Universal Records Blog

February 27, 2011

Koreaboo | TVXQ's Yunho chosen as Japanese female celebrities' ideal type

We previously reported that AKB48's Atsuko Maeda expressed interest in TVXQ's Yunho. She said, "The type I like is a guy who is tall and has a fresh look. TVXQ's Yunho looks so handsome!" Well, she is not alone. More Japanese female celebrities have expressed their interest in Yunho, claiming that he is their ideal type.

Recently, a Japanese community website revealed pictures of female Japanese celebrities who are Yunho's fans, attracting much attention. Last month, TVXQ's 5th Korean album "Why (Keep Your Head Down)" was officially released. Yunho who is currently promoting the album, gained immense popularity within the eyes of Japanese celebrities.

One of Yunho's most faithful fans is Japanese model Murata Mari, otherwise known as Marimo. In an interview with Japanese magazine Popteen, she revealed that that her ideal type to date is Yunho. She even has posters of Yunho hung up at her house. Eventually, she got to meet Yunho in person at Popteen's editing department.

Recently, Marimo bought TVXQ's "Why (Keep Your Head Down)" and was chosen to attend their fan meeting. She is currently learning Korean in order to communicate with Yunho.

Besides Marimo, actress Takemi Eri and AKB48's Kojima Haruna also expressed being Yunho's fans. In addition, famed Japanese voice actress Ami Koshimizu revealed her thoughts on wanting to marry Yunho. Model Yu Takahashi also revealed that Yunho is her ideal type.

What do you think of all the attention he's getting?

Source: TVXQBaidu
Posted by matty @ Koreaboo

Koreaboo | CNBLUE releases behind-the-scenes photos from Hazzys

Known for their charming, soothing voices, strong song lyrics, and captivating songs, C.N. Blue are no longer considered "rookies" by the Korean entertainment scene. With the release of C.N. Blue's full-length album being delayed on account of their busy schedules, such as Yonghwa's "We Got Married" filming and Minhyuk being cast in "It's Okay, Daddy's Daughter", the boys looked too busy to do much else. Fortunately, they have recently released a countdown for their album release, reassuring fans that they would not be too busy to do any other activities outside of filming for shows.

As part of their packed schedules, C.N. Blue members participated in a photoshoot for Hazzys, one of Korea's three most famous clothing brands. Hazzy Acc's photoshoot. However, instead of looking stressed and tired, the boys showed bright smiles and interested expressions in their behind-the-scenes pictures.

The boys even patiently signed numerous autographs for fans that were part of the staff. The boys focused on their work and made sure that they did their best for the shoot, satisfying the fans who were present.

The boys look like they have been working very hard at their activities and have managed to keep up their spirits while remaining thoughtful to their fans. After all their hard work, one can expect that C.N. Blue's comeback will show their fans even more love and thought than before.

See the photos here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=634695&id=214540185413

Source: Code Azzuro
Posted by Asterik @ Koreaboo

Allkpop | SNSD's Yoona is a fangirl of Se7en?

A recent photo of SNSD’s YoonA has confirmed her status as a fangirl of Se7en’s.

Uploaded onto an online community site, netizens laughed as they saw YoonA shaking hands with Se7en’s life-sized, cardboard doppleganger.

The picture was taken when YoonA paid a visit to the grand opening of Se7en’s steamed chicken restaurant, Yeolbong with fellow SM labelmate, BoA.

Fans commented, “YoonA is a celebrity herself.. she must be a hardcore fan”, “YoonA goddess. She’s pretty even though her face is hidden”, and “I’m more envious of the paper board version of Se7en.”

Source: TV Daily via Nate
Photo: YEOLBONG
Posted by VITALWARNING @ Allkpop

Invasion of the SE7EN Kind

Through 5 years of the career triumph, Se7en maintains his position as the top male singer in Korea. Four #1 albums, eight #1 singles, numerous awards that he collected and advertisement contracts with major companies in Korea are not enough to explain the Se7en’s triumph in music business. Rather, it's his passion and efforts dedicated to music that will explain better about his success.

