Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Rain gives scorching show before 10,000 fans

KUALA LUMPUR: It was a "stormy" affair at the Stadium Putra in Bukit Jalil last night, as South Korean superstar Rain gave a scorching performance before more than 10,000 fans.
Energetic performance: Rain’s two-hour concert at Stadium Putra in Bukit Jalil last night featured state-of-the-art visual effects and pyrotechnics.

Performing here as part of his Rain's Coming World Tour 2007 concert, the K-Pop icon's concert was a two-hour extravaganza that featured state-of-the-art visual effects, pyrotechnics and, of course, a spectacular performance.

The baby-faced singer drove the crowd wild every time he flashed his trademark shy smile, and drew loud cheers with his energetic and perfectly executed dance moves.

The highlight of the show came when midway through a song, a torrent of artificial rain poured down, drenching the singer and giving the fans a tantalising glimpse of his well-publicised well-toned body.

The Rain’s Coming World tour 2007 concert was presented by Hotlink, sponsored by Korean Air, and organised by CMG Absolute Entertainment.






sitelink: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/1/28/nation/16710509&sec=nation

Two sides of Rain


Rain at the press conference hours before the concert.
By day, he is a mild-mannered, baby-faced 24-year-old with an angelic smile and shy demeanour. By night, he becomes a dancing demon.

Day persona
Rain may be his name, but when he is not performing on stage, the South Korean star is more like the eye of a hurricane the quiet and peaceful centre of the media circus that constantly revolves around him.
Dressed in a dapper white suit and dark tie, the baby-faced 24-year-old with an angelic smile seemed almost embarrassed by all the hype and attention heaped upon him during the press conference at a hotel just hours before the Rain's Coming World Tour concert at Stadium Putra, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, on Saturday.
Not that he had any reason to be embarrassed, mind you. After all, he is one of South Korea's biggest exports in recent years (yes, he is possibly even more popular than kimchi), with hoards of screaming fans mobbing him wherever he goes. He was even named one of the most influential people in Asia by Time magazine recently.
However, in person, the international superstar seems more like a shy schoolboy, with his quiet and humble demeanour, and the polite way he fielded questions by the press.
At the same time, the way he talked about “trying his best” all the time, during our 10- minute face-to-face interview, one would think that he was still an unknown artiste trying to make it big.
For instance, when asked how he handles the pressure of being an international superstar, he answered (in Korean, via an interpreter): “As long as I try my best all the time, there won’t be any pressure.
When asked how far he thinks he can go, he answered: "I am also curious about what I will become after 10 years, but (right now) trying my best is my main goal."
Rain has worked very hard to get where he is, and he continues to do so because of all the love his fans have shown him. "The reason I work so hard is my fans. I feel honoured to be loved by people around the world, and I'd like to put up better performances in return," he said.
Before coming to KL, his world tour had already visited Hong Kong, Singapore and the United States as well as his homeland.
Night persona
By night, it was a completely different Rain that we saw at Stadium Putra.
Gone was the quiet, shy schoolboy whom I had spoken to in the afternoon. In his place was a lean, mean entertaining machine with only one goal in mind – to give his hoard of screaming fans a show to remember.

Wild and mild: South Korean singer and actor Rain, flanked by dancers, performing during his concert which was a visual feast. Below: Rain at the press conference hours before the concert.
On stage, Rain is a joy to watch. Where offstage he is shy and humble, on-stage he prances, struts, sneers and practically hypnotises the audience with his energy, charm and charisma. Never mind that he sang almost exclusively in Korean, and limited his banter to less than 15 lines of halting English.
Rain's concert on Saturday night was proof that great entertainment transcends borders, cultures and languages.
From the moment Rain burst on stage with a perfectly executed routine involving a giant inflatable submarine, it was obvious that the concert was going to be a spectacular visual feast. The quality of the production was definitely world-class: brilliant lighting effects, classy pyrotechnics and splendid video visuals projected on the numerous giant screens on the stage. From giant raindrops to angel's wings unfurling from the singer's back in the end, the videos were stunning and thoroughly entertaining.
There was a segment in which Rain danced solo and in almost perfect unison with a score of projected silhouettes of him an awesome display of a perfectly timed and choreographed routine.
Rain more than lived up to his reputation as the master of dance. His slick moves were reminiscent of Michael Jackson's at his best; some of the routines even outshone Jackson’s, in terms of energy and creativity.
The frenzy reached fever pitch during the song I when he was drenched with artificial rain, resulting in his white shirt clinging onto his body. At the time, one could sense that the audience was wishing he would just take his shirt off.
If there is one gripe I have about the concert, it's that the songs seemed almost secondary to the spectacular visual feast that was served up merely providing an excuse for the singer to show off his superb dance moves and the world-class production.
Rain's singing ability was never in doubt.
However, it was hard to pinpoint a single song in the concert that was memorable on its own, without having to associate it with a particular visual effect or dance routine.
In the end, though, it didn’t matter whether one understood the titles or lyrics of the songs.
All that mattered was that Rain had come to KL, and one was there to watch him and then brag about it.
Rain's Coming World tour 2007 concert was presented by Hotlink, sponsored by Korean Air, and organised by CMG Absolute Entertainment.

Rain's Chinese and S.Korean Agencies Sued

South Korea star Rain [File photo: CRIonline]


A Chinese performing company announced on Wednesday that they had filed a lawsuit at a court in Beijing's Chaoyang District, against South Korean star Rain's agency companies both in China and in South Korea.

Zhao Shaowei, general manager of Beijing Jushi Music, says that they had signed a contract with Rain's Chinese agency company in 2004, appointing them to handle the South Korean Star's 2004 Beijing concert and a future concert in Shanghai.

He says that the agency gave them 49 days to prepare for the singer's Beijing concert in 2004. Though aware that the concert wouldn't make a profit, they nonetheless went ahead with it, in the hope that they can make money through the Shanghai event. They even paid the star's Chinese agent 1.76 million yuan, about 226,000 US dollars, in advance of the concert.

Zhao explains that though they had planned to lay on the concert last March, it was cancelled, due to Rain's "tight schedule". The star's South Korean agency then promised to set a clear date for a later Shanghai concert, or to refund the wasted preparation fees to Jushi Music.

But, with the South Korean company announcing this year that they hadn't signed any contract with Jushi, the situation has been increasingly heated.

Rain will kick off his Shanghai tour on April 14, 2007, the administrator of that show claiming that the new performing contract was signed with an agency claiming to be the Star's Chinese agent.

