Three things which Ji Hoon felt he did well

Credit: baidu.com// jinlees@soompi
Kr to Ch: Yunrain
Ch to Eng: Rayndrop

Number one: Bought father a house. Jihoon said, "Father had only 30,000 won with him when he came to set up in Seoul. He has gone through much hardship as well. Even went to Brazil to try and make money. Father's dream is to live in a house with a backyard. So I'm very happy I'm able to buy him a house with a yard so he can move out from the apartment.

Number 2: Taking the part in "Sangdoo, Let's go to school" in 2003. Jihoon said, "There weren't many singers acting in TV dramas then. Many people were concerned, afraid that if I don't do well, I'll ruin my singing career. I wanted to put my heart into acting, so I took up the challenge. After the series was aired, many people changed their opinions.

Number 3: My audition with Pak Jin Young. I was a nobody with problems at home. He went to JY Park with determination. Park look into Jihoon's eyes which were filled with nothing but passion, said "the look in your eyes satisfies me," and accepted him.

May 29 2006 Rain: Reveal that he had watched Porn

Credit: Baidu.com
Chinese to English: AznAngel29@sexybi


It has been raining for a few fays in Korea. The weather in Korea is has been the same throughout the days. Super Star Rain leads Lee Hyori, SS501, Kangta, Vaness Wu and other singers to perform on a stage. (AznAngel29: I concert?) There were 30,000 audience watching the show even it was raining they enjoyed the show.

Most of the audience at the show was mostly teenagers around the age of 18, (I Concert) and the theme of the show was black and white. (Dressing black and white also) Rain was wearing jeans and a nice suit. He performed "Its Raining" and 2 other songs. While he was singing he had removed his shirt and revealed his sexy body full of muscles.
Before he had left, he said its raining today, cold? Take care…and sorry


At his fan meeting he had told his fans that when he was young he had watched porn before. "Wild movies w/o a title"
In addition, when he was in Hong Kong, since there weren't any female staffs at the party with his other male co-workers. After drinking, they men decided to jump into the swimming pool and swim around nude. However, Rain did not do so even though he wanted to really badly yet he was afraid of paparazzi.
Next month he will be holding his fan meeting in Japan and all the tickets have been sold out already.

May 28 2006 When Rain was in HK he wanted to swim in the pool w/o clothes

credit: Eun Hye@BI with Rain
Chg to English: AznAngel29@Sexybi

World known singer Rain has declared that since last year he has prepare himself emotionally of his Asia tour and how his performance in the states. On May 28, 3pm he held a fan meeting Kong Won University (just pronouncing it as ping ying don't know the exact name).

Since last year Rain had toured Japan, China, Hong Kong, and other Asian countries and USA. He had held a concert in 7 different countries and had establish and reorganization for his name on stage.

The host of his fan meeting was Kim Chung Dong said that all his tickets were sold out in that concert and proves his reputation throughout Asia.

Rain " My dancers (JYP dancing team) and staff members had many unforgettable and funny memories together.

After Rain had completed his Hong Kong concert he had held a party on the top floor of a building which has a swimming pool to it. After from drinking and most of the staffs were pretty drunk. Since there weren't any female staffs there his co-workers had jumped into the swimming pool nude. He wanted to join them badly yet he did not do so because he was afraid or in case of paparazzi. Rain said thinking back about it he felt sadden that he wasn't able to do that.

Birthday party cum fan meeting on 28th may: A letter to the clouds from Rain
Credit: yunrain@baidu// jinlees@soompi
Kr to Ch: Yunrain
Ch to Eng: Rayndrop

A letter from Rain to Cloud

"Why are you laughing? Some music please!"

Before I met all of you, I didn't know how to love
I'm standing before all of you as "Rain"
When my heart is bursting with love from all of you
I understand the meaning of "this is the feeling of receiving love"

But when I am giving love, it seems like my method is somewhat wrong
And...there seems to be a feeling of distance

All these while when I was only receiving love, I was also very fortunate
But while your love in my heart is overflowing
I realised that my ways of showing love is very distant

During the 4 years I've spent with all of you
Ah~it seems like it is only now that I understand the meaning of love
Love can only be achieved jointly by both sides
To share whether in times of joy and sorrow

To everybody, my way of loving is
Whenever you are happy, sad, or in a special moment
it is my face and the image of me performing my best that will first come to your mind!
In order to be deserving of your love, and a name which you are proud of
I have always tried to put on my best performance.

Yup. In order for Rain to be able to continue being your source of pride in future;
In order for everybody to feel proud as a fan of Rain;
In future, I will strive to become the brightest light that stays by your side.

Rain: "Do you believe?"
Cloud: "We believe!"
Rain: "Too soft...do you believe?"
Cloud: "We believe!"
Rain: "Oh good! Thank you!

Kim Jae Dong: "Rain's small eyes represent the eyes of the Republic of Korea"

Creidt: Raincn.com// jinlees@soompi
Ch to Eng: Rayndrop

Host Kim Jae Dong compliments Rain's eyes generously.

Kim was the host for Rain's Birthday Party cum Fan-meeting, held on the afternoon of 28th May at the cultural hall of Gwangun University (?), Seoul.

At the party, Rain said, "I used to have low self-esteem because of my small eyes. But now, as compared to artistes with big beautiful eyes, artistes with small eyes seem to enjoy higher popularity, and that increases my self-confidence."

