K-popped! Passionate about Korean pop culture

Joo Ji-hoon and Shin Mina in Kitchen

2kpopped@gmail.com (Liz) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:27:00 +0000

What's cookin'?: Joo Ji-hoon (left) and Shin Mina
promote their latest flick

Mmm hmm…the two stars are set to whip up something good in the Kitchen.

Devil co-stars Joo Ji-hoon and Shin Mina reunite in Kitchen, a romance flick directed by Hong Ji-young. Joining the mix is actor Kim Tae-woo (pic below, right), who plays a key role in the film’s love triangle.

Trio: These are the "chefs" in Kitchen

The stars of the show were out and about earlier today to promote the film.

Kitchen will be release in February 2009 (South Korea).

Ingredients: Joo Ji-hoon shares his special
butter cake recipe

Attentive: He then listens to feedback from the audience
on how to improve on his butter cake

Source: Hankooki

Related:
Shin Mina poses for Calvin Klein
Is love in the air for Joo Ji-hoon and Song Ji-hyo?

Song Il Gook is having a rough week

orchid.shoppe@gmail.com (Orchid) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:02:00 +0000

Song Il Gook looking mighty mean for
his role in Kingdom of the Wind

I am so impressed by actor Song Il Gook (송일국). Prior to him winning the 2008 KBS Drama Awards for Best Actor, i didn't know that he is a "historical drama king"! Song Il Gook has acted in the epic drama Jumong and is now helming Kingdom of the Wind. Okay, call me ignorant. I only saw him in The Art of Seduction which was a rom-com. What a difference in genre. Who'd knew he could deftly wield a sword, ride on horseback and look awesome in traditional dress. Yes i do like an actor who is versatile.

With my new found infatuation for Song Il Gook, i went to read up on news about him. He is having a rather rough week - attending court cases and falling off horses.

A sight to behold...
Song Il Gook on horseback

While filming Kingdom of the Wind (바람의 나라) on 6th January morning out in the country, he fell from his horse. Song was unconscious for a short time after the fall. He was then rushed to the nearby hospital in Naju and received treatment there. Although Song seems to have suffered no serious injuries except for neck pains, he has been advised to rest by the doctor.

As if falling off one's horse and losing consciousness isn't bad enough, Song is entangled in an ugly law suit.

Song Il Gook also had to attend trial on the 7th Jan afternoon at Seoul center district court. The case is a long running one between Song and freelance reporter Kim Soon-hee. Way back in January 2008 reporter Kim Soon-hee accused Song of assault when she was trying to approach him for an interview regarding his then up and coming wedding. He refused the interview and went into his house. Reporter Kim alleged Song of striking her in the face and knocking a couple of her teeth loose. However, Song sued her back saying she's a liar.

There are also CCTV footages proving that Song did not lay a finger on Reporter Kim. But Reporter Kim fought back that the footages were doctored. And so it goes back and forth and the trial is still on-going. Next hearing will be at 10am, 16 January 2009.

Not a sight to behold - the bad hair! Oh tie it up!
Song Il Gook vs Reporter Kim

If you are like me and want to watch Song Il Gook in a period drama, watch Song Il Gook in Jumong ~ touted as the biggest Korean drama of 2007.

Get the complete series of Jumong (US Version) on YesAsia!

Jumong Vol. 1 of 4 (English subtitled MBC Korean TV Drama)

Jumong Vol. 2 of 4 (English subtitled MBC Korean TV Drama)

Jumong Vol. 3 of 4 (English subtitled MBC Korean TV Drama)

Jumong Vol. 4 of 4 (English subtitled MBC Korean TV Drama)

Sources: SPN, Sports World, Dramabeans

Related:
2008 KBS Drama Awards Highlights
2008 KBS Drama Awards Best Actor, Song Il Gook
Face of the ideal young Korean male

Seo In-young packs her bags for America

orchid.shoppe@gmail.com (Orchid) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:55:00 +0000

Seo In Young will be holidaying in the US for 2 months

The singer who made popular the female bowl cut Seo In Young (서인영) is getting ready to go for a long vacation in the USA. She will stop all her local (Korean) activities soon. Seo, who is currently hosting KBS's Music Bank will be handing over the mic to a new host after 9th January.

