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Monday, June 27, 2011

J.Y. Park, Kim Tae Woo, 2AM’s Jinwoon and others play a game of basketball

On June 26th, a basketball game with celebrities and real ball players took place in the Seoul Jamsil Gymnasium.

The game was for the program "Again 1995! Basketball Go Yeon Jeon" on cable channel XTM, and the celebrity team was named "Rainbow Stars". There was the Hong Team and the Baek Team, and the Baek Team had J.Y. Park and Kim Tae Woo. The Hong Team had Julian and 2AM's Jinwoon, along with others. Both teams had professional players, so the game was quite a sight for those who were present in the stands.

J.Y. Park did not lag behind his hubaes, who are much younger than him. He commented, "I think basketball and football are sports that are most similar to dancing. I always play a game each week. I dance around two hours at a concert, but I only need to run 40 minutes for basketball. Dancing is harder and benefits your fitness skills."

Regarding the game, he said, "Moon Kyung Eun is a friend, Lee Sang Min and Woo Ji Won are close hubaes. We played games during school. I'm happy to be a part of a meaningful game."

Source : Sports Seoul

Kim Hyun Joong becomes a one-day barista for “Save the Earth” campaign

On June 27th, SS501's Kim Hyun Joong paired up with clothing brand "Hang Ten Korea" for a special "Save the Earth" environmental awareness campaign at a cafe in Hannam-dong.

Kim Hyun Joong took over the cafe for a day and worked as a barista for visiting fans. Not only did he make the coffee for everyone, but also thanked the environmentally-friendly fans who brought in their coffee cups to turn them into mini plant pots.

The campaign itself will run for a full year this year in promotion of eco-conscious habits. Its main focus is to remind everyone not to throw away their coffee cups and to reuse them instead.


DSP Media explains Hara’s controversy on SBS’s ‘Running Man’

KARA's Hara recently came under an all too familiar controversy for speaking informally to her seniors during her guesting on the June 26th episode of SBS's 'Running Man'.

The episode featured her and No Sa Yeon as guests and the two took part on a 'queen bee race' as a mission. While waiting for the other members and looking outside a window, Hara said, "Are they Gary and HaHa oppa? Or Yoo-ssi? Yoo Jae Suk?" Later, while working on a mission with Song Ji Hyo, she said, "Ji Hyo has changed. Ah, Ji Hyo?"

It's customary for Koreans to add a title to the end of the names of seniors, and even juniors if you're unfamiliar with them, as an act of respect. The problem lay in the fact that she did not include a -nim, -ssi, or -sunbaenim (senior) at the end of their names.

Representatives of DSP Media cleared the issue with Star News, "As it is a variety program, Goo Hara tried to be funny. She's actually close with Yoo Jae Suk as well. She tried to be as comfortable as possible, but if that created misunderstandings with the viewers, we would like to apologize."

Meanwhile on June 27th, Hara wrote through her Twitter, "I just saw 'Running Man'. I'm really sorry. I made a mistake while only thinking of how to make it fun. I really didn't have such intentions. I was so immersed in the show and worked hard for it. In the future, I promise to pay more attention and be careful. I will be a Hara that always works hard."

After the broadcast, netizens had flocked to the board to write, "A variety is just a variety" and "She's just trying to be funny, let's try not to over-analyze the situation." Others wrote, "Even if it is a variety, it can make viewers uncomfortable."

Source + Photos : Star News via Nate

CNBlue’s Jung Yong Hwa’s Irresistible Looks in “Heartstrings”

"Heartstrings" JS Pictures released a new collage of CNBlue's Jung Yong Hwa that focused on the singer actor's good-looking face and eyes. Jung Yong Hwa follows in the footsteps of his senior actors who played he irresistibly rude, arrogant, and charismatic male characters with Lee Shin in "Heartstrings." Lee Shin is a snobby guitar prodigy whose life revolves around his music. As the quintessential Mr. Darcy like character, Lee Shin has his share of arrogant stares and facial expressions where he looks down on others. JS Pictures put together a collage of Shin's haughty expressions and intense gaze.

In the past, Jung Yong Hwa has always shown his gentle and soft image. He's transformed 180 degrees for "Heartstrings" for a stubborn and egoist character. Park Shin Hye, who plays Lee Shin's love interest Lee Gyu Won, stated, "In 'Heartstrings,' the bright and kind Jung Yong Hwa I know has been long gone. It's all Lee Shin, and the change is evident even in his eyes."

