Friday, November 28, 2014

EXO-K’s Suho recommends songs to listeners on “Sunny’s FM Date”



EXO-K‘s Suho, INFINITE‘s Hoya, VIXX‘s Ravi, GOT7‘s Jr, and more participated in an idol special relay on MBC’s FM4U Sunny’s FM Date, a radio show hosted by Girls’ Generation‘s Sunny.
Fans greatly anticipated the broadcasting of the episodes as the idols talked about their daily lives and the alternative sides of them. The idol stars also recommended songs on the show.
On November 10th, EXO-K’s Suho was featured in part two of MBC’s FM4U Sunny’s FM Date. During the Three Questions One Song – Idol Special, the idol had a chance to talk to some of the radio subscribers.
The fans were frenzied over Suho’s appearance on Sunny’s radio show as many commented, “It’s so cool,” “Awesome to see Suho and Sunny together,” and “Suho is too cute.


Source: Koreaboo, Youtube

Monday, November 24, 2014

EXO-M’s Lay and Xiumin records for Chinese variety show


Lay and Xiumin of EXO-M recorded for a Chinese entertainment program The Generation Show in Shenzhen, China on October 27th. This is the first Chinese variety show that EXO-M is appearing in after Luhan filed for a lawsuit to nullify his contract with SM Entertainment.
The Generation Show is a popular entertainment program in China, where the invited guests and MCs are split into teams and engage in competitive battles.

Prior to the recording on October 22nd, officials from The Generation Show posted through their official Weibo, announcing the guest appearance of Xiumin and Lay. Fan-taken photos of the two of them filming for the show have further confirmed their attendance on the show. Other guests who have recorded the show on the same day include Chinese speaking artists: SM Entertainment’s Zhang Li Yin andWoollim Entertainment‘s TASTY. However, it is still undetermined as to when the episode featuring these five celebrities will air.


After Kris (Wu Yifan) and Luhan halted group promotions with EXO-M, there has been much chaos as the original 6-member EXO-M is now left with 4 active members: Xiumin, Lay, Tao, and Chen. Although the former two now receive many solo acting opportunities, it has not been entirely smooth-sailing for them, as Kris (Wu Yi Fan) is reportedly facing struggles trying to sign with a Chinese entertainment company and there is also some uncertainty surrounding Luhan’s future, as he reportedly rejected an offer for the lead role in a Chinese movie.

Source: Koreaboo

EXO-M’s Lay graces the cover of Chinese magazine with a solo interview


EXO-M’s Lay lands a spot on the cover page of Chinese magazine, Shanghai TV Entertainment, as he was featured in a solo interview with the publication.
The title of Lay’s cover story reads, “Zhang Yi Xing: Wanting a love hug”, using his real Chinese name instead of Lay. Dressed in a pink shirt, Lay gives off a warm feel as he matches well with the pink font of the magazine’s cover.
After completing “SMTOWN LIVE in Shanghai” concert, Lay records for a Chinese variety show in Shenzhen, China, accompanied by fellow EXO-M member Xiumin.
While Lay was in China, he also carried on with solo activities as he recorded two episodes of ZJSTV‘s variety show Escape Room. As this is his first time participating in variety shows by himself, Lay expresses that he feels the happiest when everyone calls him by his real name Zhang Yi Xing, rather than his stage name Lay. In the interview, Lay also says that he has a dream, to spread his music across the world with his Chinese identity.
Recently, Luhan filed for a lawsuit against SM Entertainment, with Sinareporting the lack of good future development plans for the individual as one of his reasons. Following suit, there seems to be a change as Lay has received many love calls for solo activities in China and is readily accepting them. Meanwhile, fellow Chinese member Tao posted on his Instagram with hopes for EXO to stay together as 10.

This issue of the magazine has started releasing its sale to the public on October 30th.


Fans also found resemblance as Kris and Luhan had strike similar poses for the cover of the same magazine previously.



