Saturday, May 17, 2014

'Running Man' to return with another super power special episode



The super power special was known as one of the best episode on "Running Man". Now the show is going to bring it back again but this time it has been upgraded to another level. 

This episode will return you to some of the old special episodes in the past and in particular, the members' fomrer super powers will be switched among each other and for those ones that didn't win in the past, they will have a chance to try to achieve the victory once again.

Especially Gary and Song Ji Hyo,who are considered as the two strongest members, are expected to rewrite the history from the old episodes. According to the preview from the last episode, Song Ji Hyo will obtain the "LOL LOL" super power which was previous belonged to Gary and also helped him to become the winner from the Survival Special episode. Will it be useful and help her win this time?

Don't miss this episode on this Sunday May 18th at 6:10pm kst. 

Check out the preview video below 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQMIiZF5yxk

[140517] EXO-K won first place with 'Overdose' on Music Core


EXO-K performed their new song Overdose on Music Core, check out their performance below as they won first place with their new title track on the show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5tkeb2SubU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdJp4MSXG5w

Key and Arisa Yagi unveil BTS cuts from their wedding ceremony on 'We Got Married - Global Edition'


SHINee's Key and Arisa Yagi's bts cuts from their romantic wedding on 'We Got Married - Global Edition' looked like pages out of a storybook!

During the filming for the upcoming episode, Key and Arisa Yagi held their wedding ceremony and wore matching white suit and wedding dress. Both of their happy expressions were priceless and even Arisa Yagi, who tends to be quiet and shy, couldn't hide her affection for her 'husband'.

Watch their wedding ceremony with special guests, including A Pink's Eunji, on the 17th at 10 PM KST! But until then, check out the still cuts revealed above and below and you can also take a look at the teaser for the episode if you haven't seen it yet below!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8wd_JM7xGI

Jiyeon continues to get the excitement rolling with her album jacket for '1MIN 1SEC'


Only a few more days until T-ara's Jiyeon's solo debut and she continued to leave fans on the edge of their seats with her album jacket!

While teasing fans with the new image, Jiyeon shared her nervous excitement for her solo debut: "I am very nervous but my desire to get on stage as soon as possible is bigger... Although hearing, 'You do well on stage', is nice, I want to hear the compliment, 'You must have worked really hard to prepare'."

Jiyeon will release her first mini album '1MIN 1SEC' with the title track of the same name by Double Sidekick on the 20th!

EXO reveal their thoughts before their first fan event in Japan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBQjphD1uBk

Mnet aired a new episode of EXO's reality show 'xoxo EXO,' which showed pre-recorded footage from the boys' first fan event in Japan, 'EXO Greeting Party in Japan Hello!' from April 11 to 13.

The footage included cameras the members personally shot of themselves in the waiting room as each member relayed their thoughts on the concert.  Baekhyun parodied Kim Soo Hyun from 'You Who Came From The Stars,' "There are forty minutes left before the start of the concert... how do I feel?  Let's see," then laughed.  He said more seriously, "I am very nervous.  This is the first time the Japanese fans are seeing EXO exclusively, so I hope they enjoy it.  My thoughts are that the fans will like it if we don't put Chanyeol up on stage," causing laughter. 

Chanyeol said, "To tell the truth, I slept fitfully," while Lay added, "I could not sleep yesterday.  I can't tell if it was because I was too hyped up or drank too much coffee."

"EXO will show a good concert performance," said Tao, "fighting."  Leader Suhostated, "I'm very nervous and excited.  I will do my best," while Kai put in, "I was very nervous for our first stage.  I am used to it now to a certain degree so that I can enjoy myself.  All the fans must have been nervous because this is the first time, but do not be nervous and I wish we could enjoy this together," with a gentle smile.

Chanyeol said on the last day of the concert that rather than being nervous, he wanted to go on stage quickly while Sehun nodded and said he'll do his best.

The members also gathered up in a circle, put their hands in the center, and yelled, "Love EXO!"  

EXO-K and EXO-M chart in the Top 5 on Billboard's World Albums Chart with 'Overdose'


EXO-K and EXO-M's album 'Overdose' charted in the Top 5 of Billboard's World Albums Chart.

EXO-K placed second on Billboard's World Albums Chart with their 2nd mini album 'Overdose'. EXO-K's version also ranked #129 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on Billboard's Heatseekers Albums Chart.

Although EXO-M didn't enter the Billboard 200, they still ranked at #5 on the World Albums Chart and #8 on the Heatseekers Albums Chart. According to Billboard, EXO-K also boasts the highest chart position on the Billboard 200 for a male K-pop artist at #129.

Congrats, EXO and their fans!






'xoxo EXO' to air pre-recorded footage instead of a live broadcast tonight


EXO's reality show 'xoxo EXO's initial plan of airing as a live broadcast on May 16 has been scrapped. Instead, pre-recorded footage will be aired due to EXO's current member dilemma involving Kris.

An Mnet rep stated on the 16th, "Due to the cast's circumstances, 'xoxo EXO', which is set to air today, will not be a live broadcast and will show footage from their fan event in Japan instead."

