Arirang TV ranks most popular group members

On July 5th, Arirang World revealed its rankings of the most popular members of idol groups. The rankings are based on members who stand out among the rest of their groupmates.

The first place winner is SNSD's Yoona. She is well-rounded, with strong singing, dancing, and acting abilities, and is known for her beauty and complexion. She was also recently featured in SHINee's Japanese "Replay" MV as the group members' love interest.

BEAST's Doojoon, the "boyfriend idol," came in second for his charisma and charm. He has also been named the most popular member of BEAST in Japan.

f(x)'s Sulli, who was seen adapting the "antenna" hairstyle for "Pinocchio (Danger)" promotions in May, ranked third with her "trademark smile and bubbly personality."

Despite the hardships he has experienced recently and the suspension of promotions for the remainder of the year, Big Bang's Daesung ranked fourth with his fun, approachable personality.

Rainbow's leader Kim Jaekyung came in at fifth place because she was popular before her debut and is well-known for her "perfect facial features and physique." and her abilities to look perfect and practically doll-like.

Source: koreaboo 

YG addresses rumors about international concerts

Following the success of SM Town's Paris concert and the nationwide attention the company has received since, rumors have surfaced about other major companies holding concerts outside of Asia. In some rumors spread through the internet, YG Entertainment, the label for Big Bang, 2NE1, and Se7en, was planning a world tour with stops in Chile, Argentina, New York, Canada, the Netherlands, and other locations. In addition, with such a high profile K-Pop event coming to Europe, fans of all Korean artists have become more hopeful that their favorite musicians will visit their home country. Many fans have become proactive in lobbying for concerts. A Facebook event called "Bring YG to the UK" is only one example of many groups across Europe holding flash mobs for a YG concert, and these flash mobs have not gone unnoticed by the Korean media or YG itself.

In response to the multiple rumors and fan projects, YG Entertainment stated, "Although there are no specific plans yet, we have received many proposals and are currently in the process of examining them."

Source: koreaboo

[Update] Korean media claims motorcyclist may have been alive before Daesung’s collision

On June 19th, MBC’s “News Desk” reported that motorcyclist Hyun could have been alive at the time of Daesung’s accident.

According to the report, autopsy results revealed that Hyun fell while driving his motorcycle under the influence of alcohol. There were no signs of being hit prior to Daesung’s accident.

This new piece of information is bringing up speculation that Hyun was alive prior to the collision with Daesung’s car. However, there is still a possibility that Hyun died from losing blood for a long period of time after falling from his motorcyle. Therefore, there is no clear evidence at the moment that would determine whether or not Hyun died due to Daesung’s accident at this time.

Stay tuned to allkpop as we continue to report on this matter.

[UPDATE]

The National Forensic Service is reporting that they had neither contacted nor spoke with MBC regarding the Daesung incident, and that whatever news that had come out of MBC’s “News Desk” is likely to be pure speculation.

“We have not released any statements regarding Daesung’s accident,” said a spokesman for the NFS. “The investigation is still proceeding, so there is nothing we can say right now.”

The NFS also stated that after an internal review, no one was found to have spoken with MBC regarding the incident. “We don’t know who said such a thing, but there’s a high possibility that the broadcast was different from the truth.”

The autopsy results are scheduled to be handed over to police on the 21st.

Source: Allkpop

Big Bang Poses for Dazed & Confused Korea Magazine

Last month, Big Bang posed for the magazine, Dazed & Confused Korea, collaborating with photogrpher, Kim Jung Man.

Kim Jung Man's intention for the pictorial with Big Bang was to unveil images of the members that are different from their usual appearance. The photo shooting took over 12 hours to achieve the goal of the photographer. Although it took so much time, Big Bang was reported to had been very concentrated and enthusiastic during the shooting.

Big Bang's pictorial photos, including the personal photos of the members, will be sold limitedly in 5 volumes. Only 100 copies are available.

Source : GoKpop

Daesung To Pay Accident Victim's Funeral Costs

Days after his car accident that resulted with the death of a motorcyclist, Big Bang's Daesung finally emerged from his isolation, in order to pay respect to the victim's family. 

On the night of June 2nd, Daesung as well as YG Entertainment officials came before the family of the accident victim, and was reported to have been in agony as he apologized in person.

