Yoseob expresses his nervousness on duet performance with IU

On December 29th, B2ST‘s Yoseob had a wonderful duet performance with IU at the 2011 SBS Gayo Daejun.

On January 2nd, SBS E! K-Star News aired a special featuring some backstage footage from the Gayo Daejun and it seems Yoseob was quite nervous for the performance.

Before the performance, he had a short interview session with a reporter:

Yoseob: I’m singing a song with IU sunbaenim.
Reporter: What song is it?
Yoseob: “If you want a lover.”
Reporter: If you were really to have a girlfriend what would you do with her?
Yoseob: Go to the amusement park and have a surprising event as well.
Reporter: If you were to date IU?
Yoseob: I’m so nervous and shy, how can that happen? I can barely even sing with her.

After the performance, both IU and Yoseob were asked how the performance went. While IU seemed perfectly fine answering, “It was fun,” Yoseob on the other replied, “I was shaking… I really was shaking… Ah, I feel so shy.”

Check out their wonderful duet performance below!





cr: allkpop

IU + Yoseob - What I want to do once I have a lover @ 2011 SBS Gayo Daejun

[vid] Compatibility - Yoseob & IU vs Hyunseung & Hyuna

IU, Jay Park, B2ST & more perform at “Seoul Hope Dream Concert”

Last week, some of Korea’s top stars came together at the Jamsil Stadium in Seoul to attend the “Seoul Hope Dream Concert“.

The concert was sponsored by Blue River as a campaign to raise awareness about a rising criminal issue in Korea called ‘voice phishing’. The concert was hosted by actors Hyun Woo and Danny Ahn.
Performing artists included Jay Park, B2ST, 4minute, Baek Ji Young, Jang Woo Hyuk, Heo Young Saeng, IU, and others.

Check out the performances below!















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“2011 Super Idol Big Concert” gets cancelled

Concert managers have revealed that the “2011 Super Idol BIG Concert“, which was originally scheduled for June 11th, has been cancelled.

Supervisors will be taking legal action against the host, Coco Town, for the sudden cancellation, which comes just a day before the concert was to run. What has angered fans is not the tickets that they have already bought, but the fact that the management had previously notified them that the concert would be going on as planned when reports of its cancellation first made its way to the press.

Singers are also expressing their disappointment, as they had rehearsed all night in order to prepare for the concert.  Jay Park had even raised the anticipation by stating, “It’s a real honor to be able to perform at the Olympic Stadium as a singer. I’m excited to be performing there.”

Others are concerned over the negative effect this will have on the Hallyu wave, since the concert was run under the intention of helping multi-cultural families. International fans had taken note of the effort and some had even expressed that they would be flying in to attend.

Prices for the tickets also began at $30 for A up to $88 for VIP seats, which people thought were a tad too expensive for a concert featuring a variety of artists, considering that “Dream Concert” was free.

Coco Town has announced that they will be refunding fans, but it unfortunately won’t help the time lost by both artists and their fans.

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Super Junior’s Yesung & SHINee’s Jonghyun to leave “Immortal Song 2″

Recently, we announced that IU was permanently withdrawing from KBS2TV’s”Immortal Song 2“. On June 6th, it was announced that Super Junior’s Yesung and SHINee’s Jonghyun would also be leaving the show because of preparations for SMTOWN’s Paris concert.

Producer Kwon revealed,

“Yoseob has an upcoming schedule with B2ST in Japan and his participation is currently under review, but we have already lined up MBLAQ’s G.O to come in should he fail to make it for recording. Also on our list are f(x)’s Luna and miss A’s Min. We are not discounting rookie group members as long as they fit the requirements that our producers are looking for and have outstanding skills. But as always, it will remain a 6-member cast at all times.”

Meanwhile, the second broadcast of “Immortal Song 2″ will air on June 11th.

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KBS’s “Immortal Song 2″ PD addresses viewers’ concerns about the show

KBS’s “Immortal Song 2” certainly debuted to a strong start, but it was also embroiled in a series of controversies that left viewers with some concerns.

The show recorded remarkable viewer ratings, coming in at 7.9% according to AGB Nielsen Media Research. To put the achievement into perspective, it beat out MBC’s “We Got Married” and it was only 1.1% off from SBS’s “Star King.”

