NEWS ONLY

Announcement on the cancellation of GD&TOP's Japanese single release [NEWS]

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Translation:

Member of BIGBANG, G-Dragon, was investigated by the prosecutor's office in Seoul (South Korea) due to suspicion of smoking marijuana last May. The result of the drug test came out positive but there weren't any legal penalties because only the hair test was positive. (Prosecutor's interview here)

Avex and YG Entertainment had a discussion after Avex heard the announcement. G-Dragon received a suspension of indictment but the news has an influence on (how he will be viewed by) Japanese society*. Because of this, Avex has considered this fact sincerely and has decided to cancel the release of GD&TOP's Japanese single, Oh Yeah (feat Bom of 2NE1) on November 9th, even if the incident happened before they had a contract with Avex.

We apologize to everyone and to all of the fans for this incident. We will try our best so that something like this will not happen ever again.

Avex Entertainment Oct 6th 2011

Translation by Noriko @ bigbangupdates.com
*Note: A popular Japanese celebrity was jailed just recently because of drugs. Even if G-Dragon isn't guilty, people reported with anything related to drugs are typically viewed badly.



YG Entertainment reveals postponement of GD&TOP’s Japanese album was voluntary

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YG Entertainment has revealed that the postponement of GD&TOP‘s Japanese album was a voluntary decision made by both their officials and avex Entertainment.

Through OSEN, representatives stated, “We’d like to apologize for concerning our fans with such an issue. We’ve decided that it would not be proper to continue with our Japanese promotions in such a situation and made a request to avex Entertainment to postpone GD&TOP’s Japanese album release.”

They continued, “Although some seem to think that Big Bang‘s Japanese activities will be greatly affected by this controversy, they are merely assumptions made by people who don’t know the entire situation. avex Entertainment did not inform YG that the album will be canceled – it was a decision made by the cooperation of both parties. The notification put up on avex’s homepage was, of course, discussed by both parties before its release.”


Source + Photos: OSEN via Naver, via allkpop

Big Bang #3 on The Most Popular Band in Japan!

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From Nikkei Entertainment October issue interview with the music officials in Japan:
A total of 300 women interested in Kpop were questioned, age group ranging from girls in their 10s to women in their 50s with 60 people from each age group
Period of Inquiry: 2011 July 23 - 25th
The orange represents the respondents who know everything about the groups and their songs.
The pink represents the respondents who know of the group/members but do not know their songs.
The percentages for each were added up to give the final percentage.
Male Idols:

1. TVXQ (100%)
2. Supernova (98%)
3. BIGBANG (88%)
-*39% of respondends know everything about BIGBANG and their songs. 49% of respondents do not know their songs but know the members of BIGBANG.

Others:

Spoiler:

Sources: Telzone, JPNews


GD&TOP blows the audience away @ Hallyu Dream Concert!

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Big Bang duo combo unit, GD&TOP, put on a performance at the 2011 Hallyu Dream Concert that blew the audience away.

The event took place at 6pm on the 3rd, and G-Dragon sported a red hat with a black-and-red checkered blazer to match. He also donned a unique pair of white rimmed glasses, and pulled it off like the fashionista he is. As soon as the two stood on stage, the crowd went wild and the screaming continued throughout their charismatic performance.

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After performing their hit track “Oh Yeah“, they continued their performance with T.O.P beat boxing and G-Dragon rapping, as well as another performance with “High High“.

Source: As tagged//@Nate@vipslovejiyong//@mystifize//Akp

Big Bang Special to be on MTV Seoul Sunday!

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MTV brings you Sundays filled with music videos, countdown specials, concerts and exclusive interviews with your hot & favorite Korean artists. Be sure to catch big names like 2AM, 2NE1, 4minute, B2ST, Big Bang, F. T. Island, Girls' Generation, Kara and much more only here on MTV starting January 2, 2011!

Big Bang Special Premiere: Oct 16
11am (WIB), 12pm (SIN/HK/PH), 1pm (MAL)

Replay:
Oct 16
8pm (WIB), 9pm (SIN/HK/PH), 10pm (MAL)


Source: @mtvasia//Via soompi


"Haru Haru" to be Released in Japan in November

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On November 23rd, Big Bang will release a new album in Japan called, “The Best of Big Bang“.

According to reports from Japanese media outlet Sankei Sports, the album will feature 14 songs sung in Japanese, one of which being their famous track, “Haru Haru“.

“Haru Haru” was released back in August of 2008, and it’s become one of Big Bang’s most popular songs, earning nearly 22 million views on YouTube. A survey was held in mid-September which asked, “Which Korean song do you want to hear in Japanese?“, and “Haru Haru” was chosen with nearly 9,000 votes, totalling to 90% of the overall count. It’s said that the boys decided to release a ‘best-of’ album due to the immense popularity of these survey results.

Sankei Sports also reported that this version of “Haru Haru” will feature vocals from member Daesung, who’s currently put a hold on his promotions with the group due to a car accident scandal earlier this year.

Big Bang’s leader G-Dragon shared, “This is a special album that was made for our Japanese promotions, and so we gathered all the songs which our Japanese fans specifically wanted to hear. We’ve worked hard on this album to please our fans.”

Source: DongA via Naver
Translation: AKP

GDTOPVI in KWM Malaysia 2011 Malaysian Star Newspaper

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Seven South Korean acts put up an awesome performance during the Korean Music Wave 2011 at Stadium Merdeka.

