[News] K-POP Highlights of 2009

K-POP Highlights of 2009
By Melody Or, Youthradio,org
December 30, 2009 at 12:00pm

2009 was a big year for K-POP, lots have happened both negative and positive. I want to try to stay with the positive so here are my 10 highlights of K-POP in 2009.

1) To start off the year, Girls’ Generation AKA SNSD made a comeback with their hit song “Gee”. The song set the record for the longest #1 on KBS’s Music Bank for 9 weeks.

2) In early March, Epik High departed from their major recording label and founded there own independent label “MapTheSoul”. This is a risky move because in the US when an artist leaves their record company, they are unlikely to be as “famous” and “successful” as they were. However, Epik High is still just as successful and even got a chance to tour in the U.S.

3) Se7en, BoA and the Wonder Girls, along with Utada Hikaru (a Japanese Artist) were featured in People Magazine. Asian artists are starting to be recognize more and more in America.

4) In May, the now infamous girl group 2NE1 debuted. During the time many girl groups were cute and bubbly, but 2NE1 didn’t follow that trend, they had a different style. They were more hip hop, instead of Pop. M.net is a Korean TV program that stands for Music Network, and they have chosen 2NE1 as their Artist of the Year.

5) Se7en wanted to expand to the U.S., working on an English album. In June, Se7en became the first Asian artist to have a music video premiered on BET, with a song featuring Lil’ Kim.

6) In September, Jaebeom was in the middle of a myspace controversy, which sadly ended with Jaebeom leaving 2PM. Although this is not a positive event, I added this because 2PM recently released an album titled 1:59PM, due to Jay. Jay is missing, therefore the group is incomplete. 2PM is a role model for all groups, although they are going through hard times, they will never turn against each other. And on a positive note there are rumors that Jay will be returning, due to his contract.

7) The Wonder Girls have been working very hard on expanding their music to the U.S. The move payed off with the Wonder Girls getting featured in magazines, and touring with the Jonas Brothers. In October the Wonder Girls made it to the Billboard Top 100 Chart.

8) In November, Bi Rain made a big Hollywood debut in Ninja Assassin.

9) The biggest highlight event of 2009 is all the girl and boy groups debuting. In the U.S, I can barley name 2 current music groups, all the groups I know like N'Sync are either broken up or no longer producing music. However, I can probably name more groups than solo artists in the K-POP world. In 2009, girl groups were debuting left and right. Not all of them are successful, but many have caught K-POP fans attention, such as 4minutes, T-ara, Secret and Lady Collection. And you can't forget the the two recently debuted boybands MBLAQ and BEAST/B2ST.

10) Big Bang is my group of the year. Big Bang has accomplished a lot since they debuted in 2006. This year, each member has worked on their own solo project. Taeyang is working on a full solo album. TOP is working on the drama “IRIS” and along with Seungri in “19”. Seungri and DaeSung were working in the musical “Shouting", but unfortunately Daesung was in a car crash and was unable to be apart of it. DaeSung is now recovered and is continuing in the show Family Outing.
But, no one in Big Bang is creating more headlines in 2009, than leader of Big Bang, G-Dragon. GD has been in controversy involving lyrics, plagiarism and stage performance. G-Dragon is not only in headlines due to negative news, but positive as well. Heartbreaker is the top selling album of 2009 in Korea and GD has been in magazines noted for his fashion.
Although everyone is working on their own projects, they are still a group and Big Bang released a Japanese album this year. This shows that they are truly a group and family.


{Source:Youth Radio.org}


"Youth Media International better known as Youth Radio is a youth-based non-profit media outlet based in Oakland, California. From its beginning until May 2007, it was located in Berkeley, California. It has won various awards, including the Edward R. Murrow Award & the Peabody Award in 2001. Youth Radio features free programs & internships for young people ages 13-18 which train them in a variety of fields, including the radio, video, & news production as well as web page design & music production. The teens at Youth Radio have had pieces aired on various radio stations, including National Public Radio & Public Radio International. Currently, Youth Radio has a streaming radio station on iTunes. Youth Radio also has weekly shows on KPFB, a sub station of KPFA. Youth Radio reaches 15 million listeners per year." - Wikipedia

Cr:Qoxie@Soompi
Shared by: SoulHee@wgspectacle forum

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NEWS,

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[Interview] Take 7 Interview with Yoseob, Doojoon and Hyunseung

Yang Yoseob

Yang: This Yang Yoseob.
Yo: This is Yoseob
Seob: As a BEAST member, I'll try to work as hard without being seobseobhae!!  (seobseobhae means sad in kr)

INTERVIEW
T7: Before your debut, there seem to be a lot of clips of you in various parodies, and performances in the UCC community.  Was this a PR strategy?  
YS: I think it was probably because the more we filmed,  the greed of wanting to do it do it grew as well.

