KPOP STAR GOSSIP: July 2012

Jul 31, 2012

Vanessa Bryant: Furious With Kobe Over Shirtless Partying Pics!

Kobe Bryant's wife Vanessa is reportedly livid with the NBA star over pics of him partying with women in Spain last week, but is standing by him ... for now.

Vanessa Bryant flew to watch him play in the London Olympics as planned.

Sources close to Vanessa say she is "furious" and "embarrassed" over the photos of Kobe chatting up women at a party last week in Barcelona.

Here's one TMZ photo of Kobe and the girls in question at a nightclub:

Reportedly, Vanessa's anger at Kobe is not because she thinks he was putting it to those girls, but for being in a potentially embarrassing situation.

Whatever you want to make of that, Vanessa Bryant was pissed.

As for the fact that Kobe's shirtless, but he says someone spilled a drink on him, and he was only briefly shirtless before changing into a new shirt.

Add that to your book of excuses, guys.

The couple all but finalized their divorce earlier this year before reconciling, so you know this really didn't go over well. Still, she'll be by his side in London.

Vanessa reportedly says things have been going well with the basketball great since she called off the divorce, and feels this hurdle will be cleared as well.

Conor McCreedy: Dating Paris Hilton!

Paris Hilton's mystery man has just been revealed!

In related news, Paris Hilton has a mystery man.

According to recent reports, the socialite / reality star / aspiring DJ was spotted at famously expensive club Les Caves du Roy in St. Tropez, France, chatting all night with South African artist Conor McCreedy. Here's a pic of them:

Seen here pictured here looking close at the exclusive club, Paris was even seen planting a kiss on the artist's cheek. Breaking news, we know.

In May Paris was dumped by Afrojack. Prior to that, she was in a long-term relationship with Vegas businessman Cy Waits. Prior to that, we kinda forget.

Anyway, yeah. You're caught up on Paris.

Who has the looks to background?

Netizens are taking interest in the rank of the entertainment "Mother"s friend son'.
Attention focused on this subject when ZE:A - Children of Empire member Hwang Kwang-hee mentioned co-member Park Hyeong-sik as the "son of A brand imported cars" on the MBC TV program "Radio Star".

Park Hyeong-sik's father is the CEO of BMW Korea. Hwang Kwang-hee stated, "Hyeong-sik's family is affluent enough that he doesn't have to worry about fame or be impatient". Super Junior Choi Si-won's father is Choi Ki-ho, owner of the Boryeong Medians and A Pink Hong Yoo-kyeong's father is Hong Ha-jong, the CEO of DSR Jekang.

Actor Yoon Tae-yeong is the son of Yoon Jong-yong, vice-president of Samsung Electronics. Kang Dong-won's father is Kang Cheol-woo who is already famous for being the vice-president of shipping company SPP which stands within ranking 10 of the world's bests. Lee Philip's father is Lee Soo-dong, chairman of STG, an American IT company.

Another hidden 'son of mother's friend' is singer Kim Jong-wook who is the son of Chairman Kim Gwang-jin of Hyundai Swiss Savings Bank. Former Click B member Yoo Ho-seok is the son of a CEO of an American company which was once introduced in the Young Treat.

To the Beautiful You

Title: 아름다운 그대에게 / To the Beautiful You
Chinese Title: 給美麗的你
Also Known as: Hana Kimi (Korean Version)
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Episodes: 16 (To Be Confirmed)
Broadcast network: SBS
Broadcast period: 2012-Aug-15 to 2012-Oct-04
Air time: Wednesday & Thursday 21:55

Synopsis

This drama is based on Hisaya Nakajo‘s manga series “Hana Kimi“ which was published by Hakusensha from 1996 to 2004.
The series centers on Goo Joo Hee (Choi Seol Ri), a Korean girl who lives in the United States. One day, she sees a track and field competition on TV, and becomes attracted to one of the high jump competitors, Kang Tae Joon (Min Ho). She begins to idolize the young athlete and eventually transfers to Korea to attend the same school that Tae Joon attends after he suffers an accident that could potentially end his career. However, Tae Joon attends an all-boys high school and Jae Hee must disguise herself as a boy to enter.