YOU can’t argue with K-pop daebak (literally meaning K-pop is awesome or the best), a pop music phenomenon which is the rage here! Amid frenzied scenes of pop adulation, the Korean Music Wave 2011 concert underlined the genre’s popularity at Stadium Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur last Saturday night.

The biggest K-pop concert in Malaysia (to date), the screamfest was headlined by Big Bang’s Seungri and GD & TOP, and featured Park Jung Min, FT Island, U-KISS, Teen Top and girl group 4Minute.

The screaming never stopped as the seven sizzling South Korean acts wowed 10,000 K-pop fans made up of VIPs (Big Bang fans), Primadonnas (FT Island fans), KissMes (U-KISS fans), 4nias (4Minute fans), Angels (Teen Top fans) and Park Jung Min fans.

By the time it was Big Bang’s turn to perform, the crowd was on their feet, with some perched on plastic chairs while others moved to the grass where they could bounce and groove freely.

Looking dashing in a suit, Big Bang’s Seungri got fans leaping with joy when he declared that “Malaysian fans are bagus”, then serenaded them with VVIP, What Can I Do and Strong Baby.

While the rest of the acts kept to a black-and-white theme, GD & TOP were a riot in their colourful outfits as they ran about the stage belting out High High, Oh Yeah and Knock Out. Making their debut performance here, the duo were pleasantly surprised that local fans could sing Korean songs.

A blast of pyrotechnics and golden streamers took the show to its grand finale but fans waited around to watch their idols being shuttled off in vans.

The show may be over but my ears are still ringing with fans screamingsaranghae! (We love you), bogoshipoyo! (We miss you!).

Source: [Only admins are allowed to see this link] via thestaronline

K-pop stars at F1 leave fans high and wanting more

You gotta hand it to the Korean boys — they sure know how to work a crowd.

Three out of five members of the massively popular boy band Big Bang — G-Dragon, T.O.P and Seungri — drove fans wild with their polished dance moves and infectious tracks at the Padang main stage on Friday night for the 2011 Formula 1 Singtel Singapore Grand Prix.

We're not just talking about two or three all-too-passionate fan girls here, but thousands of them, including many teen boys, too.

Most fans were stationed at their "posts" right in front of the stage as early as 7pm, when the gates to the exclusive Fan Zone were opened. (A reminder to those who don't want to miss the chance to watch the upcoming concerts at the Padang up-close, be sure to collect your wristbands at stage front as they're limited to 2,000 fans per day from 3pm on a first-come-first-served basis.)

For a brief ten minutes after the scheduled start of the performance — possibly what could have felt like eternity to many — fans were treated to a DJ-set of creative mashups from some of K-pop's greatest hits.

Seungri, 20, kicked off the night with his latest EP "VVIP".

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Seungri, 20, kicks off the night with his latest EP "VVIP". (Yahoo! photo)

Clad in a clean black suit complete with a skinny tie, Seungri delivered two more songs — "What Can I Do" and "Strong Baby" — to a smitten crowd before passing the stage on to his team mates.
And boy did the dangerous duo take the stage by storm.

Better known as GD&TOP, the talented 23-year-olds easily brought the house down with their trademark upbeat songs "Knock Out" and "Oh Yeah".

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Fans scream themselves hoarse in response to their favourite songs by GD&TOP. (Yahoo! photo)

Shouted G-Dragon to a crowd that looked like it was running on some kind of potent energy drink, "Thank you for inviting us here. We love F1, we love this city, we love you all!"

"So, we're gonna make you crazy tonight. So please show me your love okay?"

At many points, the Fan Zone at the Padang could almost be likened to a club perpetually pumped with fans screaming themselves hoarse in response to their favourite songs, most, if not all, of which they could sing and even dance along to.

"High High" was another crowd favourite, as the boys danced their way deeper into their fans' hearts.

Following screams for an encore after the duo thanked the crowd

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TOP charms the crowd with his boyish good looks. (Yahoo! photo)

The trio ended the night with "How Gee," which saw GD throwing a towel earlier wrapped around his neck to one lucky fan.

"It's awesome; they're so handsome. Oppa, sarang hae! (Brother, I love you!)," screamed a group of seven girls after the concert ended. With the youngest aged 19 and the oldest, 34, the animated fans told Yahoo! Singapore that they had flown to Singapore from Indonesia just to catch their favourite boys live in action.

Said another fan, Noraini Siti, a marketing executive, "They're just really hot and sexy, as compared to the other Korean boy bands."

Added her friend, "They wasted time on the starting part — the DJ part — I don't think it's important… They (the boys) could have performed more rather than (the DJ) playing all those songs, remixes and all."

The 25-year-old and her friends, who came down especially for the one-night-only showcase, added that the race was more of "a bonus".

Source: Yahoo Singapore



G-Dragon and Taeyang Show Off Their Fashion Sense!

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Original:
지드래곤과 태양이 남다른 패션 센스와 포즈를 자랑했다.
최근 한 온라인 커뮤니티 게시판에는 빅뱅 멤버 지드래곤과 태양이 한 패션 행사에 참여한 사진 여러 장이 게재됐다.

관련 사진은 지드래곤 태양이 패션 행사 포토월에서 포즈를 취한 모습을 담고 있다. 사진 속 지드래곤과 태양은 선글라스를 쓴 채 각기 다른 패션 센스를 선보였다. 또 뒤를 돌아 양손을 드는가 하면 독특한 포즈로 끼를 발산했다.

