[NEWS] SM Entertainment might hold 'SM Town Live World Tour' in South America this July

SNSD might be travelling to the ‘Land of Passion’ South America this summer.

SNSD and other SM Entertainment artistes including BoA, TVXQ, Super Junior, SHINee, f(x), etc might possibly be going on a South American tour this July. According to an official from the music industry, there is a plan for SM Entertainment artistes to have a concert in South American countries such as Brazil, Chile, etc in July. The South American concerts will be part of the ‘SM Town Live World Tour’ kicked off last year.

SM’s plan to tour South America was also fueled by the artistes huge popularity in the region. In February this year, in a survey entitled ‘Which artiste will have a concert in Brazil?’conducted via a TV broadcast, SM Entertainment artistes, namely Super Junior, BoA, SNSD and SHINee grabbed the top 4 spots. In addition to that, in November last year, Korea Foundation for International Culture Exchange (KOFICE) conducted a survey to find out Brazilian fans’ choice of famous Korean singers. The results – Super Junior in 1st place, SHINee, BoA and SNSD were in 2nd, 4th and 5th place respectively.

Music industry official said, “SM’s ripple effect is really great. Not only in US, Japan, China, the artistes have managed to make impact even to Europe and South America and this is such a rare phenomenon for Korean artistes. Isn’t this the way of the true ‘World Stars’?”.

source: sportsseoul.com
cr: fanwonder.com

[Info] The Classic Idols

There was a time when music critics considered idols’ CDs “untouchables.” They did not want to review the disposable and consumer-oriented music, and there was nothing much to talk about. However, there have been signs of change. Now we are in an age in which people should be “sorry not to be cool” if they are still prejudiced about idol music. The improved quality of idols’ music has contributed to the change. Songs made by young composers like Kushi, Kenzie, Brave Brothers, Shinsadong Tiger, Jinu (Hitchhiker) are no doubt well-made, and there is no turning away from such well-made music. What idol CDs do music critics think are the most valuable? We asked each of 10 music critics, who are working actively in the field, to select 5 CDs, and the following is the list of the top 5 CDs.

1. Brown Eyed Girls (2009)

2. 2NE1 1st Mini Album (2009)

3. BoA (2002)

4. Taeyang (2008)

5. SHINee (2009)

At the time of “Noona Is So Pretty” or “Love Like Oxygen,” SHINee just had the image of “idols tailored for noonas.” At least until they sang “Ring Ding Dong.” If their previous songs were in the line of Chris Brown, SHINee’s music since the end of 2009 has turned closer to Li’l John or Ludacris. With their music style change from gentle R&B pop to dirty South hiphop beat, SHINee have transformed from asexual boys to self-confident men. Especially Ring Ding Dong and Jojo are songs impressive enough to be counted as good examples of adapting African rhythm and 1980s house beat into a twenty-first style. It illustrates the range of references Yoo Youngjin and Kenzie used.

By Cha Woojin
Writer – Kim Hakseon
[from http://www.dazeddigital.co.kr]
Trans by jujugal

[Video] 4Minute covers BoA's No. 1 as part of Music Bank's 600th Episode Special

Cube Entertainment's 4Minute perform BoA's hit song No. 1 from before on today's Music Bank 600th Episode special. This is one of the special stages planned by Music Bank!



4Minute will also perform 'Mirror Mirror' later on on today's Episode. Stay tuned to Dkpopnews for their performance in a separate post!

Video Credits: UnknownCarrot170@Youtube

[News] BoA Won’t Be Attending SM Town in Paris

BoA, SM’s solo singer, won’t be attending “SM Town in Paris” this year.

BoA recently tweeted, “I’m not going to “SM town in Paris” .. I will be in Toronto shooting the movie..;(”

Fans commented, “noooo!! T____T but at least, have fun filming ^^” and more, all of them upset by the news that BoA wouldn’t be attending the concert in Paris this June.

(SM Ent. had recently announced that due to immense popularity of the SM Family concerts, they would be holding one in Europe for the first time ever.)

Credits: twitter.com/BoA_1105

Photo Credits: popseoul.com

Translated by ilysmtown @ SMTownJjang

[News] BoA to begin filming “Cobu 3D” in May

BoA will begin filming for “Cobu 3D” this coming may! SM Entertainment has announced on the 19^th that “Cobu 3D will crank in on May.” (Crank In as in begin filming) Through this experience BoA will begin her side-acting career. SM has also revealed that, “Boa has been preparing herself to ensure smooth filming for the film.” She has been practicing dancing since February at LA.” Also, she has moved to Toronto, Canada which will be a location for the filming.

