Kim Yuna & IU release music video for “Kiss & Cry” theme song, “Ice Flower”!

After releasing the audio for their much-anticipated duet track for SBS’s “Kiss & Cry“, “Ice Flower“, the music video of IU and Kim Yuna recording for the track has now been released.

IU and Kim Yuna’s duet track was recorded back on June 8th in the recording studio, and had been revealed briefly for the first time on the episode aired on the 19th before the full release on the 21st.

“Ice Flower”, was produced to be the show’s theme song, and expresses a message of hope through the lyrics that asks everyone to overcome their obstacles, and the song was produced by Lee Min Soo.

The music video shows them recording in the studio and also has some footage from the show.

Representatives continued, “It normally takes over two hours to record a song, but they managed to finish it in an hour, which surprised all of the staff members.”

Profits from the digital single will go towards the development of better training environments for figure skaters. Figure skaters in Korea do not yet have their own exclusive ice-rink and must share with ice hockey players. In an effort to aid the figure skaters that must move ice-rinks late at night after hours, the two have decided to donate their profits towards the cause.

You can support the cause by purchasing the music, check it out below!




source: allkpop

Who designed 2NE1’s jacket photo for “I Am The Best”?

YG Entertainment had many fans doing a double take when the jacket picture of 2NE1’s “I Am The Best” was revealed yesterday, unveiling colorful four cartoon caricatures of the quartet. To compliment their fierce image, each girl was drawn with smokey make-up, wielding brightly-colored sub-machine guns and pistols in hand. So the question is, who was behind these cartoons?


After widespread curiosity sparked regarding the identity of the artist behind the design, Mari Kim revealed on her personal blog that she was the one that had created the four works.

As a graphic artist rooted in the “pop surrealism” art form, Kim used her eye-popping style to design the striking artwork for 2NE1’s jacket image.

In a 2009 interview, Kim revealed that many had dubbed her art style as “sensational” and “frightening”, and that she herself considers her works to be paintings instead of characters. “I like cult and zombie movies and I’m a metal rock lover,” she explained. “I want to express this identity through my work.”


Kim received a bachelor’s degree in multimedia and a master’s in animation studies at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. Since then, she has been invited to the Berlin Pictoplasma Art Festival, which focuses on contemporary character design and art. In 2007, her collaborative video art piece, “Goldfish in a throat” was screened at the Busan International Video Festival. Nowadays, she gives lectures at Chungkang College of Cultural Industries and is preparing to publish a book this fall.

She has also collaborated with Young Mean Kang to produce a MV for SORO (서로)’s “Beengle Beengle”:








SORO (서로1집) - Beengle Beengle (빙글빙글) Official M/V Music video


source : allkpop

Rainbow releases “Sweet Dream” MV teaser!

Having teased and announced their follow-up promotions for Rainbow’s follow-up track “Sweet Dream” last week, DSP Media has today revealed the MV teaser for it.

The teaser is set in a club setting and features Go Woori rapping as the images flickers between the Rainbow members and 7 Woori doppelgangers before ending on an abrupt note, making for an eerie feel.


“Sweet Dream” is said to be a pop dance track that aims to charm with its sweet, fantasy-like feel.

The girls will begin follow-up promotions on the June 23rd episode of Mnet’s “M! Countdown“.

Rainbow - SweetDream Teaser


source : allkpop

Rainbow releases “Sweet Dream” MV teaser!

Having teased and announced their follow-up promotions for Rainbow’s follow-up track “Sweet Dream” last week, DSP Media has today revealed the MV teaser for it.

The teaser is set in a club setting and features Go Woori rapping as the images flickers between the Rainbow members and 7 Woori doppelgangers before ending on an abrupt note, making for an eerie feel.


“Sweet Dream” is said to be a pop dance track that aims to charm with its sweet, fantasy-like feel.

The girls will begin follow-up promotions on the June 23rd episode of Mnet’s “M! Countdown“.

Rainbow - SweetDream Teaser


source : allkpop

Rania to promote overseas

Girl group Rania is on the move to promote overseas, even though it’s only been two months since their debut.

