"MBLAQ’s Lee Joon & Seungho support G.O. on September 22nd’s ‘Immortal Song 2′" plus 19 more

The September 22nd broadcast of KBS 2TV‘s ‘Immortal Song 2‘ featured the music of folk pop group C’est Si Bon‘s Yoon Hyung Joo and Kim Se Hwan.

On this episode, MBLAQ‘s G.O. put on a soulful performance of Yoon Hyung Joo’s “Lovable You” with the support of his fellow members Lee Joon and Seungho.

Seungho played on the piano while Lee Joon had a small ballet dancing performance.

However, it wasn’t good enough to win on this episode as Boohwal’s Jung Dong Ha was the overall winner.

Next week’s episode will feature TEEN TOP, 4men‘s Shin Yong Jae, f(x)‘s Luna, Rumble Fish‘s Choi Jin Ee, Noel, and Sweet Soul. Check back next week for the second part of this two-part special.

G-Dragon will be a guest on the ‘Infinity Company‘ special for next week’s episode of MBC‘s ‘Infinity Challenge‘! A preview for this upcoming episode aired on September 22nd.

In the upcoming episode, G-Dragon plays a rookie recruit amongst the other company employees. The goal of the episode will be to make President Yoo laugh even though he says, “I hate laughing when it’s not funny.” The company workers will wage a war against each other trying to make him laugh, and the rookie recruiting story will run at the same time.

G-Dragon will experience an intense rookie lifestyle, but the episode also features his strike back during the company dinner and the time where he’s allowed to talk disrespectfully towards his higher ranking co-workers.

Check out the preview for next week’s episode below!

Source: Newsen via Nate

JYP Entertainment has denied rumors that Sun of the Wonder Girls is getting married.

A representative from the agency stated, “The marriage rumors are not true. At the moment, there are absolutely no plans of marriage. [The Wonder Girls] are putting all their effort into their Asia tour.”

Sun previously made her relationship public on SBS‘ ‘Strong Heart‘ late last year. She also mentioned on ‘Beatles Code 2‘ that she would be willing to move to Haiti for her Korean-American boyfriend, who is currently doing missionary work in the country, if the two marry.

However, it looks like fans won’t have to worry about her moving to an island anytime soon.

Source: Osen via Nate

Singer Bobby Kim revealed the hardships he endured during the early days of his career.

On the September 21st episode of tvN‘s ‘Baek Ji Yeon’s People Inside‘, Bobby Kim shared, “I had an inferiority complex because of the unique tone of my voice.” He revealed that he heard many criticisms like, “I’m sorry, your voice does not appeal to the people of our country,” when he was starting out as a singer.

He eventually decided to give up on his career, but fellow singer Yoon Mi Rae helped him back on track. He said, “Yoon Mi Rae always encouraged me. Who I am today would not exist without Yoon Mi Rae’s sincere support.”

Bobby Kim, who was overweight at 82 kg (180 lbs) and unable to speak fluent Korean at the time, added that his agency’s president also gave him a lot of encouragement. The president would say, “Some day, Bobby Kim’s time to shine will come.”

He joked, “I still think that the president was crazy then.”

Source: TV Report via Nate

Davichi‘s Kang Min Kyung and Haeri have reunited, and it seems they’ve started to look alike during their time apart.

Kang Min Kyung tweeted on September 21: “Pop! It’s been a while since we’ve gotten together,” and shared the photo above.

It’s also been a while since fans have spotted the duo together. They commented, “Haeri has gotten so much prettier,” “You two look alike,” “Your friendship seems strong,” and “When is Davichi making a comeback?”

In other news, Kang Min Kyung is currently starring in KBS 2TV‘s ‘Haeundae Lovers‘.

Source: Kang Min Kyung’s Twitter

The cancellation of the ‘Super 7‘ concert has been a big issue in Korea. First, Leessang Company announced that the concert was canceled, and then Leessang members Gary and Gil stepped down from their respective variety positions.

