Thai Prime Minister Names Her Favorite K-Pop Star and TV Drama
The Prime Minister of Thailand, Yingluck Shinawatra, picked her favorite K-Pop star and TV dramas, reflecting the growing presence of Hallyu content in the Southeast Asian country. She sat for an interview with TV Chosun’s “Choi/Park’s Current Affairs Talk Board,” and talked about Korea and Thailand’s economic/cultural relationships, her political ideas, and passion for K-Pop.
“The Korean dramas I’ve seen so far are ‘Full House’ and ‘Dae Jang Geum.’ Among Korean celebrities, I like Rain and 2PM,” she said. In particular, she expressed her love for 2PM’s Nichkhun, who comes from Thailand as well.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is currently in Korea for the “2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit.” She also had the chance to meet Nichkhun during a tea time ceremony with special guests on March 26. The interview with TV Chosun took place on March 24 and will air on March 26.
Shinhwa and 2PM gain interest for having many similarities
Original idol group Shinhwa and 2PM are gaining interest from fans for their similarities.
On the March 26th broadcast of Mnet‘s ‘Wide Entertainment News,’ it was revealed that there were many parallels between sunbae (senior) group Shinhwa and hoobae (junior) group 2PM.
The first point of parallel between Shinhwa and 2PM that the show uncovered was titled the “3 2 1 law,” and it involved the birth years of the members of each group.
In Shinhwa, 3 of the members (Eric, Hye Sung, and Dong Wan) were born in 1979, 2 of the members (Minwoo and Jun Jin) in 1980, and 1 member (Andy) in 1981. 2PM has similar groupings according to birth years, as 3 of the members were born in 1988 (Nichkhun, Junsu, and Taecyeon), 2 members (Junho and Chansung) in 1990, and Wooyoung by himself in 1989.
Also, Shinhwa debuted in 1998, and 2PM debuted exactly 10 years after them in 2008. Although there was a decade difference between their debuts, the two groups have followed the same path in their careers.
Another point of similarity is the number of members from overseas in each group. 2PM has 2 members from overseas (Nichkhun and Taecyeon), as does Shinhwa (Eric and Andy). Also, viewers were surprised when it was revealed that the maknaes of each group (Andy from Shinhwa, and Chansung from 2PM) were also maknaes in their families as well.
The members of 2PM and 2AM have been spotted walking together on the streets of Tokyo.
The above photos recently surfaced on an online community site with the title, ‘Still shots from ’2PM Wander Trip’!!’
Both the members of 2AM & 2PM were seen dressed casually in the photos, enjoying local street food together.
The photos were taken while filming their new program ‘2PM & 2AM Wander Trip‘, which has been scheduled to broadcast through TOKYO MX starting on April 3rd.
’2PM & 2AM Wander Trip’ is a new variety show, where the boys will be traveling through the streets of Tokyo with show guests, discovering new charms of the city.
Netizens who found the photos remarked, “Taecyeon is becoming so masculine,” as well as “Cool, it’s like they get to go on vacation together,” and “Hallyu idols on a Japanese program!”
2PM’s Nichkhun awarded “Most Influential Person” at Thailand’s Kerd Awards!
Earlier today we reported that 2PM‘s Nichkhun was nominated at the prestigious Thailand’s Kerd Awards. Well, Hottests can put your hands up in celebration as Nichkhun won the grand prize award of “Most Influential Person“!
While accepting the award, Nichkhun stated: “I’m just a child who always gives my full effort to those that I love. This is for the people who love me, for all my fans, and for the Thai people to make them proud. This award gives me so much motivation to continue to proudly work hard. I wish everyone good health and Thank you.”
Shortly thereafter, he wrote on his personal twitter: “Thanks to everyone for their moral support this award means so much to me. I would also like to give thanks to @Woodytalk. Again, thank you to all of you who came out to the awards ceremony today. Thank you HOTTEST! ♥”
Congratulations to Nichkhun!
Images: pingbook.com
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in.]
