Konno Asami joins TV Tokyo as an announcer

Former idol Konno Asami, of the Ongaku Gatas and Morning Musume, has announced that she has joined the TV Tokyo company as an announcer, and will begin her work with them in April of next year.

Konno Asami graduated from Morning Musume back in 2006, but returned in 2007 as a part of the unit, Ongaku Gatas. While participating in Ongaku Gats, she has continued working hard on her studies to become an announcer.

The Up-Front Agency posted the news about Konno on their official site, including a comment from the idol:

“I, Konno Asami, Morning Musume graduate, had set my eyes on going to college as my dream, and this wish has been granted. To all the people who helped me, and all the fans who supported me, I have so much gratitude. Thank you so, so much. I’ve worked hard during my past experiences up to now, and from April of next year, I will continue working hard as a TV Tokyo employee. Please cheer for me from here on out.”


source: tokyohive

SMAP gives a message to Takashima Aya for graduating from “Mezamashi TV”

An announcer, Takashima Aya, graduated from “Mezamashi TV” (Fuji TV) on October 1st. ”Mezamashi TV” is one of the most popular morning news shows, and Takashima has been extremely popular as the main caster, as she has been the “face of morning” since 2003. Takashima announced her graduation from “Mezamashi TV”, and also withdrawal from Fuji Television (within 2010), in August.

SMAP, who made appearances the most amount of times (including individual appearances), gave a video message to Takashima, and told her how sad they are and that they love her.

As the replacement of Takashima Aya, Shono Yoko has been chosen as the new main caster.





source : tokyohive

Nana Tanimura announces new single and releases first photo book

Pop singer Nana Tanimura has announced a new single, “TOXIC”, on November 24th, and it will be her second single release this year. Her last single, “FAR AWAY/Believe You”, was released in March of this year, and debuted at #14 on the Oricon charts.

There are two versions of the CD single: CD+DVD and CD Only. There are also two songs, the title track and “CIRCUS WORLD”, as tracks three and four will be instrumentals.

Nana is also releasing her first photo book, titled, “NANA”, and it will be released October 15th by Wani Books at the cost of 2,415 Yen. The photos were shot by Nishida Kouki, who also photographed actresses like Mana Yuuko, Hirata Kaoru, and Horikita Maki.

Additionally, she performed the theme song for the PS3/Xbox360 game, “Hokuto Musou”, and is the lead vocal in the “Fanta band”, a band that was formed to promote Fanta drinks.

Last year, Nana had a special drama PV for the Japanese DVD box set of the American drama series, “Burn Notice”.

Nana graduated from Aoyama Law University in March of this year. She wanted to become a lawyer, but decided earlier this year that her career will be in music.

Take a look at the PV for Nana’s previous single, “FAR AWAY“.




source : tokyohive

Performances on Music Core from October 2nd

Music Core is back with their weekly show, but instead of the regular stage, it is a broadcast of a special concert that was held on September 30th. This concert was hosted by Oh Sang Jin and Son Dambi.

There were comeback stages for J-Lim and B2ST, along with the follow-up stage for Se7en.

Aside from the comeback and fellow-up stages, other performers include: BoA, 2NE1, Son Dambi, Tae Jin Ah, TRAX, Eru, V.O.S, Moon Ji Eun, SISTAR, Hong Jin Young, Infinite, and L.P.G.

Check out the awesome performances below!

SISTAR – Shady Girl

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDIAPGLWgSI

TRAX – Oh My Goddess

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MNVw-EGI0Y

2NE1 – Clap Your Hands

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlqR_ZcNKwg

BoA – Copy & Paste

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qz2u3decS8E


source :allkpop

Xiah Junsu dishes on his upcoming musical

Xiah Junsu is the first ever idol to prepare a musical concert with his own name headlining it.

Perhaps such is the reason why he’s working harder than ever preparing for his four day musical, set to begin on October 7th. Junsu will be working alongside musical stars such as Seo Bumseok, Min Young Ki, Shin Young Sook, and others.

Already having received the rookie award for “Mozart!” at the Musical Awards, Junsu became widely known for his strong concentration skills and the amount of effort he puts into his rehearsals.


In a recent meeting at his rehearsal hall, Junsu met with reporters and honestly confessed his thoughts regarding his first ever self named concert.

