BattLe Of tHe BoY GrouPs

An early forecast reveals that the beginning of 2011 will be marked with an influx of girl group debuts, but with the return of various male groups looming near, fans will get their full doses of testosterone in the near future as well.
Rookies including MBLAQ, Teen Top and Infinite have been generating lots of chatter and interest with their ongoing comebacks this month.
MBLAQ’s title track “Cry” was released just two days ago and has already secured high rankings on various charts including those of Mnet and Bugs. Their full album “BLAQ Style” will be released on the 10th with a live comeback on the 13th.
Teen Top, whose members got kpop fans doing double takes with their silver hair concept, released a MV teaser today for their comeback track ”Transform.” Due to member Niel’s injury, the group has pushed back their live comeback to the 13th.
Finally, Infinite will be returning with their second six-track mini-album “Evolution,” with concept photos and preview videos attracting much attention. Their comeback showcase is schedule to take place in just a few hours today at Seouls’ CGV.
On the other end, news of the impending returns of TVXQ and Big Bang, arguably the two largest male groups of the Korean music scene in recent years, has already been dominating headlines in regards to their comeback albums. TVXQ and Big Bang’s last albums, “Mirotic” and “Remember”, were released in September and November 2008 respectively, so these returns mark the end of two year hiatuses for both groups.
The special edition of TVXQ’s “Why (Keep Your Head Down)” album has been released with the HoMin duo gearing up for a comeback on Music Bank on January 7, followed by appearances on Music Core, Inkigayo and possibly M! Countdown due to reconciliations between SME and Mnet. Choreographed by Rino Nakasone of the Beat Freaks, “Why (Keep Your Head Down)” also caught the attention of American gossip blogger Perez Hilton.
Big Bang’s sub-unit duo GD&TOP made waves with the release of “High High,” “Oh Yeah” and “Knock Out” last month, complete with the most expensive comeback stage in Mnet M. Countdown’s history. After Japanese promotion plans were delayed, it was also announced that GD&TOP will have a second round of promotions for “Don’t Go Home.” Furthermore, Big Bang’s maknae Seungri will be releasing a mini-album on January 13, and the entire group will be making a full comeback soon thereafter.
Unsurprisingly, TVXQ & Big Bang’s returns are being met with overwhelming receptions — “Keep Your Head Down” recorded massive sales immediately after release, and GD&TOP enjoyed 200,000 pre-orders for their album.
Like the 2009 domination of countless new girl groups including 2NE1, 4minute, f(x) and After School , it looks like we’ll be seeing a lot of female debuts this year, but will 2011 mark the return of a boy group craze as well?

can't wait for the comeback..kekeke.. but, wait, where's SS501??

credit : allkpop.com

Lee Seo Jin aNd G-DragOn WouLd LiKe To maRRy Yoo In Na

Yoo In Na was overwhelmed with blush-inducing compliments on the September 19^th episode of SBS’ “Heroes”. Not one, but two handsome celebrities selected her as the ‘woman they would like to marry.’
The theme of the recent “Heroes” episode was ‘the member who would make a fine daughter-in-law.’ The “Heroes” cast dialed their close male acquaintances and asked them which cast member they would want to marry.
Lee Jin contacted actor Lee Seo Jin, who responded, “I want to marry Shin Bong Sun.” However, after MC Lee Hwi Jae persistently pressured him to give an honest answer, Lee Seo Jin eventually answered, “Truthfully, I would like to marry Yoo In Na. She’s so beautiful.”
Big Bang’s G-Dragon was dialed next, and he picked up the phone in the midst of his CF filming. He expressed, “Yoo In Na. I personally really adore her.”

