Singapore Super Series 2011 : Women's Doubles First Round Results

Mizuki Fujii/Satoko Suetsuna (JPN x1) bt Jin Ma/Pan Pan (CHN) 21-19 17-21 21-17
Leanne Choo/Renuga Veeran (AUS) bt Xiaoyu Liang/Wei Han Tan (SIN) 21-14 21-14
Qing Tian/Yunlei Zhao (CHN x5) bt Ye Na Jang/Min Seo Kim (KOR) 21-17 21-14
Line Damkjaer Kruse/Marie Roepke (DEN) bt Yu Yan Vanessa Neo/Ting Ting Thng (SIN) 19-21 21-16 23-21


Shizuka Matsuo/Mami Naito (JPN x4) bt Bruce Alex/Li Michelle (CAN) 21-11 21-16
Jiayuan Chen/Aiying Xing (SIN) bt Jenny Wallwork/Gabrielle White (ENG) 21-16 21-9
Vita Marissa/Nadya Melati (INA) bt Duanganong Aroonkesorn/Kunchala Voravichitchaikul (THA x7) Walkover
Eei Hui Chin/Pei Tty Wong (MAS) bt Lotte Jonathans/Paulien Van Dooremalen (NED) 21-14 21-17


Kyung Eun Jung/Ha Na Kim (KOR) bt Jwala Gutta/Ashwini Ponnappa (IND) 21-17 21-14
Jung Eun Ha/Min Jung Kim (KOR x6) bt Christinna Pedersen/Kamilla Rytter Juhl (DEN) 21-17 21-13
Sandra Marinello/Birgit Michels (GER) bt Hsin Yun Chang/Chia Wen Lai (TPE) 21-15 21-17
Meiliana Jauhari/Greysia Polii (INA x3) bt Shu Cheng/Bao Yixin (CHN) 21-18 21-11


Shinta Mulia Sari/Lei Yao (SIN) bt Mariana Agathangelou/Heather Olver (ENG) 19-21 21-8 21-16
Valeri Sorokina/Nina Vislova (RUS x8) bt Grace Gao/Joycelyn Ko (CAN) 21-17 21-7
Matsutomo Misaki/Ayaka Takahashi (JPN) bt Iris Wang/Rena Wang (USA) 21-9 21-13
Mizuki Fujii/Reika Kakiiwa (JPN x2) bt Pei Chen Hsieh/Pei Rong Wang (TPE) 21-12 21-14

Singapore Super Series 2011 : Mixed Doubles First Round Results

Nan Zhang/Yunlei Zhao (CHN x1) bt Kenichi Hayakawa/Matsutomo Misaki (JPN) 21-13 15-21 21-18
Muhammad Rijal/Debby Susanto (INA) bt Hirokatsu Hashimoto/Mizuki Fujii (JPN) 16-21 21-17 21-17
Hanbin He/Yang Yu (CHN) bt Songphon Anugritayawon/Kunchala Voravichitchaikul (THA x8) 21-18 21-10
Yeon Seong Yoo/Ye Na Jang (KOR) bt Ki Jung Kim/Kyung Eun Jung (KOR) 21-16 21-17


Tantowi Ahmad/Liliyana Natsir (INA x4) bt Zihan Qiu/Bao Yixin (CHN) 21-13 21-12
Chen Xu/Jin Ma (CHN) bt Alexandr Nikolaenko/Valeri Sorokina (RUS) 21-15 21-18
Robert Mateusiak/Nadiezda Zieba (POL x7) bt Nova Widianto/Vita Marissa (INA) 12-21 21-15 21-12
Yong Dae Lee/Jung Eun Ha (KOR) bt Michael Fuchs/Birgit Michels (GER) 21-16 21-16


Sheng Mu Lee/Yu Chin Chien (TPE) bt Baek Cheol Shin/Min Jung Kim (KOR) 21-14 21-8
Shoji Sato/Shizuka Matsuo (JPN) bt Thomas Laybourn/Kamilla Rytter Juhl (DEN x5) 21-18 21-19
Shintaro Ikeda/Reiko Shiota (JPN) bt Mads Pieler Kolding/Julie Houmann (DEN) 21-16 18-21 21-19
Hung Ling Chen/Wen Hsing Cheng (TPE) bt Joachim Fischer Nielsen/Christinna Pedersen (DEN x3) 21-15 21-15


