EXO’s Lay to debut as emcee on Chinese music program

Lay, a member of EXO, filmed for China’s only music program, Yinyue Fengyunbang, as a temporary emcee, marking his debut as a presenter.“Yinyue Fengyunbang’s temp MC Lay’s first ever challenge was a big success,” the music program’s official Weibo account posted, with photos of Lay in a suit and tie with a script.In the disclosed pictures, Lay’s strong body features were complimented by a crisp striped and floral tie. His stiff facial expression showed his nervousness holding the microphone as a

June 23, 2014

Korean broadcaster apologizes to FIFA for sneaking into stadium

(KBS)State-run broadcaster KBS announced Monday that it delivered an official apology to the Federation of International Football Association for breaching security regulations. “We were not issued enough number of AD cards,” a KBS spokesperson told reporters here. “We have offered an apology to FIFA.”“We will try to get more AD cards in the future,” the spokesperson added.The disgrace came after a KBS correspondent in Brazil was found to have unlawfully passed down his AD pass to let an unautho

June 23, 2014

Lee Min-ho receives more than 100 offers for his next work

Lee Min-ho’s agency has revealed that he got more than 100 offers for his next project.According to his agency “Starhouse Entertainment,” Lee was sent more 100 scenarios and scripts in just the first half of this year. The offers came from not just Korea but from other countries, leading the agency to hire professionals to examine, analyze and translate the scripts and scenarios.“Ever since Lee gained popularity via ‘Boys Over Flowers,’ we managed to establish a global management system for him,

June 23, 2014

SNSD’s YoonA takes photo with Dakota Fanning

A photo of Girls’ Generation member YoonA and Hollywood star Dakota Fanning was revealed Monday. The picture was taken at the Chanel Cruise 2015 Collection show in Dubai.Receiving an invitation from Chanel, YoonA modeled various Chanel Spring-Summer collection styles during the event, with her look ranging from funky to formal. In the photo, the SNSD member is wearing a short white dress and has waved hair. More photos and a full interview are available in Cosmopolitan magazine’s July issue. (kh

June 23, 2014

Henry reveals his first love cheated on him

In the most recent episode of MBC’s “Sunday Night -- Real Man,” for which cast members joined the 5th Infantry Division, member Henry talked about his pitiful first relationship.On the way back to the military camp after successfully finished GOP duty, Henry said, “I want to come here with my girlfriend.” Other members asked him if he had one and he said “No.”When actor Park Geon-hyeong said, “Henry hasn’t met his true love,” Henry answered, “I did have one in Canada. We met for seven years.”Par

June 23, 2014

Teen Top to comeback in August

Teen Top announced its comeback on August with a new album.On its official homepage, the group’s schedule for July and August was posted on June 23. “To make this album near perfect, we decided to meet ours fans in August after more preparation,” the group was quoted as saying. As the 4th anniversary of the group is in July, Teen Top named the upcoming month “TEEN TOP Meets ANGEL in JULY,” and will hold various events with their official fan club.Also, the idol group is to have their third offic

June 23, 2014

Taecyeon gives a surprise kiss to Lee Eliyah

 Ok Taecyeon surprised Lee Eliyah by kissing her in their KBS2 drama “Incredible Days” on Sunday.In the drama, Kim Marie (played by Lee) asked Kang Dong-hee (played by Ok) what he wants to do when he feels gloomy.“One, have chocolate cake. Two, enjoy fried chicken with beer. Three, going to see an action movie. Four, doing all the things mentioned earlier. I personally like number four,” Lee said in the drama.Then Lee asked to Taecyeon, “Which one do you want?”He answered, “None of the above,” a

June 23, 2014

Agency denies rumors of engagement between Sung Yu-ri and golfer

Actress Sung Yu-ri’s agency on Monday claimed that rumors about an engagement between the actress and her golfer boyfriend were “groundless,” saying their six-month relationship was “too short (for them) to consider marriage.” Actress Sung Yu-ri and golfer Ahn Sung-hyun. (OSEN)The agency’s denial came shortly after Star News, a local sports tabloid, exclusively reported that their marriage is imminent, alleging that the golfer told his friends that he has “a woman to marry.”“The two have been go

June 23, 2014

T-Ara’s Hyomin summer editorial released

T-Ara member Hyomin, currently active as a solo singer, posed for Arena Homme Plus. The editorial’s theme was “Hyomin’s Summer” and shows her new short hairstyle and poses in daring outfits. By Cho Han-na, Intern reporter (hnncho@heraldcorp.com)(Photo Credit: Arena Homme Plus)

June 23, 2014

Akdong Musician pose with ‘real models’ in High Cut editorial　

The brother-sister duo Akdong Musician pose with professional models for fashion magazine High Cut. Both show off their unique personalities. The professional models previously starred in Akdong Musician’s “200%” and “Give Love” music videos. By Cho Han-na, Intern reporter (hnncho@heraldcorp.com)(Photo Credit: High Cut)

June 23, 2014

Fly to the Sky release follow-up song ‘Your Voice’

