A special meeting between an American girl and K-pop group, Shinee

Donica Sterling who loved K-pop arrived in South Korea to meet with her favourite stars. Donica Sterling is reportedly suffering from an incurable disease, which contracts her muscles, and is currently bound on a wheelchair. She told that K-pop groups have become her source of strength during her illness. SM Entertainment invited her to meet Shinee in person. However, she became very shy and was unable to see the K-pop group in the eyes. Donica's grandmother showed tears of gratitude that Shinee gave Donica an experience and memory that she will never forget. Music is often called the global common language, allowing people with different backgrounds and culture to communicate. We hope that the power of music can give hope and strength to Donica Sterling, and we support her courage.

Charity Concert

K-Pop stars, known worldwide for their skilled performances and music that is pleasant to the ears, are putting together a charity concert this July. This charity concert embodies to significant elements; love and touching inspiration. First, the concert is to show genuine love for K-Pop fans, and secondly, the concert aims to repay the love they received from their fans by putting together a charity. This concert will be a music talkshow, tastefully mixing up music and talking. The concert is trying to build a warm and pleasant atmosphere for the show, and the proceedings for the concert will be donated to the International Vaccine Research Center, helping children all over the world fight diseases. The concert is expecting a lot of people to come, and hopes to continue the legacy of charity concerts.

The 45th Houston International Film Festival

The 45th WorldFest Houston International Independent Film Festival took place from April 13 – 22, 2012. At the 45th Houston International Film Festival, three Korea's KBS dramas won awards. This time, KBS's 'Baby-faced Beauty,' 'Thank you for making me laugh,' and 'White Christmas.' Of the three, the latter two won grand prizes, which gained attention world-wide.

[Baby-faced Beauty] Title: 동안미녀 / Dongan Minyeo Also known as: Youthful Beauty / Pretty Young Woman Genre: Romance, comedy Episodes: 20 Broadcast network: KBS2 Broadcast period: 2011-May-02 to 2011-Jul-05 Synopsis The story of Lee So Young, a 34-year-old woman who's saddled with family debt and only has a high school qualifications, but dreams of becoming a fashion designer. Her youthful appearance is her only advantage; she is mistaken for a 25-year-old university graduate and subsequently lands her dream job when she's hired by a fashion design company, where she meets Choi Jin Wook, a man who looks more mature than his young age.

[Thank You for Making Me Smile] The drama is about a physically challenged girl who dreams to become a singer!

[White Christmas] Title: 화이트 크리스마즈 / White Christmas Chinese Title : 白色圣诞 Also known as: 몬스터 / Monster Genre: Mystery, thriller Series : Drama Special Series (Season 1) Episodes: 8 Broadcast network: KBS2 Broadcast date: 2011-Jan-30 to 2011-Mar-20 Air time: Sunday 23:15 Synopsis “Drama Special – White Christmas” is a 8 episode drama and is based on a murder. Being a physiatrist, Kim Yo Han will play a game of mysteries with students Park Moo Yul, Jo Young Jae, Lee Jae Kyu, Yoon Su and more, on the murder that happens at a private school. Cast Kim Sang Kyung as Kim Yo Han Baek Sung Hyun as Park Moo Yul Kim Young Kwang as Jo Young Jae Lee Soo Hyuk as Yoon Su Kwak Jung Wook as Yang Kang Mo Hong Jong Hyun as Lee Jae Kyu Esom as Yoon Eun Sung Kim Woo Bin as Kang Mi Reu Sung Joon as Choi Chi Hoon Jung Suk Won as Yoon Jong Il Lee El as Oh Jung Hye

The Bamboo forest(Juknokwon)

Juknokwon (죽녹원) in Damyang is a bamboo forest cultivated by the town of Damyang. Seonginsan Mountain behind Damyang Hyanggyo (Confucian school) was transformed into Juknokwon Bamboo Garden featuring a beautiful artificial waterfall, pavilion, walking paths and an eco-exhibition center, a popular destination for visitors. It takes about 1 hour to tour around the entire garden. Crossing Hyanggyo Bridge from Juknokwon, a forest for preventing floods can be seen. Lights are turned on in the evenings in the bamboo forest for night walk. If you seek true relaxation,, visit this bamboo forest(Juknokwon).. Then you'll feel better...

