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 

Yoona's Horizontal Pole Dance

Girls' Generation's Yoona caught netizens attention with her sexy horizontal pole dance at the Japan Tour Concert. Yoona got rid of her usual innocent image by wearing a short hot pants with a provocative facial expression.

Fans commented on Yoona's extreme transformation by saying, "She's so sexy", "I didn't know there was this side of Yoona " and "I want to go to the concert".

Source : GoKpop

SNSD's 'Mr Taxi' English Version by Allison Veltz

 Allison Veltz

Allison Veltz original version of 'Mr Taxi' has been circulating on-line calling the attention of SONEs.

Before a commotion starts about who is the one copied who, it is important to mention that the track was originally written by Allison Veltz, Paolo Prudencio, Charles M. Royc, Scott Pearson Mann and STY. So it is not a plagiarize case or anything similar.

This version of 'Mr. Taxi' is performed in English by Allison and might be a demo version of the track. It sounds quite good in English giving different feeling of the one presented by SNSD. Listen to it and remember that the original writer is the one singing it so try to understand the feelings she wanted to share with this track.

Source : GoKpop

SNSD clothing exhibit opened at Tower Records Shinjuku

On May 31, Tower Records opened an "SNSD Clothing Exhibit" on the 7th floor of their Shinjuku, Japan store to commemorate the release of SNSD's first album in Japan, "Girls' Generation."

The exhibit features the girls' clothes from "Run Devil Run." It displays the members, all dressed in white, standing around a central pillar.

The exhibit is not only limited to the Shinjuku store; fans can visit the Tower Records' Shibuya, Nagoya Kintests Pass'e, and Umeda Nu Chayamachi locations to see the complete collection of SNSD's clothes.

The is the first time Tower Records' Shinjuku store has featured an exhibit of Korean artists. The exhibit is free of charge, allows photography, and will be open during regular store hours until June 6.

Source: Koreaboo 

SNSD’s Yoona Texts Thank You Message to Her Fans

SNSD’s Yoona texted a lengthy, sincere ‘thank you’ message to her Korean fans in celebration of her birthday. Yesterday, the birthday girl thanked her fans through her UFO town, stating “To all of you who always encourage me and give my strength, thank you so much for celebrating my birthday and sending me much love this year, too.”

She added, “I’ve been busy these days preparing for the upcoming Japanese arena tour. The tour starts tomorrow and my heart is pounding. I can’t wait to show everyone in Korea, too! Please look forward to us. Even in Japan, I’m always monitoring congratulatory messages and love from all my fans. You guys are the best!”

She ended her message by saying “There’s so much I want to say but I’ll text again later. Take care of your health and I hope you spend a wonderful day with a joyful heart in this great weather. Thank you so much and I love you.”

Meanwhile, SNSD is scheduled to perform 14 concerts in six major Japanese cities—Osaka, Tokyo, Saitama, Hiroshima, Nagoya, and Fukuoka—as part of their Japanese arena tour which starts on May 31^st.

Source: soompi

SNSD Tiffany's Drastic Change?

Last week, SM Entertainment released a new concept photo of popular girl group Girls’ Generation (SNSD) along with the announcement of their “2011 GIRLS’ GENERATION TOUR” concerts. In the photo, the girls stood in a V formation with Jessica in the center and displayed their long lean legs. Their new punkish hairstyles, along with the chic and sexy clothes, gave the girls a new sense of femininity and maturity.

Netizens could not avoid bringing up the drastic change in Tiffany in the released photo. Fans reacted both positively and negatively to her change. Some comments included, “Is this Tiffany’s doppelganger?” “She ruined her already pretty face. I hope this is just photoshop's doing,” and “Please, no more plastic surgery."  Fans defended Tiffany citing weight loss as the reason for her slimmer chin.

Currently, the nine girls of Girls’ Generation are busy preparing for their Japanese arena tour, which begins tomorrow May 31^st, as well as their two Seoul concerts on July 23^rd and 24^th.

