Matsuzaka, Inoue, Mano star in "Death Game Park"

BeeTV will broadcast a new mobile drama series titled "Death Game Park," featuring tokusatsu stars Tori Matsuzaka (21) and Masahiro Inoue (21). Hello! Project artist Erina Mano (18) has been cast as the heroine.

"Death Game Park" is an action thriller reminiscent of Kinji Fukasaku's "Battle Royale." A group of young adults have been forced to participate in a "death game" for an unknown purpose. Unable to call for help, they have to muster their strength in order to survive and find a way to escape.

Matsuzaka and Inoue play the two main characters, while Mano plays a young woman who has joined the game to seek revenge for the death of her brother

in a previous game. Other cast members include Keisuke Kato (21) and Hideo Ishiguro (21), plus special appearances by Nozomi Sasaki (22) and Saki Aibu (24).

In conjunction with the drama, which starts on April 20, BeeTV will run an "Escape Simulation Game" in which female viewers can take on the part of the heroine and try to navigate their way through the game. Other original content, such as an interactive mobile phone novel, is also being created to tie in with the show.

Tokyograph

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Lee Sung Jin Arrested on Allegations of Fraud

A police station in Heung duck, Cheongju stated that Lee Sung Jin, an entertainer and former member of the group NRG, has been arrested on allegations of fraud.

According to a policeman, Lee voluntarily appeared at the police station in Jeong Seon at 9:30 in the morning to undergo an investigation regarding the accusation of fraud.

After finding that he had been wanted by the Youngdeungpo Police Office

under allegations of fraud, the police arrested him without a warrant.

Last month, on February 19, a man surnamed Lee (35), who works as a chauffeur, accused him of not paying a debt amounting to 20 million won and reported him to Jeong Seon Police Station.

He filed the complaint with a police station in Jeong Seon, where he lives, but Lee Sung Jin requested a change in precinct to Cheongju, where he currently stays, so the Heung Duck Police Office took over the case.

Before Lee Sung Jin was arrested, he reportedly alleged, “I borrowed money to lend it to my acquaintance. Mr. Lee sent 1.8 million won to my bank account after he took off 2 million won as an advance interest payment.”

A police spokesperson said, “I know that Lee Sung Jin was put on the wanted list on a charge of burning money from a person. We are planning to extradite Lee Sung Jin to Youngdeungpo Police Office today.”


KBS Global

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Alex, behind the scenes of 'Pasta

Unlike the smooth-suited, suave character he recently played on MBC's sleeper hit, "Pasta," off-screen Alex was low key.

Dressed casually, with a baseball cap crushed down over his head, his look would have screamed celebrity, save for the fact that he was missing a pair of shades.

In a low, husky voice, punctuated by deep and good-humored laughs,

he fielded questions, leaning in every now and then to put emphasis on a particularly funny story, singing and making sounds to give his answers extra pizzazz.

Alex, in person, was every bit the performer, except if he crooned on stage and wooed female fans over with his gentle demeanor on the small screen, he was more of a comedian in real life, looking for a good laugh where he could find one.

The actor-singer-writer has come a long way from his beginnings as an assistant manager-turned-chef. For a moment, it looked like he would be spending the rest of his life working at a Japanese restaurant, happily married to his girlfriend. Then everything changed. They broke up, putting an end to his plans for wedded bliss.

So, what did he do? The Korean-Canadian packed up his bags and flew to Korea. Once there he would go on to debut as a member of the music group, CLAZZIQUAI PROJECT.

Not one to rest on his laurels, he went on to star in MBC's hit reality show "We Got Married," test out his acting chops in a four-episode cable drama, do stints as an MC and a radio DJ before going on to belt out his vocals in a musical, pen a food essay and hold his first solo concert in Japan.

Then 2010 came around. Alex landed a role in MBC's food romance "Pasta," where he played the charming, soft-spoken and utterly, hopelessly devoted Kim San. The series got off to a slow start but nabbed higher viewer ratings later on, ending with a bang on March 9.

Though the 30-year old had previous acting experience coming into the series, he took his thespian skills to the next level with acting classes.

"For example, if the call time was at 8, but it got pushed to 11, then I would run to my teacher and take an hour-long class and then come back and film," Alex said in an interview with The Korea Herald.

In addition to classes, Alex rehearsed his lines when he dropped by the bathroom for an occasional smoke.

"When I got the script what I had to do (was look at) where my line is and right above that, you know, (look at) what my co-star says," he explained. "The fun part about doing this is that it would be very idiotic to just memorize my lines because I need to know what the other person is going to say so that I can deliver my lines perfectly."

"So since I needed to memorize other people's lines, I would stand in front of the mirror," he paused. "Yeah, here's the funny part, sort of on my own, I would do Kim San and Suh Yoo-gyeong (co-star Kong Hyo-jin's part)."

Mastering the role of Kim San, the owner of the restaurant where the girl-of-his-dreams works, was not easy for Alex. Not only did he have to practice his lines, he also had to find the right tone for his character, something that proved to be difficult in the beginning.

"I'm an NG-type of guy," he admitted.

"When I first started, yeah, I was kind of mumbling," he explained. "My voice is really, like, low, right? If I don't talk high like this than my diction isn't clear. So because of the low frequency of my voice, I had to speak in a higher tone. It was really awkward."

Somehow, he found the right tone, got his lines down and still found time to down some pasta. In fact, the entire staff, according to Alex, got to taste the creations of the cast of "Pasta."

"At first we didn't eat because it (filming) was too hard. But later on we got used to it and even after filming for 10 hours, everyone did pasta and on the side, say, it was about steak, then the steak would be laid out and grilled, and when they called 'cut' then the staff and everyone would gather around and we would eat steak and stuff."

"It was fun. It was really fun." Alex chuckled.

Alex revealed that, unlike his character, however, he is not a pasta Aglio e Olio-type of guy. He is more into meatball sauce. On the flipside, he thinks that he does bear some similarities to the character Kim San, "except for one thing."

"I would never be like that to a woman," he said.

When asked what he meant, he answered, "Stalking for three years for example," referring to Kim San's devotion to his restaurant's pasta chef, Suh Yoo-gyeong.

So then, what kind of a boyfriend is Alex?

"I'm spontaneous. I'm trying to be more spontaneous. Life is short. I got to spend it all."

Korea Herald

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Finale sends viewers through the roof

If you judge the popularity of a TV show by the number of rumors it spawns or viewer comments it generates, MBC’s family sitcom “High Kick Through the Roof,” which came to an end last Friday, is still No.1.

After its unexpected tragic ending, in which the leading male and female characters died in a car accident, viewers constantly posted comments and shared their thoughts.

Some said MBC should make a second, happy ending, and others vented their anger at producer Kim Byung-wook, often dubbed a sitcom legend.

From Friday, when the last episode of the sitcom was broadcast, through Tuesday, more than 11,060 viewers visited the sitcom’s official Web site and left their comments on the board.

“Kim’s weird personal preference left many viewers, including me, shocked and dismayed. If a majority of viewers are hurt because of the ending, which was Kim’s brainchild, he should have sacrificed his own taste for the sake of viewers. I feel like I’ve been cheated,” wrote a viewer named Koo Ja-seop on Tuesday.

Some rumors claimed that Shin Se-kyung, a female character who died in the car crash, is a ghost, and one of the three co-writers for the sitcom is in a state of depression. MBC denied the rumors.

Another rumor swirled that Kim himself suffers from depression, and that’s what was behind the unhappy finale. But when asked about it, and about the public anger over the ending, Kim just laughed.

“Since there’s been all this criticism, I don’t think I want say much for now. So I canceled all my interviews with the press,” he said in a telephone interview.

“I just want to take a break for the time being without thinking about my next project,” he added.

Over the past eight months, Kim and the actors and actresses shot the daily sitcom from 5 p.m. to 10 a.m. for three days a week, and spent another two to three days working outside the studio.

Despite heated discussion over the ending, the High Kick Through the Roof finale brought in a 23.8 percent audience share, the highest among the three shows airing on the major networks at the same time.

