슈아이 SHU-I

Short form for So Hot Union of Idols, SHU-I signals the coming of a new breed of idol group. Five members of the group have trained for their debut for the past two years and their long training has put them in a level above other run-of-the-mill idol groups. Their single album features powerful rhythm and refined adaptation. Anyone who hears the album will be hooked onto the easy-listening melody. Since their debut on TV in mid-September, the group has been gaining attention of the younger generation.

In-seok (real name: Hwang In-seok; rapper)
Date of birth : Feb. 19, 1988
Height : 178cm
Weight : 56kg
* Former member of R-eaL.

Chang-hyun
Date of birth : Jun. 9, 1988
Height : 181cm
Weight : 58kg
* Former member of R-eaL.

Hyung-joon (real name: Park Hyung-joon)
Date of birth : Jan. 26, 1989

Min-ho (real name: Park Min-ho)
Date of birth : Feb. 1, 1989

Jin-seok (real name: Park Jin-seok)
Date of birth : Jan. 22, 1991

Discography:

BOMB BOMB BOMB (Digital Single)

Listen to BOMB BOMB BOMB

Credits: KBS World + Naver

비투와이 B2Y

B2Y (Babyboys To Yearninggirls) is a 4 member mixed group (two girls, two boys) said to bring up the retro craze with songs with the same feelings of ABBA’s “Mama Mia” and Grease’s “Saturday Night Fever”.


안순용 - Ahn Soon Yong
Stage Name: 한연 Han Yeon
Birthdate: 1983.11.07
Height/Weight: 182cm/61kg
Bloodtype: B
Family: dad, mom, younger sister, and a cat named “kuma”
Favorite Color: black
Favorite outfit style: casual and what looks good on me
Favorite food: pizza, hamburger
Experiences:
2004 – I's 1st single <> Title song “Loving you”
2005 - T.H.E. Story 1st Album <> Title song “Rain Song”
2007 - <宫S> ost - 나무 (tree)
2008 – Former leader of R-eaL


박진웅 – Park Jin Woong
Nicknames: 짜붕
Birthdate:1988.02.20
Height/Weight: 183cm/63kg
Bloodtype: B
Favorite musicians: fly to the sky , Park Hyo Shin, WheeSung, John Legend, etc.
Hobbies: writing lyrics, composing songs, singing, acting.guitar
University: Yonsei University, architectural engineering
Experiences:
2006 - National University Rock Band (as vocal)
2006 - play (main role)
2008 - Former member of R-eaL


Lika (리카)
Born:April 11, 1988
Height:166cm
weight:43kg
Blood Type:A
position:main vocals
Info: She took part in the musical ‘Rent’ this year


Nara (나라)
Born:April 19, 1988
Height:166cm
weight:43kg
Blood Type:B
position: main vocals
Info: She graduated from national arts high school, won a daesang at the national traditional music competition performing the gayageum

Discography:

1st Mini Album: Sun Drenched


Listen to 1st Mini Album: Sun Drenched

Credits: Soompi + Naver

박효신 Park Hyo Shin

Park Hyo-shin is a singer who has a deep and appealing voice that attracts many people to his songs. Rather than banking on his fame, Park likes to let himself be known as a singer with real talent. Just listening to his deep and appealing voice, many wouldn’t be able to guess that he’s only 23 years old. Maybe that’s why his fan demographic ranges from teenagers to thirty-somethings. Park has been training himself hard to become a top singer ever since he was 16. Park stood out as a promising talent by winning top prizes in various song competitions. Finally in January of 2000, Park made his debut as a professional singer with “Things I Cannot Do For You”. Upon his debut, he attracted attention and was praised by many people. From his debut album, two songs, “Things I Cannot Do For You” and “Fool”, recorded hits instantly, marking him up as one of the most exciting musicians to step to the forefront of the industry in recent times. Later, Park Hyo-shin actively performed in various events like participating in the musical “Rock Hamlet”, a tribute album for Deulgukhwa, “That Only Is My World” and as duetting with Lee Sora on her 4th album. In January of 2001, Park released his second album “Second Story”, in which top songwriters like Yoon Sang, Kim Dong-ryul and Yoo Hee-yeol participated, eliciting great responses from music lovers.

Date of birth: December 1, 1981
Height 178 cm
Blood type: O
Hobbies: Playing computer games
Special talent: impersonating other singers
Education: Kyung-hee University, Post-modern Music major

Discography:

Listen to
1st Album: 해줄 수 없는 일
2nd Album: Second Story
3rd Album: Time Honored Voice
3rd Album: Time Honored Voice (Limited Edition)
Park Hyo Shin Best Voice = 2003 - 1999
4th Album: Soul Tree
Neo Classicism
Next Destination ... New York
5th Album: The Breeze of Sea
Hwang Project Vol. 1 - Welcome To The Fantastic World
The Gold
6th Album: GIFT Part 1

Credits: KBS World + Wikipedia + Naver

포미닛 (4minute)

The five-girl group “4minute” was so named to mean “showing everything within four minutes” and “expressing the perfection of the moment.” The musical style of the most anticipated new girl group of the 2009 is said to be candy funky, which supposedly expresses their sweetness and offbeat nature. Their single “Hot Issue” embodies the retro feel of the 1980s and 90s, but also mixes in a healthy dose of today’s unfettered rap, creating a new, fresh musical trend. They’re the group to watch in 2009.