Seo In Young also left MBC's We Got Married and recorded her last show for SBS Ya Shim Man Man on Dec 14, 2008. She is preparing for a 2 month vacation in America. According to the article, she plans to re-charge physically during her break and the trip will also enable her to improve herself. A vacation cum self upgrade in the States!

Seo In Young and Crown J ~
her partner in the show "We Got Married"

Pics credit: Newsen

Source: Coolsmurf, hkn24

Cheon Jeong-myeong promoted in the army

orchid.shoppe@gmail.com (Orchid) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:53:00 +0000

Actor Cheon Jeong-myeong in his army fatigues

Actor Cheon Jeong-myeong (Fashion 70's) who is currently serving his military duty posted a message to his fans on his Fan Cafe. He told fans that he has been promoted and he is very happy about that. He promised to serve well in the army until the day he will be discharged from duty.

Cheon enlisted on 02 January, 2008 and as of now has completed 1 year. He is mid-way in his military service.

Cheon also sends his love and thanks to fans and wishes them good luck for the new year! Hang in there Jeong-myeong. We hope to see you in a drama or movie when you complete your training!

Source & pic credit: Asia Economy

SS501 Unit on MTV Class Up!

orchid.shoppe@gmail.com (Orchid) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:34:00 +0000

We're SS501 Unit - catch us on MTV Class Up
(17 Jan, 2009)

The last time fans saw five member SS501 all together on stage was on the 27 December, 2008 when they appeared on the MBC Music Center Show (쇼! 음악중심).

Savour that! The group will not be performing together for awhile (at least a couple of months) because Kim Hyun-joong is now filming the drama Boys Over Flowers and Park Jung-min is in the musical Grease.

SS501 on MBC Music Center

This leaves the trio Heo Young-saeng, Kim Kyu-jong and Kim Hyung-jun (tell me if their names aren't confusing to ya) to their own devices. They are not quite shaking their legs and waiting for time to pass while the other two members are doing their own thing. They have formed a sub-group which is known as SS501 Unit (SS501유닛). SS501 Unit released a special mini album called U R Man which features 6 tracks.

SS501 Unit was also seen taping the show MTV Class Up! hosted by Super Junior's Kang-in and 2AM's Jo-gwon. They appeared at the studio at 3pm on 5th January, 2009 for the recording and were greeted by delighted fans.

Arriving at the studio for MTV Class Up! taping

Scenes from MTV Class Up!

Pics credit & source : Newsen & Newsen

Related:
SS501 members busy with personal projects

More on SS501

Song Seung-hun & Han Ye-seul with LG

orchid.shoppe@gmail.com (Orchid) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:58:00 +0000

Han Ye-seul and Song Seung-hun get all
dressed up for LG Whisen Air Cond...or is that a fridge?

We could tell that you guys were really excited when Liz wrote about good looking duo Song Seung-hun and Han Ye-seul promoting LG Electronics products.

Well, we have some actual pictures of SSH and HYS posing with a product. They are not doing such a good job introducing the electronic product. Is that a fridge? Or an air conditioner unit?

Please show us more of the product instead of playing peek-a-boo with it!

Ah why not let Song Seung-hun pose with East of Eden co-star, Lee Yeon-hee...maybe then things will be more interesting.

Song Seung-hun & Han Ye-seul and their "baby" - the LG Whisen

Don't mind the product,

do I look good from this angle?

Seeing double? The LG Whisen acts
as a full length mirror too!

Pics credit: Starnews

Rain: Channel [V]'s chosen one

orchid.shoppe@gmail.com (Orchid) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 09:45:00 +0000

[V] crowns Rain this month's (January 2009) Chosen One. Tune in to Channel [V] (in Malaysia, it's Astro channel 714) for Rain interviews, performances etc. Rain will be celebrated all this month on [V]!! Woo hoo!

Korean pop star Rain is The Chosen One

Watch Rain storm his way back on the charts with the debut of his new video, Love Story. Fans can get more on their idol with the [V] special on Sunday, January 25 at 7 pm HK/SG.