Cast

Main Cast

Min Ho as Kang Tae Joon
Choi Seol Ri as Goo Jae Hee
Lee Hyun Woo as Cha Eun Kyul
Kim Ji Won as Seol Ha Na
Suh Joon Young as Ha Seung Ri
Kang Ha Neul as Joo Ji Chul
Hwang Kwang Hee as Song Jong Min
Supporting Cast
Yoo Min Kyu as Young Mahn
Kim Yi An as Na Cheol Soo
Ki Tae Young as Jang Min Woo
Lee Young Eun as Lee So Jung (Korean teacher)
Kang Kyung Joon as Athletic team coach
Lee Han Wie as Hwang Gye Bong
Sun Woo Jae Duk as Kang Geun Wook
Jung Eun Joo as Hwang Bo hee
Ahn Hye Kyung as Yang Seo Yoon (Sports reporter)
Lee Ah Hyun as Jang (Sport Company Director)
Julian Kang as Daniel (Jae Hee’s brother)
Ko So Young as President Lee

Production Credits

Production Company: SM Entertainment
Director: Jun Ki Sang
Screenwriter: Lee Young Chul

Petition asking for the disbandment of T-ara gains over 71,700 signatures

With more and more individuals growing frustrated over the controversy that first surfaced with the controversial tweets of the T-ara members and the announcement of Hwayoung‘s contract termination with Core Contents Media, criticisms have been pouring in for the girl group.

A petition has even been created online asking for the disbanding of the group, with the title, “Petition for the Disbanding of T-ara“. The petition’s description states, “As a group who does not take the stage seriously, and as a group who is taking the lead in the spread of bullying, a big social problem, we ask for the disbanding of this group. It seems the time has come for T-ara, a group who doesn’t even greet their sunbaes if they don’t believe the other artist to be popular enough, to face the verdict of the public. Please dissolve this group.”

The petition has so far gained over 71,700 online signatures with numbers rising quickly.

What are your thoughts on the issue?

Special miss A themed theater opens in China

For the first time ever, a miss A branded theater has opened in Shenyang, China. JYP Entertainment has sent allkpop pictures and details from the press conference held in commemoration of the opening.

According to the agency, on July 28th several officials from the press attended the event along with miss A, who performed their hit tracks like “Touch“, “Good Bye Baby“, and “Bad Girl Good Girl” for the fans who had shown up. Four were specially chosen to receive autographed CDs and a picture opportunity with the group.

The theater is located in one of the busiest streets in Shenyang. Many people have visited the street throughout the weekends, and more K-Pop fans are expected to come to see the first ever ‘brand theater’ in China.

The theater holds 180 seats and is decorated with large miss A logos on each of the walls. Four special miss A seats are also available. While waiting for their movie to start, fans can enjoy various miss A related video and music contents. The theater will run for at least a year.

JYP Entertainment stated, “The opening of the theater is a reflection of miss A’s popularity in China and their status as K-Pop leaders in the area. We ask that you continue to give them your support.”

CEO Kim Kwang Soo meets with the parents of Hwayoung and Hyoyoung

Core Contents Media’s CEO Kim Kwang Soo has demanded that the media cease reporting unconfirmed news regarding T-ara.

On July 31st, he was interviewed by Star News where he revealed that he met with the parents of Hwayoung and Hyoyoung and asked reporters to only report the facts for their sake.
He expressed, “After checking with T-ara’s backdancer team, I was able to confirm that the post claiming to be T-ara’s backdancer was indeed false, as with the content. The reason I terminated Hwayoung’s contract yesterday was because of her tendency to act out, such as refusing to perform on a live broadcast. The decision was made as a reflection of the opinions of T-ara’s staff. However, I believe that this decision will better aid Hwayoung in becoming a better artist.”

He continued, “Like I said yesterday, this decision has nothing to do with the bullying rumors going around. Because of the haters that are spreading rumors, the situation has taken a route of its own. These hateful lies are continuing to spread online, which is only making it harder for T-ara and Hwayoung.”

Kim Kwang Soo added, “I met with Hwayoung and Hyoyoung’s parents yesterday to explain to them my decision, and they were understanding of it. They wished for the best for both T-ara and Hwayoung, so it’s making it greatly difficult for both her parents and T-ara to see these unconfirmed stories coming up on the internet.”

Core Contents Media further emphasized, “We ask that all articles in relation to T-ara be confirmed through our company before they are released on the internet.”