지드래곤 태양 사진을 접한 네티즌들은 “역시 포즈도 남다른 빅뱅” “패션 센스 진짜 최고다” “손 들고 있는 포즈는 정말 색다르다” “역시 옷을 잘 입는다” 등 의견을 나타냈다.
[뉴스엔 허설희 기자]


Translated:
Newsen journalist Heo Seol hee reported that G-Dragon and Taeyang sported their unique fashion sense and poses. Pictures were posted on an online community bulletin reporting that Big Bang members G-Dragon and Taeyang participated in a fashion event recently. G-Dragon and Taeyang's pictures show them displaying their posing skills at the fashion event's photo shoot. In the photos, while both wearing sunglasses, they showed a different type of fashion sense. Netizens have expressed their delight with the pictures, "Their fashion sense is really the best!" "Posing with their hands up is truly original" "As expected their clothes look so good."

Sources: NewsEn Writer Heo Seolhee//허설희 기자 husul@//via bigbangvip

2NE1's Minzy & Se7en shows their support for Big Bang's MTV EMA!

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Following Big Bang's nomination for MTV's Europe Music Awards, 2NE1's youngest member Minzy expressed her support for the group on her personal Twitter account.

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On the 22nd of September, Minzy expressed her support with a tweet saying, "Big bang!!!! Big Bang has been selected and nominated for Europe Music Awards! Finally an artist who's representing South Korea at the EMA's!!!! Don't you want EMA's to represent the next best country in Asia?! Vote for them now! This is the right opportunity for Big Bang to represent us. Everyone! Please cheer and vote for them~ ^_^" She also went on to continue supporting the group and participating in the online voting.

Both of 2NE1 and Big Bang's fans were delighted at their respective updates, praising them for the love they are showing for their seniors in YG Entertainment. Big Bang was nominated for the category "World Wide Act Asia Pacific Nominees" along with other Asian stars such as Taiwanese top star Jay Chou, Japan's longest running boy group EXILE, the Indonesian Agnes Monica, Chinese singer Jane Zhang, and Australian acts Sia and Gotye.

Fans will now be able to cast their votes for Big Bang via MTV EMA's homepage.

Se7en also tweeted:
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Translation: Guys, BIGBANG has been choosen as Korean’s representative in MTV Europe Music Awards!!! As BIGBANG is Korea’s shiner, please vote everybody!!! GO~ BIGBANG!!!

Source: @mingkki21, @officialse7en
Trans koreaboo/bbforlife@tmbr


K-pop band Big Bang brings the house down

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Even with just three members, out of the original five, K-pop band Big Bang brought the house down last night (Sept 23) with loads of energy and declarations of love for their Singapore fans.

In just one hour, the trio - Seungri, 20, G-Dragon, 23 and TOP, 23 - brought out seven songs, to which every single teenage girl fan sang along to. This resulted in a fast-paced concert that matched songs like Seungri's White Love*; G-Dragon and TOP's Oh Yeah, where they exchanged rapid fire verses of rap in Korean without missing a beat.

This brought the end of day one of the F1 weekend to a high and set the standards for the following concerts to come.

*Seungri didn't actually sing White Love.

Source: StraitStimes

Big Bang voted #3 on Best looking male idols

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For the first time ever, the number of idol groups promoting in the market will hit 100 by the end of the year. Their popularity is often determined by their fans, but what do the professionals in the industry think of them?

E-Daily recently brought together 30 vocal trainers, 27 choreographers, and 18 plastic surgeons to rank the idols according to vocal talent, dancing, and looks. Check out who they ranked as the top in terms of look below!

In the male group category, 2PM came out on top with six votes, while Super Junior‘s Choi Siwon topped the male idol member category with five votes.

(irrelevant info omitted)

TVXQ and Big Bang each earned two votes, coming in at a tie in third place. Won Jin Sung stated, “TVXQ has small faces with unique features and have looks that are very appealing to the public. As for Big Bang, they have masculine face lines and know where their strengths and weaknesses lie in, which shows through their fashion sense.”
(irrelevant info omitted)

Source: E-Daily//Naver via akp



Sandara Park sends Big Bang best wishes for ’2011 MTV Europe Music Awards’ [NEWS]

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A few days ago, Big Bang received a nomination for the ‘2011 MTV Europe Music Awards‘. 2NE1‘s Sandara Park recently updated her me2day with an enthusiastic message of support for her fellow labelmates.

She cheered, “The wonderful Big Bang sunbaenims have become Korea’s representatives for the MTV Europe Music Awards(EMA)! +.+ This is an opportunity as an Asian representative to make our coolness known in Europe!!! Kyaah~!!! Lets all cheer for their appearance at the awards!!! Big Bang~!!! Fighting Fighting Yah Yah yah!!!^0^”

Big Bang received a nomination for the “World Wide Act Asia Pacific Nominees” category, and will find out the results when the EMA’s take place in Belfast, Northern Ireland on November 6th.

Source + Image: Dara's me2day
Translation: allkpop

Big Bang for "Soul by Ludacris" Headphones [PHOTOS/NEWS]

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Spoiler:

Big Bang has been named as the new endorsement models for Ludacris‘s luxury headphones line, ‘Soul by Ludacris‘.