PROFILE:

Nam Ji-hyun (lead vocal)
Date of birth : Jan. 9, 1990
Height : 167
Weight : 49
Talents : Ballet, dancing

Heo Ga-yoon (vocal)
Date of birth : May 18, 1990
Height : 165
Weight : 47
Hobbies : Watching movies, writing songs
Talent : Singing

Jeon Ji-yoon (vocal)
Date of birth : Oct. 15, 1990
Height : 165
Weight : 47
Hobbies : Cooking, writing songs
Talent : Singing, dancing

Kim Hyun-ah (rap)
Date of birth : Jun. 6, 1992
Height : 163
Weight : 45
Hobbies : Cooking, watching movies
Favorite musicians: Rain, Pussycat Dolls

Kwon So-hyun (vocal)
Date of birth : Aug. 30, 1994
Height : 162
Weight: 45
Hobby : Playing pool
Talents : Dancing, studying


Discography:

For Muzik (EP)

Listen to For Muzik


Credits: KBS World + Naver

T-ARA

This six-member female group made its debut with the song “A Good Person Ver.1” in the original soundtrack of drama “Cinderella Man.” Also Ji-yeon of T-ara joined Seeya and Davichi in a project group called “Women’s Generation” to show off her vocal talent. Another notable member is Bo-ram, the daughter of famous 80s singer Jeon Young-rok and actress Lee Mi-young. Their first TV appearance was not on a music show, but on a talk segment, “Radio Star,” on MBC in late July.






PROFILE:

Ji-yeon (real name: Park Ji-yeon)
DOB : June 7th, 1993
Height : 165 cm
Weight : 45 kg
Occupation : Korean Singer, Actress, Model
Education : HyeHwa High School for Girls
Entertainment Company: Mnet Media

Career:
- [2009.04] Seeya's Member ??
- [2009] 그룹 '티아라' 멤버
- [20xx] 잡지 '신디더퍼키' (Cindy Magazine)
- [20xx] '쎄시' 모델 (Ssesi Model)

Award:
- [2008] 스마트 모델 선발대회 대상 (Smart Model, the target selection award)
- [2007] APM모델 은상 (APM Model, Silver)

CF:
- [2008] 스마트 (Smart, School Uniform)

Music Video:
- 내사랑 울보 (SG Wanabe)
- 사랑해 (SG Wanabe)


Eun-jeong (real name: Hahm Eun-jeong)
DOB : December 12th, 1988
Height : 167 cm
Weight : 47 kg
Occupation : Korean Singer, Actress, Model
Education: DongGook University for Performance
Entertainment : Mnet Media

Movies :
1999 - A-rong's Big Expedition
2002 - Madeleine as the Young SeongHye
2004 - Toji, the Land as BongSoon
2005 - The Beast and the Beauty as Haemi
2006 - Ice Bar as MiSook & The World of Silence as MinHee
2008 - Gosa, Death Bell as Kim JiWon

Music :
Color Pink Digital Single
SeeYa's "Are You Walking Away"
T-ara's "Good Person" in Cinderella Man OST Part 1

Music Videos :
Ft Island's "A Man's First Love Follows him to the Grave"
Ft Island's "Thunder"
FT Island's "Just One Person"
SG Wannabe's "가시리"

Commercials:
Ivy Club CF
Cuckoo Cooking Tools CF
Government Information Agency CF
Morning Rice Drink CF
Earth science Colors fleets CF


Hyo-min (real name: Park Sun-young)
DOB : May 30, 1989
Occupation : Korean Singer, Actress
Education : SungGyoon University for Acting
Entertainment : Mnet Media

Music :
Color Pink Digital Single
T-ara's "Good Person" in Cinderella Man OST Part 1

Music Videos :
SG Wannabe's "멋지게이별 Dramatic Breakup (?)"
FT Island's "Heaven"
SS501's "Unlock"


Bo-ram (real name: Jeon Bo-ram)
Date of birth : Mar. 22, 1986
Height : 155
Daughter of singer Jeon Young-rok and actress Lee Mi-young

Curie
Year of birth : 1987

So-yeon (real name: Park So-yeon)


Discography:

거짓말 (Digital Single)

Listen to 거짓말


TTL (Time To Love)

Listen to TTL


좋은 사람 Ver.1 - Cinderella Man OST

Listen to 좋은 사람 Ver.1

Credits: K Bites + Lautanindo + Cyworld Korea + KBS World + Naver

Tiger JK (Drunken Tiger)

Name: Tiger JK
Korean Name: Suh Jung Kwon
Birthday: June 11th, 1974
Height: approximately 6'0ft (180cm)
Weight: 143lbs. (65kg)
Nationality: Korean
Blood Type: O
Group Status: Active
Favorite Musician: Bob Marley
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Actor: Bruce Lee
Schools: Beverly Hills High School, College: UCLA (majored in English)
Things He Does Well: TaeKwonDo (5th rank black belt)
Saddest Moment In Life: When he was reading the letters from his parents while he was in jail.
First Appearance: KFPK broadcast's "Hip Hop Festival" in high school, with Micki Eyes.
Before Drunken Tiger: Released a solo album with title song, "Hide And Seek." Unfortunately, the album didn't do well.
Siblings: Two younger sisters, Jane & Jamie
Drinking Capacity: 2 bottles of Tequila
Website: www.jungleent.com, www.lungta.co.kr, www.dt-love.co.kr

Tiger JK was already a pioneer in the making prior to Drunken Tiger's debut. JK immigrated to Los Angeles at the age of 11, but upon arrival, JK was pressured by many to assume the stereotypical Korean image. Instead, JK chose to rebel against it, and ended up joining a black gang, the Criminal Minded Kings. While other Koreans criticized JK for being more "Black," JK felt more comfortable with CMK and the Black culture. It was during this period that JK started familiarizing himself with hip-hop culture.

In 1992, JK was inspired by the Los Angeles race riots to break a media-constructed stereotype that portrayed Koreans as uncompassionate towards the Black community. At a show hosted by DJ Nhamdi, JK spoke his feelings in lyrics rather than a speech, and despite the criticisms he received by that crowd, he still caught the attention of some Korean record labels. He signed with one label and released a solo called "Call Me Tiger, but unfortunately, JK's title song, "Hide & Seek," didn't do well due to restrictions put on the album. The song received only a few plays on the radio and the lyrics were found inappropriate for television. However, JK set the early precedents for Korean hip-hop culture.

