Thursday, October 29, 2009
Chinese actress Li Bingbing in South Korea
Labels: China Entertainment, Li Bingbing
Aaron Kwok "Murderer" to hit chinese screens
Helmed by first-time director Roy Chow, the film stars awarding-winning Hong Kong actor Aaron Kwok and up-and-coming Taiwanese actress Chun-Ning Chang.
The story evolves around a police officer played by Kwok. As he is about to be promoted, a gruesome series of chain murders occur, and all the evidence indicates he is the criminal.
Called "Saat Yan Faan" in Cantonese, which sounds a bit bloody, the film's Chinese name has been renamed as "Zui Yu Fa," which literally means "Crime and Penalty", to fit the mainland market.
Ivy back on stage after three years
Ivy held a showcase at a club in southern Seoul, Tuesday, as Mnet, the leading cable music channel, broadcast her performance live.
During the showcase, she sang ``Touch Me,'' the flagship song on her third album, which captivated fans with its melody. Ivy also sang ``Goodbye Tears,'' which explains the mind of a woman as she copes with difficulties and yearns for hope, and her 2007 hit song ``Sonata of Temptation.''
A lot of singers and entertainers, including Psy, Solbi and Kim Ji-hoon, were present at the showcase.
During the performance, the 27-year-old said, ``I want to show that I stand on my own feet by overcoming hardship and difficult times. Malignant Internet comments plague me again, but I will work hard for the sake of my parents.''
Ivy has been off the radar since 2007 due to conflicts that arose after her former boyfriend threatened to release sex videos.
She made her debut in 2005 with her first album ``My Sweet and Free Day.'' The album was a minor hit and after a one-year hiatus, she released her second album ``A Sweet Moment,'' which spawned the hit ``Sonata of Temptation.''
Credit: Korea Times
Labels: Ivy, Korean Entertainment, Kpop
Miranda Kerr goes topless again!
Miranda Kerr became a model at the age of 16 when she won the Dolly Magazine competition. She has come a long way now she is one of the main model for Victoria's Secret ligerie line. SHe's currently dating actor Olando Bloom.
The Australian model shows off her curves in a pink two-piece
Miranda Kerr goes topless in a G-string with a flower-inspired accessory sewn on the back
The 26-year-old Australian has stripped down to her underwear again to model the latest lingerie line for the brand's autumn 2009 catalogue.
She has recently been critise by Australian media as being too skinny. Judging from the above picture she does look very thin.
What do you think? Is she too thin?
Labels: Australian Entertainment, Miranda Kerr, Models
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Vicki Zhao's mystery man revealed
However, contrary to reports that she was set to marry a Singaporean businessman, the "Red Cliff" actress' new man is actually Chinese property magnate Huang You Long who has an eight-year-old son.
30-year-old Huang who is known for his Casanova ways, was engaged to former Hong Kong beauty queen Tracy Ip when he was introduced to Zhao - ironically - by his then fiancé.
According to Hong Kong's Next magazine, the Miss Hong Kong 2005 winner was engaged to marry Huang just months after meeting him but postponed the nuptials to focus on her hosting preparations for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
In her absence, Zhao and Huang clicked immediately and the 33-year-old actress was impressed with his generosity and a willingness to start a family.
Last September, Zhao was photographed having dinner with Huang after a publicity event for her movie "Painted Skin". The pair left the restaurant a couple of hours later but Zhao was apparently drunk by then and was seen holding on to Huang for support.
Chinese websites reported that the pair then headed for a late night karaoke session and stayed there till the next morning.
Of late, Huang has been spending a considerable amount of time in France and Zhao reportedly flew over to accompany him after attending the Cannes Film Festival this May.
Eventually, the calling of love proved too strong for Zhao as she became the third party between Ip and Huang’s relationship. The couple reportedly travelled to Singapore in August this year to register their marriage.
Meanwhile, apart from losing her fiancé, Ip is facing the possibility of losing her money.
After their breakup, Huang told Ip to return all the profits she earned - more than 10 million yuan (S$2 million) - from her investments using capital from him.