Source: Koreaboo

Luhan Makes First Public Appearance Since His Departure from EXO


Since his departure from EXO, Luhan has finally stepped into the public eye by making an appearance at the press conference for his upcoming movie in China.
On November 2, a Chinese media outlet reported on the press conference that was held on this day for the Chinese remake of “Miss Granny.” According to this outlet, “Luhan, who filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment, made his first official public appearance. He was dressed in a dark green suit and greeted countless fans.”
About his debut movie, Luhan shared, “Because it was my first time filming [a movie], I’m very nervous and a little excited. Everything felt new so it was fun. Acting is quite thrilling.” On the topic of his character, he explained, “[My character] isn’t that much different from me, the way [he] gave all his strength for music.”
One of his co-stars complimented his acting, saying, “[Luhan’s] acting was very natural and it didn’t seem like it was his first time acting.”

On this day, Luhan also posted on his personal Weibo, “Please show a lot of interest in my first movie. I will continue to work hard in the future.”

Source: Soompi

Lee Yoo Bi Poses with EXO’s Suho, Baekhyun, and ZE:A’s Kwanghee at “Inkigayo” Farewell Party


Actress Lee Yoo Bi recently revealed a photo from her surprise “Inkigayo” farewell party.
On November 16, Lee Yoo Bi posted on her personal Instagram account, “Kwanghee (oppa), Suho, and Baekhyun who threw me a surprise party for my last day [on ‘Inkigayo’] <3 I lo…like you all^^ Also, good luck to [Kim] Yoo Jung. ‘Inkigayo’ forever!!” Along with this message, the actress uploaded a photo with her fellow music show MCs.
In the photo, Lee Yoo Bi can be seen standing in between EXO’s Baekhyun and Suho, as well as ZE:A’s Kwanghee, who is holding up a cake, as all of them pose and smile for the camera. It appears that all four stars have become close friends while hosting for the SBS music show together.

Meanwhile, Lee Yoo Bi left her position as an “Inkigayo” MC to focus on filming for her new drama “Pinocchio,” and actress Kim Yoo Jung has now filled her spot.

Source: Soompi

miss A’s Jia snaps a photo with TASTY and EXO’s Tao


miss A‘s Jia‘s recent Instagram update from the “2014 MBC Korean Music Wave” in Beijing, China sparks online interest after posting a photo together withEXO’s Tao and TASTY
On October 26th, miss A’s Jia updated her personal Instagram account with a backstage photo from the “2014 MBC Korean Music Wave” held in Beijing, China yesterday, proving the strong bond with fellow Chinese idols, TASTY and Tao.
TASTY also posted a similar photo on their own Weibo account, but was later on removed.
Fans, however, speculated on the sighting of Jia and Tao, reigniting rumours on their alleged relationship. It was noted last year that netizens wondered on the real status between the two after Tao updated his Weibo profile photo with a photo of Jia’s cat.
The speculations on various community portals led to their respective agencies,JYP Entertainment and SM Entertainment, to release a statement stating that the two are close friends who share a mutual fondness for cats, but nothing more.

Meanwhile, TASTY, Jia and Tao joined their respective idol groups, along with Girls’ Generation, BEAST, SISTAR, 4Minute, 2PM, and more for the “2014 MBC Korean Music Wave” concert held in Beijing, China on October 25th.


Source: Koreaboo

Super Junior-M’s Zhoumi Drops “Rewind” Teaser Videos Featuring EXO’s Chanyeol and Tao


Super Junior-M star Zhoumi has released a teaser video for his debut solo release, “Rewind.” The track is taken from the mini album of the same name.



SM Entertainment, the talent agency that represents the star, has previously announced that there will be two versions of the song – one in Korean, and the other in Chinese. The Korean version features EXO’s Chanyeol, who also features in the new teaser video. Another version will feature Chayeol’s bandmate Tao, who will rap in Chinese.
From what can be heard in the video, the track appears to be an upbeat RnB number with a distinctive electronica feel and a catchy synth bassline.
“Rewind” is slated for digital release on October 31, while physical copies of the album will be available as of November 3.
Source: Koreaboo

“Music Bank in Mexico” briefly halted after fans throw undergarment at EXO-K and B.A.P


