Tuesday, 7 May 2013
Monday, 6 May 2013
Where is Gangnam?
With the name literally meaning “south of the river”, Gangnam is a mainly commercial area located south of the Hangang River. The district is lined with a dazzling array of shops selling everything from expensive designer items to unique vintage clothes. The young and fashionable gather here in force, and celebrity sight ings are common.
- Sinsa & Garosu-gil Street
- Enjoy brunch!
- Luxury coffee and brunch combo on the unique and stylish Garosu-gil!
- Apgujeong & Cheongdam Shopping Street
- Complete the Gangnam Style look!
- Top off your Gangnam style in this shopping mecca dotted with international brand shops
- Hangang River Night Scenery
- Indulge in the beautiful night view of Hangang River!
- Spend a romantic evening at the Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain or enjoy the breathtaking night view from a scenic riverside cafe that also serves as a lookout point.
- COEX Mall & 7 Luck Casino
- Strike it rich!
- Hit up the top spots for shopping, movies, and music at COEX Mall – then, go for the jackpot at 7 Luck Casino
- Traditional Korean Restaurants
- Try traditional flavor!
- Experience the new local tastes at a top Korean restaurant.
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Tours 
Korea is the only divided country in the world. After the
Korean War (June 25 1950 – July 27 1953), South Korea and North Korea
established a border that cut the Korean peninsula roughly in half. Stretching
for 2km on either side of this border is the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
As one of the last relics of the Cold War, the DMZ attracts a great deal of
public interest, and is a popular destination for travelers visiting Korea.
Despite the fact that this is the most heavily armed border in the world, it is
extremely rare that any hostilities take place. These days the DMZ is a safe
destination that we would thoroughly recommend to any traveler. The DMZ and its
surroundings contain many interesting historical sights and pristine untouched
natural surroundings.
Various organizations offer DMZ guided tours.
Itineraries differ, but most tours will take visitors to an observatory, one of
North Korea’s infiltration tunnels, a military base, and right into Panmunjeom,
the Joint Security Area in the middle of the DMZ where negotiations between the
two sides are held.
For over fifty years the areas surrounding the DMZ have been restricted to the
general public. As a result, they have become a wildlife preserve containing
incredible bio-diversity. The DMZ and its surrounding areas are now referred to
as the Peace and Life Zone (PLZ), and a special tour course has been
designed taking travelers to destinations of historical interest and outstanding
natural beauty.
Destinations in the DMZ
Destinations in the DMZ
Sunday, 5 May 2013
| 'Secret Garden' may seem like a typical Cinderella story of love
between a wealthy, intelligent and charming mogul, Kim Ju-won (played by Hyun Bin), and a
poor stunt woman, Gil Ra-im (played by Ha Ji-won). However, a twist, the accidental switching of
souls between the main characters, and unexpected episodes subsequently save the
drama from slipping into banality. In fact, the viewers may feel content to
learn the reversed psychology of men and women vicariously through the
drama. The drama's success, as evident in the highest viewership of the hour and the number of fans of all ages, is attributed to the perfect combination of witty lines, distinctive characters, and outstanding acting by Hyun Bin and Ha Ji-won. Moreover, thanks to the drama's success, several film locations like Maiim Vision Village (Kim Ju-won's house in the drama), Seaes Hotel & Resort, and Resom Spa Castle have been transforming into popular tourist sites. |
| Drama Information |
Producer:
Oh Se-kang
Directors: Shin Woo-chul, Kwon Hyeok-chan Screenplay: Kim Eun-sook Airing period: Nov. 13, 2010 - Jan. 16, 2011 Production company: Hwa & Dam Pictures Actors: Hyun Bin, Ha Ji-won, Yoon Sang-hyun, Kim Sa-rang |
| Synopsis |
 |
| Kim Ju-won (Hyun Bin) initially comes across Gil Ra-im (Ha Ji-won) while trying to resolve a scandal caused by his cousin, Oska (Yoon Sang-hyun). The accidental encounter lingers in Ju-won's head, and eventually urges him to approach Ra-im by auditioning at her action school. Frequenting Ra-im's work and home, Ju-won continuously shows his affection for her. Then, one day in Jeju-do Island, Ju-won and Ra-im end up at a bed & breakfast where they are each offered a bottle of liquor by the owner. They drink their liquor at the same hour, and wake up the next day to find that their souls have been switched! Ju-won is now Ra-im and Ra-im Ju-won. Although discombobulated at first, they gain deeper understanding of each other as time passes, and Ra-im gradually opens up to Ju-won. |