The family had previously been angered by not receiving any sort of apology, and demanded Daesung himself apologize when the YG officials tried to do it for him. 

The family commented saying "It’s true that we were somewhat disappointed in Daesung. A person just died. And he (Daesung) was involved in the accident. We thought, more than anything, a sincere apology would be the first thing to do.". “But his agency just kept making excuses, telling the press that ‘Daesung was driving at 60km/hr,’ ‘I probably wouldn't have been able to avoid the victim either.’ Our child is dead and gone, and it was just really frustrating and dismaying to see that.”

The reason for the long delay was revealed by YG Entertainment to be because of Daesung's state of mind after the accident, which included locking himself in his room and being unable to eat properly. 

But one family member, was taken back by Daesung's sincere apology, stating "At first, I was mad about it, but after seeing Daesung in person, I felt bad for the young man. He looked really painful. He got involved in such a horrible accident at a young age, and I’m sure it came as huge shock to him.”

To add to his apology, Daesung also decided to pay for the funeral costs, as police continue to investigate just what exactly happened that fateful night.

Source: GoKpop

Yang Hyun Suk Reveals More About Daesung’s Accident

Yang Hyun Suk left a message on the YG-Life official site talking about the recent car accident that involved Daesung, as well as the reasons why they are going to postpone 2NE1's release and the next YG on air episode.

The president of YG commented that due to the recent circumstances the current schedules of their artists are going to be postponed for a week.

He mentioned that 2NE1's next release and the following episode of YG on Air are going to be postponed for a week like it was announced a while ago. The decision was taken under the current circumstances and all of them apologized and asked fans to understand the situation. 

He also talked about Daesung and his thoughts related to the accident. First of all they expressed their condolences to the family of the man who passed away on the accident and prayed so he could rest in peace. 

Yang Hyun Suk commented that because of his nature he expected that Daesung would be blaming himself for the accident, and that is currently happening. He has refused to speak with everyone, even his family members, and is just staying alone on his room, mentioning that the situation is pretty hard for him.

He continued by saying that he tried to console Daesung that it was an accident and it was pretty hard to avoid the situation for anyone. He also said that the managers visited the scene as soon as they were informed and arrived there after 20 minutes. 

According to them the the accident occurred around 1:30am and that night was a bit drizzly. As it was previously stated the victim was already lying on the road due to a previous hit-and-run, a car driving in front of Daesung saw the victim and avoided him on time, but Daesung was not able to see him and also ended up crashing with the taxi driver who stopped to help the victim. 

Daesung found out later about the motorcycle victim. The taxi driver told the police that it looked like Daesung's speed was around 60km, but Daesung said it was actually 80km. The police is currently investigating the CCTV to have a better understanding of the situation and the order of events as well as the details since it looks like the calculated speed stated by the taxi driver are closer to the true, due to the circumstances of the weather and the road as well. 

Yang Hyun Suk also mentioned that Daesung's pain and the one of the victim's family is uncomparable, but still he is worried since he does not how affected Daesung might be due to the events. He does not how long the trauma will last if it will be weeks, months or even years, specially because Dasung suffered a major car accident back in 2009, where he almost died, and he is not over it yet. 

For the time being Daesung will not be alright, but maybe in the future he will be able to feel better.

He finished by hoping that the investigation can reveal the real facts soon, so Daesung will feel a bit relieved in this situation. 

Finally he thanked the people who are worried about Daesung and once again gave his condolence to the family of the victim.

Source: GoKpop

Autopsy of Motorcyclist Involved in Daesung's Accident Begins

On June 1st at 9 a.m. (KST), the autopsy of the deceased motorcyclist, Hyun (30), involved in Daesung's car accident has begun. It will take about two weeks until the results of the autopsy will be released.

The recently started autopsy of Hyun will focus on if he deceased on or before Daesung's car crash. The Seoul Youngdeaungpo police are also trying to discover "whether there was another accident before Daesung's or not".

Their investigations will also include analyses of the deceased's blood as well as continue to find out where the motorcyclist came from.

Meanwhile, Daesung probably won't be called for a 2nd questioning as he was cooperativ and provided all the information needed during the 1st questioning, which was for 5 hours right after his car accident. If a 2nd questioning is necessary though, "it will be done in private."


