Showing posts with label South Korea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label South Korea. Show all posts

Monday, November 11, 2013

Ailee nude pictures and war of statements


K-Pop star Ailee found herself in the middle of a scandal after her nude photos were released by allkpop. Ailee’s company, YMC Entertainment, issued a statement which also confirms that the lady in the photographs is Ailee:

"We have confirmed that those photos were taken for camera test after Ailee received a model casting offer for a famous American underwear company while she was living in the U.S. ... Ailee was told that she needed to take the nude photos for an accurate examination of her body, and she agreed to take them under the belief that since it was for a famous underwear company, all information would be secure."

allkpop on the other hand, stayed silent for almost a whole day before releasing a statement. The allkpop statement explains their own version of events that contradict Ailee’s company YMC Entertainment’s release on the nude photos of Ailee being released:

Back in June 28, 2013 an individual claiming to be from Canada sent in a tip to us that he had a “set of Ailee Nude Scandal Pictures” and that he would sell them to us [allkpop] for the right offer.


Most recently, YMC Entertainment released an official statement that confirmed that the female in the photos at issue was indeed Ailee and also offered an explanation. It said, “We’ve confirmed that those photos were taken for camera test after Ailee received a model casting offer for a famous American underwear company while she was living in the U.S.” The agency explained, “Ailee was told that she needed to take the nude photos for an accurate examination of her body, and she agreed to take them under the belief that since it was for a famous underwear company, all information would be secure.”

YMC Entertainment continued that after there was no response from the alleged underwear company in question, Ailee became concerned and reported the issue to the local police. Ailee learned from the police that several other females were scammed in a similar matter, but due to a lack of evidence, there were no arrests. After reporting to the police, Ailee, who was nervous and concerned, consulted with her ex-boyfriend who currently works at the U.S. K-Pop site mentioned previously. During their conversation, her ex-boyfriend asked to see the photos in order to give accurate advice, and Ailee sent them to him.

The agency concluded that it will be taking legal action against the person who leaked the photos. It also asked for support and understanding for Ailee, who is first just another female before she is a singer, and was young and immature when this issue took place.

For Ailee’s sake, we stated to YMC that we would not write anything about this unless the photos were to end up being posted on the internet. We very clearly stated that if the photos were to show up online we would have to write the story as that is our job and duty as a news site.


On November 10, we received the following tip to a forum post on anonib:
The tip came from what we believe is the same informant that originally contacted us in June, as both IP addresses are from the same ISP in Toronto, Canada. At this point, the photos were on the internet and we made the decision to run the story, as it is our policy to report on the truth. For full disclosure, our employee, Daniel Lee did date Ailee in the past, however he did not post the photos in question. Not knowing who the true culprit was, YMC turned the blame to the easiest target. Common sense should also tell you that you do not send in nude photos for underwear modeling. Although Ailee is a victim, so is Daniel Lee, as false allegations were made by YMC, defaming our employee. In conclusion, we have saved all email correspondences from the individual who sent us the initial email. If legally requested by YMC, we will provide all information to the proper authorities, to ensure that the truth of the matter is revealed. We truly hope that YMC decides to run a full legal investigation, as it will reveal the whole truth of the situation.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Kim Yoo Jung and EXO’s Xiumin Jin’s ‘Gone’ Music Video Making Teaser


With only a few days before her debut, Jin released the making teaser of her music video for Gone. 14 years old South Korean actress Kim Yoo-jung and EXO’s Xiumin seen playing a love story in the video. Jin will debut as a solo singer on November 8 with the released of her single. She will join the other girls at Woollim Entertainment for a girl group debut in 2014.

Kim Yoo-jung is a South Korean actress. After her acting debut, she became one of the best known child actresses in Korea. She is now transitioning into teen roles and is best known for Dong Yi, Moon Embracing the Sun, and May Queen.

Xiumin (시우민), born Kim Min-seok, is a member of South Korean-Chinese boy band produced by S.M. Entertainment that debuted in 2012.

Below you can watch Jin's '너만 없다(Gone)' making teaser.

Friday, October 11, 2013

K-pop singer Rottyful Sky has passed away at 25


One of K-Pop's most belowed singers Rottyful Sky has passed away on October 8 due to complications of brain tumor. She was just 25 years old. According to Korean Updates web site Rottyful Sky whose real name is Kim Hanul, had been hospitalized since mid-September in an unconscious state and was diagnosed with brain tumor for about a year. She stayed unconscious for 20 days before being admitted into the intensive care unit where she has stayed 8 days.