[BREAKING] CCM announces Hwayoung will leave T-ara

T-ara‘s parent company Core Contents Media announced today that one of its members, Hwayoung, will be leaving the group.

CCM’s CEO, Kim Kwang Soo, announced the departure in a press release written by the president himself. “In deference to the complaints by T-ara’s staff of 19 people (5 stylists, 7 hair & makeup, 5 on-site managers, 2 team managers), Hwayoung’s contract as an artist will be voided effective immediately with no conditions.”

Kim Kwang Soo denied any correlation with the recent controversy that erupted following tweets from the T-ara members that were interpreted by many as one-sided bullying against Hwayoung. “We wish to impress upon the fact that this has nothing to do with the ‘bullying’ reports surrounding T-ara,” CCM said. “Although the staff of Core Contents Media stayed up into early morning discussing with the T-ara members who all wanted to stay with Hwayoung, we apologize in saying that we could not forsake the arguments of the staff members.”

“We deeply apologize for the many incidents which made everyone who loved T-ara nervous and worried, and we have nothing but sadness to convey such an unsettling incident on their third anniverary. We also apologize again to the T-ara members and wish Hwayoung all the best as a powerful rapper,” CCM continued, “since Hwayoung has great potential as a rapper we decided to end her contract without conditions and we believe that she will grow into the future as a free artist.”

Hwayoung was with T-ara for 20 months, leaving original members Boram, Qri, Eunjung, Soyeon, Hyomin, and Jiyeon, as well as new member Ahreum.

Robert Pattinson: Kristen Stewart’s Apology Was ‘Totally Unacceptable’ — Report

Robert Pattinson is a pretty private guy but the whole world now knows about Kristen’s affair with a married man. Although she issued a public apology, Rob is ‘horrified’ and thinks it was ‘totally unacceptable’ for Kristen to go public with what should have been a private matter.

Robert Pattinson recently revealed he doesn’t understand why people cheat, so when photos surfaced of girlfriend Kristen Stewart kissing her Snow White and the Huntsman director Rupert Sanders, Rob was devastated.

“[Rob] was horrified that she issued a public apology to him. It was even more surprising because the two of them had this very specific personal agreement about not ‘going public’ with their relationship, until they both agreed it was the right time,” a source told Perez Hilton.

“To do it this way — apologizing for cheating on him — ended up being totally unacceptable.”
Rob was head over heels in love with Kristen — close to proposing, in fact — so this news is a horrific blow to his heart and ego. Moving trucks were spotted at the home Kristen and Rob once shared on July 29, so the couple is definitely taking some time apart.

“He is still in total shock, but Rob is a very, very proud man. And Kristen knew how he feels about remaining faithful, loyalty and commitment.”

What do YOU think, HollywoodLifers?

Rihanna Is Texting Chris Brown Private, Sexy Bikini Pictures

Rihanna is sending Chris sexy photos of herself all the time, a source reveals to HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY. She want him back! Read on for the inside scoop.

Rihanna and Chris Brown have been playing flirty games with each other for quite some time now. And as a source reveals, Rihanna is usually the instigator.

“Rihanna is something else, man,” a source close to Chris tells HollywoodLife.com exclusively. “[She's] putting it out there on a platter for him, and sometimes he bites and sometimes he [doesn't.]“

According to our source, Rihanna, 24, recently sent Chris, 23, a picture of herself in a bikini “and it made him smile.” The source says, “It’s the same thing all the time…The sexy little tweets, the bikini texts, the booty shots, she can’t get enough.”

“He low-key likes it and [high-key] likes her,” our source says. But it seems like most of Chris’ friends are ready for the games to end and for Chris and Rihanna to get back together officially. “So there you go – two f***ing crazy…people who [are] trying to make this s*** work. I’m hoping it’s one day soon [because] this…is just too much. Just…be real about [it.] Come on out to everyone. Just get it over with.”

What do you think, HollywoodLifers? Do you want Chris and Rihanna to end the games and be a real couple again?

Kris Jenner: You Should NEVER Have Told Bruce Jenner About Your Ex-Lover Date

Kris Jenner – you have ONLY considered yourself when indulging your ridiculous NEED for closure on an affair that ended 23 years ago!

Kris Jenner – insisting on meeting your ex-lover Todd Waterman, the man who destroyed your first marriage to Robert Kardashian, was the height of selfishishness .