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Korean Superstar ‘Rain’ to Promote HIV/AIDS Awareness in Malaysia

Korean superstar Rain will help World Vision promote HIV/AIDS among Malaysians when he holds his concert “Rain’s Coming 06/07 World Tour” in the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on January 27.

by Jaime Sim, Christian Today Asia Correspondent
Posted: Wednesday, January 24, 2007, 9:13 (GMT)


=======
Korean superstar Rain will help World Vision promote HIV/AIDS among Malaysians when he holds his concert “Rain’s Coming 06/07 World Tour” in the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on January 27.

Rain, who is the HIV/AIDS ambassador for World Vision Korea, will take this opportunity to help the Christian relief agency in advocating HIV/AIDS prevention activities in the region.

“I agreed to take up this challenge when I realised that HIV/AIDS has done so much damage in our society,” Rain said.

“Eight thousand children are orphaned by HIV/AIDS everyday and over 14 million children have lost their parents to HIV/AIDS every year. Devastation caused by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa during 1990’s could be repeated here in Asia unless we intervene swiftly.”

The executive director of World Vision Malaysia, Liew Tong Ngan said: “I’m confident that Rain will speak up and speak out to raise HIV/AIDS awareness during the concert tour. As the ambassador, he will be able to convey a strong message on HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care as well as to appeal for support to help children affected by HIV/AIDS.”

Part of the profits from the concert ticket sales will be channelled toward various HIV/AIDS projects in Asia, Liew said.

Born in South Korea, Rain, 25, whose real name is Jong Ji-Hoon, is a well-known singer and actor in Asia. His song, “Friends”, was composed specially for the orphans and vulnerable HIV/AIDS-affected children and calls for the international community to help children affected by the turmoil of the virus.

World Vision Malaysia will also set up booths in the National Stadium to sell charity items such as wrist bands, with all profits going to World Vision’s HIV/AIDS-focused fund,the HOPE Fund.


source: The Christian Today e-News

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Absolute control




IN October last year, Absolute Entertainment founder Adrian Wong was invited by Rain's management company, JYP Entertainment, to attend the heartthrob's concert in Seoul. Less than a week later, a contract was signed between both parties, paving the way for the first ever full-scale concert by a South Korean singer in Malaysia. And one of the highest priced ever in the country.

Quite audaciously priced from RM752 and RM502, followed by RM402, RM302, RM202, RM132 and RM82, the concert at National Stadium Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur this Saturday is the biggest ever undertaken by Absolute.

The KL date is the third leg of the RM17.4mil Rain's Coming world tour covering 12 nations in six months, after Hong Kong and Singapore.


On his biggest assignment to date, Wong says: "There is no doubt that Rain is big. Everyone is talking about him. Organising any concert has its risks, especially one of such magnitude. But in business there is risk in everything you do."

But Absolute Entertainment is clearly up to the task. Not surprisingly so as the company has since its inception in 2004 brought in a host of international names like Hoobastank, Linkin Park, Blue, Pussycat Dolls, Andy Lau, Jolin Tsai, Alicia Keys, Sarah Brightman and the Taiwan-based Malaysian star Michael Wong.

Despite Rain's mega success elsewhere, one can't help wondering if the Seoul native has established himself in Malaysia to warrant such a major gig.

The shrewd businessman that he is, Wong replied: "I went on a hunch."

And Wong's intuition looks set to bear fruit as he says about 75% of the tickets have been snapped up so far, with the RM752, RM502 and RM82 ones almost sold out.

"The ticket prices are higher than usual because of the extravagant production, which translates to costs that are consequently higher," Wong says, adding that there have not been complaints about steep ticket prices.

"I feel that it's because fans acknowledge the value of the show and the performer. " Recounting Rain's concert in Seoul, Wong said the atmosphere was amazing.The closest comparison I can think of is Michael Jackson. In terms of production, its right up there, top one or two, and I’ve been to watch MJ, Usher and Madonna. I didn't know how good a performer Rain was until I saw him live.

Storming ahead

Never mind his bland personality, Rain works hard to present nifty footwork and washboard abs

By TAN DAWN WEI

IN February 2005, a shy, reticent young man entered a press room backstage at the MTV Asia Aid concert in Bangkok for his 10 minutes with journalists. Rain had just bagged the Favourite Artiste (Korea) award but not many in the room knew who he was, or cared. They were busy thinking of what to ask the more famous names to come: Hoobastank, Kelly Clarkson, Jay Chou and Namie Amuro.

After a few polite questions posed mainly by Chinese-speaking reporters, he got up, gave a small smile and took a slight bow.
He left more than just the room, he left no impression.

Check out the muscles and the glove (very likely inspired by Rain's favourite performer, Michael Jackson)!
Rain? More like a mere drizzle, remembers Singapore's The New Paper reporter Jeanmarie Tan about her one-to-one interview with him before the event. The man, in her words, was soft-spoken, reserved and had nothing much to say. Back then, Rain (Bi in Korean) was a singer-actor who, while on the fast track to fame at home in South Korea, was hardly known abroad. He had just scored significant success with a TV series, Full House, and his third pop album, It's Raining, in 2004.

The romantic comedy, in which he paired up with the hugely popular Song Hye Kyo, became one of the highest-rated Korean dramas of all time. By the time the rest of Asia caught up, Full House had become a hit, from China to the Philippines. By the end of 2005, It's Raining also sold over a million copies in Asia.
His first world tour in the same year was sold out in eight Asian cities.

Clad in a spiffy Rain-coat, the pop star posing with flight attendants in front of a Korean Air planebearing an image of him upon his arrival in Hong Kong, the first Asian stop in his current Rain's Coming world tour.
Last year, Rain finally went from who? to being among the Who's Who in Asia superstardom.
Time magazine called him one of the 100 Most Influential People in the world. His concert at the 5,600-capacity theatre in Madison Square Garden last February was also the largest Korean concert ever in New York City, with hip-hop gurus P. Diddy and Omarion in attendance.
Today, it's near impossible to get even five minutes of Rain. Unusual Entertainment, the concert organiser for the Singapore stop of his current world tour, Rain's Coming, was gunning for a phone interview with a few journalists.

Sorry, no time, said his management. We'd entertain only e-mail interviews.

Sales of the 7,000 tickets to the concert, at the Singapore Indoor Stadium today, have been brisk. They cost between S$188 and S$488 (about RM420 and RM1,100), putting him among the most expensive in concert history in the city-state. The much-touted S$888 and S$688 tickets were in fact given free to Rain’s management and concert sponsors.