credit : allkpop.com

2NE1 TaLks aboUt ThEir TruE iMaGe aNd CreAtiVe iNpuT

2NE1 has made an impressive comeback with the release of their first official album, “To Anyone.”  Staying true to their unique and powerful energy, they’ve revealed a variety of concepts through their music videos, making sure to differentiate themselves from the other girl groups on the market.
However, in an interview with OSEN on September 15th, 2NE1 showed a different side to their standard image. Despite being confident, they were also humble, and despite being outgoing, they were serious as well. They shyly laughed while commenting, “Meeting us in person, we’re less scary than you thought, right?”
2NE1 revealed that they made a deeper contribution to the album production, working alongside staff members and making sure they got their opinions heard. Additionally, the choreography had every move examined by the members themselves before anything was finalized.
CL revealed, “Honestly, our music producers are already so amazing that we just trust and follow their lead. However, they do try and reflect our opinions as much as possible when they’re making music. Outfits are decided by all of us as well. What we participated the most in with this release is the choreography though. All of us worked with foreign dance instructors to create the choreography, especially for ‘Can’t Nobody’ and ‘Go Away.’ We spent a lot of time on it and made sure to pick moves that we could enjoy performing on stage.”
What actually didn’t reflect the members’ opinions was the CD album jacket. CL stated, “The jacket is what presents our music. I want to someday be able to design it ourselves.”
Recently, one PD commented, “Girl groups are all the same, but I can tell apart 2NE1 instantly.” 2NE1 laughed when the statement was delivered, with CL expressing, “We agree that we’ve differentiated ourselves. Our image and everything is quite different (laughter). I want to think of it as a compliment. We’re different, but not wrong.”
2NE1 also monitors various message boards after they perform. Despite some hateful replies, they claim that they’re not too upset by it. CL stated, “Even I admit that I have some weird pictures out there (laughter). But that’s the real side of me, so I don’t take it to heart.” Minzy added, “Actually, I’m more upset by having no replies as opposed to hateful replies. I’d rather just think of everything positively.”
The members went on to talk about their senior group, Big Bang, and how they were shy when they first debuted. Big Bang didn’t have a lot of experience conversing with other artists outside of YG Entertainment and felt unfamiliar with journalists and broadcast halls. 2NE1, however, revealed that the were even more shy.
CL stated, “Even now, it’s still very awkward. I was standing in the corner of our waiting room during our comeback. What we really can’t do are variety programs. We decided to just stick to music because it was so difficult.”
Dara added, “We have a tendency to look kind of foolish when we’re not on stage. I’ve also heard that we’re a bit immature.”

When asked whether they ever wanted to show a girlier, weaker image of themselves like other girl groups, Dara answered, “We did try. Others said it looked too powerful though (laughter).” CL added, “We want to try girly things, we will do girly things, and I believe we’ve already done girly things. It was probably done in our interpretations though. Just because we sing a girly melody or lyric doesn’t mean we’ll lose our own unique color. We’d just like for everyone to talk about our skills instead.”
2NE1 is also attempting a triple track promotion cycle with “Can’t Nobody,” “Go Away,” and “Let’s Clap.” Instead of being caught up in the pressure of it all, 2NE1 expressed that they just hypnotize themselves with thoughts of enjoying the performance.
Dara stated, “We were extremely nervous at first. After we finished recording our first song, I immediately thought that we weren’t up to par yet. We have to enjoy the music we’re singing in order to properly deliver it. After that, I just let go of my sanity and enjoyed it. I couldn’t help but burst into laughter when I monitored the performance afterward.”
Leader CL gave credit to her lively company atmosphere by stating, “Teddy genuinely cares for us and truly enjoys making our music. Preparing our outfits is hard as well, and it must be so tiring to have to make 3x the standard amount of stage outfits, but the stylists are always working with a smile. Even with our choreography, other seniors were in the middle of promoting, but they still took the time to check up on ours, so it was very fun working with everyone. We have great teamwork.”
With 2NE1 already sweeping the charts, they revealed their goal is for the public to enjoy their music, outfits, and style, and to start a new trend. CL concluded with, “I hope that all of our songs are delivered properly on stage. What’s more important than winning is having everyone truly enjoy our performances. I think it’d be a great honor to be able to influence someone’s joy.”


credit : allkpop.com

WhicH MaLe IdoL GrouP HaS ThE TaLLesT AveRagE HeiGhT?

A study recently revealed the average heights of ten popular male idol groups. Which group do you think stood the tallest?
Height is a very sensitive issue for many, as After School’s Kahi recently found out. For idols, the pressure is even greater since they’re always in the spotlight. Most of these idol group members are in their 20’s, and many of the younger members are still rapidly growing. For example, 16-year-old DongHo of U-Kiss has grown 6cm since their debut back in 2008!
In a recent study, the heights of the idols from ten different groups (2PM, 2AM, CN.Blue, Super Junior, Big Bang, F.Cuz, U-Kiss, ZE:A, BEAST, and MBLAQ), meaning a total of 60 members, were calculated and analyzed. The average height of all of the boys was 179.3cm.
But as individual groups, C.N.Blue had the highest average height of 183cm. Leader Jung YongHwa, 180cm, is the shortest member of the group.

CN Blue

The group that was just shy of getting the top spot was F.Cuz, with an average height of 182cm.

F.Cuz

2AM rounded out the top three with an average height of 181.5cm.