"In US, my small eyes also obtained very good responses, these unique smiling eyes of mine."

Following that, Kim also agreed enthusiastically saying, "Because we belong to a tribe that rides horses(Koreans are half-descendants of the Mongolians who are normadic people), in order to avoid having things fly into our eyes, over time, we have developed small traditional eyes. The farmers, on the other hand, have long and slitty eyes so they can see the wide expanse of their farms"

Kim Jae Dong went on to say, "Recently, it is in trend for people with double eye-lids to undergo surgery and have their eyes made small."

"Rain's small eyes are the representative eyes of the Republic of Korea!" These words immediately got enthusiastic cheers from fans.

Rain also revealed that his favourite part of his body is his butt, and that evoked excited cheers from the female fans.

Special thanks to Bi's thread@Soompi and the translators!

He said, he said...

Credit: Consolidated by Yu_zhongbutong@Baidu
Ch to Eng: Rayndrop

He said, "I have at least two weak points. Being this open about this is making me a little embarrassed. My grades this term is lower than the minimum requirement of the school. I really want to study well, but managing work and studies is really so difficult. I hope I can have more time to study next term."

He said, "I know I don't have the best outlook, and I know I am not good-looking. But inside, I am very outstanding. Every time I go on stage, I tell myself that I am the best. After a performance, when I walk off the stage, I tell myself I am not the best. So each time before I go onstage, I make sure I'm 120% prepared, so that I can give my 100% onstage. Every day, I train myself non-stop. I have been lacking enough sleep for a long time, when I'm not working, I am gymming, rehearsing my dance or practising my singing. It's the same when I'm filming. If I don't do it well, I won't be able to sleep. Whether as a actor or a singer, I want to do my best. Don't worry about me not having enough sleep, because after I'm dead, I'll have plenty of time to sleep.

He said, "I can dream while sleeping, but I can also dream without sleeping."

He said, "There is something I am afraid of, and that is myself. I'm most afraid of myself turning lazy."

He said, "I am a perfectionist. I have always been good friends with Jin Young. He is a perfectionist, so I got influenced gradually. I think "this will do" and "relaxed attitude" cannot be used in the situation today, so naturally, I want to achieve perfection is everything. Frankly speaking, with so many fans looking at me, I am not without stress."

He said, "For the stage, I have given up so many things: Love, college life, drinking with friends...all these are things I've never done in a normal way. In particular, I didn't do my duty as a son...and many other countless things which I have not been able to take care of."

He said, "I have been very greedy both about work and love. At the moment, between love and work, I have chosen work, because I feel work is more important. But I don't know what will happen in the future."

He said, "Nobody can lead a life getting what they want without making some sacrifices. I feel that when you sacrifice some, you'll also gain some. For example, it's nice meeting with friends. But you can't be meeting your friends and be practising your dancing at the same time. I think sometimes you can't help but sacrifice some things that are important to you to achieve ongoing improvement. But this doesn't mean I'll give up my friends. It's just that in life, you just have to sacrifice some enjoyment in excahnge for other things."

He said, "When mother was around, I didn't feel anything. But after mum left, I found out there are many things which pain my heart. I miss my mother's fried cuttlefish. No matter where I go, I can't find that taste anymore...small things like that pains me terribly.

He said, "Hardworking women are the sexiest. Yup. In comparison to women who wear less, women who work more are far sexier."

He said, "A few days ago, I was sitting in the studio when I suddenly felt homesick. I'm always like that, missing father, missing sister. Although father said not to be worried about them, but every time I go overseas, I get worried naturally, I am in a foreign country so far away, and what are they doing now? I want to live with them, I want to fly home now..."

He said, "I take initiatives and am very decisive. With regards to any matter, I am the kind who will take initiatives. No matter what is it, I want to be the one to give directions. To me, making decisions and giving directions is easier than following the orders the of other people."

He said, "I've cried because I didn't do perform well in my dancing or singing before. This happens often. Even now, I'll still think, 'Why can't I do it?' Thereafter, I'll keep trying until I can do it. This is the only way to make me feel better."

He said, "Actually, viewers are very cruel. Because they will not think, 'It's because he's sick, so he didn't practise; it's because he's too tired, so he didn't practise. We can understand all these, it's ok'. No, they will not understand...No...I'm not saying it's not good...no matter how much pain I'm in or or how tired I am, because it's a promise I made with all of you, so I must keep my promise. There are also many people waiting for me. This stage is my promise to everybody. I do everything to keep this promise till the end."

He said, "I will always remember the promise I made to my fans on stage. If I cannot fulfil this promise, I will not be able to sleep."

He said, "Sometimes I'm so tired I just want to fall to the floor and sleep. But after I win the battle against this hardship, I can feel myself grow up a little more."

He said, "In comparison to working hard for a few years, what is more important is the attitude you take while working hard."

He said, "I work hard to surpass myself."

He said, "I know not everybody will like me, so I will work harder."

He said, "I wanted to sing "Cannot get used to", but I can't because this song reminds me of mother."

He said, "During this period of time, I am not Rain. I can walk on the street freely without people around me chasing me along. I am the just a normal guy, Jeong Jihoon. No planner full of daily activities, I can do whatever I want to do. It's like I've shrugged off something very heavy. I'm in a great mood. Come to think of it, such days are not bad. Will I always lead a life like that? Hopefully in the future I can. But not now, now I cannot."