Rania will start with a showcase on July 16th in Bangkok, Thailand, after which, they’ll promote in Cambodia and Singapore for July. In August, they will stop by the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, and Vietnam.

Their company said, “Hallyu’s strength is big. Their video had a ton of hits on YouTube. There are over 200 cover videos as well.”


They added, “We already had discussions for a CF contract with a Thai drink and network carriers. The team has a Thai member so they have received a lot of attention from the country.”








source: allkpop

Block B and B1A4 to release new MVs through MTV

We reported last week that rookie groups Block B and B1A4 would be participating in a special MTV reality show entitled, “Match Up”. The show has just announced that in addition to the premiere episode on June 22nd, they will also be releasing new music videos for both teams. The videos are expected to showcase the very different concepts and styles of the two groups.

First, Block B’s video for their upcoming title track “Tell Them” includes extreme sports and graffiti and is said to encompass the youthful and carefree energy of the seven talented boys. You can catch a glimpse of this in the “Halo” teaser that was released just a few days ago.

In comparison, B1A4’s video for “Only Learned the Bad Things” will be a cute love story, a concept quite befitting for the boys who have garnered so much attention for their pretty looks. The music video is said to feature a “B” blood-type male, stereotypically believed to be passionate and irresponsible.

“Match Up” will be following the groups through their daily activities to show fans and viewers all the members’ personalities. The first episode airs June 22nd at 11PM KST, followed by the release of their two new music videos at midnight. Make sure you don’t miss out!




source : allkpop

‘Second Connie Talbot’ discovered on “Korea’s Got Talent”

On June 18th, a 10 year old girl named Kim Tae Hyun captivated the audience of tvN’s “Korea’s Got Talent” with her cover of Annie’s “Tomorrow.”

Viewers were reminded of the surprising vocal talent of “Britain’s Got Talent” contestant Connie Talbot and couldn’t help but smile as they watched her blush with every question asked by the judges.


Kim Tae Hyun earned a roaring round of applause from the audience and praise from even the harshest of critics, Kolleen Park, and the judges. Song YoonA said, “You did so well. You made me so happy.” Jang Jin added, “I think you’re going to be working with Kolleen Park soon.”

Viewers commented, “It’s like an adorable angel has descended upon us”, “I got goose bumps the minute she began singing”, and “Our country, too, has a child prodigy as well now.”



source : allkpop

SECRET wins Inkigayo Mutizen + other performances

SBS’s Inkigayo is back once again, and this week’s show was full of amazing and fun performances from the top participating K-pop artists!

The ‘Take 7‘ nominees for this week’s show were B2ST (“Fiction“), Baek Ji Young (“As Usual“), F.T. Island (“Hello Hello“), SECRET (“Starlight Moonlight“), Sunny Hill (“Midnight Circus“), 4MEN (“To Live At Least Once“), and Kim Hyun Joong (“Break Down“).


























source : allkpop

Singer Kim Ji Yeon makes a comeback after 17 years for “God’s Quiz 2″ OST

Veteran singer Kim Ji Yeon, who was a hit in the ’90s with her song “When the Cool Wind Blows“, made a surprise re-emergence after 17 long years through her participation for OCN’s “God’s Quiz 2” OST!

She debuted back in 1998 through University Music Festival and landed her biggest hit with the song the song “When the Cool Wind Blows”, which was used as actress Lee Sang Ah’s theme song in the drama “Flowering Tree“. In 1994, after releasing her 3rd full album, Kim Ji Yeon left the entertainment industry for what seemed like good until she surprised music fans everywhere on June 17th with the release of “Just Until Then” for “God’s Quiz 2.”

Even after almost 20 years, Kim Ji Yeon showed off her clean, pure voice. The song is definitely a pleasant surprise and present for fans, and many have claimed that it reminds them of the days back then.

Officials from CJ E&M stated, “Because it’s been such a long time, this will be a good chance to hear Kim Ji Yeon ’s smooth voice.”




source: allkpop

70,000 fans sign up for T-ara’s debut showcase in Japan!

