Hallyu stars are dominating the Japanese Oricon singles chart for the past two weeks. The Koreans claimed the top three spots at the singles’ sales chart last week, and keeping their momentum with three of the top four spots this week.
Pop group TVXQ (known as Tōhōshinki in Japan) tops the singles’ sales chart for two consecutive weeks with their 24th Japanese single “Jumon-Mirotic”. This is their 4th chart topping Japanese single in 2008.
Actor turn singer Lee Byung-hun claims the 2nd spot also for two weeks in a role with his debut single, “Itsuka”; while Ryu Si-won dropping from 3rd to 4th with his 8th single “Kimito Boku”.
To be frank, I’m quite puzzled how the songs managed to lead the charts. I can understand that Mirotic is appealing to some audiences (although not to my liking), but the other two are just so average. Anyhow, sharing all three music videos below…
Korean actress Lee Hana performed a few songs at the Grand Mint Festival 2008 on October 18 at Seoul Olympic Park in what should be her first stage performance since making her professional acting debut [via K-popped]
The 26-year-old actress is known for her musical capability. Her farther is a composer, and she studied music in university. She once said in an interview that she thought she would become a singer, but somehow started off as an actress (which she is doing pretty well anyway).
Lee Hana did show her singing talent on a few occasions in variety shows and in TV dramas, but this is probably the first time she sang in a public event at such level. I guess she was covering some songs from other artists because she has not released an album yet.
Sharing a couple of videos below… the first one is said to be Hana’s performance at her graduation ceremony, covering “Be Be Your Love” by Rachael Yamagata; while the second a short snippet of her singing in Korean drama “When Spring Comes”…
The music video of “Eat You Up”, the English song that supposedly marks Korean pop star BoA’s US debut, has finally been released.
This MV was meant for the Korean (and Asian) audiences, with another MV targetting US market instead. There is however some changes of plans in midway; not sure if the heavily criticised US version would be released or not.
Update - the US version is also released; embedded further below.
Well, I shall refrain myself from commenting about this song anymore; I think I’ve talked enough since her American project was announced last month. So, best of luck for BoA; and here it is, both Asian and US music videos of Eat You Up…
Yiruma is a world renowned Korean pianist-composer. He is getting back into the music world in recent months after two years of hiatus to fulfil his mandatory military service.
Sharing one of his famous pieces here, “Kiss the Rain”…
Korean pop star BoA and her agency SM Entertainment held the Best of Asia, Bring on America press conference at Seoul Imperial Palace Hotel on September 10 to officially announce her US debut.
BoA’s digital single will be released on October 21 simultaneously in over 30 countries instead of focusing on American market solely. The single was originally scheduled to be released on October 14, with the music video scheduled to premier on October 7.
JYP Entertainment, the Korean talent agency that boost the likes of Wonder Girls, J-Lim, G-Soul and Min will be holding an audition in New York City on September 13.
To apply for the preliminary round, send your video demos via e-mail to jypusa.auditions@gmail.com by September 9, 2008. Check the below promotional video for guidance…