He said, "40 years later, perhaps there will be such a day. Gazing at a sudden downpour of rain, or a gathering of clouds in the sky, you will say, 'There was a singer called Rain.' And I will say, 'There is a cloud that is together with Rain.' I hope our hearts will remain like this, suddenly reminded of each other sometimes like lovers do."

We will, Jihoon. We will.

Male and Female leads of "Full House", Rain and Song Hye Kyo become neighbours

18 May 06, Heraldm News
Journalist Gil Hye Seong reports (comet@heraldm.com)

Credit: bithwithrain// wloi@ soompi
Kr to Ch: irbi from £ªºñwith Rain£ª
Ch to Eng: Rayndrop

   Rain and Song Hye Kyo are leading actor and actress of KBS summer hit in 2004, "Full House". Through a recent bid, Rain has successfully acquired a bunglow located in a high-class residence area that is located in Seoul, Samseongdong, near Gyeonggi High School. This effectively makes the two neighbours because Song Hye Gyo's residence is located just 100m away from Rain's new place.

   A neighbour living in Samseongdong, near Song Hye Kyo said on the 18th, "Somebody was moving in yesterday (17th). Upon asking, I got to know that the new owner of the house, Rain, will be moving in." She also said, "Superstar Song Hye Kyo also lives nearby, so now that even Rain is living in Samseongdong, this is really great!"

   Rain and Song Hye Kyo plays an interesting couple in "Full House", a hugely popular serial drama in Korea and the Chinese-populated regions. Rain has become a huge Hallyu star because of this, hence the news of two becoming neighbours has attracted great interest. 

   On the 16th, Rain successfully bidded for the house which was formerly occupied by comedian actor Seo Se-won and his wife Seo Jung-hui with 3billion, 107 million and 4 thousand won (3,107,004,000 won ). In 2002, the Seos bought the house taking up a total area of 157ping (5652 sq ft), building measuring 97ping (3492 sq ft). There after, the place was rented to celeb couple Lee Jae-yong and Yu Ho-jung in 2003. They paid a guarantee deposit of 800 million won. In 2004, the rights to the house was transferred to someone else. However, when Lee Jae-yong and Yu Ho-jung wanted to move out and claim back the deposit, they had an argument with the homeowner. Hence, this house was up for bidding since last year September.

Rain in Hollywood?

May 14, 2006

   RAIN fever is not about to subside soon. The South Korean singer-actor (pic), who attended the dinner hosted by Time magazine to celebrate its ¡°100 Most Influential People of 2006¡± in New York on May 8, impressed some Hollywood heavyweights too. 

   Being the first entertainer from his country to make it to the exclusive list certainly does make people sit up, among them American movie mogul Jerry Bruckheimer, actor-singer Will Smith and singer P. Diddy. 

   Sina.com reported that the three, Bruckheimer in particular, paid special attention to Rain. 

   Seated next to Rain at the party, Bruckheimer was said to have engaged in a two-hour conversation with the young star about a possible entry into the American market. 

   A staff member of Rain¡¯s management company, JYP, revealed that ¡°Jerry Bruckheimer asked if Rain is interested in going into the US movie market. He then left Rain with a contact and said he hopes to keep in touch¡±. 

   The staffer added that Bruckheimer told the 23-year-old Korean about the movies he has made as well as his series of CSI productions and his collaboration with Chow Yun-Fat in Pirates of the Caribbean 3.

I   t seemed Bruckheimer told Rain: ¡°Through working with Chow I got to realise that Asian artistes are very serious in their work, and are very humble too.¡±

source : The Star Online eCentral + KPop Kingdom

Photographers comment on Bi

Credit: Baidu.com// jinlees@soompi
Ch to eng: Rayndrop

Gim Ji Yang: Sebeun Studio

I was doing a photoshoot on Rain in Milan for a certain publisher. That was our first time working together. He's very different from the glamorous person we see on TV. In actual fact, he is like a model student, a very quiet young man. But once the photography session begins, he transforms into a different person. He listens carefully to the requests of the photographer, and throws himself wholeheartedly into the work. His serious attitude towards work is very moving.

Yun Gyong Il: Baramgieok Sajin-Gwan

Even from the viewpoint of a man, he is very charismatic. This is the first time I experience this feeling in my course of work.

Yee Jae Yun: Studio Pol

He grasps his sense of style very well. Photographers are always able to find pictures of him that they need from his work and performances.
He has a beautiful body. No matter how nice the clothings are, they are no match to his figure.

Rain, will fly his own chartered plane for his world tour.

For his 2006-2007 world tour, Singer Rain (24) is planning to have his own chartered plane. The world tour will start in December of 2006 and the chartered plane will be for all his concert staff members.

JYP Entertainment's representative Hong Seung Sung said "we are considering the option of chartering a plane for Rain's world tour that will start in december." In addition he mentioned "If they do charter a plane, the plane will have a picture of Rain and his name on the outside of the plane and they will use this plane to bring all the staff members to the various cities in which the concert will take place."

JYP is negotiating with an airline company for a deal with the chartering of a plane for Rain.

Rain's world tour will include China, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and Thailand... about 10 nations in asian and the United States. About 5 concerts in China, about 3 in Japan, and others in other countries which will add up to about 50 concerts in total. Every concert requires many people including the manager, the coordinator, dancers, producer and others which add up to about 110 people.

Representative Hong mentions "to transport all of these staff members separately is not economical. It would be more economical to charter a plane because as Rain's popularity grows, the venues get bigger and the amount of concerts get greater."