But with the impressive start came criticisms, as many were of the belief that the show was too strongly similar to MBC’s “I Am a Singer.“ PD Kwon Jae Young sat down with E Daily for an interview answering the concerns. Check it out below:

1. “Some are criticizing the show’s concept for being too similar to ‘I Am a Singer’.”

PD: “It’s something we expected. Singing battles have become a trend for broadcast companies. Not only is ‘Immortal Song 2′ in the same frame as ‘I Am a Singer’, but ‘Superstar K‘ and ‘Birth of a Great Star‘ if you look at it that way. ’Immortal Song 2′, however, is a corner created from the original ‘Immortal Song.’ The concept of having other singers learn to sing another famous singer’s song has always been ours, but just changed to match up to the current trend of song battles.

When ‘1 Night 2 Days‘ first aired, it, too, was criticized for being similar to MBC’s ‘Infinity Challenge.‘ But how is it doing now? As time passed, it created its own individuality and there is barely anyone that still thinks the two programs are similar. We hope to take ‘Immortal Song 2′ through the same transformation, as it is something the producers definitely need to work out.

Instead of the results, our program places emphasis on the process, which is why we spend so much time preparing the idol singers and their song arrangements.”

2. “There are also viewers that don’t like the way the winner is chosen.”

PD: “We discussed the way winners are selected a lot.
Although there’s already the standard format of calling all six out and choosing the final winner, it’s already being used by ‘I Am a Singer’ so we couldn’t just do that. While looking for something that would be both unique and fun, we came up with our current system.

Honestly speaking, we also thought of using a traditional tournament style where #1 and #2 would go against each other, #3 and #4 would go against each other, and the final winners would then go against each other. But going that route puts too much pressure on the artists and they’d have to prepare three songs a week. It’s kind of meaningless to battle again with a song you’ve already won with.

It already takes all week long for artists to arrange just one song by a legendary artist, so a traditional style would kill the artist. We are, however, considering a change to the system, but we won’t be changing the way we only choose a winner. We will be leaving open the possibility for changes in the program, as long as it doesn’t break any major rule.”

3. “When two people are on stage, the idol singer with the least votes get their spotlight turned off. Viewers thought this was cruel.”

PD: “‘Immortal Song 2′ is a variety program, but as it is a singing competition, there needs to be a certain level of tension. We turn off the spotlight to raise that tension.

We hope that people will regard it in a warmer light.”

cr: allkpop

Idol music show ‘Immortal Song 2′ airs its pilot episode

Rolling in to meet high expectations (and high skepticisms), KBS’s “Immortal Song 2” finally made its debut on June 4th with its all-idol cast!

Idol stars are most often generalized as ‘3-second singers’ in the music industry, and so this program sought to dispel that belief once and for all, while also providing an in-depth look into the idols’ different sides. The first cast of “Immortal Song” comprises of 2AM’s Changmin, Super Junior’s Yesung, SISTAR’s Hyorin, SHINee’s Jonghyun, B2ST’s Yoseob, and IU, with many other idol stars set to appear in future episodes.

“Immortal Song 2″ will have each contestant sing unique covers, just like on “I Am a Singer“, however there will be no eliminations to challenge them. The six castmates will instead battle for pride, as the first place winner will be judged by a 200-member audience. Not only that, but they’ll also receive priceless pointers and tips from the original artists of the songs they cover.

The pilot episode sees them perform their preferred hits from the past for the first half as an introduction while the second half was their first mission, which was to remake a hit song from Shim Soo Bong, who actually sang for the opening of the show and stayed behind to watch her juniors perform.

For the show’s first recording, the audience was filled with 30+ year olds because they’re the generation that can most accurately judge the performances and pick the first winner.

Sit back and enjoy the first episode cuts below, and toss us your thoughts on this new TV program!

==Part 1==

< Press Conference >



< IU >



-

< Super Junior’s Yeseung >



–

< 2AM’s Changmin >



–

< SISTAR’s Hyorin >



–

< SHINee’s Jonghyun >



–

< B2ST’s Yoseob >



==Part 2==

The format went like this: Singer A vs Singer B in first round. The winner will then be pitted against Singer C in second round and so on. In summary, winner advances until the end and crowned overall winner.

