[News] Kim Hyun Joong to appear on Chinese TV show for Lunar New Year

The Hallyu star, Kim Hyun Joong, continue to make its name across Asia. Ahead of his Japan advancement, the singer will first make his way to China for Lunar New Year program.

On January 5th, China's Liaoning TV announced that Kim Hyun Joong, alongside Chinese stars Na Ying, Jolin Tsai and Sun Nan will be appearing in its Lunar New Year special program, "Spring Festival Evening Show" on January 23rd.

A representative stated, "Kim Hyun Joong is looking forward to spending his Lunar New Year in China for the first time. He will be performing at his best with a 20 member dance team."

Source: enews

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[News] Lee Seung-gi signs with Japanese agency

During his recent solo concert in Seoul, Lee Seung-gi revealed that he will be making his Japan advancement through the release of a new Japanese album in March. His statement happened to be noticed by the Japanese media and Sankei Sports reported that he will be signing on with a Japanese agency.

On January 5th, his agency Hook Entertainment confirmed the news and announced that Lee Seung-gi has signed with top Japanese talenthouse Amuse Entertainment. Amuses houses top Japanese artists and actor including Ruito Aoyagi, Perfume, Shuhei, FLOW and flumpool.

A representative stated, "Lee Seung-gi's all upcoming activities in Japan will be overseen by Amuse Entertainment".

"He will also hold a fan meeting in Japan at the Tokyo International Forum on January 29th ahead of his official debut in March", he added.

Source
Written by: jhezwafu @dkpopnews.net

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Kenix Kwok Shares Daughter’s Photos for New Year

Recently Kenix Kwok (???) uploaded photos of her daughter on her blog, sending New Year greetings to her friends. In the photos, the almost 2-year-old little Jun Jun (Kenix’s daughter’s nickname) squinted her eyes and smiled sweetly. Compared with the “electric eye” beauty, Kenix Kwok, her daughter resembled father, Frankie Lam (???) more.

Source: et.21cn.com
Translated by: Jayne @ JayneStars

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Kate Tsui groans making money is hard when shooting TVB series

Kate Tsui was a guest performer at real estate company MIDLAND HOLDINGS's anniversary banquet last night. When speaking of the recent exposure that she's in fact a rich lady owning a luxury home in Sha Wan, Kate said: "The home belongs to my mother. I want to buy a home for myself, but the housing prices are so high now. It is not easy to buy one." She has been striving hard to save enough money for the down payment by controlling herself from spending too much on new clothes. Reporters said if she finds a wealthy boyfriend to take care of her, wouldn't that be even better? She believes the happiest is spending money that she earned herself. Also, she relies on fate when it comes to relationships.

This year, Kate estimates she will be busy shooting TVB series for the majority of the year and may not be able to make some extra money in Mainland. Asked if she envies Bowie Lam for being able to buy a new home and car after leaving TVB? Kate said: "Why is it so hard for me to earn some money? He entered the industry much earlier than me, it's hard to compare. However, my participation in Triumph in the Skies II is very attractive." Kate is happy that her new film Turning Point 2 is doing well with nearly HK$5 million in the box office and that viewers are willing to accept her performance.

Source: Mingpao
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum

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Bowie Lam will make arrangements for SINA MUSIC award winner 'Sober Band', won't rely on TVB

After TVB series When Heaven Burns (WHB), Bowie Lam, Moses Chan and Kenny Wong popularity jumped tremendously. The other night, the group attended SINA MUSIC PUBLIC OPINION INDEX MUSIC AWARDS 2011 along with Kay Tse, Fiona Sit, Eason Chan, Hins Cheung, Ivana Wong, Raymond Lam and many other singers. Although singers such as Kay Tse and Hins Cheung won several big awards, the limelight was stolen by 'Sober Band' (Bowie, Moses, Kenny). Depending on the WHB sub theme Youth Ignorance (????), Sober Band won the 'TV Series Song Award' and then performed the song live. Audience from the entire venue sang along, screamed and cheered. Sober Band frankly said it was surprising that there was such a hot response from the public. They hope to continue developing Sober Band in the future. Kenny expressed will just have to wait for TVB to make the arrangements, but former TVB artist Bowie Lam immediately opposed: "This arrangement is not good, I will go make the arrangements for us myself and then give you all a 'secret second job'!"

