The "Rain" That Touched My Heart

2011-12-04T13:14:00.001+08:00

http://abqsavings.com/administrator/news.php?help157.php

Rain's Knee Injury Not Serious (2news)

2009-09-11T12:45:00.002+08:00

In a message that Rain sent via Promax, the organizer of the Asia tour, the singer thanked his fans for their encouragement. Rain spRained his leg when performing a jumping move on September 29. He underwent treatment on September 31 at a general hospital in Seoul shortly after returning to Korea.

Rain also added that his Hollywood debut movie, "Ninja Assassin", was to open soon and that he looked forward to hear his fans' reviews about his acting. "My goal right now is to make my name through a movie, but my ultimate goal is to gain global recognition as an actor and artist. As the late Michael Jackson has shown us, artists make a big impact on future generations with their music and performances and are judged by them as well. I want to be an artist who has an impact on the world's future", wrote Rain.

Source : KBS Global ( English )

09.09.09 [Old] Rain’s picture with one of his dancing team

2009-09-11T12:42:00.001+08:00

source: sixtofive1982

[Rain TV][Eng Trans] 090906_ MBC_Sisa2580_ Korean Wave Now-Japan_Legend of Rainism-Japan

2009-09-11T12:35:00.001+08:00

video credit: scorpiolabi

09.07.09 The story about the late Mrs. An So-Bong supported by Rain, will be adapted for the stage

2009-09-11T12:33:00.000+08:00

Rain & Mrs. An So-Bong in a sickroom.

The story about the final losing battle with the late Mrs.’An So-Bong’s illness, who was supported by Rain, will be adapted for the stage.

The story of the family of the late Mrs.’An So-Bong’ that began to be known to the general public after world star Rain inquired after her, will be adapted for the musical stage.

This musical is about the final losing battle with her terminal stomach cancer, and it’ll be shown from October 1st, at Star City Theater in Daehackro, and 10% of net proceeds from the stage will be donated to cancer patients.

She had labored under her disease for one year and 10 days and died in October, 2007.

At that time Rain spoke comforting words to her family through the media. ” It grieved me to hear the news that she died after all. I can thoroughly understand the grief to the death of the light of their life because I also had such a trying experience. I pray for the repose of the deceased.”

credit to YONHAP NEWS
brief translation by rain bird

Rain Says Al Pacino Is His Hero

2009-09-11T12:32:00.000+08:00

Korean singer and actor Rain said he wants to work with his”hero” Al Pacino someday.

MTV presented a question and answer session between the Korean pop star and his fans in time with the release of the first full clip from the action flick “Ninja Assassin,” in which Rain plays a starring role.

Asked whether there is any action star he would like to team up with for a movie, Rain said, “When I was young, `Scarface’ was my favorite film. Al Pacino is my hero. I want to work with him.”

Rain said he sustained lots of cuts on his body while acting for the new film, which hits theaters Nov. 25.
“I have lots of cuts on my body. When I was doing a stunt, even though everyone took care of me, I still got hurt a lot,” he said.

Rain told his fans that diet was the hardest part of the training he went through for the movie.
“I ate chicken breast for eight months with vegetables. That was terrible. No sugar. No salt. I don’t want to eat chicken breast anymore. I like junk food, French fries, hamburgers ― I love it,” he said.

He indicated that in the future he will make an English-language album for international fans.
“I don’t have plans yet for an English album, but I will. Please wait for me,” he said.

The young Korean actor is already a pop-culture phenomenon in Korea. Now, with his first starring role, he seems poised to earn some new fans in the States.
Filmed in Berlin, Germany, the action adventure movie is produced by Joel Silver and the Wachowski brothers.

credit: chojh@koreatimes.co.kr + HanCinema e-news

09.07.09 A heavy Rainstorm will move toward home theater early next year

2009-09-11T12:30:00.000+08:00

Top star Rain is expected to return to one of 3 blockbuster dramas early next year.

According to his agent J.Tune entertainment, Rain is agonizing about the drama he wants. They say it is not until early next year that it is possible for him to appear in such a drama because of his tight schedule.

Rain who opened his Asia Tour, ‘Legend of Rainism’, starting with his first concert in Saitama Super Arena, Japan last August 29, plans to continue his concert tour in Korea, China and South East Asia countires.

Especially, with the arrival of November, he is expected to spend much time in overseas schedule since his first hollywood leading movie Ninja Assassin promotion has been scheduled.

There has been a rumor that he’s going to appear in a blockbuster drama with promotion costs of over 100 billion won (about $8.1millions) with actress Jeon Ji-Hyun, but unfortunately these two could not meet with each other due to their own schedules.

Rain as the first star to commit to new dramas is rising in popularity among the drama productions, because not only did Rain already receive much recognition of his acting ability through his 3 dramas and hollywood movies, but also each broadcasting can drive ratings and obtain excellent results even in overseas copy right as security his appearance in their dramas.

Rain debuted as an actor through drama ‘Sangdoo, Let’s Go To School’, his drama ‘Full House’ in 2004 paved the way for his success, and after his drama ‘Love to Kill’, his field of activity was moved to the film world.

credit to DongA.com
brief translation by rain bird@rain-eu
sr:rain-eu + reposted: sixtofive1982

08.25.09 Rain’s official Japan website is to open on September 1st

2009-08-27T13:24:00.001+08:00

Rain developing his Asia Tour in two years, whose official Japan site is to open.

Mnet to be operated by ‘CJ Media Japan’ expressed on the 25, “World star Rain’s official Japan website ‘J.TUNE CAMP RAIN JAPAN OFFICIAL SITE’ (www.rain-jungjihoon.jp) will open from the first of the next month at 2pm.

Various informations such as Rain’s diary and messages for his Japan fans, will be offered.”

Meanwhile, Rain’ll be starting his Asia Tour ‘Legend of Rainism’ in Saitama Super Arena, Japan on the 29th and the 30th, and his first Hollywood movie Ninja Assassin is to be released in November.

credit to Yonhap news + Naver
brief translation by rain bird
source: sixtofive1982

08.25.09 J.Tune entertainment where Rain is the largest stockholder, is to brand out into electronic automobiles

2009-08-27T13:23:00.000+08:00

J.Tune entertainment where Rain is the largest stockholder, is to brand out into electronic automobiles.

J.Tune entertainment announced on the 25th that they’ll branch out into electronic automobiles to scale up their sales and to increase their profits.

Thus, the aims of their business are as follows, sales of electronic automobiles, recruitment and management of agencies, development and manufacture of electronic automobile parts, sales of electronic automobile parts, exportation and importation of electronic automobiles and the related parts.

J.Tune entertainment’ will ask for the approval for the electronic automobile business through the stockholders meeting on the 16th of the next month.

credit: Daily Economy
brief translation by rain bird
source: sixtofive1982

‘Ninja Assassin’ Director James McTeigue Extols Rain’s ‘Star Charisma’

2009-08-27T13:20:00.001+08:00

James McTeigue: Rain Is ‘Incredible’ (watch clip here)

The Korean pop star attempts to take the ninja genre back to the mainstream this November.
By Eric Ditzian

In Hollywood, the ninja has either been a joke — think mutated turtles, Chris Farley, suburban adolescent wannabes — or strictly the stuff of narrowly focused genre flicks. In the last few years, though, ninjas have begun to get some mainstream respect, with appearances in movies like 2005’s “Batman Begins” and this summer’s “G.I. Joe.” Can they once again carry their own mainstream movie? With “Ninja Assassin,” director James McTeigue is not only sharpening his sword to slice and dice moviegoers’ opinion of the stealthy, acrobatic fighters once and for all — he’s planning on doing so with a cast of relative unknowns in the U.S.

But McTeigue’s got skills molding genre material for the big screen — he was a key player in “The Matrix” trilogy and the director of “V for Vendetta” — and his lead actor happens to be one of the biggest pop stars in Asia. If you’ve never heard of Rain, you’re about to, as the director explained to MTV News.

“Rain is an incredible athlete,” McTeigue said. “An incredible personality too. You just have to spend a little time around him to know what dedication he has and what kind of star charisma he has, which is why he’s so popular there.”

McTeigue also pointed out that Rain is simply very talented. “We trained a lot of the actors for ['The Matrix'],” the director said. “But Rain, through his dance ability, he trained harder than anyone I’ve ever seen. He also got the choreography down incredibly well, more so that you could just show it to him two or three times and then he’d do it perfect, pretty much. He was incredible to watch.”

“I learned a lot of techniques and expressions, martial arts,” the South Korean singer told MTV News shortly after the movie wrapped production. “I’ve been training for six months nonstop, everyday. From the moment, I’ve been controlling my mind and my menu, with chicken breasts and vegetables — almost killed me. I’ll never work out again!”

So, you’ve got an international celebrity and a director with serious fanboy cred. What else does it take to bring the honorable ninja out from the depths of B-moviedom? McTeigue assembled a cast of strong supporting actors, secured a Hollywood-size budget and made sure the script emphasized character as much as it did action.

The story focuses on Rain’s Raizo, who is picked up off the streets as a child and trained to be — what else? — a wickedly skilled ninja assassin. All grown up, Raizo ends up turning against the folks who taught him to be a killing machine and makes it his life’s mission to end all this assassination business. Unsurprisingly, the others ninjas don’t take kindly to this sort of career advice, and a cross-European battle royal ensues.

“You have to keep the essence of the ninja movie,” McTeigue explained. “But if you want to take it above the usual kind of ninja movie, you need to give it a decent story. But make no mistake — it’s a ninja movie.”

In addition to the character-driven elements in “Ninja,” when the movie hits theaters on November 25, expect loads of funky weapons (swords, throwing stars, chain-blade combos called kusarigama) and wild fight choreography (incorporating elements of parkour, kung fu and sword combat). In other words, there’s a little something for everyone.

“For me, the film is a cross between anime, video games and film noir,” McTeigue said.

From the sexy Megan Fox in “Jennifer’s Body” to the black-clad warriors of “Ninja Assassin,” the MTV Movies team is delving into the hottest flicks of Fall 2009. Check back daily for exclusive clips, photos and interviews with the films’ biggest stars.

Check out everything we’ve got on “Ninja Assassin.”

credits: By Eric Ditzian

sr: mtv movies // reposted sixtofive1982

Rain’s agent J.Tune Entertainment has turned a profit in their history for the first time

2009-08-25T13:44:00.000+08:00

J.Tune entertainment where Rain is the largest stockholder and belongs, has gone into the black in their history for the first time.

The company announced on the 14th that they realized a profit of 189 million won (about $152,174) in the fourth quarter, posted a profit of 9 billion won (around $ 7,246,376) with a twice increase from the same period last year even in the total sales by year-on-year accounts, completed to redeem the 5.5million dollar Overseas Convertible Bond, and cleared off their debts from 16.7 billion won (around $ 14 million) to 6.1 billion won (around $ 4.9million).

Since Rain’s Asia Tour is currently in progress starting with Japan concert, and his hollywood movie Ninja Assassin is slated to open on November 25, the company has been being well-regarded not only in their future value, but also in the improvement of their benefit.

A person from J.Tune entertainment expressed, “This turnaround may actually have a positive impact on our potential value. We’ll take advantage of our know-how and experience in the world of entertainment, including world star Rain, and will try to diversity our management through the advance of growing works.

Meanwhile, Korea Information Service Inc. ever rated J.Tune Entertainment as Stable grade, making their grade upgraded B in late July.

credit: Daily Economy

Rain has started the countdown to saturate Japan

2009-08-25T13:42:00.000+08:00

Rain has finally started the countdown to saturate Japan.

Rain’ll be holding 2009 Legend of Rainism as part of his Asia Tour for the first time in Saitama Super Arena, Japan on August 29, 30.

Rain’s agent J.Tune entertainment expressed on the phone speaking to TV Daily, “Rain who kept coming and going to the inside and outside of the country, is now striving to prepare for his Asia Tour’s performance within the country.” Continuing, “his Hong Kong concert has been scheduled for December12, 13, and 2 shows within October are expected to be held in Seoul Olympic Gymnastic Stadium in Korea.

Meanwhile, since his first leading movie Ninja Assassin is slated to open on November 25, it is known that they are planning the concert schedule keeping step with the promotion of the movie.

credit: TV Daily

ChanMi's movie news] Jeong Ji-hoon in Bruce Lee remake film, "Enter the Dragon"?

2009-08-25T13:35:00.001+08:00

World star Rain also known as Jeong Ji-hoon has been considered to be in the new Hollywood film remake.

According to the American film professional site Latino Review, Warner Brothers are making a modern remake of the film "Enter the Dragon" which will be titled, "Awaken the Dragon" with Jeong as one of the main characters.

The film "Enter the Dragon" from 1973 had Bruce Lee as the main character and brought him to the spotlight. This film has been worked on for the last two years by Warner Brothers and changed the title.

Producer and writer of the film, "The Shield" will be producing this film to be his debut film. The movie is about an FBI agent who chases after the martial arts gangs of the underground. Rain's character is considered to be that of a monk.

Latino Review said that producer Kurt Sutter is fond of Rain through the film, "Ninja Assassin" and said that Rain can be a great martial arts actor.

JTune, Rain's company said that they have received the call but there are no definite decisions made on this consideration.

If Rain takes part in this film, he will be able to stand alongside with the major American cast in Hollywood, another step to becoming an world reknown actor!

On the other hand, "Ninja Assassin" will be released on November 25th.

Source : Nate

The tickets of Rain’s Asia Tour in Japan have been sold off

2009-08-25T13:26:00.000+08:00

The tickets of ‘Rain’s Legend of Rainism 2009 Rain Asia Tour in Japan’ have been sold off.

Rain’s agent J.Tune entertainment expressed, “Rain’s Asia Tour concert in Japan is all sold out. The procedures of receipt of money are going on smoothly as well. We’ve already had a lot of inquires from those who didn’t buy the tickets in advance. His fans are showing a lot of interest in the concert as much as this will be the first tour to be held.”

Rain’s Asia Tour is to set a scene in the whole of Asia by a form of a large schedule.

He’s been giving attention to this tour for about a year, and his fans are also buoyant with expectations.

Rain has come to be intent on his Korea and Hong Kong concerts, in October and in December each, by the sellout of Japan concert.

An official from J.Tune entertainment added, “Since Rain’s first hollywood movie Ninja Assassin’s promotion has been scheduled for November, we’re keeping the concert schedule to a minimum. Also, Rain is concentrating his efforts on raising his concert’s quality as much as the number of the concert has been reduced more than before.”

credit: Sports Hankook http://sports.hankooki.com/lpage/music/200…20205695510.htm

brief translation: rain bird@rain-eu
from:rain-eu

08.23.09 Choreographer AJ who worked with Rain in LA, is wearing 6to5 T shirt

2009-08-25T13:21:00.001+08:00

AJ who helped to choreograph Rainism dance for Rain in LA, is training new boy band B2ST for a show.

One of B2ST members is wearing T shirt with the word AJ.

AJ is the colored person who is wearing glasses and Rain’s clothing brand 6to5 T shirt with a yellow stripe.

