EXO Member Kai tries 'Reggae' Look For Comeback

(c) SM Entertainment

KPOP might be having its own distinct limelight but everyone can’t deny the fact that majority of the influence comes from the West. Recently there has been a talk about an EXO member, Kai and his dreadlock hairstyle for their comeback promotion, “The War”. Wearing that funky patterned shirt, he sure nailed the look and it really fits the whole reggae vibe of their song. But Kai wasn’t the only one who tried the out of the box look. Few idols like Block B’s Zico, Ikon’s Bobby, Bigbang members’ G Dragon and Taeyang, NCT’s Winwin and Got 7’s Jackson Wang have already tried it and all of them rocked the dreads.

Meanwhile, EXO is currently promoting their title, "Kokobop". Check out their music video below:

20th Annual Boryeong Mud Festival

via: @santaitravelmagazine | Instagram

This year marks the 20^th Annual Mud Festival in Boryeong, South Korea. The City is 190 km southwest from Seoul. It is one of the biggest festivals in Korea, even foreigners from different parts of the world are booking a flight just to enjoy, dive and relax in the mudflat. There are various activities that surely everyone will enjoy including, mud wrestling, mud slide, mud massage and even mud rave party and mud music festival. The festival runs for about nine days starting off from July 21, 2017 up to July 30, 2017. 

Here are some of the pictures shared by people who attended the said event:

@meongkoy | Instagram

via: @matt_greenhill | Instagram

via: @ktourstory | Instagram

Former U-Kiss Member, Alexander Lee To Star With Filipino Actors On An Upcoming Filipino-Korean Drama

(c) Alexander's Official Twitter

Alexander Lee Eusebio or simply Alexander or Xander is the new male lead for the upcoming Filipino-Korean Drama, “My Korean Jagiya”. He will star the said show alongside Heart Evangelista and other Filipino and Korean actors. On July 22, 2017, 12mn PST, the Kpop Star arrived at NAIA International Airport and was welcomed by his fans. In an interview from a local Filipino news, he said that he felt nervous for the role but is also excited for the outcome. He also stated that, he enjoys working with Filipino actors because of its welcoming and warm hearted personality.

Meanwhile, Alexander was already gaining attention from his acting career. He gained recognition from the drama Moorim School with VIXX’s Hongbin, Lee Hyun Woo and Seo Yeji. He also starred in a movie with Fahrenheit member, Calvin and female actress, Penny Yang.

You can check his full interview below in courtesy of GMA News:

Laboum Is Enjoying Their Summer On Their Latest MV

(c) Laboum Official Facebook

On July 25, 2017, girlgroup Laboum, dropped a new track for their summer special album entitled “Only U”. The music video showcased the Girls’ fresh and cute image while dancing and singing for a guy in blue tank top and shorts. The music is really uplifting and bright, perfect for Summer. Check their MV below:

More Groups to Look Out For This 2017

(c) Wanna One Official Facebook

It’s only the first half of 2017 and the KPOP Community already experienced a lot of heartaches due to contract expiration and group disbandments. Starting off with Produce 101 Season 1’s, Project Group, IOI who officially disbanded after a year of promotions in Korea. But before they bid their farewell, they held their final concert entitled, “Time Slip” dated last January 20-22, 2017. Truly it was a painful moment especially for the fans who already started loving these girls.

Days after, it was followed by the five member group, SPICA who were only days before their 5^th anniversary. Their last single, “Secret Time” was released August of last year and was actively promoting both inside and outside Korea.

Next on the line was one of Korea’s legendary girl groups, Wonder Girls, who is well known for their hit single, “So Hot”, “Tell Me” and “Nobody”, the first KPOP Song who have charted the Billboard’s Hot 100. On February 10 they have finally ended their journey as a group after a decade but they released a song entitled, “Thank You For Being So Wonderful” as a gratitude for their fans for never leaving them all throughout their career.

The quartet girl group, Sistar also made it to the list as they ended their 7-year promotions. However, they didn’t left their fans hanging for they released their last digital track, “Lonely” and promoted it on music shows alongside their hit singles, “Touch My Body”, “Shake It” and “Loving U”.