But then actually waking up your sleeping husband Bruce Jenner, insisting he come downstairs and then confessing that you just had dinner with your ex-lover behind his back, takes self-centeredness to a whole new level!

All through your family-sabotaging mission to meet up with younger ex lover Todd Waterman, you’ve justified your hurtful behavior by saying that you needed “closure.”

Why you needed closure on an illicit affair that ended disastrously 23 years ago has mystified everyone you know since you started blabbing on and on about it. Your visibly upset three older daughters and Bruce all told you in the clearest words possible that you shouldn’t, under any circumstances do it!

But despite Bruce forbidding you to see Todd and Khloe, Kim and Kourtney begging you not to — you did it anyway.

That’s really cruel and insensitive in itself, but then you made it far worse and far more marriage-destroying when you dragged Bruce out of bed and TOLD him !

There are times in a marriage when honesty is NOT the best policy and this was one of those times.
Kris you should have kept your self-indulgent dinner with swarmy Todd Waterman to yourself, instead of hurtfully announcing it to Bruce and Kylie.

Honestly, did they REALLY need to hear you be all excited about it?

Poor Kylie who just happened to be in the kitchen when you forced Bruce to wake up to hear your ridiculous confession, looked completely baffled and upset.

Kylie was an innocent bystander to what turned out to be an ugly confrontation between you and Bruce.

“Explain to me why you saw this a**hole,” a visibly upset Bruce yelled at you (good question).

“What an idiot you are. I don’t even know how I can trust you,” he added.

These are not the kind of words a 14 year -old should have to hear between her mom and dad.

And Bruce had no urgent need or any need at all to know that you had ignored his order not to see Todd. He felt a lot better NOT knowing.

“I feel this urgency to wake Bruce up and tell him exactly what happened tonight because I don’t want to let one more minute to go by and not let him know exactly how I feel,” you spouted. “I’ve had a revelation!”
Really Kris,it only hurt Bruce to know that you were emotionally cheating on him.
Instead, you forced him to listen as you announced: “I wanted to tell you that I realized that I appreciate you a lot more. I may have been fantasizing about someone for the last twenty-three years that didn’t really deserve that recognition.”
Kris – this just insulted Bruce in multiple ways. You #1) told him that you went behind his back and saw Todd, #2) you basically just told him that you weren’t appreciating him before seeing Todd and #3) you confessed to Bruce that you’ve been fantasizing about Todd for 23 years.

In other words, you just slapped Bruce three times!

No wonder Bruce told you: “I don’t need to hear this bulls**t! He didn’t – he was being honest.

Kris – the bottom line is that Bruce didn’t need to hear your B.S. and neither did Kylie.

You unloaded on him, to ease your own guilt about your treacherous and unloving behavior.

You felt guilty because Bruce was right – Todd was an a**hole, who tried to get you back in bed after 23 years, when you met him for dinner.

You finally realized that he was just a creep and that you almost blew your marriage over a serial cheater.

The thing is – there are some secrets that are best kept secret.

Kris – this is the kind of betrayal that could have led to a divorce.

Kris – you could have kept your illicit dinner to yourself and made everyone else A LOT happier! What do you think Hollywoodlifers?

Kristen Stewart & Rupert Sanders In Never-Before-Seen Cheating Pics

HollywoodLife.com is absolutely shocked with these new pics of Kristen and Rupert from their July 17 cheating-fest all over LA. Rupert is all over her and they look really into each other!

Kristen Stewart is such a cheater! These new pics are even worse than the initial pics that Us Weekly obtained when they uncovered Kristen and Rupert Sanders‘ affair. In these never-before-seen pics, Kristen and Rupert are smiling, hugging, and all over each other!

These new pics show how Kristen and Rupert spent quite a bit of time at the lookout point near the famous Hollywood sign. Kristen is dressed down in sweats and red converse sneakers. It appears that she looks relaxed and happy to be with Rupert. Plus, Rupert has his hands all over Kristen, these must be heartbreaking for Rob to look at.

Meanwhile, we told you that Rupert’s wife Liberty Ross is forgiving him and trying to work out the marriage. Kristen and Rob on the other hand, have moved out of the LA home they shared together.

Kristen Stewart’s Cheating Has Ruined Robert Pattinson’s ‘Twilight’ Experience

Kristen’s cheating has hurt Rob deeply, even affecting how Rob looks back on his time working on the ‘Twilight’ franchise, a source reveals to HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY. Read on for the inside scoop!