Kim, who mastered the sitcom form with 1995’s “LA Arirang,” 1998’s “Soonpoong Clinic” and 2007’s “Unstoppable High Kick,” made an equally strong mark with his latest show. Through the Roof created buzzwords, introduced new characters to Korea, and even poked fun at society in a nation where sitcoms are usually overshadowed by soap operas and gag shows.

Kim’s sophisticated description of the complex inner sides of different characters is second to none, and he is also known for transforming the images of his actors.

Seventy-six-year-old Lee Soon-jae had been widely known as a strict and authoritative father before he joined the sitcom, and Kim successfully turned him into a character who enjoyed watching pornography when his family is out.

High Kick Through the Roof followed 12 characters, bringing together story lines as diverse as senior romance, family separation and the complicated romantic relationship of four young actors.

The sitcom brought stardom to many budding actors and actresses, yielding contracts for TV commercials, dramas and films.

For example, Hwang Jeong-eum endorsed dozens of products including cosmetics, instant noodles, sneakers and alcoholic beverages - so many that her bank balance jumped to 2.3 billion won ($2 million) from 487 won in just eight months, according to news reports. She had previously worked in a pop group.

JoongAng Daily

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Akanishi to perform in Los Angeles, rest of KAT-TUN to tour Asia!

Akanishi to perform in Los Angeles, rest of KAT-TUN to tour Asia! [24/3/2010]:










Johnny's Jimusho made two announcements on Wednesday regarding popular boy band KAT-TUN. First, the group will be doing an Asia tour this year. Second, member Jin Akanishi (25) will not be participating in the tour, and will instead be preparing for a set of solo concerts in Los Angeles.

KAT-TUN's tour is scheduled to run from May to August. Most of the concerts will be in Japan, but a few of them will be held overseas.

They will perform in Bangkok on July 31, in Seoul on August 6-7, and in Taipei on August 27-28. Other sources say that a Hawaii concert is also being considered.

However, Akanishi is expected to leave for Los Angeles in May to prepare for three concerts on June 19-20. These will be the first solo performances in the U.S. by a Johnny's artist.

This is not the first time that Akanishi has been to Los Angeles. From 2006 to 2007, he took a break from show business and spent half a year there to study English.

After a solo performance in February, Akanishi received an offer from American cable channel UTB, which focuses on Japanese programs. At the time, KAT-TUN's Asia tour had already been finalized, but after discussions with the other members and agency president Johnny Kitagawa, it was decided that the tour would go on without Akanishi. He agreed to three concerts on June 19-20 at the Club Nokia venue at the L.A. Live complex. It is said that he will perform the shows entirely in English.

Akanishi is expected to remain in Los Angeles until October. He will be involved in promotional activities and is considering additional U.S. concerts.

source: tokyograph

EDIT:
Posted by migimaru @ TG:

Points of interest:
* The KAT-TUN tour was decided in October, but Johnny's received the UTB offer in February. Johnny and the other members said they couldn't let the opportunity slip by, so they encouraged Akanishi to take the offer.
* Akanishi is applying for a visa that will be valid from May to October. He plans to stay until the visa expires.
* Akanishi is considering doing a club tour in the U.S.
* In explaining why they chose to have Akanishi perform in the U.S. during KAT-TUN's tour, the Johnny's rep said that UTB strongly recommended it to them, because starting in June, there are many events such as anime conventions going on, making it the best time to reach out to and work with promoters in the U.S.

source: http://www.nikkanspo...325-609853.html

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After Ha JiWon, Rain to collaborate with actress Han YeSeul for new MV

Singer actor Rain will be playing a couple with actress Han YeSeul in the MV for his upcoming new song.

According to JTunes Entertainment rep, “He will be working with Han YeSeul for the MV fo his special album ‘Back To The Basic’ which will be released on

1st April.” They also released a still photo to the MV showing Rain giving Han YeSeul a back hug.

The reason for Rain’s collaboration for Han YeSeul is due to the recommendation by writer Lee KyungHee who wrote the dramas ‘SangDoo Ah Let’s Go to School’ and ‘A Love To Kill’. Writer Lee KyungHee also recommended Han YeSeul for recent drama ‘Why It Snow on Christmas’.


This will be Rain’s 2nd time working with an actress for his MV after his collaboration with Ha Ji Won for the MV to the song ‘Love Story’ off his 5th album last year. It will also be his 2nd dramatized MV.

Meanwhile, it was known that the MV was filmed on 21st and 24th March in KangNamDong.

S:Newsen + kbites

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Girls Generation’s ‘Oh!’ debuts at No. 1 in RP music stores

K-pop idol group Girls Generation rules.

Mere three days after release, the girls' newest album “Oh!” has topped the sales charts of three Music One stores (Glorietta, Greenbelt, and Quezon Avenue), based on data covering the period March 15 to 21.

This is the second time that a Girls Generation’s album has topped Philippine music charts. Their mini-album “Gee” also debuted at No. 1 when it was released in October last year.

“Oh!” was also No. 1 on the MYX countdown a few weeks ago and is still in the Top 3 music videos on MYX charts.

Last March 20, Filipino fans showed their support to the group when they trooped to the country’s music retail chains Astroplus Mall Of Asia,

Music One Greenbelt, and Odyssey Megamall to celebrate the release of the CD.

The album was also a big hit in South Korea, garnering almost 150,000 pre-orders before its release last January.

The carrier single “Oh!”, created by songwriter Kenzie, an electro-pop song with sweet lyrics about confessing love, also topped music charts in South Korea.

“Oh!” has won five Music Bank K-Chart trophies and a Mutizen triple crown on Inkigayo TV program.

The “Oh!” album First Press Limited Edition released in the country comes with a special photo card (1 of 9 randomly selected designs).

Girls Generation is a nine-member all-girl group that debuted in 2007. The members are Taeyeon, Yuri, Yoona, Jessica, Tiffany, Hyoyeon, Sooyoung, Seohyun, and Sunny.

The group dominated the K-pop scene in 2009 with their hit songs “Gee” and “Genie.”

Manila Bulletin

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‘Fire of Conscience’ premier; Vivian Hsu, Michelle Ye the feminine highlight of police bandit movie

‘Fire of Conscience’ premier; Vivian Hsu, Michelle Ye the feminine highlight of police bandit movie
Source: Sina Entertainment
Credits: Michelle Ye's Realm

Police bandit mega production ‘Fire of Conscience’ held its premier ceremony where director Dante Lam and lead casts Leon Lai, Richie Ren, Vivian Hsu, Michelle Ye and Wang Baoqiang were present in glitters, this is also the very first full crew promotion since the production of this movie.

As the first police bandit mega production of the year 2010, ‘Fire of Conscience’ is about a murder case of a prostitute which stirred quite an enigma. Leon Lai plays

chief detective of heavy crime case team, Man Fong while Richie Ren plays Kei Sir of the drugs investigation team, where the two highly regarded one another and collaborated, however as the truth behind keeps is gradually unveiled, the private lives of the two detectives arises as well, Man Fong’s emotions got uncontrollable, being involved in the mystery, it became hard to draw a line between himself and the enemy, sinking into the case within a case, he found himself struggling in a quicksand of danger…

Vivian Hsu plays Richie Ren’s girlfriend while Michelle Ye plays subordinate of Leon Lai who is secretly in love with him. At the premier’s press conference, every lead disclosed the behind scenes and filming scenario. Among them were about female leads Vivian Hsu and Michelle Ye who became the highlight of the filming when they contributed the feminine atmosphere into the police bandit movie.

Michelle Ye full of injuries in the movie; seems too ‘SM’ when out of film!

Michelle Ye whose image in ‘Fire of Conscience’ is tough and tomboyish, instead appeared at the press conference in dazzlingly sexy appearance, charming and fascinating, she was thoroughly feminine… it seemed as though they (Michelle and her role in Fire of Conscience) were two different people. Towards this, reporters asked (Michelle) why be it Director Johnny To or Dante Lam that they preferred the tougher version of Michelle Ye, she laughed saying: “Maybe because I have a plain appearance, haha.” At this, Richie Ren who was standing at the side, disagreed: “Michelle is very feminine, I really anticipate acting in a love story movie with her.” “As your confidante right?” Michelle said. The two shares mutual admiration, the atmosphere at press conference was warm.