Min-woo & Amy: from make belief to real life couple!

orchid.shoppe@gmail.com (Orchid) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 09:24:00 +0000

Amy & Min-woo are in love

For those of you who don't know, Lee Min Woo (이민우) is now officially dating Amy (에이미). Shinhwa hearthrob Lee Min Woo and "Bad Diary 3" heroine Amy were paired up on-screen on KBS 2 Happy Sunday's Kko Kko Sightseeing single show (꼬꼬관광 싱글싱글). It's a show where couples are paired up to see if they like each other enough to go on to the next stage. If they do, the lady can pick her man again. But if she does not like him, she could select someone else, or decide to leave the show!

Min-woo and Amy were paired up with each other and they hit it off on the show. Spending time with each other sightseeing on the show led this star couple to a real life romance!

It seems that Min-woo and Amy has made their relationship public as they were spotted dating at Seoul's Chongdam Dong on the 3rd January, 2009 at 6pm.

Don't you think they make a cute couple?

Min-woo and Amy going diving together on the 꼬꼬 show

They kiss underwater too...oh so romantic

Enjoying each other's company after the dive

Source: Newsen

Pics credit: Newsen, JK News

Sonyeoshidae goes Gee

2kpopped@gmail.com (Liz) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 12:50:00 +0000

Girls’ Generation a.k.a Sonyeoshidae (SNSD) is set release their first mini-album with the title song Gee.

For or Against: Are you gonna support SNSD's comeback with Gee?

This is a comeback of sorts for the 9-member girl group that has gone through a rather rocky 2008…and yes, we are talking about K-pop fans boycotting the group during the 2008 Dream Concert. (The girls received the silent treatment from other K-pop fans when they took to the stage. Brr...chilly in there, ain't it?)

What were the fans angry about again? It wasn’t stated at the Wikipedia site.

Set to put that sour episode behind them, the SNSD girls unleashed a teaser of their Gee MV on New Year’s Day. In it, the girls make like mannequins that come to life. (Watch it below.)

SNSD’s Gee will be released on Jan 5 while the mini album will go on sale on Jan 7.

Will the girls be getting your support, or are you still pissed off at them?

Source: Hankooki

Related:
2008 KBS Drama Awards - Highlights (Yoona wins Best New Actress)

Former Wonder Girl Hyeona makes a comeback

orchid.shoppe@gmail.com (Orchid) — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 10:02:00 +0000

Hyeona, an ex-Wonder Girl will return to the stage soon.
Watch out for her!

Former Wonder Girls member Hyeona (현아) will make a comeback in February '09. Hyeona used to be a member of JYP Entertainment's Wonder Girls before she left, and was later replaced by Yoobin.

Hyeona's management company, Cube Entertainment representative said "Hyeona is currently training hard and will make a comeback to the entertainment scene in end February with a new album." He also said that Hyeona is enthusiastic about her comeback and she will be showing vast improvements from her Wonder Girls debut days. Hyeona is now managed by Cube Entertainment, a JYP Entertainment sister company.

Back in February 2007, Hyeona was part of Wonder Girls and they made a debut with the single The Wonder Begins. The group was just about to take off when Hyeona was plagued by health problems. She suffered from chronic enteritis (inflamation of the small intestine). Finally her health problems got the best of her and Hyeona had to leave Wonder Girls in July 2007. She was later replaced by Yoobin.

The article did not say whether Hyeona will be making a comeback as a solo singer or whether she will be part of a new girl group. We shall have to wait for more news on her.

Source & pic credit: Newsen

Black-tipped nails all the rage in Korea

orchid.shoppe@gmail.com (Orchid) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 22:00:00 +0000

Natural coloured nails with black tips seems to be all the rage in South Korea now. It's actually a custom blend French manicure. Instead of white tips, substitute it with black nail polish. Try this the next time you do your nails.

Moon Geun Young sports black tips
at the 2008 SBS Drama Awards

BoA did her nails that way too!

Frozen Flower tops Korean box office

orchid.shoppe@gmail.com (Orchid) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 14:39:00 +0000

Jo In-sung, Joo Jin-mo and Song Ji-hyo in Frozen Flower
쌍화점 (Ssang-hwa-jeom)

Korean movie Frozen Flower sold 310,000 tickets in just one day! By this weekend, 1 million tickets would have been sold. The Showbox movie was released on 30th Dec, 2008.