| Characters |
Gil Ra-im played by Ha Ji-wonRa-im is a high-spirited and dignified stunt woman. Her dream of becoming a top stunt woman does not stop her from performing the stunts that leave bruises all over her body. She is the type of woman who prefers leather jackets to dresses, drinking soju (Korean liquor) to sipping on wine, and eating grilled pork to fine-dining. However, Ra-im's life takes a new turn when she meets Ju-won. |
Kim Ju-won played by Hyun BinJu-won is a top graduate of a prestigious university in the U.S. and the head of the industry-leading LOEL Department Store. On top of that, he has good looks and sound judgement. As perfect as he may be, Ju-won cannot stop thinking about Ra-im, who is far from his ideal type, after their first accidental encounter. Soon, his sound judgement collapses as he succumbs to her charm. |
Oska played by Yoon Sang-hyunOska is a popular Hallyu star in China and Japan. One day, his one true love, Seul, shows up as Ju-won's potential bride after being gone for a long time. Feeling betrayed, Oska conspires a cowardly revenge against Seul and Ju-won by deliberately approaching Ju-won's love interest, Ra-im. |
Yoon Seul played by Kim Sa-rangSeul is a CF director with intelligence and beauty. While working with Ju-won on a commercial production, she runs into Oska, her first love and heart breaker. As their past haunts her, Seul plans to get back at him. |
| Filming Locations |
| Maiim Vision Village |
 |
| The background setting for the homes of Ju-won and Oska is the
expansive garden found in Maiim Vision Village, which is the training institute
of a comestics and health food products company, Maiim Group. The homes of
Ju-won's mother and grandfather were also filmed at this location. The
sophisticated interior with large windows, the elegant pond and the
well-maintained flower garden are bound to catch the attention of the drama
viewers. Located in Yeoju, Gyeonggi-do and spanning 330,000 square meters, the
village includes an accommodation facility, a community area and sporting
facilities. There used to be a youth hostel, but it has been turned into a
training center when Maiim Group bought the land 10 years ago. Other Korean
dramas like 'Winter Sonata' and 'Star's Lover' were also filmed here.
(Photo courtesy: SBS)
|
| Resom Forest |
 |
| Scenes from the action school winter workshop, where Ra-im and Ju-won
exchange an exhilarating eye contact, are filmed at Resom Forest in Jecheon.
Resom Forest is home to pine trees over 150 years old, as well as many other
types of trees, shrubs and wild flowers. Surrounding the forest are several
hiking trails named Sosori Baramgil, Poreureu Solaegil and Gajaegineun
Goljjakgil. Facilities at the forest include 406 rooms, Resom Spa Center,
Hanbang (Chinese medicine) Wellus Center and an outdoor meditation center. In
addition, cultural programs are offered all year round at the Cultural Arts
Center, which houses a ceramics workshop, a gallery, an observatory, a museum,
an event house and a cave wine cellar. Finally, at night, stars can be seen from
the forest, which is located 450-600m above sea level.
(Photo courtesy: Resom Forest)
|
| Resom Spa Castle |
 Resom Spa Castle
is the setting for the scenes of Ju-won's mother and Seul at the spa. Resom Spa
Castle is located in Yesan, Chungcheongnam-do, about 1.5 hours from Seoul and 30
minutes from many cultural tourist sites, including the surrounding mountains
and the West Sea. The first membership spa resort in Korea, Resom Spa Castle has
400 rooms, a banquet hall, seminar rooms, a cultural and arts plaza, a garden
and walking trails. The resort uses water from the Deoksan hot springs, which
boast over 600 years of history, in al of its facilities. With many different
facilities and programs, Resom Spa Castle is a one-stop place for leisure,
health, business, culture and arts.☞ Click for more on Resom Spa Castle |
| Seoul Action School |
 |
| Seoul Action School Seoul Action School is located in Heyri Artvalley
in Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do. In the drama, this is where Ra-im, the stunt woman,
works, and also where numerous incidents involving Ra-im and Ju-won take place.
In reality, Seoul Action School a training center that aims to showcase higher
standard realistic actions. Over time, the school has gained a good reputation
for providing the most systematic and efficient training in stunt performance.