Travelling with an entourage of 80, he is hauling some 30 tonnes of equipment, including a life-sized mock submarine, a conveyer belt, a bed and rain machines. The 12-country tour, which costs US$5mil (RM17.4mil), also boasts big names like choreographer Jamie King, who produced Madonna's Confessions Tour last year, and visual director Dago Gonzalez, who directed some of her music videos.

Punishing schedule
But not everything about Rain has changed. That dullness in personality witnessed by the media just two years ago hasn't gone away with fame and confidence, it seems. Maybe its the language barrier. Maybe it's his age he is, after all, just 24. Maybe it's his punishing schedule.

But its hard for one to get excited over an e-mail response like: "I hope that I can do my very best all the time and my dream for my future is to do the right thing," which is his reply to a question about his biggest wish in life. Such statements typify his answers to the 12 questions we posed him. Still, fans can't care less whether he's Mr Personality or bland as boiled chicken especially not for someone who's created an entire stage persona based on his nifty footwork and killer washboard abs.
All they want to see when the 1.84m-tall dynamo takes the stage are his slick dance moves and some very dramatic shirt-ripping. There's also that distinctive low, husky voice that has surprised critics who once thought he was nothing more than a dancing machine who couldn't hack it without lip-synching. Stephanie Loh, 34, one of the founding members of his 4,000-strong Rain Singapore fan club, calls the Rain dance a drug. He has this onstage presence that you can't describe. You just want to see it again and again.

Rain with Song Hye Kyo in the hit series Full House, which was partly shot in Thailand. The singer-actor was romantically linked to the actress briefly.
Yes, it really gets the girls hot and bothered, and that's enough to convince his management company, JYP Entertainment, that he has a shot at cracking the American market a decision bolstered by his two sold-out New York concerts.

So he's earnestly studying English, making appearances on American TV like MTV's popular live show Total Request Live, and talking about working with Omarion. But with the little success other Asian crossover artistes have had in the United States CoCo Lee and Hikaru Utada's English-language albums didn't exactly fly off the shelves there why is Rain so sure his fate will be any different?

The US market is the most attractive market, which I'd like to challenge. There might be more variables, but still, the most important things are complete preparation, effort and confidence, he says in his e-mail.

If those things are harmonised, there will be something good, adds the singer who names Michael and Janet Jackson as his favourite performers.
But not everyone has been swept off his feet. An unimpressed The New York Times, for one, labelled his New York concert a nostalgia act, for what it saw as a poorer cousin to America's pop culture.

He doesn't have the tormented charisma of (Michael) Jackson, the relaxed sex appeal of Usher or the quick pop reflexes of Mr Timberlake, lambasted the reviewer. So far, there's still no sign of his English-language debut album, which was supposed to have been launched late last year.
And his much-touted movie debut in the quirky romantic comedy I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK, has done poorly in South Korea despite the hype and a big-name director Old Boy's Park Chan Wook.

It was pulled from theatres just before Christmas after disappointing box-office results in the first two weeks when it was released last month. Some also feel that he didn't deserve that Time magazine honour.
What has he invented or created that was truly his or made an impact? He's just emulating the Western acts, from his music to his moves, says Singaporean teacher Tan Bee Leng, 32.
Even Rain acknowledges that he isn't quite worthy of the canonisation.

"I see it as an encouragement for me. I'll work harder to have real influence," is his modest reply.

Lucrative deals and that torso

Still, bad reviews and box-office takings may not prove to be much poison.
Besides snaring lucrative endorsement deals from brands like BMW, Pepsi, Ralph Lauren and DHC skincare last year, Rain flies around in a special Airbus 330-300 plane with his bare-torsoed image on it sponsored by Korean Air for his current world tour. It is costing US$193,000 (about RM670,000), and the airline hopes to leverage on the singer's hip image to reach out to younger travellers and the Chinese market as well as promote Korean culture.
If whatever this seemingly ordinary young man has negotiated for himself today can be described as phenomenal, it isn't the work of sheer luck or looks but hunger literally. Dancing came early to Rain, born Jung Ji Hoon in 1982 in Seoul. He was in sixth grade (equivalent to Year 6) when he joined a talent show in school and discovered he enjoyed performing and was good at it.

He went on to peddle himself to various artiste management companies but all rejected him because his mug was deemed "too ugly". I've never thought about plastic surgery, he says of the seemingly easy solution something a few of these companies had advised. In fact, he rates his own looks a respectable 70 points, and his best assets, his eyes. One person, at least, saw past the unremarkable face. When Rain was 18, he auditioned and got accepted to JYP Academy, a performing arts school run by hip-hop performer and impresario Park Jin Young who had groomed popular boyband GOD.

Park said in previous interviews that when he first met Rain, he felt there was something sad about the boy. He quickly learnt that his new student went hungry sometimes because he didn't have money to eat. He lived with his mother and younger sister in a dilapidated single room in Seoul. His father, who was working in a bakery in a town three hours away, wasn’t making much.

Rain's mother was also suffering from diabetes and the family had no money for her treatment. She died a year before Rain's 2002 singing debut something that hit him quite hard, but which also spurred him to succeed.

My mum always taught me: Work hard, be humble, and be patient. That has become my motto.
To this day, the introverted, once poverty-stricken teenager still lives like a monk. He doesn't smoke, drink, do drugs or drive a car. His idea of fun is hanging out at his management office, watching DVDs and listening to music.
His drive and discipline are also pretty legendary by now. He once jokingly said his workload was equivalent to five people's.

For his last drama series, A Love to Kill, in which he plays a bodyguard, he skipped rope 2,000 times a day and ate only chicken breast and mackerel to get a lean and toned physique.
After doing time as a backup dancer to Park, he released his eponymous first album in 2002, under his stage name, Rain because his dancing apparently reminded people of a rainy day.
It didn't exactly create a storm but TV, as it turns out, would provide the wide exposure that he needed.
From his TV appearances to the concerts and even those figure-flaunting moments, Rain's every career move has been a calculated stroke. In the past four years, he's kept himself largely scandal-free, except for a brief rumoured romantic link with his Full House co-star, Song, which fizzled after repeated denials on both sides.
Still, he knows when to deliver the occasional tease telling his fans at concerts that he longs for a girlfriend; going on a TV show recently to say he already has his eye on someone. Yet, when asked about it in the e-mail interview, he chooses not to answer. But when it comes to his concert, that humility takes a backseat. It will be beyond expectation. You will go home with such a great feeling about me.

