[News] KARA’s Korean Album Sells 100k Copies in Japan

Girl group KARA proves their popularity in Japan!

The girl group stands out amongst all the other Korean artists trying to invade the Japanese music market when their all-Korean album broke the 100k barrier in sales.

On the 3^rd, KARA’s Japanese agency revealed that the group’s Korean greatest hits album has surpassed 100,000 copies in sales after barely 2 months of release since the end of September. The Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) has certified the sales digits, making KARA the first Korean group since the ’90s to perform this feat.

This is quite remarkable since the album contains 100% Korean songs, virtually proving KARA’s high popularity in Japan. It also further rises expectations for KARA’s second Japanese single, Jumping, and first original album, Girls Talk, due for release on November 11 and November 24, respectively.

Do you think KARA will find success in their Japanese releases too?

[News] KARA's All-Korean Album Surpasses 100k Copies

KARA stands out amongst all the other Korean artists advancing into Japan due to their all-Korean album's ability to break the 100k barrier in sales.

On November 3rd, KARA's Japanese agency, Universal Music Japan's associated officials revealed that KARA's Korean greatest hits album, released at the end of September, has surpassed 100,000 copies in sales. The album sale from Oricon totals to 90k copies, but the Oricon Chart does not reflect the total sale of the album. The Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ for short) has certified this album as having surpassed 100k in sales, making KARA the first Korean group since the '90 to release an all-Korean album that is able break the 100k copies barrier.

Because this album consists of 100% Korean songs, it is surprising that it is able to garner such high sales, showing KARA's high popularity in Japan.

Because of the great performance of this album, expectations for KARA's second Japanese single, "Jumping," and first original album, "Girls Talk," to be released on November 11 and November 24, respectively, are high.

[News] f(x) to return with a second mini-album?

f(x) fans have been screaming over news that their favorite idol group will be making a return to the music scene with a second mini-album on December 2nd.

Reportedly, the mini-album will feature tracks produced from notable hit-makers, Yoo Youngjin(SHINee’s “Lucifer“, Super Junior’s “BONAMANA“) and E-Tribe (SNSD’s “Gee“). ‘J-pop Queen’,Ayumi Hamasaki, was also said to have contributed a song.

As of now, no official word from SM Entertainment has been released confirming or denying the rumors.

Stay tuned with allkpop for further updates!

[News] 'WGM' Nichkhun, cute dance while in an apron.. VIctoria 'What should I do'

Nichkhun did a cute dance while wearing an apron.

On November 6th, on MBC's 'We Got Married' (WGM), Nichkhun (2PM) and Victoria (f(x)) entered their newlywed home. It is a rental house for foreigners. Nichkhun, who was in a good mood, wore an apron and made ramen for Victoria.

While he made the food, Nichkhun sang and danced f(x)'s song without any accompaniment. Watching his cute expressions, Victoria couldn't hold in her laughter and responded with "Really, what should I do!". Nichkhun just chimed in with, "I know".

Meanwhile, in regards to Nichkhun making the ramen for her, Victoria said "This is the first time a man has cooked for me other than my dad". In Victoria's interview, she confessed that "Nichkhun really feels like a husband". She giggled when she said "I think of him as my husband."

[News] f(x) to comeback with second mini-album in December

f(x) will be returning to the music scene early December with a 2nd mini-album! The album is described to one that will "surprise all f(x) fans".

The new album will contain a title song composed by both Youngjin Yoo and E-Tribe. These two are known to have created some of the biggest hits in the Korean music industry. E-Tribe has worked on songs for both SM Entertainment and other companies before, while Youngjin Yoo is a member of SME.

E-Tribe has worked on hit singles such as “Gee” by Girls' Generation, “U-Go-Girl” by Lee Hyo-ri, “It's You” by Super Junior, and “I Know” by Se7en. Meanwhile, Youngjin Yoo has worked on songs such as "Mirotic" and "Rising Sun" by DBSK as well as songs for BoA, H.O.T, Shinhwa, Fly to the Sky and S.E.S.

The album will also contain a song composed by Ayumi Hamasaki, one of the most famous singers in Japan. There will also be a Chinese and Japanese song in the album. It looks like f(x) is looking to take over Asia with this new mini-album!

However, the real question in all fans minds is whether or not Amber will take part in this new album and the promotions to follow. What do you think?