On the other hand, Richie said too: “Seeing you injured all over, I thought you like SM.” Michelle replied, “Abusive isn’t it! Director is too ruthless, not spoiling the female ones even. Talking about filming action scenes, I seem to get injured every time I film (action scenes), I still have a scar on my thigh, but that is the evidence of my battle won.” It was said that ‘Fire of Conscience’ will be airing simultaneously in Mainland and Hong Kong on 1st April.

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Samantha Ko wants to keep fit to earn more money

Samantha Ko wants to keep fit to earn more money
Wednesday March 24, 2010 Hong Kong



Samantha Ko, wearing a recycled dress, attended a function with Carrie Lam yesterday. Usually she dresses very sexy, but yesterday, her chest was all covered up. She told reporter "It is better safe than sorry. The dress was a bit big, it has been altered already. (Have you lost weight?) About 10 pounds. I have been slimming for a few months. I need to keep fit in order to get job offers to do movie, TV and commercials." The reporter pointed out that

a magazine reported she was seen delivering food to a hotel. Samantha replied "That was the plot in a movie. I didn't know they would make such report. They have twisted the fact." Samantha went on to say some reporters even went to her mother's stall to ask about that. She continued "I hope they leave my mother alone, she would get scared. (If you earn so much, she doesn't have to run the stall). My mother doesn't think there is any difference whether I am earning a lot or not. She is working for a living and so am I. I just want to earn a lot more so that I don't have to work."



Source:On.CC
Translator: R.E.D @ http://www.asianvn.com

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Alex Man acts again after 13 years

Source: Mingpao/Takungpao/Wenweipo
Translation: casablanca-- @ http://asianfanatics.net
Please do not repost without credits!

Lately, Alex Man (Man Zi) has been focusing on expanding his apparel business, but recently he suddenly announced his return, accepting a role in the Mainland drama with 30 episodes, "Sui Yue Jiao Yang", which stars other actors such as Rain Li and Mainland actors Huang Hai Bing and Lei. Yesterday, Alex attended the press conference for the new drama, and his wife specially came from Guang Zhou to Hong Kong to support him. They openly kissed to show their lovingness

and he said, "I never said I was retiring from showbiz, I will accept good scripts. TVB has talked to me about working together, hopefully everyone will get a surprise."

Having no new films for 13 years, Alex will portray roles of a father and a son in the new drama. He revealed "Acting has always been something that I have enjoyed, I'm not doing this role for the money this time, I"m doing it because it's a good storyline, and plus director Qiu Xiao Jun has helped me with my business, so when he asked I immediately agreed." He tells Hong Kong's new actors that they have to perfect Mandarin, in order for them to have good opportunities and results. Mentioning his 8 year old son, Alex changes into a loving father. "He doesn't know how to speak Cantonese, he speaks Mandarin at home. As for whether or not he'll enter the showbiz once he's older, I haven't decided yet, because there are still many unknown factors. He doesn't know anything, and has a lot of homework, let's wait for the future before we decide."


Translation: casablanca-- @ http://asianfanatics.net
Please do not repost without credits!

From Guang Zhou's Han Chao Video Media's creation, Wang Jia Lun's autobiographical novel "Once drunk because of the plum flowers" has been turned into a large scale drama transcending generations, called "Sui Yue Jiao Yang". Yesterday, a press conference was held in Hong Kong for the new drama, director Qiu Xiao Jun, produer Xie, artistic director and writer Wang Jia Lun, lead actors Huang Hai Bing, Alex Man, Rain Li and Lei showed up. Everyone wished the production a success, and Qiu Xiao Jun personally thanked Alex for coming out of retirement to help out.

Lately, Alex has been focusing on expanding his apparel business, and has had no new films for 13 years. He revealed that his acceptance of the role was due to director Qiu Xiao Jun having helped him with his business, so when he asked he immediately agreed. He told Hong Kong's new actors that they have to perfect Mandarin, in order for them to have good opportunities and results. His wife specially came from Guang Zhou to Hong Kong to support him, where they kissed onstage to show their loving relationship.

Doesn't agree to let son enter the biz

After 13 years in hiatus, Alex was asked if he has a huge monetary compensation for his return. He stressed that he has never officially left the circle, and this reappearance was a special circumstance. He pointed out that the monetary part was not a highlight for him, the most important being his apparel business being on track, and the support of his wife. He didn't want to miss out on such a great script, so he returned to his first love, acting. "This time I will be splitting two roles," he laughed, "First I will be a 60 year old dad living in the 1930s, then I will be a 50 year old son living in 1970. This is definitely the first time I have had such a role, but it's not hard, I find it very interesting." Will he return to Hong Kong to act again? He immediately expressed that he will meet everyone in Hong Kong again at the beginning of April, but wouldn't reveal what kind of function it would be. Asked if he would return to TVB? He joked that no one had asked for him, but if he had an opportunity he definitely would.

During the interview, Alex's 8 year old son called him from Mainland, to celebrate his success, making Alex very happy. Would he want his son to enter the business? He said that he wasn't sure if he could handle it, but the most important thing was to take pleasure from the present, and blatantly expressed that he did not approve of his son entering the showbiz. He also never thought of the two of them appearing together in a film, because his son didn't know anything yet, had a lot of homework, and a lot of other hobbies besides.

Rain Li's south asian home

Rain, also a lead actor in the drama, said that she hasn't had many opportunities to work with Alex, but since they are on the same team this time, will definitely ask for pointers from him. She said that in the last few years, she has had a packed schedule of filming in the Mainland, and guessed that for the next half of the year she will also be there filming dramas again. Asked how she would deal with her and her boyfriend being separated in two places? She said that everyone is busy with their own stuff, and would probably work to death. Asked if she wanted her boyfriend to visit her at work? She then said that if her friends had time, she would like them to visit her. A reporter asked if she was going to consider buying a residence in the Mainland since she is there all the time? "I have thought about it before, but it's very expensive, so I have decided to buy a residence in Thailand and Malaysia. Other than spending vacation there, I could also think of it as an investment. (How far away from your target are you?) Actually, I could probably afford it now, because Thailand's buildings are not that expensive!"

Otherwise, yesterday there were reports that Peter Ho and Tian Liang were injured at a Nan Jing nightclub. Rain said that she has worked with Peter before, and was shocked about his injury, expressing her condolences. She said that when she was filming in the Mainland, she had also encountered a similar incident while onstage. "I used to love dressing up very prettily while onstage, but ever since I wore a short skirt and was groped as a result, I am too scared to wear skirts, and I dress very conservatively now. If I do go out at night, I only go to the familiar nightclubs."

Translation: casablanca-- @ http://asianfanatics.net
Please do not repost without credits!

Alex Man reappears after 13 years
Image: Alex Man and Rain Li have already been acquainted, hope for chemistry in their partnership.

After leaving Hong Kong for some ten years, Alex has reappeared on the big screen in the Mainland drama "Sui Yue Jiao Yang". Yesterday, his wife accompanied him from Guang Zhou to Hong Kong to attend a press conference, and revealed that it would be the first time he has appeared in a split role. He stated that acting is his favourite job, and he has never really left the business.

Refuses child star status for his son

After his long hiatus, he will be appearing on screen with Rain Li, Mainland actors Huang Hai Bing and Lei etc. He said that he has agreed to his role because the director has helped him in business, so he immediately agreed when asked. He also told Hong Kong actors to learn their Mandarin, because it would open up a whole new area of work. He kissed his wife onstage in public, showing their love, and said that his 8 year old son only knows Mandarin and Hakka. Asked if he wishes for his son to become an actor, he said, "I don't know if I could handle it, fate will tell us." He only said he wouldn't let his son become a child star and appear on stage with his dad. Although he hasn't been seen for almost 13 years, Alex said he hasn't officially left, and this is a special circumstance. "I'm portraying a dad and a son, in the 30s and the 70s. The first time I have played such a role, I will leave a head of long white hair, and after playing the dad role will dye it black. " He also said that TVB hasn't asked him to rejoin them again, but said that as long as a script is good and someone asks him to act, he will accept.