Source: soompi

SNSD's YoonA Birthday

SNSD's  YoonA recently celebrated her 22nd birthday, and fans across the globe have found unique ways to celebrated their favorite idol's special day.

On May 30th, SNSD's YoonA celebrated her 22nd birthday, and fans across the globe are wishing the idol a very happy birthday!

In Korea, SNSD fancafés "CISTUS" and "Smile Yoona" took out an ad in a local newspaper, which fans do to celebrate their favorite idol's birthdays quite often.

Translation :

"Doe
Because you have similar eyes,
a thin and long neck,
because you are very serene,
very beautiful,
because you give joy and happiness to people who look at you
that is why we call you 'doe'.
Those wonderful eyes,
those eyes that are sometimes playful,
and laughter that has no affectation.
Today is your birthday,
We wonder if you're having a good time.
As long as you're happy,
as long as you laugh,
the fans that love you
will always be able to happily laugh too.
May 30th.
Hoping you are having the happiest day,
fans wish SNSD's Yoona a very happy 22nd birthday."

In addition to the ad and lovely poem, fanclub members also participated in community service in YoonA's name, and dedicated a star to to their favorite idol. 

Source : GoKpop

Trailer Released for SNSD's First Japanese Album

Through their official Youtube channel, SM Entertainment has released a trailer for SNSD's first Japanese album, to be released on June 1st.

Earlier, it was reported that SNSD will be releasing their first Japanese album. Today, through their official Youtube channel, SM Entertainment released a trailer for SNSD, known in Japan as Shoujo Jidai's first full-length Japanese album, as seen below:

SNSD's first Japanese album will be released on June 1st, and consists of both new tracks, and familiar hits such as "GEE", "GENIE", and the group's latest Japanese single, "MR. TAXI". 

Source: GoKpop

KARA, Jang Geunsuk, and SNSD ranks in Top 10 Oricon Monthly Chart

 

The power of the Hallyu Wave in Korea has been proven once again as three Korean artists have taken over the Top 10 of the Oricon Monthly Chart. KARA released their single "Jet Coaster Love" on April 6th and took 2nd place on the Oricon Monthly Chart with 172,329 units sold. 

Korean actor and singer Jang Geunsuk recently released his debut Japanese single "Let Me Cry" on April 27th, and topped both theOricon Daily Chart (1st and 2nd) and Weekly Chart (1st) upon its release. He takes 4th place on the Oricon Monthly Chart with 119,149 units sold. 

Girl group SNSD released their first original Japanese maxi single, "Mr. Taxi / Run Devil Run" on April 27th and ranked on the Oricon Daily Chart (2nd and 1st) and Weekly Chart (2nd). SNSD takes 6th place on the Oricon Monthly Chart and sold 100,461 units. They will be performing "Mr. Taxi" for the first time on TV Asahi's "Music Station" on May 13th.

Other artists that ranked on the Oricon Monthly Charts was FT Island with "Satisfaction" (released April 20th; 38,359 units sold).

Source: Koreaboo

2NE1, 2PM, BEAST, SHINee, TVXQ and Big Bang's facial expressions compared with cartoon characters

A hilarious compilation of idols vs. cartoon characters has surfaced on the internet and created a lot of buzz. 2NE1’s Minzy is being compared to a cute doll, while Wooyoung’s chubby cheeks are compared to that of a monkey. Going further down the list, the trademark smiles of Big Bang's Daesung, BEAST’s Yoseob, SNSD’s Jessica, 2PM’s Junsu and Chansung are being compared with various cartoon characters' expressions. SHINee’s Onew and Minho’s hairstyles look slightly similar to that of a particular Pokemon. Rounding out the list, TVXQ’s Changmin is compared to Spongebob Squarepants's Squidward and Big Bang’s Taeyang resembles Mashi Maro. However, it’s up to fans’ judgment to decide who fits which character. Netizens who saw this post left comments such as, "Woo Young really looks like a monkey," "I burst out laughing when I saw the Jessica-Cappy comparison," and "They all resemble the characters 100%!"