 Duo Fly to the Sky have released “Your Voice,” a follow-up to single “You You You.”Hwanhee and Brian informed fans first of their thoughts and the song’s release through their official fan site on Thursday.   “Thank you for everything. We will come back with a follow-up song and participate in many broadcasting activities. In the nationwide concert tour, we will make a return for your love,” said Brian.Hwanhee added, “Thank you so much for your love toward our new album. We were touched by your

June 23, 2014

Fans shout ‘betrayer’ at Baekhyun during ‘Inkigayo’

 Some fans yelled out “betrayer” at Baekhyun during the SBS music program “Inkigayo” on Sunday, on which he participated as one of the emcees.Baekhyun’s appearance received particular attention since it was his first one since confirming his romantic relationship with Taeyeon of Girls’ Generation.The singer-emcee did not mention his new relationship status, and calmly proceeded with the show.Despite his composed attitude, some of the fans shouted, “Betrayer, betrayer, betrayer.”  The romantic re

June 23, 2014

MBLAQ‘s Lee Joon chosen as judge for short film festival in Seoul

MBLAQ’s Lee Joon was appointed a judge for “The 13th Mise-en-scene’s Short Film Festival” to be held next week in Seoul.From June 26 to July 2, Lee will attend all public events for the festival, including the opening and closing ceremony and judge meetings, and examine 25 films, his management agency said. He is the youngest judge who is a singer and actor and the selection shows his solid position in the entertainment field. He debuted as an actor in the 2009 Hollywood film “Ninja Assassin” an

June 23, 2014

Bob Dylan lyrics to headline $3m-$5m New York music auction

NEW YORK (AFP) ― Handwritten song lyrics from legendary singer Bob Dylan go under the hammer in New York Tuesday, the most treasured possessions in a collection of rock memorabilia valued at $3 milion-$5 million. Auction house Sotheby’s says other highlights include a peacock jumpsuit worn by Elvis Presley worth $200,000 to $300,000 and a John Lennon piano also played by Lou Reed.Richard Austin, head of Tuesday’s two-part sale at Sotheby’s, said the auction celebrates various rock performers who

PerformanceJune 22, 2014

Michael Jackson remains a provider 5 years after death

LOS ANGELES (AP) ― It’s been five years since Michael Jackson died, yet his career is more alive than it has been in decades. Just last month, the singer moonwalked across a Las Vegas stage in a nationally televised hologram performance. A new album recently debuted at No. 2 on music charts. And a traveling Cirque du Soleil show based on Jackson’s songs has logged nearly 500 performances worldwide. The result has been an estate that has earned more than $600 million since the King of Pop’s untim

PerformanceJune 22, 2014

Understanding Arab culture through films

As part of the 7th annual Arab Cultural Festival, the Arab Film Festival opened in Seoul and Busan for Korean audiences to gain a wide range of knowledge and understanding of less-explored Arab culture. “I hope that through the films of the festival, the audience discovers that the Arabs share the same contemporary and universal issues with us,” said Chung Yong-chil, the secretary-general of the Korea-Arab Society, the host of the festival. The festival runs from June 19-25 in Seoul’s Arthouse M

FilmJune 22, 2014

[Band Uprising] Music for after lights out

As the Korean music market begins to receive more international recognition, the local band scene is looking to rise up and represent the next generation of Korean music. This is the 17th installment of a series of interviews with Korean rock, acoustic and alternative bands. ― Ed.Attempting to capture nocturnal sounds with a new identity, the former teen punk rock band Rocket Diary reintroduced itself as We Are The Night.After debuting as the punk band Rocket Diary in 2005 and performing togethe

PerformanceJune 22, 2014

Kim, Jun seek to revoke contracts for Chinese ad

The two stars from the hit Korea drama “My Love from the Star” Kim Soo-hyun and Jun Ji-hyun are seeking to revoke their contracts for a controversial Chinese advertisement, a move that could potentially result in tens of millions of won in penalties for them. “We have asked (the Chinese bottled water maker Hengda) to revoke the advertisement contract,” said Kim’s agency Keyeast. Jun’s agency has also confirmed that they have taken the same step. A promotional image for “My Love from the Star.” (

June 22, 2014

Namhansanseong becomes Korea’s newest UNESCO treasure

The Western Gate. In 1636, after 47 days under siege, King Injo of Joseon walked through this gate to surrender to the Manchu invaders.For a long time, Namhansanseong has been one of Koreans’ favorite spots for hiking, driving and eating out. Nestled in scenic surroundings on the southern outskirts of Seoul and easily accessible by subway, the fortress has been a place to head to break away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Lesser known to its visitors, however, is that the large circular

CultureJune 22, 2014

Korean fortress obtains World Heritage status

Namhansanseong is a mountain fortress on the southern outskirts of Seoul. (Yonhap News)Namhansanseong, a mountain fortress on the southern outskirts of Seoul, has become a UNESCO World Heritage site, joining the ranks of such natural and cultural wonders as Angkor Wat, Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands. Representatives of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, currently meeting in Qatar, voted Sunday to inscribe the Korean fortress on the much-coveted list for its “outstanding universal value

CultureJune 22, 2014