When Kristen Stewart cheated on Robert Pattinson with her director, Rupert Sanders, she broke poor Rob’s heart. But beyond breaking his heart, a source reveals that she’s ruined the memories he has of his experience filming the Twilight films.

It’s no secret that Rob has taken this betrayal of trust hard, and understandably so, but as a source close to Rob, 26, reveals exclusively to HollywoodLife.com, he’s been so hurt, he won’t even be able to watch some of his work anymore. “Twilight is officially ruined for him, and he will probably never watch the films again,” our source says.

This doesn’t sound too promising for Breaking Dawn, Pt. 2, the final film in the Twilight saga, which is due to premiere this November. Executives are reportedly in a panic over how this scandal will affect the film, and Rob’s new attitude toward the series can’t be doing much to calm their fears.
What do you think, HollywoodLifers? Are YOU surprised that Rob is letting this affect his memories of the films?

Kate Upton: I'm Not Going to Starve to Be Thin

Promoting a positive body image is something we think is hugely important here at MBG. If you haven't heard about this yet, 20-year-old model, Kate Upton, was recently slammed for her weight by a pro-skinny website. (Yes, this is ridiculous.) Here's what they said about Kate:

Huge thighs, NO waist, big fat floppy boobs, terrible body definition – she looks like a squishy brick. Is this what American women are “striving” for now? The lazy, lardy look? Have we really gotten so fat in this country that Kate is the best we can aim for? Sorry, but: eww!

Are you serious???

If there's a silver lining here, it's that Kate isn't letting this slide. She tells The Daily Mail:

‘It was hard when I was first in the industry and people were like: “No, you are fat.”

‘But my body is something that you have to work out and eat healthily for. I’m not doing drugs or not eating. I want to enjoy life and I can’t be enjoying life if I’m not eating and miserable.

'Young models – these agents are horrible to them they treat them so badly. I went to Australia and my agent there said don’t call me if you need anything, just show up on these castings. Some models don’t say anything [about being sleazed] on but I’m very verbal I always said something.'

We think Kate is gorgeous and we bet you do, too :)

9 Things You Should Stop Doing Right Now

If you want to start living a happy and healthy life, here are nine things that you should stop doing right now:

1. Stop feeling pity or sympathy for yourself because life has become so challenging.

2. Stop allowing yourself to play the “victim” when life doesn’t turn out like you imagined.

3. Stop thinking you are entitled to always feel comfortable during life changing decisions.

4. Stop being judgmental of yourself because you, your partner or boss doesn’t have all the answers about the future.

5. Stop relying on the rhetoric and hype of others in achieving your goals.

6. Stop thinking that your own knowledge, assumptions and perceptions of reality are the only valid basis for determining the answers to problems.

7. Stop running from the unknown and unexpected outcome – instead move closer to identify what new opportunities are available and what unforeseen dangers should be avoided.

8. Stop being fearful of abandoning people, places or things that have worked for you in the past. Life is all about change.

9. Stop being surprised by life’s surprises.

Jul 28, 2012

KBS Music Bank 07.27.12

TEEN TOP Reveals Album Jacket for New Single “Do You Want to Go Out with Me?”

TEEN TOP recently revealed an album jacket for their new single “Do You Want to Go Out with Me?”
The jacket image was revealed through TEEN TOP’s official homepage on July 27.

In the revealed jacket image, the members of TEEN TOP are shown looking like “pretty boys.” This is a complete transformation from the concept for their 3^rd mini album title song, “To You.”

Netizens that have come across the news stated, “It looks like this song would fit in with a summer night,” “I only saw the jacket image and I am curious about the song already!” “This really cleaned my eyes.”
(Cleaning my eyes is a Korean expression that denotes that what an individual saw was really pretty, handsome, or cool.)

The song “Do You Want to Go Out with Me?” will be released on August 3. Teaser clips will go up on July 28 and July 31.