AJ seemed to have visited Seoul for the boy band, and his 6to5 T shirt indicates that he also met with Rain during his stay in Seoul.

credit to Rain Gallery

Eng brief explanation by rain bird@rain-eu

Rain to Perform in Hong Kong in December as Part of Asia Tour

2009-08-25T13:15:00.001+08:00

Actor/singer Rain (real name Chung Ji-hoon, 27) has added Hong Kong to his Asia tour entitled "2009 Legend of Rainism". The tour will begin on August 29-30 in Saitama, Japan. Rain will perform in Hong Kong on December 12-13, according to his agency, JTune Entertainment. Rain will visit Hong Kong for the first time in six months since his last visit in June for the "Six To Five" fashion show.

A person from JTune Entertainment said the singer's tour schedule will be matched with the promotion of his Hollywood debut movie "Ninja Assassin", which will open worldwide on November 25.

Rain is discussing plans to hold concerts in Seoul in October.

source: Hancinema e-news

[ChanMi's movie news] More stills of "Ninja Assassin"

2009-08-14T13:27:00.002+08:00

More still pictures have been released for the Hollywood film, "Ninja Assassin" that stars Rain.

The stills show Jeong in fighting scenes bloody and sweaty. He has a double edged sword and is fighting fervently with revenge.

There are previews for the film released on YouTube that the fans are loving.

Last month, "Ninja Assassin"s sneak previews have been released at the Comicon.

His character is of Raijo who has been brought up as a solder, however he betrays the group he was brought up in and seeks revenge.

The film will be released this November 25th.

Source : Hancinema e-news ( Korean )

Hollywood Calls for Rain

2008-02-19T19:14:00.000+08:00

Korean pop idol Rain has snagged his first leading role in a Hollywood film. The singer and actor told a press conference at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul on Wednesday that he has been cast as the hero in the action movie "Ninja Assassin".

The movie is to be produced by Joel Silver, the producer of "V for Vendetta", and the Wachowski Brothers, the directors of "The Matrix".

"It's such a huge opportunity that I feel like I'm dreaming", Rain said. "I'm not only working out to lose weight and training to build the perfect body, I'm also studying English hard".

This won't be Rain's first Hollywood movie. He recently shot a supporting role in the Wachowski Brothers' "Speed Racer", which is scheduled to open in theaters in May.

"You'll see Korean characters appear in some scenes in the movie", Rain said with a grin. "That's because I lobbied and sometimes pressured the producers to feature the Korean language".

link: http://www.hancinema.net/hollywood-calls-for-rain-12537.html

Rain recognized for enhancing Korea's image

2008-02-19T19:13:00.001+08:00

Pop star Rain will receive the 2008 Korea Image Stepping Stone Award in recognition of his contribution to promoting a positive image of Korea through his music, the Corea Image Communication Institute announced Monday.

Rain, whose real name is Jung Ji-hoon, is one of Asia's most successful and well-loved artists, and has recently clinched a major role in a Hollywood film,.

The institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Korea internationally.

The awards ceremony will be held in the Grand Ballroom of the Grand InterContinental Hotel on Feb. 19, during which the heartthrob singer/actor will perform.

Also joining the event will be last year's awardee, maestro Chung Myung-Whun, who will perform with violinist Dennis Kim, cellist Song Young-hoon and violist Hung-Wei Huang.

Rain began his singing career after releasing his first solo album, " Bad Guy ", in 2002, a huge success that was followed by other popular albums. He gained worldwide fame when Korean pop culture, particularly pop music and television dramas, became hugely popular several years ago in Asia and other regions.

He launched his acting career with starring roles in the Korean television drama "Full House" in 2004 and the movie "I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK" in 2006. In the same year, Rain was named one of the 100 Most Influential People by Time Magazine and one of the 100 Most Beautiful People a year later by People Magazine.

Rain recently concluded a contract with William Morris Agency, a New York-based major talent agency that represents entertainers such as Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and Russell Crowe. He will make his official Hollywood debut in May with a supporting role in "Speed Racer", a family movie written and directed by Larry and Andy Wachowski (of the "Matrix" trilogy).

The 26-year-old star has also been cast in a major role in "Ninja Assassin", which will be produced by Joel Silver and the Wachowski Brothers, and directed by James McTeigue ("V for Vendetta").

"This will mark the beginning of the second chapter of my life. It is an opportunity that I never want to miss", he said during a press conference in Seoul on Wednesday.

Last month, he lent a helping hand to the nationwide volunteer campaign to clean up an oil spill on the west coast, and donated 300 million won ($32,000).

By Lee Yong-sung

link: http://www.hancinema.net/rain-recognized-for-enhancing-korea-s-image-12536.html

Singer Rain, singing a contract with Russell Crowe and Jennifer Lopez's US agency.

2008-02-19T19:08:00.001+08:00

Singer Rain is going to sign a contract with Russell Crowe's agency to taking his first step to enter the US music industry. Rain's agency, Jay Tune Entertainment. Co (a.k.a Jay Tune) revealed on 11th that, "We are going to sign a cooperation contract with the world's largest agency, WMA (William Morris Agency)".

The WMA has the largest number of entertainers and the copy rights in the world and has 100 years of history of bring up the best stars in the world, including Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe. At the moment, Jennifer Lopez, Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys and Eminem are under the system of the WMA.

In addition, the WMA brought up many directors, producers, script writers and actors from various blockbuster films such as "Spiderman 3", "X men" and "Kill Bill" as well as produced and distributed many popular TV programs such as "24", "Lost" and "American Idols". The WMA acts as a leader of the global entertainment industry.

The Jay Tune is going to have an interview about this cooperation on 13th in Seoul So-Kong-dong Lotte Hotel and will be informing more about Rain's future career in the US.

link: http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=106&sid2=&oid=018&aid=0001941874&iid=

2008-02-19T19:05:00.000+08:00

Rain grabs leading role in Hollywood film (2008/02/14)

Rain, Korea's foremost entertainer recently dubbed one of the world's most beautiful people, has clinched a leading role in a Hollywood flick scheduled to begin shooting later this year, his U.S. promotion agency was quoted as saying by Yonhap News Agency.

"Ninja Assassin", to be directed by James McTeigue, will mark the first time for the 26-old singer and actor, whose real name is Jeong Ji-hoon, to play a leading role in a U.S. movie. He will make his official Hollywood debut in May with a smaller role in "Speed Racer".

"This is such a huge opportunity for me. It seems like a dream", he said at a press conference in Seoul.

Rain emerged as a worldwide star when Korea's pop culture, especially its pop music and television dramas, became hugely popular several years ago in Asia and other regions.

Riding on the "Korean Wave", known in Korea as "Hallyu", Rain was named one of the "100 Most Influential People" by Time Magazine in 2006 and one of the "100 Most Beautiful People" a year later by People Magazine.

Rain recently concluded a contract with the William Morris Agency (WMA), a New York-based talent agency that represents entertainers such as Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and Russell Crowe.

"We're a business with a number of artists who are really international artists, and we look at Rain as the same", said John Mass, a WMA vice chief. "He's not just popular in Korea or Asia, but he's popular throughout the world".

Rain began his singing career after releasing his first solo album, " Bad Guy ", in 2002, a huge success that was followed by other popular albums. He launched his acting career when he starred in the South Korean television drama "Full House" in 2004 and the movie "I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK" in 2006.

Source : http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/ + HanCinema e-news

Rain, singing a title song for an animation movie

2008-02-09T23:34:00.000+08:00

Rain is going to sing a title song for an animation movie .

On 4th, a Japanese news website, Pia, reported that Rain is going to participate in recording an OST for Hollywood DreamWorks's new animation, "Kung Fu Panda" which is targeting 2008 Beijing Olympic.

If this report is true, Rain is going to the first Korean singer to participate in recording OST for an American film.

"Kung Fu Panda" is to be released on every state of America in June and has its motives from Xu Jiao's "Kung Fu Hustle". Many Hollywood stars were cast in for voice acting includes Angelina Jolie, Jack Black and Dustin Hoffman.

It was reported that Rain received the proposal from the DreamWorks 4 months ago.

Source : http://kr.news.yahoo.com/service/news/shellview.htm?articleid=20080206020341189h1&linkid=4&newssetid=1352&from=rank

2008-02-09T23:32:00.000+08:00

If we could exchange our bodies… "I'd like to change with either Lee Hyo-lee or Rain!" (2008/02/07)

A game of exchanging bodies… If you are given one chance to bring this fantasy into a reality, which celebrity is at the top of your list? Upon this interesting survey, singer Lee Hyo-lee and Rain topped each gender category by overwhelming number of votes.

The survey was conducted from 21st January for a week for an advertising purpose for upcoming film "The Devil's Game". The film is about two men who snatch and get snatched each other's body by a bet.

The unique theme of "body plunder" in the film "The Devil's Game" is becoming a sensational hit. The survey was targeted to Netizens where top Korean stars including Rain & Lee Hyo-lee, kwon Sang-woo & Kim Ah-joong, Song Seung-heon & Han Chae-young, Gong Yoo & Yoon Eun-hye had a hot competition. However, the first generation hot-body star, Song Seung-heon and global star kwon Sang-woo was no match for Rain's perfect body. And many beautiful top female stars couldn't beat Lee Hyo-lee's sexiness.

The world star, Rain, is loved by huge number of female fans for his tall height, perfectly sexy body and cute face, while Lee Hyo-lee is also loved by many for her charming sexy smiles, beauty, perfect body and friendly personality.

Evidently, "The Devil's Game"'s recent survey reflected the Netizens' hidden desires to haves perfect body and the new theme of "body plunder" evoked familiarity toward the movie.

The shocking theme, solid framework and delicate visual work of "The Devil's Game" is going to be released on 31st and is expected to be the biggest hit of 2008, following the foot steps of "Old Boy", "The Big Swindle" and "Blood Rain".

Source : http://news.media.daum.net/entertain/broadcast/200802/02/SpoSeoul/v19846312.html

Yoon Eun-hye, Rain, Han Ye-seul… Stars cried and laughed over substitute casting

2008-02-09T23:27:00.000+08:00

What is a common thing between Yoon Eun-hye, Rain, Han Ye-seul, Jo Seung-woo and Kim Ah-joong? They have all became big stars through 'substitute casting'. On 13th, the cable channel's Story On's 'Cover story' deals with those 'substitute casts' who earned their roles over their original casts and made a big hits.

The recent example is Yoon Eun-hye from drama "Coffee Prince" who literary was a centre of attention during the course of the drama. Initially, the role was first suggested to Kim Ah-joong but she was under an exclusive contract with a shampoo company and a contract term states that she maintains long hair until the contract finishes. So the role was given to Yoon Eun-hye, who was prepared to cut her hair short for the role.

Last year's big issue, "Fantastic Couple"'s Jo An-na, Han Ye-seul, was also a substitute cast of Uhm Jung-hwa who refused the role due to her busy schedule from releasing her 9th album at the time. Despite the fact, Han Ye-seul brought out the character within herself and created many 'analects of Jo An-na', which became a sensational hit throughout the country. However, once in the past, Han Ye-seul same mistake as Uhm Jung-hwa when she refused to be in "My Name is Kim Sam-soon" and Jeong Ryeo-won took her place. The drama was literally a jackpot when it was on-air.

This goes same to Rain in "Full House". Initially, the producing staffs gave the role to Jung Woo-sung and then to Lee Jeong-jae. Even so, Rain showed constant interests to the staffs of starring in the drama and when Lee Jeong-jae turned down the offer in preparing for his film "Typhoon", Rain eventually got the role.

The film industry has no exception. Jo Seung-woo, who perfectly digested the role of autistic 20 years old man with the brain capacity of 5 years old in the film "Marathon" grabbed his chance when Shin Ha-gyoon, who was busy shooting other film and Park Hae-il, who felt a burden to act an autistic man, rejected the role.

Kim Ah-joong from "200 Pounds Beauty" also went around few turns before she could get her hand on the role. The directing staffs suggests many top female stars include Ko So-young, Kim Hee-seon, Lee Na-young and Soo-ae but many felt uneasy about a character who undergoes a complete cosmetic makeover. Meanwhile, Kim Ah-joong came into their eyes and she was given the role.

Also there are unlucky stars who have rejected their chances of fame. Cha In-pyo have rejected 'Shiri', 'The Foul King', "The Host", "Friend", 'Kick the moon', 'My Wife Is a Gangster' and 'My Boss, My Hero' and Kim Hee-seon missed out in 'Autumn in my Heart', "All In", 'Winter Sonata', 'Lovers in Paris', 'Phoenix' and 'Sorry, I Love You'.

link: http://www.hancinema.net/korean-movie-news_12445.php

Singer Rain, joined hands with KBS to expand the contents business to the global market

2008-02-04T18:49:00.000+08:00

Singer Rain's agency, J-tune Entertainment (aka J-tune) is making full attempts to enter the global market through the contents business.

On 29th, the spokesman from J-tune said, "We are signing a joint contract with KBS Media, Co. and is planning a distribution of visual materials and merchandising business all over the Asia". Through this strategic cooperation with KBS Media, "We will produce various visual materials, games and off-line merchandises using vast amount of visual materials starred by Rain whose copyrights are of KBS'. And by making a full use of those videos that haven't been televised previously, the rarity of contents will be dramatically increased".

"We are targeting at every Asian countries in providing the contents to the media channels and off-line distributors".

Along with various KBS entertainment and documentary programs, Rain appeared as the main cast of following dramas, including "Sang Doo! Let's go to school", "Full House" and "A Love to Kill".

In particular, "Full House" was televised all over the Asia and recorded the maximum viewing rate of 40% and "A Love to Kill" is going to be on-air in Japan this year. Many expect to see the effects "A Love to Kill" may have in reviving the Korean Waves.

Meanwhile, Rain's Hollywood debut film, "Speed Racer" is going to be released in May and he is going to make a premier tour in Japan in July.

link:http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=106&sid2=&oid=018&aid=0001938735&iid=

[CH & KR] Leehom, Rain, J-Lim - Perfect Interaction

2008-01-29T18:22:00.000+08:00

[Talk of town]Sending some Rain to wash away oil

2008-01-25T18:23:00.000+08:00

The number of volunteers flocking to Taean, South Chungcheong to clean the area's oil-ravaged coasts exceeded 1,150,000 as of Monday.

Pop star Rain is among the helping hands. Despite his busy performance schedule, he headed for the damaged coast immediately upon arrival from the United States last Wednesday.

Media from both near and far covered Rain's volunteer work. The Hong Kong-based Oriental Daily News and Taiwan's Taipei Daily even ran the news on its front page.

(unrelated news deleted)

By Lee Eun-joo

Source : http://joongangdaily.joins.com/( English Korean ) + HanCinema e-news

How did Kim Tae-hee – Song Hye-kyo – Soo-ae became best dressers? (2008/01/17)

2008-01-22T18:42:00.000+08:00

Not only stars become best friends to each other. A stylist maintains much closer relationship to a star than their manager and is solely responsible for their management. Therefore they are an inseparable assistance and a strong supporter and a best friend.

If a certain star made a sudden escape from disgraceful "worst dress" to honourable "Best dresser" category, there must be a well-matched stylist behind them.

Actor Lee Young-ae often says that she shared "10-years-old friendship" with Ma Yong-hee, her stylist. Hereupon once can see a relationship between a star and their stylist is beyond what is shared between colleagues.

A program called "Trend Report, Feel – Season II" (directed by PD Lee Sun-young/ 11pm on Tuesday) from Mnet, investigated the inseparable relationship between a star and their stylist and analysed their fashion sense and changes in styles.

