SHINee's Japan concert in memory of Jonghyun.

Group SHINee with remaining four members- Onew, Key, Minho and Taemin has commemorated their fellow late member Jong Hyun (1990-2017) who left them abruptly end of last year in the recent Japan's concert.

          

According to Japanese media- Oricon style on the 28th February, fellow SHINee members shed tears in remembrance of Jonghyun at 'SHINee World Best 2018' at Tokyo Dome on the 27th February 2018.

"We are still five members in the group, so please do not forget Jonghyun."


On the day, SHINee also showcased two new songs such as 'From Now On' and 'Every Time' recorded by five members. In addition to the images of Jonghyun displayed on the big screen, Jonghyun's vocals can be heard through the song- "Love".

This concert was held at Osaka Kyocera Dome in Tokyo Dome on the 17th ~ 18th, and Tokyo Dome on 26-27th. A total of 180,000 people gathered for a total of four performances in the cities.

7-member group BTOB as tourist ambassadors.

Hallyu group BTOB has been appointed as the tourist ambassadors. 

The Korea Tourism Organization (KNTO) will hold a ceremony at the Daedong Tourist Corporation Seoul Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul on 27th February. 


BTOB is a male seven-member group from Cube Entertainment. Since their debut in 2012, members have been active in various fields such as music, drama including musicals. 
Members Eun Kwang has participated in musicals, Yook Sung Jae is a familiar face in big dramas and variety shows, rest of members are often seen in music programs.

BTOB will start the promotion ceremony of public relations ambassadors activities with KNTO. 

The 7 major Korean contents (performance, traditional market, sports) are presented through the 7-colours. 7-colours Korea Tour, which takes advantage of the individuality of the 7 members, as well as participating in promotional events held in Korea and abroad, cruises, events, food and unique experiences to the world more effectively.

The period of public relations ambassadors is until the end of this year.

In the meantime, group Big Bang and actor Lee Jong Suk have been promoting actively as Korean tourism ambassadors.

Queen of Mystery Season II with Kwon Sang Woo.

PD Choi Yoon Suk has suggested if Season 2 of Queen of Mystery drama is well accepted by the viewers, there is a possibility of Season 3. Lead actor Kwon Sang Woo has also mentioned that this is KBS power for this drama. 

KBS2TV new drama Queen of Mystery 2 is started to air this week. The Season 2 will be more comical, romance and melo-drama.  Last year's highest audience rating for Season 1 peaked at 11.6% (based on Nielsen Korea).

            

Season 2 features Kwon Sang Woo, Choi Kang Hee, Kim Hyun Suk who were the mains in the first part. Additional casts include Oh Min Suk as and Gye Sung Woo as Kim Won Hae as Jo In Ho in the police station team. Following the divorce of housewife Yoo Seol Ok (played by Choi), the scale is getting bigger with her being involved heavily with the police team as part of investigations. The villains will be the biggest highlight where audience have never seen before. 

Detective Ha Wan Seung (played by Kwon) in Police Unit Team 2 is doing his best again.
The police station scenes were done nicely and scripts were well written too.
Regarding the audience rating confrontation with the same time zone competition, the audience ratings are set to return. Kim Hyun Suk plays the role of Kim Kyung Mi- who is Seol Ok's best friend, part of the police team.

Queen of Mystery 2 will be aired on 28th February 2018. 

Infinite Challenge- H.O.T reunion (Part 2)

Infinite Challenge members were given a mission or so-called challenge- that is to learn the choreography of H.O.T's "We Are the Future" dance. It was a big hit during the late 90's when the dance title was released under H.O.T's 2nd album. Until today the current idols from TVXQ, Super Junior, EXO and even Wanna One have covered the dance song. The handsome choreographer of SM who taught Jae Suk for EXO's Dancing King is back to coach the old men. It has proven much difficulty for Myung Soo and Jun Ha who struggled to memorise by hard the moves. Surprisingly Haha and Se Hyung reenacted the exact movements impressing everyone. PD tells them the dance requires only 5 members but I.C. cast have 6 members' so that means one sloppy member has to drop out if he can't follow the rhythms.

