Full House hits Japan!

The KBS hit drama “Full House” starring Rain and Song Hye-kyo will be exported to Japan for Japanese viewers across the island country, KBS Media said.

The drama has already gained great popularity in many Asian nations such as China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines. In some southeast Asian nations, it recorded viewing rates as high as the popular Korean drama Daejanggeum (Jewel in the Palace). In Thailand, its viewing rates for its last episode posted a staggering 64 percent.

The export to Japan is expected to serve as an opportunity to show the true value of the drama's two Korean stars, especially at a time when Rain is already enjoying great popularity as a singer and Song is also quite famous in Japan for her role in the drama “Autumn in My Heart” and the film “My Girl and I.” Insiders believe that the fact that the drama features the two stars will produce great synergistic effects.

“Compared to ‘Winter Sonata,’ which received a rave response from middle-aged Japanese women, ‘Full House’ may potentially be loved by young people in their teens and 20s,” KBS Media said. “We expect that the export of the drama may help spread the Korean Wave or Korean pop culture craze among the younger generation in Japan.”

HanCinema e-news

Recording in Japan

The album which is about to be released in September is largely recorded in a Japan recording studio. The photos are taken during the recording. Rain appeared wearing a wifebeater, black leather sandals, plus a beanie and shades. Although he's used to the Japanese style of recording, but this day, he was stuck in a bitter battle with the pronunciation of the phase "雨雫". Rain patiently practised and repeated the phase again and again. His diligence touched the heart of his producer. "Just like what the magazines say, he is an extremely diligent person!" the producer praised Rain like that. The thing that can evoke his fighting spirit is indeed still sweet pastries! Today, Rain took several cream buns and puffs. ^^

Credit: biwithrain
Jp to Ch: ca0825
Ch to Eng: Rayndrop

Rain attacks Japan market; Unreleased single already popular

Editor: Sha Sha (ent.sina.com.cn; Southcn.com)
Credit: Cat @ biwithrain
Ch to Eng: Rayndrop

Rain makes his attack on the Japanese market this year. To date, he has already released two Japanese singles, and his third one, "Move on" has been scheduled for release in September.

Although "Move On" has yet to be released, it has already made its way to position number 4 on HMV Japan's pre-order chart. It is believed that the single's ranking will continue to rise. Rain had originally wanted to release this single during the summer holiday, but the release date was pushed back due to his busy filming schedule for movie "I'm a Cyborg but it's ok".

In addition, he has commence working on his fourth album, which is expected to be released in October.

Move On Lyrics

Move on oh~ move on

It's time to let go
He...will not be coming back...

Open your heart, baby~
Travel through time

Let me be the one to hold you tight,
Be the one you wait for every night

No matter until when,
I will take the place of
that person and stay by your side

I'll be always be right by your side

Make that promise of eternity to you

Top singer RAIN is releasing lots of digital photos in his Joyplace, to show the fans his daily life!

JYPE allows RAIN to put the photos about his daily life in Joyplace, a new virtual community created by JYPE. This community is meant to gather RAIN's fans from various age groups. It consists of several sub-categories, such as mini webpage "Joy Homepage", fansclub "Joy Club" as well as "Joy Shops" that provide either free or charged services.

RAIN expressed that he will gradually release his digital photos through his own "Joy Homepage". Later, the other artists also establish their personal homepage and randomly visit their fans' "Joy Homepage", too.

On the other hand, "Joyplace" is organising some activities until the end of this month, including sending out Birthday Cards with Rain's signature, birthday songs from NOEL, personal collection of JYPE artists, dating with artists... etc.
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Source: STARNEWS
Up by azafighting@rainhk.com
Translation by jjbug@MJJH (rain-malaysia.com)

Rain's Spirit to Entertain

16 Aug 06,
Written by: zhm, qzdaily.com.cn
Credit: Char_love@biwithrain
Ch to Eng: Rayndrop

It was around 10pm at night one day, and I've surfed through my channels several times already. When I got to CCTV 10, it was playing the programme "People", and person in focus that day happened to be Asia's star of entertainment, the popularity king of Korea, Rain.