The Straits Times, Singapore / Asia News Network

Weather Pattern

1982: Born Jung Ji Hoon in Seoul.
2002: Released first album, Rain, and starred in the TV series, Orange.
2003: Released second album, Rain 2, and starred in TV drama, Sang Doo! Let's Go to School.
2004: Released third album, It's Raining, which sold more than one million copies in Asia, and starred in TV drama Full House, which was a hit in Asia.
2005: Starred in TV drama A Love to Kill; won Favourite Artiste (Korea) at MTV Asia Aid awards; and embarked on his Rainy Day world tour with dates in eight Asian cities and New York, where he performed for two nights at Madison Square Garden.
2006: Named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World; released fourth album Rain's World; made film debut in romantic comedy I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK. Also kicked off Rain's Coming world tour in Seoul.

source: The Straits Times, Singapore / Asia News Network
sitelink: http://www.star-ecentral.com/news/story.asp?file=/2007/1/21/music/16581746&sec=music

Some announcements from Cloud Philippines:

Hope to see you all there!

1. 2nd Cloud Philippines Fan Event


Image Hosted by ImageShack.us



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2. FOR SALE: Specialized RAIN mugs

Cloud Philippines is offering specialized RAIN mugs as part of our fund-raising activity for our club projects.

1. Just how special are these mugs? See the sample below:




On the left: the mug on its normal state. On the right: what the mug looks like after you pour hot water inside. 8)

2. These shall be sold at the Fan Event on Feb 10. However, those who will order in advance shall have the option to personalize their mugs with their name.

3. Those who will order in advance may choose from any of the following designs:

Design A:





Design B:





Design C:





Design D:





Design E:





Design F:





Design G:





Design H:





4. Each personalized mug costs php325.00. The generic mugs which shall be sold on the event shall cost php300.00.

5. Interested parties may send an email to events@cloudphilippines.com indicating your name, number of orders, preferred design, and the name you would like to put on the mug. We shall be sending you the account details where you can deposit your payment. Please note that only paid advanced orders shall be entertained.

6. Deadline for accepting advanced orders shall be on January 26, 2007.

Saturday, January 20, 2007

Other Rain News

  • South Korean pop singer Rain (L) and Korean Air's president of Passenger Business Kim Young-ho look at a model aircraft with Rain's image imprinted on the exterior at a sponsorship signing ceremony in Inchon, west of Seoul January 8, 2007. Rain will perform 35 concerts in 17 cities in 12 different countries, including Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Singapore, Japan and the United States during the World Tour Concert to promote his fourth album. REUTERS/Jo Yong-Hak (SOUTH KOREA) Reuters via Yahoo! News - Jan 07 7:15 PM

  • South Korean pop singer Rain speaks at a sponsorship signing ceremony with his 'World Tour' concert sponsor, Korean Air in Inchon, west of Seoul January 8, 2007. Rain will perform 35 concerts in 17 cities in 12 different countries, including Hongkong, China, Thailand, Singapore, Japan and the United States during the World Tour Concert to promote his fourth album. REUTERS/Jo Yong-Hak (SOUTH KOREA) Reuters via Yahoo! News - Jan 07 7:16 PM

  • South Korean pop singer Rain receives a model aircraft with his image imprinted on the exterior at a sponsorship signing ceremony with his 'World Tour' concert sponsor, Korean Air, in Inchon, west of Seoul January 8, 2007. Rain will perform 35 concerts in 17 cities in 12 different countries, including Hongkong, China, Thailand, Singapore, Japan and the United States during the World Tour Concert to promote his fourth album. REUTERS/Jo Yong-Hak (SOUTH KOREA) Reuters via Yahoo! News - Jan 07 7:15 PM
  • sitelink: http://news.search.yahoo.com/search/news?c=&p=rain+korean+singer&ei=UTF-8&fr=yalerts-keyword&c=news_photos

    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.

    site link: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/253520/1/.html

    Friday, January 19, 2007

    Korea's Rain electrifies HK at start of Asia tour

    By James Pomfret
    ADVERTISEMENT

    HONG KONG, Jan 13 (Reuters Life!) - South Korean pop sensation Rain kicked off the Asia leg of his world tour in Hong Kong with legions of screaming female fans, fireball pyrotechnics and trademark trendy dancing.

    "How are you," the pan-Asian heart-throb asked in Hong Kong's native Cantonese dialect shortly after going on stage, arousing an even more defeaning din from the audience.

    The 24-year-old performer, whose real name is Jung Ji-Hoon, has taken Asia by storm since his 2002 debut, selling millions of albums and becoming one of the few stars who have managed to transcend Asia's diverse cultural divide.

    He has sold out concerts in New York's Madison Square Garden and was even voted by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. The "Rain's Coming" tour, his second to date, has been compared to Madonna's latest global tour in terms of scale and was put together by some of the same people who have worked with international stars such as Britney Spears.

    Rain started his six-month long world tour in December with concerts in his hometown Seoul and Las Vegas. His promoters expect ticket sales to total 100 billion won ($108.7 million). In Asia, he will perform in 17 cities in 11 countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, China and Japan. Some concerts have been sold out months in advance.

    Fans in Hong Kong at Friday night's opening show could barely suppress their glee at seeing the boyish, clean-cut star who's high-energy moves -- and on stage chest-baring -- have often drawn comparisons to U.S. pop star Justin Timberlake.

    "We're very excited," crooned 14 year old Vaness Ng who was at the concert with a classmate, "We love watching him dance and sing. He's much better than Aaron Kwok," she added referring to one of Hong Kong's four so-called Kings of Canto-pop.

    Rain counts Charlie Chaplin and Michael Jackson among his favourite performers, and their influence could be seen in his stage garb and dance moves.

    Pounding his white-gloved fists into the air and flinging himself across the stage, Rain told his fans in American-accented English: "I'm sure our concert's going to be fantastic!"

    Apart for his musical and acting successes, the South Korean star has been soaring in other ways too. Korean Air emblazoned an image of a bare-chested Rain with angel's wings on the exterior of one of its airbus 300 planes to fly him and his crew around the world's cities on this tour.

    source: Yahoo Singapore e-news
    site link: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/070113/3/45y42.html

    Rain Kicks Off World Tour in Hong Kong

    Pop music sensation Rain, better known as Bi in Korea, has started the Asian leg of his world tour in Hong Kong.

    Some 12-thousand fans showed up to see the chest-baring heartthrob sing and dance on stage with his trademark high-energy moves.