T7: Was there a UCC that you guys weren't able to finish that you remember?
YS: Due to filming such a monstrosity of a project, Lord of the Rings, I made horrible mistake of leaving in the middle of it.  Still can't sleep just thinking about it.

T7: I hear that you're particularly a good eater.  Normally, how much can you eat?   
YS: I might feel full maybe after eating one bowl of rice, ramyun and 7 sausages.

T7: I heard there are a lot of uploaded pictures of you, when you search for "Yang Yoseob's cuteness" on the internet.  Do you have any suggestions, for those who don't possess any cute attributes, that one can easily follow?
YS: For beginners, you could get the a response by doing a simple wink or stinking your tongue out a little. I think that's probably the best.  

Yoon DooJoon

Yoon: This is Yoonleadah
Doo: They call me DooJoonie
Joon: People don't really call me Joonie

INTERVIEW
T7: I'm sure there are situations that were not aired between you and 2PM members?  Since you guys have been close friends since your training days, I'm sure they've given you some advice as a new artist?  Can you share any stories?
DJ:Now that I get to see them on stage, I'm really happy. We mostly talk about stories when we used to live together at the dorm. Like family members, we really had a lot of fun. 

T7:Compare to your training days, what do you feel that you have developed most?
DJ: I think my dancing has definitely improved.  I used to worry a lot because I had trouble in keeping my expression and gesture to look more natural.

T7:So I heard that you just came back from Africa due to filming of the new Sunday Sunday Night Show? Because the show was conducted under top secrecy, there were a lot of rumors going around, such as you leaving the group.  Can you elaborate?
DJ:I was extremely frustrated,and wanted to immediately come back to remedy the situation; however, I was not in a position where I was able to. It deeply trouble me.

T7:What was the most memorable moment you'll never forget in Africa.
DJ:We made some balloon animals for the children. Played some soccer... sang some songs together.  Children are innocent and cute, no matter where you go.

T7:When do you feel like it's most difficult being a team leader?
DJ: Having responsibilities...duties... and having to get up first to wake everyone up makes it difficult.  

Jang Hyunseung

Jang: Jang is
Hyun: currently  (kr=hyun jae)
Seung: Seungjil is here (sorry guys, couldn't translate >.<...)

T7: There are some clips you working really hard during your practice sessions while filming of BIGBANG documentary, to the point of sweat.  To what extreme extent, do you guys practice daily? 
HS: It changes daily.  There are days, we practice all day long.  However, due to our schedule these days, we're not able to practice as much we did previously but we do try to fit in as much as we can. 

T7: Heard that the fans call you the eye prince and that you communicate through your eyes.  Can you share this secret?
HS: Oh I don't know.  I want to thank my parents.

T7: Heard that you have a interest in fashion.  What kind of fashion style do you prefer?b]
[b]HS: It's not like I wear great clothes or anything, but I do have some interest in it. Personally I like to mix match classic and sporty items.

T7: Can you recommend a fashion item to be worn during these winter days? 
HS:  I think something that can satisfy both fashion and function.  Guess during the winter season, padding inserts are a must.   Because you could still look stylish wearing them and not worry about the weather, I would recommend all to wear some padding this winter season.  

CREDITS: as tagged/reuped by bestiz/용준형팬입니다 (SOURCE);
B2UTY@B2ST Rising (SHARING); DOOSEOP@B2ST Rising

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Doo Joon, Hyun Seung, interview, Yang Yoseob,

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[News] 2PM to move on with promotions for ‘Tired Of Waiting’

2PM will move on to promote their 2nd hit song ‘Tired Of Waiting.

A JYP Entertainment staff said on 2nd January, “From 1st January, the group has started promotions for ‘Tired Of Waiting’. It is the performance to show that their 1st full length album promotions are ending.”

It is also revealed that, “While they will be promoting this 2nd hit song, they will not be promoting it for a long period of time.”

2PM had their first performance of ‘Tired Of Waiting’ during SBS Gayo DaeJun on 29th December, and has been a much anticipated performances by fans.

They also performed it on KBS Music Bank on 1st January and the song was one of the #1 spot contentants for KChart on the show that day.

Meanwhile, 2PM had previously come back into the Kpop scene with their 1st full length album last November and has been enjoying great love from music fans for their comeback.

S:Starnews
Credits:Kbites

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2PM, NEWS,

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[DKP Special] SNSD’ Yuri and Soo Young doing Bo Peep Bo Peep?

SNSD’s members Yuri and Soo Young showed T-ara some love.