I was puzzled. CCTV's "People" is a serious no-nonsense documentary column which usually interviews people like political celebrities, entrepreneurs and academics. This seems to be a little far off from the gossipy entertainment world, and Rain's personal interview feature is on for two days!

Rain isthe star who rose the fastest, and has the broadest influence n the last couple of years. His span of influence reaches across the whole of Asia; he is almost like a miracle. His scope stretches from singing, to acting in commercials and television dramas, and represented Korea in sweeping the Asia MTV award. Rain is the first Asian artiste to hold a successful solo concert in the Madison Square of New York, US. One must know that it is immensely difficult for any foreigner to break into the US market, and this is even more so for an Asian artiste. This is no exception even for an Asian star like Rain.

In the interview, the words that appeared in the subtitles most are "Diligence" and "Work hard". During the concert tour, he picked up Chinese, Japanese, English, Thai etc in order to communicate with fans better.To provide better visual effects for fans, he practises his singing and dancing overnight every day. Learning foreign languages, rehearsing his performance...these work go on for near 20 hours every day, leaving only 3 or 4 hours for him to rest. Such resting time is not something which a normal people can endure. It requires a lot of will, beliefs and determination.

The characteristic single eye-lids, sexy body, beautiful singing voice, modern dance steps...we've seen his sunny appearance and glorious success. Behind all these are endless untold stories of hardship and sweat. Everyone has a goal in his/ her heart. In order to achieve this goal, we must go through a long winding road. It is Rain's persistence, hardwork and never-give-up attitude that enable him to achieve his position and potential in the Asian entertainment industry today, as well as his countless number of fans everwhere.

Many people sees the entertainment industry as being sordid and superficial. In reality, there are people and issues which are sordid and superficial. But as a profession, the entertainment industry has also its people who are healthy and aspiring. "I'll like to bring people together using pop music. I believe Asia can be the forefront runner in the global entertainment industry." Rain's entertainment spirit can become a model for other artistes to look up to.

Certainly we hope even more so that the crazy fans are not just blindly idolising Rain's appearance, but are able to learn from his attitude as well.

source: RainSingapore

Jihoon apologised to his fans...

Credit: Cloudchina// jinlees@soompi
Ch to Eng: Rayndrop

Every time my fans come visit while I'm recording, filming or in the midst of a photoshoot, I always feel really bad and sorry for having to leave immediately after the work is done. Everybody came from such far places just to see me, some didn't even sleep, and many came from very far places. Some even fell asleep in class when they went back to school...everybody, please study hard. I've never forgotten your support. Just like I often say, there's only Rain because there's clouds, so when I disappear after a performance, or can't put on a happy expression because I'm too tired, I hope all of you can understand. I'm really just very tired, I've got no energy. But I will strive hard to be my best in front of all of you. I will keep working hard. I'm really nervous standing before so many people, you can understand how I feel, right? So no matter where I am, please remember I'll never forget all of you.

source: RainSingapore

MY COMMENT: Apology Accepted. You're also human Rain. Just like the rest of us, we also are tired for working so hard. Those who do not understand this, just ignore them, remember more fans understand than condemn you for this.

Singer Rain Auctions Clothes to help Flood Victims

11 Aug 06
Journalist Chol Sang Na reports, Seoul Sports News
Credit: biwithrain.com// jinlees@soompi
Kr to Ch: irbi from £ªºñwith Rain£ª
Ch to Eng: Rayndrop

Singer Rain does his bit for flood victims.

Endorser of cable entertainment channel, XTM, is putting up five pieces of his costume and accessories used in the commercial for charity auction. The auction will take place on XTM's website (http://www.xtmtv.com) until the 10th of next month. All proceeds of this auction will be donated to the flood victims in the name of successful bidders.

Fans will have a chance to bid for the clothes and accessories which Rain has worn before, and can help the needy flood victims. The charity auction will feature the T-shirt and bracelet worn by Rain during the commercial, as well as the toy robot and the shirt and floral belt worn during his photoshoot.

The commercial featuring the t-shirt and bracelet has been broadcasting since 2 Aug. The storyline says of a bomb flying into his house and even under the circumstances of his ceiling falling, Rain is still determined to finish watching the programme on XTM. The content is very interesting and received many good responses, especially the close-up features which have never been shown in other commercials, giving us a good chance to appreciate Rain's mischievous and adorable expressions. One can fully feel the new charismatic and humorous side of Rain.