Co-actress So Yi Hyun added, "'Heartstrings' is only Jung Yong Hwa's second project, and he's working really hard on his acting. I think everyone will fall in love with Jung Yong Hwa once they see his intense gaze." The youth melodrama also stars Song Chang Ui, Woori, and Kang Min Hyuk of CNBlue and focuses on young love, friendship, and dreams. "Heatrstrings" airs its pilot episode this coming Wednesday, June 29th, on MBC at 9:55 PM KST.

Instiz release chart rankings for the fourth week of June!

The Instiz chart combines the overwhelming variety of charts that South Korea uses to rank music sales, and it's what fans use to determine whether their favorite artist has achieved an "All-Kill".

Check out the chart rankings for the fourth week of June below!

===

Instiz Chart Singles Ranking
1. 2PM - "Hands Up" - 11,546 Points
2. f(x) - "Hot Summer" - 9,542 Points
3. 2NE1 - "I'm The Best" - 8,002 Points [ALL KILL]
4. Park Jung Hyun - "Stupid" (From "I Am A Singer") - 4,663 Points
5. IU & Kim Yuna - "Ice Flower" ft. Kim Se Hwang - 4,390 Points
6. 4MEN - "To Live At Least Once" - 4,006 Points
7. SECRET - "Starlight Moonlight" - 3,310 Points
8. 8eight - "Covering Those Lips" - 2,996 Points
9. Kim Bum Soo - "Love Is Leaving" - 2,887 Points
10. B2ST - "On Rainy Days" - 2,172 Points

Source : Instiz iCHART

2PM comes back with “Hands Up” on Inkigayo

It's been a while, but Hottests can finally rejoice - 2PM is back and stronger than ever for their second album promotions with "Hands Up" on yesterday's SBS Inkigayo.

2PM were known for their brooding, sorrowful songs about heartbreaks and lost love, but they've decided to put that image aside this time with something more edgy and stylish to better fit the party atmosphere of summer. Fans have nicknamed it the 'upgraded version' of their debut track, "10 Points out of 10".

"Hands Up" is noted for being the first ever 'club style' track from the boys, and it features a strong electronic sound with an addictive beat. From start to finish, the song showcases 2PM's charms to their fullest potential, and Sohee's narration makes for a fun additional effect.

Source : allkpop

2NE1 says “I Am The Best” on Inkigayo comeback

After a near 9 months hiatus from performing regularly on music shows, the 2NE1 girls are back on SBS "Inkigayo" with a powerful new performance of their latest release, "I Am The Best".

Having originally been offered a 10 minute comeback stage by SBS, YG decided against it and went with just the 1-song performance of "I Am The Best". "I Am The Best" is definitely shaping up to be one of the hottest dance tracks of the summer. Equipped with a heavy bass line and a catchy look, "I Am The Best" is  an infectious party track that will have fans reaching for the replay button over and over for the rest of the week.

During their interview prior to performing, Park Bom was asked, "Your doll-like body is garnering quiet the attention lately. What's your secret?" She replied, "I'm just thankful that people think of it that way. As for secrets, I think it's because I eat a lot of watermelon instead of rice." When asked whether fans will be seeing 2NE1 more often, Dara replied, "Through 'Inkigayo', we'll be showing ourselves more often. See you again next week."

Source : allkpop

F.T. Island says goodbye with “Hello Hello” on Inkigayo

Having been away for a long while, the F.T. Island boys are saying goodbye once more through yesterday's SBS Inkigayo after a month of promotions with "Hello Hello".


F.T. Island are concluding their third mini-album promotions to prepare for their one-month-long "2011 F.T. Island Natsu Tour Messenger" concert tour which begins on June 29th.


Source : Allkpop

Doubles heartache for Indonesia as title drought continues

Indonesia badminton fans will have to wait another year to end their title drought on home soil after their shuttlers suffered double heartache in the Djarum Indonesia Open Superseries Premier on Sunday.


The crowd came with high hopes of seeing an Indonesian victory for the first time since 2008, but left disappointed as China once again dominated the OSIM BWF World Superseries, winning four titles, including two finals against Indonesian opponents.


Following victories by Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng in the men's doubles and Wang Yihan in the women's singles and a win for Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei in the men's singles, the real action, as far as the home fans were concerned started with the women's doubles.


Vita Marissa, who partnered Liliyana Natsir to the 2008 women's doubles crown - the same year as Sony Dwi Kuncoro won the men's singles crown - had powered her way to the women's doubles with Nadya Melati.