Both members of Drunken Tiger improved tremendously in their skills over the years, but it was JK's abilities as a songwriter that impressed fans the most. During the first album, JK and Shine were criticized heavily for their "mediocre" Korean speaking abilities and their English-dominated first album. However, JK shot back at critics hard when it was revealed he wrote the majority of the Korean lyrics for the second album. Ever since then, JK has been the main writer of DT's Korean lyrics, and he has been hailed by fellow rappers as having one of the best flows/written skills amongst Korean artists.

JK has gone on to produce tracks for a variety of artists, including Tasha, YDG, and even R&B artist, J. JK was also responsible for the 4th album hit, "Thumb." After Shine's leave during the 5th album, many fans worried if JK would be able to hold his own. However, JK's career soared, winning the #1 spot on the charts for "Liquor Shots" and later winning the MNET "2005 Best Music Video Of the Year" award, possibly the biggest honor ever given to DT. JK soon after became the official spokesperson for Reebok's Asia campaign, Prime beer, and a variety of prominent brands. After he finished promoting the 6th album, JK left DT's longtime label, Doremi Records, and started his own record label, Jungle Entertainment.

credit: drunkencamp.com

The Partner ( Korean Drama )

Drama: Romance & Law

Cast: Kim Hyeon Joo, Lee Dong Wook, Lee Honey, Choi Cheol Ho

Synopsis:

“Who is your partner?” The word ‘Partner’ takes a different meaning when it is used in a law firm. Partners are the people who survived from the power struggle. They are executives who are on the top of the law firm pyramid. Enterprises are law firm’s partners. They struggle to be cclose to power and to become a slave of money. There are some lawyers who want be the partners of commoners as well. They are willing to be the spokesperson for the underprivileged. It is a story about partner; the one who is going to stay by your side and fight together in front of law.

credit: KBSWORLD

The Accidental Couple ( Korean Drama )

Drama: Romance & Comedy

Cast: Hwang Jeong Min, Kim A Joong, Joo Sang Wook, Baek Seong Hyeon

Synopsis:

Through fate mailman Dong-baek Ku (Jeong-min Hwang) and famous actress Ji-su Han (Ah-jung Kim) crosses paths and eventually become involved in a contract marriage.

It all starts when actress Ji-su gets involved in a car crash with her secret boyfriend driving the car. Desperate to cover up their relationship, Ji-su drags an innocent bystander, mailman Dong-baek Gu into the car, while her boyfriend flees the scene. The paparazzi then arrives and takes their photos. This brings Dong-baek Gu instant notoriety and things turn more bizarre when he continues to act as Ji-su's boyfriend.

credit: asianmediawiki

The Slingshot ( Korean Drama )

Drama: Action & Romance

Cast : Park Yong Ha, Kim Kang Woo, Park Shi Yeon, Lee Philip, Han Yeo Woon, Park Ki Woong

Synopsis:

Kim Shin(Park Yong-ha), a son of rich family, was living as a playboy, but one day his father’s company becomes entangled in a conspiracy of TS Group in the process of merging and closed by bankruptcy. After the bankruptcy, Kim Shin’s father sinks into depression and ends up hanging himself.
Due to this incident, Kim Shin sets new goals in his life. He decides to make Chae(the president of TS Group) to commit suicide because of money, and jumps into the stock market. He becomes a cool-headed M&A expert, and makes plans to break TS Group with Do Jae-myeong who has pried into TS Group like him. While trying into TS Group for the revenge, he learns that the president Chae is just a bad guy. Behind all the evil acts, there was the president Chae’s son, Chae Do-wu.
With the battle of wits between Kim Shin and Chae Do-wu, the story of their complicated relationships with Kim Shin’s ex-girlfriend, Seo Gyeong-a and Chae Do-wu’s younger sister, Chae Eun-su unfolds.

credit: hancinema.net

He Who Can't Marry ( Korean Drama )

Drama: Romantic Comedy

Cast: Ji Jin-Hee, Uhm Jung Hwa, Kim So Eun, Yang Jeong Ah, Yoo Ah-In

Synopsis:

Cho Jae Hee is a man in his 40s who is very stubborn and hasn’t gotten married yet. His personality is so unbearable that women don’t find him attractable nor a good candidate for marriage. However, Jae Hee, is perfect in everything that he does. His life will be surrounded by three different women. Jang Moon Jung is a doctor that he meets one day, Jung Yoo Jin is his neighbor whom he meets due to a disturbance, and Yang Jung Ah is his colleague at work.

Credit: koreandrama.com

SUPREME TEAM ( Hip Hop Duo )

[ Mini Album ] SUPREME TEAM - Supreme Team Guide To Excellent Adventure
Release date: 2009.07.13
Genre: Hip Hop
Language: Korean
Members: Simon D & E-sens

메이트 Mate

From left to right : Im Heon Il , Lee Hyun Jae , Jung Joon Il

Profile

Im Heon Il 임헌일
Position: Vocals and Guitar
Born: November 13, 1983
Debut: Jeong Won Young band
Favorite musicians: Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Buckley, John Mayer
Education:The Practical Music and the Arts
Awards:2004 statue of the 15th yujaeha Music Contest
Cyworld: www.cyworld.com/bremengt

Lee Hyun Jae 이현재
Position: Drums (Also a model)
Born: April 12, 1988
Cyworld: www.cyworld.com/hjdrum

Jung Joon Il 정준일
Position: Vocal and Keyboard
Born: August 16, 1983
Awards:2005 16th Silver yujaeha Music Contest


Discography


Album : vol.1 Be Mate
Date : 27 April 2009

01 고백 (Confession)
02 그리워 (Longing)
03 Come Back To Me
04 It`s Alright
05 하늘을 날아 (Fly To The Sky)
06 너에게..기대 (Looking Forward To You)
07 우울한 너에게 (Depressing You)
08 왜 (Why)
09 난 너를 사랑해 (I Love You)
10 안녕 (Hello/Goodbye)

Credit to Naver + Daum + Mardi09@Soompi

Someday (썸데이)

Debut: 2009.03.12; 1집 - Someday
Genre: R&B / Ballad / Soul
Record Label: Doremi Media

-- BIOGRAPHY
Someday, a male quartet, has emerged as a promising ballad group by singing "Do You Know" for the original soundtrack of drama "Boys over Flowers". "Do You Know" is the main theme song for So I-jung, one of the show's four main characters, played by actor Kim Beom. They were already well-known for their musical talent even before the "Boys over Flowers" OST was released. Now that their song has become a huge hit, it's only a matter of time before these four extremely talented musicians become a household name. Someday's solo album is due out sometime in early spring of 2009.