The funeral ceremony was held on October 10, 9.00 A.M. in St. Mary hospital. The funeral was held based on Christian religion. Some celebrities came to the funeral, such as Kahi, Han Hye Jin, and others. Other celebrities also expressed their condolences on social media, such as Big Bang’s Taeyang and his brother, Dong Hyun Bae. The burial was held at Paju Christian Memorial Park on October 10 as well.
Source : Rottyful Sky Passed Away at 25

Rottyful Sky made her debut in 2001 as Hanul at just 13 years old with the album Voice of Purity. A young girl with a powerful voice, Hanul paved the way for today's soulful youngsters Lee Hi and 15&, among others.

K-Pop stars from Rain to Big Bang's Taeyang to Rainbow member Yoonhye and many more have expressed their condolences and paid their respects to the late singer, proving that her influence was not only far reaching, but will also be greatly missed.

Rottyful Sky - Kim Hanul
Kim Hanul has debuted in 2001 at the age of 13.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Hot Korean taekwondoist actress Taemi K Kim's incredible acrobatic first pitch


This year is a year for incredible acrobatic first pitches from South Korea. Last month, hot Korean gymnast Shin Soo-ji stunned us with her incredible acrobatic first pitch and figure in tight black yoga pants. Now,  taekwondoist/actress Taemi (K Kim) 태미 stunned us with a more incredible acrobatic first pitch and equally impressive figure in shorts.

Below you can watch Tae-Mi throwing out the first pitch at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul, South Korea before the Doosan Bears game (I love slow motion). Born in 1990, Taemi is a famous actress in South Korea.

A cute, hot, young lady throwing the first pitch must be a common sight in Korean baseball. As the rest of the world smiles with joy and suprise like SK Wyvern's pitcher Chris Seddon, the South Korean players look quite unimpressed :)

Monday, July 15, 2013

Hot Korean gymnast Shin Soo-ji's incredible acrobatic first pitch


After Girls Generation's Tiffany's terrible first pitch, South Korea seems more careful to choose the young ladies performing the ceremonial throw.

Korean rhythmic gymnast Shin Soo-ji (신수지) gained global fame for the gymnastic-style ceremonial first pitch she threw at a baseball match between the Doosan Bears and Samsung Lions at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul, which went viral on YouTube.

The acrobatic first pitch at the Korean professional baseball game made it onto MLB Network's International Talk show on Monday, much to the surprise of U.S. viewers. Shin Soo-ji's incredible acrobatic move as well as her perfect figure displayed in tight yoga pants stunned viewers in the stadium and than around the globe.

Born in 1991, Shin Soo-ji became a gymnast and a member of the 2008 Korean Olympic squad. After retiring from competitive gymnastics, Shin worked as a commentator at the 2012 London Olympic games. Shin has also appeared on a number of Korean television shows and she has been romantically linked to Korean comedian Heo Kyung Hwan.

In the below video, you can watch Shin Soo-ji's famous first pitch.

Monday, May 20, 2013

Tiffany Hwang's Terrible First Pitch Ever


South Korean k-pop group Girls Generation's Tiffany Hwang is definitely cute and talented but even her nice curves does not save this ugly and disastrous ceremonial first pitch. She may have thrown the worst first pitch of all time at the Los Angeles Dodgers game vs the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Tiffany (티파니)  is an American-born South Korean singer, TV presenter, promotional model, and actress. She is a member of the South Korean girl group Girls' Generation.

Let just say it ends up just a "bit" outside (if you do not watch the replay from the rear camera (I am not sure why wouldn't you Tiffany Hwang from that angle) it really looks only a bit outside lol :) One YouTube commentator wrote "When she looks like that, it doesn't matter" but man, however she looks, the pitch still sucks!

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Sori’s Nude Photos Leaked


On December 21st, 2 nude photos of Korean pop singer Sori (소리) lying down on the bed with no top on were revealed on an online community portal site. The photos are allegedly taken from her cell phone, which she lost 2-3 weeks ago.

Initially Singer Sori’s agency has began to take action against the individual who leaked nude photos of the singer:
Sori’s agency announced, “It’s sad and distressing that such an event happened at a supposed happy time of the year. Through internet investigtion, we found out that the pictures were taken from a phone that has been reported missing for about 2 to 3 weeks. We are currently finding out the IP to find the location of the computer the photos were uploaded with. We will take further action when we find it.”
Source : Sori’s Agency To Take Action against Leaker of Nude Photos
It is later reported that the person who first released the nude photos of Sori has been caught:


On December 24, a representative from her company stated, “The original circulator contacted the company first this past Saturday night. We met the person (gender not specified) and the parents and received her lost phone along with a written apology of the leak.”

The same individual continued, “After finding out the person who leaked her private pictures is an underage student and has sincerely apologized, she is not planning to take further legal action.”
Source : Perpetrator who released Sori’s naked photos has been caught


Kim Sori, known with her stage name Sori, is a Korean pop singer represented by JS Prime Entertainment. She is known for her lead role in the popular musical "Ballerina Who Loved A B-boy" and has since become a solo singer after being rejected to be in the girl group Jewelry in 2006.

