Mobile popularity voting for 20th High1 Seoul Music Awards kicks off

As 2010 is coming to an end soon, the mobile popularity voting process of ‘20th High1 Seoul Music Awards‘ kicks off with a fierce competitions among fans to select the winners for this year’s awards. In the previous edition of the award ceremony, SNSD won the ‘Daesang (highest/top award)‘.

The “20th High1 Seoul Music Awards’ will be held on January 20th, 2011 at the Hall of Peace, Kyunghee University in Hoegi-dong, Seoul. The nominees with the most mobile popularity votes will be awarded 20% (from total points) for the “High1 Popularity Award” category. The real-time result of the mobile voting is shown on Seoul Music Awards website.

In terms of mobile votes (at the time this article is published), Beast is leading the pack in the ‘Bonsang’ category with 21.7%, Super Junior in 2nd with 18.8%, 2PM in 3rd with 12.5%. SNSD (Oh! and Run Devil Run) is currently in 4th with 9.2%.

In the ‘Newcomers’ Award’ category, Daeguk NamA (D-NA) is currently in the pole position with 34.9%, CN Blue in 2nd place with 33.1% followed by F.Cuz in 3rd with 15.7%.

As for the ‘Popularity Award’ category, SHINee is currently in the lead with 32.2%, SNSD (Oh! and Run Devil Run) is in 2nd place with 22.9% and followed closely by Super Junior in 3rd with 22.8%.

The ’20th High1 Seoul Music Awards’ is organized by Sports Seoul and sponsored by High1 Resort and it will be aired LIVE on y★star and Comedy TV on January 20th, 2011 from 7.00pm to 10.00pm KST.

SNSD and Super Junior are going strong battling head to head with top artist online votes in 2010 Melon Awards

SNSD and Super Junior are competing head to head for the Top artist award in the 2010 Melon Music Awards.

The online voting for the Top 10 artists started on the 11th of November and after 4 days, on the 15th of November, SNSD is still number 1 but is having a head to head competition with Super Junior for the number 1 spot.

Currently, SNSD and Super Junior have 22% of the votes but SNSD is number 1 leading with over 544 votes more than Super Junior showing them being tied for the first spot.

SHINee is following closely ranking 3rd having 9% lower than SNSD and Super Junior. The top 3 spots are taken by SM Entertainment artists showing their huge fan base, f(x) is steadily rising up now ranking 5th.


In addition, 2pm, 2am, BEAST, KARA and other idols are also having heavy competition to be in the top 10 spots.

The 2010 Melon Music Awards will be held this coming 15th of December at Kyunghee University in Seoul and it will be broadcast live on MBC and Melon's official website.

Ratings Of The 3 Latest Idol Comebacks!

Three of the most representative groups from three of the most representative entertainment companies in Korea have recently made their comebacks this fall season. It was no surprise that each of these three groups won number one honors on the live music performance shows in Korea. It's been established that all three groups have the three factors that idol groups these days need to have: good music, great performances, and enviable style.

These three groups -- Girls Generation from SM Entertainment, 2PM from JYP Entertainment, and 2NE1 from YG Entertainment -- were rated according to those three factors for their latest comeback songs, in comparison to their previous works.

• Girls Generation : Music - , Performance↑, Style↑

After surprising their Korean fans with a surprise comeback, the girls released their third mini album "Hoot" late October. They've already hit number one on various music shows and music charts -- although rivals 2AM and Super Star K winners are giving them a good run for their money. This is of course a response that most singers can only dream of, however, compared to some of the other Girls Generation hits -- think "Gee" -- it's not exactly an explosive improvement.

Well, what about the ever so important performance factor? The dance moves for "Hoot" have been flashy and catchy. The motion of shooting a bow and arrow are displayed in an adorable yet sexy way, true to the group's signature style. It's something different, while at the same time maintaining the usual SNSD feel.

As for their style, their latest look has gone retro. Featuring a Barbie meets 007 look, some of the members have even gone blonde with big voluminous hairstyles. It's something new and the girls have pulled it off, upping their style icon status.