-- MEMBER PROFILES

Member : 한현희 (Hahn Hyun Hee)
Birth Date : 1980.02.26
Height : 176cm
Weight : 65kg
Hobby : Cooking
Talent : Writing lyrics
Favorite food : Korean food
Favorite celebrity : Andy Warhol

Member : 주영 [Ju Young] (Real Name: 송주영 Song Ju Young)
Birth Date: 1984.07.11
Height : 175cm
Weight : 60kg
Hobby : Taking Oriental medicine
Talent : Song composition
Favorite food : Korean food

Member : 정원택 (Jung Won Taek)
Birth Date : 1984.02.04
Height : 172cm
Weight : 60kg
Hobby : Playing games
Talent : Song composition
Religion : Protestantism
Favorite actor : Lee Byung-heon


Member : 정세영 (Jung Sae Young)
Birth Date : 1979.12.24
Height : 180cm
Weight : 64kg
Hobbies : Playing internet games, reading
Talent : Writing lyrics
Favorite musician : Brian McKnight
Favorite food : Three-layer pork


-- DISCOGRAPHY



1집 - Someday
Release Date: 2009.03.12

01. 남자답지 못해서
02. 알고있나요 (Duet Version) (feat. 제아 of 브라운아이드걸즈) [Je-A of Brown Eyed Girls] [WATCH MV: PART 1]
03. 다시
04. Beautiful
05. Love Me
06. One Step
07. 슬픈 내 하루는
08. No.603
09. 나는
10. 습관처럼
11. 눈을 감아도 (feat. 박정은) [Park Jung Eun]
12. 혼자 울지마

Boys Over Flowers OST
Release Date: 2009.01.08
Track 03 - 알고있나요 (Do You Know?)

Other Information
Hahn Hyun Hee & Jung Sae Young were previously in 4 Men.

Credits: KBS World + Naver + innocentjt (compiling info) + Soompi

24/7

Members from L to R: Noh Minwoo, HyeonWoo, Lee Jang Woo

Artist: 24/7
Album: 24 Hours A Day, 7 Days A Week
Language: Korean
Genre: Pop / Ballad
Date Release: Feb 26, 2009

Tracklist

01 Keunyeoseokye Yeoja
02 Keunyeoseokye Yeoja (Rock Ver.)
03 Keunyeoseokye Yeoja (Electronic Ballade Ver.)

Members 411:

Noh Minwoo (aka Rose)
Born: May 29, 1986
Occupation: actor and singer
Agent: SM Entertainment
Physique: 183.0cm, 60.0kg
Blood Type: AB
Debut: Trax debut album in 2004 album [Paradox]
Education: 용문 High School
Career:
Group - 2004-2006. 05 'Trax' Member


Hyeonwoo
Born: January 18, 1985
Occupation: Korean Actors, Korean singer
Dept. Group: teuwentiposebeun
Agent: Sidus HQ
Physique: 182.0cm, 65.0kg
Blood Type: O
Debut:
Acting - 2008 film 'ssanghwajeom'
Singing - Twenty Four Seven debut album 2009 album [he's a girl]

Lee Jang Woo
Born: June 1, 1986
Occupation: Actor and singer
Agent: Young Producers Alliance
Physique: 184.0cm, 68.0kg
Blood Type: O
Debut: Twenty Four Seven debut album 2009 album [he's a girl]
Hobbies: basketball, movies
Special skills: singing, playing the violin
Career:
~ Magazine, Esquire, Arena model
~ SFFA Seoul Collection Fashion Show janggwanghyo, bakjongcheol model

Credit: Asianuniverse.net & Asianmusiclover.blogspot

Mother (to be released on May 2009)

Veteran actress Kim Hye-ja and hallyu star Won Bin will star in a new film directed by Bong Joon-ho, renowned for local blockbuster ``The Host.''

Titled ``Mother,'' the film has been cast and shooting will begin this fall, with an early 2009 opening planned.

The plot involves a mother who struggles to clear a false charge against her son, who is involved in a murder case. It is about a mentally challenge young man who is accused of a murder which his mother denies and fights to prove him innocent. This film is about a mother's unconditional love and passion to save his son. The mother character is acted by the talented actress, Kim Hye-ja.

Kim will return to the big screen ten years after 1999's ``Mayonnaise.''

The film marks Won's comeback four years after 2004's ``My Brother'' and will be his first appearance since being discharged from military service.

Bong is known to be a big fan of Kim, with high praise for her acting, which he thinks touches the hearts of the viewers. Kim has been long dubbed ``an ideal type of Korean mother'' for focusing on mother roles. Bong has long had his eye on Kim for the role, first expressing his interest in her for it four years ago.