The latest fashion star, Kim Tae-hee, who had been wearing tube-top mini-dresses in recent film festivals, was helped by a top stylist, Han Hye-yoen, who had been responsible for fashion styles of many top stars including Kim Jeong-eun and Rain. Thanks to her, Kim Tae-hee received praises that "Her new style had maximised Kim Tae-hee's attractiveness" and was chosen as the "best dresser" and became a new "fashionist star".

Stylist Choi Hye-ryeon , who is known as Daniel Henney's stylist succeeded in achieving an ideal proportion for Song Hye-kyo to minimise her weakness of short height, when she became her stylist. Previously Song Hye-kyo maintained old styles that acted against her young age. Stylist Choi is now emphasising a chic look in her by dressing her in mini-look using dress as well as shirts. Eventually she succeeded in putting Song Hye-kyo's name on the best dresser list.

Soo-ae, whose nickname is "Dre-Soo-ae" for being chosen as a best dresser every time she appears in official events, is getting a helping hand from Stylist Jung Yoon-ki. He is known as "Soo-ae's red carpet exclusive stylist" as well as "Korea's first male stylist ever". He is talented in maximising Soo-ae's gracefulness and elegance. Thus he is an inseparable assistance for Soo-ae. Stylist Jung Yoon-ki was also responsible for Ko Hyeon-jeong's dress who made a comeback in 10 years with the drama "Spring Days"; and the style of Kim Hye-soo, who is the star of the Blue Dragon film festival. In particular, he often works with many female stars who are largely popular with male audiences.

Source : kr.news.yahoo.com/ser... ( Korean ) + HanCinema e-news

"Goodbye Jeon Ji-hyeon", Song Hye-kyo became the next main model for Laneige (2008/01/17)

2008-01-22T18:40:00.000+08:00

Top star, Song Hye-kyo became the face of Laneige in 2008 after the 'CF Queen', Jeon Ji-hyeon.

The 'No.1 Beauty' Jeon Ji-hyeon brought a rapid success to Laneige when she worked as their main model for last 4 years from January 2004. As the main model for 'Laneige' (Open the link), Jeon Ji-hyeon brought out various aspects of her beauty from purity to sexy while appealed to the audience with her friendly image. She maximised the image of "The woman to be followed".

Laneige released a new make-up set called 'Snow Crystal' last year to promote a reformation. Its spokesman said, "In order to change our present image and to successfully launch a new marketing scheme as a "Young Premium Brand" we decided to change our main model".

The experts explained that if the "Perfect body" Jeon Ji-hyeon attracted the consumers with her mystic atmosphere, the attractive point for "Doll-faced" Song Hye-kyo is her milky-white skin and enchanting eyes, the best features for a beauty model. In addition, "Recently, Song Hye-kyo looks more sophisticated and chic, closely matching with the image the Laneige wishes to promote. She will attract many Asian women who wish to be like her".

Meanwhile, Song Hye-kyo completed the first set of photo shoots at a certain studio in Seoul Kang-nam. She was praised by many for bring out various facial expressions suitable for the product at every possible angles.

Source : news.media.daum.net/e... ( Korean )

Rain Donates to Taean Cleanup (2008/01/17)

2008-01-22T18:36:00.000+08:00

By Kwon Mee-yoo
Staff Reporter

Korean top singer and actor Rain participated in volunteer work and donated 300 million won towards the Taean oil spill cleanup.

Rain visited Taean, South Chungcheong Province, to help clean up after one of the worst oil spill disasters with staff from his agency on Wednesday. Despite the freezing weather, Rain worked hard to remove oil from the beach.

After volunteering at the scene, he donated 300 million won for the clean-up efforts in Taean on Thursday.

The singer-actor recently came back to Korea from Los Angeles where he had been shooting his first Hollywood movie "Speed Racer", the latest work of the Wachowski brothers. The volunteer work was his first public appearance this year.

J Tune Entertainment, Rain's management agency, said that Rain originally wanted to keep his volunteer work a secret. However, the number of volunteers coming to Taean is on the decrease and the provincial government asked him to publicize his work to encourage more people to help Taean.

According to the South Chungcheong provincial government, approximately 1.1 million volunteers visited Taean after the country's largest-ever oil spill about a month ago.

Rain recently signed a one-year contract with Samsung Electronics for modeling for Samsung Anycall's advertising campaign for the Beijing Olympics. His Hollywood debut, "Speed Racer" will be released in May.
________________________________
Rain helps cleanup at a beach in Taean, South Chungcheong Province, Wednesday. / Yonhap

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

Bi Tokyo Dome Concert - It's Raining + TouchYa + WaeHaPil

2007-12-10T19:52:00.001+08:00

MTV, Rain Campaign Against Human Trafficking (2007/10/23)

2007-10-28T10:36:00.000+08:00

By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

MTV, one of the world's largest and influential television network, has launched "End Exploitation and Trafficking" (EXIT), a global campaign to raise awareness about human trafficking. Along with Thai star Tata Young, Korea's pop singer Rain has joined in the action as the front man for the Asia Pacific region.

"This is a form of slavery that still exists today, and I don't think enough people are aware of that", said Simon Goff, 30, campaign director for MTV EXIT, told The Korea Times at MTV Korea in central Seoul, Friday.

Individuals are denied their basic human rights and are usually tricked or coerced into prostitution, domestic servitude or other labor, according to the United States Trafficking Victims Protections Act (TVPA). After drugs, it is the second largest illegal trade in the world, and generates about $10 billion every year. Its total market value is around $32 billion.

The U.N. International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates that 2.5 million people worldwide are victims, of which over half live in Asia Pacific. The majority of them are women and children, most of whom are sexually exploited, Goff said.

"It is shocking and sad that the majority of these trafficked and exploited people are women and children. I hope I can be of help to those battling for these people", Rain was quoted as saying, according to MTV Korea.

Goff explained that the issue "was getting some attention from the media but certainly not directed toward young people… We're the biggest broadcaster in the world so we have the ability to target messages and target our audience, so on a pro-social level it works very well".

"It's also part of MTV's overall commitment to not just entertain our audiences but to educate them on social issues that are going on, and affecting young people around the world", he said. Launched in 2003, MTV EXIT's campaign theme was inspired by a music festival in Serbia. It receives support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

"In every country, (celebrities') involvement increases the impact on massive messages immeasurably. If you put out a documentary, x number of people will watch it; if you put something with Rain in it… it will quadruple the number of people tuning into it", he said.

Actress Angelina Jolie, for example, hosted a documentary titled "Inhuman Trafficking" and supermodel and photographer Helena Christensen and Pelle Almqvist from Swedish rock band the Hives presented short films for MTV EXIT. Last summer, there was also a large-scale concert tour across Europe.

On Saturday and Sunday, a series of street performances featuring highlights of the documentary and live skits created a buzz in Daehakno and Hongdae, two hot spots in northern Seoul.

Trafficking in Korea

In countries like Korea and Japan where human trafficking is less reported, "it is a difficult issue. We have these issues in Western Europe as well", said the British native. "Nobody likes to be told they're an exploited country… but it's important to acknowledge that it's happening".

According to the June 2007 U.S. State's Trafficking in Persons (T.I.P.) Report, Korea is classified as a Tier One country, meaning that the government fully complies with the TVPA. But Korean men flocking to Southeast Asia for sex has recently been gaining media coverage. With the escalating number of foreign brides here, traffickers have been abusing the brokered international marriage system. And yet, Korea is primarily considered a source country.

"The biggest surprise I've found while looking into this is the fact that there are still Korean women being trafficked -- especially given that Korea is a developed country", Goff said. Korean women and girls are trafficked internally to the U.S., Canada and Mexico, according to the T.I.P. Report.

"As soon as you start talking about prostitution you are obviously in a quite sensitive area that in any culture nobody really wants to acknowledge what's going on. So with the campaign we try not to go down into it too much", he said.

The MTV documentary provides a broad spectrum of the issue. Though only 30 minutes long and very fast-paced, the film gives viewers an in-depth look at the matter and makes it approachable at an individual level. It features seven people: three victims, a trafficker, a consumer (a young man who buys sex), a policeman pursuing traffickers and a social worker helping survivors of trafficking.

As these individuals courageously testify to the horrors of human trafficking, the documentary touches the core of the issue -- how it petrifies individual lives. Its music video-like audiovisual also speaks well to an audience whose attention span is rather short. Rain fans should not expect to see his signature smile as he narrates the film.

Future of Trafficking

As for the future of the human trafficking issue, Goff said, "I think it'll get through there… Obviously 20 years ago, HIV/AIDS campaign started coming out and it was a bit taboo at the time. But the government began to understand the importance". The director had also been part of MTV's 2002 HIV/AIDS campaign "Staying Alive", in which stars like Diddy and Alicia Keys participated.

"This is tied in with national security issues so governments are interested in doing something about it... But now it's time for the guy in the streets to do something about it so they can start to sort of make as stand against it as well", he said.

However, Goff pointed out that organized criminal networks primarily run the lucrative trafficking business in countries like Korea and Japan, which not only makes it difficult to gather exact statistics but also makes it challenging to crack down.

It is thus up to individuals to initiate a change. "As a consumer you're part of this issue", said the director, explaining that consumers in Korea and elsewhere could well be eating shrimp that involves forced labor.

As Bridget, a social worker helping victims recover says in the film, "If everyone is aware that we are part of the problem and part of the solution then we can exercise our responsibility to uphold social justice for all".

Tune into the documentary, to premiere on Korea's MTV channel at 10:20 p.m., Oct. 27 (Sat.). Catch the reruns at 9:20 p.m., Oct. 29 (Mon.) and 5:30 p.m., Oct. 31 (Wed.). No English subtitles.

For English and other language versions, visit www.mtvexit.org. You can view video clips, links to related organizations, as well as ways in which you can become involved. The Korean version featuring Rain is yet to be posted.

Based in Bangkok, MTV EXIT Asia was launched across Thailand, India, China and the Philippines. After Korea it will continue on to Japan, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Source : http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/ + HanCinema e-news

link: http://www.hancinema.net/korean-movie-news_11228.php

Rain Cleared of Fraud Suspicion

2007-10-05T05:08:00.000+08:00

By Park Si-soo
Staff Reporter

Korean singer Jung Ji-hoon, 25, more popularly known as Rain, has been cleared of suspicions of fraud, triggered after he abruptly cancelled his concert in Hawaii last July.

The Seoul District Prosecutors' Office decided Monday to reject a request for an investigation by Click Entertainment, saying that it could not find any clear evidence that proved the Korean singer and three other concert organizers had intentionally cancelled the concert to embezzle the contract money.

"It is true that Click Entertainment purchased the copyright of the concert for 500 million won", the prosecution said. "But the cancellation of the concert was caused by stage related problems.

In conclusion, Rain and the management companies are not responsible for the cancellation". Click Entertainment filed a lawsuit in July against Rain; StarM Entertainment, the concert organizers; Revolution Entertainment; and Rain's former management agency JYP Entertainment.

The entertainment firm expressed strong discontent over the decision, saying it had pushed forward with the concert on good faith.

"It is an unacceptable decision", said Lee Seungsoo, a chief administrator of the company. "Another suit is underway in the U.S. And we look forward to seeing the opposite result there".

The ruling from the U.S. is supposed to come in August next year. Due to the case, Rain had to cancel or delay concerts to be held around the world including Shanghai in China, Toronto in Canada, and L.A. in the U.S.

Rain is going to resume his tour by holding a concert in Shanghai on Oct. 6 and in Daegu, North Gyeongsang Province, on Oct. 27.

He plans to leave for the U.S. in November for a concert there.

Source : www.koreatimes.co.kr... ( English Korean ) + HanCinema e-news
link: http://www.hancinema.net/korean-movie-news_10978.php

Rain Going to US to Prepare for Debut (2007/09/27)

2007-09-28T06:36:00.000+08:00

By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter

Korean pop star Rain will go to the United States in November to study and prepare for his first English-language album.

In a television interview with China's CCTV, Rain said he will be staying in the United States in preparation for his English-language album debut, which will be released in the U.S. However, there is no date for his album's release yet.

Rain will also film more scenes for his first Hollywood film "Speed Racer". He plays the supporting role of a rookie car racer in the film, written and directed by Andy and Larry Wachowski.

Rain also said he will study English, but has not yet decided whether to attend a language school in Los Angeles or New York City.

Rain, whose real name is Jung Ji-hoon, is scheduled to hold a solo concert in Daegu on Oct. 27.

He ended his Rain's Coming world tour last June with controversy, as legal and financial problems prevented him from holding concerts in the U.S.

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

link http://www.hancinema.net/korean-movie-news_10930.php

Come and visit Korea to meet Korean Wave singers (2007/09/05)

2007-09-07T21:10:00.000+08:00

Korean Wave concert targets foreign tourists.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced that it would be staging 'Korean Sparkling' concert, aimed at promoting foreign tourism, on Sep. 23 at the Opera House, Seoul Arts Center, as part of the Ministry's plan to develop Korean tourism products related to popular music.

Until now, Korean Wave related events have all been held outside Korea, making it impossible to link with the Korean tourism industry. This concern aims to generate a synergy effect between music and tourism by developing Korean tourism products related to Korean pop music.

Expected to attract 1,500 foreign tourists and 300 foreign nationals who reside in Korea, this concert will be held simultaneously with the Asia Song Festival, held on Sep. 22, just one day before the concert, at the Worldcup Stadium in Sangam-dong, Seoul.

With the theme 'Korea Sparkling', Korea's tourism brand, the concert will showcase Korean Wave stars, such as Kang Ta, SG Wannabe, Park Hyo-Shin, Super Junior., as well as the cast of Jump, non-verbal performance, and B-Boy.

The Source : Koreacontent News Team + HanCinema e-news

link: http://www.hancinema.net/korean-movie-news_10740.php

Rain Resumes Singing (2007/09/03)

2007-09-07T21:07:00.000+08:00

Singer Rain will make a comeback to the stage by participating in a Chinese event on September 24 after a four-month hiatus.

Rain, who suspended his singing career in May due to the filming of the movie "Speed Racer", will participate in a Korea-China-Japan Asian Art Festival in Shanghai.

The large-scale festival is being organized by the Chinese government and will feature several top stars such as Shin Seung-hoon, Andy Lau and Jackie Chan. It will also be attended by Chinese Premier Wen Jia Bao and culture ministers from the three countries.

The purpose of the festival is to mark the 15th anniversary of Korea's diplomatic ties with China and the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Japan.

Rain returned to Korea about two months ago after filming "Speed Racer" in Germany.

Source : english.kbs.co.kr... ( English ) + HenCinema e-news

link: http://www.hancinema.net/korean-movie-news_10692.php

Rain's 100 mil Won Hotel Expenses

2007-08-23T21:07:00.000+08:00

his Hollywood treatment in Berlin

[Sina Entertainment News] Lately, Rain who is busy finishing up his film shoot for Hollywood's in Berlin, has been receiving much attention from his Korean fans. A few days ago a media reporter underwent a detailed understanding regarding the kind of treatment given to Rain by the Hollywood production company.

The production company made arrangements for Rain to stay in Berlin's urban district's most luxurious hotel room; a day-long hotel stay may reach up to 1 million Won (Sina Entertainment edit: Is equal to approximately 6600 Yuan). Rain has been staying for two months in Berlin, therefore the hotel expenses has amounted to 100 million Won. In addition to that, Rain receives 800,000 Won every week as spending money. Having this sort of treatment for acting in a leading role has even surpassed the standards of treatment of other Hollywood movie leading roles.