• 2PM : Music - , Performance↑, Style -

2PM made their comeback in Ocrober with their new mini-album "I'll Be Back". The song stuck to the group's usual style where a kpop fan could turn it on, and immediately guess it's 2PM. However, this song scored more points not on the music charts, but on live performance shows.

The group has always been known for their strong, manly performances. Their latest song "I'll Be Back", only added fuel to this reputation. It featured a 90's dance move, the shuffle step, which was something new and refreshing. They also focused on some finger movements that were inspired by the movie "Terminator". Add the acrobatics move and stunts that the boys did and you have an improved and hotter than ever 2PM live performance.

Style-wise, the guys have maintained their usual "beast-idol"-like image, featuring dark colors, edgy cuts, and smoky eye make up. Although, the eye make up was much heavier than usual for some people's tastes, others argued that the guys are simply keeping one step ahead of the pack. 2PM is after all, one of the original "beast-idol" groups!

• 2NE1 : Music↑, Performance - , Style↑

After a long hiatus, the girls of 2NE1 made their highly-anticipated comeback last September with three title tracks -- something no other idol group has attempted before. The songs "Clap Your Hands", "Go Away", and "Can't Nobody" were rivaling each other for the number one spot on all the music charts! Though there were criticisms of too much auto-tune vocal synthesizing used, the overall response was very positive. This only served to clinch YG's status as one of the top companies in terms of music production quality.

Rather than sticking to strict choreography, the girls have been known to have a more free-style approach to their live performances. Their latest round of promotions was no different as they showed off a party-like vibe on stage. Nothing new, although still enjoyable to watch.

Known to have a very unique and edgier style, the girls did not dispappoint. Rather than going for something so over-the-top that one can only pull it off on stage, the girls went for flashy looks that could easily be worn in "real life" as well. They exuded sexiness, independence, and attitude.

Overall, the girls showed off a more grown-up image, the youngest member Minji in particular during her sexy dance solos. Their follow-up promotions for the song "It Hurts" threw yet another curveball, as 2NE1 focused more on their vocal abilities with a softer and more wistful concept. Style-wise, the ladies are always on top of the game.

The face that Korean moms wish their child will have?

SNSD Seo Hyun and 2PM Nichkhun’s looks have been chosen by Korean pregnanct moms as the look that they wish their child would have.

On 29th Oct, a pregnant woman centre in Seoul conducted a survey for 224 pregnant woman, asking them [Whose looks in MBC’s WGM would they want their child to have]. 2PM Nichkhun and SNSD Seo Hyun have gained superior results as the first place for the male and female category. Seo Hyun had 107 votes (47.8%) at first place, below her was Nichkhun’s wife Victoria who had 69 votes (30.8%), Gain gained 14 votes at third place.

On the male side, Nichkhun gained favour of 148 pregnant woman, putting him at first place. At second and third place are Yong Hwa and JoKwon who had 39 votes (17.4%) and 6 votes (7.1%) respectively.

Not long ago, Nichkhun had obtained first place in Nate’s survey [The idol singer who can protect his lover], the Chinese-Thai Nichkhun’s popularity in Korea cannot be looked down upon.

SNSD and 2PM experience mixed reactions at 47th Daejong Film Awards

Having performed just a few hours earlier on Music Bank, SNSD and 2PM headed straight for Kyunghee University’s Hall of Peace for the 47th Daejong Film Awards.

Both groups had been invited to perform congratulatory stages during the two hour long ceremony, with SNSD performing “Oh!” and “Hoot“, while 2PM did “Only You” and “I’ll Be Back.”

Without their regular fan support among the audience comprising of mainly production staff, esteemed guests, directors, actors, actresses, etc, they experienced mixed reactions while performing.

SNSD had to suffer through indifferent reactions and motionless expressions from the actors when the cameras focused on them during their congratulatory performance stage.

Having noted the response, MC Shin Dong Yup made a remark that everyone seemed to look rather stiff which probably lightened up the audience a little.

2PM fared slightly better, as they invoked some crowd reaction during “Only You” by handing roses to Lee Min Jung and Jo Yeo Jung, while Taecyeon gave his to MC Kim Jung Eun. Many other actresses smiled and were probably hoping that they were the ones who would receive a rose.

They also got a livelier response in their second performance, “I’ll Be Back.”

Check out all the performances below.