Ip who was heartbroken after the split, has suffered drastic weight loss and had to seek refuge in Britain for a month to fully recuperate before heading back to Hong Kong.
When the Hong Kong media informed her about Zhao and Huang's marriage, she appeared surprised and told the press to "convey her congratulations to them".
When asked if she is angry with Zhao, Ip replied, "I'm very happy right now."
Taiwanese fans welcome Andy at the airport
Since the marriage of heavenly king Andy Lau being exposed two months ago, he touched down in Taiwan for the first time with large group of media waiting and jam packed the airport yesterday.
Andy was surrounded by the media, when he was asked if he was going to announce any good news as in his wife is pregnant? He sighed and expressed: “This is my private matter, sorry, this is the matter between myself and the person I love,….therefore I won’t be discussing about this.” Yes, he is absolutely right about it! It is nobody's business. You know he should have been straight forward from the beginning, it would have saved him a lot of heart aches and stress!
When Andy appeared, the awaiting fans screamed and went forward to give him presents and send him regards. In between someone shouted: “We’ll support you forever”, some fans held banners with writings “Andy, Taiwan fans support you all our life” which touched Andy.
According to udn news, close to 100 fans went to receive him at the airport, Andy whom dressed causally show off his friendliness by taking his own initiative to walk towards the fans after walking out of the gate, he collected flowers, presents and didn’t reject requests of shaking hands and autographs.
Despite just attending the start shooting ceremony of New Shaolin Temple, Andy looked fresh and was full of smile, reminding the media not to push and beware of their own safety.
Andy told fans during the 88 Typhoon fund raising event, asking them to save the air ticket and travel fees to donate to the charity and he is willing to jet over to Taiwan for a fan gathering, this is his fulfilling his promise to Andy World Club members. He teared about 1.5 hours meeting the fans and said: “Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of myself.”
This gathering with his “family members” last for 3 hours, Andy sang and managed to take photographs with 800 fans, chatted with them, hugged them as he hope that the family members will be happy, healthy.
Professional photographers help Andy and his fans took photographs as he quipped that these photographs were too intimate and remind them not to upload the photograph to the Internet.
Throughout the gathering, Andy did not talked about his marriage and when he was asked if he would come to Taiwan for the Golden Horse Film Awards, he said: “I’m not sure, let’s see if I have the time.” Despite not taking about the sensitive topic about children, but Andy also show his fatherly side by carrying a little girl.
After the gathering, Andy immediately rushed to the airport to catch the 8pm flight thus he does not have the time to taste the good food in Taiwan, luckily the crew members prepared his favorite rice balls, soy bean drink and fruits for him. Before entering the custom gate, he reminded fans not to follow him and get into trouble with the media.
Andy stayed in Taiwan for a total of 9 hours and did not accept any interviews, 12 security guards were also hired to guard to entrance and exit of his fan gathering.
The low profile Andy left a message on his website on 19 October expressing the weather is comfortable and cool, however his skin is itchy and thus remind himself to take good care of his own skin when shooting of New Shaolin Temple starts at the end of the year. He also asked for skin care tips from fans. In another message, he talked about the couple whom in danger of losing their life because of pregnancy, Andy feel for them and show his support for them as he anticipating for a miracle.
There is a possibility that Andy would shave his head for the shooting of New Shaolin Temple, Andy’s manager revealed: “If it is requested, Andy will accommodate the request as he had previously shaved his head for Running On Karma and The Warlords, thus there is a possibility.”
News from: ent.qq.com, Liberty Times, udn news, Ta Kung Po, Wei Wen Po, Ming Pao, Sing Tao News, Apple Daily New
Labels: Andy Lau, Hong Kong Entertainment
BIG BANG new MV "Let me hear your voice"
Big Bang fans... check out their new music video. I know my niece will scream when she sees this!!
Labels: Big Bang, Korean Entertainment, Kpop
Ekin Cheng maybe broke because of girlfriend Yoyo Mung
According to a Hong Kong magazine, Cheng’s actress girlfriend Yoyo Mung's compulsive gambling and her penchant for high-risk investments had almost wiped out his savings during the recent economic downturn. And this is also threatening to break up the couple of three years.
