Hong Kyung-min (홍경민)

[UPGRADING KOREAN CULTURE (3)]Online fans reshaping pop music world

2007/03/21 | Source | Permalink |

This is the third in an eight-part series of articles that looks into the country's cultural and entertainment sectors and explores ways to help sharpen their competitive edge. - Ed.

By Lee Yong-sung

More and more Korean pop stars are making some serious noise all across Asia. Not to mention such established stars as BoA and "Rain", many young, up and coming singing and dancing talents are now targeting overseas markets from the very beginning, even before their debut here.

For one thing, this is a barometer showing the growing popularity of Korean pop musicians in the rest of Asia, which must be highly encouraging for both musicians and producers. Behind this are, however, ever-diminishing album sales in the local pop music industry.

According to the Music Industry Association of Korea, last year's best-selling album was Dongbangshingi's (TVXQ outside the country) third album "O Union", which sold 349,317 copies last year, beating its rival SG Wannabe whose third album, "P...| More

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Promotional Film Concert to Be Held in Japan

2006/12/08 | Source | Permalink |

Actor Lee Tae-seong and singer Hong Kyung-min will hold a film concert in Tokyo on Jan. 12 of next year as part of promotional events for their latest movie "We Won't Forget You".

Lee played a leading role and Hong composed the score for the film, which is based on the true story of Lee Soo-hyun, a Korean student who sacrificed himself to save a Japanese man who fell onto a subway track.

Lee, who announced his decision to begin activities in Japan using the film as a stepping stone, said that he feels very honored to perform at Tokyo's Budokan. "Although I am an actor, I will do my best to display my other talents, including singing, at the concert", he added.

Other entertainers who will join the concert include young singer Yoo Bin, who sang a song for the film, famous Japanese singer Noriyuki Makihara, and singer-turned-actress Maki Horikata, who played opposite Lee.

The film will be released on Jan. 27, 2007 nationwide in Japan. ...| More

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Rain, Seven to Perform Together in Los Angeles

2005/04/08 | Source | Permalink |

Top-stars "Rain" and Seven will perform together in the U.S. following a joint performance in Japan. The two will sing at the Korean Music Festival, which will be held April 23 at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, USA. At the festival, the largest annual music event organized by Korean-Americans, Rain and Seven will perform their hit songs "It's Raining" and "Passion" and show off their impressive dancing skills.

The news that these two top-rated artists and dancers unrivaled both in Korea and the U.S. will perform together garnered much attention among local fans. Rain and Seven released their debut albums in America on Feb. 16 and 23, respectively, and made successful debuts in Japan as well. They also participated in the "Eyelove Concert", which was held in the Jamsil Olympic Stadium in Seoul, to benefit North Korean children.

The Korean Music Festival, which this year will be hosted by Yoo Jeong-hyun, will also feature other popular Korean artists and groups such as Hwi-seon...| More

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Top Korean Artists to Hold Charity Concert

2005/03/25 | Source | Permalink |

ITop Korean artists including Cho Sung-mo, Rain - "Rain", Wax, Tei, Hong Kyung-min, Vibe, JK, Kim Dong-uk, Park Hye-kyung, Kim Hyun-jeong, J and MC Mong will hold a charity concert to benefit injured North Korean children.

Organized by the Korean Sharing Movement, the concert will be held on April 2 at the Jamsil Olympic Stadium in Seoul under the theme "Eyelove Concert". All the proceeds from the concert will be donated to assist North Korean children who fell victim to a train explosion accident at Ryongcheon Station in April of last year, and who are still suffering the aftereffects.

In accordance with the concert's theme, the donations will be used to fund surgeries for children who sustained eye injuries or lost their eyesight due to the explosion. A delegation to deliver the donations will be selected at the concert through a drawing....| More

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Celebrities and the Reality of Military Service

2004/12/02 | Source | Permalink |

By Han Eun-jung
Staff Reporter

In a country whose draft laws stipulate all adult males must serve and protect his country, evading conscription is a deeply rooted social problem. Every few years, the public watches as actors, singers and athletes are thrown into the spotlight upon being found guilty of manipulating health records and bribing influential officials.

The most recent example occurred earlier this month when a trio of popular actors were found guilty of dodging the mandatory military service and were forced to enlist. However, actors Song Seung-hun, Jang Hyeok and Han Jae-sok were just three in the ring of 80 professional athletes and actors that forked over large sums of money to learn how to taint urine test results in routine physical check-ups by the Military Manpower Administration (MMA).

Song, Jang and Han are now in basic training, beginning their 24 months of military service, while comedian Shin Seung-whan and SK Wyverns' Cho Chin-ho were given ligh...| More

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