The upcoming second episode will take viewers behind the scenes and backstage of EXO's first fan event in Japan, 'EXO Greeting Party in Japan Hello!', which attracted a total of 100,000 fans at Saitama Super Arena on April 11-13. Fans will be able to see the members throwing a birthday party for Sehun, Suho's self-camera on the plane, and more of EXO's real personalities.

Mnet's 'xoxo EXO' airs every Friday at 10:10 PM KST!

EXO's Kris reported to have visited hospital + former SME trainee comments


Chinese media site Sina has reported that EXO's Kris visited the hospital due to possible heart issues.


The report alleged, "Kris was diagnosed with suspected myocarditis at the hospital." A medical certificate with Kris' Chinese name 'Wu Yi Fan' was also provided as proof. Sina stated that a medical professional commented, "I can't say that he has a heart problem, but his creatine kinase and isozyme levels are higher than average, so we can't exclude the possibility of myocarditis. In cases like this, we suggest another examination, and if the levels are still high, we suggest treatment from a specialist as well as rest."

Kris is said to have received a diagnosis of suspected myocarditis on a visit to a hospital in Guangzhou, China when he returned from the '12th Korean Musical Festival' in Los Angeles, California on May 2.

To add to the reports, a former SM Entertainment trainee and self-labeled friend of Kris named Song Byung Yang posted to Weibo about the situation. He wrote, "As a musician who spent 7 years in Korea, I can completely understand Kris' decision and the dilemma he went through. As an old friend of his, it wasn't easy seeing him struggle due to the severe mental stress and fatigue. Because his body couldn't handle it, he even developed heart problems. Everyone, support and understand Kris. I hope that you show him even more kindness now. Yi Fan, I welcome you home." 

Song Byung Yang is reported by Sina to have started as a trainee at SM Entertainment in 2004 before parting ways with the agency in 2011.

Maybe this sheds some light on Kris' message to fans?

Key supports his sunbae Ryeowook' musical 'Goddess is Watching'




SHINee Key expresses his support to his senior labelmate and sunbae in musical Super Junior Ryeowook by watching his musical 'Goddess is Watching' and even takes proof shot with him.

Key writes on his instagram account, "omg you should check this out!!!!!!!!!! The Goddess is Watchingㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ Ah it keeps ringing in my ear ( Don't forget to watch Bonnie and Clyde first)"

In the photo, Key is posing with Ryeowook who is still wearing his character costume. Both are making V signs. So supportive of Key.

EXO's Kris speaks out for the first time since news of his lawsuit against SM Entertainment


In the middle of all the chaos, EXO's Kris left a message for fans on Weibo and spoke up for the first time since the news of his lawsuit to nullify his contract with SM Entertainment

On May 16, he started out by referencing an old proverb about a praying mantis blocking a wagon and wrote, "I'm doing fine. I wish everyone the best, and I hope things will be better for you all. I thank all the people who are supporting me, and thanks for voicing your opinions. Wu Yi Fan will always be here!"

What do you think about Kris' message?

SM Entertainment to take legal action against those spreading malicious rumors concerning EXO and Kris' lawsuit + Hankyul denies doing interview


With the internet abuzz about Kris and EXOSM Entertainment has stated that it will take legal action against anyone spreading malicious rumors concerning the group and Kris' lawsuit online.


The agency announced on May 16: "After the news of Kris' lawsuit to nullify his contract went out, there have been malicious rumors, false facts, and personal attacks being spread on the internet about the EXO members and the company, and we will respond with aggressive legal action for defamation of character. The EXO members are struggling due to the rumors and negative comments, and our company will not overlook these acts and will respond decisively."

There have also been reports in Chinese media that Kris' legal representation Hankyul had an interview with media outlet Sina stating that SM Entertainment allegedly refused movie and drama proposals for Kris and that Kris did not participate in auditions or solo activities without the agency's knowledge.

However, Hankyul has come out to say that no such interview took place. The law firm previously stated that it would refrain from revealing specific details to the public as well.

SM says EXO's concert will go on as scheduled + insider reveals the other members probably did not expect Kris's lawsuit


After the confirmation that Kris has indeed filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainmentregarding his contract, there hasn't been much new information revealed. However, there have been a few developments or updates that have just recently been reported about SM Entertainment's plan for EXO's upcoming first concert, as well as a new comment offering a bit more insight into how the other EXO members have received this news. 

As many fans know by now, the boys are scheduled to hold their first solo concert in about a week from now. So this no doubt has has fans wondering if the concert will go on or whether it will be postponed or even possibly canceled. According to the latest report by 'Star News', SM Entertainment has commented, "We will be carrying out EXO's concert next week as planned... As it is their first solo concert, we will do our best to prepare for it." When asked if Kris will be attendance, the agency said, "His participation is currently unclear as we haven't been able to get in touch with him."

According to 'Hankooki', it's currently said that SM has sent Kris a final notice requesting him to return as soon as possible for he did not return to Korea with the other members and the concert date is fast approaching.