“Cobu 3D” is an interracial love story which was written by the man behind “Step Up” and “Save the Last Dance.” BoA and also the male lead who is Derek Hough (Dancing with the Stars Champ) play two dancers who belong to rival dance clubs in underground New York. They fall in love somewhat similar to Romeo & Juliet.

The producer of “Cobu 3D” is Robert Colt who also produced “Jumanji.” CJ Entertainment and SM Entertainment are co-producing the film.

Source: Soompi
Shared by hellohazel @ SMTownJjang

[Video] BoA unveiled promotional clip for cosmetic brand “L’OCCITANE Korea”!

Superstar BoA becomes the endorser of cosmetic brand “L’OCCITANE Korea”!

She mentioned about the reason she selected the brand and how she maintains her skins in the best condition,check out the clip above!

[News] Why Did BoA and IU Refuse to Become ‘Ghost Students’?

On yesterday’s episode of MBC’s “Golden Fishery – Radio Star,” IU revealed why she decided to give up going to college. IU, currently a senior in high school, stated, “Even if I enroll in college, I don’t think I’ll be able to attend classes on a regular basis. That’s why I decided not to go to college. I want to start college later when I know I’ll be able to focus well on academics.”

When listening to IU’s remark, two contrasting types of celebrities pop up in my mind. One type, like BoA, who did not attend college, and the other type of celebrities, who have enrolled in college but technically are ‘ghost students.’

Superstar BoA, who was picked up by SM Entertainment when she was in fifth grade, did not attend college. Despite intense competition from numerous universities to recruit her, BoA decided to give up college.

BoA shared her thoughts about her decision. She stated in a confident manner, “Educational background is not considered that important in my profession. I believe that one’s sensibility or ability is more crucial than one’s educational background. I wasn’t able to attend high school and took the GED instead, so even if I go to college, I won’t be able to attend many classes and I’ll most likely end up becoming a ghost student, don’t you think? Personally, I believe studying that way is worthless. Later when I have the time, I would like to study more properly.” So BoA’s reasoning is in the same context with that of IU’s.

However, BoA and IU are the exceptional cases. Unlike these two stars, numerous celebrities attend college. Of course, there are some celebrities, even after getting in the college, who are serious about their academics and fulfill all their duties as a college student. However, the problem is that these exemplary celebrities are only a tiny minority. Instead, the majority of celebrities who enter college are just ghost students who barely show up for classes, let alone even go to the college campus at all.

With the recent surge of celebrities who are starting the make their debut while they’re in elementary, junior high, or high school, the number of celebrities who are attending colleges have experienced a sharp increase as well. On top of that, due to increasing numbers of celebrities who use college attendance as a means to boost their image as well as delay their military duties, there are more celebrity ghost students now.

In reality, celebrities tend to face a difficult situation as it’s physically hard to juggle both work and college life. However, they manage to graduate from college despite being a ghost student and receiving special (?) care regarding academic matters. Fellow college students and the public are voicing strong criticism of such celebrity ghost students.

BoA and IU are being applauded for their decision and desirable attitude to postpone college enrollment because they believe they won’t be able to fully commit themselves and refuse to become ‘ghost student’ celebrities who enroll in college but never show up to class. I would hate to think that they would lose out on the college experience. I’m sure this was an extremely tough decision to make, fighting!!!!! ;)

Credits: soompi

[News] Why Did BoA and IU Refuse to Become ‘Ghost Students’?

On yesterday’s episode of MBC’s “Golden Fishery – Radio Star,” IU revealed why she decided to give up going to college. IU, currently a senior in high school, stated, “Even if I enroll in college, I don’t think I’ll be able to attend classes on a regular basis. That’s why I decided not to go to college. I want to start college later when I know I’ll be able to focus well on academics.”

When listening to IU’s remark, two contrasting types of celebrities pop up in my mind. One type, like BoA, who did not attend college, and the other type of celebrities, who have enrolled in college but technically are ‘ghost students.’

Superstar BoA, who was picked up by SM Entertainment when she was in fifth grade, did not attend college. Despite intense competition from numerous universities to recruit her, BoA decided to give up college.