Rain gets assaulted when going onstage

Rain said that a couple years ago while filming "Kung Fu Soccer", Alex would visit the set a lot and that's how they met. As for her packed schedule in the Mainland, she said that the weather has been up and done, so she needed to protect her skin well. How's her relationship with boyfriend? "I have to work, but I hope that all my friends will come visit me!" She said that the real estate in Mainland China is too expensive, so will consider buying a place in Thailand or Malaysia instead, for vacational purposes and investment. In other news, Yumiko Cheng, Peter Ho and Tian Liang were assaulted at a Mainland nightclub. Peter Ho was injured, and Rain, who has worked with him before, said that she was shocked by the news. She said that when she was filming in the Mainland, she had also encountered a similar incident while onstage. "I used to love dressing up very prettily while onstage, but ever since I wore a short skirt and was groped as a result, I am too scared to wear skirts, and I dress very conservatively now. If I do go to a nightclub, I only go with people I am familiar with, and I rarely go, if there's a birthday party and there's a VIP room, then it's OK."

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ABS-CBN soap operas now captivating non-Filipinos worldwide

In a recent interview with Ms.Reena de Guzman Garingan, head of International Sales and Distribution (ISD) of ABS-CBN Global, we found out that there are also non-Filipinos worldwide who have been captivated by the Kapamilya network’s teleseryes. These are not necessarily subscribers of The Filipino Channel (TFC).

Formerly head of the sales department of The Manila Hotel for many years, Ms. Garingan said they decided to hold a press conference for the first time to share with the entertainment press the success that ABS-CBN Global ISD has achieved in 15 years. Also in the luncheon meeting with the press were Jeff Domingo

who was one of the pioneers in putting up ABS-CBN Global 15 years ago and who now runs its, and Bong Osorio, head of ABS-CBN Corporate Communications who said “we are here to celebrate the success of ABS-CBN shows here and abroad…and to let you know that aside from catering to the Filipinos worldwide, ABS-CBN has also penetrated non-Filipino audiences all over the world…”

When they put up TFC, their purpose was to target the Filipino overseas workers. They did not expect that they would also be catering to non-Filipino audiences, Jeff said.

“It’s about time we have to tell you what we have done in the last 15 years in selling our shows abroad,” Reena said. She just came from a speaking engagement in Africa (she discussed the social and ethical responsibilities of media professionals in the forum attended by leading journalists and broadcasters in that country), where ABS-CBN teleseryes will be shown, not only once a day, but “on a multiple timeslot, not only in Africa but also in other countries,” she proudly shared.

“Hindi lang pala mga Filipino ang kinikilig sa love story nila Jericho Rosales at Kristine Hermosa in ‘Pangako Sa ‘Yo,’ at naiiyak sa paghihiwalay nila Piolo Pascual at Angel Locsin sa teleserye nila, but also non-Filipinos. Nakakatuwa lang,” Reena added.

Before she can offer their shows to any country, Reena said she had to read about that country’s culture, tradition and customs. “This helps a lot for me to understand if they decline my offer. You have to know why they can’t take your product.” But so far they’re not finding it hard to sell their products. In fact, sometimes the teleserye hasn’t even end here but already some countries are offering to buy it, Reena said. Most of the time it’s the story they are interested in and not so much with the stars. “With non-Filipino audiences, hindi nila kilala ang mga artista by their real names, but by their characters in the teleserye,” she said.

Although “Pangako Sa ‘Yo” is known to be the most successful ABS-CBN telerserye abroad, it was actually “Mula sa Puso” which set the trend, but too bad the male star, Rico Yan, met an untimely demise “at wala na kaming maibigay na follow-up shows niya,” Reena lamented.

Just recently, “Pangako Sa ‘Yo” (known abroad as “The Promise”) aired on China’s national television and rated second over all local and foreign programs airing in that country. Ten years after Filipinos fell in love with the Kristine Hermosa-Jericho Rosales tandem, the now classic teleserye still has appealed to the Chinese audience and even hit the Top 30 list in the national weekly ranking, covering over 2,000 channels and capturing 1.3 billion viewers.

But before China, the love story of Angelo Buenavista and Yna Macaspac have appealed and mesmerized audiences in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia and Africa. As Cambodian Nai Hiu Mei recounts “the teleserye, broadcasted here with Khmer dubbing, was so popular that many Cambodian babies were named Angelo. On the other hand, Times of Zambia writer Meluse Kapatamoyo wrote “the series has become a topic of discussion among families, friends and even neighbors who daily ponder on how the show would end.”

Rene Lotter of One Africa Television has even said “when is ‘Pangako Sa ‘Yo’ coming back? I wish I could get a dollar each time I get that question. From teenager to grandma, from household organizers to tax consultants – it’s gripped people across all genders.”

Another ABS-CBN teleserye, “Ikaw ang Lahat sa Akin” (a.k.a. “Only You”) was aired on primetime alongside “Pangako Sa ‘Yo” in mainland China, carried by the biggest state television broadcaster. Meanwhile, “Sana Maulit Muli” (a.k.a. “Chances”), “Maging Sino Ka Man” (a.k.a. “More Than Love”) and “Gulong ng Palad” (a.k.a. “Stand for Love”) are expected to be aired in the Republic soon.

Also earning recognition internationally is the Angel Locsin-Piolo Pascual starrer “Lobo” (a.k.a. “She-Wolf: The Last Sentinel”). In the recently concluded 2009 International Emmy Awards, “She-Wolf” was recognized for the stellar performance of Angel Locsin who received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress. This recognition is the second for the show which won the Best Telenovela Award at the 30th BANFF World Television Festival in Toronto, Canada last year. Currently, the show is enjoying wide viewership in Brunei and is expected to be released to other countries in Indo-China, Asia, Europe and Africa this year.

By the way, Reena said ABS-CBN shows are subtitled and dubbed in several languages including English, Turkish, Khmer, Mandarin and French. One of the programs dubbed in French is “Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay” (a.k.a. “La Longue Attente” in French and “The Long Wait” in English) which will cater to French-speaking viewers in Africa and Europe.

Reena stressed that “ABS-CBN programs sell well because they resonate to the African audience. “Our writers, directors and actors are able to capture real-life experiences on screen. Our stories show pain and suffering but in the end, give viewers a glimpse of hope. As we demonstrate that obstacles and fear may be overcome, we help mend the broken African spirit.”

ISD which she heads, has been the premier source of top quality programs from the Philippines, making ABS-CBN the first and biggest Philippine content distributor in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia-Pacific and the leading Asian distributor in Africa. Through ISD, Kapamilya shows have become so popular among non-Filipinos that ABS-CBN is now regarded as a market mover and thought leader in the field of broadcasting in Africa.

Indeed, ABS-CBN has made its mark in the global market. Through the efforts of the ISD group, homegrown Pinoy entertainment has been given a chance to shine on the global stage.

Manila Bulletin

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Sandara Park 12 Part 'Star Diary' Part 10- “My little brother is Cheondoong..”

[03.24.10] Sandara Park 12 Part 'Star Diary' Part 10- “My little brother is Cheondoong..”


With a dongsaeng who is walking down the same path as her, and dreaming the same dream as her, she is not alone in her celebrity life.


Sandara Park's youngest brother is Cheondoong of MBLAQ. Although he overflows with charisma on stage, to Sandara Park, he'll always be like a little kid.

"Cheondoong and I are six years a part. Starting from when he was young I'd carry him on my back and stuff and I always worried about him. Even still,

when I see him perform on stage, it's admirable. Isn't he cute when he shows off his personal talents on variety shows?"

Cheondoong was added late into the group that Bi produced, MBLAQ. Because of this, he had to work twice as hard.

"Starting from when Cheondoong was young, he wanted to become a singer. He worked even harder than me at learning dance. I think he's much better than me in terms of musical talent. (Laughs)"

While talking about Cheondoong, Sandara Park's eyes were filled with love. 2NE1 members even said "Sandara Park is like Cheondoong's stalker."