Frozen Flower (쌍화점) is a tantalizing movie about homosexuality and betrayal set in ancient Korean Goryeo Dynasty times. The flick which opens in South Korea this week stars two of Korea's famous actors, Joo Jin-mo and Jo In-sung.

In the movie, Joo Jin-mo plays ancient Goryeo's king who has to produce a son to keep his throne. However, this king cannot sleep with a woman and his romantic partner is his chief bodyguard, Hong Lim (Jo In-sung). Their secret relationship begins to fall apart when the king decides to ask Hong Lim to sleep with the queen (Song Ji-hyo) to produce an heir.

This movie, directed by Yoo Ha is filled with explicit sex scenes (think Joo Jin-mo and Jo In-sung) and graphic violence. Although the movie sets itself out as a historical drama set in the late Goryeo Dynasty, the story is purely fictional.

The King and his lover:
Hong Lim (Jo In-sung) left, and the King (Joo Jin-mo) on the right.

Source: Newsen

Also check out:
Jo In-sung & Joo Jin-mo promote Frozen Flower

Bae Yong-joon and Park Jin-young collaborate for project

2kpopped@gmail.com (Liz) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 11:22:00 +0000

That can only mean one thing, friends. Brace yourselves for another onslaught of the Hallyu.

Watch out world: JYP (left) and BYJ are pooling their resources
and influence to bring Hallyu to the world

Korean superstar Bae Yong-joon (37), who has successfully captured the Japanese market and Park Jin-young a.k.a JYP (37), who has the Midas touch when it comes to creating K-pop stars, are reportedly collaborating on an important project.

These men will be pooling their resources and influence to bring Hallyu to the world...or the rest of it that hasn’t already been hit by the Korean Wave.

Sports Hankook reported on Jan 1 that BYJ and JYP have agreed to a (not-so) secret project that targets overseas markets such as the US and Japan. Both men will be investing at least 50 million won (RM131, 169) for the project.

The BYJ -JYP collaboration will see the men nurturing talents with global potential. It is also reported that Hallyuwood’s coffers will get a boost from the joint-venture – at least an increase of 100 billion won - if it turns out to be a success.

Can you say Ka-CHING?

Source: Digital Chosunilbo
Pic credit: Newsen

Top artiste BoA back in Korea for year-end

orchid.shoppe@gmail.com (Orchid) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 09:13:00 +0000

Saehae bok mani badeuseyo!

South Korean singer BoA (real name Kwon Boa) left to make a mark in the United States in September, 08. She spent four months in the States and her single Eat You Up rose to #15 in the Billboard Club Charts.

BoA returned to South Korea and appeared on stage on the 29th December, 2008 performing at the SBS Gaeyo Daejung (Music Festival). She sang two of her English songs - Eat You Up and Look Who's Talking. BoA, who's looking so adorable with bangs performed with much charisma and energy.

BoA performing at the SBS Music Festival

The local press also took this opportunity to speak to the young diva. This 23 year-old (born 5th Nov, 1986) singer who debuted when she was 14, has conquered the Japanese market. Despite such success, she feels very emotional and nervous about making it in the United States. BoA plans to release her first American album in mid-2009. She will be heading to Japan to work on it, then return to America where she will continue with her studies to master the English language.

BoA also confesed that she gets very nervous when she is performing in her home country Korea. Why? It's because there's such high expectations from her.

BoA will be heading back to the
States to continue establishing herself
as a pop artiste there

Pics credit & source: Asia Economy, Newsen

Related:
BoA sexes it up for America
BoA to slither into America

Seung Ri is not yet a man but a Strong Baby

orchid.shoppe@gmail.com (Orchid) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 04:29:00 +0000

Do you think I'm a man? Or perhaps a Strong Baby?

One by one...Big Bang members are venturing into solo careers. There was Taeyang giving his first solo concert back in July '08 and Daesang singing trot.

Now Seung Ri releases his new solo single Strong Baby (‘스트롱 베이비’). He's more buffed and claims to be a man, but alas, he does not quite reach the mark. Seung Ri looks more comfortable waving a giant fabric lollipop doing the "Wonderboy" thing rather than trying to sell us a strong masculine, sexy image.

