggest film all time in Korea) was able to create trouble for the North Koreans.