"Cheondoong's apartment is pretty far from ours so I can't see him often. It seems like my brother's busier than me. So we chat online and cam together online everyday. If I look at what Cheondoong is doing through webcam, the other members keep saying 'She's like one of his crazy fangirls.'"


Sandara Park's Description - In 1993 when I was in Grade 3, piggybacking my baby brother Cheondoong behind the Daegoo zoo.


Sandara Park is sad that she can't see Cheondoong often. Their activities are at different times so they can't even meet at broadcasting stations.


"In television shows, Cheondoong says "Noona, buy me food". After I see the show and tell him I'll buy him food, he tells me 'We're working on a new album so I don't have time'. I finally saw him during last year's ending award shows. I took the snacks from our waiting room and brought them to MBLAQ. Cheondoong needs to eat a lot. (Haha)"


Rather than opposing how out of their three children, the oldest daughter and the magnae are doing celebrity activities, their parents support them. Because of their parents' support, they were able to be acknowledged as celebrities and receive love from the public.

"While I lived in the Philippines, my mother was my manager. So she was always by my side. These days, she monitors me from home. I'm most scared for when my mom 'points out things'".


Sandara Park and Cheondoong are dreaming the same dream. Both want to make 'Our Studio'.


"I always talk with my brother. How in the future, we're going to build our own house. The first floor will be where we live with our parents, the second floor will be our studio. Truthfully, even though sometimes I want to stand on stage with my brother, we each have our own places to be."

Translated by: GEE @ ygladies.com

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B-boying Park Jae-beom featured in Canadian magazine

Park Jae-beom, former leader of popular Korean idol group 2PM, has been featured in a Canadian magazine while participating in a local b-boying contest.

Vancouver HYPE Magazine wrote on its online blog "justalilhype!" (http://justalilhype.com) about the former K-pop idol

and ran photos of Park dancing with his b-boy crew named Art of Movement at the "Battle of T.N.G: Just Battle" contest held in Vancouver on Monday.

HYPE briefly interviewed the Korean-American singer -- who goes by the name Jay Park -- at the event, saying that he was "reluctant to shoot still shots with fans until the end of event" but he was "friendly nevertheless and talked to many of his female admirers" throughout the contest.

Park was introduced as "a superstar back in Korea" and said to have "kept a low-key presence and treated all other b-boys of the event with respect".

The article explained that although the Seattle native and his team did not win, their performance was "one of the most anticipated" numbers of the night and received "abundant cheering and screaming from his female fans."

The magazine ended the article by calling Park a "multi-talented young individual" and mentioning a video that he had released last week on popular video sharing site YouTube -- a cover of "Nothing On You" by U.S. hip-hop artist B.o.B.

Park, 22, had sparked national controversy last September after remarks -- including "I hate Korea" -- he had written on his MySpace account before his debut became public. He quit the boy band four days later and returned to his hometown of Seattle.

He was expected to make his much-awaited comeback to the group this year until agency JYP Entertainment (JYPE) announced last month that it will be terminating its contract with the singer due to "a huge personal wrongdoing" on his part.

JYPE did not reveal further details, saying it was linked to his personal life, but stated that it deemed Park "no longer fit to be the agency's artist", and that his bandmates all agreed it would be "difficult to work with Park Jae-beom as the group 2PM any longer".

After Park's departure from the group last fall, the remaining members made a successful comeback as a six-man band last December with their single "Hearbeat."

Asiae

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Baby hopes SaGei reconciles, fears Huang Xiao Ming's jealousy

Source: mingpao
Translation: casablanca-- @ http://asianfanatics.net

Ronald Cheng and Ah Sa's public supposed breakup has caused many rumours to fly, one of which points to Angelababy as the third person. Yesterday, Baby loudly cried her innocence, and vehemently denied any possibility of her and Ronald ever hooking up, even praising Ronald and Ah Sa's match as made in heaven.

She hoped that they would reconcile as soon as possible. Could Baby's quick rebuttal be an attempt to prevent any misunderstandings with another of her rumoured boyfriends, Huang Xiao Ming?

Dressed in a young fresh style, Baby was a ribbon cutter for Italian brand Fly Girl's new store opening yesterday. Mentioning SaGei's breakup, Baby, who has worked with Ronald before, sighed loudly, and said it was a pity. Until it was alluded to that she was the reason for their breakup, Baby then responded, "They are very cute together, it's a pity about their breakup. Maybe they will get back together later, I hope they do so soon! Our previous rumours were only for promotional purposes, I don't even have Ronald's number! Although he is a very funny person, he's not my type, there's just no way it would work out. My friends won't believe these rumours."

Rumours with Ronald are all promotional efforts

Rumours of Baby being nicknamed "CEO's girlfriend" (since Ronald was once named Gold Typhoon's CEO), she quickly cleared things up. "If I want to sing K then I go to CEO! I haven't read the magazines lately, I didn't know I had a new nickname." She feels victimized at having been tethered into rumours of being a third wheel, and only said that a relationship also requires fate.

Not thinking of breast augmentation at the moment

Showing signs of cup size increase, Baby's tank top and hot shorts showed further supported the rumour, and was teased about having a second growth spurt. "Maybe I have put on some weight lately, I really hope I am still growing, but I am still young, and I'm not thinking of getting breast implants in Japan at the moment."

Lynn Xiong's new place not paid for by Aaron

There have been reports that Aaron Kwok shelled out the cash for his girlfriend Lynn to rent out a luxury mansion for her new abode, fulfilling the "gold residency" dream. Baby believes that this rumour is not true, and supports Lynn for her hard work to earn her own money. At the same time, Baby says this is also her goal, to earn money and afford a house for her family to live in. Lynn's manager Kim also clarified, "Actually our company is the one that helped Lynn move, she paid for the move herself, and this incident is not related to anyone else."

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Da S is slightly horrified by wax sculpture

Source: on.cc
Translation: casablanca-- @ http://asianfanatics.net

Barbie Xu (Da S) attended a wax figurine unveiling for her upcoming movie "Future X Cops" in Hong Kong yesterday, and the real Da S couldn't stop looking

at the "fake" her. "It does look like me at some angles, some angles are a bit chubbier. The chin, teeth and nose are very similar, looking at my own figure so close is quite frightening." Asked if the body measurements are the same as the real person, she laughed. "They have added some stuff at the front." As for the conservative clothed figurine, which some asked if it would be a waste of her great body, Da S said that the figurine could change clothing and hair at any time. She continued to say that maybe in the future, she could bring a sexy low cut evening gown to switch, and had already taken pictures of the wax figure for her family members to compare, and said "I will bring them to Hong Kong to look at the exhibit when I have an opportunity."

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Arashi's Jun Matsumoto Guested on Shun Oguri's Radio Program!

At the end of March, Shun Oguri (小栗旬) will graduate from the radio program "All Night Nippon (オールナイトニッポン)" on which he has been working from 2007. On this, Arashi's Jun Matsumoto (松本潤) announced suddenly: "If it is going to end, I'll go." and joined the live broadcast as a surprise guest. The two,

who are good friends in private, had deep talk at night and showed an unspoken consensus with each other.

Their first encounter was at the shooting of "Gokusen (ごくせん)". They talked about the first impression on each other and became good friends. Later, they costarred "Hana yori Dango (花より男子)" and spent the whole night in the hotel at Narita airport because of the tight schedule. "I went to Jun's room. Really? In the hotel at Narita airport? Jun Matsumoto brought the whole volume of the comic of 'Hana yori Dango'. And, he said 'Shun, I think this scene is here. I want to read the whole comic, how do you think?' So we talked about like 'this man is doing this at this time...' (laugh)" It seems they talked about the performance at the sleepless night and evidently hit it off with each other.

After the live broadcast, Oguri indicated that he wanted to do something in return for his guesting. And it is said that Oguri's appearance on the drama "Smile (スマイル)" last year was a response to Matsumoto's request as well. Actually, they are not only good friends, but also good working partners as well. Let's look forward to their future collaboration.

musicjapanplus.jp

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Gigi Leung braved the weather to film the commercial

Gigi Leung braved the weather to film the commercial
Wednesday March 24, 2010 Hong Kong



Gigi Lai is the spokesperson for FANCL, skin care products. She was doing a photo shoot for the commercial the day when the temperature was only 8 degree celsius, the coldest day since winter. She braved the weather all day, wearing only a short skirt. That showed her professionalism of her work. Gigi

smiled "In fact, my body was frozen, I could only put on a thick coat when I was not in front of the camera. Fortunately, the camera crew prepared 2 heaters for me."