Are you anticipating f(x)'s comeback?

[News] Hyomin-Han Sunhwa surprise confession on Invincible Youth "Victoria is the most awkward member"

Secret's Sunhwa and T-ara's Hyomin had a confession to make to f(x)'s Victoria.

The 5th November was the broadcasting day of Invincible Youth on KBS2 TV. During this episode the G7 members where reunited to celebrate the one year anniversary of the show.

f(Victoria) was chosen as the most awkward members with 4 votes. Sunhwa who picked her said, "By talking to plants, you look like a 4-dimensional person." Hyomin added, "I know it is really difficult to try to talk (in Korean) and to engage the dialogue, and then ending up by having your pride hurt."

*cut the part about Victoria explaining her difficulties in Korean*

Hyomin concluded this moment by declaring, "Victoria and I will pretend we aren't related this [awkward] situation," making everyone laugh.

[News] Nichkhun Dances to ‘Magic Girl’ in an Apron

On the latest broadcast of MBC’s popular variety show We Got Married, the Khuntoria couple, 2PM’sNichkhun and f(x)’s Victoria, revealed their new home.

The reason for the big move was that it was actually their big 100^th day anniversary and what better way to celebrate then by moving to a new house.

However, Nichkhun seemed to be celebrating it his own way when the couple was preparing to make ramyun. Wife Victoria was helping her husband put on his apron, while she is doing so, husband shows off just how happy he is by dancing, humming and singing to Orange Caramel’s track Magic Girl, even Victoria joins in at the end.

Check out the video below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eEnDPZCYXo&feature=player_embedded

Cute, is it not?

[News] ‘Playful Kiss’ reveals Seung Jo’s Diary on YouTube

MBC’s ‘Playful Kiss‘ came to an end on the 21st of October. The drama went against some tough competition and suffered in the ratings department. Despite that, the show grew a small die-hard fan base and they were quite disappointed to see the show end so soon. However, that disappointment was somewhat turned around when there was news stating that Playful Kiss would continue airing via special episodes through video sharing website Youtube.

This past week, they’ve released various specials through the YouTube channel ytkiss and now two special diaries featuring Seung Jo have been revealed.

You can view English subs utilizing the cc button on the YouTube player.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RDR395yyzM&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPO2mNlW-e0&feature=player_embedded

[News] KARA’s Kang Jiyoung and f(x)’s Sulli display their twin grins on ‘Invincible Youth’

Reality program “Invincible Youth” recently aired it’s one-year anniversary episode, and former G7 members made a comeback to participate in the harvest.

Although the episode included many interesting segments, viewers particularly enjoyed seeing the interaction between close friends, KARA’s Kang Jiyoung and Sulli of f(x).

As they were both born in the same year, the two girls became quite close. Consequently, they were able to display adorable twin expressions as they worked.

The viewers commented,

‘Kang Jiyoung and Sulli are cute~’
‘The cutie twins’
‘What a cute pair of friends’
‘Such baby faces’

Sunny, HyunA, Kim Tae Woo, Song Ji Eun, and other f(x) members returned to the idol village as well, and rolled up their sleeves for the task ahead. Even though it was difficult doing farm work for the first time, they all expressed their satisfaction after completing their jobs.

[News] KARA’s unique hairstyles show off their fresh faces

KARA’s cute hairstyles on a Japanese program has captured interest amongst fans.

On November 6th, a topic surfaced on an online community board with the title, ‘A collage of KARA’s hairstyles from a Japanese program ㅋㅋㅋㅋ‘. As described, the picture utilized screencaps from the program and it looks like everyone (except for Park Gyuri), wore their hair up in unique top buns.

The visitors had mixed feelings about their hairstyles, as they commented,

‘Park Gyuri’s hair didn’t change’
‘I wonder if their coordinator is an anti-fan…?’
‘Park Gyuri is a real goddess’
‘It would be better if Nicole doesn’t show her forehead ㅋㅋ’

What do you think? Do the hairstyles suit the girls well?

[News] A first look at the “Invincible Youth” photo book and 2011 calendar!

KBS 2TV’s variety program, “Invincible Youth“, will be releasing a photo book and calendar in celebration of their one year anniversary.