Nathan Robertson/Jenny Wallwork (ENG) bt Johannes Schoettler/Sandra Marinello (GER) 21-17 21-10
Fran Kurniawan/Pia Zebadiah Bernadeth (INA) bt Tao Jiaming/Qing Tian (CHN x6) 21-18 22-20
Robert Blair/Gabrielle White (SCO/ENG) bt Toby Ng/Grace Gao (CAN) 21-13 21-13
Sudket Prapakamol/Saralee Thoungthongkam (THA x2) bt Chris Adcock/Imogen Bankier (ENG/SCO) 21-15 21-19

Lee Min Ho, “Airbags and Seatbelts Prevented Bigger Accident”

Recently, actor Lee Min Ho thanked everyone for their concern regarding his recent car accident while filming "City Hunter." The accident occurred on June 13th around 3:30PM KST; and while the car was partially destructed, the lucky actor managed to get by without a scratch.


Lee Min Ho stated, "I apologize for worrying everyone, and thank you for all your concerns. I've returned to filming, and I'll work harder to repay all the love and support fans have given me." He added, "Luckily, the accident did not lead to severe casualties. The airbags and seatbelts prevented a bigger accident from occuring."


Currently, Lee Min Ho stars as Lee Yoon Sung in the blockbuster drama "City Hunter," which airs every Wednesdays and Thursdays on SBS at 9:55PM KST.

Source : SOOMPI

Which Korean Star Do You Want to Travel With in Korea?

Korea Tourism Organization conducted a survey on the topic of "Korean Wave". Total of 12,085 people in 102 countries participated in the survey. Among all participants, 53.3% of them are most interested in K-Pop, 32.5% are most interested in Korean drama, while 6.2% are interested in Korean film the most.


Regarding to the question of "Which Korean star do you want to travel with in Korea?" The result differs from country to country. Yet in total, first place goes to Super Junior (13.3%), second place goes to Big Bang (8.6%), third place is JYJ (6.7%), the fourth and the fifth are DBSK and SNSD respectively.


In Japan, first place goes to actor Bae Yong Joon, who is considered as the pioneer of the Korean wave in Japan. The fact he won the most votes shows Japanese are still more interested in Korean drama than K-Pop. In English and Mandarin speaking countries, it is Super Junior won the most votes. In Spanish and French speaking countries, the first place goes to Big Bang. In German and Russian speaking countries, actress Kim Tae Hee and singer Rain won the most votes.


Source : wowkorea.jp and SOOMPI.com

“Heartstrings” Reveal Jung Yong Hwa and Park Shin Hye’s Character Stills

Upcoming drama "Heartstrings" released teaser stills of its two leads, Lee Shin (CNBlue's Jung Yong Hwa) and Lee Gyu Won (Park Shin Hye). The character shots were enough for the drama's fans to catch a glimpse of the leads' personalities. Jung Yong Hwa's Lee Shin is a snobby, prickly guitar prodigy who's life revolves around his band and guitar. Park Shin Hye's Lee Gyu Won is a bubbly music student who studies the gayageum, a traditional twelve-stringed Korean instrument. The two will share a bickering, yet cute romance as a college campus who share a passion for music.

"Heartstrings" is Jung Yong Hwa and Park Shin Hye's second drama together in two years. In 2009, they along with Jang Geun Suk and FT Island's Lee Hong Ki, starred in popular drama "You're Beautiful" as part of the fictional boy band A.N.Jell. "You're Beautiful" helped jumpstart their careers overseas, and each of the four actors/singer have been able to establish themselves as the next generation of Hallyu stars. Fans will finally get to see Jung Yong Hwa coupled with Park Shin Hye as they display their perfect on-screen chemistry once again for "Heartstrings".

Jung Yong Haw commented, "Two years ago, I was the one who watched Park Shin Hye from behind, playing her guardian angel. He [his character from You're Beautiful] was truly a great guy, but there were times where I was extremely frustrated because he kept missing chances to show her [Park Shin Hye's character from "You're Beautiful"] his true feelings." He added, "I'm excited to show viewers this new Lee Shin because he's more in charge of his emotions. While he's described as snobby and arrogant, he doesn't hide his emotions and is more open with them."

Park Shin Hye stated, "In our last drama together, I received so much from Jung Yong Hwa's character. However, this time around, there are times when I'm basically placing him on a pedestal, doing whatever he asks and supporting him."