They had defeated two seeded pairs, including two former world No.1 combinations to reach the final but found current world No. 1s Wang Xiaoli-Yu Yang, too hot to handle and succumbed 21-12, 21-10 in only 27 minutes.


Undaunted by that loss, the fans were still in full voice as the hottest pair on the world circuit, Liliyana and Tantowi Ahmad, who had won their last three Open tournaments - Yonex Sunrise India Open Superseries, Yonex Sunrise Malaysia Open Grand Prix Gold and Li Ning Singapore Open Superseries - were up next.


The duo, who have since risen to No. 2 in the world, were up against world No. 1s Zhang Nan-Zhao Yunlei, a pair they beat in straight games at the Singapore Open semi-finals a week ago. Tantowi-Liliyana looked to be on their way to their third consecutive OSIM BWF World Superseries crown when they took the first games 22-20. The Chinese pair, however, turned up the heat in the remaining two games and came away with a 21-14, 21-9 victory to send the crowd home disappointed, yet again.


Source : Badminton World Federation

Chong Wei creates history in Indonesia

Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei turned in a devastating performance to win the Djarum Indonesia Open for the third consecutive year, and fouth overall, on Sunday.

The Malaysian No. 1 thus emulated Indonesians Ardy Wiranata (1990, 1991, 1992) and Taufik Hidayat (2002, 2003, 2004) as the only players to win the men's singles crown three consecutive times. Chong Wei also won this event in 2007, but skipped the 2008 tournament.

Facing Danish veteran Peter Gade, who reached his first ever Indonesia Open final after 15 years of trying, Chong Wei blew away the former world No. 1 21-11, 21-7 in only 31 minutes. A deflated Gade, whose best achievement prior to this year, was reaching the semi-finals 15 years ago, said: "I could do nothing against Chong Wei today. His variation of shots and speed were just tremendous. I had no answer. He was just too good for me."

Chong Wei, entered the final as the firm favorite after beating Gade 12 times in their previous 13 meetings. In their last meeting a month ago, Gade managed to stretch Chong Wei to three games before losing the Yonex Sunrise India Open Superseries in three-games. There was no such repeat on Sunday as the Malaysian, who has earned the moniker 'King of the Superseries' strolled to his record 19 OSIM BWF World Superseries crown since 2007.

With six of this year's OSIM BWF World Superseries tournaments already completed, Chong Wei has four wins and one runner-up spot. He skipped last week's Singapore Open but is on course to break his record of six Superseries titles in one season which he set last year.

"Rarely do you see Peter give up. It was a rare occasion to see him do so today," said Chong Wei, who collected US$45,000 for winning his sixth title of the year. "I have so much respect for him as a fighter on the court. He never gives up whatever the score. I played confidently and wasn't affected at all by the spectators. We've played against each other 14 times so I knew how he would play his game."

Perfect 10 for Wang Yihan

China's Wang Yihan showed she is ready to return to the top spot when she captured her first Djarum Indonesia Open Superseries Premier title on Sunday.

The former world No. 1, who has since dropped to No. 3 in the world, overcame a first game hiccup against two-time defending champion Saina Nehwal of India to register a hard-fought 12-21, 23-21, 21-14 victory to deny the Commonwealth Games champion a chance to win her third straight crown in Jakarta. It was a stunning performance from Wang Yihan, who faced match point in the second game, only to come back and win her 10th career Superseries title and maintain her winning record against Saina.

The two former world junior champions first faced each other in the 2006 World Junior Championships while their only other meeting on the senior stage was at last year's Uber Cup, which Wang Yihan also won in three games.

Saina, who has only won one tournament this season - Wilson Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold - has had a rather inconsistent year and struggled in the last two OSIM BWF World Superseries tournaments, losing in the first round in India and second round in Singapore last week.

After taking the first game quite comfortably, where her deft touches and clever placements left Wang Yihan flatfooted, Saina, as so often this year, let slip the momentum. Wang Yihan came charging back to lead 16-12 in the second, only for Saina to recover to serve for match at 20-19 but she sent a return long and Wang Yihan took advantage to win the game 23-21.

Her recovery boosted Wang Yihan's confidence and she began to dominate the match and eventually took the third game to main her record of winning every OSIM BWF World Superseries Premier tournament she has entered.

The Badminton Asia Championship winner won the inaugural Superseries Premier event in South Korea but missed the All England through injury. "I feel lucky to have won here in Indonesia. It was a tiring tournament and today's match was very difficult," said Wang Yihan.