These are some of the remarkable disbandments in Kpop and most fans are still agonizing about the loss of their favorite Idol Groups. Despite of it, the industry doesn’t stop there and so, more and more groups are bound to set their debuts or have finally debuted earlier this year. Here are some of the groups to look out for this 2017.

DreamCatcher

(c) Happy Face Entertainment 

Formerly known as MINX, the group, DreamCatcher finally made it to the scene with their debut track, “Chase Me” last 13^th of January. The members are Ji-U, SuA, SiYeon, YooHyeon, Dami and their newly added members, Handong and GaHyeon.

Kasper

(c) DSP Media

After her fame on the hit rap battle show, “Unpretty Rapstar 2” Kasper signed a contract under DSP Media-  the entertainment behind Kara, Ajax, SechsKies, SS501’s success, and debuted as a solo artist last January 18, 2017. She promoted her debut single, “Lean On Me”. She started her career online mainly on Youtube as a tour guide before entering the said show.

Kard

(c) KARD Official Facebook

Still under DSP Media, The Co-ed group Kard with members, BM (Baby Michael), Jiwoo, Somin and Jseph shortly debut after they released their project singles, “Oh NaNa”, “Don’t Recall” and “Rumor”. They are currently promoting their debut track, “Hola Hola” under their album with the same name. they also included their past singles as part of their album.

Pristin

(c) Pledis Entertainment

Pristin a combined term for Prismatic and Elastin is a 10 member group under Pledis Entertainment. Its members are Roa, Yuha, Eunwoo, Rena, YeHana, SungYeon, XiYeon, Kyla and former IOI members, KyulKyung and Nayoung. Their debut song, “Wee Woo” is a light and catchy song which gives the real definition of KPop.

Wanna One

(c) Wanna One Official Facebook

 

IOI’s male counterpart from the 2^nd Season of Produce 101, Wanna One is bound to kill the hearts of the fangirls this coming August. The members, Yoon Ji Seong, Ha Sung Woon, Hwang Min Hyun, Ong Seong Wu, Kim Jae Hwan, Kang Daniel, Park Ji Hoon, Park WooJin, Bae JinYoung, Lee Dae Hwi, and the only Taiwanese Lai Kwan Lin are the remaining top 11 of the said show. Just like IOI, they will be promoting for a year before returning to their original agencies. Hwang MinHyun is also a part of the Boy Group, Nuest but being part of the top 11, won’t allow him to promote with his original group.

The list could go on and will go on until the rest of the year. The Korean Pop Scene may lost some of the legendary groups the many have loved or some should say, the groups that they grew up listening too but it’s never too late to love the newer ones too. 

Park Bo Gum Declines Hong Sisters' Casting for New TvN Fantasy Drama "Hwayugi"

(c) Blossom Entertainment - Park Bo Gum Stock Photos

South Korean actor Park Bo Gum won't be coming back to the small screen anytime soon after rejecting the casting in upcoming drama “Hwayugi.”

On July 21, an insider from South Korean cable channel tvN has revealed that Park Bo Gum has declined the offer for the lead role in Hong Sisters' new fantasy drama “Hwayugi.”

Park Bo Gum was wooed to portray the main character Sun Wukong in the upcoming series. Otherwise known as the Monkey King, Sun Wukong is described as a mischievous, troublemaking minor god who continuously defies other powerful divinities. As much as fans were excited to see the 24-year-old actor bring this character to life, another actor would have to fill the lead role for the fantasy drama.

“Hwayugi” is the latest project of the well-known Hong Sisters. It marks the comeback for the sibling duo after their 2015 drama "Warm and Cozy." The drama will be a modern retelling of the classic novel “Journey to the West” refashioned into a fantasy romance drama made under Hong Sisters’ signature style.

While it was unfortunate to lose Park Bo Gum who was deemed fit for the role, k-drama fans are still anticipating the Hong Sisters' new work. After having penned some of South Korea's most successful drama series, including “My Girl” (2005), “You're Beautiful” (2009), “My Girlfriend Is a Nine-Tailed Fox” (2010), and “Master's Sun” (2013) just to name a few, "Hwayugi" is a new work fans look forward to.