Besides all that, the meticulous treatment given to Rain by the production company can also be felt even during film shooting. It is reported that once Rain's film shoot schedule is determined, a member of the acting department will be responsible specifically for his transportation. The production company wants to be able to maintain the actors in their best condition by not hesitating in giving all the emotional and physical support that they would need. The production company also stipulated that a day-long film-shoot can not be more than ten hours, while Saturdays and Sundays are days of rest. (All Right Reserved. Starnews)

Source: Starnews & Sina Entertainment
Credit: Mandy@ rainhk and sexybi
Chi to Eng Translation: dsl99a

Why Is Rain's Movie Filmed in Berlin?

2007-08-23T21:05:00.000+08:00

Why is Wachowski Brother's , the Hollywood movie debut for star Rain, filmed in Berlin and not in Hollywood? This has caused curiosity among many.

Rain stated that the facilities and the personal preferences of the Wachowski Brothers, among other things, are the reasons.

We met up with Rain, who was busy shooting the movie in Germany's Berlin. He said, "The directors like Berlin. and have also been filmed here in Berlin."

He also said, "The film sets and facilities here are really good."

Rain said, "Berlin is not like LA or Hollywood, it is extremely peaceful here. And because there are no papparazis, the privacy is also very good (Deb's edit: the Chinese translation was slightly different, so I just got the gist out of the statement and what I thought it meant.)

And because the German government has also given supporting policies for the movie industry, the aspect of governmental support is very good.

Filmpark Babelsberg is Potsdam's famous sightseeing place, just like US's Universal Studios.

The entrance into Filmpark Babelsberg

The film set, accurately mentioned, is not in Berlin but in Potsdam. After the two world wars ended there were several times where the world summit meetings were held at the famous location of Potsdam. It is approximately a 30-minute drive from Berlin. The population is around 140,000, a small and quiet city.

Potsdam's Babelsberg area has its large-scale Filmpark that is slightly inferior to Universal Studios, but all of the film shooting of will be carried out here. Potsdam also has a movie museum, thus attracting many tourists.

One of Filmpark Babelsberg's film sets

Filmpark Babelsberg's Amusememt Park

Source: MoneyToday Star News in Berlin
Kor to Eng Translation: lovebi_rain@Baidu
Credit: karman1668@rainhk and sexybi
Chi to Eng Translation & edited: dsl99a

Rain's interview in Germany "Everyone says it's a miracle"

2007-08-23T20:56:00.000+08:00

07.08.21 Rain's Germany Interview "All are miracle,

Rain (Jeong Jihun) has built a close relationship with Berlin in Germany after he became an actor. Through his debut movie , Rain managed to walk on the red carpet of Berlin Film Festival. And now, his first Hollywood movie is also filmed in Berlin. Upon the third anniversary of MoneyToday Starnews (1st September), we had an interview with Rain who is currently filming in Berlin.

I haven't seen Rain for two months, he is still in good shape. Just that he stayed overseas for these two months, so he miss Korea very much. In particular, a lots of issues related to his agency are waiting for him to decide, so he hopes to get back asap.

He left Korea on June 15 to prepare for his LA concert and later he went to Germany on July 1 for movie filming until now. He said probably he can go back home around August 27.

This interview was done during Rain's rest day, i.e. Sunday (Germany time, August 19). Since the afternoon, we went through different places like restaurants, theatres, cafes and etc until midnight.

Rain took a photo in front of the church. It was the building remains after WW2 and meant to show people the brutality of wars.

&& " is going to bring lots of opportunities to me"

Rain has high expectation on . He trusts the directors, Wachowski Brothers very much. With a confident tone he said, "Since the filming, again I can feel it's an astonishing movie."

"This movie is going to screen in 167 countries. So before the filming started, I was thinking if there's any scene, at least there's a scene for me to perform myself. Well seems I was worried too much. My scenes were increased a lot during filming. I'm feeling good, emotionally and physically."

Initially Rain only had 30-minute scene but the directors were fascinated by him and added in more scripts for his part. In the end, Rain had 40 to 50 minute scene. Although Rain still needs to memorise his scripts, at least his pronouciation is quite accurate that his conversations has never been corrected once

Being asked about his feeling of filming Hollywood movie, "I can sense the power of huge capitals," Rain mentioned about the power of 3 hundred million US dollars as production cost.

Based on Rain's illustration, this is a big film production involved about 400 crews but the filming was finished in 3 months. It was because 12 cameras were used simultaneously for one scene and the scenes went through CG stage (Computer Graphic) immediately. Therefore the filming time was shortened.

"The extraordinary effects of CG shall be presented by this movie, the buildings and car racing are CG. The humans went through scanning beforehand, then use CG to incorporate the backgrounds and humans where necessary. During the filming, there was no real props but we had to play as if we were in the real environment. It was a bit strange but the filming was enjoyable.

In , Rain plays the key role of the story, an oriental car racer named 'Taejo Togokhan'. As the probationary Hollywood star, Rain received good remuneration from the film company.

As his debut into Hollywood, this movie is going to bring him lots of opportunities. He showed his confidence and expectation on this movie. In fact, Rain received invitations from other Hollywood film makers to make him play the main role.

This is where Rain came during the opening ceremony of Berlin Film Festival.

&& "The new trend in Asia and USA pop cultures"

Rain said, "From now on, the core of USA pop culture will be Asia." The Asian artists will be very active. Rain voiced his expectation, so far there is no Asian artist who succeeds in USA pop music, but in the future there will be someone.

In the past during Elvis Presley's age, no one ever expected the American Blacks could get into BillBoard, but 2PAC did it and later half of the BillBoard was occupied by the Blacks. Then, Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez and other Latin singers became the main stream in pop music. Rain analyzed that the next trend should be from Asia. Just like Chow Yun Fatt and Jackie Chan, who are the successful Asian actors in Hollywood movies.

"It's not right to say Asians cannot do it. No matter who, they should try it out. If I can't make it, then let my junior goes for it. If my junior can't, then it's the turn of my junior's junior. The door will open as long as we keep knocking on it, or else we just break into it?"

What Rain plans now is launching his album during the screening of the movie . Movie screening and album releasing in the same time forms the synergistic win-win effect.

is showing in June-July next year. So Rain plans to release his album in September. At this point of time, Rain is discussing the album making with two famous American music producers.

"The nomination in 'TIME100 Most Influential' and 'The 100 Most Beautiful People' by magazine are because of fans support. Nonetheless, I would like to face the real judgement through my first (Hollywood) movie and first (USA) album next year. Things have to go on gradually so I don't expect the success comes so fast. Thus, that's is the meaning of my challenge."

Well "What should I do if becomes the box office champion?" It looked like Rain was joking but that revealed his confidence indirectly. This is the key stage in his USA development so he will focus on USA market in this period. Hence, he has no plan to release album in Korea next year.

Rain required me to take a photo for him, at the street nearby to his hostel.

&& "If I had a girlfriend... My dad is in charge of financial management"

In a TV talkshow Rain has talked about "Kissing with girlfriend on the street at Christmas eve." When I asked 'do you have any girlfriend', he spoke frankly "It'll be good if I have one". It was a different answer. It was something different from what I expected. Rain is working hard for his targets and put his personal life aside.

"If she can be someone who can control me. Feeling like a sister, relax, generous, play small tricks.... Of course it'll be good if she's pretty, perhaps pretty and kind-hearted. Must be someone simple. If you have any candidate, kindly introduce to me" (Chuckle)

Rain earned 5 billion from his World Tour, and the amount kept increasing with the income from CFs and other activities. Rain said, "Compared to those similar age groups, of course I earn much more than them. But most important, I realised what I dreamt for."

The starvation for few days, dance practices over days and nights and 2-hour sleeping time everyday pushed him to the current position. All he earns are equivalent to the sweats and tears he paid.

In his high school time, his family stayed in small house. Rain said he ever drank the water with cockcroach. After vomitting the insect, he swore with his tears 'Must buy a proper house with garden for dad and mum in these 10 years, let them stay comfortably.' He gave himself a huge target and he achieved it after 7 years. Last year, he bought a bunglo attached with garden at Seoul.

"To me, it is a luxurious residence, you feel good although you just look at it. But my dad is very satisfied and happy. He is proud of it."

Currently, Rain's dad is incharge of his financial management. Rain mentioned that it is because he is still young and he has other things to take care of.

Came to the end of interview, Rain again reminded the fans and readers to look forward to his achievement in USA.

"It's not easy to get a role with many scenes especially it is my first Hollywood movie. Everyone told me it's miracle. Next year, my USA album will be ready. If it does well, please encourage and support me."

Source: Starnews by ±è¿ø°â (Kim Won-Gyum)
Chi translation by lovebi_rain@Baidu RAIN bar
Eng translation by jjbug@rain-malaysia
from :rainvietnam

Rain's Movie Settles On An Upcoming Release Date

2007-08-09T21:00:00.000+08:00

South Korean popstar Rain's first Hollywood movie, Speed Racer, settled on a release date yesterday (August 8th). This movie will be open to the public in North America next year on May 9th. This will also indicate that Warner Brothers extremely favors this movie as a box office prospect, because this movie will lead as part of the company's summer movie releases next year.

It is said that the reason for the choice of the movie's May 9th opening date is because the game will also be promoted at the same time on the same day in the whole world. And as the first movie for Warner Brothers' summer releases for next year, this movie will have the possibility of becoming one of the season's top 10 movies in the box office. As one who for the first time is acting in one of the leading roles in Hollywood and one who has obtained such courteous reception, this also shows that Hollywood very much favors Rain, this giant South Korean star.

(skipping the rest...old news translated and shared previously)

Source: Tom Entertainment
Credit: karman1668@rainhk
Brief Translation & edited: dsl99a@rain-usa
From:RainVietNam

Rain Takes Part in Anti-Human Trafficking Campaign

2007-08-09T20:58:00.000+08:00

Korean actor and singer Rain will take part in an anti-human trafficking campaign with the help of global music network MTV and the U.S. Agency for International Development.

MTV and the U.S. Agency for International Development will produce a 30-minute documentary in eight languages, in which international stars will take part in narration. Korean superstar Rain and popular Thai singer Tata Young will narrate in their native Korean and Thai, respectively.

The documentary, slated for broadcast in September, aims to warn viewers around the world on the danger of human trafficking and educate consumers on how to counter businesses that exploit and traffic human beings. Other related short films and public advertisements will be produced and broadcast over the next year.

Rain recently said he was honored to be able to take part in MTV's EXIT campaign that aims to fight human trafficking. He went on to point out that the sad reality of human trafficking is that most of the victims are women and children. He also said he wanted to be of help to those fighting human trafficking.

Since 2004, MTV's EXIT campaign succeeded in promoting anti-human trafficking awareness in Europe. It went on to expand its campaign in the Asia Pacific region. Hollywood stars such as Angelina Jolie and Helena Christensen took part in the European campaign.

Source: http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/ent_news.html
credit: thammy57@soompi.com/forums

Tata, Rain join against trafficking

2007-08-09T20:55:00.000+08:00

Hong Kong (Agencies) - Two of Asia's hottest pop acts, Thailand's Tata Young and South Korea's Rain, are to help highlight the fight against rampant human trafficking in Asia in an MTV-backed initiative on Wednesday.

"How could people do this to each other?" Thai pop sensation Tata Young said by phone from Bangkok.

"To hear all these stories of children and women and men going through human trafficking and exploitation, it hurts me so bad," added the confident, brassy 26-year-old, whose skimpy outfits and best-selling albums have led to her being dubbed Asia's Britney Spears.

Young will help host shows and documentaries on youth music channel MTV which is aiming to raise awareness of what has been described as a "tragic form of modern day slavery" in collaboration with the U.S.-based Agency for International Development (USAID).

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) says economic disparities in Asian countries such as Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia fuel the trafficking of children and women towards Thailand.

Australia, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan are also considered major destinations by the ILO for the trafficking of prostitutes from Indonesia and the Philippines.

Human trafficking is a major global problem, particularly in Asia and Africa. The United Nations estimates 2.5 million people are currently coerced into forced labour or prostitution in a trade worth $7-10 billion annually.

Another Asian star, South Korea's King of Pop, Jung Ji-Hoon -- better known as Rain, will also help MTV publicise the cause.

"Law enforcement and community level efforts to stop human trafficking have been hampered by the public's lack of awareness about the severity of this problem," said Olivier Carduner -- USAID's Regional Mission Director for Asia, in a press release.

Young, who was born to an American father and Thai mother, said it was important that Asian stars did more to back social causes -- as Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie did in the West.

As for her musical plans -- Tata is hoping to release a Thai language album at the end of the year that would include a homage to Thailand's revered monarch -- King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

"I kind of want to sit down and write a song for him ... about the love he has for Thailand and the love all of us have for him," she said.

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=120715
Credit: farmer@sexybi + LifeMadeSimple923@soompi.com/forums
From:RainVietNam

Full House Season 2 in the Making

2007-08-09T20:27:00.000+08:00

Season 2 of the hit KBS drama series 'Full House' is in the making.

Park Chang-sik at Kim Jong-hak Production says "Jo Jeong-hwa has been working on the script for a year and the script is ready for the 3rd episode so far. Overseas shooting is also under review".

Casting will begin this year and the drama will be filmed and aired next year. The director has yet to be decided.

Park says "The first series in 2004 was beloved at home, in China and Southeast Asia so that many Asian broadcasters offered to produce their own series. A well made "Full House Season 2" could hit it big at home and abroad. It's unclear whether Rain and Song Hye-kyo will be recast".

"Full House", which ended airing in September 2004, was based on a popular same-titled Korean comic by Won Soo-yeon about a trendy young couple's love story. Rain and Song were touted as the most lovely drama couple.

Source : english.kbs.co.kr... ( English ) + HanCinema e-news
link: http://www.hancinema.net/korean-movie-news_10308.php

Rain Pounds Kosdaq Stocks

2007-08-09T20:23:00.000+08:00

Singer Rain has proved that he is a world famous star, with enough influence to make a number of Kosdaq shares fluctuate.

Hantel, a Kosdaq listed IT company that seems to have nothing to do with entertainment, see-sawed at news related to Rain.

Kim Woo-chang, the CEO of the event planning company White World, announced Tuesday that he had acquired 2.5 million shares, or a 6.9-percent stake, and managerial rights in Hantel for 5.8 billion won. Rain is the biggest shareholder in White World.

Investors interpreted the news as "Rain advancing onto the Kosdaq", or White World seeking a backdoor listing. Entertainment firms, in most cases, are not qualified for listing on their own, and have often sought backdoor listings by taking over listed firms in financial trouble. Their shares skyrocketed initially but some of them plummeted afterward as they had no stable income source, leaving individual investors as the biggest victims.

Hantel was no different. The news immediately pushed up Hantel to 2,280 won.

However, after his father announced that Rain has nothing to do with an M&A at Hantel, the share prices plunged to close at 1,895 won Wednesday _ a drop of nearly 14 percent. "White World is suffering from capital erosion. It doesn't even meet the conditions for a backdoor listing", Rain's father told reporters. He added that Rain gave up his stake in White World, to stop rumors such as the backdoor listing. Hantel closed at 1,850 won Thursday, falling even further.