Many foreign pop stars often have their own chartered planes when they are touring the world. Last month Lee Hyo Ri was about to charter a plane to hold her showcase with the sponsorship for Bugs (a korean music site).

When Rain releases his 4th album in September, he will release them in about 10 other asian countries. And at this time, he will hold his showcase in the stadium in which the Olympics took place.

Rain is working on his Japanese Single Album which will be released in April and at the end of this month, he will start shooting the movie "I'm a cyborg but it's ok" with director Park Chan Wook.

English translation by tokki of www.jype.com/rain.club
thanks to RB @ RainPH

Rain Special Interview: "I'll get married immediately once I meet a girl who I can get along with ease"

16 may 06, Korean Herald
Journalist Gil Hye Seong reports(comet@heraldm.com)
Pictures by Bae Seon-Ji (sunji@heraldm.com)

Credit: biwithrain// jinlees@soompi
Kr to Ch: irbi @ ºñwithRain
Ch to Eng: Rayndrop

Rain (real name: Jeong Jihoon)

Borned on 25 June, 1982, Single, 24. Yet every movement of Rain is not only closely watched by people in Korea, but are also of concern those in many other Asian countries. Just only been four years since he made his debut as a singer, and he has already achieved marvellous results in the Asian entertainment industry.

Since July 2004, he has made an income of US$6 million in the Asian market. In terms of economic value, he can be considered as a "one man enterprise". Rain's fame and value in the Asian market has achieved recognition when he became the first Korean artiste to be chosen as one of "Time 100 Most Influential People". Having returned to Korea on the 10th after attending the Time 100 party held at NY Lincoln Center, Rain accepted Korean Herald's special interview at JYPE, Seoul Cheongdamdong, for our 3rd anniversary special.

First of all, congratulations for making the Time 100 list. How do you feel about being chose, and what left you with the deepest impression at the Time 100 party?

It's like a miracle getting chosen as one of the Time 100. As a Korean, and as an artiste, I am very surprised I got nominated. I also feel a great sense of responsibility. The Time 100 Party was held at 8pm (US time), and I met the US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice; Senator, Hillary Clinton; Jennifer Lopez, P Diddy, Famous producer, Jerry Bruckheimer, Movie guru George Clooney. In particular, I had a long chat with Jerry Bruckheimer. He said the Asian art culture is of very high standard, and suggested we worked together to produce a good piece of work when there is a chance. I was very happy.

We heard that your Asia Concert Tour will start end of this year, consisting of 35 concerts in 11 Asian countries with a total investment of 40 billion won in production fee.

I plan to kick off the Asia Concert Tour at the end of this year after I've released my 4th album in October. This concert tour holds a lot of meaning to me. I guess it will be of the standard of of a global artiste, and it will be my chance to build a firm foundation based on my Asian performances. I'm looking forward to it.

Going beyond Asia and becoming a world-reknown global artiste. What do you think is the force that fuels your rapid growth?

I think it is the credit of serial dramas that allows me an opportunity to show my singing and dancing performances. I'm not handsome but is loveable. That could be one of the reason *laughs*. Most importantly, I try my best to show the real me.

Recently, there have been discussions in Korea about Hallyu losing its effects. What kind of strategy is needed to keep hallyu going on?

Going totally localised is the best strategy. I also feel that close interactions between artistes in Asia are very important as well. As an artiste who goes overseas very often, I feel that the support from my local fans are really important.

You made an income of US$6 million between July 2004 and June 2006

Really? I'm not too clear about these money matters, and not too concerned as well. I think as long as you put your heart in your work, wealth and fame will come naturally.

You started living in Pusan since late March to film Director Pak's "I am a Cyborg, is that ok?" What are your thoughts on this?

It's going to be an interesting movie. You'll be able to see a very different me in this movie. Director Pak is well-known to all as a master in his trade. I have a lot to learn from him when it comes to acting.

There were rumours of "10 billion won contract signing fee". Everybody is very concerned about whether you will continue your contract with JYPE.

I don't think it is time to think about the contract yet. I still put work as number one, as usual.

What are your secrets to relieving stress and maintaining your energy level?

I don't have much stress. When I'm tired, I like to play Starcraft. This invigorates me. And of course, eating well and working out to increase my stamina.

What's your ultimate goal in life?

I want to be a good father who can command respect, just like my father, because family is very important to me. If tomorrow, I meet a girl who can tolerate me when I'm angry, and whom I can tolerate when she is angry, I think will get married immediately. Come to think of it, if I get married, I may work even better (laughs). In my work, once I begin, I work give my best, just like breaking into the US market.

Korean Herald is celebrating our third anniversary. Please say something to our reader.

I will work hard to reach higher, but I will never be proud. I hope the readers of Korean Herald can scale the heights with me. I hope everybody can come watch my concert if you have the time. Thank you for your support.

Rain's Fourth Album would be released in October.

 

 

19 May 06; Yonhap News

Credit: Biwithrain.com
Ch to Eng: veronicaleung@sexybi

News released from Korea on May 19th annoucned that Rain will be releasing his fourth album in October. The album would be sold in Korea, China and other 11 countries at the same time. During the promotion period, famous musicians would be invitied to Seoul to participate in the album release press conference.

A representative from Rain's agency's JYP Entertainment said in October, when Rain releases his fourth album, the album would be sold in 11 countries at the same time and they would invite their Asia business partners and media to join the press conference hold in Seoul.