< Jonghyun vs Yesung >







< Jonghyun vs IU >





< IU vs Hyorin >





< Hyorin vs Yoseob >





< Hyorin vs Changmin >





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Idols aim to prove that they’ve got talent through “Immortal Song 2″

There’s a popular description of idols these days, in which they’re being called ‘3-second singers’. It came about once idol groups began to have members that numbered into the double digits, resulting in some members having only three seconds of singing time. Others have started to express harsher criticisms, such as “What kind of singer are you, when you can’t even sing?”

A rebuttal has been created in the form of a TV program. Members from several idol groups have come together for a singing competition called “Immortal Song 2“, which has also been dubbed as the idol version of “I Am A Singer“.

“Immortal Song 2″ had its first recording on May 23rd with 2AM’s Changmin, Super Junior’s Yesung, SISTAR’s Hyorin, SHINee’s Jonghyun, B2ST’s Yoseob, and IU. In anticipation of its premiere on June 4th, the contestants sat down for a brief interview about the show.

==

<Don’t compare it with “I Am A Singer”>

Changmin said, “Rather than being caught up in our performance rankings, we plan to simply show that we are hardworking. Since we each have variety show experience, we will use this strength to create a fun atmosphere.”

The mission on their first day was to remake a hit song from Shim Boo Song, who actually sang for the opening of the show and stayed behind to watch her juniors perform. Super Junior’s Yesung expressed his nervousness by saying, “It makes me nervous to think about performing a solo in front of Shim Soo Bong. I have to guard my team’s honor – whew, it’s burdensome.” IU also admitted that she felt the pressure: “My heart is fluttering because it’s a song from a singer that my grandma and mother like… Everyone is complimenting me, but I’m worried that I won’t meet their expectations.”
It could be said that IU’s feelings reflect those of her castmates, as their vocal abilities were oftentimes discounted or dismissed because of their status as ‘idol stars’. Jonghyun showed his desire to break out of the stereotype by confessing, “Taking this as an opportunity to show a completely different side to myself, I prepared a lot amidst my overseas activities.”

==

<No eliminations, just pick 1st place>

While “Immortal Song 2″ will have each contestant sing their version of songs just like on “I Am A Singer”, there will be no eliminations. The six castmates will be judged by a 200-member audience and the first place singer will be named from those votes. Each singer will also received pointers and tips from the original artists of the songs they cover.

For the show’s first recording, the audience was filled with 30+ year olds because they’re the generation that can most accurately judge the performances. 45-year-old Kwak Tae Ho said, “Each of Shim Soo Bong’s songs have a story. The key is in how you stress the emotions. More than vocal ability, it’s the expression that counts.” 45-year-old Choi Eun Hi mused, “Since songs go beyond time, I hope that these remakes will make Shim Soo Bong fans out of the younger generations.”
Idol fans have also expressed their anticipation. IU fan Kim Young Rae said, “I look forward to seeing how IU will remake her senior’s song. I hope she does well so she can have more elderly folks like her.”
While the primary focus of the shows is on music, the idols will bring their various skills to the stage, such as rapping and dancing. It’s said that for this particular challenge, their free-wheeling spirit brought a 30-year-old song into the 21st century. Shim Soo Bong was unable to take her eyes off the stage as she exclaimed, “I didn’t know that [these songs] could have such a different color! I feel like I received the best gift in my life as a singer.”

==

<Old songs that will revive K-pop>

Although it has yet to air, “Immortal Song 2″ is already forcing the other music-based reality programs to step up their game. In fact, “Immortal Song 2″ is unique in that it focuses on idol contestants only. Currently, Korea has national talent shows like “Superstar K” and “Birth of a New Star“, which creates new artists; on the other hand, there’s “I Am a Singer”, which allows for more veteran singers to make a comeback.

“Immortal Song 2″, therefore, will find itself plumb in-between those two extremes. As such, it’s speculated that the response for the show will be the hottest amongst its peers. There’s already a palpable tension between fan clubs, and producers have expressed their concerns about fan clubs sneaking into the audience and skewing the votes.

Sharing his honest thoughts about idol singers, producer Go Min Gyu said, “When it come to musicality and completeness, these idols in their teens and 20’s can’t do as well as those on ‘I Am a Singer’“. Consequently, he asked that viewers look at the show as a period of vocal growth for the contestants.