Credit: Hancinema.com

Chung Lim

Born: February 6, 1986
Occupation: Korean singer, actor
Physique: 184.0cm, 74.0kg
Blood Type: O
Company: 2009 년 STEP
Hobbies: Basketball, hip-hop
Special Skills: Korea dance, dance, Aikido
Religion: Catholic
Favorite Color: White
Education:
Daejeon, Korea Arts High School Dance
Korea Arts School
Awards:
Kyunghee University Student Dance Concours Gold
Daegu Ward Youth Dance Contest Mercury Silver
Sungkyunkwan University Student Dance Concours Gold
Daejeon Education cold Dance Contest 1
Acting:
He had a role in I'm Sorry I Love You
(Don't know how small or big it was)
CFs:
2004 SK Telecom
Chulyeonjak CF-out

Discography:

Chung Lim - Step
Release Date : 2009.03
Genre : Dance

1 씹다버린 껌

2 Step (Feat. Benzi)

3 담배끊기

4 내 맘 속에서만

5 Step (Feat. Benzi) Playdog Remix

Credit: Soompi.com

Civil Servant Level 7: Kim Ha Neul & Kang Ji Hwan (Release on April 23rd 2009)

Seventh Grade Civil Servant” is a spy action, romance movie with the South Korea’s National Intelligence Service as the backdrop. The plot revolves around an 80billion won sale of chemical and biological weapons and the clash between Russian organized crime groups and the South Korea Intelligence Agency. The title of the movie, “Seventh Grade Civil Servant” refers to the minimum level required for a civil servant to enter the intelligence agency.

Kim Ha Neul will play as Ahn Soo Ji in the movie, an agent to the National Intelligence who has to hide her identity by living another life. This is a role that is completely different from top star “Oh Seung Ah”. The male lead of the movie, Kang Ji Hwan, will play as an international accountant who falls in love with Kim Ha Neul. As a result, Kang Ji Hwan is drawn into danger.

Different from her previous work “Six Years in Love” and “On Air”, Kim Ha Neul will need to transform herself in “Seventh Grade Civil Servant”. In order to get used fighting, horse riding and fencing actions, Kim Ha Neul will go through intensive trainings in the next three months.

“New challenges will always make my heartbeat go faster. As this is my first attempt at an action film, I do have some worries. However, I will immerse myself totally into the role. As an actress, I feel that this is a very good chance to widen the type of roles I am able to play,” Kim Ha Neul said.

The main casts for “Seventh Grade Civil Servant” has been finalized and the filming will begin on the 5th of October. The movie has a chance to be the most anticipated film in 2009.

credit: AsianFanatics

Son Dam Bi

Son Dam Bi is a South Korean singer who debuted in 2007. She has been the It Girl among many Korean netizens for several months after somebody accidentally uploaded her dance video online. Then, after her Samsung CF aired on TV, she officially become the "the female Rain". She made her first debut on June 29th on Channel V A-Live. Since then she has performed in concerts and music shows.

Dam Bi has previously appeared in music videos for Paran and MYV and various big name commercials, shooting to stardom with an mp3 player CF in which she unleashed her dance moves opposite Poppin' Hyun Joon. The buzz around her was so high, MSN Japan made the unprecedented move to give her special coverage before her official debut, closely documenting her rehearsals and training. The video documentary ended up attracting 480,000 visitors in just five days. Dam Bi trained with a well-known American choreographer in preparation for her debut album, and her impressive dancing had people referring to her the female version of Rain.
She also starred in MayBee's MV.

credit: JPopAsia & GQ.com

T-Max

T-Max (티맥스) is a South Korean all-male pop trio. Members consist of 2 vocalists and a main rapper, who are as follows;

신민철 (Shin Mincheol) :: Born - February 5, 1982 (Vocalist)
김형준 or 김준 (Kim Hyeongjun, better known as Kim Jun) :: Born - February 3, 1985 (Rapper)
박윤화 (Pak Yunhwa) :: Born January 31, 1986 (Vocalist)

To date they have released 3 singles, 2 singles include OST hits:
Blooming (July 2007), Lion Heart (November 2007), Run to You (December 2008)

Currently, member Kim Jun has been casted and is currently starring as a member of the F4 in the Korean drama “Boys Over Flowers” (꽃보다 남자) In addition to the singles listed above, they added to their OST collection in late 2008 by singing the main theme for the new popular K-Drama “Boys Over Flowers”

Pak Yunhwa has also been recognized for participating in “Battle Shinhwa”, a show that centered around popular idol band Shinhwa searching and selecting members to create a new boyband.

They have often been called the “Korean w-inds.” (as to be compared to the Japanese pop group w-inds.) due to their trio nature and musical style, which many note, has a certain Japanese flavour.

credit: LastFm

PRIVATE EYE 그림자살인 (Release on April 2nd, 2009)

CAST:

HWANG JUNG MIN as Jin-ho / police-turned-private detective

UHM JI WON as Sun-deok / female inventor

RYU DEOK HWAN as Gwang-su / medical student

OH DAL SU as Young-dal / Jongno police chief

One of the best actors working in Korea today, Jeong-min Hwang, is working on his next picture titled “Gongjung Gokyesa” (literal translation Air Acrobat). The film will co-star actor Deok-hwan Ryu (Our Town/Like A Virgin) and actress Ji-won Uhm (Traces of Love/Scarlet Letter). “Gongjung Gokyesa” will also feature acting vets Dal-su Oh and Je-mun Yun in supporting roles. The film is also directed by first time director Dae-min Park (having previously directed two short films).

In “Gongjung Gokyesa” Jeong-min Hwang plays Jin-ho Hong, the first Private Investigator of the Joseon era. Jin-ho Hong is noted for his uncanny intuition and also very high price tag. Playing Jin-ho Hong’s sidekick is medical student Kwang-su Jang (Deok-hwan Ryu). Actress Ji-won Eom will play Madame Deok-sun, a married lady of virtue who also secretly works as an inventor. The movie is reported to be a unique period piece / detective thriller.

“Gongjung Gokyesa” has started filming and should be released by the first half of 2009.

credit: Soompi.com

Insadong Scandal (upcoming Movie 2009)

Debuts April 2009. Filiming started Oct 2008.