Korean singer Sori nude photos
Sori nude photos leaked from her cellphone which she has lost a few weeks ago.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Korean Air Flights to Sri Lanka and Maldives by March 2013


Korean Air introduces direct flights from Seoul Incheon to Sri Lanka and Maldives starting by March 9 2013. Korean Air will operate the flights three times a week, flying from Seoul/Incheon first to Colombo in Sri Lanka and then onto Male in Maldives. The Seoul/Incheon-Colombo-Male flights will operate every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Seoul - Colombo - Male flight,  KE 473, will depart Seoul/Incheon Korea at 22:40 and arrive in Colombo  Sri Lanka at 04:10 the next day. The flight will then continue its journey departing from Colombo at 05:40, arriving Male Maldives at 06:40 the same day. Return flight, KE 474, will depart from Male at 15:30 and arrive in Colombo at 17:30; then the flight will depart from Colombo at 18:50 and arrive in Seoul/Incheon at 06:10 the next day.

Korean Air’s new Seoul/Incheon-Colombo-Male route will be operated with an Airbus 330-300, seating 276 passengers and equipped with Korean Air’s premium seats. First Class has 6 Sleeper Seats; the 180 degree full-flat beds with 83-inch pitch and 20.6-inch width guaranteeing comfort and freedom during the flight. The Prestige (business) Class has 18 full-flat sleepers with 74-inch pitch and extra-large seat partitions offering comfort and privacy. Passengers in all classes can enjoy the new AVOD(Audio & Video on Demand) system that offers upgraded in-flight entertainment in high resolution and with top processing speed.
The new Korean Air route ensures travelers from the Americas, Japan, China and other Asian countries hassle-free journeys to Colombo and Male via Incheon International Airport, allowing them to enjoy the various touristic resources in Southwest Asia.

Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka is in the Indian Ocean in Southwest Asia, where the original soul of Buddhism still flourishes and nature’s beauty remains unspoiled.  There is an array of tourist attractions which fascinates many tourists; ‘Polonnaruwa’, ‘Anuradhapura’ and ‘Kandy’, historic places for Buddhism; Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a national park and a biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO;  and Nuwara Eliya, the most famous district for Ceylon Tea.

Additionally, the beautiful gold sand beaches in Galle and Hambantota and exciting Safari tours at the Yala National Park and Bundala National Park are popular destinations in Sri Lanka chosen by tourists from around the world.

Located in the South West of Sri Lanka, Maldives also known as the “heaven on earth” is a perfect country for honeymooners and families to visit and enjoy marine sports or savour relaxation. Described as the “flower of the Indies” by Marco Polo, Maldives consists of 1,192 small coral islands with white sandy beaches and emerald colored sea.

By connecting Korea, Sri Lanka and Maldives through Korean Air’s new direct flight, the demand for both business and leisure travel is expected to increase.

In order to gain growth momentum, Korean Air has actively launched new routes since the beginning of 2012 including Da Nang Vietnam in January, London Gatwick in April, Kenya Nairobi in June, Yangon Myanmar in September and Riyadh and Jeddah Saudi Arabia in November.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Korean idol Hyuna's R Rated Ice Cream is K-Pop's fastest MV to reach 10 million views


Can South Korean idol Hyuna's Ice Cream be a hit like PSY's Gangnam Style? Not sure but it has been watched 10 million times in YouTube in just 4 days after its release on October 22nd.[1] It took 15 days for Gangnam Style to hit the same number. In fact, by hitting 10 million view points in just 4 days, “Ice Cream” became the fastest MV to reach the milestone in K-Pop history.[1] The record is in tie with Girls’ Generation’s 2011 single, “The Boys.”

Ice Cream, produced by mega hitmaker Brave Brothers, is the title track of Hyuna's second mini album titled Melting. For those who do not know her yet, Hyuna is the Korean hottie appearing in the video of Gangnam Style. Her full name is Kim Hyun-a and she is 20 years old. She made her debut with the Wonder Girls at the age of 15 in 2007. She is a member of girl group 4Minute and is one of the hottest women of Korean wave. She is so hot that the video for her single, Ice Cream, was R rated in South Korea.

Since its release the video of Ice Cream has been watched more than 22 million times on 4minute's YouTube channel. Gangnam Style's Psy makes a cameo appearance in the video as a payback to her appearance in Gangnam Style.