2AM

Check out the entire list of standings:
CN.Blue: 183cm
F.Cuz: 182cm
2AM: 181.5cm
2PM: 180.8cm

2PM

UKiss: 180.2cm

U-Kiss

MBLAQ: 178.4cm

MBLAQ

Super Junior: 177.5cm

Super Junior

Big Bang: 177.2cm

Big Bang

BEAST: 177.1cm

Beast

ZE:A: 175.8cm

ZE:A

However there are many factors that influenced the outcome of this study. For example, the top three groups have only four members, while other groups like Super Junior and ZE:A have more than twice of that, making it more difficult to maintain a high average height.
But all in all, were you surprised by the results?


credit : kpophd.com

YG-LiFe bLoG oFFiCiaLLy OpeNs wiTh 2NE1’s neW TraCk LiSt AnD tEasEr PhoTos

2NE1

It’s a good thing that YG Entertainment’s CEO and founder, Yang Hyun Suk, decided to officially open the long awaited YG-Life blog, because fans have been anticipating something like this for a long time!
The blog officially opened today, September 1st at 2.01pm (KST), and it can be found at both www.yg-life.com and www.yg-life.co.kr. It was made specifically so that artists can develop a closer relationship with fans by posting exclusive videos and photos daily.
You’ll get to learn more about your favorite artists, including 2NE1, Big Bang, Se7en, Gummy, Teddy, Sean, and more through this exclusive blog!
Along with the blog’s debut, exclusive photos for 2NE1’s long awaited comeback on September 9th were revealed, and the full track list for their first full-length album was released. 
Although we’re already aware of two out of the three comeback title tracks (Go Away & Can’t Nobody), the rest can now be viewed below.

1. Can’t Nobody (타이틀곡) 작사, 작곡, 편곡: Teddy
Can’t Nobody (Title Song) | Writer, Producer, Arrangement: Teddy
2. Go Away (타이틀곡) 작사, 작곡, 편곡: Teddy
Go Away (Title Song) | Writer, Producer, Arrangement: Teddy

3. 박수 쳐 (타이틀곡) 작사, 작곡, 편곡: e.knock
Clap Your Hands (Title Song) | Writer, Producer, Arrangement: Teddy

4. 난 바빠 작사: Big Tone / 작곡: PK , Big Tone / 편곡: PK
I’m Busy | Writer: Big Tone / Producer: PK, Big Tone / Arrangement: PK

5. 아파 (Slow) 작사, 작곡: e.knock, 선우 정아 / 편곡: 선우 정아
It Hurts (Slow) | Writer, Producer: e.knock, Sunwoo Jungah / Arrangement: Sungwoo Jungah

6. 사랑은 아야야 작사: Masta Wu / 작곡: Choice37, Big Tone / 편곡: Choice37
Love is Ouch | Writer: Masta Wu / Producer: Choice37, Big Tone / Arrangement: Choice 37

7. You & I (박 봄 솔로) 작사, 작곡, 편곡: Teddy
You & I (Park Bom Solo) | Writer, Producer, Arrangement: Teddy
8. Please Don’t Go (CL & 민지) 작사, 작곡, 편곡: Teddy
Please Don’t Go (CL & Minji) | Writer, Producer, Arrangement: Teddy
9. Kiss (산다라 솔로) 작사, 작곡, 편곡: Teddy
Kiss (Sandara Solo) | Writer, Producer, Arrangement: Teddy
10. 날 따라 해봐요 작사, 작곡, 편곡: Teddy
Try to Follow Me | Writer, Producer, Arrangement: Teddy

11. I Don’t Care (Reggae mix) Writer, Producer: Teddy, e.knock / Writer: Sungwoo Jungah
12. Can’t Nobody (Eng. Ver) Writer: Perry / Producer, Arrangement: Teddy
[Many thanks to YGLadies.com for the list and translations]

And the new concept photos! Each member is sporting a new look, and they sure know how to excite fans! Check out their solo photos, as well as one glorious group shot.

2NE1

CL

Park Bom

Sandara Park

Minzy

Talented rapper Will.I.Am also recorded a 30-second proprosal video, which was revealed as part of the blog’s grand opening.  Will.I.Am is working with the girls to help spread their music internationally.



Aren’t you excited? Things have already been heating up, and with these new goodies revealed such as the bonus tracks (English version!), they’re bound to dominate the charts.
Stay tuned for their full-length album release of “To Anyone” on September 9th, followed by their first live performance of all 3 title tracks on September 12th’s SBS Inkigayo!

wooww...
get ready BlackJack!!
your 2NE1 is coming back!!


credit : allkpop.com

WhO Do FaNs WanT To HaVe A DrinK WitH On A RaiNy DaY?