Melodrama "Heartstrings" is about young love, friendships, and dreams. It's a family friendly drama that can be enjoyed by viewers of any age and is produced by director Pyo Min Soo, the mastermind behind sensational drama "Full House" (2004), starring Rain (aka Jung Ji Hoon) and Song Hye Kyo. "Heartstrings" will premiere June 29th on MBC following "The Greatest Love".


Source : SOOMPI
Photos by : Many sources

Daesung Accident: Motorcyclist was Drunk, No Hit and Run Involved

It was reported today that the motorcyclist involved in Daesung's car accident from two weeks ago was drunk driving at the moment and it's highly possible that his crash had occurred as a result of negligent driving. Also it was revealed that there was no hit-and-run accident involved prior to Daesung's contact with the victim. According to local media E-Daily, police officials reviewing the accident said, "We've already completed on-site investigations and CCTV reviews. The results have confirmed us there was no hit-and-run accident prior to Daesung's collision."


The official added, "We're still waiting for final autopsy results but the National Forensic Service said alcohol was discovered from the motorcyclist's blood test results. Based on witness testimonies and on-site investigations, it's highly likely that the motorcyclist hurt himself due to negligent driving." The police are currently looking into the motorcyclist's exact time of death. Experts say further investigation will reveal the exact timeline and whether the motorcyclist died as a result of his first crash or if it was caused by Daesung's accident that followed shortly after. However, the autopsy results that were supposed to come out today will be delayed, possibly until next week, the police said.


Daesung was involved in a car accident on May 31st  around 1:30AM. He hit a motorcyclist that was lying on the street from an earlier accident and later crashed into a taxi in front of him. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead shortly after the accident. Daesung apologized to the victim's family and agreed to cover all funeral costs, but it's still unclear what the exact cause of death is.

“Lie to Me” Kang Ji Hwan Dumps Jo Yoon Hee and Returns to Yoon Eun Hye

On yesterday's episode of SBS's "Lie to Me," Hyun Ki Joon (Kang Ji Hwan) officially broke up with Oh Yoon Joo (Jo Yoon Hee). Ki Joon also made it clear to Yoon Joo that he was truly in love with Gong Ah Jung (Yoon Eun Hye).

Yoon Joo was left in utter shock. She drank excessively but wasn't able to wake up the next morning. She was carried to the hospital in unconscious state; however, Ki Joon did not come over to see her as his always cared about Gong Ah Jung.
In order to protect his love with Gong Ah Jung, he confessed to his Chinese investor CEO Chun, "My marriage with Gong Ah Jung was fake." He wanted to start a true relationship with her from scratch. CEO Chun called off his initial plan of investing in Ki Joon's World Hotel.

Yoon Joo's father was a member of the National Assembly. CEO Hyun Myung Jin (Oh Mi Hee) urged Ki Joon to get back together with Yoon Joo since it would benefit his business. However, it was too late as Ki Joon had already turned away from Yoon Joo.

While Hyun Myung Jin arranged a meeting for Ki Joon and Yoon Joo's family, Ki Joon did not show up. Instead he went over to see Gong Ah Jung. The two confirmed their love as they hugged each other.

Meanwhile, SBS's "Lie to Me's" viewer ratings dropped to a disappointing 9.4% on Thursday, according to statistics by AGB Nielsen Media Research. Meanwhile, MBC's "Miss Ripley" and KBS's "Baby-Faced Beauty" which are aired during the same time slot received 12.7% and 15.8%, respectively.


Source : SOOMPI

Lin Dan’s chance to surpass Chong Wei

Arguably the best player in badminton history, Olympic and Asian champion Lin Dan has the opportunity to put one over his long-time rival Lee Chong Wei in the Li Ning Singapore Open Superseries.

The Chinese superstar, who is the second seed in the tournament behind Indonesia's Taufik Hidayat (right), hopes to capture a title he has never won before. The three-time world champion also knows that if he qualifies for the quarter-finals, he will replace Chong Wei - who is skipping the tournament - as the No. 1 ranked player in the OSIM BWF World Superseries rankings.


The Malaysian, who is known as the 'King of the Superseries' for winning 18 Superseries titles since 2007, has dominated the rankings since the start of the Superseries four years ago. He, however, is skipping the Singapore leg as his main priority this year is the BWF World Championships in London this coming August. This has opened the door for Lin Dan, who has accumulated 25,390 points in the OSIM Standings, to lie second behind Chong Wei, who has 29,550 points. To add more spice to the tournament, the Li Ning Singapore Open Superseries is also the first Superseries in the Olympic qualifying period which began on May 1.