Currently, there is no news yet as to who is considered next for the main role of “Hwayugi.” Meanwhile, actor Cha Seung Won is currently considering appearing in the drama as Woo Hwi Chul, a successful businessman and celebrity who is set to play a key role in the story.

“Hwayugi” is expected to air in December, taking weekends slots in tvN.

Kpop Stars Share What They Think of Filipino Fans at Super Pop Con 2017

B1A4, VIXX, BTOB, Pentagon, B.I.G., Kriesha Chu and BAP met the media at the press conference of Super Pop Con 2017 last July 7, 2017. The popular Kpop stars shared their experiences in the Philippines and gave heartfelt messages to their Filipino fans.

  

First to greet the press was B1A4’s Jinyoung, CNU, Baro, Sandeul, and Gongchan. When asked to describe their Filipino fans using one word they said BANAs are like “love”, “dream” and “tree”. It’s B1A4’s third time in the Philippines and they feel really happy that fans keep supporting them.

Next up were VIXX’s N, Ravi, Leo, Hongbin, Ken and Hyuk who are known for their artistic concepts and performances. They want to say thank you to Starlights for all the love they have received whenever they come to Manila each year since 2015.

BTOB’s Eunkwang, Minhyuk, Changsub, Hyunsik, Peniel, Ilhoon and Sungjae were all smiles as they came in. They promised fans an awesome stage at the concert where they will perform their latest self-produced title song, Movie, for the very first time. BTOB also expressed how much they want to fulfill Melodies’ wishes of a solo concert in the Philippines.

Rising rookie group, Pentagon, composed of Jinho, Hui, Hongseok, E’Dawn, Shinwon, Yeo One, Yan An, Yuto, Kino, Wooseok, enthusiastically introduced themselves. They shared how excited they are to be sharing the same stage with seniors in the Kpop industry that they look up to. They prepared a lot for the performances of their latest songs and are hoping Universe would like them.

Next to meet the media was B.I.G.’s J-Hoon, Benji, Gunmin, Minpyo, and Heedo. Besides Super Pop Con 2017, they will also have a Manila stop for their “THE B.I.GINNING: B.I.G. Asia Tour” happening on September 2, 2017. They said they have always wanted to go Manila because of Beginnings’ overwhelming love even in their SNS.

Kriesha Chu, the only female solo singer in the lineup, was anticipated a lot. She gave an advice to Filipino fans who want to follow her footsteps to just try even if it seems impossible. She also shared how she still can’t believe she has come back to Manila for the first time as a singer and how excited she is to perform a special Tagalog song for the audience.

And lastly, B.A.P.’s Yongguk, Daehyun, Jongup, Himchan, Youngjae, and Zelo expressed their appreciation for Filipino fans’ unwavering energy and love for the group. Once again, B.A.P. couldn’t wait to wow the audience with their awesome performances at the Super Pop Con 2017.

 It was an amazing lineup for an amazing night. Filipino Kpop fans were definitely not disappointed.

'SongSong' Couple: How It All Began

It all started in “Descendants of the Sun.”

For the public

Fans and viewers of the “Descendants of the Sun” cannot deny the chemistry shared between main actors Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo in the series. The pair has brought to life a fictional couple whose romantic story was loved and coveted by many.

(c) KBS World - Promotional Poster for Descendants of the Sun

As the public couldn’t get enough of the romance between Captain Yoo Si Jin (Song Joong Ki) and Doctor Kang Mo Yeon (Song Hye Kyo), everyone was soon convinced that what they see on screen is just a translation of a real-life couple in the making. It then created the hype with the ‘SongSong’ couple, a portmanteau of the pair’s names created by fans.

As everyone rabidly supported this blossoming romance, suddenly, on July 5, 2017, news of ‘SongSong’ couple tying the knot broke the internet. This brought a huge surprise to many as both Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo never admitted in being in a relationship together. Following this shocking news, it was later revealed that the ‘SongSong’ ship has long since sailed even before “Descendants of the Sun” or ‘SongSong’ couple came to be.

For Song Hye Kyo

For celebrity couple Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo, their real life love story began from the time they started working together.

