Kim Hyung-joon (김형준)

SS501 Concert a Success in Japan

Source | 2007/01/15 | Permalink |

The Korean idol group SS501 successfully wrapped up its second concert in Japan.

The group's concerts at the Tokyo International Forum on January 13 and 14 were total sell-outs, heralding the arrival of another star pop group from Korea. With a repertoire totally different from the one featured at a concert held in Seoul late last year, the Japanese performances showcased each member's unique characteristics and talent.

The lead vocalist, Kim Hyun-joong, sang a soulful version of the group's hit single "Never Again" and Kim Hyung-joon performed Usher's "Yeah". Another member, Kim Kyu-jong, sang "Story", originally by a Japanese female duo.

Park Jung-min followed with his own rendition of Mika Nakashima's "Find the Way". Finally, Hur Young-saeng sang Michael Jackson's "Heal the World" in a duet with Korean child actor Park Ji-bin.

SS501 said that they were more relaxed than during their last concert in Osaka held last September and grateful to their Japanese fans for making ...| More

King and Clown Star Works Hard for Little Pay

Source | 2006/07/27 | Permalink |

It's a fine example of the kind of windfalls shrewd business can bring. For his appearance in "Fly, Daddy, Fly" (Dir. Choi Jong-tae, Prod. Dyne Film-Guardtec, Inc.), it was been learned that actor Lee Joon-ki reportedly received a sum that barely even totaled W100 million(US$1=W952) . As the hottest star in the first half of 2006, Lee has picked up a full legion of high school fans, and is now Chungmuro's hottest blue chip. The actor's popularity reached such a point that there was even a rumor going around that some production companies had simply presented Lee with a blank check. With piles of scripts pouring in, there are plenty of industry firms that will fork over top dollar. However, the appearance deal was inked was early last December: right before Lee's explosive rise to the top with the "The King And The Clown".

Dyne Films largest shareholder Kim Hyung-joon of Guardtec said, "There were great concerns at the time of Lee Joon-ki's casting, as he was a relatively unknown act...| More