Lin Dan will began his campaign in Singapore with a match against South Korea's Shon Wan Ho. If, as expected he wins, he will face a daunting second round tie against either Denmark's Jan O Jorgensen or Japan's Kenichi Tago. Taufik, who triumphed in Singapore in 2001 and 2005, takes on Malaysian qualifier Liew Daren, who stunned compatriot and former All England champion Hafiz Hashim in the qualifying round on Tuesday. The tie of the first round, however, could be the meeting between defending champion Sony Dwi Kuncoro of Indonesia and 2009 champion Bao Chunlai of China.


The winner will face either Malaysian veteran Wong Choong Hann or world junior champion Viktor Axelsen. Choong Hann defeated the Dane in straight games in Thailand a week ago. Defending champion Saina Nehwal of India (left), will also face a familiar opponent, taking on 2009 world champion Lu Lan in a repeat of last week's first round tie in Bangkok. The Commonwealth Games champion was made to struggle before beating the Chinese ace in three games a week ago.


The main story, however, is which of China's top three women - Wang Shixian, Wang Yihan and Wang Xin - can help themselves to the title. Wang Shixian won the Proton Malaysia Open Superseries and the Yonex All England Open Superseries Premier while Wang Yihan took home the Victor Korean Open Superseries Premier crown. Thailand's Porntip Buranaprasertsuk is the only female singles player to win a Superseries crown this season when she won in India, but that was partly because the Chinese players skipped the event.


Source : Badminton World Federation
Photos by : BadmintonPhoto

Weekly Korean Drama Chart - June Week 1

Welcome to the first edition of Korean Drama Charts.. :)
Every week, we will update the most popular Korean Drama which still airing based on the ratings of its show. So, check this out!!


Edition : 3 - 9 June 2011

1. I BELIEVE IN LOVE (사랑을 믿어요)
Broadcast Network : KBS2
Air time : Saturday & Sunday 19:55 
Ratings : 22.23
Cast : Song Jae Ho, Sun Woo Yong Nyeo, Lee Jae Ryong, Park Joo Mi

2. SPARKLING (반짝반짝 빛나는)
Broadcast Network : MBC
Air time : Saturday & Sunday 19:55
Ratings : 17.3
Cast : Kim Hyun Joo, Lee Yoo Ri, Kim Suk Hoon, Kang Dong Ho

3. NEW TALES OF GISAENG (신기생뎐)
Broadcast Network : SBS
Air time : Saturday & Sunday 21:45
Ratings : 16.9
Cast : Im Soo Hyang, Sung Hoon, Han Hye Rin

4. THE GREATEST LOVE (최고의 사랑)
Broadcast Network : MBC
Air time : Wednesday & Thursday 21:55
Ratings : 16.18
Cast : Gong Hyo Jin, Cha Seung Won, Yoo In Na, Yoon Kye Sang

5. THE WOMAN OF OUR HOME (우리집 여자들)
Broadcast Network : KBS1
Air time : Monday to Friday 20:25
Ratings : 15.24
Cast : Jung Eun Chae, Jay Kim, Yoon Ah Jung, Choi Min Sung

6. BABY-FACED BEAUTY (동안미녀)
Broadcast Network : KBS2
Air time : Monday & Tuesday 21:55
Ratings : 15.08
Cast : Jang Na Ra, Choi Daniel, Ryu Jin, Kim Min Seo

6. CAN YOU HEAR MY HEART (내 마음이 들리니)
Broadcast Network : MBC
Air time : Saturday & Sunday 21:45
Ratings : 15.08
Cast : Kim Jae Won, Hwang Jung Eum, Nam Goong Min, Go Joon Hee

8. CITY HUNTER (시티헌터)
Broadcast Network : SBS
Air time : Wednesday & Thursday 21:55
Ratings : 14.33
Cast : Lee Min Ho, Park Min Young, Lee Joon Hyuk, Hwang Sun Hee, Goo Ha Ra

9. MISS RIPLEY (미스 리플리)
Broadcast Network : MBC
Air time : Monday & Tuesday 21:55
Ratings : 11.08
Cast : Lee Da Hae, Micky Yoochun, Kim Seung Woo, Kang Hye Jung

10. KING GWANGGAETO THE GREAT (광개토대왕)
Broadcast Network : KBS1
Air time : Saturday & Sunday 21:40
Ratings : 10.98
Cast : Lee Tae Gon, Kim Seung Soo, Im Ho, Oh Ji Eun