G.NA takes pictures with troublemakers

G.NA recently released Twitter pictures taken of her and some troublemakers -- 4Minute's HyunA and B2ST's Hyunseung that is!  G.NA states that the pictures were taken during "Troublemaker"'s recent run on Music Bank (the last time they performed "Trouble Maker" was several months ago).

Source: G.NA's Official Twitter

Super Junior releases "Lotte Duty Free" CF

Following up for their previous Lotte CF, Super Junior has released the newest CF they shot for "Lotte Duty Free."  Just in time for their July 4th comeback with "Sexy, Free & Single."  The CF is sweet and simple, yet very catchy at the same time.  Siwon recently released a Twitter picture of him kissing a woman -- and after watching this CF -- it all makes sense now!  Lotte is a huge shopping group (conglomerate) present within South Korea and Japan -- if you didn't know already.

WATCH THE CF UNDER THE CUT



Source: Ryeong's Official Twitter

After School releases dance practice video for "Flashback"

After School has released the dance practice video for their newest song "Flashback."  With fluid and strong choreography, it's no wonder why After School released the dance practice for "Flashback."     There has not been any official dance version released for "Flashback" yet.

WATCH THE VIDEO UNDER THE CUT

Source: Pledis Entertainment Youtube
Source: Soompi

Junsu and Woo Young take picture . . . while Taecyeon eats in background

A picture was recently re-tweeted by Taecyeon showing 2PM members Woo Young and Junsu taking a picture together (celebrating Woo Young's debut), while Taecyeon hilariously has his mouth complete full of food.  Aw, nothing more sweet than 2PM bonding time.

Translated, the message goes "You have to try to hard live you know . . . while eating."

Source: Twitter + 2PMAlways for translation

Jo Kwon makes is solo debut on Music Bank with "I'm Da One"

Jo Kwon has finally made solo debut with "I'm Da One" on Music Bank after teasing fans for over a week now.  Similar to his MV, Jo Kwon carries a high level of energy and charisma into his solo debut performance.  With a colorful outfit and spicy choreography, Jo Kwon delivers a great first solo performance.

But my question is: Where are the 19 cm heels? I'm disappointed!

WATCH JO KWON'S SOLO DEBUT BY CLICKING 'READ MORE'

Source: Motherblog allkpop

Hyelim shares some selcas with Instagram

Wonder Girls' Hyelim posted some selcas on her Twitter through Instagram.  Hyelim was shown shopping for make up earlier -- it is assumed that she used some of that make up before she decided to take these pretty selcas of herself.

Source: Hyelim's Official Twitter

Super Junior releases "Sexy, Free & Single" MV teaser

Super Junior just released the MV teaser for their upcoming single "Sexy, Free & Single." The teasers released previously were WRONG.  They have nothing to do with the MV teaser at all.  Super Junior is shown in this teaser as what they really are: sexy, free, and, yes ladies, single.

After being released moments ago, the teaser has already garnered more than 16,000 likes.  Viral? Very.

So . . . what the hell were the teaser images about?

Source: SMTOWN Youtube Channel

T-ara releases "Day by Day" album cover

T-ara has released the cover for their upcoming album Day by Day.  After seeing the MV teaser for T-ara's comeback MV, it's hard to believe that the album cover for Day by Day is so simple and sweet.  In contrast to the post-apocalyptic world that the MV teaser suggested, the album cover has T-ara in simple white button dresses in a while room.

Day by Day is to be released on July 3rd.

The track list for Day by Day was also released and includes:

1. Day by Day
2. Holiday
3. Don’t Leave
4. Hue
5. Love Play

Source: DailyKpopNews

2PM's Woo Young wows fans with solo debut performance

Jang Woo Young performed at Mnet's "20's Choice Awards" at the Banyan Hotel swimming pool in Seoul.  Dressed in a stylish green suit and matching pants, Jang Woo Young wowed the audience with excerpts from his new album 23, Male, Single.  Among the tracks, Woo Young performed "Sexy Lady."

The stage, set over a pool, caused Woo Young and a backup dancer to slip Okay, whose idea was it to put a stage over a swimming pool anyways?