Source: GoKpop

Taxi Driver Tells his Side of Daesung's Tragic Story

The taxi driver, who was involved in the same car accident as Big Bang's Daesung, has spoken up to Dispatch to clear up the various rumours that have arisen since the day of the accident.

Since 31st May, the day of Daesung's car accident, various rumours have arisen, and the situation has got quite confused. Everyone is shocked and waits for this issue to clear up soon. However, an end to it isn't in sight yet.

With the words, "I have to correct everything that's being wrongly reported", Kim, the taxi driver involved in the accident, has sit down for an interview with Dispatch.

Q. At this time, the motorcyclist has deceased and the attention is now being focused on whether his death was caused by Daesung's collision or not.
A. Daesung is also a victim in this case. It seems that the motorcyclist already received much injury from a previous accident. He was discovered 30m away from his motorcycle and you could tell how bad his condition was with the naked eye. There was a lot of blood where he was lying and his head was also bleeding profusely. Maybe it's because of the shock from the impact, but his helmet was also nowhere to be seen. The police later discovered it, and it, too, was badly damaged.

Q. You checked for the condition of the motorcyclist but Daesung was unable to. Eventually, he passed Hyun, the motorcyclist, and collided with the taxi.
A. There is a reason why Daesung could not have avoided Hyun. There was another car in front of Daesung. To put it simply, I put up my emergency lights after discovering the motorcyclist and stopping on the road. Just before I was about to call the police, another car discovered Hyun and swerved to the next lane. The car following him was Daesung's. Although the first car was able to swerve and avoid an accident, I don't think Daesung could see what was going on. Usually, when the first car swerves, the car behind can't catch what he's swerving away from. Daesung was in that exact situation.

Q. Daesung testified that he did not see the motorcyclist.
A. Daesung did not know of the motorcyclist at all. He only knew once I told him that there was a person on the road. The car in front of him had swerved away so he didn't have time to check at the scene.

Q. Daesung is currently being questioned for speeding and negligent driving.
A. I think he was within the 60 km/h-limit because the car in front of him was not speeding. This was what I observed with the room mirror in the taxi. They say that he was speeding at 80 km/h during the investigations, but I feel that's the speed he was at when he collided with the taxi.

Q. No skid marks were discovered at the scene. Does that mean his car only stopped after it collided with the taxi?
A. In my personal opinion, he accidentally stepped on the accelerator instead of the brake. There should have been skid marks, but there are none. Even after the collision, the taxi was pushed out 30m from where it was originally standing. If it was pushed to that extent, it means he did not brake. Even during the collision, I don't think he braked, and it was most probably because he was nervous and shocked that he accidentally pressed the accelerator.

Q. Then if he wasn't able to see the motorcyclist at the time of the accident, did he check afterwards?
A. Daesung did not have a chance to. Within two minutes of the accident, police arrived and he was taken for investigations. He did not know that there was a person at the time of the accident so I don't think he knew to check. He only knew that there was a collision with the taxi. Immediately afterwards, a representative of his agency arrived, and he, too, did not see the motorcyclist.

Q. Did he look shocked?
A. There was so much going on. There was an accident and a victim was revealed. Within 10 minutes, journalists swarmed in. Since he's a young celebrity, I think he was shocked. Even while being investigated by the police, his hands were shaking.

Q. The taxi was severely destroyed. Just looking at the taxi, you must have also been severely injured. How are you right now?
A. In comparison to the taxi being destroyed, I was not that injured. I think it was because I sensed an accident and prepared for it. The hospital said that I didn't break anything, but I am receiving physical therapy for my shoulders, back, and neck.

Q. If Daesung is found to be unrelated to the death of the motorcyclist, that leaves only the issue of his collision with the taxi. The compromise will be important.
A. Daesung's side has not begun a compromise yet. I have not received contact from them and we did not exchange business cards at the time. I do not want to reach a compromise at this moment, as I feel that the accident being reported truthfully is more important.

Q. As the sole witness, how do you feel?
A. It's very disappointing. It was poor driving for him to not be able to see the motorcyclist and drive over him, but the situation is becoming severe in that there's also the issue of a preceding accident and it's unclear as to who caused it. This is why I mustered the courage to say something.