“Thank you for your interest. The pressure of being alone is bigger than ever, being the first concert under my name. This performance was only possible with the support of the director and producers. We’ve aready been rehearsing together for three months now so the level of synchronization with the other actors is as great as ever. We’re all working hard and I believe that we’ll be able to show everyone a great concert.”

The concert seats a 10,000 member audience and began production last May.


“I released a single in Japan in May and this will be the first time I’m performing one of the songs in Korea. The song holds a message of my feelings for my fans.” Junsu’s “Intoxication” is considered one of the highlights of his musical, being the first ever performance in Korea.

Co-producer Yoo Heesung revealed, “‘Mozart!’ was sold out in February and was successfully completed. Junsu’s concert will be like a galla in style where the actors will be able to connect with the audience more as opposed to singing a few songs and going off stage. Levay also fell in love with Kim Junsu’s performance after watching him and has expressed that he would love to produce songs together. He also said that he will be writing a song specifically for Kim Junsu.”

Sylvester Levay is a world famous composer, also having worked on “Mozart!” alongside playwright Michael Kunze.

One member of the musical revealed, “Kim Junsu never misses a day of rehearsal. None of us anticipated too much since he is a famous idol star but he has exceeded all of our expectations. He works very hard.”





With so much effort being put into his musical, what meaning does it hold to him? Junsu replied, “A musical is a medium that gives me bravery and strength. It’s not just a stage that allows me to sing and act. It’s not something that I can just lightly accomplish, but rather something that I want to consistently work on into my future.”

The interview concluded with a question on TVXQ and whether he kept in contact with the members. Junsu simply replied, “Each individual member is working hard on his activities. Just watching each other work feels like support in itself.”




source :allkpop

2AM’s Jinwoon reveals why he broke up with his girlfriend

2AM’s Jinwoon recently revealed the reason behind his break-up with his girlfriend on an episode of KBS 2TV’s “Happy Birthday.”

Jinwoon stated, “In my past, when I dated a girl that I truly liked, she always used to tell me not to cheat on her. In order to keep that promise, I never even looked at another girl.”

He continued, “But eventually, she was the one that cheated on me with another guy, which is why we broke up. I seem like the type that would be really nice and understanding, but I’m actually quite conservative. I don’t want my girlfriend, and other girls in general, wearing clothes that expose a lot.”

He concluded by adding, “It’s more difficult wearing such short clothes, I don’t understand why they do it.”


source : allkpop

2NE1’s performances & interview on ‘Yoo Hee Yeol’s Sketchbook’

2NE1 made an appearance on this week’s ‘Yoo Hee Yeol’s Sketchbook’ for the second time since their debut. The group performed their popular reggae remix of ‘I Don’t Care’, and their two new title tracks: ‘Can’t Nobody’ and ‘Go Away’.

During the interview, they talked about how much Minzy has grown since last year, but may not be able to understand some of the lyrics due to her young age, their trip to America to work with the famous Will.I.Am, and their three title tracks earning an award on music broadcasts. In addition, when asked which song they thought was the hardest to sing, Sandara commented that she felt ‘Can’t Nobody’ was the hardest for her. Dara also took a picture with Yoo Hee Yeol and other group members, so she could post on her me2day account on the same day of the broadcast.




















source: allkpop

The importance of a ‘white tee, blue jeans’ mascot in idol girl groups?

In idol girl groups, it is essential to have at least one member who is vocally talented as well as a member who is responsible for the group’s visual impressions. Yet there’s one more essential member – the girl who can rock a pair of jeans. At first, this sounds ridiculous. Talent, yes. Overall image, yes. But jeans?

Jung Bo Yoon, Lee Hyori’s famous stylist, brought up the outfit concept on a broadcast show and explained the logistics behind it: “When girl groups are made, they always include at least one member who suits the white tee-jeans outfit.” She believed that jeans emit a different kind of feminine charm when compared to sexy skirts, and would thus be able to attract many different types of fanboys.

So, which members of girl groups are known to pull off jeans?

In SNSD’s case, Yuri is considered the group’s ‘jeans’ representative. While all nine members have enviable bodies, Yuri’s voluptuous figure allows her to seamlessly pull off that sexy look when wearing a pair of plain jeans. Member Sooyoung would also be a good candidate, as she stands to a height of 170cm with her long, lean legs.