101 Best Restaurants in America 2012

Have you ever been to New York-based Korean-fusion restaurant Momofuku Ssam Bar? This restaurant was ranked 8th by New York Magazine's "101 Best Restaurants in America for 2012." Momofuku Ssam Bar is a casual, loud restaurant with an inventive menu that is constantly changing. The restaurant bases its menu on 'Ssam.' Their most popular menus are Bossam based meals like the 'Steamed Pork Buns,' which uses Chinese bread, hoisin, cucumber pickle, scallions, unsaturated prok bacon, etc. as ingredients, and 'Cream Tofu' that uses tapioca and sea urchin eggs. For those of you who do not know what Bossam is, Bossam is a type of ssam in Korean cuisine in which steamed pork is wrapped in a leaf vegetable such as red lettuce or sesame leaf, often accompanied by a condiment known as ssamjang. It is usually topped with raw or cooked garlic, onion, pepper, or most commonly, sweet kimchi. Bossam is a popular dish in Korea. Anyways, as 'Momofuku Ssam' is gaining recognition, the number of people who enjoy the Korean cuisine of ssam is increasing. From what I hear, Momofuku is a must-go place. http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/20-best-restaurants-america-231000002.html http://www.thedailymeal.com/101-best-restaurants-america-2012-slideshow?utm_source=yahoo%2Bshine&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=101%2Bbest%2Brestaurants%2Bamerica%2B2012&RM_Exclude=Welcome

K-Pop Star Rain to Serve as "Entertainment Soldier"

Pop singer and actor Rain will serve as what the military has dubbed an “entertainment soldier” during the remainder of his two years of mandatory military service. The Defense Media Agency on Friday said that Rain, whose real name is Jung Ji-hoon, has been reassigned as an entertainment soldier along with three others. The four soldiers will now appear in the Korean Forces Networks' television and radio programs and will take part in concert tours for military units across the country. Currently, a total of 12 entertainers are serving as soldiers in the agency. http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_Cu_detail.htm?No=88457&id=Cu

'Naked Chef' Jamie Oliver to Mix Business and Pleasure on Korea Trip

World-famous British chef Jamie Oliver seems to be eyeing venturing into the Korean food business. With his first visit to Korea at the end of this month, Oliver will discuss a business plan with CJ Group, a CJ spokesman said on Wednesday. The 37-year-old chef has built his reputation by introducing simple recipes and adding natural flavors to dishes on his TV cooking program. His show is now being aired in about 40 countries as his popularity continues to grow. Female viewers find his cute image and easygoing, unpretentious personality endearing, as he tends to cook with his hair disheveled and shirt half open. In 2003, Oliver was honored as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his contribution to spreading British culinary culture. He is also known to be a fan of Korean cuisine. In his magazine, called simply "Jamie Magazine," he introduced a Korean bulgogi sandwich -- a baguette stuffed with marinated barbecued beef -- last October. He has also posted stories about Korean food and London's Myungga restaurant in his personal blog. Oliver first told CJ Group that he wanted to visit the country to learn more about Korean food. The company said that he was very interested in this subject and excited to learn that his cooking program was aired in Korea. Industry insiders say CJ and Oliver will likely launch an international restaurant business using the "Jamie Oliver" brand. There is also speculation that he will open a branch of his restaurant Fifteen, in Seoul. "We haven't discussed anything in detail yet, but we will sound him out about the possibility of a collaboration when he visits," said CJ. Oliver became noticed after he appeared in a BBC documentary about a famous British restaurant while working there. In 1998, he rose to stardom with his show, "The Naked Chef," while he was still in his mid-20s. His cookbooks remain best sellers in the U.K. http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2012/02/23/2012022300987.html

Girls' Generation(SNSD) Cover Dance collection

Simon Curtis Obsessed with SNSD's Soo Young

Simon Curtis has expressed great interest in Soo Young of SNSD.

On February 4th, Curtis tweeted "Madonna's album is going to be released today but all I can think about is SNSD's gorgeous performance from the Letterman show," and posted a link to the girl group's performance. Curtis added that "many people are surprised to see my interest in SNSD. I really want to talk about my favorite member but I still don't know her name." Someone then asked Curtis about his favorite K-Pop artists and he answered that he liked "Fx, 2NE1, and SNSD" and said that he also has albums by BoA, confirming a keen interest in K-Pop. Simon Curtis later asked on twitter "my favorite SNSD member is the one on the left with black hair, around 7 o'clock direction wise. What's her name?" When the fans replied "Soo Young" Curtis responded "I am obsessed with her. She's an absolute goddess." Curtis then proceeded to ask if Soo Young had a twitter and when a fan sent him a photoshopped picture of him and Soo Young, he excitedly re-twitted it. Curtis said that "it is absolutely fabulous to see my timeline filled with stuff about Soo Young."

http://www.kpopstarz.com/articles/3965/20120205/simon-curtis-adores-soo-young.htm

SNSD performed "The Boys" on 'Live! With Kelly' ['12. 2. 1]

After wrapping up a successful stage on CBS‘s ‘The Late Show with David Letterman‘ last night,Girls’ Generation has moved on to storm hearts through ABC‘s ’Live! With Kelly‘.
On the morning of February 1st, the members performed “The Boys” on ‘Live! With Kelly’. Afterwards, the hosts gushed, “That was amazing! Amazing!” and “I’ve never seen such audience participation in my life!“, referring to the fanchants from the crowd.