Now singer Kim Jang Hoon has stepped up to the spotlight. On September 22, he wrote a post on his homepage with the title: “To the many people who love ‘Infinity Challenge‘“.

He then apologized by saying, “I am singer Kim Jang Hoon who was in charge of the directing and planning of the ‘Super 7′ concert. As the MBC strike lengthened, the ‘Infinity Challenge’ members requested for me to be director, and I decided to take the position. They didn’t know much about performing, so they asked for me to take care of everything, and I shaped most of the details and performance.”

He continued, “If I think about it, I realize that I didn’t take in to account the significance of ‘Infinity Challenge’, the presence of the members, or the people who love ‘Infinity Challenge’. I’m sorry beyond words because the director’s stupid decisions made everything out to be the ‘Infinity Challenge’ members’ faults. More than half of the fault is on the failed director, but the ‘Infinity Challenge’ members are the ones in pain, and Gil and Gary have even stepped down from their programs. I’m very, very hurt and guilty as the sunbae who took care of the directing.”

He also revealed, “The ‘Infinity Challenge’ members are keeping quiet about me as the director because they think I may get hurt, and this makes me feel not only thankful but sorry. If anyone wants, I will run to them anytime and tell them the truth and only the truth. If they say it’s not true, then I will write here with all my spirit as ‘Super 7′ concert’s director and planner.”

Source: Newsen via Nate

Last weekend, actor Lee Byung Hun walked the red carpet at the Los Angeles premiere of his first historical drama film ‘Masquerade‘ (Korean title: ‘Gwang Hae: The Man Who Became King‘). ‘Masquerade’ opened in select theaters across North America on Friday, September 21.

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> Plot Synopsis

‘Masquerade’ is written by ‘Old Boy‘s co-writer Hwang Jo Yoon and is directed by Choo Chang Min. The film is based on the contrasting reputations of the fifteenth king of the Joseon Dynasty, King Gwang Hae. During the eighth year of King Gwang Hae’s reign, the palace journals quoted the king saying, “Do not put on record what is meant to be hidden,” with two weeks of missing journal entries. ‘Masquerade’ dwells on one possible scenario that may explain the differing reputations and the missing journal entries.

Lee Byung Hun (‘I Saw the Devil‘, ‘Iris‘) stars as both King Gwang Hae and low-class performer Ha Seon. As King Gwang Hae’s life is being threatened within the palace, he directs his chief royal secretary Heo Gyun, played by Ryu Seung Ryong (‘All About My Wife‘, ‘Personal Taste‘), to find someone who looks just like him to serve as a temporary body double.

When the king suddenly falls ill due to a mysterious poison, his body double Ha Seon is asked to secretly substitute for the king by Heo Gyun. Ha Seon is guided by Heo Gyun and the king’s chief eunuch Jo, played by Jang Kwang (‘Crucible‘), in how to behave like the king. But as Ha Seon gradually begins to step into political situations, he starts to make decisions that are unlikely to be made by King Gwang Hae, which causes a stir among his enemies within the palace.

Other notable mentions include actor Kim In Kwon (‘Quick‘, ‘My Way‘), who stars as the king’s suspecting bodyguard Captain Do, actress Han Hyo Joo (‘Only You‘, ‘Dongyi‘), who plays the withdrawn Queen, and actress Shim Eun Kyung (‘Romantic Heaven‘, ‘Sunny‘), who stars as Sawol, the king’s food tester.

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> My Opinion (Note: This reflects the opinions of the author, and not necessarily those of allkpop.)

The concept of a switch up between two people of significantly different backgrounds is not new. You have probably seen it or read about it many times before. However, the creators of ‘Masquerade’ did an excellent job in retelling the story using historical Korean palace life and by combining comedic and dramatic elements.

In a recent interview, Lee Byung Hun expressed his concern with regards to the many comedic scenes in the film, calling them “risky”. I understand why he would be concerned since there is a multitude of comedic scenes. However, they were well woven into the dramatic movie. Also, Lee Byung Hun is an actor known for his more serious roles in films such as ‘I Saw the Devil’ and ‘A Bittersweet Life‘, but he proved to be quite the comedian in ‘Masquerade’.