After School’s UEE also has this role for her group due to her notorious ‘honey thighs’. With a white tee, UEE can sport a fresh and innocent look – yet she can easily slip into a sexy, provocative look with the usage of smokey eye makeup.

Wonder Girls‘ Sohee, 4minute’s Gayoon, and f(x)’s Krystal were also highlighted for their ability to bring in the fanboys with their ‘jeans and white-tee’ combo.


source : allkpop

miwa’s new single to be used for Oguri Shun’s upcoming drama “Veterinarian Dolittle”

Singer and song writer, miwa, who debuted in March of this year, will be releasing a new single titled, “Otoshimono” on December 1st. The single will also be used for upcoming drama, “Veterinarian Dolittle,” in which Oguri Shun, Inoue Mao, and Narimiya Hiroki star in.

miwa made this song after she read the script for the drama, and said, “I have noticed that you notice important things, such as trust or bonds, when you are about to lose it. So I made this song with a hope to take back the important things I have lost.”

“Veterinarian Dolittle” will start on October 17th.

Check out miwa’s latest song “chAngE,” released on September 1st.




source: tokyohive

DaizyStripper starts their 2-nights live “BIRTH or LOVE?”

Visual-kei rock band, DaisyStripper, held the first day of their 2-nights live “BIRTH or LOVE?” at Nihon Seinenkan on September 30th. The first night was titled, “~Theater of BIRTH~“, and they performed 19 songs mainly from their first album, “BIRTH“, which was released on August 1st (they also released another album, “LOVE“, on the same day).

The vocalist, Yugiri shouted to fans, “I’m glad to see you. Let’s make it hot!“, and aroused the audience of 1,200.

The last day of the live will be held tonight (October 1st in Japan), and it is titled “Theater of LOVE” at SHIBUYA-AX, where they will perform songs from their other album “LOVE”.




source: tokyohive

SHINee returns to Music Bank with “Hello”

The boys seem to have gotten all the rest they needed, because SHINee is back and ready for more stage action on today’s Music Bank!

After teasing the fans with concept shots, and audio and MV teasers, they’re finally making a return to the scene! The group is rocking a new style, one that is simpler than those they’ve rocked in the past.

Though they’ve only been away for a little while, it seems that they’ve been missed terribly by their fans. Just listen to the sound of that crowd!

Check out their comeback performance below!



source: allkpop

B2ST brings “Soom” to Music Bank

After testing the limits of their fans’ patience with seemingly endless teaser pictures, audio, and MVs, B2ST is ready to intensify the hype with their first comeback stage on today’s Music Bank.


The boys continuously manage to impress their fans with their spotless performances, which consist of both on-point vocals and dance moves! With this new, manly image, and fresh new “Soom” track, the boys seem to have everything they need to rock the stage!

Check out their hot stage below!

2NE1 wins K-Chart triple crown on Music Bank plus other performances!

Music Bank returns today with another show for the fans to enjoy.

This week’s performances include the debut stage for Co-Ed, the follow-up stage for SHINee, and the comeback stages for J-Lim and B2ST.

Aside from the exciting debut and comeback stages, other performers include: Cha Min Ki, Bohemian, Divine, Sori, Sunmin, Dalmatian, Seo Young Eun, V.O.S, San E, Moon Ji Eun, Oh Jong Hyuk, SISTAR, Secret, F.T. Island, BoA, and Kim Bum Soo.

The winner for K-Chart was none other than 2NE1, making this their third consecutive win on Music Bank. Congratulations to 2NE1 on their K-Chart triple crown!













source: allkpop

SEAMO versus “5 women” for new collaboration album

R&B vocalist SEAMO has a new album coming out, and it certainly isn’t his usual soulful fare.

The album will be called “5 Women” and it’ll be available on December 15th. The unique twist to this release is that it’s actually a collaboration album between SEAMO and five different women. He will challenge them all on the album in a test to prove himself.

The guests on the album will sing with him one after another, with the leading track featuring “ViVi” magazine model and singer Sara Mary. Both SEAMO and Sara May are powerful vocalists and coincidentally come from the same hometown, so this will certainly be an interesting collaboration.

SEAMO hasn’t revealed the names of the remaining women yet, but fans should stay tuned for future news on this exciting release!

For those who might not know who SEAMO or Sara Mary are, here is some of the latest from both of them:

SEAMO – Umi he Ikou





source: tokyohive

Preview for AKB48’s ‘Beginner’ PV released!