According to media reports, Mung who was recently in Macau to shoot a television drama series, could not keep away from the casino. While waiting to shoot her scenes, she would go try her luck at the tables, starting with $10 bets then slowing raising her stakes as she lost. The actress was so caught up in the action that she refused to leave when it was her turn to shoot her scenes. And when she eventually did, she dropped what she was doing and made her way back to the casino after hearing that fellow actress Fala Chan had made a windfall.
The 34-year-old actress is also a mahjong fan and would often indulge in long mahjong sessions with her friends, sometimes playing late into the night. It proved to be the final straw for Cheng who in a huff, told Mung to move out of their new apartment. To appease Cheng, Mung accompanied him on a vacation to Okinawa, Japan, and even promised to quit gambling. However despite her apologies, Cheng was wary of her gambling habit and their frosty relationship did not improve after their trip.
According to Cheng's close friends, a break-up was on the cards long ago and they feel sorry for him, "Ekin has mentioned several times that he thought of breaking up with Yoyo. However, Yoyo was so persistent and even swore that she would quit gambling and mahjong. Ekin tends to be more hesitant and that is why they are still in the relationship." Even though there hasn't been any clarification from either party, the couple have dropped subtle hints about their rocky relationship.
On his sudden comeback, Cheng said that the time was right, adding that he had never mentioned plans to retire. He also shot down marriage rumours, saying he has no intention of settling down just yet. Mung also threw the marriage equation out of the window when asked about her future with Cheng.
"I'm not in a hurry at the moment. My career comes first. Furthermore, Ekin is afraid of all the trouble so we do not have plans to get married in the near future," she said.
- CNA/fa
Labels: Ekin Cheng, Hong Kong Entertainment, Yoyo Mung
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Rain's interview on CNN will go to air tomorrow
CNN had invited the singer to appear on the show during last week's "Eye on South Korea", a week-long special program focusing on various aspects of the country including its economy and culture.
During the interview, Rain sat down with CNN anchorwoman Anna Coren and talked about various topics including his career, his mother's death and working in Hollywood, J.Tune Entertainment.
The singer talked about his mother passing away when he was 18, saying that she had wanted him to study but as he idolized Michael Jackson and wanted to dance, he always had regrets about not giving her what she wanted. He also talked about his early years, when he was rejected at 12 auditions for his looks. The singer credits JYP Entertainment founder and singer Park Jin-young for the many changes in his life which enabled him to perform on television.
When asked about being selected as the Most Influential Person by TIME Magazine in 2007, Rain answered that it was "unbelievable" and opened many doors for him in Hollywood. He also talked about appearing in his first Hollywood movie "Speed Racer" in 2008 and the upcoming action flick "Ninja Assassin".
Rain started his career with major talenthouse JYP Entertainment but left the agency in November 2007 to start his own entertainment company J. Tune Entertainment. He has released several albums in Korea and starred in movies and TV series, most notably dramas "Full House" and "Sang Doo! Let's Go To School." He starred in a Wachowski Brothers production "Ninja Assassin", which is set for a worldwide release in November.
The interview is set to air Wednesday on CNN at 9:30 p.m.
Labels: Korean Entertainment, Rain
Lee Byung-hun to promote Korea Tourism
The actor will star in the "2009 Korea Tourism Promotion Video", which is produced by Korea Tourism Organization (KTO)."In this video, Lee will work with Japanese actress Kuriyama Chiaki who was very impressive in the movie 'Kill Bill'", an official at KTO was quoted as saying.
Korean-American Hollywood actress Moon Bloodgood, who was appointed the honorary PR ambassador for KTO in August, is also set to make a special appearance.
KTO produces a promotion video every year to promote Korea's tourism and shoots at many different locations around the country including Seoul, Pusan, Jeju, Jeonju, Gongju and Hadong. The video, which will be completed by next month, is set to be released in Japan and U.S. early next year.
Labels: Korean Entertainment, Lee Byung-hun
Maggie Q attends Middle East International Film Festival
Tian Zhuangzhuang, a renowned Chinese moviemaker, attended the premiere of his new movie in the 2009 Middle East International Film Festival (MEIFF) in Abu Dhabi on Oct 16, capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Maggie Q, a Hawaiian-born actress and former fashion model, and Japanese actor Joe Odagiri also appeared in the premiere of the movie, the Warrior and the Wolf, in the Emirates Palace Hotel.