12 die in Brunei helicopter crash

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei, July 23 (UPI) -- Brunei has confirmed 12 military personnel died and two were injured when their helicopter crashed during a flight back to base.
A Ministry of Defense statement said the Bell 212 helicopter went down in Ulu Belait near the western coast as it headed for the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan.
The army said 11 of the 12 who died were cadets on a training mission. The other dead is one of the three crewmembers.
The two survivors being treated at RIPAS Hospital are reported to be in stable condition.
All the bodies were recovered and returned to the Surau of Bolkiah Garrison where relatives and military officials prayed.
An investigation into the accident -- the worse aviation accident in Brunei's history -- is under way.
The Ministry of Defense is deeply saddened by this tragic accident and extends its sincere condolences and profound sympathy to the families and loved ones affected by this tragic loss," the ministry statement said.
"While the exact circumstances of this tragic incident remain to be determined, the Ministry of Defense is taking appropriate action to ascertain the facts."
Brunei, with a population of just more than 400,000, is on the north coast of the island of Borneo and has a coastline on the South China Sea.
The sultanate occupies around 1 percent of the island and is completely surrounded by the Malaysian state of Sarawak. It also is separated into two parts by the Sarawak district of Limbang.
Indonesia occupies almost 75 percent of Borneo, to the south of the Malaysian state.

Brunei, as does the rest of the Borneo, has oil and gas reserves as well as timber reserves.

In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate and independence was achieved in 1984. The same family -- has ruled Brunei for more than six centuries.

Militarily, Brunei is believed to operate nine of the transporter Bell 212 Twin Huey, sometimes called the Twin Two-Twelve.

Brunei also took delivery earlier this year of a Bell 214ST, a larger stretched-fuselage medium-lift version of the 212 manufactured by Bell Helicopter Textron.

The aircraft operate as part of Number 1 Squadron on missions including trooplift, casualty evacuation, medical evacuation, fire suppression and search and rescue

The military also operates Bolkow BO 105, made by Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm, and four Blackhawk S-70A helicopters.

In December Brunei announced it had signed a contract with Sikorsky for 12 S-70i Black Hawks, with an option for 10 more. The S-70i helicopters will gradually replace the ageing Bell and the Bolkow BO 105 helicopters.

Sikorsky's Black Hawk was chosen above the Eurocopter's EC 725 Cougar, AgustaWestland AW139 and Bell 412, DefenseWeb reported at the time.

2NE1 Cancels Upcoming Single, Will Release Album in October Instead

Earlier today, YG Entertainment announced that they have decided to postpone the release of 2NE1‘ upcoming single, which was originally scheduled to be released on July 28. Instead, the girls will be returning in October with a new album.

2NE1 will kick off their “New Evolution” tour this weekend in Seoul, traveling to the United States and Japan. It was decided that promoting the single and continuing their world tour would take a toll on the girls’ health. As such, YG Entertainment officials gathered for an emergency meeting and came to the conclusion that they would rearrange 2NE1’s schedule.

A representative of YGE explained, “While fans may be disappointed with the sudden change, it was decided so that the girls can concentrate on their global tour and to give producers more time to produce a high quality album.”

Meanwhile, 2NE1 will kick off their first “New Evolution” concert on July 28 and 29 at the Seoul Olympic Gymnasium. The girls will perform in New Jersy on August 17, Los Angeles on August 24, Osaka on August 31-September 2, Nagoya on September 7-8, Yokohama on September 11-12, and Saitama on September 28-29.

Joo Ji Hoon Poses for GQ and Harper’s Bazaar

Joo Ji Hoon is getting ready to return to acting! Several months after being discharged from the military, the actor is about to work on his first two projects, a film and a drama.

To promote his new sageuk film, “I am the King,” and the drama, “Five Fingers,” Joo recently had a spread for Harper’s Bazaar and GQ Magazine.

Both spreads feature Joo in a relaxed manner. He is donning very casual clothes. The overall look gives off an alluring side of Joo Ji Hoon.

Joo Ji Hoon’s claim to fame was the K-drama, “Goong,” with Yoon Eun Hye in 2006. His last project before going on a hiatus was in 2009 with the film, “The Naked Kitchen.” In the same year, he was arrested for drug use and given a probationary period. During his break, Joo quietly entered the military in February, 2010.

“I am the King” is set to hit the silver screen this coming August. “Five Fingers” will begin airing on SBS after “A Gentleman’s Dignity” ends its run. Starring with Joo in the drama are Chae Shi Ra, Ji Chang Wook, and T-ara’s Eunjung.

Are you excited for Joo Ji Hoo’s comeback? Let us know in the comments!