On September 22nd, Soul & Media Group, a Korean distributor for audio equipment, announced that Big Bang will be endorsing ‘Soul by Ludacris’ in Korea. Starting today, the products will be up for pre-order on the YG E-Shop, G-Market, 11th Street, Interpark, GS Shop, AK Mall, and others.

On September 29th, Big Bang and other top celebrities will also be attending the launch party for the brand. Big Bang also has a lot of fun promotional events lined up that fans can look forward to.

Source: JKN, allkpop

Who are the best dance idol groups ranked by professionals?

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According to a recent report, there is estimated to be a total of 100 teams of boy and girl idol groups in the Korean mainstream music scene by the end of 2011. However, these groups are usually judged on the basis of popularity and their fans rather than by professionals. With that said, how would professionals rank the groups? 27 choreographers and dancers were asked to pick the groups with the best performances.

Idol groups usually use their performances to visually deliver their music. The performance that goes along with the song is the weapon of idol groups to captivate their fans.


TOP MALE GROUPS
The group that received first place for performance was Big Bang. Big Bang obtained 8 votes out of the 27. Dancer Jin Jung Woon stated, “Most idol groups comeback with predictable dances, music, and outfits, but there are a few who people anticipate the most and give them their full attention. One of those groups is Big Bang.”


MALE INDIVIDUAL
In the survey for the best individual members of a male group, Big Bang’s Taeyang and G-Dragon took 1st and 2nd place, respectively. Choreographer Lee Woo Won stated, “Taeyang dances knowing the dance. He puts in emotion when he dances.” Dancer Kim Tae Gyu also picked Taeyang and explained, “His delicacy on stage and the coordination with the dancers, and a ‘feel’ that can’t be imitated is the biggest reason.”

Dancer Han Ji Hun stated, “G-Dragon has a very specific style of his own.”

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Source: Naver, allkpop

YG & JYP chooses "Who would they Scout From The Other's Agency"!

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Yang Hyun Suk and Park Jin Young chose singers that they would like to scout from the other’s rival agency.

On the SBS TV “Midnight TV Entertainment,” the judges to up coming survival audition program, “Kpop Stars,” Yang HYun Suk and Park Jin Young, were guests in an interview. In the program, Yang Hyun Suk chose 2PM’s Nickhun, Wonder Girl’s Sun-Ye, and Miss A’s Suzy, from the roster of JYP Entertainment’s artists.

According to Yang Hyun Suk, “I chose Nickhun, who comes from overseas, because he’s extremely good-looking,” he said, citing his reason. Next, he told the reason as to why he chose Sun-Ye, “I first saw her during an old audition program of Park Jin Young, and ever since the first time, I’ve thought that she’s good,” he said.

When asked why he chose 1TYM’s Teddy from YG Entertainment, Park Jin Young said that he wished him to come as a singer. Park Jin Young also stated that another reason is that Teddy also makes/produces excellent kind of music.

Park Jin Young also added, “I really like to dance and to sing, and I think that the way Taeyang dances and sings is really superb,” he replied, giving the reason why he wanted Big Bang’s Taeyang. Park Jin Young also chose 2NE1′s Sandara Park as his final choice, “I think she possesses a very unique charm, which cannot be seen in other female stars,” he said.Yang Hyun Suk then commented with, “I gave a nickname to Sandara, I call her ‘the woman from Mars’,” he said, “That’s because she has this really unusual way about her. I’ve known her for years, and I really think that it’s unlikely she’s from Earth,” he said, evoking laughter.

Source: @nate//Trans: SlaveTranslator@WeLoveDara/ BlackjackBelle@OhDara/YGSRAsubs@twidvid

Big Bang featured on Mexican magazine "TÚ" [NEWS/PHOTOS]

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The hallyu wave continues spreading, we had already mention the undying efforts of Mexican fans to spread the Kpop love-bug, they continue to bear fruit, as Big Bang was mentioned in the very popular teen magazine "Tú".

"Tú" is a teen pop magazine that is not only distributed in Mexico but all around Latin América, it's very popular among Spanish-speaking countries.

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On the cover of the June, 2011 edition, you can see in the bottom left corner a title which reads "KPOP: Get to know the best bands", and we have translated the Big Bang section for you.

---------------------------------------
Big Bang is a hip hop, R&B and electro pop Korean group , made up of 5 guys:
G-Dragon, Taeyang, T.O.P., Daesung and Seung Ri.

In their beginnings they were named “Apex”, also “Stump”, it wasn’t until
G-Dragon suggested the name “Diamond” that the name BIG BANG came about.
They debuted on August 19th, 2006 and immediately gained popularity and
recognition in the Kpop world. In 2007 they released their single “Lies” (Geojimal), with which they reached success in Korea.

BIG BANG has their official fanclub in Korean, they are called “V.I.P” (because of their second single “BIG BANG is V.I.P”), they are different from other fanclubs as they don’t have a specific symbol which identifies them, they support the group with black and white handkerchiefs during their performances.

Some of the most requested songs are “Love Song” , “You’re My”, “Bringing You Love”, “This Love”, “Haru Haru”, “La La La”, among others.

Members:
G-Dragon is Kwon Ji-yong
Taeyang is Dong Young-bae
T.O.P is Choi Seung-hyun
Daesung is Kang Dae-sung
Seung Ri is Lee Seung-hyun
_________________________

They included the links to the "Haru Haru" MV and G-Dragon's "This Love" as well as some pictures of the boys.