He showed off the depth of his acting ability in ‘Masquerade’ by playing what appeared to be more like three distinct characters: the tyrannical King Gwang Hae, the playful and curious Ha Seon, and Ha Seon’s depiction of King Gwang Hae. I believe Lee Byung Hun thoroughly developed each character from their tone of voice to the nature of their footsteps. I was never confused with regards to who he was playing. In fact, King Gwang Hae (and Ha Seon’s depiction of the king) and Ha Seon were such distinctive characters that I would often forget that they were being played by the same actor.

Speaking of footsteps, the filmmakers cleverly utilized both the sound and nature of footsteps to create the mood of various scenes. For instance, the quick shuffling of the court ladies, the spirited strides of Ha Seon, and the heavy sorrowful steps of the queen.

Overall, ‘Masquerade’ was very engaging and entertaining with laughs and tears from beginning to end. The actors and cinematography were top notch, making the film’s unoriginal theme seem fresh. Viewers are also able to learn about the different roles within the Korean palace and the expectations of Joseon dynasty kings. I’d recommend this film to anyone interested in Korean palace life, but be aware that this movie really walks the line between comedy and drama.

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‘Masquerade’ will be showing with English subtitles at the following locations beginning on Friday, the 21st of September.

Los Angeles, CA – CGV Cinemas
Seattle, WA – AMC Alderwood
Houston, TX - AMC Studio
Dallas, TX – AMC Grapevine Mills
Philadelphia, PA – AMC 309
New Jersey – AMC Ridgefield Park
New York – AMC Empire
Las Vegas, NV – Century Suncoast
Chicago, IL – AMC Showplace Niles
Atlanta, GA – AMC Colonial
Toronto, ON, Canada – Cineplex Odeon Yonge & Dundas
Toronto, ON, Canada – Cineplex Odeon Sheppard
Vancouver, BC, Canada – Cineplex Silvercity Coquiltam
Honolulu, HI – Consolidated Pearlridge

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Official Movie Trailer

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Promo Event

CJ Entertainment is currently holding a giveaway event in which you can snag a room-sized poster of ‘Masquerade’ signed by Lee Byung Hun. Check out the event page on Facebook for more details.

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For additional information, visit the Masquerade 2012 website.

Note: This article does not reflect the opinions of allkpop, only of the author.

Source: Masquerade 2012

Reviewer's Rating: 4.0 / 5

Community Rating:

Psy‘s popularity has no end in sight. His previously broadcast documentary achieved high viewer ratings and beat out competing programs in the same time slot.

According to AGB Nielson Media Research, the September 21st broadcast of ‘MBC Special – PsyGO: The World Is Gangnam Style‘ brought in a high viewer rating of 8.6%. This was a remarkable feat considering the fact that ‘MBC Special’ documentaries normally record an average viewership of 2-3% each week.

This week’s episode featured the behind-the-scenes story of Psy’s rise to stardom and followed his promotional trip across the United States.

Meanwhile, competing programs SBS’ ‘Go Show‘ and KBS 2TV‘s ‘Marriage Clinic: Love and War 2‘ brought in 5.9% and 7.5% in viewer ratings, respectively.

Source + Image: TV Daily via Nate

TV personality and singer Noh Sa Yeon opened up about the time she suffered from depression due to side effects from dieting.

On the September 21st broadcast of SBS‘ ‘GO Show‘, she confessed, “I went on a diet twice in my life – before I got married and when I was in college.”

“There was this guy I really liked when I was in college. I wanted to look pretty in front of him, so I took purple-colored [diet] pills. The dosage was two pills before a meal, but I took 12 a day.”

She continued, “Because of the effects of that diet, I was admitted to the hospital for severe depression. I said I wanted to die, and I hid in the dark because I didn’t like the light.”