The photo book and calendar features pictures of members Narsha, Goo Hara, Han Sunhwa, Hyomin, Victoria, Juyeon, Kim Sori, No Ju Hyun, Kim Tae Woo, Kim Shin Young, and many others who have made an appearance in the show.

Images of the original cast members who had graduated from the show - SNSD’s Yuri, Sunny and4minute’s Hyuna - will also be included, giving fans an opportunity to reminisce the past.

The products will be released on November 22nd and will be sold through online shopping mall, Yes24.

The “Invincible Youth 2011 Calendar” will cost 5,500₩ ($4.95 USD), while the “Invincible Youth Photo Essay” will cost 15,000₩ ($13.50 USD). A special set including the calendar and a special one year anniversary episode DVD will be available for 9,900₩ ($8.92 USD).

Producers revealed, “Profits earned from the sales will be donated for the advancement of farming, and helping those who are less fortunate.”

International fans can place their orders for the photobook or/and calendar through YesAsia.com.

[News] Khuntoria couple gets a new house on 100th day anniversary

Nichkhun and Victoria will finally get their newly-wed house on ‘We Got Married‘ for their 100th day anniversary.

To celebrate their anniversary, Nichkhun cooked for the first time for Victoria. After trying out Nichkhun’s cooking, Victoria said that the food he made had a special meaning to her, causing Nichkhun to become emotional at her comment.

Following this, the couple had a party to celebrate their rebirth as a true couple.

This episode will be air later today in Korea on MBC.

[News] 4Minute and G.NA Ready with Two Upcoming Releases

The female artists of Cube Entertainment will soon be driving fans wild with two upcoming releases back-to-back.

Hyunah and solo artist G.NA will be releasing a collaboration album, which was first introduced to the public a month ago, on November 10^th. Many expect this duet to be a wild success, as the two received many positive responses during their stage performance of G.NA’s “I’ll Back Off So You Can Live.”

In addition, 4Minute recorded a track for an anime series not too long ago; entitled “Home Run,” the track served as an OST for the series. After the release of the corresponding music video, the girls will be releasing the official track via Korean music site Bugs on the 11^th of November.

Stay tuned as we at KPOPLIVE work to ensure that you stay updated about these artists’ activities as soon as possible.

[News] KARA Releases ‘Jumping’ Cheerleader Version MV

KARA recently became CF models for au Smart Sports Run & Walk that started this November 3rd. To help promote ‘Santa Letter of Challenge’ where the girls dressed up as Santa Claus, that started this November 1st, the girls released a second version of their single ‘Jumping‘ where they became cheerleaders!

To see what I mean, watch their MV below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUCRRILzLVs&feature=player_embedded

Get ready to cheer Kamilia, because their comeback is getting closer.

[News] KARA Unveils Korean Comeback Photos

KARA ends their nine-month hiatus from the K-Pop scene and reveals concept photos for their upcoming fourth Korean mini-album, Jumping.

Yes, that’s right. KARA will be promoting two versions of Jumping, which will be released simultaneously on November 10th, in Japan and Korea.

In the meantime, here are the individual concept photos of the girls.

So, are you loving their geometry-inspired black-and-white concept?

Once again, KARA will release Jumping Japanese single album and Jumping Korean mini-album on November 10th. The girl group will also release their first full-length Japanese album, Girl’s Talk, on November 24th.

[News] Nichkhun and Victoria Celebrate their 100th Day Anniversary with a New Home

In celebration of their 100^th day anniversary, the Nichkhun-Victoria couple of ‘We Got Married’ were given the chance to move into their very own home during the upcoming episode of the show.

The acquiring of the house came with one cost, however. The two were asked to prepare some homemade food during the show in their new home.

Although not much about the upcoming show was revealed, it has been said that in response to her husband’s cooking, Victoria stated that his food tastes “like something that can’t be explained.” No word, however, has been given about whether Nichkhun enjoyed his wife’s food

The episode will be broadcast later today.

[News] f(x) Victoria and 4minute Hyuna practices their funny kissing faces on Invincible Youth

Victoria and Hyuna from f(x) and 4minute makes funny faces on Invincible Youth.

On the 5th of November Broadcast of KBS 2TV "Invincible Youth" the staff and cast are celebrating their 1 year anniversary, also the members of G7 are also celebrating the event. On the show, Victoria and Hyuna showed their unique talent.