Director : Park Hee Gon
Cast : Kim Rae Won 김래원, Uhm Jung Hwa 엄정화, Choi Song Hyun 최송현, Im Ha Ryong 임하룡, Hong Soo Hyun 홍수현, Kim Byung Ok 김병옥, Go Chang Suk, Jung Jin 정진, Kim Jung Tae 김정태, Ma Dong Suk 마동석, Oh Jung Sae 오정세
Official Site :
Related movie site : http://movie.daum.net/moviedetail/moviedet...o?movieId=47747
Link to photo gallery : http://movie.daum.net/moviedetail/moviedet...o?movieId=47747
Link to trailers : http://movie.daum.net/moviedetail/moviedet...o?movieId=47747

Credit: Soompi.com

IRIS (upcoming Drama September 2009)

Production: Taewon Entertainment & Kang Je-kyu Film
PD: Kim Kyu-tae 김규태 (A Love To Kill), Yang Yun-ho 양윤호 (Rainbow Eyes)
Script: Kang Je-kyu 강제규, Choi Wan-kyu 최완규
Cast: Lee Byung-hun 이병헌, Jung Joon-ho 정준호, Kim Seung-woo 김승우, Kim Tae-hee 김태희, Kim So-Yeon 김소연, TOP
Episodes: 20
Broadcast Time: Wednesday/Thursday 9:55PM
First Broadcast: September 2009
Network: KBS2TV
Filming: Starts in March 2009

Japanese Actress Yoo Min Joins ‘IRIS’

The cast of the upcoming drama ‘IRIS’ just got stronger. Japanese actress Yoo Min (Fueki Yuko) is the latest to join the drama which already has a star-studded cast, that includes Lee Byung Hun, Kim Tae Hee, Jung Joon Ho, Kim Seung Woo, Kim So Yeon and TOP.

'IRIS’ has began its filming in Akita Prefecture, Japan on the 10th with Lee Byung Hun, Kim Tae Hee and Kim So Yeon. Yoo Min, Jung Joon Ho, Kim Seung Woo and TOP will be joining the team some time this month.

Credit: Soompi.com& pandahunnie.wordpress

May Doni Kim

May Doni who debuted last year with a feature in JoPD’s song “Pull,” will finally make her own “real” debut on the January 16th episode of KBS Music Bank. May Doni was first discovered through JYP’s “99% Talent Development Project Challenge,” and received a great deal of recognition for her amazing vocal and dancing abilities.

Musicology:

7 Teen
1. ID (I`m Maydoni)
2. 몰라 Ing (Feat. 2AM) (Title)
3. 처음처럼 (Feat. July)
4. 몰라 Ing (IS MIX)(Feat. 2AM)
5. 몰라 Ing (M/V Edit)(Feat. 2AM)
6. ID (I`m Maydoni)(Inst.)
7. 몰라 Ing (Inst.)
8. 처음처럼 (Inst.)

Coined as the “female Se7en,” and “Genius Girl,” May Doni’s single “Mollaing (몰라ing),” features 2AM’s Jokwon and Jung Jinwoon.

Credit: LastFM

Hwang Bo

Real name: Hwang Bo Hye Jung
Stage name: Hwang Bo
Family: parents, 1 brother
Height: 165cm (about 5'4")
Weight: 45kg (about 99lbs)
Blood type: A
Religion: Christian
Former member of: Chakra (rapper)
Education: SangBong Elementary --> JunNong Girls' Jr. High --> BaeSung High School --> SeoIll University, Performing Arts Major
Nicknames: "Bakkase" (the energy drink in the small brown bottle with a blue label) (Because when someone's tired, she makes them energized, like the drink), "General" (from some people in Xman. They call her that because she is a tomboy"
Childhood dream: Security guard, police officer, woman soldier, entertainer
Before debut: Rapper for the Bros., Tae-Kwon-Do
Hobbies: Listening to music, writing letters, taking photographs
Things she does well: Physical activities
Personality: Quick tempered, outgoing, tomboy
Habit: Plays around with her fingernails, talks fast
What she likes about herself: Tough and good(??)
Complex: Lower part of her body is skinny
First love: 2nd year of junior high, she had a crush on her Tae-Kwon-Do instructor. Real love...what kind of man...
Motto: "Think about it one more time."

Albums

* Lady in Black, 2007

Featured

As singer

* Bros - WinWin, 1999
* Bros - Dejavu, 1999
* Chakra - 한 [Han], 2000
* Chakra - Hey U, 2000
* Chakra - Lonely Christmas, 2000
* Chakra - 끝 [Kkeut - End], 2001
* Chakra - Oh! My Boy!, 2001
* Chakra - 돌아와 [Dol Ah Wa - Come Back], 2002
* Chakra - 나 너에게 [Na Neo Eh Ke - I Am to You], 2003

As actor

* JNC - But...
* Ciel - Another Day
Movies

* Emergency Act 19, 2002
* Love of South and North, 2003

TV shows

* We Got Married, 2008
* Infinity Girls, 2008

Credit: Soompi, Kpopwiki & Hankooki.com

Alex

Alex Chu is a Korean male singer in the group, Clazziquai. Recently, he has been in many OST soundtracks, using his english name, Alex. Born and raised in Canada, he speaks Korean and English fluently and often sings in a mixture of Korean and English in his songs. Alex recently released his first solo album, “My Vintage Romance” (2008). The album includes the song “Flowerpot,” which was featured on the popular MBC variety show “We Got Married.”

Credit: AsianFanaticsForum

Tae Goon

January 15th of the year 2009 marked the debut of Taegoon (태군), with his first mini-album, titled ‘Taegoon: 1st Mini-Album’. Details on him are scarce as of yet, but known facts are:

Profile

Full Name: Kim Taegoon (김태군),
Birthday: January 17,1986
Physique: 184.0cm, 75.0kg
Hobbies: In-line, cross-stitch
Special Skills: Dance, Modern dance

And he is under the management of Logi Entertainment (H-Eugene & Bae Seul Gi)



Credit: AsianFanaticsForum

Wheesung

Wheesung (휘성) is a Korean R&B singer formerly under M.Boat Entertainment Group & YG Entertainment label. He left both labels when his contract ended in March 2006. He is now under the Orange Shock Agency label.

Wheesung began his career in 1999 with the short lived Korean boy band, A4. He left after the band’s first album debut, citing musical differences between himself and the other members of the band.