Source: GoKpop

Big Bang's Future Activities Inevitably Disrupted

After the car accident involving Big Bang's Daesung, it is expected that Big Bang's activities will be inevitably disrupted. YG Entertainment announced that SBS' variety program 'Night After Night', Daesung is a regular on, will not be recorded this week.

After they had completed their 'Love & Hope Tour' in Japan on 19th May, Big Bang was on vacation scheduled to end about next week. However, their resting period was interrupted by the major car accident involving Big Bang member, Daesung, on 31st May around 1.40 a.m. (KST).

"After the accident and being investigated for 3-4 hours at the police station, [Daesung] has returned to the hostel to rest. He is in shock and worrying greatly", YG Entertainment stated. According to the agency, Daesung has no particular schedule for some time, except for his regular MCing on SBS' 'Night After Night', which won't be recorded this week due to this issue.

Moreover, Big Bang's future activities will inevitably be disrupted as police investigations are expected to take some time. Especially, in case if the death of the motorcyclist was really caused by Daesung, personal detainment of him may be inevitable as well.

Currently, the police are investigating about the car accident prior to Daesung's, and an autopsy has been scheduled to discover the cause of the motorcyclist's death. Depending on this, Daesung's charges will vary. 

Source: GoKpop

Big Bang Daesung’s May 31st Car Accident Not His First

Around 1:30AM of May 31st, Big Bang’s Daesung was involved in a car accident that resulted in the death of a motorcyclist. The popular singer crashed into a taxi cab, whose driver stopped the car to help an already passed-out motorcyclist, at Yanghwa Bridge. It’s been said that the motorcyclist was already involved in an accident. As a result, the police stated that Daesung’s punishment will differ depending on the motorcyclist’s time of death.

The Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police stated, “We are not yet certain of the motorcyclist’s time of death. However, Daesung’s sentence will depend on whether the motorcyclist was dead before Daesung’s invovement or not." The police and the National Institute of Scientific Investigation are investigating further details of the accident.

Unfortunately, this incident is not Daesung’s first car accident. On August 11, 2009, Daesung's car lost control, swerved, and crashed into another car as he and his manager were driving back from filming SBS’s “Family Outing.” He suffered multiple fractures on his nose and nose and damaged his left eye cornea.

While he was not under the influence during the accident, the Seoul Yeongduengpo Police explained that Daesung violated his duty to drive safely by going 80km/hr when the speed limit was set at 60km/hr.

The police have requested an autopsy on the victim, and its results reveal whether the victim died before or after Daesung’s involvement. Autopsy results will take 7 to 10 days to come out.

Photos from his 2009 accident.

Photos from his recent accident

Source: soompi

Daesung Car Accident Being Investigated by National Forensic Service

Following his car accident earlier this morning,  Daesung was questioned by police for 5 hours, and was released around 7AM, local media reported. According to police, Daesung was not driving under the influence but he exceeded the speed limit, driving at 80km per hour on a driveway with a speed limit of 60km per hour. The motorcyclist he crashed into has been pronounced dead shortly after the accident and police is investigating whether his death was caused by Daesung’s crash or not.

“The motorcyclist has been confirmed to be dead but we’ll have to do more investigation to find out if he was killed by Daesung’s car or by a prior accident,” the police said. “Daesung will have to prove the motorcyclist’s death was not caused by his crash in order to avoid any liability issues.” 

According to police reports, around 1:30AM on May 31^st, Daesung hit a motorcyclist lying on the ground from a previous accident at Yanghwa Bridge. After the accident, Daesung changed lanes and crashed into a taxi from behind. The taxi driver however did not suffer any injuries.

For a more accurate investigation, the police are currently reviewing the CCTV screens while the damaged motorcycle and some footage of the accident have been sent to the National Forensic Service for closer examination. The police is currently investigating whether a hit-and-run accident was involved prior to Daesung and the taxi hit the motorcyclist, and they are waiting for autopsy results of the victim as well.

In the meantime, YG Entertainment said in an official statement that “Daesung is currently in a heavy state of shock and grief over the accident he could’t avoid. He broke down in tears in concern over the victim… He will follow any police investigation but he is in great pain over this issue.”