    The 24-year-old singer has sold millions of albums since his debut in 2002.

    Time magazine has even voted him one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

    In Asia, he will perform in 17 cities in eleven countries including Singapore, China and Japan.
    His promoters say several of his concerts sold out months in advance.

    Video by following the link

    Source : www.arirang.co.kr/New... ( English Korean )
    site link: http://www.hancinema.net/korean-movie-news_8385.php

    Rain Gets Speeding Ticket in Hong Kong

    A car carrying Korea's top pop star Rain was stopped by Hong Kong police last Thursday for violating the speed limit, according to reports.

    Rain, who has become an Asian heartthrob, was in Hong Kong Jan. 12-14 for concerts. It was part of the 25-year-old's World tour titled "Rain's Coming". The tour started in Korea last December.

    Rain's car was chased by a horde of paparazzi, who have closely followed the star since his arrival Wednesday, reports said. In an attempt to escape the pursuers, Rain's car sped to 100 km/h exceeding the speed limit of 80 km/h.

    As police stopped Rain's car, the following cars of the paparazzi and fans also halted, creating a major traffic disorder. The police charged the driver about 450 Hong Kong dollars, or 54,000 won ($58).

    Despite the incident, Rain's Hong Kong concerts thrilled fans with extravagant stage effects and the clean-cut singer's flashy dance moves, reports said.

    Source : http://www.hancinema.net/jump.php?id=8377 ( English Korean )
    site link: http://www.hancinema.net/korean-movie-news_8377.php

    Friday, January 12, 2007

    Fwd: Tickets for Rain's Hong Kong Concert Sold Out

    Singer Rain, who is gearing up to conquer the world stage, has sold out the tickets for his Hong Kong concert as part of his world tour "Rain's Coming".

    As a result, Lee In-kwang, the president of Star M Entertainment, which is in charge of Rain's world tour, has expressed confidence that the tour will become successful.

    "We put priority on concerts in China and the U.S. in this tour. Due to the successful concert in Las Vegas, more concerts can be planned in more U.S. cities including New York and LA, and China is one of the new markets we can explore", Lee said. "I will do my best for the planned tour to serve as a stepping stone for Rain to rise to world stardom".

    Rain signed a partnership deal with Korean Air for his world tour on Monday. At a press conference held before the signing ceremony, the country's largest carrier released an airplane bearing the singer's picture, which will begin flights to coincide with his Hong Kong concert.

    Having decided to sponsor Rain's world tour as part of its win-win strategies, Korean Air will operate the flight from January to May. It will also provide free flights for some 80 tour staff members and 20 tons of concert equipment.

    The "Rain's Coming" world tour began in Seoul on Dec. 15 and 16, with the Las Vegas concert held on Dec. 23 and 24. The Hong Kong concert is scheduled for Jan. 12 and 13, followed by Singapore on Jan. 21, Malaysia on Jan. 27, Thailand on Feb.3 and Vietnam on March 10 and 11. Other nations on the tour include Taiwan, China, Japan, U.S. (LA and New York) and Canada (Toronto).

    Source : english.kbs.co.kr... ( English )
    http://www.hancinema.net/korean-movie-news_8310.php

    Flying With Korean Air (2007/01/11)

    By Kim Rahn
    Staff Reporter

    Hallyu star
    Rain has gained new wings _ those of Korean Air.

    The top Korean pop star and the top Korean carrier have set up a joint promotion.

    Korean Air and Star M Entertainment, the production company for
    Rain's world tour "Rain's Coming", signed a contract for the joint promotion Monday at the Hyatt Regency Incheon Hotel. Kim Young-ho, president of Korean Air's passenger division; Heather Cho, managing vice president of in-flight service and catering; Lee In-gwang, CEO of Star M; and Rain participated in the signing ceremony.

    The world tour, which began with a concert in Las Vegas last month, will run through the end of May and include a total of 35 concerts in 17 cities in 12 countries. It is the largest overseas performance tour for a Korean singer, with 800,000 spectators expected.

    The carrier will provide complimentary tickets to Rain and some 80 of his performance staff and transport his stage equipment for free to concert venues.

    "Through the cooperation, we'll play the role of messenger of hallyu by supporting Korea's high-quality performance goods", Kim said.

    "
    Rain topped the Korean entertainment market, and he is now advancing into the world. His performance will give a long-awaited rain to overseas fans. We'll present a new type of star marketing by combining Rain's star power and Korean Air's global network", he said.

    During the signing ceremony, a model of a Korean Air plane wrapped with Rain's image and the tour slogan, "Rain's Coming", was displayed. The 295-seat A330-300 aircraft took its first flight on Wednesday to Hong Kong for Rain's concert there.

    The carrier's overseas branches will take part in the promotion by distributing performance leaflets and selling concert tickets. Rain's concerts will also be included in Korean Air's in-flight entertainment programs. Korean Air's affiliate Hanjin Travel Service sells Rain's world tour package to Korean fans.

    Kim of Korean Air said the marketing expenses cost around 1.8 billion won, including 300 million won for the wrapping of the plane.

    Of the 12 countries where Rain's concerts are to be held, Korean Air services China the most. He will perform in four cities in China, the largest number in a single country.

    Korean Air has tried to make China its second home market as part of its vision to become a leading global airline. It opened seven routes to China last year and singed a contract with China's Sinotrans Air Transportation Development to set up a joint cargo venture in China. It plans to open five more routes this year.

    "Through Rain, we expect Korean Air to have a young and dynamic image and to expand our position as a leading carrier in China", Kim said.

    "It will give momentum to Korean pop culture to advance into the world. I'll give a distinguished performance that will be understood and accepted all around the world, and I'll put all my effort and talent into it",
    Rain said.


    Source : www.koreatimes.co.kr... ( English Korean ) + HanCinema e-news
    site link:
    http://www.hancinema.net/korean-movie-news_8345.php

    Rain's Flying With Korean Air

    By Kim Rahn
    Staff Reporter

    Hallyu star Rain has gained new wings those of Korean Air.

    The top Korean pop star and the top Korean carrier have set up a joint promotion.

    Korean Air and Star M Entertainment, the production company for Rain's world tour "Rain's Coming", signed a contract for the joint promotion Monday at the Hyatt Regency Incheon Hotel. Kim Young-ho, president of Korean Air's passenger division; Heather Cho, managing vice president of in-flight service and catering; Lee In-gwang, CEO of Star M; and Rain participated in the signing ceremony.