As previously reported, T-ara will be holding a Japanese showcase at the AX Hall in Shibuya on July 5th, and it’s been revealed that over 70,000 fans have submitted request forms to attend!

Only 1,500 fans will be invited, so fans will be up against some fierce competition. J-ROCK, their label, has revealed plans of promoting T-ara as actresses, MCs, singers, and movie stars. As such, fans can expect an explosive debut coming from the T-ara girls in the coming months.


Ahead of their Japanese debut, however, is their Korean “Roly-Poly” comeback on July 1st, so stay tuned for more updates.


source: allkpop

B2ST says goodbye with “Fiction” on Music Core

Having already clinched multiple wins for “Fiction” , the B2ST boys said their goodbye on today’s MBC Music Core ahead of their impending Japan promotions.

Though it has only been a month, the boys are wrapping up promotions on a high, having won triple crowns on M! Countdown and Music Bank, and being a two-time Mutizen winner on Inkigayo.


Cube Entertainment representatives explained, “The members of B2ST are all very thankful for the love and support their fans have sent. B2ST will not be promoting a follow-up track, and will be just wrapping up a month of promotions.”

So check out their final “Fiction” stage on Music Core below!




source :allkpop

f(x) performs “Hot Summer” on Music Core

Having done themselves proud with a winning “Pinocchio” run, the f(x) girls are back once more with follow-up promotions for their latest title track, “Hot Summer“, to keep you cool during this hot summer!

“Hot Summer” is a dance pop track from their repackaged album, and it has an intense synthesized sound and beat, telling the story of girls who find romance in the days of summer.


Check out their follow-up stage on Music Core below!



source: allkpop

Heo Young Saeng says goodbye on Music Core

After a month of promotions, Heo Young Saeng said goodbye on today’s MBC Music Core.

After promoting as SS501′s vocalist for seven long years, Heo Young Saeng had made his debut as a solo artist with his title track, “Let It Go” last month!

Produced by Sweetune, the song describes the different ways men and women approach love, and the misunderstandings that result from it. This urban pop song has both a simple but strong beat with a combination of both ballad and dance and an upbeat chorus that brings out the best of his sweet voice.


Check out his goodbye stage below!



source: allkpop

B1A4 follows up with “Only Learned the Bad Things” on Music Core

After making a successful debut with “OK” in April, B1A4 has begun their follow-up promotions on today’s MBC Music Core with “Only Learned the Bad Things“.

Written by Wheesung, the song is about a man trying to win back the feelings of a lover who’s already turned her back on him due to his past mistakes.

The members said, “We’re extremely grateful that Wheesung took the time to write for rookies like us. We feel that it’s an honor to be able to promote with his song, and we promise to show our best in consideration of the people who have worked so hard for us.”


Check out their follow-up stage below!



source: allkpop

5dolls concludes “Like This Like That” promotions on Music Core

After a month of promotions, girl group 5dolls are wrapping up on today’s Music Core.

With their title track “Like This Like That“, the girls have certainly improved from their debut single released earlier this year, and the experience gained will definitely help in future releases.

Check out their goodbye stage below!




source : allkpop

Park Min Young almost gets her dress ripped off by a cat

Park Min Young experienced a press conference that she’s sure to never forget.

On June 16th, the actress appeared at Ewha Women’s University to attend a press conference for her upcoming horror film, “Cat: Two Eyes that See Death“. During the photo session, Park Min Young was handed Bidanee the cat to pose for the cameras with.



But Bidanee, who hadn’t been outdoors since she gave birth to her kittens a month ago, was startled by the sudden camera flashes and started to struggle. In the process, she managed to pull down one of Park Min Young’s dress straps, almost leading to an accidental exposure.

Greatly surprised by what had just happened, Park Min Young hurried towards the the host Kim Saeng Min who was also up on the stage, and he and the others rushed over to help. They took the cat away from the stage, and shielded Park Min Young as she sorted her dress properly.


After the incident, Park Min Young smoothed down her dress and returned with a bright smile for the rest of the photo session. In an attempt to lighten up the atmosphere, Kim Saeng Min joked, “Miss Min Young, you really almost ended up on the news today“.