Win Win says goodbye to Tae Yeon, Woo Young and more

KBS2TV’s Win Win said their goodbyes to all four sub MC’s.

The episode that aired on the third was quite a special one for the whole cast. The main MC is actor Kim Seung Woo but he always had the help of SNSD’s Taeyeon, 2PM’s Wooyoung, Choi Hwa Jung and Kim Shin Young to make the show a hilarious one.

Kim Seung Woo said, “The people that were in charge of laughter and affection on Win Win, Choi Hwa Jung, Kim Shing Young, and Win Win idols Taeyeon and Wooyoung are all leaving us today.”

Choi Hwa Jung said, “I think I met a lot of great people through Win Win. I will cherish all the amazing memories.” Kim Shin Young said, “It was fun because we were all together. I will cheer on Win Win and cheer on Seung Woo oppa.”

Taeyeon said, “I was grateful to gain such an experience. When I start SNSD promotions again, I hope to come back with a good image.”

Finally, Wooyoung said, “I learned a lot and I just want to thank Seung Woo hyung, Taeyeon, Shin Young nuna and Hwa Jung nuna. I’m also sad about leaving. I’m sorry.”

Like we announced earlier, three new sub MC's will take over starting the next episode.

Tae Yeon and Woo Young will leave Win Win soon

There seems to be quite a lot of news about Win Win today.

SNSD’s Taeyeon and 2PM’s Wooyoung were MCs along with Kim Seung Woo, Kim Shin Young and Choi Hwa Jung.

The exact date of Wooyoung and Taeyeon’s exit has not been decided as yet but they will be leaving soon and the show are already scouting for replacements.

The parting was inevitable as Wooyoung is preparing for 2PM’s first concert while Taeyeon has to work with SNSD for their Japan promotions.

I’m sad to see them leave but I’m more excited to find out who’s going to replace them. f(x)’s Krystal and CNBLUE’s Yonghwa did replace them while they were both away before but they didn’t do the job as well as Wooyoung and Taeyeon.

SNSD’s Jessica and 2PM’s Nichkhun will be running on Running Man

SNSD’s Jessica and 2PM’s Nichkhun will be the next guests on SBS Running Man.

On July 23rd, a representative stated,

“Nichkhun, Jessica, and actress Song Ji Hyo will be the 3rd guests on the show… We cast representative idols for the filming.. And in Song Ji Hyo’s case, she was asked to apppear again for her remarkable variety ability.“

Running Man has filmed at Korea’s landmark sites from the Times Square shopping mall in Yeongdeungpo to the World Cup Stadium in Suwon. For their third landmark, they chose the Gwacheon National Science Museum.

This day, the members were split into Nichkhun’s team and Jessica’s team for the games. Although at first it was a bit awkward for Nichkhun and Jessica, after a variety of games, they became closer as friends. Song Ji Hyo who appeared on the last episode also built upon her relationships with the other members as well.

Many were curious to know if Song Ji Hyo had become a regular on the show.

To this a representative explained,

“Nothing is official yet. She is close with the members and she is very hard-working, and so she was given the opportunity to appear again.“

This episode starring Nichkhun, Jessica, and Song Ji Hyo will air on August 1st.

SNSD, 2PM, etc to hold poolside concert at Caribbean Bay

As part of the endorsement with Caribbean Bay, SNSD and 2PM will hold a outdoor concert on the 17th.

This will be at Caribbean Bay because it is part of the Carib Festa, a poolside summer part held by the water park. Eun Ji Won, MC Mong, Wheesung, Lee Jung Hyun and more have already performed at the other concerts starting June 25th.

2PM’s rep said, “Since it’s regarding Caribbean Bay, the boys are trying to bulk up their bodies. This will be a way for fans who couldn’t get tickets for their first concert to cheer up.” 2PM’s solo concert will take place at the end of the month.

SNSD, who partnered up with 2PM for the endorsement, will be at the concert as well to put on a performance. Davichi and One Two will also join in. The concerts will take place next week on the 24th and the 25th.