They also announced that at the end of the year, Rain will hold 35 shows in countries such as Korea, Japan, China, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Asian countries. They are planning to invest 400 billion Korean Wan for this project.

Famous producer, JYP is producing thalbum. As the album will be release among many countries in Asia, the album will include songs with various versions to fit the international market.

 

 

 

Rain¡¯s trip to America: misses his mom

 

16 May 06, Eastday News

Credit: biwithrain.com// jinlees@soompi
Ch to Eng: Aznangel29@sexybi

After Rain attended Time 100 Magazine Party he returns to Korea and accepts an interview with one of the newspaper because it was its 3rd anniversary. Through the interview he said, ¡°No matter how hard you try in some events, and how many efforts you put in. You may not succeed. In 2002 of May Rain made his debut. ¡°I practice singing and dancing days and nights yet many people still do not want to accept and do not want to believe in me. I felt very sad at the time.¡±

Later on, Rain realized why he had worked so hard and put so much effort into this. He had realized that he is a perfectionist and this was making him unhappy. Rain realizes he asked for perfectionist too much when he¡¯s on stage and this was affecting his performance. He was feeling nervous all the time, feeling that he was doing something wrong. His performance was unnatural; as time went by he wasn¡¯t as nervous as he was before. His performance was much more naturally and he performance at ease.¡¡¡¡
Now that everything seems to be going well all he can think of is his mother. In 2001 she passed away due to diabetes. He said ¡°Mom would be really proud of me if she knew I had won the Time 100.¡± ¡¡¡¡
The Rain nowadays still seeks for challenges. At the end of this year he will start his Asia tour. The Asia tour will build up his reputation in Asia and it should also help him stable his status in Asia. Through this he will break into the USA market next year. When Rain attended the Time 100 in the States the host had said something that left Rain something to think about. It was unforgettable for him. The host had said ¡°Time 100 was selected from 60 billion people in this world. Therefore, no matter what you do, you would have to respond to 6000 thousand people. ¡°I am very touched by what he said. From now on, no matter what I encounter, I will not falter, and will face all the obstacles with a determined mind.¡±

 

Rain to Tour Asia 

   Singer Rain will tour 11 Asian nations, holding a total of 35 concerts to mark the release of his fourth feature album. The tour is expected to be his first step toward becoming a world-famous star after he was named one of the ¡°100 Most Influential People in the World¡± by U.S. weekly magazine TIME.

   StarM Planning, the organizer of the tour entitled ¡°Global Project 1st Concert in the World - Rain Asian Tour,¡± said Wednesday that it will spend 40 billion won (40 million dollars) on the 2006/2007 Rain Asian tour.

   The agency added that staff members for Rain¡¯s tour will include prominent stage designer Mark Fisher, who has worked for Michael Jackson, The Rolling Stones, U2, and other famous artists, and choreographer Jamie King, who has helped Rickey Martin, Britney Spears, and Madonna with their performances.

   In addition to state-of-the-art video and audio equipment, special lighting and effects technologies will be utilized to insure perfect performances.

   Rain is expected to draw more than 1 million audience members during his tour to the 11 nations of Korea. Japan, China, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.

   ¡°Considering our plan to show his tour performances through streaming files on the internet and to release DVDs, some 30 percent of the entire Asian population will come to directly and indirectly watch him perform,¡± StarM Planning said. ¡°We will use the tour to validate Rain¡¯s ability as a musician who can favorably compare with other world-famous musicians, and then we will organize a world tour for him.¡±

source:: http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/new...6076_11858.html

Rain and Christina will sing World Cup's single

11 May 05 Nanfang Daily// sina.com reports
Credit: Rainhk//jinlees@soompi
Ch to Eng: Rayndrop

   Acording to recommendation from Pepsi Guangzhou, Pepsi has always been focused on sports marketing, with football as one of the main marketing strategy. This year, Pepsi's football theme is "Dada wild celebration (?)", where Pepsi will make full use of their football stars and singers to make up the "wild celebration" theme.

   According to sources, a whole new football themed CF will be launched on 11 may. At that time, Beckham, Carlos, Ronaldinho, Raul, Henry etc football stars will be making an appearance like never before, bringing out the wild celebration theme with a sense of humour. During the world cup, Pepsi will be launching a song to complement this activity for the first time, where the two superstars Rain and Christina will be joining hands in a duet for the World Cup song.

Interview with Rain

Ilgan Sports Reports
11 May 06
Credit: yunrain@baidu.com

Kr to Ch: yunrain
Ch to Eng: Rayndrop

Note before translation: This is not the full interview. Yunrain has picked out the main points for translation because the passage is too long.

It's 11am in the late morning of 11th May. Rain appeared like a ray of sunshine on the rooftop balcony of a certain building in Seoul Gangnam. His appearance made a beautiful complement to the blue sky of Seoul. He has just came back to Korea on the 10th from the Time 100 party. Although it has been 4 days 3 nights, the trip was very tiring. Yet, you can't see a bit of that tiredness on his face. This day (11th May), he will need to rush back to Pusan later at 8pm to continue the filming of his movie.

Every time I see Rain, a thought will flash across my mind, "Is this really a young man of 24?" Looking from emotional age, he is like a 40 year old who has gone through the sweet and bitter of life. "You can't succeed without experiencing the hardship", "First and foremost, you need to be a good person", "I don't despair when looking up at a mountain; neither do I feel proud when looking down". It's with these principles in mind, no matter what he experiences (like being famous now, or being a nobody), he will quietly work towards his target. This is how he treats others too.