Spoiler:

Source: Revista TÚ | Kimchi Criollo
Translation: Andie@bigbangupdates

Love Song #3 on Allkpop's Top 10 Countdown [NEWS]

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Direct from AKP:

Welcome to the first edition of ‘Allkpop Top 10 Countdown‘, where we throw down a premier list of what we think rounds up the best of the best in the K-Pop industry, depending on the theme of each issue.

We kick off our series with a deceptively-simple question: What are the Top 10 music videos released in 2011 thus far?

It was a gargantuan task, but we’ve sliced through hordes of music videos to deliver a sleek figure of 10, all based on factors of concept, production, creativity, innovation, and impact.

(Parts omitted)

#3: Big Bang- "Love Song"

Spoiler:

Conceptual music videos from idol groups are hard to come by, and we can always rely on Big Bang to go the extra mile to set themselves apart from everyone else. “Love Song” doesn’t have crazy dance routines, flashing LED lights, or complicated stage outfits. The video doesn’t even have color.

We do get to see the boys walk through a bunch of garbage on fire and look completely unaffected by a car falling from the sky, but cool content aside, the noticeable feature about this video is that it was all done in one take, without any cuts. This means every aspect of the video recording was planned out and choreographed meticulously by the frame.

The group probably went through as many cuts as GD went through guitars, but the flawless result made it all worth it.

Full Ranking:
10. Bang Yong Gook – I Remember
09. Secret – Starlight Moonlight
08. Super Junior – Mr. Simple
07. Girls’ Day – Hug Me Once
06. 2NE1 – Hate You
05. Leessang – Turned Off the TV
04. Crispi Crunch – Thumbs Up
03. Big Bang – Love Song
02. Sunny Hill – Midnight Circus
01. Hyuna – Bubble Pop

Source: AKP


Big Bang working on new songs with Japanese R&B singer Shikata?

Spoiler:

Shikata, a Japanese R&B singer who worked with Big Bang before, updated his blog yesterday (16th) that he's going to South Korea (on the 17th) to work on "something interesting" with BIGBANG. He didn't provide any other info.

For reference, he worked with Big Bang on the Japanese lyrics of the following songs:
- Beautiful Hangover
- Top of the World
- Tonight (JP Version)
- Ms. Liar (JP Version of Stupid Liar)

He also worked (as a composer) with JYJ for the song, Itsu datte Kimi Ni (With You Always).

*Photo above of Shikata was taken at Big Bang's Love & Hope concert in Makuhar

Source: Via Teambigbang

London shows love for Big Bang at the Thames Festival [NEWS]

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British VIPs came out in force to show their love for Big Bang at the Mayor's Thames Festival, held in London on September 10th & 11th.

The Korea Calling area, organised by the Korean Cultural Centre showcased various Korean arts, but the highlight for the hundreds of KPop fans who attended was the Kpop Party on Saturday night! Whilst the DJ played an hour long mix of various artists, it was Big Bang's songs which got the biggest reaction!

Spoiler:

Fans also got to sing along to their favourite Big Bang songs in the Karaoke Zone and pose with lifesized cardboard cut-outs of the band.

Video sources : ukYGqueens & Huhjungwook @ Youtube
Photo source: ViLikeLiz @ bigbangupdates

GD&TOP to release Oh Yeah and High High in Japan this November

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YG artists G-Dragon and TOP will be revealing their first Japanese single under their sub-unit in November. The single’s title track will be a Japanese version of “Oh Yeah” which features 2NE1′s Bom as an extra vocalist. “High High” was said to be included into the tracklist as well. Both songs had their lyrics revised for a Japanese release, and were made to fit to the original one as much as possible. Both songs were originally featured on GD&TOP’s debut album.

The Big Bang unit made it easier for both its members to put out music that wouldn’t be fitting for the whole group. Their first album was revealed last December and was well received by the Korean fans.

Source: Koreaboo

Yang Hyun Suk reveals how YGE picks their trainees

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YG Entertainment‘s Yang Hyun Suk recently joined SBS‘s ‘Survival Audition K-Pop Star‘, a program that seeks to stand out from all other audition shows by finding and cultivating the next star, and putting them on an elite course to success. A lot of attention is now being focused on the criteria for the program. Yang Hyun Suk recently sat down with OSEN for an interview detailing what he looks for in a trainee.

He first revealed that trainees join YG in two different ways. Talented individuals will be approached by the company first, while others are chosen out of the hundreds that apply for the company.

He began, “YG only had a select few trainees, but we’ve been increasing the number since 2011. If you look at it one way, we get outstanding talent for free. Even though people know that it’s extremely hard to get into YG, kids from all over the nation will still come and try out on their own. The reason we’re increasing the number of trainees is because I realized that after 2NE1 debuted, we had no trainees left. We have about 40 now, and most of them were people we contacted first because they were famous for their skills. A few of them will definitely go on to become the next Big Bang or 2NE1, albeit different in music and style.”

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On the topic of Kang Seung Yoon, he revealed, “Whether it will take two years or three, it’s anyone’s game. It all depends on his skills.” When asked when he would be making his debut, Yang Hyun Suk replied quickly that he was adamant about not allowing trainees to stand on stage unless they were thoroughly prepared as singers. Before Kang Sung Yoon, senior artists like Se7en, Big Bang, 2NE1,and Gummy also had to endure rigorous training as well. It’s reality that while some trainees shine like stars, others end up in the dust like a flower that never got the chance to bloom.

