Rain storms into Singapore

Korean pop sensation Rain has arrived in Singapore to a storm of fans that only hints at the expected turn-out on January 21st when he takes to the stage at the Singapore Indoor stadium on his world tour.

Jung Ji-Hoon which is his real name goes, is promising a mega show on a scale, never seen before in Singapore.

Speaking after touching down in Singapore which he is visiting for the first time, the singer said he's impressed at the warm welcome given by his fans adding, "this is my first concert in Singapore and I made a promise to Singapore fans, so I have to keep this promise. I will give my best to put a very good show on Sunday."

This is despite the fact that he says he's not fully recovered from his injury in Hong Kong.

The “Rain’s Coming” World Tour is the largest concert ever given by a Korean artist and is expected to be on par with the latest by American pop diva Madonna, in terms of scale.

The production crew includes famous names in the business including Jamie King, who has choreographed for Madonna, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera; lighting specialist Roy Bennett; and visual director Dago Gonzalez.

Speaking through an interpreter at a news conference in Singapore on Friday, the Korean sensation also known as 'Bi' said, "I've been practising hard for this concert (and) this concert is going to be an event mixing Asian and Western cultures. So I am really very confident Singapore fans will enjoy themselves..."

He revealed that one of his biggest challenges is the world tour where he aims to make his concerts a success, giving credit for this to his fans.

Although an Asian, Rain isn't big only in Asia, having performed at the 2005 American MTV Video Music Awards and staging sold-out concerts in Madison Square Garden, New York City and Caesars Palace Hotel, Las Vegas last year.

Voted as one of the most influential artists by Time magazine, Rain says he aims to use his high profile to bring the culture of Asia to the West.

He is also helping to raise awareness of the plight of AIDS orphans and children affected by AIDS as an ambassador for World Vision HIV/Aids.

“I agreed to take up this challenge as I heard about the HIV/AIDS reality that 8,000 children are orphaned by AIDS everyday and over 14 million children have lost parents to AIDS every year. Devastation caused by HIV epidemic in Africa during 1990’s could be revived here in Asia soon unless we intervene swiftly,” says Rain.

Rain saw a meteoric rise to fame since his self-titled debut album in 2002 and is known as much for his dance moves as his singing talent and charisma as a performer.

Off-stage, Rain is known for his acting roles in various Korean television dramas, the most successful being “Full House” which catapulted him to mega-star status particularly in South East Asia, where the series has aired.

During his tour Rain is also taking the opportunity to promote his debut movie here “I'm a Cyborg but that's OK”, which he has described as a "fantastic experience".

Tickets for Rain's one night only concert in Singapore ranges from $188 to $488, with some seats still available.

If you can't make it to the show, you can still get up close to the Korean sensation on January 22nd at 9am with an exclusive interview on Prime Time Morning with host Suzanne Jung.

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