T-ara won K-Chart on Music Bank for the first time yesterday with Bo Peep Bo Peep.When the girls were busy giving speech,SNSD’s members Yuri and Soo Young imitated their cat dance.

I think many of you didn’t see that as you are concentrating on the girls from T-ara,please pause at 0.09 to see the interesting scene.They are doing it on the left corner.

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snsd, Soo Young, t-ara, Video, Yuri,

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[Pictures] KARA Generation’s bond revealed!

I think you have heard many people saying that members of SNSD and KARA are close,but how close they are,I don’t really know.

But after seeing the interactions of the girls during MBC Gayo Daejoon,I can only say that they are like a big family,hope that they will have opportunity working together as KARA Generation in the near future.

Some photos showing the tight bond of KARA Generation!

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girls generation, KARA, pictures, snsd,

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[News]2PM Reveal Stars They Want As CF Partners

[Combined 2 articles from TVDaily] 2PM WooYoung reveals an episode with actress Kim TaeHee when they were filming for a CF together.

This was during 2PM’s interview on MBC Section TV Entertainment News aired on 1st January while the boys were filming their Coca Cola CF. When asked if he had any special episode with Kim TaeHee when they were filming the CF, WooYoung said, “Actually I said something really cozy.”

He revealed smiling, “I said ‘I shall call you noona’ and she had very readily accepted it. But after that, we did not have any scene together” showing his reluctance.

WooYoung also gave his new year greetings and wish during the interview, “I wish all the members healthy, and continue to be on stage with fans’ support. Everyone watching this, happy new year.”

2PM members also reveal the stars whom they want to film a CF together. The boys were asked with whom do they want to film a CF together and member JunHo chose Shin SaeKyung while WooYoung chose Lee NaYoung and JunSu chose Kim MinJung as their desired CF partners.

Youngest ChanSung chose MC Lee ChaeYoung and TaecYeon chose actress Ha JiWon. And lastly Nich Khun referred to the interview Kim SaeRoom, “I want to film with noona”.

cr:Kbites || vid:tasteoftime

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2PM, NEWS,

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[Picture] Kim Tae Woo and Yuri are an official couple now??

Are they an official couple now?

Kim Tae Woo and SNSD's Yuri were holding each others' hands on Invincible Youth aired on 1st January.

They were wearing hanbok when taking the photo together,judging from the photo people might think that they are getting married.But of course there is no official statement concerning their relationship.

I think fanboys will be jealous after seeing these photos!

Do you like the WooRi couple?

credits to semifly@soshified for the photos!

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invincible youth, Kim Tae Woo, Yuri,

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[Info]Kim Hyunjoong Is Voted #1 Korean Stars Next Generation By Japanese!

A Japanese Hallyu magazine ‘Inno-Life’ has conducted a poll among the local netizens from Dec 7-20, to choose “Best Male Actor in a Drama Series” and “Korean stars next-generation” ; and these 2 polls have ranked SS501 Kim Hyunjoong in the 1st place.

Kim Hyunjoong wins in the drama actor category with 67.3 percent beats other top Korean stars such as : Lee Byung-hun, Lee Min Ho, etc. As for the “Korean stars next-generation” category , Kim Hyunjoong wins with 83.4% beat other stars such as : KimBum, Lee MinHo, Lee SeungGi, etc.

Meanwhile, SS501 has won the poll for Best Singer category with 47.8% beats other group such as TVXQ.

Source:김원겸 기자 gyummy@donga || cr:imuyachan

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Info, Kim Hyun Joong, SS501,

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[NEWS] Rainbow is better than KARA in terms of sexiness and develpoment?

7-member rookie group Rainbow made a shocking shocking statement recently saying that they are better in terms of sexiness and development compared to seniors KARA.

The girls mentioned the statement above on OnGameNet ‘HanYeong’s RockYou’.

Although they debuted later than KARA,however the average age of Rainbow is higher than KARA.KARA and Rainbow are groups under DSP Entertainment,both groups developed close relationships despite the competition.

In addition,Rainbow has started their promotional activities for Not Your Girl and they will be performing it on Han Yeong's Rock You.

The episode will be aired on 3rd January!

Any opinion to share concerning the statement they made?

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KARA, NEWS, Rainbow,

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[News] 10Asia Q&A with Inkigayo PD Park Sung Hoon about 2PM

Excerpts related to 2PM with Inkigayo PD Park Sung Hoon:


A particular stage that stands out in your mind.
PD: For 2PM's 'Heartbeat' comeback performance I thought it would be interesting if they came out breaking something, I thought of glass but there wasn't enough time to order artificial glass. So we resorted to using ice, but the thing with ice is that you have to cut it right before you use it. So if there was an NG, that is when you'd have to cut another slice of ice. (laughs) So we had no choice but to go without NGs.