2PM’s Junho collaborates with Vanness for Taiwan’s ‘Tiamo Chocolate’ OST by VITALSIGN - Mar 29, 2012 at 11:47 pm
2PM‘s Junho continues to expand his activities overseas, as he’s now singing the OST for a Taiwanese drama titled ‘Tiamo Chocolate‘ with Vanness! JYP Entertainment revealed, “2PM’s Junho has collaborated with ‘Tiamo Chocolate’ star Vanness to sing the drama’s main OST track, ‘Invincibility’. Following the single’s release, he will also be shooting a music video with Vanness in Taiwan.”
For those unfamiliar with Vanness, he’s a household name in the Taiwanese entertainment market. After claiming his fame through the Taiwanese version of ‘Boys Over Flowers‘, he’s become a singer and actor of immense popularity all over Asia. His drama, ‘Tiamo Chocolate’, is a teen love story.
Vanness expressed, “I worked my hardest on my production with 2PM’s Junho, and I’m really looking forward to the music video filming as well. Junho’s Chinese pronunciation was near perfect, which really surprised me, and working with him has been fun overall.”
Junho added, “I’m glad to be able to work with Vanness through music, and I’m also looking forward to the music video filming.”
Kim Tae Won surprises Jay Park with question about 2PM
Boohwal’s Kim Tae Won recently askedJay Parka question regarding 2PM, the group that the idol was once a part of.
On the latest episode of ‘Beatles Code 2′, Kim asked Jay if he was “still in 2PM”, and if he was “still under the agency”. As most already know, Jay left 2PM in 2009 due to a controversy that created much media blitz within the industry. However, Kim Tae Won truly seemed to have been in the dark about the issue.
Jay responded calmly to the sudden question, stating that he was no longer part of the group. To the shock of everyone, Kim then asked Jay the reason behind his decision to part ways with the agency.
To the unexpected question, the MCs and other guests asked why Kim would ask the question. Kim responded, “I thought Jay might be nervous,” expressing that he was just trying to loosen up the atmosphere, and seemed unaware of the situation that had taken place a few years back.
However, Jay offered an answer to Kim’s question, stating,“A lot of things happened back then.. And here I am now as a solo artist.” He then continued, stating that while being a solo artist is hard work, he is happy that he can “have creative control over [his] music.”
Kim asked, “Was that hard to do in a group?” and Jay responded, “Because it’s a team. I can’t be selfish.”
Image and source: NaverNews, My Daily
Many fans of 2PM‘s Taecyeon know about famous Okcat drawings.
On March 31st, a fan revealed to Taecyeon that his design had been plagiarized. Taecyeon responded,
“Okcat has been stolen!
If it was just a picture of the cat, I would’ve just thought that it looked similar but it says ‘Okcat’. That’s a bit extreme kekeke And it’s orange too kekeke It’s making me advance the opening of my Okcat business kekeke“
Judging by the banner within the photo, this shirt appears to be sold at the Union Mall in Bangkok, Thailand. Taecyeon’s Okcat is found hugging a yellow heart on a orange shirt, complete with an Engrish statement.
Fans commented, “I’m waiting for your brand ” and “Can I expect a 0.38mm Okcat ballpen?”
2PM’s Junho and Kim So Eun hold hands on ‘Music and Lyrics’
Recently, pictures of 2Pm’s Junho and actress Kim So Eun holding hands have surfaced.
On the second episode of ‘Music and Lyrics’ the couple went on a date showing off a confident and youthful image, and looking like a real couple.
The picture shows the two holding hands and laughing happily, arousing envy amongst the viewers. The way they look at each other so genuinely has viewers’ hearts fluttering wondering if the two could be falling for one another.
The first time Junho and Kim So Eun met each other on the show, it was said that they couldn’t even make eye contact.
However, as time passed by, they overcame their awkwardness and now seem close enough to hold each other’s hands.
Catch more of the two on the March 31st broadcast of ‘Music and Lyrics’!
Nichkhun becomes a relationship expert at 2PM’s ‘Hottest Party’ fan meeting
2PM member Nichkhun captivated his fans with his witty humor and conversational skills.
At 2PM’s ‘2PM Hottest Party‘ fan meeting held at Kyunghee University on April 1st, the members had a chance to meet with 4,000 of their loyal fans.
During the ‘Talk Show’ corner of the event, Nichkhun transformed into a relationship expert and helped his fans resolve their various relationship problems.