SNSD and 2PM reveal Caribbean Bay Summer Splash pictures

It’s been a quite while since we heard about the Caribbean Bay CF and Cabi Song by SNSD and 2PM. And just in time for Summer, the Caribbean Bay folks have released a new batch of promotional photos starring the SNSD girls and 2PM boys in matching hair bands and super soakers for their Summer Splash campaign.

Family Outing 2 continues the Taecyeon and Yoona love line

Despite the widespread criticisms last week, it looks like they are continuing down the same path judging from the footage from the June 13th episode of Family Outing 2.

This episode welcomed Brown Eyed Girls’ Ga-In and KARA’s Nicole on the show as family guests, and with one of their filming locations at Damyang Bamboo Park. With the bamboo trees as backdrops, the make-believe couple of Jo Kwon and Ga-In were encouraged to take a romantic walk.

But the spotlight soon fell on Taecyeon and Yoona as they held hands and did the same romantic walk, which ended with Taecyeon copying the same ending move from the Cabi MV with Yoona, as he said, “You are the best bamboo shoot” instead of best Cabi. Yoona also teased Taecyeon with 2PM’s Without U dance while he was cutting bamboo. Taecyeon then helped Yoona to beat Heechul in a game.

Behind the Scenes with 2PM and SNSD for Caribbean Bay

2PM’s and SNSD / Girls’ Generation collaboration for Caribbean Bay has been a very hot issue. Not wanting the flames to be put out just yet, the folks over at Everland have released some Behind The Scenes footage.

If you can’t get enough Cabi, check out the videos below.

Family Outing 2 criticized for excessive Taecyeon and Yoona drama

It looks like his Love Song didn’t work on the netizens.

The most recent episode of Family Outing 2, which aired on the 6th, has been receiving lots of criticism regarding the overall editing of the episode. The episode was an continuation of last week’s “Wonder Girls’ MT Trip.”

People were already annoyed by the first episode because the show kept on trying to force love lines. In the second episode, it was the same deal. The variety show was almost identical to the famous Korean dating variety show, Love Letter.

The episode ruined the idols’ images and everything seemed very planned and fake. That is far from what real variety shows are supposed to be.

People were mad for another reason and that is the fact that the Wonder Girls were very left out of the episode. They were the main focus and guests but they paid way more attention to 2PM’s Taecyeon and SNSD’s Yoona.

The Wonder Girls acted like mere backdrops rather as guests. The bulletin board of the show was raided with criticism after the airing.

Netizens wrote,

I thought I was watching a variety drama about Taecyeon and Yoona.
Wasn’t this the Wonder Girls’ special? Where are they?
I couldn’t tell whether or not it was the Wonder Girls’ trip special or Taecyeon and Yoona’s love special.
I never want to see love lines again.

Taecyeon sings a Love Song for Yoona on Family Outing 2

The couple game from the famous Xman variety show made a return on a recent episode of Family Outing 2.

MCed by Ji Sang Ryul and Kim Won Hee, the Wonder Girls and Shin Bong Sun had to choose a partner from Jo Kwon, Heechul, Taecyeon, Yoon Sang Hyun and Jang Dong Min.

The much-talked about Taecyeon and Yoona couple was undoubtedly the highlight. At the beginning where they made their first choice without doing anything, Taecyeon picked Yoobin over Yoona but the latter picked the former instead.

When it was his turn, Taecyeon turned himself into “Rain” and did the famous sexy wave dance without his top from Love Song for Yoona. And while everyone was still recovering from their shock at that, Taecyeon whipped out a perfume present for Yoona, claiming it was for her Coming of Age day, leaving her touched.

And of course not without being mushy, Taecyeon said to Yoona, “Your first and last Coming of Age Day, I hope to spend it with you.”

Yoona then did a sexy dance and Tell Me from the Wonder Girls, dancing towards Taecyeon’s direction, seemingly hinting at something. By the end, Ji Sang Ryul noticed that Taecyeon’s ears had turned red in excitement.

When it came to the final selection, Sunye chose Taecyeon and when it was Yoona’s turn to choose, she said, “Taecyeon, come here,” to which he did as he bowed and said sorry to Sunye. He then followed up with a light hug with Yoona.

The other couples were Sang Hyun – Yoobin, Jo Kwon – Hye Lim and Heechul – Sohee, although it didn’t really mean anything at all, just for fun.

Final selection.