Following today’s accident, it will be inevitable for Big Bang and Daesung to make changes to their promotional activities. Big Bang recently finished their Japanese Tour Concerts and is currently in a resting period. But a lot of their individual activities and new album production plans will have to be altered due to today’s accident. Daesung currently is a regular on SBS “Night After Night."


Source: soompi

Official Police and YG Statement regarding Daesung's Accident

News like this always seems far too surreal to be true. Whenever you think of Big Bang's Daesung no one would connect him to a story like this.

So, details seem to change a lot but the general idea is that Daesung, driving a car, hit a motorcyclist who was already passed out from another accident. Crazy right?

The police have recently released this statement.

"On the morning of May 31st at Yanghwa Bridge, Daesung crashed into an already-passed-out motorcyclist with his car. It was identified that he crashed into a motorcyclist who was passed out from a previous accident. We will be able to give a clear confirmation after the investigation is over.”

Regarding the state of the motorcyclist and Daesung, they said,

“He has been admitted to the hospital and his death has not yet been confirmed. Currently, we are investigating whether alcohol was involved.”

YG have also now release a statement after it has been revealed that the man is indeed dead, and depending on if Daesung crashing into the taxi caused this, his sentence will change. YG released the statement saying,

"Daesung was driving his car at 1:40 am in the morning at the southern extremity of the Seoul Yanghwa Bridge and while going downhill, at the end he crashed directly into a taxi from behind. Fortunately the taxi driver did not suffer any major injuries.

Daesung was behind the taxi and as it moved to avoid hitting the motorcyclist, Daesung hit the taxi. Daesung had approached the taxi driver to make sure he was ok and then the driver told Daesung, who hadn't been aware, about the motorcyclist.

Daesung was driving on the first lane while the taxi was driving in front of him. The taxi drvier then changed to the second lane suddenly and back to the first lane and suddenly stopped causing the collision.

The taxi driver said,

“Right now I’m not the problem, there is a motorcycle driver already collapsed on the floor bleeding so I switched to the second lane to avoid hitting him but then I moved back to call for emergency.”

SBS News have now covered this accident with a report, it is not subbed however. If you can understand it, here is the video. The police is currently further investigating the accident and we will continue to update you on the whole situation.

We send our condolenses out to the family of the motorcyclist and also hope Daesung is ok. Horrible situations like this are almost too hard to write about.

Lee Hyori, friend of Daesung, wrote the following on her twitter.

"Knowing that Daesung’s character is one that will always turn things around to make it his own fault, it makes me more sad and worried…” (credit: john teshyeahbigbangstuff.tumblr.com)

Picture source: YG Source; iBigBang via Star News, translated by Alee @ ibigbang

Source: soompi

EDITORIAL: Fanboy & Fangirl Pick Best Kpop Songs for America

Fanboy (DareDB):

With so many artists tackling the Japanese market this year, other artists have tried or plan to make the bold step by breaking into the seemingly impenetrable American music industry. American mainstream music currently consists of upbeat, catchy pop and dance songs with a sprinkling of memorable slower-tempo songs.

BoA, Wonder Girls, JYJ, and Se7en have each released music here in America with the aspiration of being one of the first Asian artists to become a household name. On the other hand, Rain took a different approach by starring in the Hollywood movie "Ninja Assassin". 2NE1 is expected to make the leap this year under the wing of Black Eyed Peas producer and rapper will.i.am. This brings to me to today's topic of discussion: what songs do you think would make it big if they were released in America? Here's my list.

B2ST - "Thanks To" - This duet is great. The best one out of the 3 pairs. Yoseob and Junhyung are smooth (Junhyung says, "I'm fly like a G6!" It's almost like he has his mind set on it). The song reminds me of something a famous rapper would collaborate with Justin Timberlake on.

Taeyang - "Wedding Dress" and "I'll Be There" - Taeyang has a very marketable quality about him, and so many people I know think he's the hottest thing to walk the face of the earth. I guess when the Beliebers grow up, I assume they would graduate to him.

Seungri - "What Can I Do" - This song has a Taio Cruz sort of feel to me.

G.NA - "I'll Back Off So You Can Live Better" - This was one of the standout songs to me in 2010, and I thought this had a very western sound to it. Makes sense, since G.NA is from Canada after all.