Sejong Robot, also listed on the Kosdaq, once soared to 3,415 won early this year upon expectation that White World would acquire it. However, the latter gave up, and now the robot manufacturer is trading at around 1,500 won.

Star M Entertainment, which was in charge of Rain's concert in Los Angeles, is also seeing a hard time on the Kosdaq after the concert was canceled. Its shares rose to above 4,300 won in May upon rumors that Rain would join the entertainment company. Its shares are now trading at around 2,000 won.

"The entertainment industry is in a slump. Investors should consider the financial condition of the firms rather than recklessly pursuing stars", an analyst said.

Experts warn that investment made based on unidentified information could incur a huge loss. They should take special heed regarding M&As, as there is the risk of the deal becoming unstuck.

Source : english.kbs.co.kr... ( English )+ HanCinema e-news
link: http://www.hancinema.net/korean-movie-news_10299.php

Brokore Magazine #12 available to order today

2007-07-27T12:41:00.000+08:00

Brokore Magazine #12 available to order today (2007/07/20)

Brokore Magazine #12 is now available for ordering on BroAsia.com.

Cover story featuring So Ji-sub.

Who's he - "Komapsumnida" for waiting – Jang Hyeok

Brokore Live - Park Shin-yang in drama, "War of Money"

Brokore Sketch - Drama 'War of Money' , Ahn Jae-wook , world tour report Rain's coming in Tokyo.

Tour Report - Ahn Jae-wook Japan Tour 2007

Travel - Traveling to Namisum, the "Winter Sonata" filming site, to experience nature crafting
Fashion - more style, more culture Hanni Y.

Most musician - Going on a film music journey with Jo Seung-woo

Food Style - Summer stamina building cuisine to overcome the sizzling weather

Brokore People - Advance! Straight and earnestly - Jun Jin

Ha Jeong-woo, Hwang Jeong-min, Jeon Do-yeon, Eom Tae-woong, Woo Seong-Min, Ji Seong, Choi Ji-woo...and more!!

Release date: July 25th, 2007

Click Here to order Brokore #12 (Open the link)

Source : www.broasia.com?a_aid... ( Korean ) + HanCinema e-news

link: http://www.hancinema.net/korean-movie-news_10192.php

Song Hye-kyo Bag Line Boosts Her Pan-Asian Status

2007-07-27T12:35:00.000+08:00

Actress Song Hye-kyo reconfirmed her status as a top Asian star on July 18 at a product launch event for the handbag brand "Song Hye Kyo for Celine".

Song, who arrived in Hong Kong July 17, gave interviews to a number of media outlets from all over the world.

The actress was pursued by the paparazzi all the way from the airport, and some 200 journalists attended the event, double the originally expected number.

The director of Celine's Hong Kong branch said he was satisfied with the new bag line because it turned out more beautifully than he had expected. He also added he was honored to have a business partnership with Song, who is a pan-Asian star.

A person from Celine said the company was flooded with orders for the Song Hye Kyo for Celine bags even though they have yet to go on sale.

Source : www.... ( English )+ HanCinema e-news
link: http://www.hancinema.net/korean-movie-news_10228.php

Rain to Make it on His Own? New Office and Good Luck Ritual Held

2007-07-26T22:53:00.000+08:00

After Rain’s contract ended with his previous management company, JYP, all eyes were on Rain as he followed another direction with an unknown office somewhere in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul, and has captivated the interests of the entertainment industry as he held a good luck ritual ceremony on the past 20th.

Rumors of large entertainment management companies to spend tens of billions of Korean won on Rain began receiving even more attention when the world began to expect him to create his own entertainment company. Still, the official company name and questions if Rain is to personally participate in the business himself is left to be answered sometime in mid-August.

Of course, Rain’s decision is still not 100% certain. Rain recently explained, “I prepared an office to continue on with my work, temporarily. The good luck ritual was held because business was not going as planned.”

Rain’s contract with JYP ended this May. His presence in a large entertainment company is one to multiply the company’s assets and substantially raise its stock value as well. His world tour management company Star M also stated, “We have intentions of welcoming Rain”. Although the statement grabbed the world’s attention, with the recent cancellation of his concert in LA, the press conference revealed that it would be difficult for them to take in Rain.

Currently, Rain is concentrated on filming a movie by the Wachowski brothers in Berlin, Germany, called ‘Speed Racer’. He is with an English instructor in Berlin, and his managers are known to be in Korea.

credits: The Chosun Ilbo& Digital Chosun Ilbo
Source: http://english.tour2korea.com/02Culture/En...1&kosm=m2_7
From:Drama News Thread + LifeMadeSimple923@soompi.com/forums

Rain Breaks Down in Tears. Concert Plans Soon to Release.

2007-07-21T23:58:00.000+08:00

During the press conference regarding Rain's concert tour cancellation, Star M representative, Lee In Gwang finally shed tears when making his stand.

Lee In Gwang have this to say during the press conference on 18th July at 2.10pm, "On the LA concert day, Rain when already in tears when he received the call telling him there were problems. He insisted on carrying with the concert no matter what...As the person in charge of this concert, I didn't know how to console him, and I felt very helpless too."

"Rain asked me repeatedly among the 21 songs, how many can he perform. In the end, when the concert was cancelled, he cried very sadly. Instead, he turned around and consoled me and said sorry." As he said this, Lee started crying.

"We will not stop here. For the sake of a better future, we will stand up before you again." "We may be announcing future plans on the World Concert Tour next Monday or Tuesday. It will not end like this. We will continue with the tour. In autumn, we will meet each other again in a better form."

"My deep apologies to the fans. I feel the deep pain of the artiste's losses, whether in moral, in administration or in legal liabilities."

19 July 07
Credit: lai_lai_wang_wang@baidu
Ch to Eng: rayndrop

Rain is Innocent. Concert Organiser & Producer Pushes Responsibilities

2007-07-21T23:57:00.000+08:00

18th July, Afternoon. Star M held a press conference announcing their stand on Rain's World Concert Tour.

This is Star M's so-called way of stating their stand during this period of ambiguity; taking initiatives to hold a press conference. However, the journalists gathered there did not hear a straightforward answer. During the 2-hour press conference, their stand remains the same as what they have been claiming all these time. Their answers did not address the topic which everybody was curious about.

The legal issues of using the name "Rain" during this World Concert Tour, the ticket prices and the inadequate preparation for the concert: Star M did not answer any of these questions straightforwardly.

On 17th July, MBC broadcasted "PD Handbook", shedding light to the situation using data and interviews with concerned parties. Star M, on the other hand, simply repeatedly claimed their "innocence" by using the terms "conned" and "legal procedures".

In the situation when a top star became a conned artiste overnight, Star M painstakingly called for a press conference, and the explanation they have to offer is very disappointing.

Representative of the Canadia concert producer appeared suddenly and got into a heated debate with Star M

The appearance of a person broke the monotony of this press conference. The person in question is the assistant general manager of Revolution, Canada.

He appeared in the show, "PD Handbook" the day before, and is one of the key persons in this whirlwind of a news. Before this press conference, Star M was unaware that he was the representative of Revolution, Canada.

Tim Kim was given a chance to speak, and immediately denied all the report content provided by Star M. In particular, he pursued the question of Rain performing in Canada and asked, "Why did Star M sign the contract despite knowing that the venue did not meet the concert requirements, and following that, pushed all the blame to the local concert producer?"

Kim protested strongly, "On 19th February, after signing the contract, we paid Star M US$250,000. However, after signing the contract, Star M did not say anything about the venue not meeting requirements until 3rd May, when they informed us of the cancellation."

He continued, "When we signed the contract, we received an acknowledgement from Lee In Gwang, which states that they will take full responsibility if any problems should occur in the course of the concert. But when they cancelled the performance, they did not return the deposit, or any other payments."

Kim asked Star M, during the press conference, if they admit to the content detailed in the acknowledgement and contract document.

Star M replied strongly. Lee of Star M retorted, "Revolution Entertainment did not cash in the contract payment, and local concert producer went about with promotional activities that was outside what was planned. Their reputation was damaged because of that." Thereafter, both parties started a heated attack on each other, shocking the journalists present.

What was most worrying was that, while the two engaged in a lengthy "you-tell-I-tell" war, nobody gave a thought to the fallen reputation of top star, Rain. Both were busy trying to push the blame to each other. This journalist suddenly felt, Rain is so unfortunate.

19 July 07, Mydaily Chosun Chinese Version
Credit: w1291201@baidu
Ch to Eng: rayndrop

Rain to Star in Special CNN Ad

2007-07-02T21:21:00.000+08:00

Korean singer Rain will be the main model for a special advertisement on the world's biggest news channel CNN.

This special type of ad that restrains the sending of commercial messages has appealed more to customers and has actively been used by public US corporations in recent days.

The Korea Tourism Organization has been airing an ad utilizing its slogan 'Korea Sparkling!' with Rain as the model since April to 17 countries worldwide. The ad's visual is considered to promote Korea's energy and softness. A CNN official, after watching the ad, proposed that the tourism organization produce another ad in a different style, which is how the latest deal came about.

KNTO director Cha So-hee says the new ad has been made exclusively for CNN and is expected to significantly promote Korean tourism during the months of July and August.

Singer Rain has previously appeared on the CNN talk show 'Talk Asia' and also made it on the world's top 100 influential people list by Time magazine in 2006.

Source : english.kbs.co.kr... ( English )+ HanCinema E-news
link: http://hancinema.net/news_20.php

US Court Postpones Ruling on Korean Pop Star's Name

2007-06-23T19:50:00.000+08:00

A U.S. court has delayed ruling on whether Korean pop singer Jung Ji-hoon, also known as "Rain", can use his stage name during his planned concert tour in the United States.

Last December, a U.S. music company "Rain" Corporation filed a lawsuit against the singer for performing in Las Vegas under his stage name. The company also sought a court injunction to stop him from using the name.

The verdict was scheduled to come out Thursday in the U.S. state of Nevada.

The organizer of the concerts said it had been informed by its lawyers that the Nevada court had decided to postpone the verdict by one week.

Reported by KBS WORLD Radio + HanCinema e-news
link: http://hancinema.net/news_30.php

Rain Fans Sign Petition to Show Support

2007-06-23T19:38:00.000+08:00

By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter

Fans from all over the world are signing a petition in support of K-pop singer Rain, who is facing a legal battle over the use of his name in the United States.

On the Web site Open the link, a fan created an online petition titled "Rain/Bi deserves to keep his stage name". As of 6:30 p.m. on June 19, there have been over 3,400 people who have signed the petition.

The petition is aimed at showing fans' support for Rain, who is being sued by Nevada-based music company Music Corp. who claims to have the copyright for the use of the name "Rain" in the U.S. The company, who has a band named "Rain The Beatles Experience", wants the Korean singer to stop using the name there.

"If you feel that this lawsuit is for publicity and money, sign it. If you think this is wrong, sign it. If you are a fan of Rain and want him to continue with his success in America, sign this petition! Most importantly, this petition is to show that Rain/ Bi deserves to keep his stage name", the petition stated.

Due to the lawsuit, Rain's concerts in the U.S. originally scheduled for this month have been postponed. Fans have posted comments on the Web site, saying they love and support the Korean singer. Most fans were angry over the lawsuit, which caused the postponement of his U.S. concert tour "Rain's Coming".

One fan said Rain should be allowed to keep his name, which is the English translation of his Korean stage name "Bi".

Another fan with the username Duong noted Rain is already a well known singer around Asia, while Rain the Beatles Experience is hardly known by anyone.

Rain is already known in the U.S., after being named one of People Magazine's 100 Most Beautiful People, and topping the online poll of Time Magazine's Most Influential People of 2007. He is scheduled to start filming the Hollywood film "Speed Racer" next month in Germany.

While most of his U.S. concert dates have been postponed, Rain is expected to hold a concert at the Staples Center in Los Angeles June 30.

source: HanCinema e-news
link: http://hancinema.net/news_10.php

Will it Rain here? Tour delays rumored

2007-06-10T20:05:00.000+08:00

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Some concert ads for Rain now use the name Jung Ji-Hoon instead, because of legal issues.

8 p.m. Friday
Aloha Stadium
$55, $115, $225; Ticketmaster at (877) 750-4400, www.ticketmaster.com
VIP tickets $300; in person at Rain VIP ticket office, Samsung Plaza, 655 Ke'eaumoku St., 1st floor, or via Click Entertainment at 941-8870, 10 a.m.5 p.m. weekdays

Clouds are gathering over a scheduled Aloha Stadium concert Friday starring Korean pop star Jung Ji-Hoon, popularly known as Rain, amid pending litigation over the use of his stage name, media reports that the South Korean popster's World Tour dates are being postponed and Internet rumors about a possible cancellation.

Seung Su Lee, president of Click Entertainment, which is bringing the concert to Honolulu, has traveled to Seoul to check on the situation, and is expected back in Hawai'i with updates on Monday, his office reported. Tickets are still being sold, and Click Entertainment said it still expects to mount the concert.

A complication is trademark infringement litigation over the use of the stage name Rain. A lawsuit was filed in Reno last February by music company Rain Corporation, which promotes a Beatles tribute band named Rain.
A Korea Times article published today said that Rain, a K-drama actor and singer, was postponing his U.S. tour. The tour's scheduled dates include Honolulu on Friday, Atlanta on June 19, New York on June 23, San Francisco on June 27 and Los Angeles on June 30.

In Honolulu, tickets for the stadium performance were on sale yesterday through Ticketmaster, and the performer is described as "Rain (The Singer)." Fans who called Click, where $300 VIP packages are still being sold, have been told that the show is a go.

Ticketmaster sales for an Atlanta performance June 19 now call the event "Ji-Hoon's World Tour 2007," describing him, Prince-style, as the artist "Formerly Known as Rain." The status of New York and Los Angeles billings could not be confirmed.
Rai's Web site lists cancellations for Toronto (tonight) and San Francisco (June 27), but continues to promote the dates in Honolulu, Atlanta, New York and Los Angeles. "Everything is under the control of God," said Sung Up Park, CEO of Big Band of Korea, who was here yesterday to assist Click Entertainment.

sitelink: http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Jun/09/ln/FP706090329.html

UPDATE ON RAIN's CONTRACT WITH JYP

2007-05-13T20:07:00.000+08:00

JYP's contract with Rain is set to expire at the end of this month, and according to the K-pop insiders many major recording companies are trying to lure Rain with lots of $$$. Some also speculate that Rain may create his own recording company to gain complete control of his career.

In a recent interview, JYP said that he wouldn't mind even if Rain chooses not to stay in JYP Entertainment. He said that Rain has already fulfilled his responsibility by abiding their contract, and that he is not obliged to stay in the company.

I personally hope he will renew his contract with JYP, but wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't. I'm sure he has already received a lot of very tempting offers.

Updates:
StarM, a major agency in Korea whose clients include Jang Dong-Gun, has announced its plans to invest 10,000,000,000 won (or approx. US$10,000,000) to try to get Rain under its wing.

Rain's contract with JYP expires tomorrow, and he apparently plans to stay without any contract for the foreseeable future. Interesting.

Updates 2:
JYP has announced that it will not renew its contract with Rain. That officially ends Rain's legal partnership with JYP, though JYP is said to continue offering his advice on Rain's careers.