From the "I want to be number one in the music show" Rain in 2002 who has just made his debut, to the soon-to-be global star that he is today, in the Time 100 party where he met up with the rest of the 99 Time Most influential people in the world, Rain brought along his confidence with that killer smile; his target is becoming bigger. It is still a question mark as to how far this young man is can go...

Carrying the responsibility of 60 million people

Rain, who suddenly has the world looking at him, has unforgettable memories of the Time 100 party. "I've never expected to be chosen by Time. It was until I got there and met all these people did it begin to feel real to me. There were many well-known people from all over the world, and the emcee introduced each and every one of these 100 people. The speaker said, 'All 100 of you need to be responsible for 6 billion people, so each of you are responsible for 60 million people. You will feel the burden on your shoulders even as you drink a cup of tea.' At that time, the famous movie producer, Jerry Bruckheimer was just sitting beside me. He said that the era of Asian artistes is here, and that he is currently in a project with Chow Yun Fatt. He gave me a namecard, told me that he has an office at LV, and asked me to drop by when I'm free. I'm surprised that he take such initiatives with me." Rain then went on to discuss the NY article that said he was imitating Michael Jackson. "That journalist who wrote the comment has never seen my concert before. He merely wrote his commentary based on watching my DVD. Later he wrote a correction and called me to apologise. I told him that my idol is Michael Jackson, and that I'm not perfect."

Rain, who grew up with a impoverished family background, saw dancing as his only way out. The story about his mother who suffered from diabetes, yet asked JYP to put all the money into grooming her son rather than spending them on her hospitalisation bills, as well as the Rain's love for his family, has become very famous.

He attended the Time 100 party with his father. "This is a good present for father. Father usually do not comment on my affairs, but this time, he said to me, 'congratulations'. I think I'm still not doing enough for father. In future, when I have time to rest, i will spend more time accompanying him. If mother is still around, I would act more childishly with her, throwing coy tantrums. Mother changed my life. It would nice if she is still around. But then, such thoughts have run through my head too many times."

He talked about his family and some other related stuff: "During high school, my school results were very bad. Jin Young Hyung said he won't let me release my album if I don't make it to the university. So I went through 2 mock questions everyday and memorised all my math formulae. AT that time, my mock exam results average was about 200 (over 400 points). I clenched my jaws and made a 314 during my exams, finally making it to the university.

I asked him why he work so hard towards his goals, he said he'll like to be an adult. "For a happy family. I work so hard now so I can be an honorable person. I want my children to see all these. After I get married, I want to be able to gain respect from others. Just like how I wanted to be like daddy, it will be nice if my son can have such thoughts too."

Ever thought of getting married after coming back from the US? "I like pretty and kind girls who can cook well. But even if i have a girlfriend now, it wouldn't last. I've forgotten how to treat a girl like one. I used to arrange for activities...although I've brought this up with my assistant before: 'I want to hold my girlfriend's hand, want to go on a honeymoon trip with her...but it's not possible within the next 3-4 years. I need to work hard."

Going back to 6 years ago

"Starting from now" he looks trustworthy. His trip to NY this time has given him new understandings. "The truth is, nobody in the US knows my name. Only some contacts know about Rain. I have never had any promotional activities in US before. This time to NY, I wrote the words "back to 6 years ago" on the wall paper of my handphone. At Times Square, I took my camera and got someone to help take a picture of me. I want to my actions to speak for themselves."

His merit is to be able to pin down his goals, and move towards them steadily. "This year, I want to master my English, then appear in US next year with a new look. Their music is a little like our folk songs. I need to learn that kind of singing technique and create our "spicy R&B". Responses from relevant people are positive."

He pointed out "I have a bigger weapon. Every time I have a new idea, I write it down in my notebook. Running Away From The Sun was borned like that. Some time ago, I looked at my lastyear worth of notes and I had some scary thoughts. This year probably won't do. Next year when I release my album in the US, there will be some earth-shattering stuff. Please look forward to them.

He talked a little about the "Cyborg" movie. I'm learning so much from Director Pak now, and it's very comfortable working with him. This movie is a journey of new discovery for me. I don't harbour too much. I play Ilsun, a patient in a mental hospital. He can steal people's special characteristics. Ok, that's it. I can't say anymore." He takes the director's note of confidentiality very seriously.

 

~*pepper*~

~*pepper*~

 

I think the title was pretty self-explanatory! Wish me a huge bunch of luck! Aja aja fighting!

Rain and Jay Chou gets favor and landed in the center of the 10 Pepsi Stars Photo Ads released on May 9

Scanned article: http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/1023/2006...847869792go.jpg
Source: Singtao, May 9,2006
Scan credits to kamping of yanchengxu.net


This article Source: Mingpao Daily
Summarized by Jerry's Kingdom

   After Korean Heavenly King Rain joined Pepsi, master photographers went to Korea to take pictures of Rain for the photo ads, which included a pose wearing a hat and tshirt made by Pepsi and Clot Limited Tee. Pepsi Family members Rain, F4, Jay Chou, Jolin, Louis Koo, Edison Chen and Nicholas Tse all put on their Tees for the picture. But in the new photo ad, new member Rain and Jay occupied the center position , receiving extreme attention.