Strategy matters more than ever

hen everyone is playing the same game, your execution is critical. Your store is like their store, your bread is like their bread, so we care very much about the care and skill you put into your product or service.

Of course, that still matters, but the revolution of the web means that the way you go to market, the structure of your offering, the model of your business--these are sufficient to cause you to lose, regardless of how you play the game. (And able to give you a huge post if you plan right).

Sam Walton was a huge success, largely because he developed a new retail strategy, not because he was better at running a store than anyone else. Local bookstores are in trouble, not because they don't work hard or care a lot, but because they are saddled with expenses that used to be smart (rent for a local storefront) in a world where they are merely ballast.

Running a business with the wrong strategy in the wrong place at the wrong time is possible, but it's an uphill battle. The alternative is to think very hard about your model, your costs and the benefits you offer to the people you'd like to serve.

You could change from a product to a service offering, from free to expensive, from low service to high service, from storefront to web, from large to small, from spam to permission, from acquiring new customers to delighting old ones, from wide open to invitiation only, from dirty to green, from secret to transparent, from troll to benefactor, from custom to mass, or for any of these, vice versa.

Not changing your strategy merely because you're used to the one you have now is a lousy strategy.

Risk, fear and worry

They're not the same.

Risk is all around us. When we encounter potential points of failure, we're face to face with risk. And nothing courts risk more than art, the desire to do something for the first time--to make a difference.

Fear is a natural reaction to risk. While risk is real and external, fear exists only in our imagination. Fear is the workout we give ourselves imagining what will happen if things don't work out.

And worry? Worry is the hard work of actively (and mentally) working against the fear. Worry is our effort to imagine every possible way to avoid the outcome that is causing us fear, and failing that, to survive the thing that we fear if it comes to fruition.

If you've persuaded yourself that risk is sufficient cause for fear, and that fear is sufficient cause for worry, you're in for some long nights and soon you'll abandon your art out of exhaustion. On the other hand, you can choose to see the three as completely separate phenomena, and realize that it's possible to have risk (a good thing) without debilitating fear or its best friend, obsessive worry.

Separate first, eliminate false causation, then go ahead and do your best work.

How to make money online

The first step is to stop Googling things like, "how to make money online." Not because you shouldn't want to make money online, but because the stuff you're going to find by doing that is going to help you lose money online. Sort of like asking a casino owner how to make money in Vegas...
Don't pay anyone for simple and proven instructions on how to achieve this goal. In particular, don't pay anyone to teach you how to write or sell manuals or ebooks about how to make money online.
Get rich slow.
Focus on the scarce resource online: attention. If you try to invent a way to take cheap attention and turn it into cash, you will fail. The attention you want isn't cheap, it's difficult to get via SEO and it rarely scales. Instead, figure out how to earn expensive attention.
In addition to attention, focus on trust. Trust is even more scarce than attention.
Don't worry so much about the 'online' part. Instead, figure out how to create value. The online part will take care of itself.
Don't quit your day job. Start evenings and weekends and figure it out with small failures.
Build a public reputation. A good one, and be sure that you deserve it, and that it will hold up to scrutiny.
Obsessively specialize. No niche is too small if it's yours.
Connect the disconnected.
Lead.
Build an online legacy that increases in value daily.
Make money offline. If you can figure out how to create value face to face, it's a lot easier to figure out how to do the same digitally. The web isn't magic, it's merely efficient.
Become the best in the world at something that people value. Easier said than done, worth more than you might think.
Hang out with people who aren't looking for shortcuts. Learn from them.
Fail. Fail often and fail cheaply. This is the very best gift the web has given to people who want to bootstrap their way into a new business.
Make money in the small and then relentlessly scale.
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New Eyewitnesses Speak out in Regards to Nichkhun’s Accident

New eye witnesses are sharing their accounts in the unfortunate accident involving 2PM member Nichkhun.

Recently, an eyewitness appeared on KBS 2TV and presented their side of the story. In their account, the witness had observed Nichkhun went to a convenience store and purchased two beverages after the accident. The witness shared his story, “My feeling is that he knew if he drank those kind of beverages it would lower his blood alcohol level prior to being tested.” Yet, new witnesses coming forward explain that Nichkhun did enter the store, he in fact never consumed the beverages that were purchased.