Meanwhile, Rain has accepted Wachowski brothers' offer to star in their upcoming film in English.

credits: ZZOOzzoo@BoAjjang + mel@soompi.com/forums

South Korean pop star Rain likely to debut in Hollywood film

2007-05-13T20:05:00.000+08:00

SEOUL, South Korea: South Korean pop music star Rain is likely to play a role in the Wachowski brothers' new action adventure film "Speed Racer" in his Hollywood debut, a manager for the artist said Thursday.

Rain, who draws a huge audience throughout Asia with his sculpted body and dance moves, is "in positive" negotiations with the filmmaker, said the manager, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal was not yet completed.

He said Rain's participation in the movie — based on "Mach Go Go," a 1960s Japanese animated series about car racing — will be announced "soon." He declined to give further details.

Andy and Larry Wachowski, creators of "The Matrix" movies, plan to shoot the new film in Germany this summer and Warner Bros. plans to release it in May next year, the manager said.

Rain, whose real name is Jung Ji-hoon, played a lead role in the 2006 South Korean film "I'm a Cyborg, but that's OK" directed by Park Chan-wook.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/05/10/...-Rain-Movie.php
source: International Herald Tribune Culture

Entertainer Rain Disclosed to Help Cancer Patient

2007-05-13T20:02:00.000+08:00

Top singer Rain, 25, with original name of Jung Ji-hoon, will be disclosed to have helped in secret his fan living a time-limited life due to serious cancer in a five-part special TV documentary Saturday.

Part 4 or "Promise of a Mum" of the Human Documentary "Love..." to be aired by MBC at 11 p.m. on May 19 contains a tearful story of Ahn So-bong, 33, who had been told to live a six-month life due to stomach cancer checked after the birth of her first daughter.

In the process of the documentary production, the program producer found the undisclosed good deed of Rain. He has ecouraged Ahn mentally and supported her financially.

Rain is a fervent fan of Ahn since he found that her husband Kim Jae-moon had posted a story in the fan cafe of JYP Entertainment Rain belonged to then, I hoped Ji-hoon would encourage my wife.

Rain, who lost his mother in his earlier days, gave much pity upon reading the story. During the Chuseok holiday last year, the singer called at the ward where Ahn had been hospitalized, surprising the cancer patient to her delight. He also delivered 20 million won for her treatment before leaving for the Winter World Tour concert last year. Thereafter, he has often made calls to her husband to ask about her health.

Rain felt much pain on hearing the story of a young mother who had faced a time-limited life after her first childbirth, recalling his mother who had died at earlier age, a close aide said. It is very awkward for me as it has been disclosed in disregard of my intention although I have done this simply for a personal reason, he was quoted as saying.

MBC has manufactured and aired the five-part documentary as a feature in the month of family, May.

Source: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/speci...5/201_2775.html

Rain mentioned in Baltimore Newspaper Article

2007-05-13T19:58:00.000+08:00

by: Jean Marbella

You're an alien, you're invading Earth and you decide to do some homework first so you don't waste time attacking the inconsequential. So you pick up the current Time magazine, with its annual "Time 100" issue anointing the most influential people on the planet.

Oprah? Check. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice - check, check. The mayor of New York, the governor of California, the anchor of NBC Nightly News, the head of Apple - all accounted for.

But reviewing a list that manages to span everyone from the Pope to a tennis player, our alien invader would feel quite confident bypassing 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. - unless, that is, he or she decided to launch the takeover last night.

President Bush somehow didn't make the cut at Time, although oddly enough, his guest of honor at last night's state dinner, Queen Elizabeth II, did. (Is there no end to the so-called "The Queen effect," wherein a charming movie becomes more real than reality?)

Bush probably has gotten more ink over being snubbed than he would have had he made the list, as he has in the past. Other than his absence, the list follows the usual formula - it has enough gravitas to be legitimate (Harvard President Drew Gilpin Faust and Chinese president Hu Jintao) but enough wild cards to be interesting (Borat's Sacha Baron Cohen and Super Bowl-winning coach Tony Dungy.)

"The feeling was that the office of the presidency carries an enormous power," said Adi Ignatius, the Time deputy managing editor who headed the process of selecting the 100 influentials. "But he has really squandered a lot of that influence."

With his popularity at an all-time low, and even members of his own party running away from him, Ignatius said the magazine's editors concluded "he doesn't belong on the list."

For J. Craig Venter, though, making the list is a little bit of payback, "having lost to him once before."

Gene-mapper Venter, who runs a research institute in Rockville, notes he could have won an even more prestigious Time accolade in 2000 - Person of the Year - if it weren't for Bush. Instead, the dramatic Supreme Court decision that decided the close presidential election that year put Bush in the White House - as well as at the top of Time's Person of the Year contest. Venter had to settle for being one of the runners-up. (Incidentally, that other person defeated by Bush in 2000, Al Gore, is also on the Time 100 list this year.)

Venter's going to tonight's gala in New York - all 100 are invited, as is anyone who has been named in previous years - and he said he's looking forward to meeting his fellow influentials. He already knows a number of them, including the one he wrote about in this week's issue, Svante Pääbo, an evolutionary geneticist in Germany.

"It does cover a nice cross section of society," he said. "It looks like a pretty interesting crowd."

(By the way, the other Marylanders on the list include former Baltimorean Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House, and romance novelist Nora Roberts, who lives in Western Maryland and "is to love as Masters and Johnson are to sex," according to Time.)

The list is heavy on the actor-activist set - those stars who want not just your adulation but your admiration as well - Leonardo DiCaprio, George Clooney and, of course, the ultimate Hollywood twosome, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. Both make the list, serial adopter Jolie for her international do-gooding and Pitt for being such a swell actor that, according to Time, he makes "audiences forget that he's a big, handsome Movie Star." Hmmm, I seem to have a better memory than most audiences.

Then there are the truly baffling picks - what, do you suppose, are the odds that two of the 100 slots would go to supermodels? Maybe they had to balance one with the other: eternal waif Kate Moss the yin to Tyra Banks' yang, the latter making the list apparently for the unimaginable bravery of ... gaining weight. "She has used her own weight gain, the easy target of misogynist tabloids, as a teachable moment to confront the culture and speak out to girls and young women about embracing their bodies in all sizes," rhapsodizes her chronicler, Naomi Wolf.

Say what you will about the list as compiled by Time's editors, though, it sure beats the readers-choice version. The list would have been a true howler if the magazine had gone totally new media-pandering and digitally democratic on us (which, of course it already did when it named "you" as its 2006 Person of the Year.)

As now is required of every journalistic endeavor, Time this year, for the first time, ran an online list to see who "you" think are the 100 most influential. Really, it's all about what "you" think, and, my, what a list "you" came up with. Funnymen dominate - Stephen Colbert is No. 2, Dane Cook is No. 4. Some 19-year-old hockey player named Sidney Crosby comes in fifth; both imagined anti-terrorism hero Kiefer Sutherland (No. 8) and snarky blogger Perez Hilton (No. 16) manage to outrank investment wise man Warren Buffett (No. 29).

And No. 1? Rain. Not the weather phenomenon, but a wildly popular South Korean pop singer and actor. Who knew? (Well, actually, Time knew - the magazine included him in its Time 100 list of 2006, and on the list from which online poll takers could choose.)

Having scanned the results, genome mapper Venter is content to be on the editors' list even if he is absent from the poll's list - especially after seeing Sanjaya, that ultimate hair-today, gone-tomorrow celeb, near the top of the online list.

"That guy from American Idol is No. 3," Venter said, "so that tells you something."

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.marbella08may08,0,6826192.column?track=rss

credit: OOAME @ soompi + stephypham@soompi.com/forums

link:http://www.soompi.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=28&st=39040

Rain In The Forecast

2007-05-06T20:10:00.000+08:00

The so-called Korean Wave just keeps getting bigger.

On April 18, the South Korean chart topping singer known as Rain gave a press conference for "Rain's Coming," his upcoming world tour, in Tokyo, mainly to announce that he would be playing Tokyo Dome on May 25.

Rain thus becomes the first Korean pop artist ever to play Tokyo's largest venue.

According to Oricon magazine, more than 200 reporters and photographers showed up for the press conference "including foreign press representatives."

Rain acknowledged that Japan is considered a huge market "for Korean actors," and said that he hoped to pave the way for a similar boom in Korean singers.

Asked how he relaxes when he's on the road, the singer replied, "Bowling."

The charismatic performer may soon be knocking down pins in North America. Only two dates have been confirmed, but Rain's MySpace page lists a number of shows for the U.S. and Canada in June. The list includes arena stops in major markets with large Asian populations.

source: PollNews

link: http://pollstar.com/news/viewnews.pl?NewsID=7889

Rain Atop Time 100 Online Vote

2007-04-29T19:29:00.000+08:00

Singer Rain could well be named as one of the world's top 100 influential people by Time magazine for the second year.

The singer current sits atop the ongoing online survey to determine this year's Time 100 list.

Rain made it on the list for the first time last year and attended the award ceremony and the Time 100 party at New York Lincoln Center last May, which earned him global fame.

In the online poll underway on the Time Web site, Rain has garnered 22,310 votes as of Monday morning, Korean time, followed by rock band U2 frontman Bono and U.S. President George W. Bush. There are a total of 200 candidates.

The Web site introduces the Korean singer as having topped music charts in Japan, China, Taiwan and Indonesia, performed at Manhattan's Madison Square Garden and recorded a duet with B2K's Omarion.

Source : english.kbs.co.kr... ( English )+ HanCinema e-news

Rain Makes Global List of 100 Most Beautiful People

2007-04-29T19:27:00.000+08:00

Korean singer Rain has made People magazine's annual list of the world's 100 most beautiful people.

The singer's agency, JYP Entertainment, said Thursday that the list includes seven non-Americans including Rain, adding that a half-page article will introduce the Korean singer in the special issue.

It is the 23-year-old's first time to make the list. He is reportedly profiled as one of the magazine's "First Time Beauties 2007" along with Wentworth Miller, the star of the U.S. TV series "Prison Break", and R&B singer Chris Brown.

Rain, who has been described as the "Justin Timberlake of the East", also made a list of the world's 100 most influential people compiled last May by Time magazine, a sister publication of People.

Reported by KBS WORLD Radio

Source : english.kbs.co.kr... ( English )+ HanCinema e-news
link: http://hancinema.net/

Singer Rain Descends on Australia for World Tour

2007-04-15T19:55:00.001+08:00

The Stamford Plaza Hotel in Sydney on Wednesday was bustling with about 100 reporters and photographers from all over Asia and Australia. They were there for a press conference with Rain who had arrived a few days ahead of his Saturday concert, his first show in Australia and part of his "Rain's Coming" world tour.

Journalists from the Sydney Morning Herald, ABC TV, Rueters TV and other local and international news outlets turned their attention to the Korean pop singer who is rapidly becoming a global star.

Rain, in both one-on-one morning interviews and at the press conference, talked confidently about his feelings preparing for the show, the results of the tour so far and his future plans.

Rain arrived in Australia on Tuesday to find a crowd of 150 fans waiting for him at Sydney Airport. Despite a hiccup in the tour date -- the concert was postponed a week because of a venue change -- ticket sales have been going well. Even the Easter holidays didn't slow down the weekend bookings.

Rain will take to the stage on Saturday at Acer Arena, where other top international acts such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Beyonce Knowles have performed.

Korean singer Rain looks at an Australia koala known as 'Jaffa' before a news conference in Sydney on Wednesday. Rain, whose real name is Jung Ji-hoon, will perform in a concert in Sydney on Saturday night as part of his current world tour./REUTERS

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

Rain Eyes US Debut with English Album

2007-04-15T19:51:00.000+08:00

Singer Rain,, who is approaching global stardom, announced plans for his U.S. debut during a news conference in Australia. The conference in Sydney preceded his concert tour in the "land down under".

He mentioned the U.S. debut plans when asked what he thought about being called the "Justin Timberlake of Asia". Rain said he's a fan of the U.S. pop star and noted that the nickname was first introduced by Time magazine when he made it on its list of the world's 100 most influential people.

Rain noted that perhaps there was not a better way to introduce himself at the time, but that the moniker will likely disappear when he releases his first-ever English album for his official U.S. debut late this year or early next year. Rain showed strong confidence in announcing his plans.

Some 20 Australian and 40 Asian media outlets including reporters from China, Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia came for the news conference, comprising the biggest media gathering involving Rain since the star launched his world tour.

Source : english.kbs.co.kr... ( English ) + Hancinema E-news
link: http://hancinema.net/

Korean Singer Rain Schedules Honolulu Concert

2007-04-11T05:42:00.000+08:00

Concert promoters announced on Friday that top Korean singer Rain, Bi in Korean, will perform in Honolulu in July.

Rain is on a world tour through the Pacific. The Hawaii concert will be on July 3 at Aloha Stadium. Tickets go on sale starting on May 15.

Tickets will range in price from $40 to $240.

The rock star is considered Korea's premiere pop recording artist, selling millions of CDs and garnering a shelf-load of awards.

The 24-year-old entertainer, born Jung Ji-Hoon, made his biggest hit after starring in the Korean drama "Full House" in 2004. His next album is expected to include a duet with Christina Aguilera.

Arirang Showbiz Extra - 5th Cloud Fanmeeting (English subbed)

2007-03-29T14:42:00.000+08:00

thanks pau for the clip

Rain Refreshes Harvard High-Flyers After Chosun Ilbo Visit

2007-03-29T14:41:00.001+08:00

Some 60 students of Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government stomp and whistle, while several shout in Korean, "I love you!" and "You are gorgeous!" They are responding to the image of their hero, the workaholic Korean superstar, on the screen. A shot of the singer’s six-pack prompts some female students to sigh, "Oh, my god." All of them laugh. Twenty minutes later Rain, in a beige jacket and jeans, appears on the podium and the room erupts in a blizzard of flashlights.

"Nice to meet you all from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government," Rain says in English before answering questions from students for 20 minutes. Asked, "What's the difference between before and after becoming a star?" Rain answers, "When I was a trainee, I practiced dancing and singing over and over without eating, sleeping and washing for six days. At that time, I danced and sang songs to make a living, but now I sing songs for my fans." Rain plans to give concerts in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco in June. “I'd like to invite you all,” he adds.

K-pop superstar Rain shows a Harvard school mug given to him by students from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government at the office of JYP Entertainment in Cheong-dam dong, Seoul on Tuesday.

Before meeting the star, the students, who are on a visit to Seoul, took a look around the headquarter of the Chosun Ilbo. They toured the newspaper’s Ubiquitous Media Lab and watched a video about the daily. Chosun Ilbo president Bang Sang-hoon told them, "Now Korean newspapers face two challenges ? new media including Internet media and friction with the government. But we’re trying to overcome challenges by producing premium content." Students also listened to a lecture about the Chosun Ilbo's cross-media project, which provides features at the same time through the newspaper, TV, the Internet and video.

Students from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government take pictures together in the Chosun Ilbo building in Seoul on Tuesday.

The visiting group met Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon in the afternoon and head for Japan on Wednesday.

(englishnews@chosun.com )

Hollywood movies invite Rain

2007-03-29T14:37:00.000+08:00

Movie producers from Hollywood show great interest to invite Rain for filming~

Will Rain spend his efforts in movies?