Source: Koreaboo

BREAKING: SNSD's Taeyeon grabbed by mysterious man during performance at Angel Price Music Festival

UPDATE #5: A representative from SM Entertainment has stepped forward to release a statement about the incident. They explain that, "during the [Angel Price Music Festival], there was an incident. Taeyeon handled it very bravely and security prevented the situation from becoming more severe. Audience and staff had initially thought the man on stage was a staff member. SNSD returned to their dorms after the concert and are currently resting. We are glad that this incident was settled and did not become something more serious."

UPDATE #4: Oh Jungtae, the MC for the event, had an exclusive interview with BNT News and shared his thoughts about this ordeal. He commented that as the MC, he went to help Taeyeon and signaled for security to help her as well. The man who grabbed Taeyeon would not let go so easily, however. Oh Jungtae found it very odd that he was able to pass security so easily, which is often extremely tight for events such as these, especially with high-profile artists such as SNSD.

UPDATE #3: We have updated the article with a fancam of Taeyeon being grabbed. Check it out below, it starts at about 3:37.

UPDATE #2: Fan accounts from the event state that the man came from backstage, not from the side or the crowd. This is garnering attention as it should be impossible for a person to enter the backstage, yet alone the stage itself. Fans are also saying that Jessica seemed very worried and showed concern, looking towards backstage, prior to the man appearing.

During this entire ordeal, one of the men responsible for helping Taeyeon was the host, comedian "Oh Jungtae". The MC also entertained the audience for a brief moment before SNSD continued on to perform their song "Hoot".

UPDATE: It has now been reported that the man who approached the stage and Taeyeon has been detained by security guards. It is not known whether or not charges will be pressed, as agencies have dropped charges against "fans" in the past for very serious issues. Koreaboo will keep you updated on this as we learn more.

At the Coupang Angel Price Music Festival, a man managed to make his way onto the stage during SNSD's performance. Fans at the event were extremely confused, questioning how it was possible for the man to make his way onto the stage. Security guards were rumored to have thought he could be a manager, although no one is certain how he bypassed the guards.

The man, whom no one is able to identify at present, jumped onto the stage during SNSD's performance of "Run Devil Run" and grabbed Taeyeon by the arm, attempting to pull her off-stage. Meanwhile, SNSD's Sunny tried to stop the man from pulling her, as she was the first to notice what was happening.

The matter was eventually resolved, and Taeyeon continued with the rest of SNSD in their performances of "Hoot" and "Gee." Netizens commented on Taeyeon's bravery and dedication, saying she was very professional and praised her determination in continuing with the performances. Although she was visibly shocked by the event, she continued on and finished their songs with SNSD. 


source: koreaboo

Performances from MBC’s Korean Music Wave Concert in Bangkok

Korea’s top artists recently travelled to Bangkok, Thailand to perform at the ‘Thailand Hallyu Concert‘ in commemoration of MBC’s 50th anniversary, and on April 17th, MBC finally broadcast that concert.

With SNSD’s Tiffany & Yuri, and 2PM’s Nichkhun as MCs, artists who performed at the concert include TVXQ, SNSD, Wonder Girls, 2PM, SG Wannabe, T-ara, B2ST, Son Dambi, After School, Brown Eyed Girls, F.T Island, 4minute, Norazo, CNBLUE, MBLAQ, SISTAR, miss A, 2AM, andSecret.

2AM’s Jo Kwon and BEG’s Ga-In also held a joint performance as the “Adam Couple” from their “We Got Married” days. Fans who were disappointed in the couple’s withdrawal from the show were pleasantly surprised as the two performed their popular couple song, “We Fell in Love“.

Source: Allkpop

The Pretty Member vs. the Member Guys Like

SNSD - Taeyeon (left) ; Yoona (right)

This may or may not come as a surprise, but in Korea’s idol world, the member sent out in the front as the “prettiest” isn’t always the one Korean guys dig. Let’s see what the netizens say about this.