Says the XTM staff, "The branding commercial with Rain has received very good responses, and many people have inquired about the little props used in the commercial." They hope to please the fans of Rain, and at the same time, lend a hand to the flood victims.

Other than that, XTM has also prepared a total of 22 items to be given away in a draw for unsuccessful bidders, including 10 autographed Rain posters, 4 t-shirts they have prepared for the commercial, 2 necklaces, 2 bracelets, 1 pair of canvas shoes and 2 hats.

source: RainSingapore

Rain discredited. Fans flood KOFICE Website

11 Aug 06
Journalist Wong Jia Xiang reports, Liberty Times News
Credit: Charlove@ biwithrain
Ch to Eng: rayndrop

The charms of Rain is indeed undeniable, the united power of fans is great! A few days before, Rain's concert in Vietnam received negative report and was cited to be not as good as that of Taiwan heavenly king, Jay Chou. This angered many, and fans flooded the website that published this report, forcing the organisation to make an open statement of apology.

On the 4th of this month, a correspondent from the Korea Foundation For International Culture Exchange (KOFICE) wrote a report about Rain's concert in Ho Chih Min in June. As the concert was prepared in a hurry, ticket prices were set too high, and over-commercialisation, the report cited that this concert was not as even as good as Taiwanese heavenly king, Jay Chou's concert.

Fans Protest, Ask for Fair Explanation

Unexpectedly, this piece of news was conveyed back to Korea, and was picked up majorly by the local media, causing the fans to be extremely unpleased. The Rain fans were enraged and left protests on the website of the Korea Foundation For International Culture Exchange (KOFICE) enmass, causing the website to collapse due to too much traffic within a short period of time.

KOFICE was under pressure from the unhappy fans, with the website down and their hands full with angry calls from fans. They finally posted a statement of apology on their website two days ago "The content of the report by our Vietnam correspondent had caused Rain and his fans much disturbance. We sincerely apologise about this".

An Apology to Appease the Angry Mass

Finally, the spokesperson of KOFICE said, "We have appropriately dealt with the related correspondent who wrote this report, and promise not to repeat such mistakes. We will continue to work hard." He also apologises to Rain and his fans once again.

source: RainSingapore

Rain, Se7en to Compete in Korea and Japan with New Albums

Korea's two top dance singers will face off on both domestic and overseas stages. Rain and Se7en will each release their first feature album and fourth single album in Japan on Sept. 13 before releasing their fourth feature albums at home in October.

Although the albums released in Japan by the two performers will not directly compete on the Oricon Chart since they belong to different categories, the fact that they are being released on the same day is drawing interest.

Rain had initially planned to release his first album on Aug. 23, but due to a delay caused by the shooting of the film "I'm a Cyborg, but That's OK", in which he will make his film debut, he postponed the release of the album in Japan.

The simultaneous release has been raising expectations that the two singers may appear on Japanese radio or TV programs together to promote their albums.

Rain's "Eternal Rain" consists of songs written by renowned composers he has worked with since his debut, including Park Jin-young and Bang Shi-hyuck. Se7en's single album "I Wanna..". includes R&B songs showing off his singing ability previously overshadowed by his earlier focus on his dancing ability.

Meanwhile, Rain will release his third single album "Move On" in Japan on Sept. 6. Se7en will attend a concert marking the 10th anniversary of his agency, YG Entertainment, in Osaka on Sept. 8 and in Tokyo on Sept. 10, along with other singers such as Gummy and Lexy.

Source : english.kbs.co.kr... ( English )

Rain's Vietnam concert criticised, "Not as good as the Taiwanese singers"

7th August 06, Innolife
Credit: biwithrain.com// jinlees@soompi.com
kr to ch: irbi@biwithrain
ch to eng: rayndrop

Alarm sounds for Hallyu (Korean Wave) in Vietnam! It's all because of the incident caused by singer, Rain, during his concert in Vietnam not long ago!