Rain is damn HOT now! According to Rain's agency, JYPE, they received a lot of invitations from Hollywood film producers. The actual invitations and details will not be disclosed at this moment. However, the JYPE spokesman revealed that the invitations for movie filming come from everywhere including Hollywood, and some of them approached JYPE through Korean film agencies.

Rain feels honoured to be invited by Hollywood film makers, yet it's getting harder for him to make the decision. According to the plan, his new album should be launched in USA in this autumn to enter musical market, which he has spent lots of efforts into it. Meanwhile, his world tour is still on-going that he may not have the time for Hollywood movies now.

Source: Wen Hui Bao
Posted by natlau@rainhk
Translation by jjbug@rain-malaysia

Harvard students meet singer RAIN~

2007-03-29T14:32:00.000+08:00

Korean singer RAIN had a wonderful meet-up with Harvard students recently~

62 students from John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University visited JYPE on March 27. Singer Rain became the tour guide and brought the students around. He introduced JYPE company administration and working environment; of course, he wouldn't miss the chance to invite them to come to his USA concerts~

The atmosphere during Q&A session was excellent. Regarding the question "How's the working relationship with reknown American artists?", Rain mentioned about his duet with Christina Aguilera in CF and duet with Omarion in the song . Unfortunately, the song was released to the public before they officially launched it. Rain also talked about his intention to meet his fans there through the release of albums or movies.

In addition, "I participated in the charity projects such as primary school construction in Vietnam and building well in Cambodia. In my current world tour, I work with World Vision to help AIDS children."

"Harvard students showed great concern about the in-house system of JYPE, as well as our future plans to expand in USA and China. 'In-house' here refers to dance choreography, music production, training, costume design, recording and marketing strategies," JYPE spokesman said. "When they saw Rain, they're busy taking photos and cheer! It seems like a small fanmeeting."

Source: Yonhapnews
Posted by azafighting@rainhk
Translation by jjbug@rain-malaysia

Rain's plane reaches Taipei on Mar 29

2007-03-29T14:29:00.000+08:00

Rain's special plan that is sponsored by Korean Air will arrive at Taipei on March 29~

The most expected Taiwan will be held at Taoyuan Stadium this weekend! Rain himself will reach Taipei around noon on March 29, taking the special plane painted with his portrait~ Soon Rain shall storm over Taiwan~

Nominated as one of the 100 most influential people by TIME magazine, Korean star Rain started his world tour from last December. And so far this is the largest tour concert by Korean singers! Therefore, looking at Rain's strong influence and potential, Korean Air decided to invest 1.8 billion Won to paint Rain's portrait on a new aeroplance A330-300. The cooperation of two parties is meant to promote Korean cultures to the world as well as gaining huge economical returns. Rain will take this special plane to fly to different cities within these 6 months.

According to the CEO of Korean Air, their purpose is to promote the concept "Live Korea!". As the first Korean singer to hold such grand world tour, Korean Air is honoured to participate in Rain's events. Within these 6 months, Korean Air will sponsor air tickets for 70 world tour staffs, including travelling to 11 countries for 35 shows, as well as waiving off the freight cost of 30 tonnes equipment. In the meantime, this special plane will operate based on normal flight schedules. Korean Air shall leverage on their existing flight network to support the preparation and publicity of Rain's world tour.

The manager of Korean Air Taipei branch office mentioned that Rain's special plane will arrive Taipei on March 29. During this period, there are flights between Seoul and Taipei on March 29, 30 and Apr 1 that involved this special plane. Other than painted portrait, all the cups, cushions, paper towels are printed with Rain's portrait which are worth for collection. In the concert, about 200 aeroplane models will be sold, each costs USD50.

The manager also expressed that it is possible to 'invite' this special plane come to Taipei again in the future. For example, this plane went to Hong Kong 4 times after his HK concerts due to fans request On the other hand, this plane will remain its design after Rain's world tour. So as long as you take Korean Air, you may have the chance to get on this unique aeroplane~

Source: Sun Network
Posted by cutie@rainhk
Translation by jjbug@rain-malaysia

Stars gather in Hong Kong for inaugural pan-Asia film awards

2007-03-18T19:34:00.000+08:00

Hong Kong (ANTARA) - Celebrities across Asia will bring glitz and glamour, as well as some healthy competition, to Hong Kong Tuesday for the first ever pan-Asian film awards ceremony.

The Asian Film Awards are launched this year by the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF).

Among the stars to attend the glitzy event are renowned French director Luc Besson and South Korean director Park Chan-wook, whose film "Old Boy" was a Grand Prix winner at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival.

Korean actor and singer Jung Ji-hoon, better known as Rain, Japanese idol Hirosue Ryoko, and actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai will tread the red carpet, along with local director Andrew Lau, whose "Infernal Affairs" was remade into the Oscar-winning gangster flick "The Departed".

"With more than four billion people in Asia -- 60 percent of the global population -- a celebration of Asian cinema is long overdue," HKIFF chairman Wilfred Wong told AFP.

More than 30 films across the region will be competing for 10 prizes in the Asian Film Awards: best film, director, actress, actor, screenwriter, cinematographer, production designer, composer, editor and visual effects.

South Korea's huge box office hit and monster flick, "The Host", received five nominations, including best film, actor, cinematographer, editor and visual effects.

Veteran Chinese director Zhang Yimou's "Curse of Golden Flower" -- the most expensive Chinese film to date with a budget of 45 million US dollars -- won three nods including best film, visual effects and best actress for Gong Li.

Hong Kong director Johnnie To's gang war epic, "Exiled", earned nominations for best director and best film.

Chinese movie "Still Life", winner of a top prize at the Venice Film Festival last year, garnered three nominations: best film, composer and director for Jia Zhangke.

Japanese smash drama, "Love and Honor" and Indonesia's "Opera Jawa" got the best film nods.

Entertainment Expo

The award show and the film festival will be held in conjunction with the third Entertainment Expo, which combines eight events in film, digital
entertainment and music.

The Expo, which runs from March 20 through April 15, includes a film and TV market, local film awards, a digital entertainment forum as well as a music fair and awards.

"We certainly welcome and support events like this because they bring the Hong Kong film industry more exposure in the region," said Woody Tsung, chief executive of Motion Picture Industry Association.

"I hope this will create more business opportunities for us," he said.

Alongside To and Jia, Iran's Jafar Panahi will be competing for the best director gong for his black comedy "Offload" with Korea's Hong Sang-soo ("Woman on the Beach"), Taiwan's Tsai Ming-liang ("I Don't Want to Sleep Alone") and Thailand's Apichatpong Weerasethakul ("Syndromes and a Century").

Apart from Gong Li, Chinese starlet Zhang Ziyi was nominated as best actress for "The Banquet", along with Korean actresses Kim Hye-soo ("Tazza: The High Rollers") and Lim Soo-jung ("I'm a Cyborg, but That's OK") as well as Japan's Miyazawa Rie ("Hana") and Nakatani Miki ("Memories of Matsuka").

Korean idol Rain will be vying for the best actor prize for his role in romantic comedy "I'm a Cyborg, but That's OK", alongside Hong Kong heart-throb Andy Lau of historical action drama "A Battle of Wits" and acclaimed Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan of "Don".

Their rivals are Taiwan's Chang Chen ("The Go Master"), South Korea's Song Kang-ho ("The Host") and Japan's Watanabe Ken ("Memories of Tomorrow").

Special honours will be given to movie theorist David Bordwell and Josephine Siao Fong-fong, legendary Hong Kong actress and winner of of 1995 Berlin Film festival for her role in "Summer Snow", for their contribution in Asian cinema.

The movies were selected by a jury of 17 experts from across the world from more than 700 eligible films produced in the region in 2006, organisers said. (*)

sitelink: ANTARA NEWS

Korean pop idol brings 'Rain fever' to Vietnam

2007-03-12T07:22:00.000+08:00

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam (AFP) - Some 15,000 screaming fans cheered on Korean pop star Rain at the first of two shows in Vietnam Saturday, billed as the most extravagant pop concert ever staged in the communist country.

More than 1,000 bodyguards and security staff were on duty at Ho Chi Minh CityÂs Military Zone 7 stadium Saturday night to shield Rain from the delirious fans who have mobbed the Asian superstar since he arrived her on Wednesday.

Amid the "Rain fever" in the former Saigon, many teenage admirers were left outside the venue as tickets selling for as much as 160 dollars were snapped up, with fans arriving from across Asia.

The concert, featuring pyrotechnics and spectacular sound and light effects, required more than 50 tons of equipment, local media reported.

The pop singer and hip-hop dancer, whose real name is Chung Ji-hoon, is on a six-month tour of 11 countries and territories. Part of the proceeds will be donated to World Vision's project to help Asian children suffering from AIDS.

source: Yahoo7 e-news

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070311/ennew_afp/afpentertainmentmusicvietnamskorea_070311084305

Rain Pours Out to Fans

2007-03-10T19:24:00.000+08:00

K-pop star Rain met with 3,000 fans from 20 countries during a special fan meeting event held at the Weight Lifting Stadium in the Olympic Park, southern Seoul on Sunday.

The meeting titled "Rain's Friend _ '07 Meeting of Rain's Fans" gave the pop star an opportunity to become closer with members from his fan club.

During the meeting hosted by popular MC Kim Je-dong, Rain spoke candidly about his life and career, much to the delight of his fans. Fans were allowed to ask Rain some questions.

One fan asked how he felt about the negative comments and rumors about him circulating on the Internet. Rain said anyone can be hurt by bad comments, but he sees this as a strong motivation to work harder and prove his detractors wrong.

Rain also talked about the five reasons for his existence _ first, the hope of having a daughter that resembles his future wife, not him; second, to give happiness to his family, who went through tough times; third, for his mentor Park Jin-young, staff and close friends who support him; fourth, his fans and fifth, food.

When asked about his ideal type of woman, Rain said he is attracted to a pretty face, knockout figure and a good personality. He said that if he has a chance, he wants to get married as soon as possible and have three children.

Around 3,000 fans from Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, the United States and the United Kingdom attended the event.

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

link: http://www.hancinema.net/korean-movie-news_8843.php

Rain in Vietnam for World Tour (2007/03/08)

2007-03-10T19:23:00.000+08:00

Singer Rain has visited Vietnam to give a performance in the country's economic center of Ho Chi Minh as part of his world tour. The top Korean singer will hold concerts at the city's QK Stadium with 25,000 seats on March 10 and 11. Earlier on Thursday, he held a press conference where some 100 newspapers and broadcasters attended.

Arriving at the Ho Chi Minh International Airport by private jet and dressed casually, Rain gave a brief interview with local broadcasting company HTV, where he said, "My condition is very good and I am really looking forward to giving a performance here".

He also waved and smiled at his fans waiting for him there. Some 1,000 fans shouted Rain, holding pickets in the shape of the letter "R", and took pictures of him. A high school girl said, "I first became his fan because of his good-looking appearance. But I also got to like his sweet voice and powerful dancing. Many of my friends are also his fans and even my mom is his fan, so she let me come here".

Source : english.kbs.co.kr... ( English ) + HanCinema e-news

link: http://www.hancinema.net/korean-movie-news_8881.php

Pop idol Rain arrives in HCMC Wednesday; shows not to be telecast

2007-03-06T20:14:00.000+08:00

Asian pop superstar Rain will arrive in Ho Chi Minh City late Wednesday but his shows in the city will not be broadcast, an organizer revealed.

Nguyen Trong Ngoc, director of the local D&D Entertainment Company, one of the two organizers of the shows along with the Republic of Korea’s EnterOne Corp., said Rain would not go straight to his hotel upon arrival like in 2006, but instead meet his fans in the airport’s VIP area.

The R&B and pop singer and hip-hop dancer, also known as Bi, would hold a press conference and start rehearsals for the show Thursday. The two shows are at the next weekend.

Not only would they not be broadcast because their copyright had been sold, but also photographs of the star would only be allowed during his first three songs.

Ngoc also revealed that for the sake of the huge number of Rain’s fans, mostly students, the cheapest tickets would be sold at a discount of 30 percent minutes before the shows.

The stage is all set for the shows with the 50 tons of equipment in place.

Rain’s Vietnam performances are among 35 shows in the RAIN WORLD TOUR 06-07 in 11 countries and territories. The six-month world tour is expected to rake in over US$100 million.

Reported by Da Ly – Compiled by Luu Thi Hong

Source: Thanh Nien Daily + poop-shoop-a-loo@soompi.com/forums
link: http://www.soompi.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=28&st=36840

Live Report! The Cloud International Fan Meeting

2007-03-04T19:39:00.000+08:00

4 March 07
Credit: amanda@cloudchina.com Jinlees@soompi
Ch to Eng: rayndrop

Dear Clouds:

The first fan meeting since the establishment of The Cloud will kick off at 4pm (Korean Time) this afternoon. This is the first international activity of Jihoon's Fan Club. Clouds from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, US, UK and Canada etc have gathered today in celebration. This is a day for the Clouds, a day which Rain and Cloud have looked forward to!

Our Clouds from China will be furnishing us with Live reports throughout this event. Please look forward to hearing about the event!

(Report below in accordance to Beijing timing, which is one hour behind Korea's time)

10:40am
Clouds have arrived at the stadium, and are queuing up to purchase limited editions of merchandises. (Details of merchandises to be furnished later)

At the same time, Clouds outside the stadium have called back to share the voice of Jihoon from within the stadium as he did his sound test. Jihoon's voice sounded so friendly. It a regret we cannot be there ourselves....

According to Clouds at the site, seating commence at 2.30pm, and the fan meeting begins a 3:00pm officially.

15:00pm
Report from site, the fan meeting has began! Jihoon wears a white t-shirt, beige coat and persimmon-red pants today. He looks really good.

Fan meeting starts off with "I'm Coming". From the performance, Jihoon's arm has recovered fully, and it does not bother him during the performance anymore. Everybody can relax now.

The opening performance was really good. After that, Jihoon greeted fans from all over the world. Jihoon saw the China Clouds; he saw the lightboards and fans. Our Clouds cheered as loudly as we can. As he greeted fans from all over the world, he imitated the way fans from different countries addressed him. Japan Clouds called him "Jihoon-ni", Korean Clouds called him "Jihoon Oppa", Hong Kong clouds called him "Ah Rain". He also mentioned the way Clouds of different ages greeted him. For example, those who are younger than him, those who are in their 20s, 30s, 40s,....those who are 50 and above greeted him with a smack on their butt ().

Jihoon looks a little plumper, and his hair is slightly shorter. Overall, he looked great, and you could tell he was in a great mood.

15:50pm
A five-tier cake was sent to the stadium. The host asked why was it a five-tier cake. Jihoon answered "Maybe it's because it's been five years since I made my debut" (It could also symbolise Cloud 5). The host continued saying, since it has been 5 years since his debut, you could also say Jihoon's like a 5 year old child. With this, he requested Jihoon to make a 5-yr-old expression. Jihoon said, "Ne", and did a kid's expression. It must be very adorable. I could hear the cheers and screams from the audiences. Later, Jihoon emerged in a red woman's apron, saying he wants to make sandwiches for his fans (haha....fans there are lucky). The Clouds there revealed that Jihoon kept pinching the jam while making sandwiches, just like a kid. After the sandwiches were done, he kept licking his fingers because there was jam all over his hands...guess this kid hardly does any cooking...not very experienced...