    The world tour, which began with a concert in Las Vegas last month, will run through the end of May and include a total of 35 concerts in 17 cities in 12 countries. It is the largest overseas performance tour for a Korean singer, with 800,000 spectators expected.

    The carrier will provide complimentary tickets to Rain and some 80 of his performance staff and transport his stage equipment for free to concert venues.

    "Through the cooperation, we'll play the role of messenger of hallyu by supporting Korea's high-quality performance goods", Kim said.

    "Rain topped the Korean entertainment market, and he is now advancing into the world. His performance will give a long-awaited rain to overseas fans. We'll present a new type of star marketing by combining Rain's star power and Korean Air's global network", he said.

    During the signing ceremony, a model of a Korean Air plane wrapped with Rain's image and the tour slogan, "Rain's Coming", was displayed. The 295-seat A330-300 aircraft took its first flight on Wednesday to Hong Kong for Rain's concert there.

    The carrier's overseas branches will take part in the promotion by distributing performance leaflets and selling concert tickets. Rain's concerts will also be included in Korean Air's in-flight entertainment programs. Korean Air's affiliate Hanjin Travel Service sells Rain's world tour package to Korean fans.

    Kim of Korean Air said the marketing expenses cost around 1.8 billion won, including 300 million won for the wrapping of the plane.

    Of the 12 countries where Rain's concerts are to be held, Korean Air services China the most. He will perform in four cities in China, the largest number in a single country.

    Korean Air has tried to make China its second home market as part of its vision to become a leading global airline. It opened seven routes to China last year and singed a contract with China's Sinotrans Air Transportation Development to set up a joint cargo venture in China. It plans to open five more routes this year.

    "Through Rain, we expect Korean Air to have a young and dynamic image and to expand our position as a leading carrier in China", Kim said.

    "It will give momentum to Korean pop culture to advance into the world. I'll give a distinguished performance that will be understood and accepted all around the world, and I'll put all my effort and talent into it", Rain said.

    Source : www.koreatimes.co.kr... ( English Korean ) + HanCinema e-news

    Thursday, January 11, 2007

    Rain also wears high heel shoes !!





    It was discovered in the airline sponsorship ceremony and soon, "Rain is wearing high heel" became a hot topic! In the press conference, Rain showed his perfect model outfit and excellent fashion sense, however it was said that Rain was wearing high heel shoes and some people saw it~

    Immediately the discussion exploded in internet, different comments were posted "It's high heel" "No! It's the sponsored shoes from a well-known fashion brand~"

    It wasn't the first time. In his world tour press conference last October, Rain also wore this pair of shoes. Indeed, the shoes are not meant to increase his height as he's tall enough (184cm). Thus, the reporter surfed around and consequently, he found out that Rain's shoes and clothes are from the famous fashion brand. Well, undoubtedly nothing can run away from good observant fans~


    Source: YTN STAR
    Chi translation by irbi@BiwithRain
    Eng translation by jjbug@rain-malaysia

    ===========================


    07.01.10 New fashion wave by Rain: high heel shoes!

    There were male artists wearing skirts, but so far non of them ever try high heel shoes~ Well, now Rain is the one who breaks the rule! Although we don't know how does a guy with high heel shoes looks like, but when Rain is wearing them, the only word to describe is COOL.

    Rain attended the contract signing ceremony with Korean Air on Jan 8, at Korea international airport. With his newly cut punk head, Rain wore white shirt and black jacket outside. His black glasses and deep blue jeans emphasized his fashion sense but the more eye-catchy thing was: his high heel shoes!

    In overall, the shoes lifted him up and expressed his fashion style~ Of course his shoes are different from ladies high heel, they are thick heel leather shoes designed in a smart way.

    Rain's dress-up caused hot discussion among his fans. Perhaps his 'unique' apparal may create a new fashion wave~


    Source: Sina Entertainment
    Up by azafighting@rainhk
    Translation by
    jjbug@rain-malaysia
    Source: soompi.com/forum

    Interview with Deborah Kan??


    Source: Newsen/Daum
    Related Article here (Korean)

    Countdown to HK Concert D-1
    (Newspaper scans are a day behind..)


    Credit: aimen@rain-asia
    Previous Days: here
    ====================================



    The interviewer said Rain was very happy with these presents.

    He asked the interviewer how to play the remote helicopter. The interviewer taught him by switching on the remote helicopter - it moved so quickly and strongly that Rain was shocked....he was so cute when he was shocked!!!! Later on he played the remote helicopter and "fogot" he was having an interview...the JYPE staff took away the remote helicopter and asked him to "focus" on the interview!!!

    As for the cake, he was happy and understanding the meaning of this star-shaped cake - which implies he is a superstar. The cake is very big and Rain took the knife and tried various ways to cut the cake without affecting the outlook of cake. Finally he picked up one strawberry and ate and said "very delicious", and then cut one of the edge of the cake and tasted it!!!!

    According to the interviewer, he behaved like a child....and this is the first time this interviewer saw Rain was soooooooooooo happy during interview (note: this interviewer has been interviewing Rain for many times and this is the first time he saw Rain was very very very exciting and happy during interview)....

    This TV program will be broadcasted in TVB this Friday and the coming Monday. We will keep you updated.

    Source: rainhk
    Translated by aimen @ rain-asia
    +
    orengi@soompi.com/forums
    site link: http://www.soompi.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=28&st=33360

    Thai Instability Likely to Delay Rain's Tour

    Singer Rain's world tour in Thailand will likely be delayed due to unstable local conditions.

    Rain's performance was set for February third and fourth at Bangkok's Impact Arena.

    The world tour organizer StarM said Wednesday that safety is the first concern following a chain of organized bomb explosions earlier this month in Bangkok. It said it is discussing a postponement with the Thai organizing agency, possibly to June, but that it is yet undecided.

    The New Years bombings in downtown Bangkok are thought to be either a military coup by supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinwatra to regain power or a move by incumbent coup forces who are disappointed at the transitional government's rule.

    Thai Defense Minister Boonrawd Somtas has even warned of more terrorism.

    StarM says that though the tickets are mostly sold, the safety of the singer, staff and audience must be considered, adding that ticket holders will be offered the chance to watch the delayed performance or get a refund.

    On board a Korean Air plane that has a huge picture of himself printed on its fuselage, Rain left Seoul Wednesday for his Hong Kong tour this weekend.