   Pepsi China Gen. Manager Li Su Fang said that the Pepsi Stars each want to break into to the ordinary people market. After the ancient costume and the blue bird man costume concepts, this year's stars will just wear ordinary clothes for 8 months. He also revealed that when Rain was in the photoshoot, he gave many ideas for the commercial, wishing to create new things with the other Pepsi stars. For the first time having a Korean Star endorser, he ponted out the Korean artists' professionalism and discipline. They never thought that Rain and their ideas are somewhat similar, and Rain personally joined the preparatory meetings for the project and also provided many proposals. According to sources, Rain will film the Pepsi TV Ad together with Louis, Jolin and Edison.

ABC plans TV documentary on S. Korean pop singer Rain

NEW YORK, May 9 (Yonhap) -- The U.S. TV network ABC will likely film a documentary on the life of South Korean pop singer Rain.

"I was asked to be in a TV documentary about me by Rudy Bednar, an executive producer at ABC," Rain said during a meeting with South Korean correspondents in New York on Monday.

Rain (or Bi in Korean), attended a party here for people selected as the 100 most influential figures by Time magazine.

Time recently included the singer on its list "Time 100: The people who shape our world," calling him the "face of pop globalism," which now brings pop culture from Asia to the West.

Rain has "ridden the crest of 'hallyu,' or the Korean wave," following his performance at Madison Square Garden in two sold-out shows in February, the magazine said.

The 23-year-old heartthrob, often labeled the "Korean Justin Timberlake," walked the red carpet at the Lincoln Center where the "Time 100" party was held together with his father Jeong Gi-chun.

"I'm very happy," Rain said. The singer said he believes the rising American interest in Asian culture would lead him to success in the U.S. market in spite of language barriers and the traditional strength of white mainstream singers.

"I'll make all efforts to become a pop icon that glorifies South Korea," he added.

Two other Korean names on the "Time 100" list are pro golfer Michelle Wie and Jim Yong Kim, a Harvard Medical School professor renowned for his fight against tuberculosis and AIDS. Kim attended the party but Wie was absent because she is in South Korea to play in a golf tournament.

Credits goes to www.jeongjihun.com

May 04, 2006
K-Film News & Box Office [2006, May 4]
(Posted In Asia Box Office Film News )

   The life of legendary kisaeng 'Myeongwol' Hwang Jin-Yi has always been one of Korean Cinema's favourite stories to tell. From Bae Chang-Ho's 1986 version played by the great Jang Mi-Hee, to the straight to video 1996 one starring Ye Ji-Won in the lead role, there's a good dozen works using the life of one of Joseon's most controversial and popular figures. The latest in line is Jang Yoon-Hyun's (Hwang Jin-Yi), which seems to have finally found its lead. The director of The Contact, Tell Me Something and Some and the producers Cine2000 offered the part to Song Hye-Gyo, who debuted in films with last year's My Girl & I, after becoming a huge star all over Asia thanks to her roles in TV Dramas like Autumn Fairy Tale, All In and Full House. 

   Although nothing has been signed yet, as Song Hye Kyo and her management are looking at the synopsis of the film, it's expected she will sign a contract in the next few weeks. Rumours were circulating about Jang's choices, going from the plausible (Soo Ae) to the ridiculous (Jeon Ji-Hyun). Ridiculous obviously because this is not your average melodrama role, but a more 'mature' one, which would change Jeon's image too drastically and require her to risk losing her 'pure' image (which means lots of CF contracts, obviously). But doubts remain nonetheless, as Song Hye Kyo is not exactly known for her acting skills, even though Jang got a pretty surprising performance out of Go Soo in Some, so he might repeat himself here. The film, unlike its predecessors, will focus on Hwang's life before her days as an 'entertainer', or at least the period which led her to make that decision, and is adapted from an award winning 2002 novel by North Korean writer Hong Seok-Joong. [Star News]

source: http://www.twitchfilm.net/archives/005997.html

Song Hye Kyo & Cha Tae Hyun's Movie, High Sea Waves Warning...Can it make a big success??

[Sportainment Reporter Tac Jin-Hyun]

   Song(Hye-kyo)&Cha(Tae-Hyun), My Girl and I a.k.a. High Sea Warning Movie's actor(ress) will come to estimate in japan. High Sea Waves Warning is a remake work of Japan Novel"Crying Out For Love In The Center Of The World". It will be released in Japan in August of this year like this title "You're in the middle of my world".

   High Sea Waves Warning couldn't make a big success,but In Japan,it doesn't know yet. Cause Movies..such as Outing,Eraser Of My Memory couldn't make a big success,but they could make big success In Japan. YunRigi was, too. Especially,High Sea Waves Warning has in common with Eraser Of My Memory.Eraser Of My Memory was a remake work of Japan Drama"Pure Soul"&made big success by re-exports.

   These days,Song&Cha(getting great popularities in Japan,Asia etc. as Autumn In My Heart,My Sassy Girl) is getting much popularities by "High Sea Waves Warning" which was released in HongKong,Thailand,Malaysia. If High Sea Waves Warning make big success in Japan,Song&Cha will be more popular in Japan as "HanRyu"
It'll be concentrated whether High Sea Waves Warning can make a big success next to "Eraser Of My Memory" in Japan. 

   Song Hye-Kyo got many interests from netizen as "Perfume Of Lady" like angel.