CHECK OUT WOO YOUNG'S PERFORMANCE BY CLICKING READ MORE

Source: Soompi

Image source: American K-pop Fans website

ZE:A releases MV teaser for "Aftermath"

After ZE:A released a 15-second audio teaser for "Aftermath", the title track for their comeback album Spectacular, ZE:A released a 30-second MV teaser for "Aftermath" today.  The MV does not match the darker concept portrayed by the album -- ZE:A is shown wearing a wide range of color -- but the music in the MV does sound a little more serious and solemn.

ZE:A returns July 4th with their title track "Aftermath."

WATCH MV TEASRE UNDER THE CUT

Source: ZE:A's Official Twitter

2NE1 to release "I Love You" along with a second single later

Along with releasing a hi-definition color teaser photo, 2NE1 announced that "I Love You" will be their only single released.  Instead of releasing two singles in the album at once, 2NE1 will release the singles in succession.  "I Love You" will be released on July 5th while the second single (which has not been named) will be released three weeks later.

This strategy has been used by 2NE1 before.  The singles "Lonely" and "I Am the Best" were released in succession as well as singles "Hate You" and "Ugly."

2NE1 will be making their stage comeback on July 8th on Inkigayo.

Source: Mnet News

CHI CHI releases comeback MV "Love us Energy"

CHI CHI has just released their MV for their comeback song "Love is Energy."  "Love is Energy" focuses both on the vocal strength and dance skills, allowing CHI CHI to show how much they have continued to grow as a group.

CHI CHI wears weird finger puppet gloves along with a wing set made out of . . . leaves?  Although some may not like the dub step as it does not "fit in" -- I think it fits in perfectly fine.  The weird finger move twiddling they do in the air, however, is questionable.

WATCH MV UNDER THE CUT

Source: Trophy Entertainment Youtube

T-ara releases "Day By Day" MV teaser

T-ara has finally released their samurai-ninja-sword-bashing MV teaser for their upcoming MV "Day By Day."  With stunning special effects and dramatic acting, T-ara's MV teaser is set in a post-apocalyptic world where anarchy has taken place and motorcycles gangs with samurai swords fight to the death.  Almost like a real movie trailer, T-ara's "Day By Day" MV teaser shows amazing footage and attitude.

Action, drama, even a little bit of romance -- what else could a T-ara fan ask for?

T-ara is set to return on July 3rd.

WATCH MV TEASER UNDER THE CUT

Source: LOENT Official Youtube

JYPE releases tracklist for Jang Woo Young's "23, Male, Single"

JYPE released through its official Twitter the track list of 2PM's Jang Woo Young's upcoming 23, Male, Single.  The track list includes "2NITE" and "Be With You", appropriate tracks for an album named 23, Male, Single, no?

Source: JYPE's official Twitter

Jo Kwon releases pictures of his 19.5 cm heels

2AM's Jo Kwon stated last week that he wanted to wear 19.5 inch heels for his solo debut and now he just posted pictures on his Twitter showing his fans the heels.  Steel-studded and extremely tall, these heels look not only like a pain to wear, but much more a pain to perform in.  It is unknown how Jo Kwon will be able to walk, much less perform with these heels.

Source: Jo Kwon's Offical Twitter

Could Ailee be the key to K-pop's breakthrough in America?

Ailee, a more recent K-pop soloist, could very possibly be the key to having K-pop break out in America (at least in my opinion).

Born and raised a Jersey girl, Ailee has deeper connections to America than most K-pop stars.  Ailee started out as an artist under an independent agency called Muzo Entertainment and worked with several artists before her Korean debut.  It was with Muzo Entertainment when Ailee started and released several videos through her Youtube channel.  Although these videos were very well-done (and every one of them a cover of an American song), they were not as big as her performance on the Maury show in 2008.  Ailee placed 2nd in the Maury Show talent show, but "wowed" many audience members and viewers with that 2008 performance.  It was after the Maury show when Ailee underwent training in order to prepare for her Korean debut in 2011.