“The second time I went on a diet was when I met my current husband, Lee Moo Song. Again, I wanted to look pretty in front of him, so I took 2 million Won (~$1787 USD) worth of pills. The results were great, and I lost a lot of weight, but I lost a lot of hair as well.” She then shocked everybody in the studio by revealing that the pills had actually contained lead.

Source & Image: TVDaily via Nate

Singer Naul of Brown Eyed Soul has achieved an “all-kill” on music charts with “Wind Memory“!

“Wind Memory” is the title track of his first solo album 'Principle of My Soul', which was released on the 20th. Other songs from the album have been ranking on real-time charts as well.

In addition, the special edition of ‘Principle of My Soul’ is reported to have sold out in a day, surprising everyone in the music industry.

Congratulations to Naul! Check out his “Wind Memory” music video here if you missed it!

Tip: Take Me Higher

miss A‘s Suzy was spotted in a school uniform on the streets of Gwangju with well-known MC Boom.

Pictures titled “Suzy appeared in Gwangjoo in a school uniform” were recently uploaded online. In the photos, the idol, who’s often called the “nation’s first love”, can be seen looking like a regular student in a red checkered school uniform.

As she walked through the streets with Boom, she seemed completely relaxed and looked as if she was enjoying herself.

When fans saw the pictures of Suzy, they commented, “She looks neat and pretty in the uniform,” “I love her so much,” “I thought she was all grown up, but she’s still a girl,” and “She must be a good student because her skirt isn’t shortened.”

Source + Image: Sports Seoul via Nate

Psy can add another record breaking accomplishment to his ongoing list as his hit song “Gangnam Style” is ranking at #1 on the popular music retail platform iTunes in 31 countries.

Psy recently shared his excitement on Twitter:

Number 1 @itunes in 31 countries~~!!! How wonderful LIFE is #gangnamstyle !!! [Isn't it Awesome]!?? ㅋㅋ twitter.com/psy_oppa/statu…

— PSY (@psy_oppa) September 21, 2012

Congrats Psy!

Source + Image: Psy‘s Twitter
Tip(s): S. Lee

SISTAR‘s Soyu recently updated fans with a photo of herself in a traditional Korean dress.

Soyu posted to SISTAR’s official Twitter on the 20th: “My last name is ‘Hong’. My first name is ‘Shi’ kekekekekekekeke. It sounds like Hong Shi (persimmon)!!!!!!!!!! I am currently recording KBS‘ ‘Chuseok Special’ with Bora unni. It will be broadcast on the 1st of October~^^.”

The photo shows Soyu riding on a traditional carriage historically used for transportation. Soyu’s adorable facial expressions and dress seem to be making fans smile from ear to ear.

They commented, “Hong Si (persimmon). I laughed out loud,” and “The color of your top is like a persimmon.”

Source + image: SISTAR‘s Twitter

RaNia's comeback was finally confirmed recently after several delays, and as promised, the girls have released their new digital single!

The group will be promoting as a five member group for this comeback as it has been said that Jooyi is currently working on a different project at the time. However, there has been no announcement of Jooyi leaving the group, so fans can rest assured.

As mentioned previously, YG Entertainment's Yang Hyun Suk has lent a helping hand in coming up with the music, choreography, style, and music video for the girl's new comeback, so anticipation is running high to see what the girls will be bringing to the music industry.

Check out RaNia’s stunning comeback stage below, as well as the rest of today’s clips here.

On the 21st, a representative from Ystar‘s ‘God of Food Road‘ revealed that HaHa‘s nickname for his fiancée Byul is “pig”.

During the most recent filming of the show, HaHa said, “Announcer Park Ji Yoon has a big appetite. My girlfriend eats a lot too, so I want to make them do a contest to see who eats more. Byul eats so well that in my phone she’s saved as ‘pig’. I think she eats more than announcer Park Ji Yoon.”

In other news, HaHa recently caught the attention of ‘Running Man’ viewers by stating that he’s unable to get Byul out of his mind.