The representative official of Korean Cultural Exchange Corporation in Vietnam said, "Rain's Vietnam concert is not even up to par with that of Taiwanese singer, Jay Chou, who is less popular in Vietnam." He continued, "Rain also expressed that "It was a pity he couldn't put up a more passionate performance onstage due to his tight schedule' and admitted his lackings."

Rain held his concert in Ho Chih Min on the 8th of June. Some unhappiness had occurred as early as during the planning stage of this concert. Due to many big and small contractual issues, Rain was unable to prepare fully for his concert.

In particular, there was an incident when local journalists fell because they were pushed by security personnel during the concert, and this had caused many Vietnam media to turn their criticisms towards Rain. A certain Vietnam newspaper wrote, "Korean artistes not only fix really expensive pricings for their concert ticket, they also emphasize too much on advertising, and are unable to satisfy the curiosity of the Vietnam viewers.

Vietnam is the first place where Hallyu started after artistes such as Kim Nam Joo and Jang Dong Gun achieved high popularity.

Jay Surpasses Rain in Vietnam

Translated by: stephanieshieh
Credit: World Journal



South Korean pop star Rain and Taiwanese music king Jay Chou are both super famous in Asia, the comparison's in Vietnam! Raine yestedray was in Vietnam for a concert, and there was some media that criticized and expressed: "Not like Taiwanese singer Jay's performance."

Korean NEWSIS reported that to Rain's June 8th concert, that the Korean popularity in Vietnam has started to dwindle and isn't as well-received as it was before. NEWSIS said that many fans believe that Rain's concert in Vietnam was not as good as Jay Chou's performance. Even though Jay hasn't held a concert in Vietnam or promotion ever since his debut, he has received Vietnam's acceptance.

Rain doesn't deny the Vietnamese criticisms. He expressed because he's been super busy, this concert he hasn't really put out his best. His record company has also expressed that the situation wasn't the best because the legal and contract part of the deal had a lot of prblems, which affected the performance, and Rain didn't get to practice as much as he usually would for concerts.

site credit: RainSingapore

Top Singers to Make Comebacks in Fall

Several top singers will make comebacks this fall. Ballad singer Shin Seung-hoon will release his tenth album in early October after more than a two-year hiatus. Shin, who this year marks the 16th anniversary of his debut, is currently puttng finishing touches of his upcoming album and has set the date for his concerts--October 14-15.

Singer Kim Gun-mo is preparing songs for his new album slated for release by late October. He plans to receive songs from famous songwriters Yoon Il-sang and Hwang Chan-hee.

The planned comebacks of Shin and Kim have already drawn the spotlight as the two have much in common and will likely be rivals when they release their new albums. Both born in 1968 and having the O blood type, the two singers even used to be managed by the same agency. They both released their ninth albums in 2004 and have created extensive fan bases among people of various age groups, who recognize them not only for their outstanding singing skills but also for their wit.

Singer Lee Seung-chul, known for his impressive live singing skills, will release a new album in mid-September, while ballad singer Lee Su-young will release an album sometime in September or October. Sexy star Lee Hyo-lee will also make a comeback in fall with a digital single, while Park Jung-hyun will release her sixth album after a year-long hiatus. Ballad singer Sung Shi-kyung will present his new album in early October.

Top dance singers Rain, who is currently shooting his first movie, and Seven, who is preparing his debut in the United States, will release their fourth albums in mid-October. Both tall and gentle-looking, Rain and Seven are also alumni from the same high-school. But as singers popular in the entire Asian region, they have emerged as each other's "goodwill rivals".

The expected comebacks of top artists will likely boost the stagnated record market. Shin Seung-hoon and Kim Gun-mo sold more than a million discs each every time they released their albums, and the aforementioned singers also sell hundreds of thousands of discs.

Shin, in particular, has sold a million discs annually for six years in a row, and so far has sold a total of 12 million discs. Kim, for his part, set a record in 1995 by selling 2.56 million discs of his third album. With many top singers expected to make comebacks this coming fall, attention is already being focused on who will set a record this time.

Source : english.kbs.co.kr... ( English )

credit: http://www.hancinema.net/korean-movie-news_6794.php

More Gifs of Rain.

I dont know who to credit, but whoever made them, I like them especially the first one.