After 6 years of hard training in YG Entertainment, Se7en released his first album "Just Listen" in 2003. The first single "Wa-Juh (Come Back To Me)" went instantly to #1 and became a prelude for his success. That same year, Se7en won "Best New Artist" in 6 different music awards held in Korea. His second album "Must Listen" entered the charts at #1 with "Yul-Jung (Passion)" dominating all the single charts in Korea. In March 2006, Se7en released his third album and he added another #1 album and #1 single in his discography. His immense popularity has earned him an award for the Most Popular Korean Singer in the MTV Asia Awards 2006 at Thailand and the MTV Best Buzz Asia Award 2006 in Japan. To accelerate his pursuit to music career, he released his fourth album in November 2006, which went #1 again and he released his sold-out concert DVD in July 2007. In July, 2010, The album “Digital Bounce” was released and the title track “Better Together” was ranked #1 in M.net Countdown twice in a row.

After successful activity during past years in Japan, Se7en set off Japanese tour in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya during the summer, 2007. According to his Japanese label, Nexstar Records, all of the 20,000 tickets for the concerts were sold out ! Se7en also worked with former CEO of LaFace Records (record label of Usher, Pink etc), Mark Shimmel, Grammy-winner Rich Harrison and Dark Child on his first American album. On March 10, 2009, Se7en's first single "Girls" featuring Lil' Kim was released through digital stores such as iTunes and Amazon MP3. The music video for "Girls" was also released on MySpace that same day and was the most viewed video on the date of release, becoming top 5 most viewed video for the week.

Achievements:

• Sold over 270,000 copies of 1st album “Just Listen” on 2003
• 1st album “Just Listen" is one of the Top 3 biggest selling albums in Korea for 2003 and the single “Come Back To Me” has recorded more than one million (1,000,000+) downloads
• 260,000 fans in his online fan club, one of largest in Korea
• Released 1st U.S. single “Girls (feat. Lil Kim)” in March 2009 and it topped Myspace music video chart and stayed in Top 5 for the week
• Featured guest in Grammy-nominated American R&B singer Amerie's album track "Because I Love It" in 2007
• Sold over 120,000 copies of 2nd album “Must Listen” in the first week of its release and its first single "Passion" has recorded more than one million (1,000,000+) downloads
• Ranked No.4 in Japan’s Oricon Weekly Music chart in 2005 for "Start Line/Forever"
• Won Most Popular Korean Singer in the MTV Asia Awards 2006 at Bangkok, Thailand and the MTV Best Buzz Asia Award in 2006.
• In 2006, he released two albums, "24/7" and "Se7olution". The singles from both albums like “I Know", “Comeback to Me pt.II” and “La La La” have recorded more than one million (1,000,000+) downloads each
• Pursued acting career by playing the main role in Korean drama “Goongs”
• Sold out 20,000 tickets of Japanese Tour 2007 in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya
• Advertisement contract with the companies such as Samsung's Anycall, Coca Cola, Sprite, 7-Eleven, K-Swiss, LG Telecommunications, Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream etc. contract worth totaling ten billion (10,000,000,000) South Korean Won (KRW) or close to 9 Million U.S. Dollars

Awards:

2003:
• M.net Music Video Festival - New male Artist Music Video Award
• SBS The 18th Golden Disc - New Artist Award
• KMTV Korean Music Awards - New Male Vocalist Award
• MTV Korea Seoul Music Awards - New Artist Award
• SBS Popular Song Awards - New Singer Award
• MBC Entertainment Awards - Pop Singer Section - Special Award
• MBC Top Ten Vocalist Awards - New Vocalist Award
• 14th Seoul Music Awards - Best New Artist

2004:
• SBS The 19th Golden Disc - Main Award
• SBS The 19th Golden Disc - Popular Music Video Award
• M.net & KM Music Video Festival - Male Solo Vocalist Award
• KBS Korea Pop Award - Main Award
• MBC Top Ten Vocalist Award - Main Award