Even though 2PM is in the same group, at times like this it was hard.
PD: 2PM was a little hard, their concept is 'make the females faint'. (laughs) 2PM's fans don't see them as artists but rather as men. During 'I Hate You' we were just going to show them touching their jaws and then go to a full shot when they touched their bodies, but the script writers suggested showing it through the end. So we did it that way and the fans loved it because no other broadcast had shown the choreography in its entirety that followed the whole movement from start to finish. The following we we showed another member, so the fans were curious who would be the focus the following week. Eventually we ended up repeating the song and showing all the members. It was a fun communication experience with the fans.

During 2PM's 'Heartbeat' comeback performance there are rumors that the 'empty space' graphic represented leader Jaebum.
PD: That was something even I didn't know, but I found out the graphic designer sneakily placed it in like an 'easter egg'. So due to that, we were dubbed 'Sensible Inkigayo'. We are very thankful for that. (laughs)

The fact that 2PM performed on a lot of stages has some meaning to it. (*I think they were referring to the SBS Gayo Daejun)
PD: They were a hot issue this year, when we worked together they were friends that my heart particularly went to. But I admit that creating balance for the show was a factor that we failed in.


CREDITS: SOURCE; tvxqbuzz7921 (translator)

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2PM, Inkigayo,

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[News] Jo Kwon 'I Have actually thought about dating Ga-in'

Group 2AM’s Jo Kwon stars in MBC ‘We got Married’ as a virtual couple with Brown eyed Girls Ga-in but recently said that he has actually thought about dating in reality.

On the recent episode of ‘We got Married’ after the episode in the interview they had gotten a comment saying that they suit each other as a reply ‘I have actually thought about dating her (in reality)’ he told the interviewer truthfully about his feelings about Ga-in.

Also Ga-in added ‘After recording and Jo Kwon calls me and does not says ‘wife’ but ‘noona’ (an older girl) sometimes hearing that can feel awkward and sad’. Both couples reveal their true feelings carefully.


Credit: Gwangnam + Baby♥ANGANG@2ONEDAY.COM (Trans)

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2AM, Ga-In, jokwon, NEWS, We Got Married,

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[News] 2PM Chansung's message + JYPE's "Thank you." Message

Everyone, the new year is becoming brighter ^^First off, happy new year!
In the new year, I hope everything works out well !! TT TT
Ah the time .. is very late ;; our practice for our follow up song ended late, so I’m writing this now …;;

Ah.. and thank you for the award .. it was something we didn’t expect and the situation is still unbelievable to us.. ^^;;
Even now it’s still hard to belive .. TT TT
And so we want to say it refreshingly and thank our 2PM’s parents that we didn’t get to thank !!
They gave us the world and even though it’s something that words can’t express, we thank you for raising us !! We love you ^^!
Also, our JYP staff who work hard for us !! You’re always working hard and we thank you again !
And Jin Young hyung who’s as happy as we are! Thank you ^^!! Also Na Myong hyung kekeke you’re someone that has to exist in our lives!
And Director Jo, our boss Jung Wook, our manager hyungs Joo Seobie hyung, Jin Chulie hyung, Min Jay hyung, we love you so much and thank you !!
And with the cold weather along with many events, our Hotties who endured them ! Thank you so much and we love you ^^
Lastly, Jaebum hyung !! I don’t know if you’ll see this, but since the day we came together as trainees as seven, the times we had with you hyung helped us as six member come this far today makes us happy, yet sad. We don’t know when that day will be, but we’ll promise to practice hard and show that 2PM hasn’t died when everyone looks at us!! So fighting!

CREDITS: HOTTEST FANCAFE (SOURCE), SEOULFOOOD @ 2ONEDAY.COM (TRANS)

Thank you.

Hello. This is JYPE.
We started the last day of 2009 with an award that we could not even imagine.
We think to hope that not just our members that were there but also those would watched through the broadcast can be with us in one heart for the joy of this award.
We truly thank everyone who loved Again&Again throughout this year.
Though he wasn’t able to be with us on stage we wish to share the joy of this award with our leader Jaebum goon who is always with us somewhere through his heart.

As we give thanks again for all the encouragement and love you’ve sent to us until now
We will do our best to repay it by working harder in the future and showing you a good image.
We request for a steady love in 2010
And we pray that 2PM and our members have a year filled with happiness and laughter.
Please be blessed in the new year.
Thank you.

CREDS: 2PM Hottest Daum FanCafe (source) & G-race @ 2OD (trans)

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2PM, Chansung, JYPE, NEWS,

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