Hee Jun continues his private gym lessons with an American trainer who dissed him out that he doesn't know who H.O.T members are...ouch! As for Kang Ta, Jae Won and Tony- the trio were busy practising in the studio while perfectionist Woo Hyuk kept watching old videos to ensure his moves are correct. Tony kept making mistakes whereby Kang Ta tells him to treat all the 300 over staffs coffee if he still missed out his steps. The Olympic stadium venue started preparing banners, stage, lighting's from many generous sponsors. Fans were going all giddy and excited to return to their childhood days. Aww... female fans were dressed in school uniforms, wearing the white H.O.T fan club rain coats, carrying white balloons, male fans dressed in Candy costumes...etc- it was a mini fashion parade in the audience. Some female fans even brought their babies and children along to the concert venue.

           

I.C. casts met up with H.O.T members backstage - all dressed back in their 90's look. Haha grumbled he wanted the hairstyle like Kang Ta's but somehow Haha looked more like his mother! Now it's show time.. It's time to wind back to 1996 where the group started off and became a wide sensation to the fans in South Korea. The first song of the night was Warriors of Descendants. Woo Hyuk's powerful rap at the start made all fans swooned. Their dance moves were not lacking at all after a month of practising. Their stylists have styled their hair and make up to look younger. Concert continued with hits such as Candy, Happiness and Hope. Everyone was smiling happily to see their idols. Behind stage, Se Hyung was brimming with tears and kept praising Kang Ta's youthful looks on stage. Members were full of charisma on stage. The female fans who are married have all returned back to their teens singing along and chanting away. Second highlight was actually the I.C casts to perform We are the Future. The audience cracked up upon seeing their wigs, costumes and not-so synchronised dancing. When it came to Haha's important part, he slipped and everyone just laughed. The rest had to continue dancing without ruining further. Off stage, Haha laughed off stating he can't see anything with the bloody wig and bangs hindering his sight! LOL! Of course the real We Are the Future dance was well performed by the original members wearing in white suits. 

                           

I.C casts greeted the audience once again and apologised for their messy dance routines while fans are not bothered about it. Kang Ta quickly attended to Haha asking if he was okay.
When it came to the finale, fans were started to cry as the song 'The Promise of H.O.T' was considered the tearful song before the group disbanded in 2001. They finished off the last song 'You and I' where Jae Won became so emotional that he couldn't sing. Even Kang Ta choked up with fans helped them to sing the entire song in the venue. Tony was seen shedding tears too, Hee Jun continued singing while Woo Hyuk slowly rapping away. Well, it was a very long hiatus for the men to perform for the fans again. In fact there were many fans waiting outside the venue singing along but couldn't secure a seat inside, one of them was gag woman Park Ji Sun. Before they bid farewell to their fans, Jae Won apologised to fans for taking such a long time to stand on stage again. They thanked everyone from the bottom of their hearts. Woo Hyuk is seriously considering if they should continue doing activities as H.O.T. 

      

As an encore, the members continued singing and dancing hit favourites with the fans.
And then everyone returns back to reality of 2018. Fans were very pleased to attend the concert. Their memories lingered around but they were glad to see the members all looking the same. The members delivered a stunning performance for those watching live and at home.

It has definitely brought back sweet memories as I was part of that era (though I wasn't there in Korea flicking the white balloons, but I knew who they were, I listened to their songs religiously and waited for them to perform once again). Thank you Infinite Challenge casts, PD and production team for bringing back the legend idols. 

Though it might be difficult to see them perform as a group actively since they have individual work career, companies and solo activities, but I earnestly hope to see them again in near future. Fighting!!! 

Radio Romance Epi 7-8

Back to where the episodes ended when Ji Suho asked if Song Geu Rim remembers who he was. She didn't understand much as he covered her eyes with his palm and kissed her. She was taken back and thought out of happiness, he acted weirdly. Their awkward tense conversation broke off when PD Lee Kang buzzed her mobile phone. Suho drove them back but he avoided any conversation when Geu Rim asked why did he kiss her. He was too nervous and said he will give her the answer tomorrow.

The two have a hard time sleeping in wondering how to answer and why did he do that. 

Next morning PD Lee lectures Geu Rim again and reviews her script while seeing her not paying attention much. She seems distracted with what Suho said last night so PD Lee asked if anything happened. She shrugged her shoulders and just when Suho walked into the room.