2005:
• Channel V Thailand Awards - Asian Sensation Award

2006:
• China Original Music Ranking Chart SPRITE Awards - Best Artist in Asia
• Japan Golden Disc - Special Award
• MTV Asia Awards - Favorite Artist Korea
• MTV Video Music Awards Japan - Best Buzz Asia from Korea
• 16th Seoul Music Awards - Best Video Award – “I Know”
• SBS Korea POP Award - Top Artist Award

2007:
• M.net 20's Choice - Best Male Artist Award

Endorsements:
• Samsung's Anycall
• LG Telecommunications
• Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream
• Coca Cola
• Sprite (China), CF directed by David Fincher (director of "The Social Network")
• 7-Eleven Convenience Store
• U.G.I.Z Clothing company
• K-Swiss
• KTF Telecommunications compny
• iRiver Electronics company

Brace yourself, Se7en will invade Manila very soon!

Koreaboo | Big Bang, Jang Geun Suk, 2NE1, Se7en, and more to come to Malaysia

According to Malaysia-based Sinchew Entertainment, K-pop fans will get the chance to see Big Bang, Se7en, and 2NE1 perform in Malaysia. Apparently, Halo Music has secured appearances by Big Bang and Se7en.

Another source, Redstar, claims that Malaysia will see Big Bang and 2NE1 on June 4 at a "large-scale fan meeting" at the Bukit Jalil Putra Stadium. However, it has not yet confirmed ticket prices for the fan meeting.

We previously reported that Jang Geun Suk will kick off his Asia Fan Meeting Tour with a stop in Singapore; the event organizer HS Media has confirmed that Jang Geun Suk's Malaysia stop will also take place on June 4. As of yet, the venue and ticket prices have not been confirmed.

Fans of Big Bang, 2AM, and miss A will be excited to hear that Redstar partner Marctensia is attempting to bring their idols to Malaysia as well.

Source: Marctensia, Sinchew, and Big Bang Haven
Posted by Nielle @ Koreaboo

Koreaboo | Bloomberg discusses the Korean Pop industry

Bloomberg Television is a 24-hour global network dedicated to providing viewers with business and financial news. It is distributed globally, reaching over 200 million homes worldwide.

The international success of the Korean pop music industry is growing by the day. Bloomberg's weekend program, "Monocle", has chosen this week to feature Seoul, South Korea and its blooming music industry. "Monocle" is a program that highlights particular areas of the globe and discusses a central matter or issue.

Likening the power of Korean pop to music produced in the US, the report raised three main areas of discussion: the Korean pop industry as Korea's real economic power and most potent export, the significance of social media in the success of Korean pop, and the fact that Korean pop is more than just music, and essentially a package of both visual and audio appeal.

Big Bang's GD and TOP were also featured briefly as a top, "two of the most recognizable faces in Asia" and appeared in short interview clips, both sharing their views on the industry. TOP commented, "However you look at it, people seem to be feeling a sense of discovery and mystery about Korea. It seems that they're seeing us in a positive light." In his turn, GD said, "Right now, to know that a lot of fans around the world are listening to music from our tiny country, it's got to have a huge effect on the Korean music scene. But, as the situation changes very rapidly, the scene's got to develop just as fast."

Another familiar face, YG's Executive Director, Kim Jinu, was also featured, explaining the reality of the social media reform. He said, "YouTube right now is the best vehicle for us to reach our core demographic audience which is young people. The world, not just Korea - there are no boundaries or borders anymore. We no longer have to rely on TV stations and radio stations. Social networking has been the vehicle of choice."

Other artists mentioned or showcased throughout the segment included BoA, Girls' Generation, Epik High, Super Junior, 2NE1, and Wonder Girls along their hit single, "Nobody". Various excerpts from music videos were shown, as a reinforcement to the proposition that Korean pop is quintessentially very visually synchronized with musical appeal. It was likened to "the Madonna and Michael Jackson days of super hero performances".

Check out the episode here (it starts around 10:40):

Source: Bloomberg
Posted by soulmsarang @ Koreaboo

Kpoplive | Details on Super Junior M’s new leader & member line up spilled

As we are nearing to Super Junior M's comeback, more information about their upcoming course of promotions have been revealed. In addition to that, the tittle-tattle on who the new leader of the sub-group as well as it’s new member line up was also addressed.