He emphasized that they are K-pop stars who are able bring together generations of music-lovers, and mused that, “We are also looking at the possibility that the idol remakes may spur a new Hallyu movement.”

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Jay Park, B2ST & IU headline line-up for ‘Super Idol Big Concert’

Korea’s gearing up for a large-scale concert starring major idols like B2ST, IU, and Jay Park!
The ‘Super Idol Big Concert’  was created with the intention of helping culturally diverse families, and will be held for two and a half hours in Jamsil’s Olympic Stadium on June 11th at 7PM.

The line-up includes B2ST, IU, Jay Park, G.NA and special guest Barbara, who are sure to deliver strong performances throughout the show.

Part of the profits from this concert will be donated as a support fund for intercultural families, who generally have a difficult time in Korean society.

Concert representative Lee Seok Yoon passed on, “We planned this concert to expand the sharing of culture, as well as to plant hope in teens from intercultural families who have a difficult time getting by. This will be a good opportunity to see both the idol groups’ awesome performances, and help out neighbors as well.”

He continued, “I think this concert will be a test stage for the overseas concert featuring idols at the highest ranks in Korea. We’ll try our best to show you a great concert.”

Tickets can be bought through the ‘Super Idol Big Concert’ official homepage and Interpark, with ground seats going for 55,000 won and standing seats costing 33,000 won.

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KBS’s “Immortal Song 2″ holds press conference with Yesung, Changmin, Hyorin, Yoseob, IU, and Jonghyun

On May 16th, KBS’s upcoming variety show, “Immortal Song 2“, held a press conference at the new KBS building with the official line-up in attendance.

IU, who’s been receiving countless love calls from MBC’s “I Am a Singer“, explained her decision on choosing the ‘idol version’ of the show, “I felt that I wasn’t talented enough to join ‘I Am a Singer’. They’re all legends, and since I’m still learning their songs, I felt that this program would be a better fit.”

She continued, “As everyone believes, I’m still lacking in both skill and talent. I hope to gain more experience in 10 and 20 years from now and join ‘I Am a Singer’ then.” 

IU was asked if she had any other idol singers in mind to join the program with her, to which she replied, “I actually recommended SHINee’s Jonghyun, and I didn’t think he’d be joining us here like this today. I’m personally a fan of his voice.” 

Jonghyun stated, “I actually didn’t want IU to come on the program because she’s such a great singer. She’s a vocalist whom I personally really like. I thought that maybe if one less person came out, there’d be a greater chance for me to win.” 

Super Junior’s Yesung commented, “I hope to show that idol singers can sing too. As opposed to competing, it’s just an honor for me to be able to sing the songs of my seniors. I’m glad to be able to showcase good music and a good image.”

2AM’s Changmin added, “It’d be a lie if I said I wasn’t nervous. I’m definitely nervous, and what’s most pressuring to me is that all of the idol singers danced and sang at the same time while I just stood in place. I will do my best.” 

B2ST’s Yoseob stated, “I’m really nervous but I prepared that much more for this. I won’t focus on the rankings, as it is just an honor for me to be able to stand here with legendary singers today.”
When asked about how the other members reacted, he replied, “They supported me since it’s an opportunity for me to get B2ST’s name known. I hope to do well and raise awareness for our group. I will work hard to live up to their expectations.”

SISTAR’s Hyorin commented, “Our first mission track by Shim Soo Bong will probably be best expressed by IU. I’m thankful for this opportunity and will definitely work hard.”

She continued, “The SISTAR members didn’t give me any pressure and just told me to do well. They’re anticipating a lot, but also worrying a lot as well. They’re my biggest source of strength.”

IU concluded, “I, too, think it’s an honor to be able to sing great songs alongside my peers. I will work hard so that I do not bring a negative image to my seniors.”

Led by Kim Gura and Shin Dong Yup, the show will debut on June 4th with a line-up including Super Junior’s Yesung, 2AM’s Changmin, SISTAR’s Hyorin, B2ST’s Yoseob, IU, and SHINee’s Jonghyun.