This episode of ‘God of Food Road’ aired on September 22 at 12PM KST.

Source: Ilgan Sports via Nate

MBC's 'Music Core' is back once again with another fun and exciting show!

Today's show was guided by none other than a special set of emcees, consisting of SECRET's Sunhwa & Zinger + ZE:A's Kwanghee & Siwan, who displayed their fun and dorky aegyo.

Aside from the usual performances on tonight's episode, Goddess, OFFROAD, 100%, and Baek Ah Yeon held their debut stages while Mighty Mouth, RaNia, She’z, CHAOS, and SPICA made a comeback.

Check out the adorable MC cuts below!

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Performances from today's show includes FIESTAR, KARA, T-ara, F.T. Island, SECRET, Orange Caramel, ZE:A, VIXX, Rumble Fish, BTOB, and E7!

Check them out below, and be sure to check out the debut/comeback stages for today by clicking the artist/song name above!

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< BTOB >

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< FIESTAR feat. MIJI >

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< ZE:A >

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< Orange Caramel >

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< SECRET >

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< F.T. Island >

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< T-ara >

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< KARA >

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< VIXX >

[Coming Soon]

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< Rumble Fish >

[Coming Soon]

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< E7 >

[Coming Soon]

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After releasing their debut album 'WE, 100%', TOP Media's new idol group 100% has finally held their debut stage with "Bad Boy".

Comprised of Minwoo, Rokhyun, Jonghwan, Hyukjin, Chanyong, Sanghoon, and Changbum, 100% already had fans excited before their debut with their teasers.

With a big increase in new idol groups, many were anxious to witness yet another debut. However, after today's live performance of a special introduction plus their debut stage for "Bad Boy", it seems that the boys have already won the hearts of many.

Check out their debut stage below, and the rest of today's clips here. Also, let us know what you thought about their performance today in the comment section below.

Having conquered the charts with the success of her debut album, SBS' 'K-Pop Star' finalist Baek Ah Yeon has finally held her debut stage. She performed "Sad Song" from her debut mini-album 'I'm Baek' to an adoring audience.

Prior to her performance, Baek Ah Yeon commented, "I'm very nervous and excited as I'll be holding my first stage as a real singer… I'll show a performance that will hopefully match up to the amount of work I've put into it and the expectations of fans. Thank you."

She certainly did not disappoint, performing with such grace it's hard to believe she is only one week into her debut.

Watch her marvelous performances of "Sad Song" below as well as other performances from tonight's 'Music Core' here.

SPICA has released their newest track titled "I'll Be There".

The girls, who made their debut this January with "Potently", are making a comeback after six months. Instead of the strong image they've shown in past promotions for "Russian Roulette" and "Painkiller", SPICA will be going for a fresh, bubbly concept this time around.

"I'll Be There", written by Jung Da Eun and MARCO, has been released as a digital single on September 19th KST. It has a funky rhythm and hip hop beat that meld together to create a great song.

Returning to the stage once again, the girls revealed their outstanding live vocals.

Check it out below, and the rest of today's clips here!

Boy group CHAOS have made their comeback with new single "Kiss Kiss".

The boys are returning after promoting single "Racer" in July, which earned them the title of "Macho-Idol" with their tough image. The group takes a different approach with "Kiss Kiss" , which is about a man who is willing to become invisible in order to kiss the girl he loves.

CHAOS' agency stated, "The new single 'Kiss Kiss' and the idea of turning invisible are things that many have probably thought about and can agree with. The exciting funky rhythm and rock-and-roll style are addicting, especially in the chorus. The song features soul and vocal talent, paired with a hard electric guitar sound, that exceed the regular level of many idols."

"Kiss Kiss" was composed by rookie writer Monitor Punch, and the lyrics were written by Lee Young Jun, who has done songs like Norazo's "Superman".

Continuing to please the audience, CHAOS performed their comeback stage with "Kiss Kiss".

Check it out below, and the rest of today's clips here!