As Youth Ignorance didn't make it on the JSG charts, Bowie feels TVB should comply with the public response: "Even a 7 year old kid knows how to sing this song! (The series was pushed back too long and got affected?) We do not need to research this. If WHB released earlier, it would have won all, TV King/Queen and the Theme Song. Why not just get Charmaine Sheh back and make our own secret awards presentation." When speaking of TVB refusing to sell the Youth Ignorance copyright to Paul Wong, Bowie continued to criticize TVB: "When talking about justice, the current generation should be universal, there is no reason why you should monopolize everything!"

Moses avoided taking about politics, he just expressed his happiness for the success of the finale rating: "Seeing the ratings go from a low 23 points to a high 34 points, proves that many are slowly accepting this series. I am very pleased." It was rumored producer Jonathan Chik and editor Chow Yuk Ming are planning to leave TVB. Sober Band expressed they are unsure. Bowie reassured: "I don't believe this. If they are leaving, I will return to TVB and work for free!"

Raymond is cautious when looking for a girlfriend

Also present at the award show, Raymond Lam won an award for his dance song CHOK. Recently, due to the cold and dry weather, Raymond's lips cracked, leaving him in pain for a whole month and still no recovery. Asked if he needs romance to help moisten his lips? Raymond avoided the question by changing the subject: "I am more cautious now when looking for a girlfriend. I hope in the future, I can bring my Miss Right back to meet my family."

Source: Mingpao
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum

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Aaron Kwok falls flat on ground 6 feet down the collapsed stage

The 17 show Aaron Kwok De Showy Masquerade World Tour Live Concert - HK Stop ended last night. The 17th show was added due to the positive response, but a quite a few accidents occurred that night. First it was the stage suddenly collapsing, making the Heavenly King fall 6 feet down under the stage, landing flat on his back. Then the trampoline part of the concert was affected due to the damaged stage.

The 10 million dollar tailored 'Transformers Stage' was definitely the selling point of Aaron's concert this time around. On the 3rd show, the stage already malfunctioned, where it suddenly stopped rotating, but fortunately a speedy repair was successful. Nobody could have thought that when Aaron finished performing Iron Curtain Entice (????), the machine malfunctioned once again and this time was more serious than last time. Not sure if the stratosphere stage was damaged or if its because the wires broke, but Aaron ends up falling straight down to the lower level of the stage. Then the lifter stopped working and made Aaron fall flat on the ground. However, he expressed it was a big fortune out of the misfortune: "If the stage delayed 5 more minutes before collapsing, then 6 more dancers would have fell, the situation would have been even more severe. So, it is best that I take up all the responsibility. I do not have even the slightest fear and didn't sustain any injuries. It is not necessary for me to go see a doctor."

Aaron is just a singer, not a gymnast. Because of the wrecked stage, he was unable to complete the somersault, which left Aaron sighing greatly. In the end, he insisted on doing the somersault once more so audience can see the results of his hard efforts. Aaron stressed that in the future he will still use a 'transforming stage', but will be more cautious. At the end of the concert, Fans' request for an encore was not fulfilled. Aaron expressed: "It is my decision because the entire course of events was already arranged earlier on, I want to keep a perfect ending." Aaron continues with a smile: "You won't tell Madonna to come back out to sing a few more songs after she completes her concert, would you?"

Source: Mingpao
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum

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[NEWS] About Big Bang TOP’s drama comeback, YG states “It is not yet decided”

Earlier today, there were reports about TOP of Big Bang (Choi Seunghyun) having plans for an acting comeback in 2012 with a strong possibility of participating in a new drama called “Celebrity” (tentative title), which is to deal with the topic of celebrity scandals.

About his drama comeback, YG Entertainment denied the reports stating, “Currently it is not yet a confirmed matter.”

A representative for TOP’s agency, YG entertainment said on the 4th, “The synopsis of the drama ‘Celebrity’ is one of several works that we have received,” adding, “The formation of the drama itself is not even a confirmed matter yet. It is too early to discuss whether or not he will make an appearance.”

“Celebrity” is to have a backdrop of the entertainment business with an idol star’s love triangle and scandals, and it is a drama that is gaining more attention due to the increasing amount of worldwide popularity that K-Pop is receiving. Planet 905 and Plan B Pictures currently have plans to produce the drama together.

TOP established himself as an actor through the movie “Into the Fire” and drama “IRIS”, and he is currently actively preparing for Big Bang’s comeback in March.

Source: Star News
Translated by: SARA @ bigbangupdates | fuckyeahbigbangstuff @ tumblr

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[News] Idols select IU as Biggest Star to Shine in 2012

Singer IU has been chosen as the artist most likely to become the biggest star of the industry in 2012.