Through an Arirang interview conducted only a few months ago, Ailee revealed that she could have pursued an American music career, but decided to debut in Korea to begin where her "Korean roots" were.  Even though it was a hard choice to make -- leaving your home country and starting anew in a new country is not an easy transition -- Ailee stood by her decision to move to Korea.  Ailee also stated that she was very interested in K-pop when she lived in America and listened to groups such as 2NE1 and Big Bang for fun.  Ailee thought that debuting in Korea would be a "fresh start" to her musical career.

During her appearance in Korea during September 2011, Ailee blew judges away with her rendition of Beyoncé's "Halo" on Korea's MBC show "Singers and Trainees."  Although the song was sung in English, there was no doubt that the judges could hear the refined and professional sound that Ailee was capable of giving.  The judges knew for certain that Ailee would go far no matter what she did musically; she subsequently won first place at the end of the show.

CLICK "READ MORE" TO CONTINUE READING

Before Ailee even released a Korean song or single, she was cast as a member of the 2nd season of popular Korean drama Dream High.  Ironically, she played a student who wants to become a K-pop idol and star.  Ailee stated that, even though it was a lot of work, she had a lot of fun filming the drama series as she "got to get close" with the cast members.

Ailee's debut Korean single "Heaven" in February 2012 was what really highlighted that Ailee could definitely be a K-pop idol.  "Heaven" reached a peak position of number 3 on multiple Korean music charts -- a great feat for debuting solo artist.  Ailee's Korean success proved that she was able to transition from being a solely American music artist to being an international idol and star.

Ailee's Korean success continued when she released her collaboration song with SISTAR's Hyorin and T-ARA's Jiyeon called "Superstar."  "Superstar" reached a peak position of 9 on Korea's Gaon Chart.

Ailee is set to make a K-pop comeback by the end of this month.

With fluency in both Korean and English (her accent is little to none!), she could serve as a major link between the Korean and American music industry.  If Ailee continues to do well in Korea (maybe even becoming Korea's most popular solo artist), then it may be a piece of cake for Ailee to make it in America.  If Ailee builds up her reputation high enough in Korea, then her debut in America could make her one of the leading Asian-American music artists (we don't have many of those!).  

However, Ailee has made no such move yet.  Although she is still in the beginnings of her career, Ailee has made no mention of returning to the American music industry.   Whatever choice she makes, it is certain that Ailee, at only the age of 23, will continue to rise as one of K-pop leading solo artists.

Image Source: YMC Entertainment Official Website
  

Seohyun eats a green apple

This is news. Deal with it.


Source: KpopStarz

Taeyang poses with Swizz Beatz

Gina Choi, or G.NA, recently released a Twitter picture of Taeyang posing with American record producer and rapper, Swizz Beatz.  Gina Choi remarked "Wow! 2hot!! ^^ That's hot!"  Swizz Beatz has shown interest in Korean pop during his recent trip to Korea.  He has met with JYP and YG Entertainment and has met with Taeyang and 2NE1 as well.  


Could this mean another possible connection to America for K-pop?

Source: G.NA's Official Twitter

EXO-K is the newest model for The Face Shop

EXO-K has been selected as the newest models of The Face Shop, a South-Korean based cosmetics brand that has branches all over the world, including the United States.  The Face Shop sells bath, body, skin-care, and make-up items.  The Face Shop chose EXO-K to be models for their product because EXO-K possesses "handsome faces, powerful vocals and merits that appeal to youths" and 
believe that will "appeal to youths." 


EXO-K has already sponsored Calvin Klein jeans and Ivy Club -- their popularity and skills make them  ideal models for many company products.


What do you think about The Face Shop's newest models?


Source: Mnet News

Jay Park fights zombies in new KevJumba video

Jay Park, along with KevJumba, have released a new Youtube video together.  What are they doing you ask?  Surviving a zombie apocalypse of course (paintball style)!  After killing their share of zombie, Jay Park and KevJumba go against each other face to face in a paintball duel.  Who will be the victor? Watch the video and find out!

WATCH THE MV BY CLICKING "READ MORE"

NU'EST releases album concept photo

NU'EST, who is planned to come back sometime in mid-July, has released a teaser/concept photo for their upcoming album (the album name has not been released).  NU'EST is shown with masks over their faces while an eerie light glows above.

Fans worry that since so many comebacks are happening at the same time that NU'EST will return to the K-pop scene unnoticed.  Hey, let's keep some positivity out there okay?