More article :

http://kpopunli.blogspot.com/2012/02/girls-generation-performs-boys-on-live.html

Here is performance of SNSD on 'Live! With Kelly'

Did you know the Korean girl group SNSD?

This group is one of the famous K-pop Star. SNSD(So Nyuh Shi Dae) means Girl's generation. SNSD appeared on American talk shows and had successfully made it to the US billboard charts. SNSD, who have released a special album, including their hit song “The Boys,” to such American and European countries as U.S., Canada, France, and U.K., have successfully made it to U.S. Billboard Charts. The album, which includes the songs from SNSD’s third album and Korean and English remixed versions of “The Boys,” ranked 22nd on the Heatseekers Albums of Billboard Charts on February 4. Heatseekers Albums show the hottest albums of new artists who just made it to Billboard Charts according to the statistics from Nielsen Soundscan. Making it to this chart, SNSD got acknowledged among many new artists who just entered the U.S. market. SNSD’s “The Boys” also ranked second on the World Chart. SNSD haven’t officially started promoting and performing in the U.S., they’ve gotten a profitable result in the global market. Daniel Radcliffe(Harry Potter) say that he likes SNSD and had SNSD CD.^^ I like SNSD, too.

Kim Yu-na Fetes Special Olympics on 100-Day Countdown

Figure skating star Kim Yu-na led the celebrations at an event marking the one-year countdown to the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Pyeongchang at Seoul Plaza on Sunday, with over 2,000 citizens, volunteers and a few celebrities turning up. "As an athlete, I am very much looking forward to the Special Olympics in Pyeongchang next year. I ask for your continued support for the athletes taking part," said Kim, who is an honorary promotional ambassador for the sporting event. The games will take place from Jan. 26 to Feb. 6 next year in Gangneung and Pyeongchang in Gangwon Province, with some 2,300 athletes from over 100 countries and 10,000 volunteers set to participate. The Special Olympics was established in 1968 in the United States at the suggestion of the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver, a philanthropist and younger sister of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy. It is different from the Paralympics as it focuses on athletes with purely intellectual disabilities.

Kara Sweeps Awards at Japan's Gold Disc Awards

Kara Sweeps Awards at Japan's Gold Disc AwardsGirl group Kara have swept this year's Gold Disc Awards. In a ceremony hosted by the Recording Industry Association of Japan in Tokyo on Friday, they were honored in five categories including Best Asian Artist, Best Three Asian Albums, Song of the Year by Download, Best Five Songs by Download, and Best Music Video. Girls Generation received awards for Album of the Year and the Best Three Asian Albums, while 2PM was named the New Artist of the Year and one of the Best Three New Artists. TVXQ won the award for Best Three Asian Albums, while Jang Keun-suk was named as one of the Best Three New Artists. The Japanese awards are based on a combination of scores by the jury and annual sales of the albums released in the previous year.

BEAST to give 1st European concert

K-pop boy band BEAST will have its first concert in Europe next month, its agency said on Friday.

The concert, titled “2012 Beast 1st World Tour -- Beautiful Show,” will take place in Columbia Halle, one of most prestigious concert halls in Berlin, Agency Cube entertainment said. The concert hall has hosted major concerts performed by international stars such as Boys∥Men and Sting, it added. Beast members said they were looking forward to introducing K-pop music to an audience more used to different kinds of music. “We recently ranked third in a German music chart so we’re especially excited to repay our German fans for their support,” band leader Yoon Du-jun was quoted as saying by Yonhap News Agency. BEAST gave a joint performance in London last year with singers from their agency such as G.NA and 4minute.

“Plant 20000 Mango Trees Of Hope In Sudan, Africa”

JYJ, Song Ji-hyo, and Park Yoo-hwan participated in the World Vision project entitled "Planting 20,000 Mango Trees of Hope" in Sudan, Africa. Their agency, C-Jes Entertainment, said on November 24, "JYJ, Song Ji-hyo, and Park Yoo-hwan decided to actively participate in the fund raising activities to support World Vision's project of planting mango trees in Sudan". They will deliver their encouraging message through the official website of C-Jes Entertainment (http://www.c-jes.co.kr), saying, "Why don't we plant mango trees that can become a shelter and food at the same time for children in Sudan who have lost their hope while experiencing a long history of civil wars up to now". People who want to participate in the project can send 10,000 won for one seedling, and they will be provided with a thank you note bearing the stars' autographs by C-Jes Entertainment. JYJ said, "We want to build a thick forest in Sudan together with our fans who have shown their greatest love to us. The mango trees reportedly live for one hundred years, and I think that planting a mango tree has a significant long-lasting meaning".