"I played a village woman in the film with Joe, who is on the red carpet now," said Maggie Q, who was born to an American father and a Vietnamese mother in 1979. "It's really an emotional story," she added.
Tian, one of the key figures of the so-called "Fifth Generation" moviemakers in China, said that in spite of the MEIFF's short history, the annual event was of great significance for the development of the region's movie industry.
"I think if it (the film festival) can really help the Middle East's movie industry develop well, it will be a very significant and valuable event, as the Middle East's movie production is comparatively small and has little influence on the world as a whole," he told Xinhua.
The director also said he hoped that more Chinese movies would be brought to the region so that local people could get a deeper understanding of China.
"In fact, movies are a kind of cultural exchange. I hope more people in the region will give attention to Chinese movies," he said.
Movie critics have said the Worrier and the Wolf, Tian's latest work, is a significant departure from the meditative movies he is best known for, such as the Horse Thief and the Springtime in a Small Town. The movie is a magic tale about a brave soldier and a mysterious widow, who has the power to take his mind to a place of legends in ancient China.
A total of 129 movies from 49 countries or regions were screened during the 10-day festival, an annual event established in 2007.
source: sina/ xinhua
Monday, October 26, 2009
Sheren Tang and Wayne Lau to film "Rosy Business" sequel
Source: Wenweipo/Mingpao(image)
Nicky Wu costly divorce from Ma Ya Shu
The pair had already filed for a divorce agreement at the end of last year but was too busy to finalise the procedure in Kunming, China, where they had registered their marriage, due to their work schedule.
According to China media reports, the two of them returned to Kunming on Tuesday to officially sign the separation papers. In addition to the alimony fees, Wu also transferred the ownership of his property, which is valued at around 10 million yuan, to Ma. There has not been any confirmations from Wu in regards to the total amount, but based on his work schedules, the massive alimony fees might have spurred him to accept more projects to ease his financial load.
In recent times, the singer-actor has been juggling both endorsements and filming. He took up a battery and an undergarment endorsement, which raked in more than two million yuan. During the same period of time, he was also filming for a periodic television drama. Wu's close friends have pointed out that "he has no choice but to start all over again".
Couple of days back, Wu participated in a charity show and sang "Destiny", which he commented was his favourite song. Outsiders believed that he was actually using the song to reflect his failed marriage.
Wu and Ma married in 2006 amidst criticism that Ma was the third party in Wu's previous relationship with Hong Kong actress Ada Choi. This time round, it was again rumoured that a third party was the cause of their divorce.
Last year, Ma was reportedly seen checking into a hotel in Hengdian, China, with a Caucasian man only identified as James, and did not leave the premises for three days. Netizens have been sharpening their knives and criticised Ma for her two-timing ways. Some even said they plan to boycott all her dramas. The Chinese actress said that she has heard of the boycott but will not be bothered by the comments.
"I am definitely feeling the pressure but sometimes I wonder why I am giving myself this pressure. I would rather relax and live my own life," she said in Mandarin.
"For everyone that hates me, there is also someone out there who loves me. I'm going to live for the person who loves me."
In regards to the harsh criticisms, she took it in her stride: "It is always the same people who are leaving their comments and these people aren't any great poets or authors. I will not be reading their comments." She also added that she is not able to please everyone but what matters most to her is to touch the person who loves her.
- CNA/fn/yb
Labels: Nicky Wu, Taiwanese Entertainment
Kpop "Wonder Girls" eyeing China
The girl band's hit single "Nobody" entered the chart at number 76, putting them ahead of Carrie Underwood (#77), Five for Fighting (#83) and Usher (#92).
A press release by the group's agency JYP Entertainment said Thursday this is the first time any Koreans has ever placed on the chart in all its 115-year history.
The Billboard rankings are determined by an artiste's number of airplays, album sales, as well as digital downloads.