BoA shared her thoughts about her decision. She stated in a confident manner, “Educational background is not considered that important in my profession. I believe that one’s sensibility or ability is more crucial than one’s educational background. I wasn’t able to attend high school and took the GED instead, so even if I go to college, I won’t be able to attend many classes and I’ll most likely end up becoming a ghost student, don’t you think? Personally, I believe studying that way is worthless. Later when I have the time, I would like to study more properly.” So BoA’s reasoning is in the same context with that of IU’s.

However, BoA and IU are the exceptional cases. Unlike these two stars, numerous celebrities attend college. Of course, there are some celebrities, even after getting in the college, who are serious about their academics and fulfill all their duties as a college student. However, the problem is that these exemplary celebrities are only a tiny minority. Instead, the majority of celebrities who enter college are just ghost students who barely show up for classes, let alone even go to the college campus at all.

With the recent surge of celebrities who are starting the make their debut while they’re in elementary, junior high, or high school, the number of celebrities who are attending colleges have experienced a sharp increase as well. On top of that, due to increasing numbers of celebrities who use college attendance as a means to boost their image as well as delay their military duties, there are more celebrity ghost students now.

In reality, celebrities tend to face a difficult situation as it’s physically hard to juggle both work and college life. However, they manage to graduate from college despite being a ghost student and receiving special (?) care regarding academic matters. Fellow college students and the public are voicing strong criticism of such celebrity ghost students.

BoA and IU are being applauded for their decision and desirable attitude to postpone college enrollment because they believe they won’t be able to fully commit themselves and refuse to become ‘ghost student’ celebrities who enroll in college but never show up to class. I would hate to think that they would lose out on the college experience. I’m sure this was an extremely tough decision to make, fighting!!!!! ;)

Credits: soompi

[Pictures] BoA posed for Cosmopolitan!

Solo singer BoA posed for the latest edition of Cosmopolitan Magazine,check out some "wild" photos of BoA here,like her concept here?

Credits to Koreanindo and Koreaboo for the photos!

[Pictures] BoA posed for Cosmopolitan!

Solo singer BoA posed for the latest edition of Cosmopolitan Magazine,check out some "wild" photos of BoA here,like her concept here?

Credits to Koreanindo and Koreaboo for the photos!

[News] BoA worth One Trillion, What About SNSD?

"BoA has an economic value of about one trillion KRW. The economic value of Girls' Generation? One, perhaps ten trillion KRW..."

Even without Bloomberg TV's assessment that Korea's real power brands are not Samsung and Hyundai but Girls' Generation and Super Junior, it's clear that Girls' Generation has become an icon, and is at the core of the current generations.

Before Girls' Generation, there were successful idol groups such as H.O.T and S.E.S, but Girls' Generation has exceeded the limiting boundaries of an idol group and has become a "cultural icon".

Of course, with this popularity, they have become a brand that generates an economic presence.

The recent debut of Girls' Generation in Japan has greatly increased their revenue. They began their activities with the sale of DVDs in 2010, and released a single album across two releases in September and October. Currently, the DVD has recorded sales of 75,000 and the single album 40,000.

The cost of an album in Korea is around 1500 KRW, but with the price of an album in Japan at 50,000 KRW, it is expected that much of the income has come from the Japanese market.

Samsung FN's investment researcher Gong Taehyun explained, "The price of a single album is approximately 20,000 KRW in Japan whereas digital tracks are worth 500 KRW in Korea. Given these prices, and that music production costs aren't that different for Korea and Japan, artists simply have a greater effective revenue leverage in the latter market."

The growth of Girls' Generation's effective economic power has been greatly accelerated by their management agency, SM Entertainment. After being listed in the KOSDAQ in 2000 and aside from two positive blips, SMe have always been making losses.

The turning point, however was "Gee", the song that shot Girls' Generation into superstardom. With an album released in 2009, SM's went into the black and and profit margins began to grow. From a KOSDAQ ranking of 355 in December 2000, SM currently stands among the 50 biggest companies in Korea. In that time SM's market value has shot up from 13.8bn KRW to 298bn KRW.

Kim Wonseok, head researcher in First [Jaeil] Communication's R&D department said that "Avid fans of Girls' Generation can at the most basic level to news articles, images and videos that can be searched for and shared online. But, they also participate in instantaneous communication and information sharing offered via smartphone applications, Twitter and other social service networks."

Girls' Generation has thus become a central part of a phenomenon of "daily life sharing" for this digital generation.