    Source: KBS Global + HanCinema e-news
    http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/new...4643_11858.html

    Sunday, January 07, 2007

    Rain, Jeon Ji-hyeon Top on Fantasy Spouse List

    A recent survey to uncover the number-one heartthrob for unmarried people shows that single men would most like to marry actress Jeon Ji-hyun and single women would sooner be hitched with singer Rain than any other man.

    In the poll of 437 (217 men, 220 women) single members of the matchmaking firm Sunwoo, top on the men's wish-list were Jeon Ji-hyeon (13.4 percent), Kim Tae-hee (6.0 percent), Lee Hyo-lee (5.5 percent), Song Hye-kyo (5.1 percent).

    For the ladies, Rain wooed 10.5 percent of the female pool followed by Jang Dong-gun (9.5 percent), Song Il-gook (8.2 percent), Jo In-Seong (7.7 percent) and Yoo Jae-seok (6.8 percent). Those who picked Rain cited his well-toned body and cute face, and for Jeon fans her great curves and pretty face secured her top ranking.

    Source : www.chosun.com... ( English Chinese Korean Japanese ) + HanCinema e-new
    site: http://www.hancinema.net/korean-movie-news_8236.php

    Korean Singer Star Holds No.1 Song in China

    Chinese Internet users chose a song from a Korean TV series sung by rising Korean singer Star as the best song from an OST.

    In a survey on Korean pop culture, Chinese respondents voted "I think I", the theme song of the Korean TV series "Full House", as the No.1 theme song of the year.

    Conducted on some 50 thousand Chinese Internet users from September 29 to December 10 by KBS World together with China's largest portal site Sina.com, the survey asked the respondents to vote on the best Korean drama series, movies, and songs.

    As "Full House" grew popular in China, Star, who sang its title song, also gained a large following. According to Star's agent, she is being invited to appear on Chinese TV and sing theme songs for Chinese dramas.

    Star is currently in China to promote her first album for overseas markets.

    Source : english.kbs.co.kr... ( English )
    site: http://www.hancinema.net/korean-movie-news_8237.php

    Rain Voted Most Likely to Dominate 2007

    The singer-actor Rain has been named the male celebrity most likely to make 2007 his year. In an online poll by the Sports Chosun, a sister publication of the Chosun Ilbo, between Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 asking which male celebrity will make the year his own, Rain came top with 32 percent. In 2006, he rose to stardom on the global stage beyond Asia, making it onto the list of TIME Magazine's 100 most influential people as the first Korean entertainer, and performing at Madison Square Garden in New York in February, a first for an Asian singer. His popularity is to continue this year, too, as he has embarked on world tour he named "Rain's Coming" to coincide with the release of his fourth album.

    The nos. 2 and 3 were Song Seung-heon with 24.1 percent and Yoon Kye-sang with 17.2 percent; both just completed their military service. Song started his schedule officially when he visited Japan in December and is currently looking at screenplays. He is expected to stage his comeback either in a drama or a movie soon. Yoon already decided on his first show after his discharge. He is to co-star with Lee Mi-yeon in the SBS drama "Crazy for You", which starts airing in February. Se7en, another singer who has taken up acting, was ranked fourth with 12.5 percent. He will star in the MBC drama "Palace S - Princess Hours S", to be aired in October this year, alongside Heo I-jae and Park Sin-hye.

    Source : www.chosun.com... ( English Chinese Korean Japanese ) + HanCinema e-news

    Friday, January 05, 2007

    Can the Korean Wave Crash Hollywood?

    The Korean pop-culture wave has swept Asia. Now what? The challenges to Korean stars continue, and their next target is the heart of the international movie market, Hollywood. Park Joong-hoon, Lee Byeong-Heon and Jeong Joon-ho already have their engines revving. With their dreams seeming to come into focus, the group of top stars may even be seen in Hollywood this year.

    Park Joong-hoon, the first to break into Hollywood with the film "The Truth About Charlie" (2002), is now involved in his second project, working title "Bibimbap". "Bibimbap" is a romantic comedy that tells the story of a Caucasian restaurant critic who falls in love with an Asian chef. If everything works out, it will be the actor's first starring role in a Hollywood film.

    The U.S. magazine Variety recently said of the actor, "Of all Korea's top-ranked male stars, Lee Byeong-Heon may be best placed to break through internationally". As a K-Wave star with a huge following in Japan, Lee is also already linguistically prepared for the task. In TV dramas and films he has already shown off his near-perfect command of English on various occasions.

    Jeong Joon-ho has already finished shooting "West 32nd" in Hollywood. Also participating in the project are director Michael Kang and actor John Cho, who both have Korean backgrounds.

    Jeong Woo-seong is reported to be serious looking into the idea of appearing in a Hollywood film. He spent three months in San Francisco taking English classes and private lessons. Singer Rain, who has big global ambitions, has also brought his characteristic intensity to his English studies. He is getting help from his agency, JYP, which calls in English and Chinese tutors for him twice a week who also teach his trainers and other employees.

    Among actresses, Kim Yoon-jin is already on the list of global stars. With her outstanding English skills, she lent her charm to the TV series "Lost" and continues to embellish the covers of international magazines. The hopeful predict that calls from Hollywood are just a matter of time.
    Jeon Ji-hyeon's agency announced her advancement into Hollywood at last year's Pusan International Film Festival. Ha Ji-won and Jang Jin-yeong are also both immersed in English studies. Despite Ha's packed schedule, she is studying hard with a private teacher and showed her improved English skill proudly at the Hawaii International Film Festival in October. Since the release of "Between Love and Hate" ("The Unbearable Lightness of Dating"), Jang Jin-yeong has also been taking private classes three times a week for two hours each. Boa, who already speaks perfect Japanese, is working hard with a private English teacher too.

    So who are the Korean-Americans currently in action in Hollywood? First, there are Rick and Karl Yune, brother actors who were for a spell the talk of the town. Rick Yune rose to the surface after the currents affairs magazine Newsweek selected him as a next generation star in "New Faces of '99", and he appeared in the James Bond movie "Die Another Day" in the role of Zhao, the North Korean commando who was the villain of the piece. Will Yun Lee, who played Colonel Moon in the same film, is another Korean-American star. He was even selected as one of the "50 Most Beautiful People" of 2002 by People Magazine. At the Pusan International Film Festival, he drew attention when he said the first Korean movie he ever saw was 'My Wife Is A Gangster', and he has since discovered that highly original work is being created in Korea. He added he wants to work with a great director like that. Leonardo Nam and Sung Kang, who were present at the festival, are also well-known actors. Sung Kang is in the midst of shooting of "Live Free or Die Hard"

    Besides those, there are Sandra Oh, considered the most successful actor with Korean heritage, and Alexandra Chun, who appeared in "Saw", and Daniel Dae Kim who appeared in "Spider-Man 2" and "Lost".