Guesses for what their album will be about, anyone?
My guesses are (according to the lighting + masks):
1. Confines of society and its narrow scope
2. Importance of self-identity and individualism
3. Beauty lies within
4. What society wants of us and what we want

LOL. Are those even appropriate guesses?

Source: Pledis Entertainment

2NE1 releases Minzy's "I Love You" photo teaser

Through the YG Life blog, there have been 2NE1 teasers released throughout the past few days.  Today the YG Life blog released the "I Love You" photo teaser for 2NE1 member, Minzy.  Similar to the other photo teasers released, Minzy is in black in white with a few of the articles of clothing in color.  According to the image, 2NE1 plans to make a comeback stage for July 8th.  The album, however, is set to be released July 5th.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Source: YG Life Blog

TaeTiSeo has party before Mnet's "20's Choice Awards"

Girls Generation sub-unit, TaeTiSeo, recently held a party before attending Mnet's "20's Choice Awards."  TaeTiSeo was nominated for an award for the Mnet Awards Ceremony.  The photos show the girls getting ready, toasting, and sitting on a bed -- sounds like a typical girl party, right?  More footage will be released during the Mnet's award.

Source: News Nate

2NE1 verifies "I Love You" as name of comeback title track

After releasing some teasers, fans speculated that the name of the upcoming 2NE1 title track name would be "I Love You" (Bom's teaser photo had the phrase printed on her poster).  This was later confirmed to be correct by Star News.  So far all members have had teaser photos released except for Minzy.

2NE1 is also preparing for their upcoming New Evolution tour as well.

Source: Star News

SISTAR releases "Loving U" MV

After releasing teasers for the past few days, SISTAR has finally released the MV for their newest single "Loving U."  Set on the island Oahu in Hawaii, the MV seems like SISTAR's own vacation video along with some hot new choreography in marine outfits.  SISTAR is shown exploring the island and hitting some memorable landmarks in a summer fun MV.

Perfect for the summer, SISTAR's "Loving U" has the visual and musical aspects of a perfect day on the beach.

Source: Starship Entertainment Youtube

Siwon shares some wisdom with his fans

Siwon is known to share advice with his Twitter followers.  Today Siwon shared another piece of advice that goes like this: It is sad not to be loved, but it is much sadder not to be able to love.  Very deep, don't you think?  He posted the message with the above picture.  


Just for Siwon, we put the message on the picture for him:

You're welcome Siwon.


Source: Siwon's Twitter

Kevin and Kiseop celebrate 1400 days of U-KISS

In honor of the 1400 day anniversary of U-KISS, members Kevin and Kiseop posted pictures on their Twitter accounts to celebrate the event.  Kevin posted a picture of himself at the beach with "U-KISS" written in the sand, while Kiseop posted a picture of himself with a peace-sign pointer.  Happy 1400 days U-KISS!

Source: Kevin's Twitter and Kiseop's Twitter 

ZE:A releases 15-second "Spectacular" audio teaser

ZE:A continues to tease fans with the release of an audio teaser of their upcoming album Spectacular.  The audio teaser is of the album title track "Aftermath."  The name of the title track matches with the concept images released, but the sound of the track does not seem to match the concept portrayed in the concept images at all (the concept images can be found here).  Maybe it's because ZE:A's voices are too . . . heavenly?  And the beat at the end seems pretty upbeat; hey!  I was hoping for some serious and dark and depressing music!

ZE:A returns on July 4th, so stay tuned!

LISTEN TO THE AUDIO TRACK TEASER UNDER THE CUT

Source: ZE:A Official Youtube

New boy group named 100% to debut in August

A boy group named 100% is set to debut in August 2012  under T.O.P. Media.  T.O.P. Media manages TEEN TOP, which would make TEEN TOP a label mate of 100%.

The current members include Rocky (~21 years old), a member of the duo Jumper which disappeared from K-pop shortly after its debut in 2009.   The other members are Minwoo (~27 years old), Jonghwan (~20 years old), Chanyong, Changbum, Hyukjin, and Sanghoon (all about 19 years old).