Although slightly unfair and against the age-old saying that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” often times, the entertainment management or even the idol girls themselves designate one girl as “the prettiest of them all.” But, as a part of the formula of girl idol groups, each member is given their own style so that every guy (in the world?!) can have at least one member that suits their fancy.

In Korea, it’s quite normal for everyday people to have an “ideal type” of guy or girl they would like to date or marry. When they choose their ideal, they actually choose a famous actor, model, or singer that fits their type and then give reasons, be it looks or personality.

Attentive netizens started noticing that a lot of idol fans don’t tend to choose the designated “pretty member” but lean towards a different member.

The most obvious example of this idea can be found in the members of Girls Generation (SNSD). Not only does Yoona think she’s the prettiest, no one seems to disagree with her either. In terms of raw talent, Yoona, unfortunately, is on the lacking side, in relation to her fellow members. It is said that SM left Yoona in the group because of her prettiness. Yet, in the general (male Korean) opinion, lead vocal Taeyeon is more “ideal” than Yoona. Why? Some guys like her voice. Some guys like that she’s cute and innocent-looking. Other guys liked how sweet she was in “We Got Married,” even though her husband wasn’t exactly handsome.

 After School - Ju-yeon (left) ; UEE (right)

Another example is in the members of After School, the girl group created from a dance team, suggesting that talent is the definitive factor for joining the group. Except one famous ulzzang (best face) managed to get in the group without a hitch. Ju-yeon first entered the popularity sphere as an Internet ulzzang, but now she is one of the many members of After School. However, she seems to not get too much love from the guys. During UEE‘s heyday with “You’re Beautiful” and some Cheom-cheoreom Cool soju commercials, the “honey thighs” idol got all the love. These days, other members, such as Nana, seem to be getting more and more attention from the guys. Either way, the “pretty member” isn’t getting the votes.

KARA - Goo Hara (left) ; Han Seung-yeon (right)

Also, in KARA, the ulzzang “pretty member” is doe-eyed Goo Hara, but guys find themselves liking the carefree, not-full-of-herself cuteness of Han Seung-yeon. The list goes on… In Secret, the pretty face is Han Sun-hwa, but guys tend to dig glamorous Jun Hyo-sung. In 4Minute, leader Jihyun is thought to be the prettiest, but guys usually choose popular Hyuna.

Maybe the entertainment companies should re-think the forceful injection of the designated “pretty member.”

Do you agree with the netizens that just because a girl is designated as the “pretty member” doesn’t mean she’ll get the guys?

SECRET - Han Sun-hwa (left) ; Jung Hyo-sun (right)

 4Minute - Jihyun (left) ; Hyuna (right)

source: popseoul

SNSD's vocal trainer Jang Jinyeong to make solo comeback

Black Beat's Jang Jinyeong, who has been acting as SNSD and SHINee's vocal trainer, is releasing a solo track titled "Another Time". After debuting with Black Beat in 2002 through record label SM Entertainment, Jang Jinyeong has been actively promoted through both Black Beat and By Jinsung; at the same time, he worked as a vocal trainer for singers under SM. In this new song, Jang Jinyeong shows off his distinctive sound with his use of head-voice. His vocals are accompanied by Yoo Jeonghun on the piano. Yoo Jeonghun is also the pianist behind songs on the "Sungkyungwan Scandal" OST, famed for their soulful melodies. Furthermore, the music video director for "Another Time" is Yoo Jongmin, who also produced videos for DIA and Dr.9 amongst others.