(c) Song Hye Kyo Instagram

“Joong Ki and I were first co-workers who matched well,” Song Hye Kyo, in a letter to her fans, personally shared how it all began.

“Throughout the project, I realized that we had similar values and ideas, and I was able to share everything with him. He was such a good co-worker and friend to me, so we contacted frequently and spent time to get to know each other better.”

Song Hye kyo, age 35, is one of South Korea’s top actresses. She made her acting debut in the 1996 television drama “First Love” and later became known throughout Asia after starring in hit melodrama “Autumn in My Heart” in 2000.

In her long career in the acting industry, Song Hye Kyo has dated some celebrities including her co-star in “All In” Lee Byung Hun, and later Hyun Bin from “Secret Garden” whom she broke up with in 2011. In 2015, she is cast in “Descendants of the Sun” where she met Song Joong Ki.

For Song Joong Ki

“I recently had the honor of participating in a production that could let me shine. It was such an amazing experience to me because I received so much undeserved love. During that time, I made a precious friend who eventually became my lover.”

Song Joong Ki wrote in his personal letter for his fans, confirming the truth of the news of his marriage with “Descendants of the Sun” co-star Song Hye Kyo.

“I think a lot of my loving fans would’ve been taken aback by the sudden news. I wanted to tell everyone earlier, but I had to be cautious because it was a decision that involved two people and their respective families. I also didn’t want to cause any trouble to the people involved in my upcoming film. I hope you will understand.”

(c) Song Hye Kyo Instagram

Song Joong Ki’s first TV appearance was as a contestant on KBS's Quiz Korea. From then he made his way into the entertainment industry, making his acting debut in “A Frozen Flower” in 2008. But it was only later in 2010 when he acted in “Sungkyunkwan Scandal” and was casted in variety program “Running Man” that his name finally became known.

Working his way up in his career, Joong Ki was later cast in “Descendants of the Sun” right after finishing his military enlistment. At this point he met Song Hye Kyo, his “noona” in age with 4 years difference and his “sunbae” in the acting industry. Spending a long time with the actress as they filmed “Descendants of the Sun,” it seemed that he found the woman he’d like to spend the rest of his life with.

“In the beginning of 2017, the two of us promised to spend our lives together. In order to begin a new life where we can get through difficult times together, Song Hye Kyo and I have decided to get married on the last day of October.”

The ‘SongSong’ couple

A mutual acquaintance of the couple revealed to media outlet OSEN that they have observed Joong Ki and Hye Kyo getting closer behind the scenes and beyond their work relationship way back in 2015. For instance, Song Joong Ki supposedly came in person during Song Hye Kyo’s photo shoot just to deliver some snacks for her. The source person also added that the couple didn’t really conceal their relationship to the people around them but that they only responded indifferently when asked. In the end people around them did sense there was something going on between the two.

(c) Song Hye Kyo Instagram

Last year, during the time when “Descendants of the Sun” reigned in popularity, Song Joong Ki was interviewed by Chinese media at his photo shoot for “Bazaar.” The actor was asked with regards to his dating style and he revealed that if he dates someone, he intends to keep his relationship private.

“My dating style is not that special. But I have no plans to go public if I get into a relationship,” Song Joong Ki stated. “I will do my best to preserve the emotion for the person that I like but I also want to keep it secret for that person.”

True to his words, the actor never admitted his relationship with Song Hye Kyo not until they have both decided to marry each other. While the news totally blindsided the public, the couple still got showered with love and support from their fans. The ‘SongSong’ pair thanked their fans and hoped for the support of their love story.

“I promise to live my life as a great actor and a reliable head of my family.” Song Joong Ki stated in his letter. “I hope you will continue to support our relationship. Thank you.”

Meanwhile, Song Hye Kyo wrote: “I feel nervous announcing the news all of a sudden, but I trust that my fans will support me. Please continue to love me like you have until now. Thank you for waiting and believing in me. The two of us will live happily. Please give us your blessings! Thank you.”  

(c) KBS World Facebook

Congratulations to the real to reel to real phenomenal ‘SongSong’ couple! We look forward to the beginning of your married life!

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