YeinJee's Asian Journal

Chinese star Edison Chen has announced his exit from Hong Kong entertainment world following the nude-photos scandal that involved several famous female artists.

Edison during the press conference

Edison made his announcement at a press conference in Hong Kong on Feb 21. He has admitted that the most of the related nude photos circulated online in recent weeks are taken by him, and has also apologised to her female ‘partners’ and others that have been affected by the issue.

The Chronicles of the nude Photos Scandal

On Jan 28, several nude photos involving two female Hong Kong artists and Edison were uploaded online and spread like wildfire.

The artists’ respective agency had responded that the photos were fake and doctored, but lots of the netizens have different opinions.

Jan 30, the Hong Kong police arrested the first suspect for spreading the photos. This action has enraged the netizens, accusing the police of playing favouritism to protect the artists.

Jan 31, the Hong Kong police had verified the authentication of the photos. Early investigations suggested that the photos were obtained from Edison’s hard disk when he sent his computer for repair earlier.

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Veteran Hong Kong entertainer Lydia Shum (沈殿霞; Shum Din Ha) passed away on Feb 19 at the age of 60 due to complications from her liver cancer.

Lydia Shum was born on July 21, 1947 (some resources indicate 1945) in Shanghai, China. She made her entertainment debut when she was 13 and was known over the years for her comediennes, her size and iconic hairstyle and glasses.

She was affectionately nicknamed by her fans as Feifei (肥肥, literally fat-fat) and had won the heart of many Hong Kong audiences, not just for her entertaining performances, but for her professionalism and positive attitude as well.

Lydia is survived by daughter Joyce Cheng. Rest in peace Lydia.

It’s graduation season in Korea, and 2 Korean pop stars, Lee Jung-hyun and Ivy have officially graduated from their respective universities for the past 2 days.

Lee graduated from Chung-Ang University (중앙대학교; literally Central University) after 9 years of studies, while Ivy from Dongduk Women’s University after 7 years.

Lee is a veteran singer and actress; she was already quite famous when she enrolled into CAU in 1999. Ivy is relatively new but was arguably the most outstanding Korean female pop star in 2007.

Ivy’s graduation… shiny shoes and expensive bag

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A weird, cute and fun Japanese video with 3D computer graphics (and animations)…

The main character (with turquoise hair) of the video is Hatsune Miku (初音ミク), a character from Vocaloid, a singing synthesizer application software developed by the Yamaha Corporation that enables users to synthesize singing by just typing in lyrics and melody.

The first song is titled “Kurutto, Mawatte, Ikkaiten”, adapted from the ending theme of anime “Sgt Frog” (ケロロ軍曹; Keroro Gunsō). I am guessing that the voice is how the software (or Hatsune Miku) should sound like.

The 2nd song is “Caramell Dansen” by Swedish group Caramell. (Hat tip to reader Brighty)

Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji Fish Market is adopting new rules in April for visitors.

Tsukiji Fish Market is the largest fish market in the world and is famous for its tuna trading. The market has become an iconic travel spot in Tokyo thanks (or no thanks) to foreign travel shows and the blogging hype.

Tuna trading at Tsukiji Fish Market (Image source)

The influx of visitors has however created a hygiene risk and is interfering with normal business activities.

Specifically, Tsukiji workers complain that some tourists try to touch the fish, and that camera flashes interfere with hand signals used during auctions.

Tourists who arrive unaware of the new rules won’t be kicked out though, but the ill-mannered may be escorted off the premises by security guards, according to a spokesman.

Under the new rules… [Hat tip to Japundit]

* All outside visitors must submit an application in advance.
* Sightseers will be “asked to refrain from entering.”
* Visitors who show up unaware of the new restrictions will be allowed to enter but will be asked to abide by the new rules.
* No flash photos in the auction sites.
* No smoking except in designated areas.
* No babies, baby strollers or other large baggage.

I doubt any travellers would actually refrain themselves from entering… hope that the visitors could at least have the courtesy to follow other simple rules.

US Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama is having plenty of support from a small city in Japan which shares the same name.

Obama (小浜市) is located in Fukui Prefecture, with an estimated population of 32,000. A group of local residents has formed a group recently to help Obama win the US presidential election so that the city can share his fame and boost its tourism internationally.

Adrian and Collin from Singapore is the winner of The Amazing Race Asia 2 (TARA).

The season finale of TARA was shown last Thursday (Feb 14) in which Adrian & Collin arrived first at the final pit stop of a race across 4 continents and covering 50,000 kilometres (32,023 miles). The gym buddies are awarded a prize money of US$100,000 for winning the race.

Coming in 2nd was Malaysian sisters Vanessa & Pamela, while Rovilson & Marc from Philippines came in 3rd.

Based on popular US reality show, TARA features ten teams of two, with a pre-existing relationship, in a race around the world to win US$100,000.

The 3rd season of TARA is currently open for application (closing on Feb 25), more details available on AXN website. The filming (and the race) will start in mid 2008.

Seoul’s famous landmark Namdaemun (남대문) was severely damaged by a 70-year-old arsonist, who set the building on fire and destroyed the wooden structure of the 600-year-old building on Feb 10.

Namdaemun (officially known as Sungnyemun; 숭례문) is a historic gate located in the heart of South Korea’s capital, Seoul. It was the oldest wooden structure in Seoul prior to the fire, and the most iconic landmark of the city. Namdaemun was officially declared as the nation’s number one national treasure in 1962.

It’s reported that the suspect has committed the arson due to a grievance over a land compensation case. I doubt anyone would pity him at all.

Namdaemun on fire (Image courtesy of Xinhuanet)