[Review Star,Reporter Suh Min-Ki]

   Song Hye-Kyo is getting many good comments venting "Perfume of Lady" in cosmetic CF. Nowdays,She is showing her appearances purely&womanly as a CF(called innisfree). Also,Her appearances(pictures) are raised everyday on internet site..Netizens are supporting a lot seeing her pure appearances as if the facts(she is pretty) were true.

   Her many fans said "I thought she was very pretty during this ads. ..She was likely to have various appearances.. etc."seeing her(venting beautiful lady's perfume). While,She is going to show another attractions as her second movie called "HwangJinYi". It'll be concentrated change of her attractions.(getting great popularities as Silver Screen&Movies)

Some old piece on Blue Alert... hope you guys dont mind!

Sedate affair

LI EE KEE gets up close and personal with South Korea’s Cha Tae-hyun and Song Hye-kyo, who were in Kuala Lumpur to promote their romantic flick My Girl & I.

IF A picture is worth a thousand words, what would the surly mugs of Cha Tae-hyun and Song Hye-kyo have said? Maybe they had woken up on the wrong side of the bed? Or was their disagreeable disposition the result of the subdued reception they received when they arrived in Kuala Lumpur recently to promote their latest romantic drama My Girl & I? After all, it was a contrast to the mob turnout they were used to in Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Whatever the reason, both stars didn’t feel like talking much, keeping their answers terse. When asked if Song felt apprehensive about the movie’s release since it is her first feature film, she merely replied “no”.

Cha Tae-hyun plays the object of affection of
a popular schoolgirl in My Girl and I.

How different are movies from TV dramas?

“Not much but in film there is more time to prepare,” she replied nonchalantly through an interpreter. Interestingly, this is not Song’s first visit to our shores, as she is said to have relatives residing here.

Cha, who wore a green leprechaun jacket over black shirt and pants, was equally economical with his words. He summed up his experience filming the movie as having gone “smoothly. I was very happy and Song is pretty.”

Prior to their grand entrance, the media had been briefed by the emcee on the dos and don’ts for the press conference.

We were not allowed to take pictures when they were talking. We were not allowed to ask Song any personal questions, only those pertaining to the movie.

But for those of you dying to know if the rumours about her and Rain are true, the emcee revealed that Song had told him she is without a beau and talk of romance between her and Rain was old news.

Cha, it seemed, had nothing to hide and gave the Malaysian media the greenlight to field questions about his upcoming wedding to his childhood sweetheart.

After what may have been the briefest press conference I have ever attended, there was the usual officiating ceremony.

A horde of photographers, joined by a number of starry-eyed fans rushed headlong towards the mini-stage, each trying to get a shot of the twosome. A fight almost broke out among several frustrated photographers and security personnel when it became impossible to take pictures due to the large crowd.

But in the end it didn’t really matter. The pictures did not turn out well. Amazing to think that despite having posed for magazines, commercials and posters, the only pose the two stars could muster was standing stoically side-by-side.

Yet, I remained upbeat about our group interview. Maybe away from the prying lenses and the crowd, Cha and Song will prove more amicable and conversational. And to an extent, they were.

In a more relaxed environment, they were even comfortable enough to tease one another.

The soft-spoken Song, who is more beautiful in person, was asked if she hoped her feature film debut in My Girl & I would garner a best newcomer award.

Song Hye-kyo makes her big screen debut playing
a schoolgirl who falls for her schoolmate.

"I do have high expectations. I have to admit that I am hoping to get an award, but competition is fierce and what with Cha around, I’ll not have a chance,” she quipped, prompting Cha to smile.
My Girl & I is Song’s first big screen appearance after being in the industry for 10 years. The 24-year-old revealed that she had never been interested in making movies until she was involved in TV series Full House two years ago.

"I saw that my seniors and peers were moving into movies, and I decided to give it a try. I was also curious to know how I would look on the big screen.
“I picked this movie because I wanted a role where the responsibility for the film did not rest solely on my shoulders.” Song plays the happy-go-lucky and popular Su-eun, who falls for her unsuspecting schoolmate So-hoo (Cha).

And did she think she looked good on the big screen? “Yes,” interjected Cha, 30. “She’s prettier on the big screen than on the small screen.”

My Girl & I, which opens nationwide on March 23, is adapted from the best-selling novel Crying Out Love in the Centre of the World by Japanese author Katayama Kyoichi. It is about the beautiful discovery of first love between two teenagers.

A Japanese movie version of the book was released in 2004 to critical and commercial success.

While Song has not watched the Japanese film, Cha said he caught the movie after filming completed.

“I feel that My Girl & I is different in that it focuses on the story of pure love,” he pointed out.

As Soo-ho, Cha does what he does best – playing the naive anti-hero – a role he has become stereotyped with since his breakout film My Sassy Girl (2001).

“I became famous for playing fools,” he noted with a chuckle. “After each movie, I always hoped that in my next film I could try something different but each time the role turned out to be another blur character. Maybe after my marriage (scheduled to take place in June), I’ll have something different to offer audiences.”

As the movie talked about first love, both were asked about their personal experiences and if indeed, one never forgets their first love.

“Actually I’m not sure if I have even experienced it. But through the movie, it felt like I’d experienced first love,” said Song.

Cha noted: “My first love was sweet and the memories helped me during filming.” My Girl & I opens in Malaysian cinemas on March 23.

Credit/Source: http://star-ecentral.com/news/story.asp?fi...5967&sec=movies