KBS Music Bank‘s latest worldwide tour concert stop in Mexico garnered over 12,000 fans on October 31st. Undeniably successful, the concert still came by its difficulties after it briefly halted following fans throwing their undergarments during artists’ performing their stages.
“Music Bank in Mexico” took place in Mexico City, Mexico at the Arena Ciudad, where thousands of screaming K-pop fans enjoyed a stream of performances from some of the hottest stars and idols South Korea has to offer.
Certainly overexcited, fans girls went as far as to throw their undergarments at their favorite idols, particularly during B.A.P‘s “One Shot” and EXO-K‘s “Growl” performances, causing the production team to halt filming temporarily to warn fans when it became obvious on the screens, “Please calm down and refrain from throwing your underwear on stage.”
Following the warning, EXO-K proceeded to perform “Growl” again for the second time.
They were then quoted saying at the end of the concert, “Although some fans were overly excited, it was great to see fans link arms to create a screen to avoid confusion.”
Both B.A.P and EXO-K agreed, “Although it was embarrassing the moment when the underwear began to fly on stage, it was great to see the audience of Mexico’s passion.”
Other artists who performed that night included BEAST, INFINITE, Girl’s Day, Aileeand BTS, with BEAST’s Yoon Doojoon, INFINITE’s Sungkyu and EXO-K’s Chanyeolas the MCs.

“Music Bank in Mexico”: B.A.P performing “One Shot”, EXO-K performing “Growl”; Mexican fans throw their undergarments on stage.



Source: Koreaboo

Lee Seung Gi, Lee Min Ho, Kim Soo Hyun, and EXO Receive the 2014 Korean Popular Culture and Arts Award


The awardees for the 2014 Korean Popular Culture and Arts Award have been confirmed.
According to the Korea Creative Content Agency on November 11, the Korean Popular Culture and Arts Award is given to those who have contributed to the development and diffusion of Hallyu.
In particular, singer Jin Mi Ryung and actors Lee Min Ho and Kim Soo Hyunhave been awarded the Prime Minister Commendation. Lee Minho and Kim Soo Hyun were judged as spreading Hallyu in Asia through their representative works. Others receiving the Prime Minster commendation are actor Jun Gook Hwan, writer Park Ji Eun, MC Shin Dong Yup, and producers Jung Dae Kyung and Na Young Suk.
Group EXO, actor and singer Lee Seung Gi, actor Kim Bo Sung, choreographer Jung Jin Suk, comedian Kim Joon Hyung, musician Kim Jae Man, and producer Go Gun Hyun are receiving commendations from the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
The 2014 Korean Popular Culture and Arts Award ceremony will air on November 17 at 6 p.m. KST.



Source: Soompi

EXO Reportedly Making a Comeback Next Year in January

According to an exclusive report by Sports Donga, idol group EXO is reportedly gearing up to make a group comeback at the beginning of next year!
EXO is planning to release a brand new album in late January and the members have recently began preparations for its release. It is expected that the new album will be in the form of a studio album, making it the group’s second full-length album. If all goes according to plan, this will be EXO’s first comeback in eight months, following their second mini album “Overdose” this past May.
A few months ago, there were rumors that EXO’s comeback would be on October 25. However, those rumors were put to rest, as the group was met with reports of Luhan’s lawsuit against SM Entertainment and his withdrawal from the group.
Many fans are not only looking forward to new music and performances from EXO, but they are curious as to how the group’s dynamics will change without two of its original members.



Source: Soompi

Suho’s Father Refutes “Pro-Japanese Sympathizer” Accusations, Requests an Investigation of Defamation


The father of EXO member Suho has responded to accusations made by web users who have accused him of being a pro-Japanese sympathizer. Suho’s father is Kim Yong Ha, a professor at a respected Korean university, and has become embroiled in a clash with web users over a proposed change to the pension laws that govern Korean civil servants.
Kim Yong Ha has explained that certain web users have accused him of taking a similar stance to that of the “Chinilpa,” Koreans who collaborated with the Imperial Japanese colonial forces during the Japanese Colonial Period (1910-1945). He also said that web users have called Suho “the son of a collaborator.”
Kim Yong Ha said, “There are some people out there who disagree with proposals to change the law regarding pensions, and some of them are spreading some malicious stories about me. Those stories do not just affect my reputation, they affect my son, too.” According to reports, on November 12, Suho’s father submitted a request to the police for an investigation of defamation.



