Hyunbin and Song Hye-Kyo officially call it quits

The drama "The World That They Live In," a real romantic relationship developed on the set. Last year in 2009, Hyunbin acknowledged his relationship with Song Hye-Kyo. However, one year and 9 months later, Song Hye-kyo has admitted that the couple is not longer together.

On the morning of March 8 at 10:20a.m., Hyunbin, who is signed with AM Entertainment, and Song Hye-kyo, who is signed with Eden9, released a joint statement admitting they broke up, The Daily Sports reported. Both agencies initially denied the rumors about the breakup when they first emerged. Since Hyunbin entered the Marine Corps on the 7th, he has admitted to the breakup.

According to Sports Chosun, the reason for their heart wrenching breakup is "because Hyunbin and Song Hye-Kyo were shooting separate dramas, doing things overseas, and being cast in different movies, without even thinking about it, they naturally and quickly found they had become estranged."

Sports Chosun also claims that "the excessive attention and the rumors about the breakup has created unspeakable stress. They need some time to deal with it and they need some space from each other."

Translated by Steven Wilson

"I am a Singer” follows up with a competition after impressive first broadcast

(Photo Captured from 나는 가수다, MBC)

According to My Daily, in the first broadcast of "우리들의 일밤(Our Sunday Night)—나는 가수다(I am a Singer)" on the afternoon of March 6, seven singers including Kim Gun Mo, Kim Bum Soo, Park Jung Hyun, Baek Ji Young, Yoon Do Hyun, Lee So Ra and Jung Yub made an impressive on-stage appearance.

They have long received recognition for their singing abilities as singers who made their debut since more than 10 years ago. However, being overshadowed by idols, they have lost their standing on the stage.

Although songs such as “The Wind Blows” by Lee So Ra and “In My Dreams” by Park Jung Hyun are dated quite some time back from the time of their release, after these songs were broadcasted, they have been receiving a lot of interest from the viewers. It was said that it seems to be the new trend of the recent music industry that has been addicted to hook songs with simple flowing melody that flow as soon as you turn on the TV.

As mentioned by Newsen, “I am a Singer” will be launching a competition in full-scale from March 13 onwards and every 2 weeks, participants who are being eliminated will be determined. The competition is going to be conducted in such a way that an eliminated participant will be replaced by a new singer.

Translated by tokkicheonsa

Kara's Seung-yeon, Nicole, Jiyoung, and Hara leave DSP Media

One of the most popular girl groups, Kara, is facing a serious crisis. It was announced on Wednesday, January 19, that 4 of the members would be leaving their agency, DSP Media. However, the following day, Goo Hara changed her mind and decided to stay with DSP along with group leader Park Gyuri. According to Maeil Shinmun, the girls canceled their contracts with the agency claiming they had been forced to do things that they did not want to and have lost trust in the agency.

Today, January 21, the three members' parents met with the Landmark law firm, and revealed their official stance through the legal representative. Munhwailbo reports the members and their parents want Kara to remain a 5 member group, but desire a management company they can trust. DSP Media is reported to be willing to compromise, but as there are many unresolved issues, it is difficult to predict the outcome of this debacle.

Korean variety show brings everyone to tears

(Photo captured from 1박2일, KBS)

One of Sunday night’s most popular TV shows, “1박2일” (1 bak 2 il/One night, Two days) made many people cry during last night’s episode. 1박2일 is a Korean variety show where 6 comedians and singers visit a different place in Korea every weekend. Last week’s and this week’s episode featured the 6 comedians and singers taking a trip together with 6 foreign workers that live and work in Korea.

The episode that aired yesterday (16th) on KBS 2TV was filmed on Christmas where the staff prepared gifts for the foreign workers. OSEN reported that the producer, Na Youngsuk, suddenly announced that there would be gifts for the foreign workers. While the casts and foreign workers began to voice their curiosity over the gifts, the foreign workers’ families appeared on a TV screen. All of the workers burst into tears while watching the messages from their families whom they haven’t seen for at least one year. Karki’s (Nepal) wife appeared on the screen first and Karki’s big eyes filled with tears. Others on the show couldn’t help but cry as well as they hear his wife talk about the difficult time she was having living alone with two daughters and in-laws. Khan (Bangladesh) could not help but cry when watching his mother say, “There are so many foods I want to cook for you, but I can’t. Son, whenever I think about you, it hurts.” SSowan's (Cambodia) young wife and baby daughter, Akhil's (Pakistan) mother, and Yeyan's (Myanmar) father also sent them messages through the video.

The video was not the only gift the staff had prepared for the workers. When the workers opened the door to their room, their families were waiting for them. Akhil exclaimed, "Isn't it a dream?" and could not stop crying when seeing his mother’s face. After the shooting, the workers got to spend a few more days with their families.

Watching the foreign workers reuniting with their families after a long separation also struck a chord with viewers. Many people visited the 1박2일 webpage and filled it with compliments, emotional statements, and comments about how much they cried.

Hyun Bin to join marine corps

The actor Hyun Bin, star of the SBS drama "Secret Garden," recently revealed his plans to join the marine corps. A spokesperson for Hyun Bin's agency stated, through an interview with MK Star Today that "He's voluntarily joining the marine cops. He is manly and has a healthy body and mind, so he wants to bravely fulfill his duty to serve in the military." The spokesperson also said, "The agency wants to respect his wishes. We think we will know whether or not he made it to the marine corps by February, and it is probably that he will join the marine corps around March."

Hyun Bin has always wanted to serve in the military not as an entertainment soldier, but as an ordinary private soldier. He also drawn a considerable amount of attention for saying, "I am looking forward to going back to my 'real' self."

Before he joins the corps, Hyun Bin will focus on promoting his new movie "Manchoo," which will release in February, as well as shoot several TV commercials.

Dream High airs with solid ratings

The drama "Dream High," produced by Bae Yong-Jun and Park Jin-Young (JYP), aired on January 3 with 10.7% in viewer ratings.  Idol members such as 2PM's Taecyeon and Wooyoung, T-ara's Eunjeong, and Suzy from missA, are part of the cast of "Dream High" which is set in ‘Kirin Arts High School’ where young people with discovered talents go through the process of becoming a celebrity.

According to 서울신문, Bae Yong-Jun  said,  “I’ve been interested in education, especially in training school of entertainers” and emphasized “I will try to make it as realistic as I can.”
Park Jin-Young is in charge of music and dance choreography. According to 서울신문, he assured that the “dances and music we are presenting in the drama will be ahead of time.”

Bae Yong-Jun, who was a popular actor himself  for some famous dramas such as Winter Sonata (겨울연가) and Hotelier (호텔리어), is now a creative producer.
As a CEO of JYP Entertainment company, Park Jin-Young has discovered and trained a lot of famous K-pop singers including Rain, 2PM, and Wonder Girls.

Dream High 5-min Trailer



Dream High Teaser #2



See pictures of the TV show here.