Still Suho couldn't give an proper answer to Geu Rim but responded he can't stop thinking about her. Suho decided to get a new mobile phone but he has never filled in any forms in his life before. Strangely he got Manager Kim to sign up for a new phone while he started entering Geu Rim's mobile number. 

Geu Rim was invited over for a dinner and to go through the script at Suho's house. Jason smirked that Suho is doing everything for Lady Kamikaze! Hah! Suho started a fight conversation with Geu Rim when she praised PD Lee's achievement and awards he won. One night Geu Rim's mother fainted so Suho and Geu Rim rushed her to the hospital. PD Lee and Suho suggested to have the radio program air in the hospital. It turns out to be a bit of stardom for Suho as patients, staffs and visitors were all engrossed with him asking for selfies and autographs. CEO Nam warns Suho not to do funny things as there are weird rumours circulating around. She wants him to return home only to be shot down by an question- doesn't she feel tired living this way? He feels very exhausted everyday. Writer Ra Ra Hee tries to boycott Geu Rim's script however Suho managed to memorised it in time. PD Lee steps up shouting at them and telling Geu Rim not to be a loser. Suho felt he is losing out to PD Lee in terms of defending Geu Rim in front of others. Jason asked if Suho has ever helped Geu Rim- he said yes in the elevator and even offended her. Then he tripped her at the party to gain her attention. Oh boy.... Suho really has a got a long way to learn... 

      

CEO Nam is annoyed with her husband again as he believes Jin Tae Ri might circulate his photos taken with the model Jung Da Seul. Suho doesn't want to have any ties or links with Tae Ri to create another scandal. Suho tells Manager Kim to handle Tae Ri since he liked her a long time ago. Tae Ri wants to have a drama filmed together with Suho for her own sake but he said he would consider. She was rather annoyed to know Suho wants to carry on the radio program because of Geu Rim. She plans a party inviting everyone including Suho and Geu Rim. Suho finally confessed to Geu Rim that he likes her. Duh-duh! Tae Ri interupted their conversation asking if Suho doesn't pity her at all. He felt she shouldn't associate too much with his mother. Geu Rim asks Jason regarding Suho and finally found out that Woo Ji Woo is his original name. She wonders why Suho treated her weirdly because she doesn't recognise him.

                          

PD Lee informs Suho there is a patient in the hospital- avid fan of Suho, has 6 months to live- he wants Suho to fulfils her wish and make her happy for one last time. Suho pretends to stay in the hospital, working with the staff, sees Geu Rim falling sick and yet PD Lee treats her very well. He can't help but to feel jealous. Suho asks PD Lee if he likes Geu Rim to where he said yes. Oh-oh! Two men up against one radio program writer...mmm... 

Radio Romance Epi 5-6

Continuing from where Ji Suho has stopped Song Geu Rim from sitting in PD Lee Kang's car, the tense glaring between two men started. She was rather annoyed with two men having arguments so she left them to further their conversation at Suho's house. After a series of drinks, two were tipsy and talked gibberish too. The next morning, Suho woke up having headaches and CEO Nam walked in surprised to see him having drinks the night before. He continued his radio program and was rather taken back when a caller's father cursed angrily at him and listeners were even more surprised since Suho didn't expect it to be broadcast live. He told PD Lee to cut off the phone conversation as Geu Rim notified he's on air live! There were mixed comments on people sneering behind Suho's back that he doesn't know understand being a DJ and some supported him. Manager Kim warns PD Lee to stop embarrassing Suho.

Jin Tae Ri continues her plan to threaten CEO Nam with her husband's affair photos. She wants to be back in the limelight so she is trying all means to get to Suho. One day Suho has filming a CF with the model Jung Da Seul- who is his father's girlfriend. Surprisingly Tae Ri turns up insulting her and two women shouting while grabbing each other's hair. Suho just look disgusted and told CEO Nam to stop the nonsense. CEO Nam wants Suho to stop the radio program but he insisted to carry on. Geu Rim and Suho were stuck in heavy traffic at Gangwon-do province so they have to carry out their daily show at 6.00 pm in a school area with mobile broadcast truck. Geu Rim tells Suho there is a little boy Sang Goo who is grumpy and refuses to graduate from school because he is still waiting for his friend to return. 