Seung Ri in Strong Baby. Inset: Seung Ri doing Wonderboy

Only in his teens - nineteen to be exact (but in Korean age, he's 20), Seung Ri is trying to create a sexier, more mature image in his newly launched MV for Strong Baby. The music video was launched on 01 January, 2009 at 12noon! The MV features fellow Big Bang band mate G-dragon.

Check out Seung Ri in Strong Baby ~ guaranteed to make the fan girls faint.

Pics credit : Newsen

Dance Battle : JYP vs Rain

orchid.shoppe@gmail.com (Orchid) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 14:02:00 +0000

I'm black, you're white (or vice versa):
A Michael Jackson fan and
Donkey Kong on the dance floor

We were all anticipating the Rain - Colbert dance off back in April 2008. But did any of you get a whiff of a dance battle between JYP and Rain?

Who would have thought you'd see (once) master and protege on the same stage, in a dance battle! If you didn't know, before Rain set up his own entertainment company J. Tune Entertainment, he was with JYP Entertainment. JYP discovered and groomed Bi.

So check out this very very special stage on MBC's Music Festival, 31 December, 2008.

Wanna see another dance battle? Check out:
Rain vs. Stephen Colbert

K-popped! gets new look for 2009

2kpopped@gmail.com (Liz) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 13:39:00 +0000

안녕하세요!,

Do not be alarmed. Yes, you have logged onto the correct website - K-popped!, a site that is passionate about Korean pop culture.

We look a little different now as we've just undergone a ‘lil facelift in celebration of the New Year :-).

Jan 1, 2009: K-popped! Version 4.0

For 2009, we thought of making things more “spacious” for our visitors, so we did away with the encapsulating blue background. We hope you like the new look :-).

Jan 1, 2009 (12 am): K-popped! Version 3.0

The K-popped! Trio remains the same and will continue to bring you our take on all things Korean topped with a healthy dose of our sense of humour :-P.

For readers who have been with us since the very beginning (June 2007), you’re looking at K-popped! Version 4.0.

Enjoy and do stick around :-).

Related:
Three's company (Check out K-popped!'s past looks)

2008 KBS Drama Awards - Highlights

orchid.shoppe@gmail.com (Orchid) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 10:52:00 +0000

Yoona shed tears of joy as she accepts her award for Best New Actress

Thanks to a tip from our reader, i tuned in to the 2008 KBS Drama Awards on KBS World on the 31st December 2008. It's the only awards we Malaysian's get to watch on TV (I mean we don't get to watch the SBS or MBC award shows). But since it is broadcast to us live or only with a slight delay, there were no subtitles. So you'd just have to take a guess at what awards were given out.

The Winners

19 year-old Yoona (You Are My Destiny) was the big winner for the night as she got two awards for her work in her debut drama. Yoona won the Best New Actress award as well as the Netizen Award. Many were excited when Yoona (of Girls Generation) would be appearing in a daily drama series. I guess she proved to all that she can indeed act and belong to a pop group.

Kang Ji Hwan (Hong Gil Dong) who was touted to win Best Actor settled for the Netizen Award instead. Song Il Gook (Kingdom of the Wind) was awarded Best Actor.

Kang Ji Hwan (Hong Gil Dong) and Yoona (You Are My Destiny)
are more popular via Internet voting - they won the Netizen Award

Most Honoured:
The prestigeous Daesang Award went to
Kim Hye Ja (Mom's Dead Upset).
Kim is seen here accepting her award flanked
by the hosts for the night.

Best couple(s):
Kim Yong Gun & Jang Mi Hee (Mom’s Dead Upset),
Song Il Gook & Choi Jung Won(Kingdom of the Wind),
Kang Ji Hwan & Sung Yuri (Hong Gil Dong)

Here's a closer look at Kang Hi Hwan and Sung Yuri
~ everyone's fave couple in Hong Gil Dong

Best Actress went to Kim Ji Soo (Women of the Sun)

Worlds Within winners:
Bae Jong-ok (Supporting Actress)
and Eom Ki-joon (Supporting Actor)

The performances

What was really entertaining was when bonafide actors took to stage and danced to Nobody (Wonder Girls) and Honey (JYP).