MBC Everyone's "Weekly Idol" recently conducted a survey titled "The Idols That Will Make it Big in 2012 Best 10". The survey was participated by currently active idols including Wonder Girls, T-ara, Secret, Brown Eyed Girls and B1A4 and revealed teenage singer IU as their favorite pick.

Secret's Song Jieun remarked, "I think IU’s reign as the nation’s younger sister will transcend into Japan this year". Narsha of Brown Eyed Girls added, "IU has a face that appeals to the Japanese public."

The other celebrities on the list include T-ara's Jiyeon, B2ST's Kikwang and JYJ's Junsu. The full list will be revealed on January 7th episode of MBC Everyone's "Weekly Idol".

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[News] Lee Hyori thanked Gil for purchasing her calendar

Singer Lee Hyori expressed her deep gratitude to her fellow artist Leessang's Gil for purchasing her charity calendar.

On January 3rd, Hyori tweeted, "Many thanks to Gil for ordering 1,000 calendars". She added, "I’m so touched and in tears right now".

It has been revealed that Gil purchased a thousand copies of the calendar. Selling for 12,000 won ($10) each, Gil has donated a total of 12 million won to the animal awareness campaign.

Lee Hyori, who is well-known for her efforts in helping out abandoned animals, recently released her 2012 charity calendar "Lee Hyori Calendar", in effort to promote the adoption of abandoned dogs. All of the proceeds from the sales will be donated directly to charities.


Source: Koreajoongang

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Tang Wei demonstrates drifting

The Jingle Ma Chor Sing directed inspirational women's racing film SPEED ANGELS (GIK CHOOK TIN SI) will open in Hong Kong on January 5th. Tang Wei in the film had a touching romance with racing coach Han Jae-Suk. Tang Wei in the film played a taxi driver who the Han Jae-Suk discovered racing coach discovered and recruited into the Chinese racing team. Tang Wei in the opening already had a very exciting car chase that she had to demonstrate drifting in. Racing coach Jimmy Lin said that Tang Wei was truly a ferocious driver. When she ran into any obstacle, she stepped on the gas pedal instead of the brake -- a response of a professional driver's potential. Tang Wei pointed out that the character was like her when she was little.

In the story Han Jae-Suk trained Tang Wei into a professional driver, they grew closer but Han Jae-Suk promised "a coach could not fall in love with a driver". Tang Wei was anxious and ran into a truck. Han Jae-Suk rushed to the scene and took her to the hospital. Despite of injury Tang Wei still competed. Director Ma Chor Sing hoped that the audience would become Tang Wei and for everyone to see how she raced from last place. In the past year, everyone had stress, laughter and tears. He made this film for viewers to have fun and speed into the new year.

Source: Takungpao, on.cc
Translated by: hktopten

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Niki Chow Excited by “Bottled Passion’s” Ideal Ratings

Niki Chow’s (???) first series upon her return to TVB, Bottled Passion "??????", was assigned a “cannon fodder” airing time slot. Despite this, Monday night’s finale peaked at 40 points in ratings. Once promising that she will do anything if the ratings reached 40 points, Niki said that she will not back out on her promise with the exception of having to wear a bikini!

The ratings for Bottled Passion’s finale averaged 36 points, peaking at 40 points, which beat When Heaven Burn’s "???" 34 points in its finale. Niki admitted that this time, she made Producer Lee Tim Sing (???) proud. Niki noted that Tim Gor was her talent scout. Asked whether she will film a sequel, Niki said, “If he were to ask, I will immediately get into place!”

Niki and Raymond Wong (???) were discussing whether they should organize a celebration party for Bottled Passion. The most important thing was that everyone was happy. Tim Gor expressed that he was extremely satisfied, performing beyond the “cannon fodder” results.

Tragic Ending Received 15 Complaints

TVB Deputy Director of External Affairs, Tsang Sing Ming (???), indicated that there were 15 complaints filed regarding the overly tragic ending of Bottled Passion. The scene that received the highest rating occurred when Niki reflected upon her romantic moments with Raymond Wong. The Hong Kong Broadcasting Authority received 4 complaints, expressing dissatisfaction over Raymond Wong’s death. In addition, 7 complaints were filed over foul language and rough behavior.