4Minute - "HUH" and "Muzik" - I pick up a Pussycat Dolls vibe from these girls.

SHINee - "Forever or Never" - This was originally an English song by Cinema Bizarre. This song of SHINee's is seriously underrated and most definitely gives a much more mature sound that could appeal to people in America.

BoA - "Adrenaline" and "Dangerous" ("Dangerous" was done by the same guy who did "Eat You Up"). I actually thought BoA's last album was slightly ahead of its time. Now that club dance music featured on the album is more relevant today. Maybe she can become a household name if she were to release another English album to coincide with her upcoming Hollywood movie.

2NE1 - "Can't Nobody", "Clap Your Hands", and "Go Away" - At first, I was skeptical that 2NE1 could even have a chance here, but these three songs all give a nice glimpse into the girls' fierce artistry. Packed with bold language and a strong sound, Americans could fall in love with them.

Se7en - "Drips" - If I'm not mistaken, this song was featured in a Lexus commercial not too long ago. Songs from CFs have a tendency to become popular when they go to the radio. But sadly, people would most likely remember it as that "Lexus song," not a Se7en song. 

Super Junior-M - "Off My Mind" (Henry's Solo) - I guess it helps that Henry is from North America, because he knows how to create the correct sound that would suit well in his own market. Could SM plan to use him as a solo artist in America?

GD&TOP - "High High" - The English lyrics need to be slightly changed, but it has the potential to become successful.

Speaking of SHINee, the producer of "Lucifer" released an English demo of the song. It's not bad, and I can totally see why he eliminated "Lucifer" from the lyrics. That's just suicide in America. The bible thumpers would think they're the spawn of Satan (only judging by the title).

Notice how all the male artists I chose are solos or a duet? It's all about what is current. Boy band songs have no shot making it here in America right now. That's why I'm iffy choosing SHINee's "Forever or Never", but the song could work. But songs I selected have a special quality about them. Specific girl groups could potentially make it. SNSD's image and material is in no way relevant here in America. If SM did a fierce and/or provocative SNSD subgroup, then we'll talk. 2NE1, 4Minute, and maybe f(x) has got it right for the American feel.

Who knows, maybe after all these artists have done their Japanese promotions, they will want to break into the Western world. With that, they will not only have become legendary pioneers, but the bigger market could most definitely lead to an even greater success. It's a race now to see who will rise to the top. America is long overdue for a successful Asian artist.

Fangirl (MrCKDexter):

I would love to see my favorite K-pop artists achieve their dreams of success in America too, but I'd like to point out that America HAS seen the success of an Asian artist. Far East Movement anyone? Given however that Far East Movement is in fact an Asian American group. Isn't it high time an Asian Asian artist hit it big is the USA?

I've actually heard people speculate that Girls' Generation might make it in America because they are simply soAsian. I don't necessarily agree, but it's an interesting thought. There's nobody like them in America. They personify the "cute little Asian girl" stereotype perfectly.

In addition to the artists listed above, I'd like to add the following:

Jay Park - "Abandoned" - It's unsurprising that a song penned by this Korean American would sound so distinctly American. Check out the English version Jay Park wrote and shared with his fans on YouTube.

Miss A - "Love Alone" - Some people have criticized this song for soundingtoo American and not having enough Miss A flare. But when I find a catchy tune I love, I don't look a gift horse in the mouth. Love this song!

One Way - "Magic" and "Rainy Days" - One Way have an elegant R&B sound comparable Ne-Yo or Usher. The fact that they speak English and write their own music is also hugely marketable.

Rania - "Dr. Feel Good (English version)" - Seeing how this song has already been featured on American televisions shows on MTV and Spike, I'd say this song fits right with mainstream American music.

Interestingly, Rania will not be revealing the ethnicity of their members during their promotions in the US. Apparently these rookies are going to focus on doing radio appearances, without mentioning their background as they advance into the US market. I'm very curious to see how this impacts the success of their promotions.

Fanboy has Taeyang pretty well covered, but I'd like to add another Taeyang song to the list just for kicks: "Connection", an English language song that was included on the international version of Solar. I think Taeyang is probably one of the most marketable Korean artists in America.

Source: Koreaboo