Xu Jing Lei and Rain to Fullfill wish of Girl of Terminal Disease.

The author, Jin JIn who has been bothered by a particular disease since she was 11, now has the opportunity to act along with her favourite star Rain on screen with Director/Actress Xu Jin Lei as the director. Her novel titled " Midnite Angel" (direct translations - chinese) will be adapted into a series. And the presumed casts would be HERSELF, the author and Rain.

Rain as the Male Lead

Many companies became interested and wanted to film this movie. The contacted Xu Jing Lei, and she agreed to take up the production, as director.

Later, the male lead was consecutively decided and it fell on the hands of Korean Singer Rain. Director/author thinks Rain's image is very similar to the male lead in the series ( a dancer). This was actually an idea and opinion and the author/director thought it wouldn't be possible and unrealistic. However, the company managed to contact Korea and after several negotiations, production manager Mr. Liu confirmed that the male lead would be Rain. Production fees would cost not less than 8 million yuan.

The author, Jin Jin (female lead) mentioned that she has never taken up any acting lessons. Besides, initially there were several potential female actresses suitable, but in the end the production company thought that her image was more suitable for the role. Now, she's learning a few korean words.. so she can communicate with Rain. The only problem now is the language barrier.

credits: RAINHK /Baidu/ Beijing Entertainment
link to article: http://post.baidu.com/f?kz=120381246

credits: RainSingapore

pics

Pics from the BMW press con on 3 Aug 2006

Rain Drives into International Market with BMW

Rain has made another move towards the international platform and becoming a worldwide renown artiste by representing the high-end luxurious automobile brand, BMW. Next month, he will be filming the publicity MV "BMW Meets Truth".

Famous Director Pak Seong Min will be directing the MV
According to BMW Korea, Rain's image is very close to the automobile's branding, and that's the reason why they have invited him to be in their publicity MV this time. Leading person in JYPE, JY Park, will be the music director of this MV, and directing the screens is famous director Pak Seong Min who has filmed casual clothes CFs for other big-shot artistes such as Jang Dong Gun, Jung Ji Hyun, Jung Woo Sung.

Secretive about CF Fee.
The issue which observers are most concerned about in Rain's endorsement for BMW is the endorsement fee he is getting. BMW Korea expressed, "We can't reveal the amount Rain is getting for this endorsement, but we guarantee it is absolutely the highest in the market." If Rain's CF fees in the past have been a billion won, observers estimate that the fees he's getting this time is about 1.5 billion won.

Rain's debut movie "I'm a Cyborg but it's OK" has concluded a few days ago (Rayndrop: Actually, it is still going on until 10 Aug...), and he has returned to the singing industry opening new grounds for himself. This is especially with regards to the Japanese single he is releasing on 9th Sept, his 4th Korean album he is releasing in October and the prep work for his Asia Concert Tour at the end of the year.

Expression of his Singing and Dancing Skills
There will be a press conference on 3rd August for this BMW MV which Rain is appearing in. The MV is as exciting as a short film. Other than his acting skills, Rain will be showing off his singing and dancing skills in this MV.

29 Jul 06, Dajiyuan.com/ Liberty News
Credit: Rainhk.com// jinlees@soompi
Ch to Eng: Rayndrop

site credit: RainSingapore

Jolin dancing with RAIN in new Pepsi CF

watch video here

In the filming of new Pepsi CFs, again it's a gathering session of Asian super stars like RAIN, Louis, Jolin and Edison. In terms of rewards and treatment, what RAIN enjoys is same as the others. All the super stars exhibited their team spirit and practised hard to show their best in the CFs!

Several guys were training like mad in the filming location. Jolin who was relatively free , was walking around with the cameraman and explaining what the guys were practising. She also teased Edison because he failed to hold the cans on his chest. Poor Edison had never been successful until he felt like giving up! Louis's action was the most challenging - playing with leather whip!! Hmm, seems like it's not easy for them to get over the training~

How about Jolin herself? Well, she will dance with Rain! It should be a piece of cake for her... So their practice was rather relaxed, but the effects were perfect!
Among four of them, RAIN was the most relaxed. He had made funs around and took the chance to learn some Cantonese~~

Source : Sina Entertainment, China
Up by karman1668@rainhk.com
Edit and translation by jjbug@MJJH
site credit; RainSingapore

RAIN: A sincere lover! (Rank No.2)

Korean website Daum (www.daum.net) held an online voting "Who is the sincere lover in Korea". Bae Yongjun who acted as gentleman and sincere lover in "Winter Sonata" did not gain much support! Most people see him as a fast-changing person due to his flirt guy role in movie "Scandal - Joseon namnyeo sangyeoljisa". He only gained 0.1% votes ranking the last.