After being released from A4, he signed onto M Boat, the sister company to YG Entertainment. He underwent a few years of vocal training under the label and released his first solo album Like A Movie in 2002. The album became very popular after receiving praise from many well-known artists, including Seo Taiji and Shin Seung Heun. In 2003, he released his second album, It’s Real. To date, he has released four solo albums and has collaborated with many artists, including Se7en, M-Flo, and Masta Wu.

Wheesung left YG Entertainment after his contract expired in March 2006. He is now under the Orange Shock label. Although he has left YG, he is on good terms with the company. He also helped train some of the members Big Bang.

In his next album, he has asked Korean popstar BoA to sing a duet with him. He’s expected to undertake his mandatory military service on 29 November 2007.

Credit: LastFM.com

8eight

Profile
Members; 3, mixed group
Name in Hangul; 에이트
Name in Japanese; エイト
Behind the name; Eight (8) means “infinity” if you turn it sideways > “∞”
Debut; August 25, 2007 on MBC’s Show! Music Core
Genre; Pop / R&B
Official blog; 8eight Daum Blog
Official site; Big Hit Entertainment
Company; Big Hit Entertainment
International Forum; Infinity Forums
Infinity Forums Youtube Channel; 8eightCafe

About
8eight (에이트) is a three member group consisting of two males and one female. 8eight were the winners of MBC's Show Survival (쇼바이벌), kind of like the show American Idol, making their debut on August 25, 2007 on MBC’s Show! Music Core. With their strong vocal talents and R&B/soul music style, 8eight has been compared to the Black Eyed Peas. Their first album released on August 27, 2007 includes their first hit song "Forget About Love and Sing" which is track 1 and their other song which they have sung on a couple of music shows "Can We Love?" which is track 2. For those who are curious, 8eight means infinity if turned to the side > “∞”.

Discography

Albums
- [2007.08.27] Vol.1 The First
- [2008.03.18] Vol.2 Infinity
- [2009.03.10] Vol.3 The Golden Age

Singles
- [2007.07.15] Music is My Life Part2
- [2008.06.20] I Love You (ft. Jessica from 소녀시대)
- [2008.11.06] BaekChan's Solo Single - The Analogueman In This Digital World

Collaborations
- [2007.05.25] Chocolate (Track 6: Story Of Heartbreak)
- [2007.12.21] Rainbow Vol.6 (Track 2: 엉뚱한 상상)
- [2008.01.17] Baby Jin (Track 2: Good Girl)
- [2008.04.28] New Decade (Track 2: Wa & Track 7:귀여워요)
- [2008.06.04] 'My Bittersweet City' OST (Track 1: 달콤한 나의 도시)
- [2008.11.10] Digital Single - Dynamic Duo ft. Joohee - GONE (New Ways Always)
- [2008.11.11] Digital Single - Various Artists - Dala Song (Track 2: 달라송 [Dala Song - Original Ver.])
- [2008.12.01] Digital Single - Chae Jung Ahn - TV Love ft. BaekChan (엑스캔버스 타임머신 주제곡 XCANVAS Time Machine Theme Song)
- [2008.12.08] Digital Single - Lena Park ft. BaekChan - Winter Kiss (New Ways Always)


Name; Lee Hyun
Hangul; 이현
Position in 8eight; Leader / Male vocalist
Birthday; November 8th, 1983
Length; 177 cm (5.8 ft)
Weight; 61 kg (134 lbs)
Likes; 비 (Rain), 세븐 (Se7en), 휘성 (Hwee Sung), 신화 (Shinhwa), 백지영 (Baek Ji Young), 임정희 (Lim Jung Hee), 노을 코러스 및 세션, Luther Vandross, Lee Moon Sae, Park Hyo Shin

Name; Baek Chan
Hangul; 백찬
Position in 8eight; Rapper / Male vocalist
Birthday; December 9th, 1984
Height; 180 cm (5.9 ft)
Weight; 68 kg (149 lbs)
Likes; Musiq Soulchild, Stevie Wonder, George Benson

Name; Joo Hee
Hangul; 주희
Position in 8eight; Female vocalist
Birthday; March 10th, 1984
Length; 164 cm (5.4 ft)
Weight; 48 kg (105 lbs)
Likes; 클론, 홍경민, 홍콩가수 여명 댄서, Lauryn Hill

Credit: Soompi.com

Son Ho Young

Profile of Son Ho Young

Son Ho Young (Korean: 손호영, Hanja: 孫浩英, born on March 26, 1980 in New Jersey, U.S.) is a K-pop singer, known for being part of the popular group g.o.d. In 2006, he released his first album YES, which had the singles "운다" (Unda) ("Crying"), "YES", and "사랑은 이별을 데리고 오다" (Sarang-eun ibyeoreul) ("Love Brings Separation"). Ho Young has re-released his album containing a DVD of the album's music videos; he is one of the many artists who have re-released their albums in 2006 (including TVXQ and Baek Ji Young).

In 2007, Son released a single album entitled Sweet Love; the lead song is "하늘에 내 마음이" (Haneure nae ma-eumi) ("My Heart in Heaven"). His comeback special was in July 2007.

On May 17, 2008, he performed several songs in Los Angeles, CA at the Korean Music Festival. His charisma and crowd interaction was a fan favorite. Throughout this performance, he gained n...

Son Ho Young (Korean: 손호영, Hanja: 孫浩英, born on March 26, 1980 in New Jersey, U.S.) is a K-pop singer, known for being part of the popular group g.o.d. In 2006, he released his first album YES, which had the singles "운다" (Unda) ("Crying"), "YES", and "사랑은 이별을 데리고 오다" (Sarang-eun ibyeoreul) ("Love Brings Separation"). Ho Young has re-released his album containing a DVD of the album's music videos; he is one of the many artists who have re-released their albums in 2006 (including TVXQ and Baek Ji Young).