Source: Koreaboo

Girls' Generation - Run Devil Run (Japanese Teaser)

Back in January, SNSD unleashed the Japanese version of their hit song, “Run Devil Run“, to kick off their 2011 promotions in Japan. A preview for their upcoming music video was recently broadcasted through a Japanese variety show, and although the changes may seem quite small to some, the new scenes have stunned many. The actual preview lasts for about approximately 30 seconds. Be sure to check it out below:

source: allkpop

SNSD (Girls' Generation) - Mr. Taxi PREVIEW

SNSD's "Mr. Taxi" helps SM stock prices

With the recent earthquake in Japan, many businesses around the world have been negatively affected through the economic downturn. The production for many Japanese companies are down, power supplies are more limited, and there is still the looming crisis of the nuclear plants that holds Japan from making a rebound in the financial sector. With Japan's deplorable fate, even the Hallyu wave has been seemingly affected. Many people fear that with the disaster in Japan, there will be no way for the K-pop wave to enter, as there are much more pressing needs for the Japanese people other than music. As such, many major entertainment companies like YG, JYP, and SM Entertainment have experienced drops in the stock prices, since promotions might not be possible any longer in Japan.


However, breaking out of the slump in marketing comes the news that SM Entertainment has managed to come back from the weakened prices these past two days with a recorded strong trading in markets. On the 5th of April, Samsung Securities, NH Investment & Securities, Daewoo Securities, and Kiwoom Securities noted a purchase influx for SM Entertainment's stocks. The market shares for SM Entertainment rose 1,150 KRW, which was 6.35%, and the high of the day was a recorded 19,250 KRW when the trading closed. The amount of stock that was traded on April 5th was roughly twice the previous day's 740,000 shares. On the 5th, 1,270,000 shares for SM Entertainment were traded.

The significance of the increase in SM Entertainment comes from the reflection that after news of the earthquake in Japan, SM Entertainment's stock had dropped from 20,000 KRW down to 16,000 KRW, a drop in price equivalent to 3.68 USD. The sharp drop had led many people to have their faith in the Hallyu wave shaken until the past two days, when SM Entertainment's stock picked back up after the announcement of SNSD's newest Japanese single "Mr. Taxi" still proceeding in Japan despite the disaster.


Since the proclamation, on April 4th, stocks for SM Entertainment rose about 4% and on April 5th rose roughly 6%.


According to SM Japan HMV and other sites, SNSD's new Japanese single "Mr Taxi" is scheduled for release on April 27th.

[Spoiler] SNSD’s Yoona

Spoiler photos of SNSD member Yoona guesting on SBS’s “Running Man” have been released.

On April 5th, various portal sites uploaded the photos with the comment, “Yoona, ‘Running Man’ recording photos.”

Yoona displayed a natural look, wearing her long hair down in a baseball cap. In particular, even when wearing just a black t-shirt and jeans, her perfect body was still apparent – garnering much attention.

Netizens commented, “I wore jeans, t-shirt, and a hat, too… but I don’t look like that”, “It looks like a female detective is disguised as a normal citizen”, and “Wow! Love at first sight!”

It was revealed that Yoona and Sunny participated in the recording of “Running Man” on the 4th at the Dong Dae Moon flee market.

Is SNSD going to make an American debut soon?

Update: It looks like SNSD will not yet be making an American debut, as YesAsia just confirmed that the "Hoot (US Version)" page was a mistake. Check out the screenshot below.

Original: On January 8th, SM Entertainment held a SNSD fan meeting for American fans, seemingly out of nowhere as news of the meeting was released only a week beforehand. The showcase drew many fans and the atmosphere was joyful. Many fans had wondered why an SNSD fan meeting was held in LA, and some fans wondered if the meeting was to gather information on the girls' popularity and other factors in order to debut them in America. 

Today, YesAsia added "Hoot (US Version)" to their list of products. This suggests that SNSD may make an American with debut with their chart topping song "Hoot". However, a fan has discovered that the UPC code of the supposed US version is the same as that of the Japanese version, hinting that the US version may have been uploaded as a mistake. Also, the expected release date is February 15th, which is only one week away. Considering SM Entertainment has not released any information despite the release date of "Hoot (US Version)" being one week away, it seems unlikely that SNSD will be making an American debut just yet. 

SNSD releases “Beautiful Girls” music video featuring Yoo Young Jin

“Beautiful Girls” is the bonus track off SNSD’s first live album, ”Into the new world“, and just moments ago, the music video for this song was released!

Check it out !