Meanwhile, “Cat: Two Eyes that See Death” will premiere in theaters on July 7th.






source: allkpop

SM Town Facebook and Youtube to broadcast SHINee’s live from Abbey Road Studios

With their comeback just around the corner, 2PM’s Taecyeon released footage from a recording session that featured Wonder Girls‘ Sohee.

In the video, Sohee is found focusing intently on recording her bit. She tried saying, “Oppa, I can trust you, right?” multiple times. At the end of the video, you can hear a snippet of music which sounds like it could be from 2PM’s new album.

Taecyeon posted this video on his me2day saying


“Today’s crazy act! Who’s going to stop Oxford? Who is this lovely lady that is recording right now?“

“Oxford” is a word mixing Taecyeon’s last name, “Ok”, with the Korean romanization of ’spoiler’.

Fans commented, “Though Taecyeon’s sense is shown, I think Sohee is getting more beautiful as time goes on.” “Milky-white and innocent” and “Is the song you hear at the end, the new song? I’m looking forward to it.”




source: allkpop

SM Town Facebook and Youtube to broadcast SHINee’s live from Abbey Road Studios

SHINee will be making history as the first Asian artists to perform at the Abbey Road Studios in London!

In celebration of their Japanese debut, the boys will be holding a “Japan Debut Premium Reception in London” on June 19th. SM Entertainment will be broadcasting the live performance of “Replay” all over the world through the SM Town official Facebook page and Youtube channel.

Abbey Road Studios is most famous for its link to The Beatles, but its also hosted artists like Stevie Wonder, Coldplay, Bryan Adams, and Robbie Williams.

Representatives will also be uploading photos of the boys as they prepare for their Japanese debut stage, in addition to other fun behind-the-scenes photos.

The boys’ debut Japanese single, “Replay”, is scheduled to drop on June 22nd.


[SHINee JAPAN DEBUT PREMIUM RECEPTION in LONDON] Promotinal Video


source : allkpop

Mnet’s “Idol Chart Show” ranks ‘Idols from Mars’

And we’re back with another ranking from Mnet’s “Idot Chart Show”!

This time the chart ranks “Idols from Mars”, which focuses on idols with unique, unusual, and silly personalities.

Check out the ranking below!

20. Eric [Shinhwa]



19. Minah [Girl's Day]


18. Onew [SHINee]




17. Kahi [After School]


16. Seungri [Big Bang]


15. Sunhwa [SECRET]


14. Jo Kwon [2AM]


13. Sulli [f(x)]


12. Jessica [SNSD]


11. Park Bom [2NE1]


10. Siwon [Super Junior]


9. Kwanghee [ZE:A]


8. Victoria [f(x)]


7. Taecyeon [2PM]


6. Tiffany [SNSD]


5. Changmin [TVXQ]


4. Gyuri [KARA]



3. Mir [MBLAQ]


2. Kim Hyun Joong [SS501]


1. Heechul [Super Junior]


source: allkpop

Indie singer Taru releases second album, “100 Percent Reality”

Indie singer Taru has returned after a two-year hiatus with her second studio album, “100 Percent Reality“.

Taru debuted amidst much praise and anticipation back in 2007 as the vocalist for The Melody, and went on to release her own mini-album, “R.A.I.N.B.O.W.” in 2008. Since then, she’s appeared in CM songs, drama OSTs, and collaborations with other artists like Epik High and Wheesung before releasing her debut self-titled album in 2009.

Fans of her sugary-sweet voice welcomed her return with open arms; indeed, it seems that her comeback was highly anticipated in the indie scene, for “100 Percent Reality” is currently ranking on various indie charts. Music fans excitedly commented, “This is real, 100% music”, and “I teared up the minute I listened to it.”

Taru said, “I received a text message from a fan that said, ‘I was thinking of suicide because of the depression from my break-up, but I listened to this album and found myself again’. I’m glad that my album is able to help others.”

Check it out below, and remember to support the artists by purchasing the music here.





source: allkpop