Today, it continues to produce skilled stuntmen for Korean movies and dramas,
while training actors and actresses. ☞ Click for more on Seoul Action School |
| The Seaes Hotel & Resort |
 |
| The 'bench kiss' episode, which occurs after the souls of Ju-won and
Ra-im switch for the first time, was filmed at the Seaes Hotel & Resort. The
hotel stands between Jeju Convention Center to the right and Jungmun Beach and
Hyatt Hotel to the left. The guest rooms are separated into different building
units, each with a view of the ocean and Munseom Island. The 8th walking path of
the famous Jeju Olle trail also passes through the resort, while Aldere Square
and another walking path lined with palm trees are located on the right side of
the hotel. Other popular Korean dramas, including 'Boys Over Flowers,' 'Princess
Hours' and 'I'm Sorry, I Love You,' were filmed here. ☞ Click for more on Seaes Hotel |
| Petite France |
 Petite France is
where Ju-won meets Ra-im for the first time in the drama. It is here that
Ju-won's love for Ra-im develops. Petite France is a French cultural community
area located in Goseong-ri in Cheongpyeong, Gapyeong-gun. Spanning 117,000
square meters, Petite France has a youth training facility (Goseong Youth
Training Center) and 16 French-style buildings for acommodation and various
cultural experiences. There are 34 rooms with maximum capacities ranging from
four to ten people. In addition, there are a gallery that showcases sculptures
and paintings of a cock, which is a symbol of France, a shop that plays music
from a 200-year-old music box, an herb and aroma shop, as well as a souvenir
shop. Petite France has been drawing many tourists on weekdays, too, since it
was used as the filming location for Korean dramas 'Beethoven Virus' and
'Personal Taste.' |
Based on the novel of the same title, The Moon That Embraces the Sun (also known as "The Sun and the Moon") reached almost 20% in viewership from its first episode. The acting and the visual appeal of the young actors have stolen the hearts of young female viewers, and the show’s ratings only improve with each new episode.
The Moon That Embraces the Sun is a historical drama depicting the first love of a fictional king, set in the royal court of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). It is a sad but beautiful love story of innocent young people, with the story developing around the conflicts and conspiracy of political powers vying for the throne against the king’s efforts for good politics.
The drama is a quality fusion historical drama enhanced by the strong acting of the main and supporting actors, its visual appeal, and the engaging dialogue that draws from the humor on the Internet.
Drama Information
- Head producer:
- Oh Gyeong-hun
- Directed by:
- Kim Do-hun, Lee Seong-jun
- Screenplay by:
- Jin Su-wan
- Cast:
- Han Ga-in, Kim Soo-hyun, Jung Il-woo, Kim Min-seo
- Aired on:
- January 4, 2012 - March 8, 2012 (20 episodes)
- Broadcasting channel:
- MBC
- Website:
- http://www.imbc.com/broad/tv/drama/sunNmoon/ (Korean)
Synopsis
Heo Yeon-u, the daughter of a high-ranking official,
visits the royal court with her mother to see her brother attend a ceremony
congratulating his first place in the state examination. By chance, she comes
across crown prince Lee Hwon, and the two feel attracted by each other. Yeon-u’s
brother, a person of high scholarship with a great personality, is ordered by
the king to become the mentor of the crown prince. After learning that his
mentor is Yeon-u’s brother, the crown prince uses him as a messenger of love.
Inside the palace, there is a conspiracy to have Yoon Bo-gyeong, the daughter of a family clan that is in opposition to the king, selected as the crown princess. Lee Hwon manages to have Yeon-u selected as the crown princess, but his great-grandmother Yoon asks shaman Nok-yeong to cast a spell on Yeon-u so that she becomes stricken with an unknown sickness. Yeon-u is taken to her home in her last remaining days of life, and passes away. Nok-yeong secretly visits Yeon-u’s father and tells him how to break the spells. Upon being resurrected from her grave, Yeon-u lives her life as a shaman by the name Wol, without any recollection of her past. Meanwhile, after Yeon-u’s believed death, Yoon Bo-gyeong becomes the crown princess and expands her political power in the court. Amid difficult political circumstances, Lee Hwon grows to be a cold and aloof king. As time passes, his yearning for Yeon-u only grows. One day, he sets out on an excursion to a hot spring. Seeing him in the royal procession from afar, Yeon-u (Wol) becomes confused as Hwon comes back vaguely in her memory.
Inside the palace, there is a conspiracy to have Yoon Bo-gyeong, the daughter of a family clan that is in opposition to the king, selected as the crown princess. Lee Hwon manages to have Yeon-u selected as the crown princess, but his great-grandmother Yoon asks shaman Nok-yeong to cast a spell on Yeon-u so that she becomes stricken with an unknown sickness. Yeon-u is taken to her home in her last remaining days of life, and passes away. Nok-yeong secretly visits Yeon-u’s father and tells him how to break the spells. Upon being resurrected from her grave, Yeon-u lives her life as a shaman by the name Wol, without any recollection of her past. Meanwhile, after Yeon-u’s believed death, Yoon Bo-gyeong becomes the crown princess and expands her political power in the court. Amid difficult political circumstances, Lee Hwon grows to be a cold and aloof king. As time passes, his yearning for Yeon-u only grows. One day, he sets out on an excursion to a hot spring. Seeing him in the royal procession from afar, Yeon-u (Wol) becomes confused as Hwon comes back vaguely in her memory.