AKB48’s preview for the PV of ’Beginner‘ has just been released!

As we’ve mentioned in a previous post, this single will come in five versions which includes 2 CD+DVDs, 2 Event editions, and a regular edition. It’s set to hit shelves and e-stores on October 27th, and will serve as the group’s 18th single.

View the preview under the cut!




source : tokyohive

Ishihara Satomi shows off her “formal dress” for upcoming drama

A press conference for the upcoming live-action drama, “Reinoryokusha Odagiri Kyoko no Uso” was held on September 29th. “Reinoryokusha Odagiri Kyoko no Uso” was originally a manga by Kaitani Shinobu, the famous mangaka of “LIAR GAME”.

Actress Ishihara Satomi stars as the main character, a charismatic but fake psychic who is appealed to by the police to help solve criminal cases.

At the press conference, Satomi showed up in complete character by wearing the psychic’s “formal dress”. Interestingly enough, the actress participated in designing the dress, which made her stand at 180cm tall (she is originally 157cm).


She laughed, “It feels like I’m wearing a wedding dress.”

Other cast members were also present at the press conference, including Tanihara Shosuke and AKB48’s Ohshima Yuko. The drama will start airing on October 10th.

source : tokyohive

Park Bo Young is returning after two years

After capturing the nation’s heart with her role in the hit movie, “Speedy Scandal“, back in 2008, Park Bo Young disappeared from the entertainment industry.

Two years later, she is coming back with a brand new project, titled, “She is Looking at Me“, where she plays the female lead.

She received a lot of love calls after her role in “Speedy Scandal”, but she had a problem with her agency, and had to take a break for two years.

In her new project, she plays Ahsung, a woman with a personality disorder. The movie is a love story between Ahsung and Jiho, a guy who is bad at expressing his emotions. The male lead has not been cast yet.

The movie will begin filming in October.


source : allkpop

2NE1 wins M! Countdown and other performances!

After the Chuseok holiday break last week, M! Countdown returns for another exciting show filled with awesome performances. T-ara’s Eunjung, Hyomin, and Jiyeon are confirmed as MCs for this episode.

Aside from the comeback stage for Se7en, and the debut stage for Co-Ed, other performers on today’s episode include: V.O.S, Co-Ed, Dalmatian, Sori, miss $, San-E, Oh Jong Hyuk, Park Ki Young, Sunny Side, SunMin, and Moon Ji Eun.

2NE1 won today’s M! Countdown! Congratulations to 2NE1!

Check out their performance and encore below!




























source : allkpop

Co-Ed debuts on M! Countdown with “Too Late”

Rookie group Co-Ed have been receiving a lot of buzz lately from their 3D MV showcase and teaser jacket photos. Not only that, fellow labelmates T-ara are also doing what they can to raise the anticipation for their debut.

Well, the wait is finally over. They have made their debut on M!Countdown with the track, “Too Late“.

Check out the performance below:




source : allkpop

20 idol singers unite to sing the G20 Seoul Summit theme song

Ahead of the prestigious 2010 G20 Seoul Summit this November, it was revealed that 20 idol singers from popular K-Pop groups of today have been recruited to sing the theme song for the event.

The theme song titled, ‘Let’s Go‘ had been made specially for the event which will take place from November 11 – 12th at Samsung-dong’s Coex, for the discussion about the world’s economy.

The idol group members who will lend their voices include Gyuri (KARA), Seohyun (SNSD), Junsu (2PM), Changmin (2AM), Jaekyung (Rainbow), Jonghyun (SHINee), Sungmin (Super Junior), Kahi (After School), Luna (f(x)), JiEun (SECRET), Junhyung (B2ST), Gayoon (4minute), Min (miss A), G.O (MBLAQ), Bumkey (2wins), G.NA, Son Dambi, Seo In Kook, IU and Anna.

Korea is hosting this event for the first time and hopes to transfer a message through this song to youths that they should take on the world with confidence. With the growing influence that K-pop idols now wield on the young generation, there were no better candidates than them to do so.

The solo recordings were done from the 24 – 25th and all 20 of them came under one roof on the 26th to record the chorus portions.

‘Let’s Go’ is scheduled to be released in early October and footage of the idol singers recording the song will be edited into a music video.


source :allkpop