"Very Hot", from Melting was banned by television networks KBS and MBC due to the reference to a specific brand (KaKaoTalk).[2]

Hyuna - Ice Cream

[1] - HyunA’s “Ice Cream” MV Ties Girls’ Generation’s Record for Fastest to 10 Million Views
[2] - HyunA’s “Very Hot” banned from KBS and MBC

Friday, October 26, 2012

AirAsia Japan begins inaugural budget flights from Narita to Incheon and Busan of South Korea


AirAsia Japan, a joint venture between Asia's largest low-fare, no-frills airline AirAsia and Japan's All Nippon Airways (ANA)  is starting to fly between Tokyo and Seoul (Incheon) in South Korea by October 28th 2012. With Narita – Incheon flights begin operations, travelers will have a budget option to fly between Japan and South Korea. The flights from Narita to Incheon will take only about 2 hours and will be served by Airbus A320 with 180 seats. AirAsia Japan is a very young airline which has become the third budget airline to start flights in Japan in 2012. Its operations has started by a inaugural flight on August 1st 2012 from Tokyo Narita to Fukuoka.

And exactly one month after the launch of Narita - Incheon route, on November 28th 2012, AirAsia Japan will launch a daily flight between Narita Japan and Busan in South Korea.

“Subsequent to the launch of Narita to Incheon, we are extremely happy to launch yet another new international route from Narita to Busan and proud to be the first LCC in Japan to service the route. It is great to open more doors for travellers to Busan, a city with its own charm and diverse offerings such as beautiful natural wonders, historical attractions and spa and gourmet indulgences.” said AirAsia Japan CEO, Kazuyuki Iwakata. As Narita - Incheon route, Narita - Busan route will also be served by Airbus A320 aircraft with 180 seats.

Busan, with a population of approximately 3.6 million, is South Korea's second largest metropolis after Seoul. Incheon is Korea’s third most populous city after Seoul and Busan Metropolitan City.

AirAsia Japan is the third budget airline to start flights in Japan in 2012
Other than AirAsia Japan, Jetstar Japan, which serves Tokyo (Narita International Airport), Osaka (Kansai International Airport), Sapporo (New Chitose Airport ), Fukuoka (Fukuoka Airport) and Okinawa (Naha Airport), started services in July and Peach, which flies to Hong Kong and Taiwan in addition to domestic destinations, made its debut in March.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Ski holidays in South Korea


You do not need to hit the road for all the long way to Europe to have a ski holiday: South Korea offers a lot of popular ski locations for tourists around the world. Yes, Korea may not be the first country that will come to your mind as a ski holiday destination but fantastic slopes and hotels to provide you a great winter holiday. Between mid-November and mid-February,  a powdery blanket of snow is laid down on the two dozen or so ski hills that lie within a few hours’ drive of Seoul. Many of these hills are huge, multi-run slopes with world-class facilities. And of course, some have also natural hot springs which makes a winter holiday in Korea like no other.

So where to go for a ski holiday in South Korea? agoda.com, Asia’s leading hotel booking site, offers some recommendations on fantastic hotels to take advantage of the crisp and popular ski season in South Korea:

"But it’s not only pros that come to South Korea to strap on a pair of skis (or a snowboard!) to try their luck on some epic runs, such as the 6km-long Silk Road Slope at Muju Ski Resort. A full range of facilities at almost every location you choose makes sure that everyone from beginners to intermediates to families with small children can enjoy the full experience of a winter ski vacation. World-class restaurants prepare expansive meals, areas for skating or tobogganing are ready to enjoy, and many resorts offer extras like casinos, movie theaters or live music performances if you want to take some time away from skiing. 
Indeed, the hotels suggested below have long played a big part in helping guests enjoy their ski vacation in Korea. As an example, a previous guest at the Intercontinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort said: “The hotel was very clean and the facilities were top notch. The room and bed was so comfortable that my husband wanted to stay an extra day! It is next to Alpensia ski area, but the Yong Pyong ski area is less than 5km away. There is also an indoor water park in the resort complex that families would find a lot of fun, or for couples who want to soak in the hot tubs after skiing all day."
Source :  agoda.com recommends top hotels for ski holidays in Korea
Korea is not the first country which comes in mind as a ski holiday destination.
But they have ski, they have bikini and they have bikini ski festival!  
Agoda recommends the following ski resorts:
1 - Intercontinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort
The hotel is surrounded by great ski slopes for beginners and amateurs as well as professionals (the high jump for the 2018 Winter Olympics is nearby).

2 - Phoenix Park Hotel & Condo
This is one of the best places for ski lovers in South Korea. The hotel is right next to Phoenix park ski resort and it offers hotel rooms as well as condo units.

3 - Holiday Inn Resort Alpensia Pyeongchang
This beautiful resort is not only famous with its facilities and big and clean rooms, it is also famous with its delicious food.

4 - High1 Hotel
Although High1 hotel is the farthest hotel from the main ski resort, it is well connected to it by a shuttle bus that runs every 20 mins to casino and resorts and the gondolas run on week end to the peak.