Since their official comeback date was announced, fans have been pretty curious on who the new leader of the sub-unit will be. Up until recently, various sources from forums and fan community sites have mentioned about member Siwon taking the baton after Hangeng left the group and went back to China to pursue a solo career. However, AVEX Taiwan refuted the allegation and said that rumors of the aforementioned member being the new leader is not true.

With regards to the recent change in the sub-group’s member line up, the camp stated that Sungmin and Eunhyuk both participated in this album only as guests, and that this doesn’t imply that they will be permanent members of the sub-group. Furthermore, they also added that apart from the two, there is a possibility that the other Super Junior members will participate in Super Junior M’s future albums. Nonetheless, Siwon, Kyuhyun, Ryeowook, Donghae, Zhou Mi and Henry are permanent members of the sub-unit.
Moreover, AVEX Taiwan also mentioned the following:

1. That’s right, the first broadcast of the MV in Taiwan is for the Golden Melody Awards. Hope this time they will get an award.
2. At the broadcast press conference on 24 February it will mainly be for the media and will not be open to fans.
3. This time SJ-M will be using the form of 6+2, in the future it will also be maintaining 6 people and above, 6+ how many is not certain, but the members who will be added will all be people we like.
4. SJ-M might hold a Fan Party but it will not be held that quickly.
5. SJ-M’s promotions hope to be held in Taiwan but still to be confirmed, it should be flying back and forth.
6. Ryeowook’s Chinese version of “One Fine Spring Day”, also other Chinese songs sung by Kyuhyun, at present there is no plan for these to be released.

Source: AVEX Taiwan, Tiffany@痞客邦, Lee Donghae@Baidu.com, ELFISH.cc@t.sina.com.cn, Micky_米奇@weibo.com
Translation: purple_princess@sapphirepearls.com, TwELFs@twitter.com
Written by: eren@kpoplive.com

Allkpop | Super Junior reaches 3rd on the Oricon Daily Charts

Super Junior is currently in Yokohama for their Super Show 3 concert, but Ryeowook took the time to tweet a personal message to fans. “Super Junior is 3rd on the Oricon Daily Charts~ ^^Yokohama Arena, approximately 36,000 people are in the stadium, Our ELF I love you all♥ I think I had good dreams in these 3 days please continue to be with us~>∇<”

Source: Oricon, Ryeowook’s Twitter
Tip: v
Posted by sarahsusiepak @ Allkpop

February 23, 2011

Allkpop | NH Media makes statement regarding withdrawal of U-Kiss' Alexander & Kim Kibum

U-Kiss' agency, NH Media, recently came out with an official statement regarding the withdrawal of two members, Alexander and Kim Kibum.

NH Media issued a press release on February 23rd which read, “We felt infinite happiness during the time we spent together with U-Kiss, however, after a long time of worrying, we made this difficult decision because we genuinely felt that the team needed member replacements.”

“With Kim Kibum’s case, we made a mutual agreement to terminate his exclusive contract recently. With Alexander’s case, he may be leaving U-Kiss, but after a very long discussion, we decided that he will be remaining with the agency to fulfill his personal, overseas activities.”

“We think very importantly of the time we spent together with the two members, and we’re thankful for the time we sweated together. Even though we have ended his exclusive contract, we hope that we can maintain a good relationship with Kibum, who is still a family member in our hearts. Also, as his former agency, we hope to help him in a variety of ways in the future.”

“Through these happenings, U-Kiss will reborn as a more mature and developed team. There will be two new members of U-Kiss who will reinforce the group’s comeback next month, and they are currently working hard with the other members. We will be revealing the new members to the fans soon.”

NH Media concluded, “We thank you again for showing interest in U-Kiss, and we apologize for causing concerns.”