Researcher Kim explained that "The brand of Girls' Generation and its incorporation into daily life of its most passionate of fans, has characterised the evolution of the relationship between a brand and its consumers."

For consumers whose daily life incorporates Girls' Generation, it has become natural for them to purchase goods and contents that they produce and endorse. This is the connection that makes them an economic force that generates income.

Through outlets such as YouTube on the Internet, the brand of Girls' Generation naturally spreads throughout the international market even without direct intervention from the group or its management agency.

He believes that K-Pop, as well as Girls' Generation, has emerged as an exportable content. Even where the girls themselves could not have imagined, like Brazil, there are YouTube videos of dance performances and SNSD songs sung in Korean. Even in Saudi Arabia, youths watch and imitate what they call "K-Pop", and facilitate a "bloodless coup" into their nations.

Industry experts believe that the brand of Girls' Generation will continue to create diverse intellectual content and will benefit greatly from digital media.

Translation: oniontaker@soshified.com/forums
Contributors: cecil@soshified.com/forums
Credit to: 노현섭 hit8129@fnnews.com
Original article: LINK

[News] BoA worth One Trillion, What About SNSD?

"BoA has an economic value of about one trillion KRW. The economic value of Girls' Generation? One, perhaps ten trillion KRW..."

Even without Bloomberg TV's assessment that Korea's real power brands are not Samsung and Hyundai but Girls' Generation and Super Junior, it's clear that Girls' Generation has become an icon, and is at the core of the current generations.

Before Girls' Generation, there were successful idol groups such as H.O.T and S.E.S, but Girls' Generation has exceeded the limiting boundaries of an idol group and has become a "cultural icon".

Of course, with this popularity, they have become a brand that generates an economic presence.

The recent debut of Girls' Generation in Japan has greatly increased their revenue. They began their activities with the sale of DVDs in 2010, and released a single album across two releases in September and October. Currently, the DVD has recorded sales of 75,000 and the single album 40,000.

The cost of an album in Korea is around 1500 KRW, but with the price of an album in Japan at 50,000 KRW, it is expected that much of the income has come from the Japanese market.

Samsung FN's investment researcher Gong Taehyun explained, "The price of a single album is approximately 20,000 KRW in Japan whereas digital tracks are worth 500 KRW in Korea. Given these prices, and that music production costs aren't that different for Korea and Japan, artists simply have a greater effective revenue leverage in the latter market."

The growth of Girls' Generation's effective economic power has been greatly accelerated by their management agency, SM Entertainment. After being listed in the KOSDAQ in 2000 and aside from two positive blips, SMe have always been making losses.

The turning point, however was "Gee", the song that shot Girls' Generation into superstardom. With an album released in 2009, SM's went into the black and and profit margins began to grow. From a KOSDAQ ranking of 355 in December 2000, SM currently stands among the 50 biggest companies in Korea. In that time SM's market value has shot up from 13.8bn KRW to 298bn KRW.

Kim Wonseok, head researcher in First [Jaeil] Communication's R&D department said that "Avid fans of Girls' Generation can at the most basic level to news articles, images and videos that can be searched for and shared online. But, they also participate in instantaneous communication and information sharing offered via smartphone applications, Twitter and other social service networks."

Girls' Generation has thus become a central part of a phenomenon of "daily life sharing" for this digital generation.

Researcher Kim explained that "The brand of Girls' Generation and its incorporation into daily life of its most passionate of fans, has characterised the evolution of the relationship between a brand and its consumers."

For consumers whose daily life incorporates Girls' Generation, it has become natural for them to purchase goods and contents that they produce and endorse. This is the connection that makes them an economic force that generates income.

Through outlets such as YouTube on the Internet, the brand of Girls' Generation naturally spreads throughout the international market even without direct intervention from the group or its management agency.

He believes that K-Pop, as well as Girls' Generation, has emerged as an exportable content. Even where the girls themselves could not have imagined, like Brazil, there are YouTube videos of dance performances and SNSD songs sung in Korean. Even in Saudi Arabia, youths watch and imitate what they call "K-Pop", and facilitate a "bloodless coup" into their nations.

Industry experts believe that the brand of Girls' Generation will continue to create diverse intellectual content and will benefit greatly from digital media.

Translation: oniontaker@soshified.com/forums
Contributors: cecil@soshified.com/forums
Credit to: 노현섭 hit8129@fnnews.com
Original article: LINK