“My trainees are all children who have talent not made through effort, but through talent they’re born with. To put it simply, only the kids that have it will survive. There are a lot of kids who let their talent rot and still fail. Children with natural-born talent can be usually divided into two different types of people. The first are the types that rise to the position of ‘best’ because they continue to still strive to improve their talents. The second are the trainees who don’t practice because they know that they’re good. Of course, YG doesn’t let lazy prodigies just slide. We either let them die out or try to fix it. This is where the great system we’re known to have comes from,” he explained.

Concluding the interview, he said, “People say that I’m stingy with compliments but I think it’s definite that a YG trainee is talented and good. I have to play the bad guy that criticizes what they lack in the middle. Teens, however, always want to be praised in their hearts, and since I’m always only criticizing them, it hurts their feelings… If I always praise them and compliment them when they’re in their teens, they have a tendency to just settle for where they’re at. In the end, they’re going to be using what they learned during their training period for the rest of their lives as singers because there’s no time to practice once you actually debut. There’s a time and place for practicing.”

Source: OSEN//Via Akp

BIG BANG plays on the radio in Puerto Rico [NEWS]
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Puerto Rico keeps making headlines in the KPOP world, this time it has to do with their biggest achievement yet regarding the spread of KPOP music in Latin America.

On September 1st, 2011, Kpop music made its debut on the radio airwaves of the island.
Many fans had taken the task of requesting their favorite KPOP songs to different radio stations, however, their efforts were of no avail, as they kept being turned down by the radio stations.

Both Puerto Rico Also Loves Kpop and Kimchi Criollo —their KPOP and Korean Culture fanbases— came together to request Big Bang's "Tonight" to HOT 102.5 FM, a radio station that focuses on playing major hits around the world and plays the audience's requested songs, after almost a week of talking to the radio station, Big Bang's Tonight began playing on September 1st throughout the day.

To conmemorate the day, several fans recorded their reactions while the song was being played on the radio, and they made a compilation video (NOTE: Our Andie is somewhere in there^^) :

Spoiler:

Source: Kimchi Criollo
Music: YGEntertainment y HOT102
Video: Fans PRALKPOP | KimCri

GDTOP & Seungri for 2011 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix!

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Updated!~
They wowed the audiences during their performance in the recent Korean Music Wave and they will continue to do so on September 23! GD&TOP and Seungri has been added to the line-up of world class acts at the 2011 Formula 1 Singtel Singapore Grand Prix.

Venue: Padang (Zone 4, Main Stage)
Date: 23 September 2011, Friday
Time: 11:10 PM – 12:00 AM
Duration: 50 minutes
* It is a free-seating event.

Race promoter Singapore GP is pleased to unveil SHAKIRA, GD&TOP and SEUNGRI also BOY GEORGE as the latest acts to join the entertainment line-up at the 2011 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL Singapore Grand Prix. This is in addition to the previously announced performances by Linkin Park, Shaggy, Rick Astley, Charice and Massive Attack's Daddy G & 3D. on the same day at Zone 4! You can get the Friday Single-Day Walkabout ticket at $38 to watch them as well as hours of live race in action. If you are a fan of the Formula 1 Grand Prix, you can also purchase the Three-Day Grandstand tickets priced from S$298. There are also plenty of bleachers offering vantage views of the Formula One track action. For more information on the performing acts throughout the event, click 'here'.

via @F1NightRace:
Entertainment schedule is being fine-tuned, we’ll tweet when it’s available on [Only admins are allowed to see this link] Tickets for the event can be purchased through online at [Only admins are allowed to see this link] via the ticketing hotline +65 6738 6738 or all SISTIC outlets.

Source:@F1NightRace Via:@YGfamilySG+soompi

Yang Hyun Suk wanted a G-Dragon, Taeyang and Jay Park unit?


Yang Hyun Suk revealed that there were once plans for a Big Bang + Jay Park unit.

On SBS‘s ‘One Night of TV Entertainment’ that aired on the 7th, two of the judges from SBS’s ‘KPOP STAR’, YG Entertainment’s Yang Hyun Suk and JYP Entertainment’s J.Y. Park, came together as guests on the show.

Yang Hyun Suk astounded the viewers by saying, “This is the first time I’ve revealed this secret, but during the beginning stages of Big Bang, we were thinking about having a separate G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Jay Park unit“. He further explained, “But in the end, separate teams were formed due to their busy schedules, and they weren’t combined“.

J.Y. Park also talked about what it was like to engage with Yang Hyun Suk on a program stating, “In addition to liking him as a person, I think that he is a producer who has a good sense for things and is better than me in certain areas, so collaborating with hyung is quite enjoyable for me“.

Yang Hyun Suk further explained their close friendship commenting, “I’ve known J.Y. Park well since he was in this teens roaming around Gangnam Station“.


Source: Nate
Translation by allkpop

JYP picks Taeyang, Teddy, and Sandara as the artists he would scout from YG!

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On the SBS TV “Midnight TV Entertainment,” the judges to up coming survival audition program, “Kpop Stars,” Yang Hyun Suk and Park Jin Young, were guests in an interview. In the program, Yang Hyun Suk chose 2PM’s Nickhun, Wonder Girl’s Sun-Ye, and Miss A’s Suzy, from the roster of JYP Entertainment’s artists.