There is already a SBS MTV series that showcases T.O.P. Media's TEEN TOP and 100%.  You can watch the entire 50 minute episode under the cut (unfortunately, no English subs).

WATCH THE FIRST EPISODE OF TEEN TOP RISING 100% UNDER THE CUT

Does anyone know about 100%?  Or are they still unknown?

Source: Kpop Sanctuary

After School's Nana and Hello Venus' Nara pose for "In Style"

After School's Nana and Hello Venus' Nara recently modeled for In Style magazine.  The concept was try to get both Nana and Nara to look like twins -- maybe because their names are similar?  They have the same haircut and similar outfits.  The theme for the photo shoot was tropical, which is appropriate for the summer and is clearly shown by the one-piece dresses.

Nana has modeled for In Style Korea before and is considered one of their models, while Nara has not modeled for In Style Korea before.

After School has been promoting their newest song "Flashback."

Hello Venus, After School's sister group, recently debuted in May with Venus.

Source: motherblog allkpop

T-ara releases "Day By Day" posters

A couple days ago we got a glimpse of T-ara's new concept which feature Jiyeon as a blonde biker chick.  But now T-ara has just released some concept posters for their upcoming Day By Day MV.  T-ara, who have been recognized for their incredible movie-like MV's, so it is only appropriate that these posters be treated like upcoming movie posters fit for a movie theatre.

The new posters confirm that T-ara's upcoming MV will have some beefy motorcycles and a blonde Jiyeon.  But included in the teaser poster are some swords that look like a part of a samurai movie.  Another poster reveals the MV to look like some kind of Kill Bill action is going to happen in the MV.

The 40-second long MV teaser is set to be released on June 28th at 3:00 pm KST.

T-ara has pleased fans with their movie-like MV's before -- do you think they'll impress fans with this new Day By Day MV?

Source: News Nate

ZE:A releases "Spectacular" concept photos

ZE:A has revealed some concept photos for their upcoming album Spectacular.  The concept photos seems to be darker and serious in concept (especially because of the deadpan stares given by ZE:A).  Representatives state the Spectucular will have a more "mature musicality" than the music ZE:A has done in the past.

The image concept is definitely "spectacular" and impressive, but in a more darker sense.

ZE:A's maknae, DongJun, is shown with his toned body and abs while the rest of the members are wearing a strange combination of dark/black-colored robotic parts, religious symbols, and professional attire.

You know what this means, right?  A futuristic business meeting held at a church is the MV's setting.

Source: News Nate

SISTAR releases album cover for "Loving U"

After raising hype through teaser photos of each member and a very energetic MV teaser, SISTAR has released the album cover for their upcoming album Loving U.  The album cover features SISTAR with sunglasses and summer dresses, a clear connection to the MV setting in Hawaii.  The first teaser photos gave no indication of the song's theme, but all teasers afterward have.

Set to be released tomorrow KST, Loving U has already been praised by fans even though only teasers have been released.

June 28th is the official date of release for SISTAR's Loving U, so keep updated!

2NE1 releases Dara's teaser photos for a July 5th comeback

2NE1 has been releasing teasers all week for their upcoming album release, which has been set to be released on July 5th.  Dara is shown with her new "lion's mane" haircut along with a striped dress.  A July 5th gives 2NE1 time to release a group teaser photo and maybe some MV teasers.

2NE1 has been busy with New Evolution concert preparations.  New Evolution is also set to be released in July on the 28th.

Are you ready for 2NE1's comeback?

Source: Koreaboo

SISTAR's Bora is NOT Megan Fox

There has a been a circulating story that talks about Bora being "Korea's Megan Fox," but I have to disagree with that statement.  Bora is Korea's Bora.  That's like saying Amber is Korea's Justin Bieber (NO).  I really don't think that we should be comparing Korean artists to American artists or vice versa.  Every artist has their own style and is their own artist -- maybe styles are borrowed and shared, but no artist is the same.

Bora has got her own curves and own moves.  She doesn't need to be compared to anyone <3.

Bora is looking good in SISTAR's "Loving U" MV teaser, but she is in NO WAY like Megan Fox.  That is all I have to say . . . SISTAR's "Loving U" COMES OUT JUNE 28TH.

Okay. Now I'm done.