Filming Locations
- Choichampandaek (Residence of Choi Champan)
- The residence of Choi Champan is the background of Korea’s noted historical novel Toji (The Land) and a famous filming location. In The Moon That Embraces the Sun, it appears as the house where Yeon-woo spent her childhood. The residence is housed in a hanok building and has on exhibit various items showing the lifestyle and culture of the later part of the Joseon Dynasty. It boasts a splendid natural landscape with an expansive neighboring field and the Seomjingang River. In the spring, the area is bright with cherry flower blossoms along the river, and in the fall, the area turns into the venue for the Toji Literature Festival.
- Yongin MBC Dramia
- Yongin MBC Dramia is the filming set where Korean historical dramas like Jumong, Queen Seondeok, and Dong Yi were filmed. The facility features buildings from the Three Kingdoms era (the era of the Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla Kingdoms, between the 4th and mid-7th century) to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). In The Moon That Embraces the Sun, royal palace scenes were mostly filmed here. With the popularity of Korean drama series, Yongin MBC Dramia is becoming a major tourist destination for both local and international tourists.
Introduction
FTISLAND
is a boy band well loved in Korea for its moving ballads. (Of course, it doesn’t
hurt that the band members look as if they’ve come straight out of a romance
movie!) The band made its debut in Korea in 2007 and in Japan in 2008 and has
steadily gained in popularity ever since. In 2011, FTISLAND earned the top spot
on the Japan Oricon weekly album chart with ‘Five Treasure Island,’ the band’s
first full-length album to be released in Japan.
Group
Introduction
FTISLAND
stands for ‘Five Treasure Island’ and has five members: Choi Jong-hoon, Lee
Hong-ki, Lee Jae-jin, Song Seung-hyun, and Choi Min-hwan. The band’s first album
(‘Cheerful Sensibility,’ released in 2007) included hit songs such as ‘Love
Sick,’ ‘Until You Come Back,’ ‘Only One Person,’ ‘I Hope,’ ‘Love Love Love,’ and
‘Hello Hello.’ FTISLAND is credited with revitalizing the Korean pop industry as
the first major idol band to hit the modern music scene.
- First Album Release: ‘Cheerful Sensibility’ (2007)
- FTISLAND Official Website: http://www.ftisland.com/ (Korean)
- First Album Release: ‘Cheerful Sensibility’ (2007)
- FTISLAND Official Website: http://www.ftisland.com/ (Korean)
Member
Profiles
* Name: Lee, Hong-ki (이홍기)* Nationality: Korean
* Position: Lead Vocals
* Education: Department of Theater and Film, Kyung Hee University
Lee Hong-ki made his first public appearance in 2002 as part of the cast of the children’s sitcom ‘Magic Kid Masuri.’ He then stepped into the limelight once again as FTISLAND’s main vocalist and displayed his musical talents through FTISLAND’s signature rock ballads. In 2009, he starred in the SBS TV drama ‘You Are So Beautiful’ along with Jang Keun-suk and Jung Yong-hwa and shortly after received the ‘New Star Award’ at the SBS Drama Awards. Lee Hong-ki also played the role of Lysander in a Korean musical stage version of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’
* Date of Birth: March 2, 1990
* Blood Type: AB
* Height: 175cm
* Hobbies: Listening to music, playing soccer and video games, cooking
* Special Talents: Singing, soccer
* Name: Choi, Jong-hoon (최종훈)* Nationality: Korean
* Position: Team leader, guitar, keyboard
Choi Jong-hoon is the leader and main guitarist of FTISLAND. In 2009, he formed a sub-group called ‘FT.triple’ with two members of the other band members, Lee Jae-jin and Choi Min-hwan. In 2011, Choi Jong-hoon was cast in the movie ‘You Are My Pet.’
* Date of Birth: March 7, 1990
* Blood Type: A
* Height: 178cm
* Hobbies: Listening to music, surfing the internet
* Special Talents: Playing piano
* Name: Lee, Jae-jin (이재진)* Nationality: Korean
* Position: Bass, Vocals
Lee Jae-jin is FTISLAND’s handsome bass player. In 2007, he made his debut with the band while simultaneously appearing in ‘Unstoppable Marriage,’ a KBS drama that earned him much popularity with the ladies. In 2009, he was cast as the lead in the musical ‘Sonagi,’ proving his versatility once again by succeeding in the musical theater field.