Liz and i laughed and laughed because the actors were definitely not trained dancers and they were not afraid to make a fool of themselves. They are such good sports! Check out the stills below. I bet this was one of your favourite moments in the awards show too!

Don't be fooled, that ain't the Wonder Girls. Actresses perform Nobody.
Why didn't they get five ladies?

From left: Lee Pil-mo (You Are My Destiny),
Park Jae Jeong (You Are My Destiny),
Yoona (You Are My Destiny) and
Jung Kyeo-woon (Women of the Sun) attempts JYP's Honey.
The men were hilarious and of course Yoona danced wonderfully.

Ha ha ha...

Jung was gawky, Park appeared clumsy
and Lee...wasn't bad actually!

Everyone comes out for the finale and Park collapses in exhaustion.

The giant handkerchief dress

Everyone was dressed most exquisitely except Han Ji Hye, who appeared clad in a giant white handkerchief.

The burning question

Why weren't the leads in KBS' most talked about drama - Worlds Within not present? Where were Hyun Bin and Song Hye Kyo?

For a full list of winners (in English), go here: KBS Drama Awards.

Pics credit: Newsen

Related:
KBS Drama Awards - Song Il Kook, Best Actor

Review of Nami Mun’s Miles from Nowhere

2kpopped@gmail.com (Liz) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 04:51:00 +0000

K-popped! received an “uncorrected proof” of Korean-American author Nami Mun’s debut novel last year (don’t you just love doing that? Like it happened a long time ago, but in fact we received it a week back) and here’s a short review of Miles from Nowhere.

Is the novel an interesting read? Sure it is. Is the book a can’t-put-down page-tuner? No, it isn’t.

Miles from Nowhere is a work of fiction about Joon, a teenage Korean immigrant living in the Bronx in the 1980s.

Joon’s philandering father walks out on the family, leaving her Bible-toting mother in a near-catatonic state. The 13-year-old then decides to eke out a living on her own. And boy, does she fall in with the wrong crowd - big time.

Joon goes from a homeless shelter to an escort club, struggles with addiction, an unwanted pregnancy and takes on odd jobs such as hawking Avon cosmetics and newspapers.

Nonetheless, the protagonist - who seems to be experiencing a lifetime of hardship - is most of the time positive even when in dire straits. This tough cookie is always making do or trying to find the good in her situation.

Joon’s story doesn’t unfold linearly and only highlights certain episodes in her sad life. The narrative jumps from one “memory” to the next without much warning.

I couldn’t appreciate that as there were moments where I found myself playing catch-up/ back-tracking the protagonist’s thoughts, especially when a flashback occurred. It was annoying to feel lost while reading the book.

Apart from that, I didn’t feel involved in Joon’s plight. Perhaps it’s because the reader is only shown windows into Joon’s life...and not allowed in through the door.

Miles from Nowhere makes an OK read. It isn’t a riveting novel nor is it one that leaves a lasting impression.

Get your copy of Miles from Nowhere here

Related:

Nami Mun talks Miles from Nowhere
Author Nami Mun to unleash debut novel Miles from Nowhere

2008 KBS Drama Awards - Song Il Gook, Best Actor

orchid.shoppe@gmail.com (Orchid) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 18:48:00 +0000

Song Il Gook wins Best Actor at the 2008 KBS Drama Awards

Song Il Gook (38) walked away with the Best Actor award at the 2008 KBS Drama Awards on 31st December 2008. Song, who obviously did not expect to win the award appeared surprised and in a daze when his name was called.

Song Il Gook was day-dreaming when they announced that he had won

Huh? Who won Best Actor? Me?

Did they just call my name?

I think it's me...everyone's clapping

I can't believe this is happening...

...it's beginning to sink in now...I won! Oh no...the speech!

Many had speculated that this year, Kang Ji Hwan (Hong Gil Dong) would walk away with the Best Actor award but to everyone's surprise, Song Il Gook won.

Song Il Gook won the award for his role in the historical drama Kingdom of the Wind (바람의 나라). The drama is currently still airing on KBS TV2 and is aired on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9:55pm.