Reports said "Nobody" also outsold singles by pop stars Madonna and Shakira, with over 30,000 copies off the shelves in the same week. The five-piece girl group also toured with popular US boyband Jonas Brothers as their opening act for 53 concerts.
With success in America, and parts of Asia already under their charm, the Wonder Girls are looking to conquer the massive Chinese market next. The band will be making its foray into China later this month during the Mobile Festival in Beijing, alongside other famous faces such as Jackie Chan and Zhang Ziyi.
"Nobody" was originally released in the girls' native language Korean, and later remade into English for their US debut. This time, the hit single will undergo a third release – in Mandarin – for the Wonder Girls' venture into China.
- CNA/yb
Labels: Korean Entertainment, Kpop, Wonder Girls
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Hiroyuki Sanada to appear in final season of Lost
Sung Yuri debut movie "Maybe" to hit screen Oct 22
This is Sung Yu-ri first attempt in a movie role. "Maybe", a film features Sung as May, a Korean-American adoptee who returns to her native country to find her birth parents. During her trip, she meets taxi driver Eun-seol (Jang), who has a rare heart disease that could cause him to die any second. (Sounds like a typical Kdrama plot). The two build a friendship and help each other out along the way.
The singer-turned-actress has appeared on numerous TV dramas (her latest drama "Swallow the Sun") said “It’s still strange to see myself on a movie screen, but I’m happy that I was able to be a part of this project”.
The film opens nationwide on Oct. 22.
Canadian rock singer Avril Lavigne to divorce
"I admire Deryck and have a great amount of respect for him. He is the most amazing person I know and I love him with all my heart. Deryck and I are separating and moving forward on a positive note."
Lavigne filed for the divorce in Los Angeles on Friday citing "irreconcilable differences" according to People.com.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Charlene Choi EP "Another Me" album
Labels: Charlene Choi, Cpop, Hong Kong Entertainment
Jimmy Lin announced he's a father on his birthday
Taiwanese actor/singer Jimmy Lin on Oct 15 announced that he has recently became a father. On his 35th birthday celebration, in front of many fans he made this announcement which caught the media by surprise as previously there were rumours that his girlfriend/ model Kelly Chen given birth but the rumour was denied.
Jimmy said that his girlfriend of 5 years gave birth to a 3.095 kg baby boy and both mother and bub are well. This is the first time he has confirmed that he's dating Kelly Chen and proudly showing off photos of his 1 month old baby.
At his birthday celebration, Jimmy expressed that after being in the industry for 17 years, he’s received a lot of attention for every step he makes. He also talked about his own family; having come from a single-parent family, Jimmy choked back tears, expressing that it was very hard on his father to raise all 3 boys by himself. And from when he was little, Jimmy’s own wish was that he could have a happy family, but being a public figure, he had to protect his privacy.
However, he cannot hide the excitement of becoming a father, he yelled “I’m a father now!” showing how proud he is at becoming a father.
Jimmy’s son was born on the 15th of September, weighing 3095 grams. Jimmy said very happily that he is healthy, loves to move around, loves to smile and his eyes are very mesmerising. Jimmy wanted to share this good news with everyone, and he even brought along photos of his son to share with his fans and the media. While showing off the photos, Jimmy yelled again: “I want to share with you guys how proud I feel!”
Labels: Jimmy Lin, Taiwanese Entertainment
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
G-Dragon to hold solo concert in December
YG added that the 21-year-old songwriter, rapper and singer has started practicing all night everyday to prepare for his concert which he is also engaged in directing. G-Dragon had topped music charts over the summer with his first solo single "Heartbreaker" which has sold over 200,000 million copies so far, the highest number by a solo artist this year.
YG went on to explain that, like they did early this year with Big Bang's concert, they will not hand out tickets on invite for G-Dragon's concert either in consideration of the fans. All 50,000 seats for the five-member idol group's performance in January had sold out within minutes of going on sale.
"We will invest all we can into the stage, lights and sound for G-Dragon's performance to create the best concert," said YG.
Labels: G-Dragon, Korean Entertainment, Kpop
"Good Morning President" Jang Dong-gun
Labels: Jang Dong-gun, Korean Entertainment