Taecyeon gives a necklace to Yoona for her birthday

After giving Yoona a perfume present for her Coming of Age day the last time round, it was revealed that Taecyeon had given another present to Yoona for her 21st birthday.

A Family Outing staff said on the 4th in a phone interview, “May 30th was Yoona’s birthday and all the family members who knew beforehand, prepared presents for her. But what caught the eye was Taecyeon’s present, who prepared a Y-initial necklace for Yoona. He had originally decided on shoes but switched to giving a necklace instead. We know Taecyeon is a very meticulous and friendly person, but we were still pretty shocked by his actions.”

It was also revealed that the other family members had teased him about this, saying that the Y initial referred to Yeon in Taecyeon instead of Yoona.

On the other hand, Ji Sang Ryul presented his negative bank account book while Shin Bong Sun offered her used clothes. The others also gave presents that reflected their personalties and made Yoona a very happy birthday girl.

This episode is scheduled to air on June 13th.

Third member interrupts Taecyeon and Yoona’s relationship

On the episode of Family Outing 2 that aired on the 30th, 2PM’s Taecyeon revealed that he liked SNSD’s Yoona in real life.

These two already have a scandal together, but his confession just added another reason to be suspicious about this couple.

On this day, Wonder Girls appeared as guests and member Ye Eun stated, “Taecyeon used to talk about SNSD a lot.”

In the past, 2PM first met SNSD while filming for a certain cable channel together. Sunye revealed, “When the 2PM members returned from filming, their smiles were hanging by their ears.”

To this, Yoona stated, “We’ve never heard of this before.”

Then Taecyeon stated, “At first I liked Yuri, but then I liked Yoona,” and surprised the latter SNSD member.

In this episode, Taecyeon and Yoona also got together to act like a fake couple by enacting a proposal scene.

SNSD and 2PM release new version of Cabi Song MV

After releasing the much-anticipated Cabi Song MV by 2PM and SNSD for Caribbean Bay last week, it has met with a mixed reception with some applause for the hot scenes while others criticized it for being over the top.

Among the noticeable changes were two scenes centered around Yuri, the first being her cleavage and the second getting a lotion rub from Nichkhun have been switched with friendlier scenes. Otherwise, the MV is almost the same as the origanal one. So do you now prefer the new or the original MV?

Taecyeon gives Yoona a perfume present

It was revealed that on the recent recording of Family Outing 2, 2PM’s Taecyeon had given SNSD’s Yoona a perfume gift to celebrate her Coming of Age day.

The two have been heavily rumored to be dating ever since being paired together as a couple for a MBC Gayo Daejun performance. Even though they have denied that they were dating, they just can’t avoid being put together, with the recent Caribbean Bay music video being just one example.

Yoona was noticeably surprised at receiving the perfume, “I have received lots of congratulatory message on Coming of Age day, but this is my first time receiving a present. I didn’t have any thoughts of receiving a present so it was touching.

The family members expressed, “There’s something strange about them. Are they really not dating?” to which Yoona replied “Now, I’m tired of explaining it.”

SNSD and 2PM release Caribbean Bay MV

After so much teasing in the past few weeks, I think all the SONES and Hottests including neutrals can’t wait any longer to watch the full music video, with anticipation building and building since it was announced that SNSD and 2PM were getting together for a CF for Caribbean Bay.

Well guess what, after releasing the full song earlier today together with some video snippets, the MV is finally out. Check out the heavy-laden idol drama fest involving the two hottest groups in Korea right now. It is based on the concept of “Who will be the hottest Cabi?” and shows the love story and hot passions of young individuals in a dramatic story. Can you handle the hotness of this video?

Yuri and Nichkhun’s Caribbean Bay MV preview becomes a hot issue

The couple scene between SNSD Yuri and 2PM’s Nichkhun for their Caribbean Bay CF has became a hot issue.

On the 20th, a new preview of their CF/MV was released of Nichkhun and Yuri together in a “hot” atmosphere that can even be said to cause a “puberty problem.”

There were several scenes that caused the public’s interest, especially those where Nichkhun put on body oil for Yuri, the party scene where Yuri showed off her strong body wave and although it was a short teaser, it has created more anticipation.