* Date of Birth: December 17, 1991
* Blood Type: A
* Height: 177cm
* Name: Choi, Min-hwan (최민환)* Nationality: Korean
* Position: Drummer
* Education: Seoul Arts High School
Choi Min-hwan is the tough-looking drummer of FTISLAND. In 2009, two years after his debut with the band, he played his first major acting role by appearing in the KBS TV drama ‘The Road Home.’ In the same year, he joined the sub-group ‘FT.triple’ and took his musical passion one step further.
* Date of Birth: November 11, 1992
* Blood Type: A
* Height: 173cm
* Name: Song Seung-hyun (송승현)* Nationality: Korean
* Position: Guitarist, Vocalist
* Education: School of Performing Arts
Song Seung-hyun is FTISLAND’s guitarist and vocalist and is known in part for his charming dimples. He is sometimes referred to as a ‘16-dimensional guy’ for his off-the-wall ideas. In 2009, he starred in the cable channel On Style’s ‘Style Wave’ together with Choi Jong-hoon.
* Date of Birth: August 21, 1992
* Blood Type: O
* Height: 180cm
FTISLAND’s
Official Fan Club
1)
Primadonna
FTISLAND’s official fan club, ‘Primadonna,’ gets its name from one of the songs on the band’s debut album ‘Cheerful Sensibility.’ The song ‘Primadonna’ is the story of an innocent man falling in love for the first time. In 2010, the Primadonna fan club participated in a number of volunteer activities with FTISLAND such as supporting the construction of a library in Côte d´Ivoire. Fan club members often carry a yellow flag that they refer to as a ‘Fantastic’ as a symbol of their support.
2) Official Fan Club Website: http://cafe.daum.net/fti5
FTISLAND’s official fan club, ‘Primadonna,’ gets its name from one of the songs on the band’s debut album ‘Cheerful Sensibility.’ The song ‘Primadonna’ is the story of an innocent man falling in love for the first time. In 2010, the Primadonna fan club participated in a number of volunteer activities with FTISLAND such as supporting the construction of a library in Côte d´Ivoire. Fan club members often carry a yellow flag that they refer to as a ‘Fantastic’ as a symbol of their support.
2) Official Fan Club Website: http://cafe.daum.net/fti5
Discography
(List of Albums)
Korea
2007
|
June 7, 2007 | Cheerful Sensibility |
|---|---|---|
| December 3, 2007 | The Refreshment | |
2008
|
August 22, 2008 | Colorful Sensibility Part.1 |
| October 17, 2008 | Colorful Sensibility Part.2 | |
2009
|
February 11, 2009 | Jump Up |
| July 16, 2009 | Cross & Change | |
| October 26, 2009 | Double Date | |
2010
|
August 25, 2010 | Beautiful Journey |
2011
|
May 24, 2011 | Return |
Japan
2008
|
June 7, 2008 | Soyogi |
|---|---|---|
| December 17, 2008 | The One | |
2009
|
April 22, 2009 | I Believe Myself |
| October 21, 2009 | Raining | |
2010
|
April 15, 2010 | FTISLAND Japan Special Album VOL.1 |
| May 19, 2010 | Flower Rock | |
| July 14, 2010 | Brand New Days | |
| November 17, 2010 | So Today... | |
| December 16, 2010 | So long, Au revoir | |
2011
|
April 20, 2011 | Satisfaction |
| April 28, 2011 | 2010 FTISLAND Live Concert [Beautiful Journey] DVD | |
| May 18, 2011 | Five Treasure Island |
Awards
2007
|
M.net M Countdown: #1 for 2 consecutive weeks SBS Inkigayo: Achieved triple crown status KBS Music Bank: K-Chart: #1 on the charts Golden Disk Awards: Newcomer Award, Popularity Award 2007 Blistex’s World’s Most Beautiful Lips Award (first winner in Asia) 2007 Asia Song Festival: Best New Group M.net KM Music Festival: Best New Male Group M.net KM Music Festival: M.net.com Award |
|---|---|
2008
|
17th Seoul Music Awards: Newcomer Award SBS Inkigayo: Mutizen Song #1 M.net M Countdown: Top spot SEED Awards: Asia’s Most Popular Artist Award Golden Disk Awards: Popularity Award Korea Entertainment Awards: Best Male Group SBS Drama Awards: New Star Award (Lee Hong-ki) Japan Oricon Indies Chart: #9 (‘The One’) |
2009
|
KTO’s Hallyu Tourism Night: Hallyu Tourism Achievement Award Korea Cultural Entertainment Awards: Top Ten Singer Award |
2010
|
SBS Inkigayo: Mutizen Song #1 M.net M Countdown: MCD #1 KBS Music Bank: #1 slot Korea Entertainment Arts Awards: Male Singer Award Golden Disk Awards: Cosmopolitan Rock Music Award Taiwan G-Music, Five Music Chart: #1 for 2 consecutive weeks Taiwan Mobile Charts (Emome, Taiwan Mobile, Fareast Tone Mobile): #1 on the charts Japan Oricon Chart: #3 (‘Flower Rock’) Japan Oricon Chart: #8 (‘Brand New Days’) Japan Oricon Chart: #6 (‘So Today…’) |
2011