That same day, another witness appeared on cable channel tvN’s “e News.” That witness explained, “When the collision happened, Nichkhun immediately stepped out and, with tears in his eyes, got down on his knees. It appeared as if he were praying.”

During the “eNews” broadcast the witness were also asked about Nichkhun the accusation of Nichkhun consuming alcohol prior to having his Blood Alcohol Level measured. The first witness recalled, “I’m not sure if Nichkhun had listened to his manager, but he did go into the store and buy some drinks when the police arrived. Once they saw this, the police followed right after him to test his blood alcohol content.”

Another commented, “When it had come out that Nichkhun was driving after having a couple of drinks the blame was immediately put on him.” The next witness added, “It appeared as if the motorcyclist was about to get up, but then once he saw Nichkhun’s face he laid right back down.”

An official for JYP Entertainment announced, “The exact details will be revealed once the police investigation is complete. Currently, they are still investigating the situation. So until then we must be careful with what is said. At this time there is not a specific date as to when that will be. We hope soon, that after an in-depth investigation is conducted, the truth will come out.”

On the morning of July 24, Nichkhun was involved in a car accident on his way back home following a company dinner. At this time Nichkhun has taken time off to personally reflect on what has happened.

Won Bin Is Your Average Netizen?

Recently a post appeared on an online community regarding Won Bin and is spreading like wildfire. The post was titled, “Netizen Won Bin who is going around and replying.” The picture that accompanied the post was a screen shot of Won Bin replying to fans on his fan café.

The first reply was to a fan who was waiting for his return so much that she thought her neck would fall off. Won Bin replied, “Your neck won’t fall off. Kk ^^”

The second reply was to a fan that went to sleep after being full of eating pizza. Won Bin replied, “You shouldn’t eat right after you eat… Do a lot of breathing exercises before you sleep… ^^”
The third and fourth reply was about how Binus (Won Bin’s fan club) members need to be healthy, and that he would like to fly away with them.

The last one shows Won Bin copying a fan by typing a funny laughter word by word, because it is impossible to copy and paste on the fan club.

What do you think of Won Bin’s replies?

Jul 27, 2012

Arang and the Magistrate

Title: 아랑사또전 / Arang and the Magistrate
Chinese Title: 阿郎使道传
Also known as: Arang Magistrate Story / Arang
Genre: Fantasy, Melodrama, Period, Mystery, Comedy, Romance
Episodes: 20 (To Be Confirmed)
Broadcast network: MBC
Broadcast period: 2012-Aug-15 to 2012-Oct-18
Air time: Wednesday & Thursday 21:55

Synopsis

The drama is based on famous folklore.

During the Joseon era in the city of Miryang, Arang (Shin Min Ah) was the pure, beautiful, goodhearted daughter of a magistrate. She grew up without a mother, and was raised by a wicked caretaker who conspired to have her be raped and ruined by a servant. He attacked and she resisted, so he stabbed and killed her, and left her body to rot in the woods.

Her father the magistrate just believed that she dishonorably eloped with a man and so resigned his position swathed in shame. Thus the legend goes that every time a new magistrate comes to Miryang to fill the position, Arang’s vengeful ghost shows up to tell him her story and he flees in terror.

But one day a new magistrate comes to town — a young man by the name of Eun Oh (Lee Joon Ki). Arang appears to him like every other magistrate before him, but this man doesn’t flee, and instead sympathizes with Arang, and promises to find her killer and avenge her death. (Source)

Cast

Main Cast
Lee Joon Ki as Eun Oh
Shin Min Ah as Arang
Yun Woo Jin as Joo Wal
Hwang Bo Ra as as Bang Wool (Arang’s shaman sidekick)
Kwon Oh Joong as Dol Swe
Supporting Cast
Han Jung Soo as Moo Young
Yoo Seung Ho as King of Heaven
Park Joon Gyu as King of Hell
Kim Yong Gun as Noble man Choi
Kim Kwang Gyu as Ibang
Kang Moon Young
Noh Hee Ji
Lee Sang Hun as Hyungbang
Min Seong Wook as Yebang
Kim Min Jae as Geo Deol

Production Credits

Director: Kim Sang Ho
Writer: Jung Yoon Jung

Note

- This is Lee Joon Ki’s comeback project after mandatory military service and the first historical drama of Shin Min Ah’s career.
- This drama was postponed from July 25th to August 15th due to London Olympics