Source: Newsen via Nate
Posted by VITALWARNING @ Allkpop

Koreaboo | U-Kiss' agency thought about the members' withdrawal for a long time

Debuting in 2008 with the album, "New Generation", boy group U-Kiss has had many hit songs along the way. However, although the members of U-Kiss are planning to make a comeback in March, members Alexander and Kim Kibum have withdrawn from the group.

U-Kiss's agency, NH Media, has officially recognized the withdrawal of U-Kiss members Alexander and Kibum. The reason behind their withdrawal has not been revealed yet, but there has been word that Alexander made the decision due to personal reasons, including his studies. For Kibum, it has been said that the reason for his withdrawal had to do with business activities.

On the 23rd, NH Media explained, "First of all, I would like to apologize for suddenly coming up with the news of the withdrawal of the U-Kiss members. The [withdrawal] information that was presented before was an issue that the staff had been contemplating about for a long time, and during that time, U-Kiss was preparing for a new album."

Continuing on, the representative hinted about the possibility of getting new members, stating: "The other members of U-Kiss have been showing great interest about the idea of getting new members, which we haven't thought about. We're trying to somehow schedule their comeback more smoothly. We will be posting news about the new members and their comeback really soon."

Stay posted for more information on U-Kiss's future activities.

Source: Osen
Posted by noljaa @ Koreaboo

Koreaboo | U-Kiss Kibum leaves a message for fans on his Twitter after withdrawal announcements

After announcements were made on Alexander and Kibum's withdrawal from U-Kiss, Kibum left a long message for fans on his Twitter account. In his message, he explains his withdrawal and hopes that fans understand the decision. He continues to say that he is grateful for being in the group and that he has learned a lot from his experience in the group.

Read the translation to his tweet below:

"Hello, it's U-Kiss' Kibum. Actually, it's Kibum who used to be in U-Kiss. I've been holding this off for 2 months and I finally gathered up some courage to write this. To start with the point, I've come to an agreement with my company to end my contract since February 2011.

They wanted a change of members and I agreed to it. Since that day I was not part of U-Kiss any longer. It's not at all like many people think. I neither quit because of my company nor because I lost interest in U-Kiss.

I held U-Kiss as the best and I made sure that the character company never got in the way of U-Kiss promotions. I thought of U-Kiss as more than family and I'm disappointed to leave them like this. But I'm lacking in many points and I respect my former company's decision to switch members.

Of course it seems so sudden but I learned so much and I was able to meet so many people including the U-Kiss members and I'm thankful.

I'm sad because the people that used to love me may be hurt by these few lines. I'm planning to be on broadcast by myself for a while. I'm thankful to all the people who cheer me on no matter what. I'll be back as the Kim Kibum who is a TV personality as well as a businessman.

Thank you."

Many fans have been leaving messages on Kibum's Twitter. They have left encouraging messages such as, "Please stay close to U-Kiss member oppa. You can't be replace in our heart. it's weird if I can't see you and Alexander," "Even though I am sadden by the news I will support you and hope the best for you and Alexander!!!" and "Kibum you're leaving for real huh? I'm a new kissme and am really hoping for you guys to come to sg this year. Kibum stay strong!"

How are you taking his sudden withdrawal announcement?

Source: @90KKB
Posted by uni @ Koreaboo

Allkpop | Alexander & Kim Kibum to leave U-Kiss

Industry representatives revealed on February 23rd that U-Kiss' Alexander and Kim Kibum disclosed that they would be leaving the group. As such, the two will not participate in U-KISS’ comeback album.

Alexander was reported to have discussed the issue at length with his agency, and eventually decided to leave for personal reasons; it’s also said that Alexander wanted to pursue his studies.

Kim Kibum will be leaving in order to focus on his character company with his older brother, SS501’s Kim Hyung Joon. Some fans felt that their premonition had come true when they read Kim Kibum’s earlier tweet, which said, “This March, I have news you might not like. But when the time comes, I will tell it like it is.”

Source + Photos: Star News via Daum
Posted by VITALSIGN @ Allkpop

GD&TOP Philippine version album cover revealed!

Yes, you've heard it right. YG Entertainment has designed a Philippine version album cover of GD&TOP. No need to worry, because the Korean version cover, songs and 40 page color booklet are still in the PH version!