Sun Haoying (pinyin), a member of former male group, G.O.D. gained 63.7% votes ranked No.1! His excellent voice and touching expression during singing have deeply touched his female fans~ Last year, Sun's sunny boy image in his debut drama, "Exclamation mark 2" caught audience's eye balls with his shy smiles.

RAIN won 29.1% votes and became No.2. Either Korean or overseas fans love his natural and true characteristics! Looking at his happy smiling face, especially the narrowing small eyes, all the fans will be crazy "He's so adorable!!"

(skipped the rest...)

Who is the sincere lover in Korea?

No.2
Rain
24 years old (1982/06/25)
Representative drama "Full House"

Credit: Apple Daily, Taiwan
Up by BiwithRain & rainhk.com
Edit & Translation by jjbug@MJJH
Source: vibrancy - rainvietnam.com

Workaholic Rain, 1 person with 5 people's workload!!

Rain's first movie "I'm Cyborg" is in the final filming stage but resting time doesn't come along. He is still busy around with performance, album recording, fans meetings... and also his new CF with Germany car manufacturer, BMW!

During his guest performance in celebration at Yanshi University (pinyin), Seoul, he was in good shape. Rain laughed at himself, "I used to have 5-people workloads now..." Students were overjoyed to see him on stage. After two songs "I Do" and "It's Raining", he rushed back to Pusan again.

Rain goes Pusan everyday to catch up with the movie filming. In the meantime, he is involved in the preparation work of his 4th album (released in October), such as recording and dance practices. With such tight and compact schedule, he never complains.

BMW CF Filming

Due to Rain's great commercial influence, BMW invited him to be the male lead in CF "Rain meets truth", whereas his producer JYP is in charge of music composition. "I hope that people from other countries know more about me through this CF..." he commented happily.

Credit: Apple Daily, Taiwan
Up by BiwithRain & rainhk.com
Translation by jjbug@MJJH
Source: Vibrancy - rainvietnam.com

Jihoon in the eyes of a JYP dancer's mother

I bumped into the mother of Gyu Sang, who is currently a dancer for Jihoon. I got to know her through someone else.

Gyu Sang was one year senior to Jihoon during High School. He's often with Jihoon, and as a mother, she does not get to see her son a lot. He's mother said, "Because he's the only son, he is quite pampered." In the past, he used to cause his parents much worries. Because he's practising dancing with Jihoon every day, His parents feel pained in their heart.

Gyu Sang used to get scoldings from his parents a lot in the past. But now, he's doing really well, and acting much more like a good son. "Ever since he's been with Jihoon, he seemed to have grown up a lot, and seemed to be more understanding now."

His mother expresses her thanks to Jihoon. Says the mother, "Our son came home and told us, Jihoon often told him, he should treat his parents well. When it comes to dealing with issues, Jihoon is a lot more matured than her son."

She kept praising Jihoon, I stood straight with pride. She also said, because of Jihoon, her son is capable of earning money now. Jihoon is really a rare child. Her son used to have some income, but not as much as what he is making now.

He is an adult now.

As we know, Jihoon frequently sacrifices his sleep to practise. His dancers are not having it easy too; sleeping very little as well. I told Gyu Sang's mother, "Jihoon does not have a mother. Please take care of him more like a mother to a child."

Gyu Sang's mother said, "Jihoon's very matured. Sometimes he considers more than me, a mother." Isn't our Jihoon great?

Gyu Sang's mother is worried that once the concert tour starts, she will not be able to see her child for a long time. She is also worried about his health.

Also, Gyu Sang's mother is really moved by the passionate fans. She said, she's never thought the fans will protect Jihoon like that. Jihoon is a very lucky person indeed.


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