Source:Wenweipo
Translator: R.E.D @ http://www.asianvn.com

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Park Shin-hye joins cast of new film "Cyrano Agency"

Korean actress Park Shin-hye has joined the cast of new romantic comedy "Cyrano Agency," according to her agency Ava Entertainment on Thursday.

The movie took its motif from French picture "Cyrano de Bergerac" helmed by Jean-Paul Rappeneau and starring French actor Gerard Depardieu.

Park will star in the Korean pic alongside opposite Uhm Tae-woong as matchmakers who work at the same agency.

The film will be helmed by director Kim Hyun-suk who is well-known for directing movies "Scout" and "When Romance Meets Destiny." He was also one of the screen writers for "Joint Security Area."

Park made her debut in 1994 and has starred in numerous dramas and movies including "Stairway to Heaven," "Goong S," and "Minamishineyo." She is also a familiar face in television commercials and music videos.

"Cyrano Agency" is set to begin filming on April 19 and is scheduled for release in September over the Chuseok thanksgiving holidays.

Asiae

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Tavia Yeung - The Equation Of Beauty

Tavia Yeung - The Equation Of Beauty
Source: Ladies Hits Issue 1046
Magazine Scans by: tavia.org
Credits: http://jessie1314.blogspot.com/













Tavia’s performance in [Beyond the Realm of conscience] was a total change from her usual image, and based on this drama, she won the [My Favourite Female Character],[Best actress] and [Best Performance] awards. Her career has reached new heights and she appears to be more confident. She has no problems

handling clothes of different styles and is more feminine when she wears miniskirts. Her success and beauty is due to her confidence and hard work. Her popularity today is not due to chance.

Short Hair

If truth be told, Tavia’s short hair does catch my eye and has a refreshing style which matches her frank personality perfectly; it is not surprising that it received positive comments. All this while, she has kept her long hair; the image of a good person left a deep impression on many. She has a motive for cutting her hair short. “I have always wanted to try keeping short hair and change my image, but because my face is more suited for filming costume dramas, cutting my hair short would appear more modern and broaden myself to different aspects, boldly accepting my new image,” Tavia giggled.

Sexy

In actual fact, Tavia has been working hard to change herself and trying to find her own style. She has struggled a lot in the past for her to be confident today. She was not sexy in the past and resisted wearing singlet. “In the past, I was persistent in my own ways, and feel that I should get the viewers attention through my acting skills. If you want to interview me, you can, but why must I wear so little? As I grow older, and with my manager’s guidance, I began to accept the different styles and become more confident.” The turning point of her beauty began in 2006 when she filmed [Dicey Business]. Due to the requirement of the role, she purposely tanned herself and when she wore sleeveless garment, she left a healthy and beautiful impression; confidence was built up gradually. When she wore a skirt during filming and posed she laughed and said: “Ha! Actually some clothes does not look attractive until you wear it.”

Bargaining

Tavia has her principles when it comes to wearing clothes. She prefers the Japanese style as it looks younger and has a wider variety. She dislikes the hassle; hence she would only patronize specific shops, or if given a chance, go to Japan to buy everything at one go.4 w8 L9 i& N% Y [+ m; W7 E. ^
When shopping in HK, it is unavoidable for people to point fingers, and Tavia says she likes bargaining. “Actually the price does not matter; it is about the process and the sense of achievement. There was a sale at a boutique in Causeway Bay and I shopped for over 3 hours. I bought many accessories and clothes; the bill was over a thousand dollars which means every piece cost about 200dollars.” Her face lit up as she said; she does not mind telling you how ordinary she is, her straightforward personality is rare. Summer is coming, and her style of her clothes will change with her hairstyle. Usually it was feminine, now it is more neutral and mature. This summer she will have a simple and refreshing image; singlet, shorts, and slippers should be her shopping targets.

Skin Maintenance

Tavia has a good figure and smooth and delicate skin which is a result of her hard work. She maintained her figure through exercise and mopping the floor. “Mopping the floor can reduce my mother’s burden, and reduce stress by perspiring, it is a good exercise. She loves doing spa which aids blood circulation, and applies skincare products that tighten the calf and arm areas and keep her figure. Talking about skincare, Tavia has sensitive skin and tends to have pimples more easily and filming requires her to stay up late in the night which causes her skin to be dry and dehydrated, hence she needs to follow the skin cleansing procedures and drink more soup for hydration.

Deep in thought

A busy work schedule, she says that she will reduce stress thoroughly by thinking. “I stay at home whenever I am not working. I want my mind to think of nothing, do nothing, not answer calls, not reply, and not worry about anything, just get enough rest and privacy. Because my job involves too much stress, there is not enough sleep and become haggard and irritable easily. Hence I want to clear my mind and prepare myself for the next job.”

She sets high standards for her job and herself, but fortunately she is optimistic, hence she can finish her job quite easily. For example that day before coming to the studio, she just finished 3 interviews and filming and is still looking good. “I detest taking photographs and make-up but I will self-motivate. You will be interviewed only when you are news-worthy. Hence I will prep myself up for filming so that I can go home early to rest. Actually Tavia is trying her best to fulfill the reporter’s request, to appear feminine and confident on-cam to attain the best results.

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Myolie Wu's Performance In Beauty's Scheme Being Strongly Supported

Myolie Wu's Performance In Beauty's Scheme Being Strongly Supported
Wednesday March 24, 2010 Hong Kong
Credits: to admin @ http://myoliewuhangyee.com/forum



The palace drama, Beauty's Scheme, is produced by the golden scriptwriter, Yu Zheng, with many popular stars being casted in the series. Currently, it is still airing on Shanghai TV Channel. The "Cheung-Yue" romance between Myolie Wu and Feng Shao Feng, which just ended its run in the TV series, even received good reviews from the netizens and audience. According to sources, it was also Myolie Wu's first time taking part in a pure Mainland-produced TV series.

After the success of this first-time trial, she rapidly joined the cast of another Yu Zheng's major production, Happy Mother-in-law Pretty Daughter-in-law, channeling her efforts into entering the Mainland market.

As one of the A-listed Fadans in TVB, Myolie Wu's dramas in Mainland are mostly familiar within the audience, like War-of-in-laws, Triumph in the Skies, The Drive of Life etc. This time, she unprecedentedly took part in a Mainland TV series, but not as the main female lead, making the audience surprised as they tried to fight for more screentime for her. The scriptwriter, Yu Zheng, also revealed that due to Myolie Wu's schedule, thus he was unable to arrange more scenes for her. At the same time, he said that he admired Myolie Wu a lot, and he will definitely continue working with her.

In Beauty's Scheme, Myolie Wu acted as Lui Yue. In history, Lui Yue has no name, but her eternal romance with Lau Cheung had always been complimented by people. Lui Yue was born in a royal family, but because her mother was a concubine, thus when her father died, she was being chased out of the house. She and her mother, a gambling addict, depended on each other for a living. Empress Lui wanted to infiltrate deeply into the Lau royal family, thus she betrothed the daughters from the Lui family to the princes from the Lau family. Lui Yue was betrothed to Lau Cheung, but she won over true love. In addition, in the face of a righteous cause, she chose to stand by her husband. She had a significant contribution towards the final downfall of the Lui reign, thus the Han history was unable to erase her presence away. Moreover, Lau Cheung was devoted towards her, giving up his throne in exchange for her. Thus the couple was loving till the end.

It isn't the first time for Myolie Wu to act in an ancient drama. But it's her first time for an ancient drama using the Han dynasty as its background. In the drama, no matter whether it's the refreshing and subtle outfit, or the meticulously-designed palace clothes and newly-wed bride costume, when it's worn on Myolie Wu, they seemed to look as if they had been custom-made for her. Many audience have said that they haven't seen such a well-bred and quiet Myolie Wu before. At the same time, the romances in the entire Beauty's Scheme had been more melancholic, but for the couple, Lui Yue and Lau Cheung, acted by Myolie and Feng Shao Feng respectively, it was filled with warmth and blissfulness, helping the drama to add some romantic colors.