Lee HyoRi and 2PM Nichkhun

Imagine that you’re having a cold rainy day and you want to feel cozy by having a drink with a star. Who would you choose to accompany you for a drink?
On the music portal site Bugs, 664 music fans participated in a survey, held from the 17th to the 23rd, asking “Which singer would you want to eat ‘pajeon’ and drink rice wine with on a rainy day?”
The Thai Prince, Nichkhun from 2PM topped the poll with 171 votes. For fans, the taste of the drink will be better if the handsome Nichkhun was there to accompany them.
The K-Pop queen who is also a CF model for an alcoholic beverage, Lee HyoRi came in as second. With her bubbly personality, fans think that the drinking session in the rainy day will be most fun with her.
Sandara Park from 2NE1 won the third place while After School‘s UEE who is also a alcoholic beverage CF model like Lee Hyori, was in fourth. Big Bang’s TaeYang and actress Yoon EunHye were also listed in the ranks.
Which star do you like to drink with in a rainy day?

credit : allkpop.com

TaeYanG Is BusY, BusY

Big Bang‘s member, Taeyang, has been busy spending his days promoting his solo album and promoting Big Bang’s new song in Japan.
According to the entertainment, when the Japanese single, Beautiful Hangover, was released on the 25th, he secretly left to Japan with the Big Bang members in order to promote their single.
News about a new single was reported before it came out. But the fact that they were going to promote the single was not known by many of the fans. In order to continue this, Big Bang has decided to carefully promote their single while they are in Japan.
As Taeyang released his international release album, I’ll Be There on the 19th, it was decided that he comes back on the 28th to promote his album. On the 21st, he performed his new song, I’ll Be There on MBC Music Core and plans on performing again on the 28th. On the 29th, he will be performing on SBS Inkigayo and plans on meeting his Korean fans.
The staff who are working with Taeyang said that Taeyang will arrive in Korea on the 28th to promote his album. Even though he’s promoting his solo album and the Japanese single at the same time, he’s always doing his best to please the fans.
With the Japanese single and his solo single, his solo concert, which will be held on September 25th and 26th, is also coming up for him. He doesn’t have a day to rest.
Although he’s busy with promoting as a member of Big Bang and as Taeyang, the results are satisfactory. For the Japanese single, Beautiful Hangover, as soon as it was released, it was ranked in 5th place on the Oricon charts and have shown a very good start for their promotion.
During last June, when they debuted with the single, My Heaven, it was ranked 3rd and was able to have a successful start in their career in the Japanese market. Since then, they’ve released 5 Japanese singles and all of them were ranked 5th place or higher on the Oricon charts.
Taeyang’s solo album, I’ll Be There is currently gaining positive feedback. With a vampire concept that brings out the manliness in Taeyang, him and his dancers perform a very charismatic dance and along with his charming voice, he has once again gained the attention of many fans and those in the music industry.
On the 20th, through Taeyang’s YouTube channel, the music video was posted and 2 days after it was posted, over 100,000 views, and counting, was shown on the page. Also, on the 25th, the number of views of the channel was 124,005,347 and have become a hot issue, not only in Korea but overseas as well. The channel was ranked number 1 for most views and have had very positive feedback.
During October, Big Bang is planning on releasing a new album. It has been reported that they are also working on their new album and have been busy traveling to Korea and Japan. Their second album, Sunset Glow, was released in November of 2008 and it has been 2 years since they have released a Korean album.


credit : kpoplive.com

KorEAn WoMen’s MosT WanTeD BoyFrienDs

Di bawah ini adalah polling yang dikhususkan kepada para fans wanita Kpop Music, untuk memilih ‘top 20 Celebrity yang paling diinginkan sebagai kekasih atau pacar’.
Check this out:
1. G-Dragon Bigbang (896票)

2. Jang Geun Seok & Lee Min Ho (860 votes)

Jang Geun Suk

Jang Geun Suk

Jang Geun Suk

Lee MinHo

Lee Min Ho

Lee Min Ho

3. Lee Donghae Super Junior (823 votes)

4. Nichkhun 2PM (756 votes)

5. T.O.P Big Bang (718 votes)

6. Choi MinHo SHINee (624 votes)

7. DaeSung Bigbang (543 votes)

8. Lee Hong Ki FT Island (517 votes)

9. Jung Yunho TVXQ (456 votes)

10. Jung YongHwa CN Blue (319 votes)

11. Kim Jaejoong TVXQ (314 votes)

12. Lee Taemin SHINee (298 votes)

13. Kim Hyun Joong SS501 (295 votes)

14. Seungri Bigbang (291 votes)

15. Thunder MBLAQ (288 votes)

16. Kim Heechul Super Junior (285 votes)

17. Taeyang Bigbang (279 votes)

18. Ok Taecyeon 2PM (264 votes)

19. LeeTeuk Super Junior (256 votes)

20. Choi Jung Hoon FT Island (245 votes)

so?? which one do you like???hehe..


credit : koreanindo