According to Yang Hyun Suk, “I chose Nickhun, who comes from overseas, because he’s extremely good-looking,” he said, citing his reason. Next, he told the reason as to why he chose Sun-Ye, “I first saw her during an old audition program of Park Jin Young, and ever since the first time, I’ve thought that she’s good,” he said.

When asked why he chose 1TYM’s Teddy from YG Entertainment, Park Jin Young said that he wished him to come as a singer. Park Jin Young also stated that another reason is that Teddy also makes/produces excellent kind of music.

Park Jin Young also added, “I really like to dance and to sing, and I think that the way Taeyang dances and sings is really superb,” he replied, giving the reason why he wanted Big Bang’s Taeyang. Park Jin Young also chose 2NE1′s Sandara Park as his final choice, “I think she possesses a very unique charm, which cannot be seen in other female stars,” he said.

Yang Hyun Suk then commented with, “I gave a nickname to Sandara, I call her ‘the woman from Mars’,” he said, “That’s because she has this really unusual way about her. I’ve known her for years, and I really think that it’s unlikely she’s from Earth,” he said, evoking laughter.

Seoul Tokyo Music Festival 2010 DVD + Screencaps [PHOTOS]

The Seoul Tokyo Music Festival DVD was released in Japan today. Here are some photos: (We will post the behind-the-scenes videos from the DVD when available.)

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Spoiler:

Credits: ramune1104, 0409-0812

GDTOP & Se7en to perform @ Hallyu Dream Concert 2011!

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Many of Korea’s top Hallyu singers will be coming together once again to perform for the ’2011 Hallyu Dream Concert‘!

Taking place on October 3rd at Gyeongju’s Citizen Stadium, this year’s event boasts an impressive lineup! TVXQ, SNSD, 2PM, SHINee, miss A, GD&TOP, Se7en, SECRET, ZE:A, Davichi, 4minute, B2ST, G.NA, T-ara, SISTAR, MBLAQ, and INFINITE will all be performing for the event.

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The Korean Entertainment Producers’ Association (KEPA) commented, “This is the second year we are holding the Hallyu Dream Concert. We hope that through the distinct characteristics of our culture and the popularity of Hallyu, we will be able to make this event become the representative cultural festival of Gyeongju.”


Source: My Daily via Naver+Allkpop

YG Entertainment surpasses SM Entertainment’s mid-year profits for 2011 [NEWS]

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YG Entertainment stunned the industry when it was revealed that they’ve surpassed SM Entertainment in terms of sales for the first half of 2011! YG Entertainment is home to artists like 2NE1, Big Bang, and Psy, while SM Entertainment hosts artists likes SNSD, Super Junior, and TVXQ.

YG Entertainment has made 44,744,823,563 won (approximately $41,756,037 USD) from January 1st to June 30th. Meanwhile, SM Entertainment has made 40,592,465,358 won, which is approximately $37,867,691 USD, for that same period. It’s speculated that the profit leap for YG Entertainment came from GD&TOP‘s album, Seungri‘s solo activities, Big Bang‘s new album, and 2NE1‘s latest mini-album and concerts.

YG Entertainment maintained their sales numbers from last year; however, SM Entertainment made 6.9 million won less, since they recorded 47,527,869,269 won in the first half of 2010. YG Entertainment’s net profit is said to be around $6,718,774 USD, while SM Entertainment’s net profit is reported to be around $3,659,605 USD.

Updated! GDTOP & Seungri for Korean Music Wave 2011 in Malaysia!

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UPDATED!
KOREAN MUSIC WAVE 2011 IN MALAYSIA OPENS FOR PUBLIC SALE
Kuala Lumpur, 6 September 2011 – Galaxy Group, Proof Label and Tomato. M, the Co-Organizers of the ‘Korean Music Wave 2011 in Malaysia’ today announced that its concert tickets will be going on public sale from 7th September 2011 onwards. The biggest Korean music sensation Malaysian has ever seen is scheduled on 24th September, 2011, 7pm at Stadium Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur.

Hallyu fans are lucky to see a total of seven hottest Korean acts including GD&TOP (BIGBANG), Seungri (BIGBANG), Park Jung Min (SS501), FT Island, U-kiss, 4minute and Teen Top all at one time! This event will also mark the first time for members of U-kiss – Kevin and Dongho to partner in hosting such huge music event!

The concert tickets are priced at RM588(Rock Zone), RM438 & RM288(Numbered Seats) and RM138(Free Seating). The organizers are happy to reward customers with 10% discount on all seated ticket tiers and a special lucky draw session. Customers who purchase tickets from Galaxy office, Mid Valley City and Galaxy Ticket Counter, Plaza Sungei Wang only on the launch day, may stand a chance to walk away with limited edition celebrities’ merchandises, including BIGBANG official light sticks and etc. The lucky draw result will be announced on 9th September via Galaxy Group official facebook. Online ticket purchase will also be activated on 7th September via ticketcharge.com.my. For more information, please call Galaxy hotline 03-22822020 or visit galaxy.com.my.

Galaxy Group also sell the BIGBANG Light stick with RM90

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Source: @Gdhana27|KoreanMusicWaveinMalaysia@FB|GalaxyGroup@FB'[/quote]
Updated! GDTOP & Seungri for Korean Music Wave 2011 in Malaysia!