Though Myolie Wu did not have many scenes, she gave this Lui Yue character the special traits of simple-mindedness, strength and the openness to love and hate, and it was quite memorable to the audience. They also enjoyed the romance between Lau Cheung and Lui Yue. This drama has been receiving high ratings, while Myolie Wu's popularity in Mainland is starting to rise as well. It's believed that in future, the audience can continue to enjoy Myolie Wu's performance in more Mainland TV series.

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A-mei opens concert, both Jay Chou and Show Luo attend

A-mei opens concert, both Jay Chou and Show Luo attend

original source: China Times
translated by minchong92 @ http://asianfanatics.net














On the 19th and 20th, A-mei held two consecutive concerts at Taipei Arena: [AMIT Special Tour]. More than 100 artists went to watch; they included Jay Chou, Show Luo, S.H.E, Patty Hou, Elva Hsiao, Jody Chiang, Xiao S etc.

One could say that the concert was exciting, both onstage and offstage. Jay Chou and Show Luo watched the show on the 19th while S.H.E,

Patty Hou went on the 20th. By chance, it seems that the rumored couplings went separately. As for Jay Chou and Show Luo, this was probably the first time “King met King” ever since Show Luo decided to take Jolin Tsai’s side.

A-mei specially invited her colleagues Show Luo and Elva Hsiao to come. Show Luo watched on the 19th, Elva on the 20th. Two years ago, Jay Chou personally wrote a song for A-mei and thus began their friendship. He promised to bring his juniors Cindy Yen and the Drifters to watch on the 19th.

And so this was the place where Show Luo finally met Jay Chou in five years? Did they exchange greetings? Show said: “Of course! When everyone’s watching AMIT perform, we’re probably really high/excited.”

Jay Chou also commented: “Definitely! Show said hi to everyone he saw.”

When the Double-J romance ended, Show supported Jolin. Later when Jay Chou speculated that all the record sales and awards that Jolin received were bought by EMI, Show also stood by Jolin. There have also been rumors that Jay thinks that Show only became popular by copying him and that the rumors between Jay and Hebe were started by Show himself. When Jay Chou releases his albums, he does not go on Show’s 100% Entertainment either.

　S.H.E is currently performing for their own concert. Yesterday, they were the ending DJs for hitFM. S.H.E expressed that they went on the 20th to see AMIT. Hebe said: “Artistes only need to put on their makeup and get their hair ready in order to enter the concert.” On the other hand, [AMIT Special Tour LIVE DVD] will begin preordering. It will probably be released in June.

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Steven Ma may think about getting married next year

Steven Ma may think about getting married next year
Saturday March 20, 2010 Hong Kong



Steven Ma and Fala Chan are spokesperson for Cite De Louvre Bridal shop. They were on the catwalk doing a wedding fashion show yesterday. Fala accidentally showed her nube Bra. She was very embarrassed when the MC teased her saying that if she would say "I do" when she was singing the karaoke? After the show, the reporter asked Fala if she knew she had exposed herself? She said she didn't know anything about it. Steven laughed and said "I didn't either, otherwise

I would have helped her to cover up." The two said they were very comfortable having the wedding photo shoot. They were not at all embarrassed because they know each other so well. The two treat each other as brother and sister. The reporter asked if it is because they both have their partners, therefore, they are not worried about rumors? Fala didn't reply.

Steven is said to be a member of "Gang of Stephen". Earlier, he attended the costume fitting for a new TV series. Surprisingly, he turned up with his girl friend which is quite rare. It is thought that he wants to mark a clear boundary between him and the "Gang of Stephen". The reporter asked if he is going to marry his girl friend? Steven said "Not this year, may think about it next year."



Source:MingPao
Translator: R.E.D @ http://www.asianvn.com

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Set for American debut, WheeSung “They asked my mother if I’m a black”

Ahead of his American market advance this earlier half of the year, singer WheeSung talks about his thoughts on it. He was on KBS 2TV ‘Talk Show Rock’ recently when he said it.

After singers like Rain, Se7en, BoA and Kim YoonJin, WheeSung is planning to advance into the American market the early half of this year. And he is working with famous producer Rodney Jerkins, it is known that they

have completed a few tracks and even the recording for the songs have completed.

He said, “After the impromptu interview I had, the producer liked my voice very much that he even asked my mother if I’m black. And Rodney Jerkins who were a bit doubtful at first, went on to talk about the plans for producing after hearing me sing.”

He added, “Because Rain, Se7en, BoA and Kim YoonJin had made it to the American market with Hallyu, I don’t feel much burden. I want to succeed.”

Meanwhile, the show will be aired on 23rd March. Also on the show is a scene revealed for the first time on how he and Rodney Jerkins and Neyo had worked on the 2 songs together in LA last July.

S: StarNews + kbites

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Janine Chang won't be awkward when working with Mark Chao again

Janine Chang won't be awkward when working with Mark Chao again

original source: Epoch Times
translated by minchong92 @ http://asianfanatics.net














After Janine Chang was supposedly rejected by Mark Chao, the entire issue has turned around. Both artists have not interacted with each other directly. Rather, it was both of their management companies that released statements. Janine Chang could only continue on promoting her new movie [Fountain of Joys]. She even said:

“This is just like my movie. There is only one truth. Everyone sees something differently and their interpretations of the truth are different.”

From Janine’s side, she was asked during a charity event whether or not she would accept a younger man – older woman relationship. She replied: “I don’t want to reply these ‘what-if’ questions.” But then Janine also commented: “If Mark Chao wants to pursue me, I will accept it.”

However, the misunderstandings are no matter since she will not feel awkward when the two will work together for [Ruffian Hero] in the future.

When reporters pointed out that Mark Chao coughed out loud after he heard of Janice’s confession, Janice asked: “He probably had a cold, didn’t he?”

The press, who attended Mark Chao’s conference that day, then agreed that he was coughing throughout the entire event. Janice then said: “You see, I was right!”

The reporters argued: “Maybe he felt conflicted so he used his cough to stall time.” Janine replied: “Then it’s just as confusing as my movie’s plot.”

The box office sales for Mark Chao’s [Monga] are almost nearing 300,000,000 TWD. On the other hand, Janine Chang does not worry about these comparisons to her movie’s sales. She stated: “The movie genres are different and each individual movie has its own fate.” In [Fountain of Joys], Janine acts as a photographer who likes to peep on things. To prepare for filming the movie, Janine specially took up photography – she traveled to France, England and China to take pics. She took photos of her family and friends. But up to this day, she still has not taken a picture of Mark Chao.

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Jerry Yan’s rags to riches past

Jerry Yan’s rags to riches past










Source : MediaCorp TV,xin.sg

In an interview with NHK news a few days ago, Taiwanese actor-singer Jerry Yan poignantly touched on his growing-up years in a single-parent family.

Before Jerry shot to stardom from his breakout role in Meteor Garden back in 2001, the 33-year-old actor shared that he had an impoverished childhood growing up in a single-parent family. Jerry’s father passed away

due to an illness when the actor was 12 years old, and his mother singlehandedly raised him and his sister up by doing tailoring work.

The suave and charming idol revealed that he started doing odd jobs when he was in Primary 5 to help with the household expenses. He said that the refrigerator at home "was so old that it started to leak electricity" and "cement would sometimes drip from the ceiling at home."

Referring his mother as “the most important woman in my life”, he shared that the deepest impression he had of her was “the view of her back.”

“Mom would always be sitting down for long periods of time while tailoring the clothes and my elder sister and I would be at one corner doing household chores,” he said.

Inspired to provide his mother with a better life, Jerry has no qualms working hard and spending his income on his mother. To shield her from the limelight, he will “reject all promotional events and advertorials that have requested for us to appear together.”

He is the first Chinese star to be interviewed on the NHK program and the episode will be aired in Japan on the 27th this month. He was introduced as one of the “Top Stars” in the Chinese pop culture scene.