“When Heaven Burns” Praised as a Miraculous Drama

Regarding When Heaven Burns peaking at 34 points in ratings, Mr. Tsang praised the drama, “It is a miraculous drama! A drama with soul!” The ending episodes of When Heaven Burns were uploaded by netizens online. TVB was accused of decreasing the official ratings in Hong Kong [through the online distribution]. Mr. Tsang said, “It is impossible for TVB to harm themselves. From our preliminary understanding, an American agent leaked the clip, which is currently investigated by our Internal Affairs department.”

In addition, When Heaven Burns star, Moses Chan (??), appeared at the airport yesterday, but declined to say where he had traveled to.

Source: Oriental Daily
Translated by: Jayne @ JayneStars

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[Video] Jaejoong's SBS Drama Awards backstage selfcam subbed!

Check out the subbed video below!

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[NEWS] TVXQ Wins “Kohaku Utagassen” Poll With A Shocking 65.3% Of Total Votes!

TVXQ was placed number 1 in the popularity vote for the “Kouhaku Utagassen”, proving their huge popularity in Japan.

In the popularity vote involving all the artists who had performed in NHK’s “62nd Kouhaku Utagassen” that concluded at 11.59pm on 31 Dec, TVXQ obtained 49.7% of the total votes cast, winning 1st place with a record of almost half the total votes.

This voting was only open to those within Japan, and Korean fans, as well as  international fans were not able to participate. After excluding the repeated votes, TVXQ maintains the 1st place with a shocking 65.3% of the total votes.The “Kouhaku Utagassen” is the most highly acclaimed (music) festival in the Japanese music industry. Thus, the position that TVXQ has managed to establish as top stars in Japan is clearly visible from the vote.

On this day, TVXQ members were dressed in black and white respectively, and performed “Why? (Keep Your Head Down)”, which was released last January. After the performance, the duo sent a message of thanks to their fans.

Source : [BaiduTVXQ + Newsen via Nate]

Translated & Shared by: dongbangdata.net

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Maggie Siu's secret marriage: "Talk about it at press conference"; 'The Great Eunuch' blessing ceremony

Experienced actor Wayne Lai, Maggie Siu, Michelle Yim and Aimee Chan were at the blessing ceremony for TVB new costume drama The Great Eunuch set in the Qing Dynasty. Initially Michelle withdrew from her role as 'Empress Dowager Cixi' due to schedule conflicts and Maggie Cheung replaced her for the Sales Presentation shooting. However, after a few twist and turns, the role lands back on Michelle once again. Despite all that, the limelight could not leave Maggie Siu as she is rumored to have secretly married martial arts actor, Vinz Sze Cho Lam!

Maggie Siu, who plays Empress Dowager Ci'an, did not directly respond to the marriage news, but kept a pleasant smile the whole time. When asked if she'll be giving out red envelopes this year? She said: "Artists have always gave out red envelopes! (Is there a different feeling when giving red envelopes out after marriage?) I will not talk about my personal life! I'll leave this topic for the press conference next time! (You have to hold a press conference, it's that big deal?) Of course!" As for Maggie Cheung, changing roles on short notice, expressed there are many outside opportunities, but she turned many TV and film jobs just to be in The Great Enunch. When speaking of When Heaven Burns banned in Mainland, Maggie (Siu) said viewers in Mainland can find friends to help them record the series: "I can't control this, after all if you want to watch, there will be a way to."

As the role 'Empress Dowager Cixi' was a regained role, Michelle said: "I was only able to get the role back because luckily the crew pushed back the filming. This time, I turned down many other opportunities to make room on my schedule to shoot this series. (Lost a lot of revenue?) I don't calculate that! Discussing other series now! (It's much more comforting shooting in Mainland?) The mechanism is different in the two places." As for Wayne, who plays Lee Lin Ying, expressed: "This time my role can't be distinguished between good or evil. It's not your average palace scheming dramas. It is about how Lee Lin Ying can survive in the palace."

Source: The Sun
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum

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Francis Ng confirmed to be in Triumph in the Skies II for HK$80,000 per episode

2003 TVB anniversary series Triumph in the Skies was a highly acclaimed series. TVB had always wanted to shoot a sequel, but couldn't bring back 'Sam Gor' Francis Ng. This year at the TVB Anniversary Awards, Francis was the guest award presenter for the Best Actress award. When Myolie Wu took the award, she tearfully urged her senior to accept Triumph in the Skies II and hoped her sincerity will touch Francis.