|
Japan Oricon Chart: #2 (‘Satisfaction’) Japan Oricon Chart: #1 (‘Five Treasure Island’) |
Other
Activities
2007
|
KBS TV Drama ‘Unstoppable Marriage’ (Lee Jae-jin) |
|---|---|
2009
|
SBS TV Drama ‘You Are So Beautiful’ (Lee Hong-ki) |
| KBS TV Drama ‘The Road Home’ (Choi Min-hwan) | |
| Musical ‘Sonagi’ (Lee Jae-jin) | |
| Musical ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ (Lee Hong-ki) | |
2011
|
Japan TBS TV Drama ‘Muscle Girl’ (Lee Hong-ki) |
| Movie ‘You Are My Pet’ (Choi Jong-hoon) |
| Introduction KARA is a Korean girls' group leading the pop charts with their catchy and dynamic songs. After entering the Japanese market in August 2010, KARA was selected as the best new artist of the year on RecoChoku, a Japanese mobile music site. The group is active in both Korea and Japan and also is scheduled to make appearances in Japanese dramas.  About KARAKara is a five-member girl group. Its name was taken from the Greek word 'χαρα', meaning 'sweet melody.' The group made its debut with the album [Blooming] in March 2007. Members include: Park Gyu-ri, Han Seung-yeon, Goo Ha-ra, Nicole, and Kang Ji-young. The group combines hip dance styles from Euro dance pop, electronic dance, and alternative rock. Their hit songs include ‘Break It’, ‘Pretty Girl’, ‘Lupin’, and ‘Jumping’. • Debut album [Blooming] released March 2007 • Official site http://kara.dspenter.com (Korean) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Member Profile 
* Name: Park Gyu-ri * Nationality: Korean * Position: Lead vocalist and Group Leader * Bio: Park Gyu-ri has a mature and charming appearance. She started her entertainment career as a child actress with her first appearance in the 1995 MBC drama * Date of birth: May 21, 1988 * Education: Department of Broadcast Entertainment, Dongduk Women's Univ. (currently enrolled) * Blood type: AB * Height: 162cm * Hobbies: Enjoys reading and watching movies * Talents: Singing and acting | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 * Name:
Han Seung-yeon * Nationality: Korean * Position: Vocalist * Bio: Han Seung-yeon is known for her charming smile. She first joined the entertainer industry in elementary school by appearing in almost 100 extra roles in TV programs including the MBC drama <Star in My Heart>. After joining KARA in 2007, she appeared in various entertainment and variety shows as host or emcee, including MBC's <Han Seung-yeon's MSL Break>, KMTV's <Children Singing Contest>, and MBC's <I Love Pet> . * Date of birth: July 24, 1988 * Education: Department of Theater and Film Studies, Kyunghee Univ. (currently on leave) * Blood type: A * Height: 160cm * Hobbies: Enjoys reading and listening to music * Talents: Singing and dancing | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 * Name:
Nicole (Korean name: Jeong Yong-joo) * Nationality: USA (Korean American) * Position: Vocals, rap and lead dancer * Bio: Nicole's charm lies in her free spirit. Born in Glendale, California she came to Korea after debuting with KARA. While in school, she was an active student who loved dancing and performing. As a member of KARA, she appeared in various entertainment programs, including KBS2TV's <Star Golden Bell>, MBC's <On Sunday evening>, and Mnet's <Nicole's Fun Veterinary Science 101>. Her motto is to live without regrets, work hard on stage, and share an honest side off stage. * Date of birth: October 7, 1991 * Education: Veterinary Science, Konkuk Univ. (completed short-term program) * Blood type: A * Height: 165cm * Hobbies: Playing violin and enjoying movies * Talents: Dancing | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 * Name: Goo Ha-ra * Nationality: Korean * Position: Vocals and dance * Bio: Goo Ha-ra has a cute face and soft image. She started her entertainment career as a member of KARA. Through appearances in Mnet's <Very doubtful casting Season 2>, MBC's <On Sunday evening>, and KBS2TV's <Young Hearts Never Lose>, she became known for her honest and charming personality. * Date of birth: January 13, 1991 * Education: Media Visual Acting Department, Sungshin Women's Univ. (currently enrolled) * Blood type: B * Height: 163cm * Hobbies: Enjoys music and dancing * Talents: Singing and dance | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 * Name:
Kang Ji-young * Nationality: Korean * Position: Backup vocals * Bio: Kang Ji-young is the youngest KARA member. She is loved for her cute and lively image. In entertainment programs, she is known to present an honest and tomboyish style. She has been the host of an Mnet radio show since March 2010 and is now working to develop her talents as an multi-facted entertainer. * Date of birth: January 18, 1994 * Education: Attends Muhak Girl High School * Blood type: O * Height: 167cm * Hobby: Enjoys movies and listening to music * Talent: Singing | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Kara's Official Fan Club 1) Kamilia Kamilia is KARA's official fan club. The name combines KARA and the latin word familia, and stands for KARA's family of supporters. The fan club's official colors and cheering gear include: light pink (pearl peach) balloons, towels, Varsity letter jackets, and glow sticks. 2) Fan club official site: http://club.cyworld.com/withKARA Albums (List of albums)
Awards
Commercials and other activities
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- 1. Introduction
- The boy band BEAST is characterized by a powerful combination of intensity
and tenderness. The members not only have strong visuals, but create an original
stage presence with their up-beat music, moving vocals, and passionate dancing
that is (dare we say it?) beastlike.
BEAST has been gaining steady popularity throughout Asia and in 2010 was even awarded the Golden Disk Award in three Asian countries. In March 2011, the group’s first album release in Japan sold 70,000 copies.
- 2. Group Introduction
The name ‘BEAST’ captures the group’s characteristic onstage performances filled with wild and intense music accompanied by powerful dance moves. The group consists of six members: Lee Gi-kwang, Yoon Doo-joon, Yang Yo-seob, Yong Jun-hyung, Jang Hyun-seung, and Son Dong-woon. The group released its first mini album ‘Beast is the B2ST’ in 2009, and is known for hit songs such as ‘Bad Girl,’ ‘Shock,’ ‘Soom,’ ‘Beautiful,’ and ‘Fiction.’
- First Album Release: ‘Beast is the B2ST’ (2009)
- BEAST Official Website: http://www.playb2st.com/ (Korean)
- 3. Member Profiles
- * Name: Lee,
Gi-kwang (이기광)
* Nationality: Korean
* Position: Vocals
* Education: Department of Broadcasting Entertainment, Dongshin University
BEAST’s representative member, Lee Gi-kwang, has a variety of talents. In 2009, he made his debut with BEAST and also appeared in the MBC sitcom ‘High Kick through the Roof,’ where his acting abilities received praise way beyond expectation. Following his success onscreen, he also gained recognition for his MC talents in the KBS talk show ‘Seungseungjanggu’ (2010), the MBC variety show ‘Our Sunday Night’ (2010), and SBS ‘Live Countdown (Inkigayo)’ (2011). Lee Gi-kwang conveys the image of being cool yet innocent, cute but intense. He best represents the essence of the group and captivates fans with a friendly, boy-next-door image offstage and passionate performance onstage.
* Date of Birth: March 30, 1990
* Blood Type: A
* Height: 170cm
* Weight: 58kg
* Hobbies: Watching movies, sports
* Special Talents: Dancing
- * Name: Yoon
Doo-joon (윤두준)
* Nationality: Korean
* Position: Vocals, Band Leader
* Education: Department of Broadcasting Entertainment, Dongshin University
Yoon Doo-joon leads the group with his strong charisma and is known for his big, mischievous eyes. Each member’s already breathtaking performance seems to come into sync under the leadership of Yoon Doo-joon. As a soccer player all throughout his school days, Doo-joon developed the physical strength and discipline allowing him to make consistent efforts to continue to develop his singing and acting abilities. In 2010, he appeared in the MBC sitcom ‘All My Love’ and received the rookie award at the 2010 MBC Entertainment Awards.
* Date of Birth: July 4, 1989
* Blood Type: A
* Height: 178cm
* Weight: 66kg
* Hobbies: Playing soccer
* Special Talents: Sports
- * Name: Yang
Yo-seob (양요섭)
* Nationality: Korean
* Position: Main Vocals
* Education: Dongah Institute of Media and Art
BEAST’s main vocalist, Yang Yo-seob, has a tender voice that gives a pleasant and unique balance to the group’s wild performances. His almost plaintive vocals skillfully tones down the group’s intensity at its peak before it goes over the top. In 2011, he was cast in the KBS show ‘Immortal Music 2,’ in which main vocalists of Korea’s popular idol groups sing old classics. He surprised the audience with his hidden singing abilities.