Kingdom of the Wind is adapted from the manhwa by Kim Jin-I set in a time where the Three Kingdoms of Korea (ancient Korean kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla) existed. Song plays the role of Prince Muhyul who later reigned as King Daemusin, the 3rd ruler of Goguryeo.

I have only seen Song Il Gook in the movie The Art of Seduction. Now this historical drama sounds interesting!

Is anyone watching Kingdom of the Wind?

Watch Song Il Gook in a period drama - buy the DVD of Jumong ~ touted as the biggest Korean drama of 2007.

Get the complete series of Jumong (US Version) on YesAsia!

Jumong Vol. 1 of 4 (English subtitled MBC Korean TV Drama)

Jumong Vol. 2 of 4 (English subtitled MBC Korean TV Drama)

Jumong Vol. 3 of 4 (English subtitled MBC Korean TV Drama)

Jumong Vol. 4 of 4 (English subtitled MBC Korean TV Drama)

Pics credit & source: Newsen, Soompi Forums

You Are My Destiny ends its run

orchid.shoppe@gmail.com (Orchid) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:41:00 +0000

KBS 1 TV's daily drama You Are My Destiny (너는 내운명) cast and crew celebrated the completion of the drama on the 31st Dec, 2008 afternoon, at the KBS building lobby in Yeuido, Seoul.

Ah finally! My mom has been tuning in to watch this family drama almost without fail on weekdays at 7:20pm for so long that i thought it will never end! ;-)

The cast of You Are My Destiny - Yoona, Park Jae Jeong, Lee Ji Hoon, Gong Hyeon Ju, Lee Pil Mu, Jang Yoong and Cham Seok Hae were present at the party of sorts.

In Korea, You Are My Destiny which has a total of 178 episodes was first aired on 5th May 2008. The final episode will be aired on 9th January 2009. What drama takes over this weekday slot? We shall have to wait and see.

On screen rivals:
Gong Hyeon Ju and Yoona are
really pals off screen

Kim Jeon Nan and Lee Pil Mu play
husband and wife in the drama
[Both of them won Best Actor and Best Actress
in a Daily Drama at the 2008 KBS Drama Awards]

Fashion forward Lee Ji Hoon plays
Kim Tae Pyung in the drama!

Source & pics credit: Newsen

Related:
You Are My Destiny starts showing in Malaysia
Lee Ji-hoon & friends entertain families in Gunsan

Hello 2009 :-)

2kpopped@gmail.com (Liz) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 16:00:00 +0000

Dear K-popped! readers,

Happy New Year! As we bid adieu to 2008, we here at K-popped! would like to wish everyone reading this a wonderful, exciting and fulfilling 2009.

We are very grateful for your continued support and encouragement. We look forward to another blissfully K-popped! year ahead.

새해 복 많이 받으세요!

Korean Entertainment: Year 2008 ends with a bang!

orchid.shoppe@gmail.com (Orchid) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 06:23:00 +0000

Wonder Girls in spanish style red hot skirts doing the

tango at the 2008 KBS Music Festival

The Korean Entertainment industry really know how celebrate the year-end. Most of the popular singers or groups have been busy giving concerts - such as Lee Hyori's first solo concert earlier, and JYP's Naughty Party.

Two huge music festivals and one drama awards took place back to back! These three huge events took place recently and K-popped! lovers are spoilt for choice to view their favourite artists perform on television as well as YouTube! Tell me, are you glued to your tv set or computer during the holidays? :-)

2008 SBS Gayo Daejeon (가요대전) - 29th Dec, 2008
2008 KBS Gayo Daechokjae (가요대축제) - 30th Dec, 2008
2008 MBC Acting Awards - 30th Dec, 2008

Jewelry and Wonder Girls on stage

I've been watching some of the clips but have yet to find this clip of the Wonder Girls doing the tango.

Have you found the video clip of this?

Check out the 2008 KBS Music Festival Opening Act
(with Bi, Wonder Girls & Big Bang singing New York New York!).

Latch on to all the Korean entertainment festivities by going to YouTube.com and type in "2008 KBS Music Festival" or "2008 SBS Music Festival" for a list of clips and enjoy!

Pics credit: JK News Korea, Newsen