One fan remarked that she had no ‘aegyo’ and asked the boys to help her learn to develop an ‘aegyo’ charm. Nichkhun stepped in to help her saying, “When you fall in love, ‘aegyo’ comes very naturally. You begin to use an alien language that you yourself don’t even understand.” Fellow member Junsu then added that using a dialect can sometimes help with ‘aegyo’, and gave a personal demonstration. Seeing this, Nichkhun warned, “That was cute Junsu, but please never do that again,” causing the other members to explode in laughter.
Another fan then remarked that she could not stop eating instant ramen as a midnight snack, and asked them to help her quit. Nichkhun informed her, “When you fall in love, you will very naturally stop eating ramen. Lovers have better things to do at night.” Hearing this, his fellow 2PM members who became dumbfounded at his seemingly inappropriate remark said, “We take back that statement,” to which the witty Nichkhun remarked, “I don’t know what you guys are thinking. I was saying that at night, lovers like to look good for another so they shower and moisturize. When you do so, it takes your mind off things like ramen,” hilariously appeasing the situation.
Yet another fan in the audience had a legitimate concern. She was dating someone within the same company, and was trying not to get caught by her superiors in the work place. She wanted to know the members’ secrets to dating under the radar. Nichkhun then shockingly remarked, “This is not a concern.”
“You don’t want to be caught? Well, your superiors already know,” he said, causing the audience members and his 2PM members to burst out in laughter. “They already know, so date boldly with confidence. The best thing to do would be to date the CEO,” he joked.
And to a fan that was considering on getting eyelid surgery, Nichkhun said, “Love will resolve your problem. When you are in love, no one will see the size of your eyes, because they will be too focused on your personality and your abilities.”
Towards the end of the ‘Talk Show’ corner, 2PM member Taecyeon praised Nichkhun who offered his adorably hilarious resolutions to the fans’ concerns by saying, “Today’s true troubleshooter is none other than Nichkhun,” and gave a thumbs up. The fans seemed to agree, sending their explosive cheers and applause for Nichkhun.
The boys also put on charismatic stage performances at the event, and captivated the fans with their friendly and easy-to-approach image. The boys are also preparing for their comeback later this year, and their Japanese TOKYO MX ‘2PM & 2AM’s Wander Trip‘ begins airing on April 3rd.
Check out the NG scenes from their “Moon That Embraces The Sun” parody below!
>>>Start writing blog to stand a chance to meet 2PM & miss A, famous Kpop idol groups artists in Korea and you will experience the Korea Tour with them!<<<
Contest Period : Friday, April 6, 2012 – Monday, 30 April, 2012
Date of Announcement : Monday, May 7, 2012
WHO CAN JOIN ?
- Malaysian citizen who operates a blog.
- Age 16 and above
HOW CAN YOU TAKE PART IN ?
1. Click the "Like" button on our Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/KoreaPlazaKL.
2. Click the "+Join" button which located inside the Event Page to participate.
3. Participants have to submit the URL of blog posts and personal information by posting it in the event’s wall. For example:
Name :
Age :
Gender :
URL Blog :
4. Write a blog post subjects as below and share it out in your Social Networking Services (SNS) to increase the chances to meet 2PM & miss A in Korea Tour.
5. Blog posting must be in English only.
POST SUBJECTS :
1. What inspires you about Korea?
2. Reasons why you should be selected as the one to join the Touch Korea Tour?
* Tips : Your chances for winning increases if you compose meaningful information on Korea (Example: Food, interesting places and etc.) instead of posting aimless contents.
SELECTION CRITERIA :
1. Creativity of the contents.
2. Popularity of blog & SNS (Facebook, Twitter and etc.)
BENEFITS :
- One winner will have the opportunities to experience the Touch Korea Tour with 2PM & miss A in June for 7 days & 5 nights stay in Korea (actual date and period will be announced soon).
- All expenses such as accommodation, air flight ticket & living expenses (excluding additional airport taxes if applied by airline and personal expenses) will be sponsored by Korea Tourism Organization.
- Winner will continue to blog about his or her experience of Touch Korea Tour after the trip for Korea Tourism Organization.
* Winner must follow the schedule according to the event, if he or she could not participate because of certain circumstances, the winner will be transferred to other finalists are chosen and no substitute prizes.