                                   

When Suho meets little Sang Goo, it reminded him a lot of him when he was young. Their style of talking, grumpiness and behaviour were alike. Sang Goo might not mean what he says and yet he's waiting for his friend's return. The same thing happened to Suho when he was young- his best friend Woo Ji Woo has not returned ever since- in fact died in a car accident. 
Suho managed to have Sang Goo talk about his experience and school kids rendering a sad emotional song in the school. Listeners were amazed with the program and some shed a tear.
Geu Rim pointed out to Suho that he can do the closing of the program with his own words as they don't have a script. He ended the program with a saying 'Just because you're crying, it doesn't mean you are sad, just because you smile- it doesn't mean you are happy.' 
Those words rang clearly on Geu Rim's mind- they were the words she told her first love at the hospital whole she did the blindness project. 

          

Sang Goo asked if Suho kept his school grad cert- he replied no where Geu Rim widened her eyes wondering what happened to it. In fact Suho's grad cert is in the glass case beside Woo Ji Woo's urn in the crematorium. The junior writers got PD Lee to read the board online for Suho's program- someone has been insulting and writing evil remarks on the actor. There were even cards send to the station with letters stating Suho is a murderer. What the...??
I wonder if this was the work of his doctor friend Jason...he does act suspicious...

Geu Rim was pleased that Suho read her script and followed her actions to have the radio program successfully broadcast even when they are not in Seoul. She felt her dream is coming true- making baby steps. She hugged Suho thanking him for making her career take off. He was quite stunned as he asked her if she does remember who he was. She looked blank.
He covered her eyes with his palm and gave her a kiss. The similar scene took place 12 years back when they were in the hospital as she was wearing a blindfold... 

Sung Shi Kyung establishes one-man agency company.

Ballad singer Sung Shi Kyung (39) has started his own one-man agency company.

           

On 22nd February, Jellyfish Entertainment rep has confirmed the male vocalist has finally decided to do his own thing. He is beginning his second chapter of music life that is to establish and formed a new company.

Sung Shi Kyung is trying out various challenges and to communicate closely with the public through a single agency. In addition, he will carefully consider the possibility of diverse activities throughout the entertainment industry and plan to carry out solo activities.

Since he has now established a one-person company, he plans to concentrate on the personality-strong music work as the top vocalist and talented singer-songwriter.

He debuted in 2000 with his first album "Like the First Time". He wrote the hit song such as 'Smile Angel', 'You were touched', 'I came to you', 'I love you', 'Once more goodbye' and 'Goodbye my love'.

Recently, he has been releasing his debut album 'DRAMA' in Japan, and continues to expand his activities in overseas activities.

Along With Gods movie review

I finally had the opportunity to watch and do some review on the movie "Along With Gods - 신과 함께" starring Cha Tae Hyun, Ha Jung Woo, Joo Ji Hoon, Kim Hyang Gi, Kim Dong Wook, Lee Jun Hyuk, Do Kyung Soo and Lee Jung Jae. 

                         

The story opens with a brave and hardworking fireman Kim Ja Hong (played by Cha Tae Hyun) died while saving a little girl from a burning building. He didn't realise he was dead until he was summoned by grim reaper Kang Rim (played by Ha Jung Woo), Haewon Mak (played by Jo Ji Hoon) and Deok Choon (played by Kim Hyang Gi). The three guardians have advised Ja Hong that he's a paragon and he would benefit from escaping the 7 Hells of trials in order to be reincarnated. Ja Hong was shocked and can't bear to leave behind his old ailing mother.

               

Indeed it was a series of roller coaster events where the three guardians brought him to meet God Of Murder Hell, Goddess of Indolence Hell, God of Violence Hell, King Taesan, Goddess of Betrayal Hell and Yeomra, King of Underworld. They tried their best to defend Ja Hong against 2 unruly prosecutors who wanted to punish him. Each time a trial goes, Ja Hong finds himself brimming in tears after looking at the mirror of his past- what he has done as a fireman, his daily lifestyle and surviving through poverty. However a series of misfortune starts happening as Haewon Mak pointed out there must be a family member who is dead but the spirit is still vengeful. Ja Hong thought was his mother but Kang Rim discovered the Angel of Death is his younger brother, Su Hong (played by Kim Dong Wook) who died in an unfortunate accident in the military camp. Su Hong started to revenge on Private Dong Yeon (Do Kyung Soo) and First Lt. Park (Lee Jun Hyuk) for accidentally shooting him while on duty, covering his death, burying him alive in the ground and faking the news that he deserted his duties. 