* Date of Birth: January 5, 1990
* Blood Type: B
* Height: 170cm
* Weight: 56kg
* Hobbies: Playing soccer
* Special Talents: Sports
- * Name: Yong
Jun-hyung (용준형)
* Nationality: Korean
* Position: Rapper
* Education: Department of Practical Music, Dongshin University
Yong Jun-hyung livens up the stage with his spectacular dance moves and rapping. Widely recognized for his musical talent, he has been featured in a variety of singles including 4minute Hyunah’s ‘Change’ and G.NA’s ‘Kkeojyeojulkke Jal Sara’ (lit. I’ll Back Off So You Can Live Better) in 2010, and Wheesung’s ‘Words That Freeze My Heart’ in 2011. Known as the attractive baby-faced rapper with smiling eyes, he also has excellent songwriting abilities and contributes to the writing and composition of songs on BEAST’s albums.
* Date of Birth: December 19, 1989
* Blood Type: O
* Height: 178cm
* Weight: 64kg
* Hobbies: Writing lyrics, watching movies
* Special Talents: Writing lyrics
- * Name: Jang,
Hyun-seung (장현승)
* Nationality: Korean
* Position: Vocalist
* Education: Department of Practical Music, Dongshin University
Jang Hyun-seung not only has excellent singing abilities, but also outstanding dance skills that are a perfect combination of flexibility and powerful energy. His hobbies are collecting accessories, clothing, and action figures, and he is beloved by his fans for his exquisite and glamorous sense of style.
* Date of Birth: September 3, 1989
* Blood Type: B
* Height: 177cm
* Weight: 58kg
* Hobbies: Collecting accessories, shoes, clothes, and action figures
* Special Talents: Singing, dancing
- * Name: Son,
Dong-woon (손동운)
* Nationality: Korean
* Position: Vocals
* Education: Department of Theater and Film, Konkuk University
Son Dong-woon is the youngest member of BEAST, and has gained much popularity with female fans for his big, bright eyes and attractive physique. He has exceptional vocal and piano skills and is seen as a promising young musician with much potential.
* Date of Birth: June 6, 1991
* Blood Type: A
* Height: 181cm
* Weight: 64kg
* Hobbies: Writing lyrics, reading
* Special Talents: Playing piano, Chinese
- 4. BEAST’s Official Fan Club
- 1) B2UTYB2UTY is the name of the official fan club of
BEAST, making it the BEAUTY and the BEAST when put together. It is said that the
members of BEAST chose the name themselves to reflect the spirit of looking in
the same direction with their fans instead of just looking at themselves.
2) Official Fan Club Website: http://cafe.daum.net/playb2st/
- 5. Discography (List of Albums)
Discography 2009 October, 2009 ‘Beast is the Best’ (Mini album) 2010 March, 2010 ‘Shock of The New Era’ (Mini album) April, 2010 ‘Easy’ (Digital single) September, 2010 ‘Mastermind’ (Mini album) November, 2010 ‘Lights Go On Again’ (Mini album) December, 2010 ‘My Story’ (Digital album) 2011 May, 2011 ‘Fiction And Fact’ (1st full-length album)
- 6. Awards
Awards 2009 Korea Creative Content Agency: Rookie of the Month Award
Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism: Rookie Music Award2010 Seoul Music Awards: Newcomer Award
M.net M Countdown: #1 (‘Shock’)
Universal Music Group’s Choice
Golden Disc – BEAST IS THE B2ST
M.net 20’s Choice Awards: Special Award
KBS Music Bank / M.net M Countdown: #1 (‘Soom’)
SBS Inkigayo: #1 (‘Beautiful’)2011 Seoul Music Awards: Bonsang Award
KBS Music Bank / M.net M Countdown: #1 for 3 consecutive weeks (‘Fiction’)
SBS Inkigayo: #1 for 2 consecutive weeks (‘Fiction’)
KBS Music Bank: #1 (‘Biga Oneun Naren,’ lit. ‘On Rainy Days’)
- 7. Other Activities
Other Activities 2009 Cherry Ade advertising model (Lee Gi-kwang)
BSX fashion model (Lee Gi-kwang)2010 Buckaroo Jeans fashion model (Yoon Doo-joon)
BBQ Chicken advertising model
Ice Tea Tio advertising model (Lee Gi-kwang)
Clride fashion model
Seoul Character Licensing Fair 2010 model
Dongshin University PR model
LG TROMM Washing Machine advertising model (Lee Gi-kwang)
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