Korea's superstar boy group Big Bang's G-Dragon and T.O.P or GD&TOP have formed the ultimate duo! The trendy twosome GD&TOP get the party started with the release of their highly anticipated duo album packed with group and solo tracks, including the five (5) singles "High High", "Knock Out","Oh Yeah" featuring 2NE1's Park Bom, "Don’t Go Home" and "Baby Good Night" plus T.O.P's previous digital single "Turn It Up".

Before its release, the album already received 200,000 units pre-order. Upon the release of GD&TOP's album, the duo managed to rank #1 on various music programs (M!Countdown & Inkigayo) with "High High" and album charts (Melon, Dosirak, Mnet.com, Gaon and Hanteo) within two weeks of their promotion cycle. The music video of "High High" is also one of the most viewed music videos in the shortest span of time, gaining more than 6 million views on Big Bang YouTube Channel alone! It’s been about two and a half years since Big Bang had an activity in Korea and the awesome response to GD&TOP album release is a proof that Big Bang has been sorely missed!

No need to worry VIPs, after you have enjoyed GD&TOP album, watch out for Big Bang's major Korean comeback album on February 24th which is synergized with their major concert "Big Show 2011" to be held at the Olympic Park Stadium from February 25 to 27 of 2011.

"GD&TOP" tracklist
1. Intro
2. High High
3. Oh Yeah (featuring 2NE1's Park Bom)
4. Don't Go Home
5. Baby Good Night
6. Knock Out
7. Oh Mom (T.O.P)
8. Nightmare (G-Dragon)
9. Of All Days (T.O.P)
10. What Do You Want? (G-Dragon)
11. Turn It Up (T.O.P)

Here are some GD&TOP related Facebook Fanpage you should join & check out regularly for updates about GD&TOP and our upcoming Album Launch Event:

Big Bang Philippines Facebook Fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/bigbangphfanpage
Big Bang Philippines Fan Club Facebook Fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/bigbangph

Watch GD&TOP music videos here:

High High:

Knock Out:

Baby Good Night:

VIPs, mark your calendar! March 5 (Saturday) is the GD&TOP Album Launch at Astroplus The Block, Odyssey Megamall and Astroplus Mall Of Asia.

Kpoplive | YG Entertainment favors SBS with Big Bang’s comeback?

KBS and MBC are in a panic with Big Bang's comeback since SBS has snagged the right to have them featured.

Not only are Kpop idols and entertainment companies in a frenzy over Big Bang's comeback, but so are television stations. Big Bang’s return to the music spotlight has proven to be quite possibly the biggest issue in Kpop this year. Especially since they will be appearing on SBS in their own 1 hour special and have no activities set up for KBS or MBC.

Some speculate that it could be because YG Entertainment‘s president is close to those apart of SBS. Though in fact, he did speak up about this as he stated; “What a pity. With MBC and KBS there’s no bad feelings, it’s all unfounded rumors. Given the opportunity, it’d be nice to appear.”

Even with this known, it’s still leaving KBS and MBC in a rather tight bind. After all, Big Bang’s comeback will receive high ratings for whatever station it appears on if SBS hadn’t been the one to get the head start on it all.

SBS has stated that they put a lot of effort into preparing for Big Bang, just as they have with all YG artists that make an appearance. This time around they’ve gone all out leaving out no exceptions along the way. If the ticket sales for Big Bang’s concert were any hint, it’s all but obvious that on February 27th, SBS will be the most watched.

Source: Osen
Translation: Sammi@ibigbang.com
Written by: nikkiepop@Kpoplive.com

Allkpop | Second Big Bang comeback teaser (Seungri) released

As we get closer to the release of Big Bang’s 4th mini-album, special teaser videos are being posted on each of the Big Bang members personal me2day pages.

Yesterday, the teaser for leader G-Dragon was released and with 4 days to go before the release, the teaser video for Seungri was revealed.

Watch this clip:

Here's the 1st Teaser featuring G-Dragon:

Posted by GhostWriter @ Allkpop