The fresh out of the oven TV Queen, Myolie Wu, strongly tried to persuade Francis to shoot the sequel and even expressed her request to the executives. Once the TV Queen opens her mouth, big boss Chan Kwok Keung personally called Francis and invited him back.

To show their sincerity, TVB offered Francis HK$80,000 per episode to come back to his maternal home and be the handsome pilot Sam Gor again.

On Wednesday (12/28th), Myolie did not hesitate to tell [Sudden Weekly]: "Although my salary for shooting series is fixed, if Francis agrees to be in TITS2, I really don't mind if my salary gets reduced because the whole cast and crew wants him back. With Francis and Chilam Cheung here, it is the best!"

Regarding Francis's return for HK$80,000 per episode, Virgina Lok admitted Francis is already part of the confirmed cast: "The sequel will start shooting in May. We are currently marking Francis' schedule, but there are still many things that are unconfirmed. We don't even know who the producer is yet. (Myolie and TVB big boss came out to persuade Francis to come back?) I'm not telling!"

TVB plans to make TITS2 the anniversary series of 2012, with two handsome lead actors, will Myolie have a higher chance to become TV Queen for the second time?

Current development

- Myolie's role turns disable and she'll be shooting in a wheel chair. Raymond Lam replaces Francis as her new boyfriend. To Myolie, her role is already considered refreshing.
- Ron Ng and Bosco Wong are still not confirmed to be in this series yet.
- Chilam Cheung and Fala Chen, are the new pair added to the cast.

Source: Sudden Weekly, TVB Channel
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum

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Raymond Wong & Niki Chow hosts a feast to reward Producer Lee Tim Shing

Niki Chow and Raymond Wong hosted a feast in Causeway Bay to reward the cast and crew of TVB series Bottled Passion. Producer Lee Tim Shing and artists Elaine Yiu, Tracy Ip, Katy Kung, Jack Wu and Kelvin Chan attended. As the series is in the 'PK broadcast period' (in the ashes), where the broadcast coincides with several holidays, the average ratings is only 25-26 points. Tim Gor was very upset by how TVB haven't given him much attention, but he still appeared at the dinner gathering last night.

Regarding this, Tim Gor smiled and said he was not upset: "It's just a small issue, this broadcast period really doesn't have too many viewers, Christmas, Lunar New Years and Easter periods also have less people watching, but there will still be series releasing. Since I'm the chosen one, my path is chosen as well. I've experienced this many times in the last many years that I've been working in this industry."

Despite the 'PK period', Niki and Raymond are still filled with confidence on the 2 hour finale to broadcast on Monday. The two both hope to break 30 points in the ratings. Niki said: "Tim Gor said this broadcast period isn't good, but that's okay. I always hear viewers talk about the series, most important is to have the public response, more people watching." Niki also supports Tim Gor by describing him as a straightforward person.

Raymond felt the broadcast time is out of artists control: "I'm not sure if Tim Gor is upset, but luckily the series is getting good response, I'm am personally very happy."

Source: Oriental Daily
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum

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Nicholas Tse: She's the mother of my sons after all

Although Nicholas Tse and Cecilia Cheung ended their 5 year marriage, the two are still raising their sons Lucas and Quintus together. Since the two have personal experiences of growing up in a family with divorced family, they never wanted their children to follow their footsteps. According to sources, after the cool down period, Nic and Cecilia's relationship started becoming better. Yesterday it was reported that a family photo was found on Facebook that belong to Mike, a Feng Shui Master and good friend of the couple.

After the meeting with Mike, Cecilia and oldest son (Lucas), Nic appeared yesterday at 10am coming out of his residence. The sleepy Nic waved to the reporters waiting outside of his residence, and when asked if his relationship with Cecilia is getting better? Nic joked: "Our relationship had always been bad!" Reporters were shocked to hear this and asked: "How can that be? You just had a family photo with the Feng Shui master friend!" Nic then patted one of the reporters back and pretended to have lost his memory: "I'm very sleepy."

Later, Nic arrived at the airport and was chased by reporters again. When reporters asked again about the reconciliation rumors: "Just now you answered the relationship was 'bad', are you joking with us?" After asking several more times and reporters being persistent, Nic finally said: "Well, she is the mother of my children after all. Why wouldn't we see each other? That's all I'm going to say." He met his friend Mike because of the New Years, but did he also invite Cecilia to join them? Nic answered: "If I see her, then I see her. I really didn't know he (Mike) would post the photo online, just leave it, I can't be upset too much."

Source: Oriental Daily
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum

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