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UPDATED!
KOREAN MUSIC WAVE 2011 IN MALAYSIA OPENS FOR PUBLIC SALE
Kuala Lumpur, 6 September 2011 – Galaxy Group, Proof Label and Tomato. M, the Co-Organizers of the ‘Korean Music Wave 2011 in Malaysia’ today announced that its concert tickets will be going on public sale from 7th September 2011 onwards. The biggest Korean music sensation Malaysian has ever seen is scheduled on 24th September, 2011, 7pm at Stadium Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur.

Hallyu fans are lucky to see a total of seven hottest Korean acts including GD&TOP (BIGBANG), Seungri (BIGBANG), Park Jung Min (SS501), FT Island, U-kiss, 4minute and Teen Top all at one time! This event will also mark the first time for members of U-kiss – Kevin and Dongho to partner in hosting such huge music event!

The concert tickets are priced at RM588(Rock Zone), RM438 & RM288(Numbered Seats) and RM138(Free Seating). The organizers are happy to reward customers with 10% discount on all seated ticket tiers and a special lucky draw session. Customers who purchase tickets from Galaxy office, Mid Valley City and Galaxy Ticket Counter, Plaza Sungei Wang only on the launch day, may stand a chance to walk away with limited edition celebrities’ merchandises, including BIGBANG official light sticks and etc. The lucky draw result will be announced on 9th September via Galaxy Group official facebook. Online ticket purchase will also be activated on 7th September via ticketcharge.com.my. For more information, please call Galaxy hotline 03-22822020 or visit galaxy.com.my.

Galaxy Group also sell the BIGBANG Light stick with RM90

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Source: @Gdhana27|KoreanMusicWaveinMalaysia@FB|GalaxyGroup@FB'
Translation: AKP

Big Bang, SBS Gorealra Star Channel's September Star

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Big Bang was selected as the star of September by SBS Gorealra Star Channel.

‘Star Channel’ is a channel of SBS Gorealra where you can watch the video of the stars 24 hours for the whole month. It was a channel first established in August and was well received by the netizens.

The star of August was ‘2PM’ and they were chosen by the netizens through the site of SBS since 2PM was the group idols they wanted to see on the channel most.

The SBS program which Big Bang has appeared (e.g. SBS Inkigayo, Strong Heart, Running Man, Chocolate, Night After Night, Family Outing,etc) will be aired on this channel 24hours on a daily basis.

You can watch SBS gorealra on the Star Channel or you can also go to SBS website to view the videos.


Source: Xportsnews

BIG BANG featured in Italian Magazine

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"RAGAZZA" an Italian magazine, has been recently hit with the Kpop bug, they have dedicated an article to KPOP music and BIG BANG was mentioned as one of the most successful Korean bands.

Here's the translation:

Future POP:
Sounds from the world

Kpop what? That's what we tought when we proposed kpop music to our editorial staff.
But we went on youtube, watched some videos...and we've been swept away by the rhythm of Korean music.
So we decided to know more about these Korean idols.

Pop music

The bands and the artist who invaded the Korean music industry and even the western music industry - thanks to the web - have different music styles.
Groups like Big Bang, Super Junior, Wonder Girls, SS501 or artist like BoA, Rain and SE7EN play and sing pop music, but also R&B, Hip Hop and Rock.

Find them on the web!!
To know these k-pop idols you can find out a lot of forums on the web dedicate to them like: bi-rain.forumcommunity,
bigbangitalia.forumfree or allkpop
without forgetting many groups you can find on facebook things like like : SE7EN's italian fanpage, Kpop <3 Italia, etc.

BIG BANG

G-Dragon, T.O.P, Taeyang, Daesung and Seungri are the five members of one the most successful South Korean boy-bands.
They became the first foreign group in Japan to receive the Japan Cable Broadcasting Award for "Best Newcomer".

ygbigbang.com

SE7EN

When he was 15 years-old, YG Entertainment took him as a trainee and he trained in singing and dancing.
The outcome? Today SE7EN is an international popstar who sang even in the United States.

hello7.com

Note: Only parts having to do with YG Entertainment were translated.


Source: RAGAZZA Magazine
Tip/Translation: Sarah
Picture Source: LaylaPoisoned

GD&TOP And Seungri's Performance Schedule at 2011 Singapore F1 [NEWS]

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Source: Singapore Grand Prix

Big Bang to attend MAMA 2011 in Singapore?

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We are pleased to share more exciting news for K-Pop fans in Singapore! This year's 2011 Mnet Asian Music Awards will be held in Singapore on November 29, at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

For the second time, this major award show would be held outside of Korea. Last year's award show was staged in Macau at The Venetian and boosted an impressive line up of 80 acts featuring Big Bang, 2NE1, Miss A and award presenters such as Yoon Eun Hye.

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TOP in Singapore Magazine!
As informed by the local organizer, on the same day of the award show, fans around Asia can also catch it on television. Some networks will be having a live broadcast while others could have a 2-hour delayed telecast. Fans from Singapore may watch this on Channel U (2-hour delay telecast).

Ticketing details are still being worked out. Interested Soompiers may wish to follow Mnet's MAMA page on 'Facebook' or stay tuned to our site for updates. The organizer would be issuing an official press release very soon. Lets flash back of Big Bang performance during MAMA last year!

Source: SGKwave.com + scanationsg//Via soompi