Meanwhile, questions have been raised by fans about the validity of the comments said or posted by fellow EXO members during interviews or on their Instagram, since Kris and the members looked perfectly fine at the events held in China up until the day of their scheduled return to Korea.

Regarding this, an insider who is well acquainted with EXO spoke to 'MyDaily', and said, "It's true that Kris was having a hard time adjusting to living in Korea as he is Chinese. However, I didn't realize that he was having a hard time to the point of filing a lawsuit suddenly. The members also thought that Kris was going to be returning soon, and so it seems they had no idea that this situation would suddenly end up in a lawsuit."

So according to this insider, this does explain some of the reactions of the other members, as it appears that Kris may not have consulted the other members before filing a suit in the middle of promotions.

Kris's return date to Korea is still said to be up in the air and It's expected that Kris will only be relaying his position through his legal representation, law firm Hankyul. 


Media outlets have also spoken to various individuals who could offer some insight into the outcome of this situation and also divulged on what the legal process may be like.

The exact lawsuit that Kris has filed through his lawyers is asking the court to determine whether the exclusive contract is valid. This is the same type of suit filed by JYJ andHangeng earlier on. What it basically is, is presenting evidence that the contract is actually not effective or valid due to violation of the measures listed by the agency or by showing that an agency used its authority in an unreasonable way. If this is found to be the case, then the contract would be deemed invalid and the content can be nullified.

Kris's side is listing reasons like SM one-sidedly deciding everything for him and not respecting his thoughts nor his health condition. In addition they say that he was not offered proper explanation nor documents of how his pay was calculated and that he struggled financially in comparison to how much he worked. They also cite that the contract length is too long. 

JYJ's previous lawyer Im Sang Hyuk spoke to 'No Cut News', and he said, "It's both not good for the agency nor the member to drag this out, so the possibility of them settling is high... The court also encourages the two sides to settle in matters like this... If in the case that they decide to settle, Kris would probably be given a new contract that is different from the other members."

He however mentioned that as the contract content for EXO and TVXQ are probably different, this all depends on what EXO's contract is like with the agency.

How the internet is reacting to the situation with EXO's Kris and SM Entertainment



Many EXO fans were hit with a huge blow today as they signed onto allkpop and saw a plethora of items surrounding Kris's desire to leave not only EXO but also SM Entertainment.  No one had any clue whatsoever that this was going to happen and the timing was definitely surprising considering EXO just made their comeback with 'Overdose', has a concert coming up, and is at the peak of their career.

SM Entertainment responded vaguely, the other EXO members reacted intriguingly, but how did the rest of the world react?  The EXO induced earthquake is shaking the internet by storm as heightened emotions are expressed to no limit on the web. 

What's a better outlet for relaying your feelings than through SNS?  Particularly Twitter, which unites the world through (in)famous hashtags?  At one point or another, "#WeBeliveInYouKris [sic]," "#StayStrongEXO," and "#SMentWorstCompanyInKorea" were trending worldwide!  This is an impressive feat (although what might be more impressive is the trending typo...).


Some are posting supportive pictures, showing that they would stand behind Kris and EXO no matter what.


But there have been more severe cases, too...


Um...yeah... no words.

Interestingly enough, it's not just taking the Korean fandom world by storm.  This is definitely affecting the business aspect of SM Entertainment, as well, as their stock price dropped nearly 6% on the May 15 day of trading.



Other celebrities may be speaking up subtly regarding this incident... while nothing has been confirmed, there are some fans who are speculating that G-Dragon's latest Instagram post might be directed at this situation, too. He posted an image with the words "Fighting".

http://instagram.com/xxxibgdrgn

Netizens and fans are now digging into the past to figure out what might have led to Kris's sudden desire to leave.  Some are posting up pictures, claiming that Kris may have been ostracized in the past by the group.

View image on Twitter


EXO's latest photo
-Kris being isolated

EXO-K answer questions from 'Ask in a Box' (Part 2)!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20CdpvkIL1I


EXO-K happily answered questions from international fans in their first part of 1theK's 'Ask In A Box.'  Now, they answered even more questions for part 2, some were directly asked through video messages from fans all over the world, who showed impressive Korean speaking skills!

Throughout, they showed their chemistry as Chanyeol talks about how much he loves the phrase "I love you," which is why he constantly says this to his group members... which led to the other members' confusion.  Chanyeol clarified amusingly, "Not out loud."

Check out more of their cute moments above.

EXO's Kris updates fans with Weibo message



EXO's Kris updates his Weibo account with a short message for fans.

He wrote,"I'm alright, I wish you all the best, and that things will be even better for you guys. Thanks to all of those who support me, thanks for all your voices of support. Wu Yi Fan will always be here!





Let's hope that the problem will be solved soon since EXO's concert is just one week away, hwaiting!


Instagram profile message updated

In addition, he updated his Instagram profile message to "darkness in my eyes but lights up in the sky", drawing much speculation from fans regarding the meaning behind his message