Source: Soompi

EXO’s D.O Talks about His Latest Movie “Cart” and Acting with Elle Korea


EXO member and up-and-coming actor D.O (Do Kyungsoo) talked movies and acting in an interview with fashion magazine Elle Korea.
D.O has been garnering attention for his acting, having appeared in the hit drama “It’s Okay It’s Love” earlier this year, and the movie “Cart” which was released recently to favorable reviews.
During the interview, D.O talked about appearing in “Cart.”
He revealed that he did not get separate acting lessons, but he went over each and every detail with the film’s director, Boo Ji Young.
When asked about his first viewing of the film, D.O said, “Honestly, I could only see the other actors. When we were filming, I was just focused on acting with Yeom Jung Ah, and I didn’t really have a chance to watch other actors act. They all put in a lot of work and they are all really great at acting.”
D.O also revealed that he has yet to let go of his character Kangwoo from “It’s Okay, It’s Love.” “When I was saying goodbye to the drama’s writer Noh Hee Kyung at the farewell party, I teared up. Because we were the two people who understood Kangwoo the best.”
He showed his passion for acting, adding, “I want to continue having these kinds of experiences.”
The full interview and photo shoot with D.O for Elle Korea can be found in the magazine’s December issue.




Source: Soompi

Jo In Sung Visits D.O at EXO’s Concert in Japan


Recently, actor Jo In Sung made a visit to his former “It’s Okay, It’s Love” co-star in Tokyo, Japan at EXO’s concert entitled “EXO Planet: The Lost Planet.” The two have seemingly formed a good bond that has lasted even after the filming of “It’s Okay, It’s Love” officially ended, and, according to an industry insider, the EXO member invited Jo In Sung to his concert, where the actor showed up with a friend.
Just recently, both Jo In Sung and D.O won awards together with co-star Lee Kwang Soo for their excellent portrayal of their characters in the drama “It’s Okay, It’s Love” at the 3rd Daejeon Drama Festival: the 2014 APAN Star Awards held last November 15.


Source: Soompi

Chinese entertainment companies hesitant to sign Kris (Wu Yifan)


Former EXO member Kris has yet to sign with any label or agency contracts after leaving the group and pursuing his career in China, despite approaching some of the largest Chinese entertainment companies.Industry officials estimate thatLuhan, who also recently filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment for the nullification of his contract, will also face similar obstacles as Kris.
It has been five months since Kris filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment and left to China. However, Kris is currently unable to find a new entertainment company.
According to Chinese industry officials, Kris first approached YUEHUA Entertainment, one of the top entertainment company in China, but was rejected when trying to land a contract. Kris later also met with Huayi Entertainment, but it seems that it wasn’t easy for him to get a contract. It seems that even the large companies, having the ability and power to shed Kris’s image as a “deserter” and make him a star, are hesitant in signing with him.
Because China doesn’t have South Korea’s idol developing and marketing system, China’s few large corporate like entertainment companies have a great deal of influence and power in the industry. But it seems that the two largest companies’ decisions not to sign with Kris will be a bump on the road for him in chasing the dream to become the “second Hangeng”. Former Super Junior member Hangeng(Hankyung) has reached the peak of his stardom in China after filing the same lawsuit against SM Entertainment back in 2009.
Despite Hangeng’s success, it seems that the reason why the large companies’ are being hesitant in chasing the contract with Kris is because of the worry for the future in dealing with Korean entertainment industry. In reality, many are interested in investing in the Korean industry. For example, Yuehua Entertainment has pursued a deal with Son Dam Bi’s entertainment company Pledis Entertainment and working with Jang Tae Yu, producer of  the SBS drama You Who Came From The Stars, in production of a future film. Huayi Entertainment has signed a partnership contract with Lee Minho’s entertainment company Star House and is also heavily invested in the production of the Korean film Mister Go.
Yuehua Entertainment CEO commented on October 10th regarding Luhan’s lawsuit (Sina.com) that they “have nothing to do with this case” and that “SM Entertainment is a role model we need to learn from. We will also develop and train stars of our own as well.”

In addition, it is hard not to ignore the media reports in China that Kris and Luhan have “thrown away their loyalty and have abandoned their team.” An official fromHunan Satellite TV in China commented regarding the matter that “it is disrespectful to choose to leave for personal gain while their popularity has reached its peak and even fans are seeing these actions as selfish actions that are destroying.”

Source: Koreaboo