As he was making the sandwiches, the host asked Jihoon his opinion of when a girl looked the sexiest. Jihoon answered, there are two sides. One is when a girl appeared to be very virtuous when outdoors, and the other is when the girl becomes very stern at home, enough to run the family. That kind of a girl is the best.

In addition, the host ask Jihoon, what are the five reasons for you living on, Jihoon replied:

1. Beautiful girls (was he referring to gf or wife?)
2. Family and members of his family
3. JYP as well as staff members and friends who helped him in the past
4. Fans, that's the Cloud
5. Food. He said his greatest wish is to try all the delicacies in the world. He also said although he's always eating and eating, he'll still feel hungry.

The host requested for Jihoon to make a cute expression, and he opened his eyes wide.

When the sandwiches were ready, Jihoon distributed the sandwiches to 10 Clouds. The first to get selected was a Japan Cloud. This Cloud brought her two daughters on stage. Jihoon talked to them and carried the two girls. He said he liked daughters, and wanted to have a daughter in future too.

16:10pm
Fan's performance commenced. There were 9 altogther, all of which were by Korean Clouds. (Previously, the initial plan was to have fans from all over the world perform for Jihoon onstage, but due to constrains in time, as well as other factors, the responsibility of this segment was passed on to the Korean clouds). The first performing group imitated Jihoon in his "I'm Coming" performance.

16:35pm
A Korean Cloud did a standup comedy act. We couldn't quite understand it since it was in Korean, but Jihoon and the Korean Clouds seemed to be very entertained, laughing very frequently. After her performance, Jihoon walked up to the Cloud and gave her his thanks and encouragement.

Taiwan fans went up and did their performance. It was a performance with several songs and dances linked up. One wore a mask with Jihoon's face and danced Jihoon's dance steps. The performance was really good and won the best performance prize.

While watching the performace, Jihoon was hugely amused. He even ran to the stage stairs to hide and laugh. This kid had some major fun today.

Jihoon's MV came on next, and our star went backstage to change.

16:40pm
Jihoon emerged, and the audience went crazy.

16:55pm
Interview time. The interview was conducted by JYP dancers. It's really revealing of some tidbits. The questions were all pre-recorded, and the dancers sat behind a screen. and the voices were adjusted so Jihoon couldn't recognise them. This is to prevent future revenge by Jihoon.

Someone said that Jihoon looked very bored during his interview and said very little in response to questions. Jihoon replied that he is already doing better than before and that he has more topics to talk about nowadays. He will try to talk more in response to journalists.
Another revealed that Jihoon's very adorable; he frequently tell jokes to cheer them up and make them laugh.
Another exposed that Jihoon loved arguing with friends in the dancer team. Jihoon replied that his friends in the dancer team were great at arguing. He's always losing when he argues with them.
A dancer also revealed that Jihoon's like a kid. Whenever he wins something, he'll become proud and goes around teasing his friends who lost.

In the process, Jihoon said, although you are all sitting behind the screen and have changed your voice, I can tell exactly who you are...

credit: rayndrop@soompi.com/forums

MY RAIN READERS

2007-02-27T19:34:00.000+08:00

Sorry If I am unable to post any updates. Will make it up to all once I am okay. Not feeling well lately.

You all take care and have a nice day.

"I'm a Cyborg, But That's Ok" Draws Interest at Berlin Film Festival

2007-02-17T19:46:00.000+08:00

Director Park Chan-wook's "I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK" has drawn much interest from the press at the Berlin International Film Festival, which opened on Feb. 7.

A throng of reporters came to the preview of the film, which was submitted to the festival's competition section, on Feb. 9. Many reporters also attended the press conference held after the preview to cover it.

Reporters showed particular interest in the film's peculiar subject matter, plot and description of violence. They asked Jeong Ji-hoon (singer Rain), who played the lead, how he as a top singer felt about his first appearance in a movie.

The hype for the movie from the press is mostly due to director Park's reputation in the international film world. Film reporters from around the world expressed their high expectations for the Korea director's new work.

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

source: HanCinema e-news

sitelink: http://www.hancinema.net/korean-movie-news_8648.php

Rain Raising AIDS Awareness with World Tour (2007/02/14)

2007-02-17T19:38:00.000+08:00

Singer Rain, currently on a global concert tour, is raising AIDS awareness among his Asian fans as a goodwill ambassador for the international relief agency World Vision.

Wearing an AIDS charity bracelet in concerts in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia, the singer said that 6,000 children are losing their parents to the deadly disease every day, with a total 14 million victims a year.

A screen set up on the concert stages showed a message urging fans to remember the bereaved orphans and keep prejudice against AIDS at bay.

Rain's film "I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK" is competing in the Berlin International Film Festival.

His next tour is in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam on March 10, 11.

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

Source: HanCinema e-news

sitelink: http://www.hancinema.net/korean-movie-news_8705.php

Rain, Song Hye-kyo Promote Drama in China

2007-02-17T19:29:00.000+08:00

Actress Song Hye-kyo and singer/actor Rain will visit China to promote their drama "Full House", which aired on KBS 2TV a few years ago in Korea.

They will leave Seoul Thursday for a 3-day visit to Hunan, China, where a news conference and a fan meeting are scheduled ahead of the drama's local airing.

Song's manager Na Byung-jun of Sidus HQ says inquiries by Chinese fans about their visit are pouring in.

The hit drama was exported to 14 countries including Thailand, the Philippines and Taiwan.

Actress Song has recently finished filming her latest movie, a film about the famous Korean courtesan Hwang Jini, while Rain is on his global concert tour.

Source : english.kbs.co.kr... ( English )
Source: HanCinema e-news
sitelink: http://www.hancinema.net/korean_drama_Full_House.php

REQUEST

2007-02-07T22:18:00.000+08:00

I have requested time and time again, for those who are using my blog as an ad for their illicit sites, please count me out. This is purely a Rain Blog, nothing more. I post Rain News/Updates. I am already having a hard time opening my blog due to slow internet connection, please dont add up to my burden of deleting comments which are pure ads that wants to be advertised using my site. If your site is okay, why not. I always open the site you publish in my blog.

Lastly, I dont publish sites which are purely non-Rain related.

2007-02-01T22:00:00.000+08:00

North Korea is cracking down on a flood of South Korean pop culture permeating the hardline communist state, intelligence sources have said.

They confirmed a Yonhap news agency report that a campaign began this year against videotapes, CDs and other material smuggled into the reclusive nation.

"This year North Korean authorities waged what they call 'psychological warfare' against 'exotic lifestyles' by cracking down on South Korean pop culture," an unidentified South Korean official was quoted by Yonhap as saying.

Videotapes or CDs of South Korean films, music or TV soap operas enter the North via neighbouring northeast China.

The South's culture has become so popular that a lead actress's line in the hit movie "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" became a household phrase in the North, Yonhap quoted sources as saying.

It said some North Korean youths are glued to mega-hit TV dramas such as "Fall Fairy Tale" and "Immortal Admiral Yi Sun-Shin." The youths also sport South Korean hairstyles and other fashions.

North Koreans for decades had access only to state-run domestic media which extolled the virtues of "Great Leader" Kim Il-Sung and his son and successor Kim Jong-Il, known as the "Dear Leader".

Very few private homes had telephones and calls were connected through operators, while radios were sold with tuning knobs fixed to official stations.

But new technology is breaking down barriers, observers say. Mobile phones with pre-paid cards have been smuggled in from China.

And as households in northeast China upgraded to DVD machines starting early this decade, smugglers bought their discarded VCR players cheaply and smuggled them across the border into North Korea.

This made VCRs affordable to a large number of North Korean households, according to analyst Andrei Lankov in a recent article in the Korea Times.

"Against the dull background of the official arts, the VCRs were a vehicle for accessing good entertainment," he wrote.

"Hallyu," a craze for Korean popular culture which has spread across East Asia, became part of North Korean life also.

"Young North Koreans enthusiastically imitate the fashions and parrot the idioms they see in South Korean movies. And this does not bode well for the regime's future," wrote Lankov, an associate professor at Seoul's Kookmin University.

The VCRs are also undermining North Korean propaganda claims that life in the South is far inferior, according to Lankov.

While viewers did not believe everything they saw in the films, some things could not be faked -- such as Seoul's affluent cityscape.

"It is gradually dawning on the North Koreans that the South is not exactly the land of hunger and destitution depicted in their propaganda."

A survey of North Korean refugees in China by the US Committee for Human Rights in North Korea showed 82 percent do not believe that the South's economy is in worse shape than the North's.

Jeung Young-Tae of the Korea Institute for National Unification said the North views fads from the outside as a threat to its socialist system.

"North Korea has been expanding trade and exchanges with the outside world in order to improve economic conditions, but such a policy always entails fallout in the form of what it perceives as negative foreign influence on its people," Jeung told AFP. —

source: TodayOnline
sitelink: http://www.todayonline.com/articles/169375.asp

Torrential Rain

2007-02-01T20:58:00.000+08:00

1 Feb 2007

Korean pop sensation Rain mesmerised his fans in Kuala Lumpur last weekend with a brilliant concert that showcased his singing, dancing and wash-board abs to stunning effect. CHOW EE-TAN writes.

YOU probably can't name his songs but you would have heard his name.

Korean pop sensation Rain is a phenomenon that has swept Asia by storm in the last year. So much so that the 24-year-old whose original name was Jung Ji-Hoon was listed by Time magazine as one of the World's 100 Most Influential Persons and second most influential in entertainment!

Imagine the buzz and hype generated when Rain was to hold a live concert in Kuala Lumpur as part of his "Rain's Coming 06/07 World Tour".

Last Saturday's concert at Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil, presented by Hotlink and organised by CMG Absolute Entertainment, was an extravagant event and a top-class production featuring state-of-the-art stage design and stunning visual effects.

Rain's brilliant and innovative dance choreography would just blow you away. The audience was also awed by his stamina as he practically danced non-stop throughout the two-hour concert.

The concert opened with the screen displaying (what else) rain effects, a large submarine bursting open and Rain, clad in dark glasses and silver jacket, jumping out to thunderous yells and screams.

From then on, the music linked seamlessly from one song to another beginning with fast ones like It's Raining, Touch Ya and Why of All Things.

However, no one, except his Korean fans (quite a number were at the concert) would understand what he was singing. English translations came on only for a few songs.

But then again, no one really cared what he was singing as they were busy gawking at his electrifying footwork, his seductive body movements and every little gesture that came from his well-toned torso.

Rain knew exactly how to turn his fans on. He would playfully shake his booty, and for one or two more passionate songs such as In My Bed, he did a rather crude pelvic-trusting movement that sent his fans into a frenzy.

Those who had hoped to see him rip off his shirt were in for a disappointment. Rain kept his clothes on as he had to respect our local laws.

The sexiest moments were when his long-sleeved white shirt was drenched in the man-made rain and when he took off a jacket to reveal a tiny singlet that showed his wash-board abs.

One of the high points of the concert was when he sang I. Soaked in the rain at the centre of the stage, he fell to his knees at one point and the music stopped. He hit one note and sustained it there, the visual and sound conjuring a rather poignant moment.

A song that was almost devoid of sexual innuendoes was Friends, written for World Vision (of which he is an ambassador).

During the chorus of that song, he was elevated on a platform, his arms stretched out wide, fusing perfectly with the image of a gigantic pair of angels wings.

While his performance was top-notch, Rain somehow lacked the charisma that could connect him with the audience.

Speaking in raw and stiff American-accented English, Rains words came across as something rehearsed, like something he would say at every concert.

He called the audience his "babies."

"Don't forget I will always be with you, my baby. I love you, my baby," he cooed in-between songs.

But such soppy and emotional lines were enough to melt all his fans hearts.

Once he got a bit carried away and said: "I love your face, I love your heart, I love your body!"

I was cringing but his adoring "babies" obviously didn't mind it.

To them, Rain is a demi-god that could do no wrong.

Behind the sexy, cold facade
RAIN was in a much relaxed and amiable mood at a brief Press conference the afternoon of his concert a lucky break for the Malaysian media.

The Korean pop sensation was reported as "cold" and "non-expressive" in Hong Kong and Singapore, where he also wore shades throughout.

But in Kuala Lumpur, we could see Rain's cute, small eyes. Looking neat in a long-sleeved white shirt, dark pants and tie, he smiled and dutifully answered questions posed through an interpreter.

He was soft-spoken and polite, quite a contrast to the sexy and wild image he portrayed on stage.

To a question why he's so popular especially among the female fans, Rain modestly replied that he didn't know but added that he always gives his best in his music and performing.

He said he would work on fusion pop and continue to challenge himself to come out with more good music in the future.

The singer also attributed the popularity of K-pop to the strong foundation that some of his seniors had laid.

"The most essential tool for me to make it on the international front is to improve my English," he said, in response to another query.

Rain, who starred in popular drama series such as Full House and A Love to Kill, will also be working on some drama series soon.

He has received "quite a lot" of scripts but will only look at them after his world tour.

The "Rain's Coming" world tour will take the superstar to Vietnam, China and Japan as well as the United States.

The tour is sponsored by Korean Air, which has put up a staggering US$1.8 billion (RM6.4 billion) for the concerts, and even allocated an aircraft with Rains photo on it.

By Chow Ee Tan

source: NewStraitsTime On-line e-news
sitelink: http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/nst/Thursday/Features/20070131153743/Article/index_html

Rain gives scorching show before 10,000 fans

2007-01-30T20:29:00.000+08:00

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: Rains 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 Rains 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

2007-01-30T20:17:00.000+08:00

By MICHAEL CHEANG

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 wont 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 Jacksons, 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 didnt 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.

sitelink: http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2007/1/29/lifeliving/20070128183623&sec=lifeliving

Rain's Chinese and S.Korean Agencies Sued

2007-01-30T20:14:00.000+08:00

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.

source: (CRIENGLISH.com)
siteLink: http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=18951660&postID=117015926474402714

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

2007-01-25T21:51:00.000+08:00

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

Absolute control

2007-01-23T21:34:00.000+08:00

By LI EE KEE

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 Ive been to watch MJ, Usher and Madonna. I didn't know how good a performer Rain was until I saw him live.

http://www.star-ecentral.com/news/story.asp?file=/2007/1/21/music/16581746&sec=music

Storming ahead

2007-01-23T21:28:00.000+08:00

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 Rains 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, wasnt 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:

2007-01-23T20:28:00.000+08:00

Hope to see you all there!

1. 2nd Cloud Philippines Fan Event

====

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.

Other Rain News

2007-01-20T20:59:00.000+08:00

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

2007-01-20T20:40:00.000+08:00

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

Korea's Rain electrifies HK at start of Asia tour

2007-01-19T19:51:00.000+08:00

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

2007-01-19T04:57:00.000+08:00

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

2007-01-19T04:48:00.000+08:00

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

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

2007-01-12T22:59:00.000+08:00

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)

2007-01-12T22:39:00.000+08:00

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

2007-01-12T22:36:00.000+08:00

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 also wears high heel shoes !!

2007-01-11T21:54:00.000+08:00

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??

2007-01-11T21:40:00.000+08:00

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

2007-01-11T20:48:00.000+08:00

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

Rain, Jeon Ji-hyeon Top on Fantasy Spouse List

2007-01-07T04:58:00.000+08:00

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