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Yesung, Min, IU, Yoseob & more confirmed for “Immortal Song 2″

Earlier, we reported that KBS was coming up with a new singing variety show with an all idol cast titled “Immortal Song 2.” Although a tentative line-up was released earlier, producers have recently confirmed a final six-member line-up.
On May 4th, PD Kwon Jae Young tweeted, “Changmin, Hyorin, Yoseob, Min, Yesung, and IU have all come together. If they compete with a song by Shim Soo Bong… I think it’d be fun. Have fun kids, don’t be too nervous.”
A representative from KBS confirmed through Newsen, “SHINee’s Jonghyun will not be able to join the program due to conflicting schedules.  We are currently in discussion with 2PM’s Junsu to be added in later.”
The first recording will be held on May 16th. The pilot episode is currently scheduled for June.

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BEAST-IU-December - Super Triple Concert Promo Video

IU and 2AM’s Changmin crowned as the Best Singing Idols

IU and 2AM’s Changmin have been named the Best Singing Idols.

Easy Day’s popular corner, TV Entertainment Corner, posted a survey asking ‘Who is the best singing male and female idol star?‘ A total of 2,287 netizens participated in the survey and selected IU as the best singing female idol and 2AM’s Changmin as the best singing male idol.
For the female poll, a total of 1,131 netizens answered the survey and a whopping 41% of them answered IU. Although a teenager, IU is loved for her outstanding vocal skills and is currently promoting ‘A story that only I didn’t know.‘

SNSD’s Taeyeon placed second with 18% and Seo In Young placed third with 10% of the vote respectively.
The female survey choice featured 10 idols including Lee Hae Ri (Davichi), Park Bom (2NE1), Zia (Brown Eyed Girls), Luna (fx), Hyorin (SISTAR), Narsia (Brown Eyed Girls), and Sunye (Wonder Girls).
For the male poll, 1,156 netizens answered the survey and 30% of them answered 2AM’s Changmin.
JYJ’s Xiah Junsu placed second with 19% and 8eight Lee Hyun placed third with 13% of the vote respectively.
The male survey choices featured 10 stars including Jung Yong Hwa (CNBLUE), Lee Hongki (F.T. Island), Kim Junsu (2PM), Simon D (Supreme Team), Jonghyun (Shinee), Kyuhyun (Super Junior), Yoseob (BEAST), and Daesung (Big Bang).

Netizens who participated in the survey thought all the idol stars had their own individual talents and are all supreme talents. One netizen said, “I think IU is the best in both vocal skills and looks as she impresses everyone.” Another netizen said, “Changmin is a wonderful singer. I can easily pick out his part in 2AM songs.”

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B2ST, IU, and December to participate in a charity concert

Idol group B2ST, singer IU, and duo group December will participate in a charity concert to help teenagers without parents and are the head of their households.

The concert, titled “Super Triple Concert“, will be held on April 30th at the Busan BEXCO exhibition hall. Much anticipation is already being gathered for this event particularly because of the three artists. B2ST – who has been receiving huge popularity in Korea and Japan, IU – currently at the center of the ‘IU syndrome’, and December – known for their sweet voices and harmony.
B2ST, IU, and December are not acknowledged just for their popularity but also for their vocal talents. The coming together of these undisputed Korean superstars in 2011’s first concert to help teenage breadwinners carries a significant meaning.

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IU, TVXQ, & B2ST to cameo on SBS’s new sitcom, “Welcome to the Show”

SBS will release a new sitcom called, “Welcome to the Show“, and they’ve already got a stellar list of confirmed cameos from IU, TVXQ, and B2ST!
A representative of SBS’s variety team spoke with Star News on March 9th and confirmed, “IU, TVXQ, B2ST and other idol singers will be trying their hand at sitcom acting.”
While TVXQ will only be making a brief appearance, IU will draw from her “Dream High” experience to act out a full series of lines.
“Welcome to the Show” uses the “Inkigayo” studio as its backdrop, and draws its stories from idols, seniors, juniors, managers, and the producers that run the show. Leading roles were previously announced to be 2AM’s Seulong, 2PM’s Nichkhun, and f(x)’s Sulli, in addition to other older singers.
The project is meant to herald SBS’s comeback to the sitcom drama genre; it’ll be the first series produced in almost three years. At this point, the approximate length of the show remains undecided. Producers will be able to get a grasp of how long they want the series to run after they review ratings and responses from the pilot episode, which is scheduled to air some time this month.
Stay tuned for more info on this exciting new sitcom!

cr: allkpop