    Most actors of Korean heritage are so-called 1.5 generation or second generation, so they speak perfect English. But they had their share of struggles, including a high cultural wall in Hollywood. But while the first generation had to be satisfied with extra or minor parts, recently actors of Korean heritage have appeared in starring roles, drawing up their own American dream.

    Source : www.chosun.com... ( English Chinese Korean Japanese ) + HanCinema e-news
    site: http://www.hancinema.net/korean-movie-news_8284.php

    Faces of 2007

    (note: other news not related to Rain deleted)

    Rain According to the results of an online poll conducted by Korean daily Sports Chosun, in which participants were asked which male celebrity they felt would make 2007 his/her year, 32% of those polled said Rain. Song Seung-hun was second with 24.1% and Yoon Key-sang with 17.2%. Seven ranked fourth with 12.5%.

    Rain found Asia-wide success three years ago with the release of his romantic comedy serial Full House, in which his performance even garnered him a best actor award at the KBS Acting Awards.

    Around the same time, he released his third album, It’s Raining, which sold over one million copies in Asia, making it his most successful album to date, both domestically and internationally.

    That year, Rain also managed to achieve the MTV Asia Grand Slam when he won top honours in the Asian countries that broadcast MTV Asia.


    Rain
    He won the favourite Korean artiste award at the 2005 MTV Asia Aid in Bangkok, the most popular Asian artiste award from Channel [V] Thailand, the best buzz Asia award during the MTV Japan Video Music Awards 2005 and the best Korean singer award at the MTV-CCTV Mandarin Music Honors in Beijing.

    The Rain mania reached feverish pitch when he embarked on his Rainy Day 2005 Tour. Concert tickets were reportedly sold out in South Korea and Japan just moments after the ticket counters opened. And amazing to think that this cutie pie, often dubbed the “Asian Usher” and at times “Asian Justin Timberlake”, was once rejected by record label execs because they felt he was too ugly as he does not have double eyelids.

    Rain’s talents have also caught the attention of the Western music world. He became the first Asian performing artiste ever to be invited to the 2005 American MTV Video Music Awards in Miami, as well as the 2005 MTV Latin Video Music Awards in Mexico.

    Last year, he staged a two-day concert at Madison Square Garden in New York, a first for an Asian singer. No wonder Time magazine voted him the second most influential artiste of 2006, second only to Taiwanese film director Ang Lee.

    His popularity looks set to continue this year, what with his world tour aptly named Rain’s Coming, to coincide with the release of his fourth album Rain’s World, released last October.

    And Rain, as you already know, is coming to our shores on Jan 27 for a concert.

    source: http://www.star-ecentral.com/news/story.asp?file=/2007/1/5/music/16470187&sec=music + Yahoo7 e-news

    Korean pop culture's reach


    The lines for a recent S.M. audition snaked out the door of an office building on Wilshire Boulevard in Koreatown and into the indoor golf driving range next door. S.M. volunteers shouted to maintain order among teenagers practicing their dance moves or warming up their voices while puzzled middle-aged men carrying golf clubs cut their way through.

    Many of the contestants were fans of "K-pop," the nickname of popular Korean music which is a distant cousin of early 1990s music and features the same style of soaring ballads and catchy dance tunes as 'N Sync or the Backstreet Boys.

    Korean popular culture dominates much of Asia, where performers like Rain sell out stadiums from Thailand to China. When Korean soap operas travel to Tokyo for press junkets, the scene resembles something out of Beatlemania.

    Both K-pop and Korean soap operas have gained a foothold in the United States, which explains why the Mexican Irish Bryanna Sandoval drove from Norco for the auditions. (S.M. executives ask that contestants be Asian, although not necessarily Korean.)

    "I just like the music so much I thought, why not give it a try?" said Sandoval, who estimated that a quarter of her iPod was dedicated to Korean songs, even though she doesn't speak the language.

    Sandoval, however, did not get a tryout.

    Standing several spots in back of Sandoval was Katherine Ko, an 18-year-old from La Cañada Flintridge, who dances in a group with several of her friends. When asked about their favorite singers, the girls quickly rattled off American pop staples like Beyoncé and Missy Elliott, and showed off dance moves influenced by hip-hop rather than Asian style.

    Ko, an aspiring actress, said she came to the tryouts because opportunities for Asian Americans are limited in America. You've got Sandra Oh, the "Grey's Anatomy" star, and "that's it," said Ko.

    "It's very discouraging because you can't be original in America, they already know what parts they want you to play," Ko said.

    source: http://www.latimes.com/features/lifestyle/la-et-idol1jan01,1,5321296.story?page=2&track=rss + Yahoo7 E-news

    Do the Rain dance


    Is two years a worthy wait? Rain (pic), who released his last album a couple of years ago, is certainly hoping so, what with his new offering Rain’s World. The new album is a collection of songs that promises to be the most significant of his career.

    Rain’s World features the energetic R&B flavoured first single, I’m Coming, which was produced by long-time collaborator JYP and highlights the rapping of fellow Korean artiste Tablo.

    Since the release of I’m Coming in October, the single has been taking the world’s charts by storm.

    Rain will be embarking on his Rain Is Coming world tour to promote the album and stops include the United States, Japan, China, Malaysia and many more for a total of 35 concerts in 12 countries, but not before the first show in Seoul. It’s his concert in Las Vegas, which promises to be the most intriguing, though, given that it’ll be his first there.

    In conjunction with the successful album and concert tour, Warner Music Malaysia is letting a Malaysian be up close and personal with the singer. To win that chance, you have to prove that you either have the looks, moves or the voice. Submit a picture of yourself with details – full name, age, IC number, mobile phone number and e-mail address – and send to: Warner Music (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Suite 2.1, 2nd Floor, Bangunan THK, No.2A, Jalan 243, Seksyen 51A, 46100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

    Finalists will be contacted via phone and will compete in the Rain’s World Party at Liquid Bar, 3.04, Central Market Annexe, Jalan Hang Kasturi, Kuala Lumpur, on Jan 19. Do your best to impersonate Rain and win that golden chance of sharing your moves with this boy wonder.

    Of course, the best look-alike also stands to win a host of prizes such as two Rain Is Coming concert tickets, a Samsung SGH-E690 mobile phone and one year membership at California Fitness.
    source: Yahoo Korea