[FANCAM] 111129 SNSD & BEAST - CL & Black Eyed Peas (Where's The Love) @ MAMA

B2ST & SNSD welcome Hong Jin Kyung back to radio

Hong Jin Kyung is returning as a DJ for the first time in a year and two months, and idol groups SNSD and B2ST have stepped up to welcome him back into the industry.

Hong Jin Kyung will be making his comeback with KBS COOL FM‘s radio program, “Hong Jin Kyung’s 2:00” that will hit the airwaves on November 7th.

The B2ST members who aren’t actively promoting at the moment will make time to visit the studio, as will the ladies of SNSD despite their extremely busy schedule. Also to join them are top celebrities such as the legendary Kim Gunmo, Jung Yeob, Boohwal, comedian Kim Insuk, Nam Changhee,Yangbaechoo and others. Such a line up of guests will without a doubt make this a memorable welcome-back event for the DJ.

The DJ who is excited to be back remarked, “I want to offer a fresh and encouraging radio program that will lift the spirits of the tired working citizens. I’ll be taking over your 2:00 hour from now on!”

Hon Jin Kyung is a famous radio DJ who left the industry over a year ago due to her pregnancy. She will be making her long awaited return through Hong Jin Kyung’s 2:00.

cr: allkpop

NYDailyNews discusses the Hallyu Wave, SNSD, Wonder Girls, 2NE1 & more

With fans streaming into the Tri-Delta area from places as far as Canada and Florida to attend the KBS – New York Festival earlier this month and SMTOWN New York which takes place at Madison Square Garden tonight, New York City has been the latest to directly experience the effects of the Hallyu Wave! New York Daily News recently published a feature article on this worldwide phenomenon, highlighting the excitement that’s invigorating fans in the city this week.

When B2ST and 4minute recently performed at the MTV TRL Studios, a crowd gathered outside for hopeful glimpses of the idols. After seeing the frenzy outdoors, MTV’s executive vice president Peter Griffin commented, “I haven’t seen this in years … It reminds me of when ‘N Sync was here and the fans lined up around the studio.”

Cedarbough Saeji, a Ph.D. candidate at UCLA in culture and performance with a focus on Korean culture, commented, “[K-pop music videos are] just slick, extremely well produced, always have different themes that really capture audiences’ attentions … The production value is very sophisticated. Every k-pop video is as high quality as any top American act like Lady Gaga or Britney Spears, but the image is a lot cleaner, less sexualization.”

The feature also highlights the Wonder Girls‘ upcoming official debut in the American tween market with their TeenNick movie as well as their past experiences with the Jonas Brothers and more. Furthermore, 2NE1 has “become designer Jeremy Scott‘s muses”, inspiring the shoe “JS Collage Wings x 2NE1″ which will debut next month. The article continues, “The group’s look — high fashion with a colorful, punky twist — has even inspired some updated costumes in the new production of Broadway’s ‘Rent’.“.

According to NYDailyNews, SNSD member Tiffany auditioned for Kollaboration, the Asian American talent show back when she was fifteen years old. Though Tiffany didn’t make the show, she caught the eyes of SM Entertainment scouts that were present at the event. Later on, Tiffany reflected, “I guess I got the bigger end of the deal.”

While discussing her training regiment, Tiffany explained, “I practiced a minimum of 4-6 hours every day … Being there alone gave me a lot of motivation to keep going on.” She also cited SNSD’s fans as a large motivator after the group’s debut. “Words cannot describe [our fans] … They are our inspiration and the foundation behind our music. Without fans we wouldn’t be here.”

In response to SNSD’s foray into the American market with their first English track, “The Boys”, which has reportedly hit #52 on iTunes’ Main Singles Chart, Tiffany expressed, “We’re definitely ready. … I’m not nervous. We’re looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to it.”

Read the article in its entirety here!

cr: allkpop

SNSD, B2ST, MBLAQ, T-ara and more to judge 2011 K-Pop Cover Dance Festival final round

After a massive effort involving 64 countries and over 1,700 teams, the ‘2011 K-Pop Cover Dance Festival‘ has finally narrowed the short list of competitors down to 66!

The final round will take place in Gyeongju, South Korea on October 3rd, and will feature top idols as judges, including SNSD, B2ST, MBLAQ, T-ara, and others.

All participants in the final round will be treated to an eight-day tour of the country, including opportunities to meet their favorite Hallyu stars and enjoy cultural activities.

Also, whoever comes out on top will be awarded the eye-popping opportunity to stand alongside their idols at the Hallyu Dream Concert later this year!

cr: allkpop

SNSD, TVXQ, and more to perform for ’2011 Hallyu Dream Concert’

Many of Korea’s top Hallyu singers will be coming together once again to perform for the ’2011 Hallyu Dream Concert‘!

Taking place on October 3rd at Gyeongju’s Citizen Stadium, this year’s event boasts an impressive lineup! TVXQ, SNSD, 2PM, SHINee, miss A, GD&TOP, Se7en, SECRET, ZE:A, Davichi,4minute, B2ST, G.NA, T-ara, SISTAR, MBLAQ, and INFINITE will all be performing for the event.

The Korean Entertainment Producers’ Association (KEPA) commented, “This is the second year we are holding the Hallyu Dream Concert. We hope that through the distinct characteristics of our culture and the popularity of Hallyu, we will be able to make this event become the representative cultural festival of Gyeongju.”


cr: allkpop

SNSD voted as #1 anticipated idol comeback

Monkey3 held a survey titled “Which idol’s comeback do you anticipate the most?” and was held from April 28th to May 4th.

For the survey, SNSD claimed first place as the most anticipated idol comeback with 36% (530 votes). SNSD is currently promoting their latest Japanese single, “MR. TAXI/Run Devil Run” and even took the number 1 spot on Oricon Daily’s singles chart.

Following behind SNSD in second place was 2NE1 with 19% (132 votes). Park Bom’s recent solo track “Don’t Cry” swept music charts and signaled a partial 2NE1 comeback.

Third, fourth, fifth, and sixth place went to 2PM (17%, 117 votes), B2ST (15%, 103 votes), miss A (8%, 54 votes), and 2AM (7%, 46 votes) respectively.

Which idol star’s comeback are you most anticipating?

cr: allkpop

Idol groups under fire for excessive performance fees at university festivals

The National Tax Service has begun a tax investigation on idol singers and universities after receiving complaints that idol performance fees for university festivals have skyrocketed as of late.
According to information revealed by CBS and No Cut News on April 5th, the National Tax Service began investigations on March 15th by asking universities to fill out a form detailing, from 2008 to 2010, which celebrities they had invited, how much they were paid and withholding tax, whether a contract was used, how they were invited, and other related information.
One university representative claimed that they speculated tax evasion on the celebrity’s end to be the cause, as festivals are usually paid for in cash without material evidence.
CBS reported that in 2010, the following idol groups received an average payment of:

Big Bang – $45,000 USD
2NE1/SNSD – $25,000 USD++
2PM – $25,000 USD
B2ST – $17,000 USD
KARA/T-ara – $16,000 USD
SECRET – $14,000 USD

The numbers are alarming in that most of the payments were within the thousands, rarely ever exceeding $10,000 USD, a couple years ago.
The topic of overpaying celebrities has been a hot debate for a while now, with many of the belief that the money should instead be invested in facilities for the students. While a guideline is needed, the National Tax Service has no right to block or bring down the worth of a star in the market.

cr: allkpop