Victoria and Hyuna showed their lip pouting faces showing their exaggerated way of kissing someone. Victoria and Hyuna were trying to act out each other and they tried their best to give the funniest look.

In the end, they did a good job causing laughter in the set with their lip pouting faces.

Meanwhile, G7 continues their usual doings and Victoria shows off her 4 Dimensional personality to get closer with the other members of G7 also showing awkward moments with the members.

[News] SouthEast Asian Fake groups on Kpop groups? Who are they?

The issue of "fake groups" are becoming the spotlight on internet sites.

On the 6th of November episode of KBS 2TV "entertainment tonight" the topic was about "Fake Groups", these are fake groups from other oversea's countries imitating korean groups.

A culture expert said, "South Korea has evolved so much along with singers and musicians worked hard to make good songs for their albums. Therefore, countries who are not much equipped with such seem to imitate groups from Korea."

From other SouthEast Countries like Thailand, Cambodia, China and Taiwan, these "Fake Groups have emerged, such as Candy Mafia imitating 2ne1, Super Boy which is a parody group imitating Super Junior, OkBang imitating Big Bang, imitating other idols from SNSD to SHINee also.

Especially in Cambodia, a group imitates SHINee's concept even copies their song "Rind Ding Dong" perfectly.

However, regarding this issue, the pop culture expert said, "These fake groups are just following the Hallyu wave and what's popular" Suggesting that these acts are positive feedback on the hallyu wave.

[News] Khuntoria Couple revealed their newlywed house!

Nichkhun and Victoria revealed their luxurious newlywed house

on WGM that broadcasted on 6th November 2010, Victoria and nichkhun moved to their new house on their 100th Day anniversary. Their newlywed house looks so pretty and cozy.

This cute ‘khuntoria’ couple celebrates their 100th day anniversary by moving to their newlywed house. the WGM crew gave the address of the newlywed house. So, the beautiful white house waiting for them and yes, it is their newlywed house.

The new house is decorated nicely, the bathroom looks so pretty and give the cozy feeling to Victoria. looks like she loves the new home.

And then, khuntoria went to their kitchen to make ramyun, victoria helped nichkhun to put the apron on nichkhun, and they ate the ramyun in their new house, victoria even said ‘Thank you’ to nichkhun

[News] Nichkhun forgot his 100th anniversary with Victoria

2pm Nichkhun forgot his 100th anniversary with Vic.

MBC WGM on Nov 6th aired Victoria and Nichkhun’s running away trip.

On that day, Victoria asked khun “Do you know what a special day it is today?”，making khun flustered and replied” 3 month? 100th day?”. Finally he revealed the fact that he forgot their 100th day anniversary.

And in the blackroom interview, nichkhun made the excuse“ there is no such event in thai’，but he also expressed that he felt apologetic

Furthermore, after having shellfish dinner, Nichkhun and Victoria went back to Seoul a few hours before their 100th day’s coming. Having no plan and being in a casual style trip, they didn’t know the final destination, and WGM staff prepared their new house for the couple to celebrate their 100th anniversary.

[News] Goo Hara and Narsha selected as changing the most in front of a guy

On the Invincible youth aired on 5th, out of the G7 members (Narsha, Goo Hara, Hyomin, Sunhwa, Victoria, Jooyeon and Sori) they voted who changes the most in front of a guy.

Out of them, Goo Hara, Narsha and Sunhwa was selected as the 'finalists'.

Narsha said about Goo hara "With young age and cute appearance, she approaches a guy like a younger sister."

To this Goo hara replied "I was just trying to be nice by trying to make the male guest more comfortable in presence of only females"

When Kim Shin Young asked, "Then why didn't you look after Cheon Myung Hoon", Goo hara apologised.

[News] T-ara's JiYeon and MissA's Suzy debut through 'Into the new world'?!

On the 6th, through a community site, an article was posted called "Suzy, Jiyeon, SNSD story" with photos.

In this article, profile photos from MBC TV "Show music core" homepage of Suzy and JiYeon were present.

Problem is, Suzy and JiYeon's debut is written as "2007 album 'Into the new world'". "Into the new world" is the debut album by SNSD released on the 3rd of August 2007.

Netizens said "What really? Is this true?" Another mistake was that JiYeon was written as JiHyun.