In 2007, Son released a single album entitled Sweet Love; the lead song is "하늘에 내 마음이" (Haneure nae ma-eumi) ("My Heart in Heaven"). His comeback special was in July 2007.

On May 17, 2008, he performed several songs in Los Angeles, CA at the Korean Music Festival. His charisma and crowd interaction was a fan favorite. Throughout this performance, he gained new nickname, "Amazing".

His 2007 Under The Sea concert dvd will be released on July 25th, 2008; his second solo album will be released on september 2008.S

Credit: JPOPASIA.com

Epik High

Epik High is a hip hop group from South Korea, composed of three members - Tablo, Mithra Jin, and DJ Tukutz. All three members of Epik High can sing, write lyrics, and compose and arrange music. Their music has been known to be a “lyrical piece of literature” and “urban poetry”, lyric orientated, soulful and often witty while addressing serious social issues such as identity, discrimination, community, unity and change as a whole.

Tablo has a Masters Degree from Stanford University (California, USA) where he majored in English Literature and Creative Writing. When he was 17 years old he wrote the song Rainy Christmas with the famous Korean singer 김건모 (Kim Gun Mo). While attending Stanford University, Tablo was part of an underground hip hop group known as 4n Objects, which caught the attention of CB Mass and Drunken Tiger, leading to them eventually offer to support Tablo in releasing a solo album in Korea.

Mithra Jin had been featured on over 11 major albums in Korea even before Epik High’s debut. Mithra Jin and Tablo met through the Movement Crew (a collaboration of hip hop artists who are determined to promote social and political awareness through hip hop culture and music), during a freestyle contest in Seoul. Mithra Jin was pursuing a solo career of his own, but with his artistic vision and style matching so well with Tablo’s, the two decided to join together.

DJ Tukutz is Epik High’s DJ, “the boy with the magic fingers”. He started DJing in 1995, and has attended the Technics DJ School in South Korea. He has DJed in not only Korea, but also in Japan at raves, and in America on radio shows, live events and clubs around Boston and NYC.

Epik High’s debut album was Map of the Human Soul, released in 2003 and featuring some big Korean hip hop names such as CB Mass, Drunken Tiger and T. This album and the following three (High Society (2004), Swan Songs (2005) and Remapping The Human Soul (2007)), have featured other well-known Korean artists such as Nell, Clazziquai, Loveholic, TBNY, unknownDJs, Pe2ny and more.

In 2005, Epik High won several awards including Best Hip Hop Artist at the Korean Gold Disc Awards, and a tie for Best Artist of the year. Their song Fly, from their third album Swan Songs was a huge hit, claiming the #1 place on many Korean TV music programs and online music charts. This song also appeared in the video game FIFA 07.

Epik High, and especially Tablo, are often featured in the releases of other artists’, and have a side-project known as Blac Bakery.

Their latest releases, Pieces, Part One (2008), and Remapping the Human Soul feature a different style of music that their previous albums. Some more aggressive, and controversial and other more heartfelt.

Credit: LastFM.com

Eddie

Debut Name : 에디 Eddie (Edison)
Real Name : 신승용 Shin Seung Yong
Birthdate : November 26th 1986
Height : 179cm
Weight : 70kg
From : USA
Company: Cube Entertainment (same company as Mario and 2AM)
School : NYU Recorded Music Major
Hobbies : Bastetball, Judging Music
Works : Wrote "Outro" on Wheesung's 3rd Album
Website : www.cyworld.com/eddiemusic

Listen to "Over" : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6ZN4b1E494
Listen to "Over Eng. Version" : http://www.imeem.com/people/prLw2Bv/musica


Credit: Soompi.com

Crown J

Profile
Real Name: Kim Kye Hoon (김계훈)
English Name: Kevin (케빈)
Stage Name: Crown Jewel / Crown J (크라운제이)
Birthday: November 12, 1979
Education: Department of Economics, UCLA

Crown J (Korean: 크라운 제이, born November 12, 1979) is a South Korean hip hop singer and rapper who made his debut in March, 2006. Having lived in the US, Crown J brings US-style hip-hop to Korean listeners. However, his songs about love, friendship and family are filled with Korean sentiments.

The first single off Crown J’s debut album is “V.I.P.”, a song about how a person should work to become ‘a very important person’ on the inside rather than the outside. The lyrics were written by Crown J himself. A number of top music figures, like MC Mong, Tablo, Ivy, and Dynamic Duo, participated in Crown J’s debut album. Even though the song did not reach top 20, the album received decent reviews. Crown J performed on stage quite often so that he could gain more exposure and more fans. Besides rapping, Crown J also became an MC of KMTV's gayo show "Show Music Tank" for a while in 2006.
In August 2007, Crown J came back with his 2nd album. This time both the album and the title song already did better than any of the songs from his 1st album, indicating that he has gained a lot more fans now. Again, he wrote his own music and lyrics. Most of his songs are listener-friendly hip-hop songs. He is prime to make a move to the upper echelons of Korea's hip-hop scene.

On February 2008, Crown J participated in the MBC variety show, We Got Married (우리 결혼했어요). He was paired with Jewelry's Seo In-Young. The couple later released the digital single, Too Much. The song was used as their theme song for the show.

Albums

[2006.03.08] One & Only
[2007.08.17] Miss Me?
[2008.10.01] Fly Boy

Singles

[2007] V.I.P
[2007.08] 그녀를 뺏겠습니다 (I Will Take Her Away)
[2008.05.19] Too Much

Collaborations

[2006.09.22] Bae Seul Gi - First Album (Track 10 - It's Groove)
[2007.03.07] Lyn - The Pride of the Morning (Track 11 - Lovelyn)
[2008.03.25] Lexy - The Lexy (Track 05 - Immature Girl)
[2008.07.23] Seo In Young - Elly Is Cinderella (Track 02 - I Like It)
[2008.10.22] Lena Park - No Break (Track 01- No Break)

Credit: AsianFanaticsForum & Kpopvideo