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Nicholas Tse won best supporting award, expressed his love for his wife

Nicholas Tse won best supporting award, expressed his love for his wife

Congratulations to Nicholas Tse who has won the best supporting actor in "4th Asian Film Awards Presentation Ceremony" last night. He acted in the film "October Rising-Bodyguards And Assassins" directed by Teddy Chen. When receiving the award, Nicholas publicly expressed his love for his wife Cecilia

by saying "I have to thank my wife, I have been busy working and was hardly at home. She never complained, I love you baby!" Nicholas went on to say as he didn't have his cell phone with his, he couldn't call her to break the good news. He said "I didn't think I would win an award. I just wanted to come along and sit for 3 hours." This is Nicholas's third award, his previous award was New Comer's Award and Golden Rooster Award. His wife is expecting their second child any time now. The reporter asked if the baby brings him good luck? He replied "The baby is not born yet, it is not him."

Source:MingPao
Translator: R.E.D @ http://www.asianvn.com

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Super Junior wows fans

KUALA LUMPUR: South Korean boyband Super Junior wowed 15,000 fans in an electrifying performance at their sell-out concert at Bukit Jalil Putra Stadium.

The boys belted out 35 songs in Korean, Mandarin and English during the three-hour-long concert on Saturday night, delighting

fans with hits such as Who Am I, Super Girl, Shining Star, Sorry Sorry, Wonder Boy and Marry U.

Enthusiastic “ELFs” (short for Ever Lasting Friends used to refer to Super Junior fans) waved glowsticks in pearl sapphire blue – the boybands’ official colour – and screamed wildly throughout the show.

Some even camped out at the concert venue the previous night while others arrived hours before showtime.

All the concert props were flown in from South Korea and the special stage which cost the organisers some RM6mil to build offered the boyband more opportunities to interact with their fans.

Local Mandopop duo Thomas Jack and teen singer Iqwal served as the opening acts at the concert.

The concert marks Super Juniors third official visit to Malaysia.

They featured as guest performers at their label-mate TVXQs 1st Asia Tour in 2007 and were last here to attend the MTV Asia Awards 2008 as well as collect their award as Favourite Artiste (Korea).

The boyband also attended a brief press conference before the concert. Present were the 10 members of the group: Leeteuk, Heechul, Yesung, Shindong, Sungmin, Eunhyuk, Donghae, Siwon, Ryeowook and Kyuhyun.

Debuting in 2005, Super Junior comprises 13 members, which makes them the biggest boyband in the world.

The boys have 19 releases to their name including studio and live albums as well as singles, compilations, soundtrack and various other collaborations.

The concert was organised by Redstar Presents and the event managed by Marctensia with SMEntertainment and Dream Maker as concert supervisors.

Star eCentral

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Louis Koo & Sandra Ng have supernatural power in new film

Louis Koo & Sandra Ng have supernatural power in new film
Tuesday March 23, 2010 Hong Kong



Louis Koo, Sandra Ng and Peter Chan attended "Fantastic Crazy" press conference yesterday. Louis dressed up as an oriental "Batman" and Sandra was in red. They play the role as a couple having supernatural power. Sandra said "Since we both have supernatural power, there are lots of incredible stunts involving waist bending and body stretching. The cups and saucers in

the room were all broken." Louis added "Sure sure." Sandra said Peter, her husband is the film producer, he should be there watching the shooting of the film, but he left half way. Sandra went on to say "In fact, that was the day when the film had its blessing ceremony. He was only there for that occasion. After he had gone, I was more relaxed." Louis said although he and Sandra have worked together a few times, it was the first time they play the role as a couple. He didn't feel very comfortable at first.


Source:MingPao/Wenweipo/Takungpao(image)
Translator: R.E.D @ http://www.asianvn.com

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Moses Chan most afraid of Charmaine Sheh's savageness

Moses Chan most afraid of Charmaine Sheh's savageness
Monday March 22, 2010 Hong Kong
Source: Mingpao, sohu.com (images)
Translated by: aZnangel @ http://asianuniverse.net/fourms/



Yesterday TVB Executive Virgina Lok attended the event leading the FaDan and Siu Sangs Charmaine Sheh, Moses Chan, Raymond Lam, Wayne Lai, Sheren Tang, Nancy Wu, Damien Lau and Jessica Hsuan to introduce some of TVB's new grand production series. These series include , , , and .

Moses admits he's afraid of women
Moses Chan and Charmaine Sheh were not afraid of the rumors, for the promotion, Moses went on stage and openly admitted that he's afraid of women: "I treat all women with love and hate. I'm also

afraid of Charmaine, in the series she's a very savage princess." Asked if his current girlfriend is really savage as well? Moses blushed in embarrassment and said: "I don't know what you are talking about." He expressed that he won't say if he had encountered a savage girlfriend before, he doesn't want to talk about his personal life. Charmaine was asked if she felt she's very savage herself? She said: "Have to ask my ex-boyfriends, but will have to look back to my first love. I currently do not have a boyfriend."

It was reported that artists give expensive gifts to the executives, Charmaine said: "It's not necessary to answer this question because executives aren't allowed to receive such expensive gifts. Please do not hurt innocent people." Asked if she has received birthday party invitation cards with a detailed list of gifts? She said: "I have never received an invitation card, usually its the secretary who calls me to RSVP." Asked what types of gifts she often gives? Charmaine said: "See what the person likes, for example Virgina Lok's birthday, I noticed that she often attends events, so I gave her accessories." Asked if she would give handbags? Charmaine said: "Such an expensive item, she may not accept it, so it may be useless. As for HK$10,000-20,000 gifts, I only did it for my mom before."

Raymond did not get questioned by ICAC
Raymond Lam expressed that he did not get questioned by the ICAC, asked if its because he's not part of the "Stephen Party"? He became embarrassed and immediately denied that he ever gave expensive gifts to executives nor has he ever received a birthday party invitation card with a detailed list of gifts. He said: "I just feel that there is too much made up stories in the news, I hope everyone can do less speculating." Raymond expressed that collaborating with either Mainland or Hong Kong artist is no different, just like its fine for him to find a girlfriend in Mainland. Asked has any Mainland actresses deliberately gotten close to him before? Raymond said: "Most of them are very friendly to me. If not, then it's definitely my problem." He expressed that there won't be an "assistant turn girlfriend" situation happening: "Assistant is just an assistant!"

Sheren Tang's popularity reaches Japan
Sheren expressed that this is an international promotion, has given her more fans in Japan, Wayne smiled: "I hope Sheren can bring me along to charge into Japan, but this time the story is about the Japanese invading China, I think I can only make it into Korea at most!"

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Moses Chan is afraid of women, Charmaine Sheh only buys expensive gift for mom

TVB held a promotion press conference in the "Hong Kong International Film & TV" yesterday. Charmaine Sheh, Moses Chan, Sheren Tang, Raymond Lam and Wayne Lai were all there to promote TVB's upcoming series such as "Can't buy me love", 'Rosy Business: Righteous Sea of Heroic Love","Interpol 2010" and "Growing Through Life".

Charmaine and Moses dressed up in ancient costumes that they wear for filming "Can't buy me love". Moses told the reporters he is afraid of women. When asked if he is really afraid of them?He smiled and said "A little bit, in fact, I love them and hate them."The reporter went on to ask him if he has met one that he is afraid of? He couldn't answer, Charmaine came to the rescue, telling him to say "You can say you are afraid of your mom."

Speaking about the recent rumor that Charmaine has bought a jewelry for Virginia Lok as present, Charmaine said "I don't have to answer this, because senior executives are not allowed to accept expensive gifts anyway. Please don't hurt the innocent people." Reporter asked if she had received birthday invitation card with a present list attached to it? Charmaine replied "I haven't received an invitation card. Usually the secretary deals with that. The reporter went on to ask what type of birthday present she usually buys for people? Charmaine said "That depends what the person likes. For example, I bought Virginia a jewelry because she always attends functions." (Why not a handbag?) Handbag is expensive, she may not accept it, therefore, it is no good. I only buy expensive present for my mom."



Source:MingPao
Translator: R.E.D @ http://www.asianvn.com

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