                       

It was difficult to defend Ja Hong in the underworld trials when Su Hong's evil spirit is filled with vengeance causing disruption even up to Yeomra's world. Kang Rim fought few battles with Su Hong and told him to stop otherwise his brother's spirit will not reincarnate. Su Hong despised Ja Hong for leaving the family when he was young and there was mysterious past about them.
They were so poor that Ja Hong had the intentions of killing his mother and committing suicide to end all suffering. Su Hong forgave Dong Yeon over the accidental death as the poor lad was literally a walking zombie of guilt and tried to hang himself. But Su Hong got mad after seeing First Lt. Park bullied their mute mother and pushed her away. His mother was desperate to see where Su Hong's body was buried but Lt. Park denied all. Kang Rim and Haewon Mak have to intervene with the Angel of Death rage and vengeance. Deok Choon pleaded with Yeomra to forgive what Ja Hong has done when he was young. The two guardians managed to do some magic whereby Su Hong was dressed in a Prosecutor robe and sat in front of his ailing mother.
His mother woke up and was thrilled to see her youngest son alive (but actual fact he's dead), he cried saying he has to go somewhere far to work. Ja Hong missed his mother so much and cried too. 

Yeomra forgave what Ja Hong has done and concluded that his spirit will be reincarnated.
He will not be punished for anything. The three guardians were pleased with the results. Deok Choon bade farewell to Ja Hong as he finds his spirit slowly disappears into gold dust and left the underworld. Kang Rim dressed as a delivery man sends a parcel containing the latest rice cooker for Ja Hong's mother with a letter from her elder son. Kang Rim, Haewon Mak and Deok Choon were left to defend Su Hong in afterlife.... this time a bigger battle awaits them.

As my thoughts- Cha Tae Hyun looks cute in his yellow fireman suit throughout the movie, the two guardians are dressed like in Matrix...ha ha! The stunning cameo appearances from many famous actors and actresses do amaze me. In fact the last scene has Kim Min Jong and Ma Dong Suk appearing cracks me up as one is a Grim Reaper and another is House of Gods. Quite pleasing to see Jo Ji Hoon in a very sarcastic and comical character. 

Wanna One's comeback on 19th March.

Group Wanna One is set to come back on 19th March 2018.

              

"The group is releasing their new mini-album," said the YMC Entertainment managing director on 20th Feb.

It is a comeback after four months since the album '1-1 = 0' (NOTHING WITHOUT YOU) was released last November.

Recently, Wanna One has announced their comeback was imminent with the release of upcoming album entitled "Golden Age Begins", a teaser with mystical atmosphere.

Wanna One was formed last year through MNet 'Produce 101' season 2. From there, the members have rocked the music industry with their debut. With its debut album and repackage album together, they have sold more than 1.3 million copies and became one of the most popular project boy band in history.


In addition to the music charts and music broadcasts, Wanna One has been named as a Rookie Monster by winning many music awards such as the Mnet Asian Music Awards, Melon Music Awards, and Golden Disc Awards.

Teen actor Lee Hyun Woo quietly enlists.

Actor Lee Hyun Woo (25) has quietly enlisted.

                                        

The actor will enter the recruitment training camp in Paju City, Gyeonggi Province on the afternoon of 19th February 2018. According to Lee wished to start military life quietly, the entrance will be held without a press conference.

Lee told the news of his enrolment at the fan meeting on 3rd February. He said, "I will try to show you that I can grow up into a more matured person. Please watch over me."

Lee Hyun Woo began early acting in 2005 with the film 'Baribari Zzang'. Since then, he has appeared in dramas such as 'The Legend- Tae Wang Sa Shin Gi' (2007), 'King Sejong' (2008) and 'Queen Seondeok' (2009). 

Since then, he has been recognised for acting in dramas. He acted alongside Yoo Seung Ho in 'God of Study' (2010), films- 'Technicians' (2014) with Kim Woo Bin and Go Chang Suk and 'Yeonpyeong Sea Battle' (2015). His most recent drama was Korean version of 'The Liar and His Lover ' (2017) together with Red Velvet's Joy.