[10.02.20] Stars returning from the army look set to shake things up

2010 will see a big gathering of stars who will return to the entertainment scene after ending their military stint.

In the first half of the year, starting with singer Naul (of Brown Eyed Soul), who has completed his 2-year public service officer stint on 28 January, popular celebrities will be making their return to showbiz.

Singer Kangta (real name An Chil Hyun) has been discharged on 19 February, after enlisting for active duty on 1 April 2008. Kangta had been serving in the 8th Infantry Division as a scout, and upon his discharge, he will kick off a series of fanmeetings starting from Seoul, then to Beijing and Tokyo.

Haha (real name Ha Dong Hoon) will be discharged from his public service duties at the Supreme Court in Seochu-gu. Haha had been active as a member of ‘Infinite Challenge’ on MBC prior to his enlistment. Besides returning to the music scene, his return to the variety circuit is also highly anticipated.

In addition, singer/actor Yang Dong Geun will be discharged on 25 March. Yang Dong Geun had impressed with his unique style as an actor and a singer, and fans are looking forward to his next project.

J-Walk member Kim Jae Duc will be discharged of his duties as an entertainment solder on 21 April. Kim Jae Duc was also a member of the first-generation idols Sechskies, who gained fame with their debut hit ‘Hagwon Byeolgok’.

Sung Shi Kyung, who is now serving as in the military band, will be discharged on 17th May.

Singer Eru (real name Jo Sung Hyun), son of trot singer Tae Jin Ah, is now serving in the Jongno-gu District Office after enlisting on 1 May 2008. He will be discharged in May 2010.

Actor Jae Hee (real name Lee Hyun Gyun) and actor Jo Hyun Jae, will be discharged a day apart on 18th and 19th June respectively. Jae Hee is serving in the 2nd Ammunition Depot while Jo Hyun Jae is serving as an army dog handler. Singer Lee Ki Chan will also be discharged in June.

The second half of the year will see several first-generation idol group members being discharged: Shinhwa’s Eric (real name Mun Jung Hyuk) and Kim Dongwan; and H.O.T’s Tony An (real name An Seung Ho). Eric and Kim Dongwan have both gained popularity as actors on top of their music activities, and their post-army plans have garnered much anticipation. Eric will be discharged on 30th October, Kim Dongwan on 7th December and Tony An on 25th September.

Singer Lee Jung has gained much attention for being enlisted into the Marines, and he will be discharged in August 2010.

Credits: Newsen + Absolut Shinhwa

[10.02.20] Kangta to ‘meet the fans again with a new album together with Shin Hyesung and Lee Ji Hoon’

Singer Kangta has given a heads-up for an upcoming album from the project group S.

At a fanmeeting held at Sookmyung Women’s University on 20th Jan at 7pm, Kangta celebrated his discharge from the army with more than 600 fans.

On this day, Kangta saw videos of his activities in the past, and when he saw a video of himself with his friends/colleagues Lee Ji Hoon and Shin Hyesung active as S, he said, “These two friends are now busy with their own activities. Hyesung is working hard at producing his album and Ji Hoon is involved in musicals and other projects.”

He added, to the cheers of the fans, “Not too long from now, everyone will see a new album from S”.

Kangta, having ended his 22-month army stint, will proceed with a series of fanmeetings in China and Japan after the fanmeeting in Korea.

Credits: Star News + Absolut Shinhwa

[10.02.20] Shinhwa’s Kim Dongwan becomes the ‘Star of Seodaemun-gu’

Shinhwa member Kim Dongwan has been receiving much love from his peers for serving his duties in a most good-natured and earnest manner. Kim Dongwan has been serving as a public service officer at the Seodaemun-gu District Office’s Culture & Sports Department since December last year.

As an administrative assistant, Kim Dongwan goes to work an hour earlier to clean up the office and separate the trash.

The Culture & Sports Department organizes various events such as district soccer tournaments, tennis matches and music recitals throughout the year.

Bigger-scaled events are mostly held in the evenings after office hours or on weekends, and Kim Dongwan always volunteers himself for these evening events without any gripes.

Moreover, with his wide knowledge of audio and video systems, he often involves himself in the installation of equipment and photo-taking. Colleagues who work together with him say, “We never expected a star like him could be this warm-hearted and earnest.”

During last year’s events such as the winter donation drive, the volunteers’ auction and the choir recital, Kim Dongwan even personally volunteered to perform at the events, bringing much enjoyment to the audience.

At the choir recital last December, his performance was a long-awaited gift to many fans.

Also at the end of last year, roads in the Seodaemun district were covered with snow. Kim Dongwan, together with his colleagues, cleared the snow off the roads for the benefit of the residents. Again in January this year, the unexpected snowstorm saw all staff members being mobilized to clear the snow off the roads. Kim Dongwan braved the strong winds and led the snow-clearing team, earning the trust from his colleagues.

In another project for aimed at creating healthy school vacation activities for students, Kim Dongwan actively takes part in these educational activities, creating great memories with them.

Song Sun Ho, the director of the Culture & Sports Department, said, “Compared to many of the younger public service officers, Kim Dongwan reads more extensively, and he does a great job of introducing the District Office to visitors in a friendly manner. With his earnest attitude in serving his duty, he has become a role model for the other public service officers.”

Credits: Heraldbiz + Absolut Shinhwa

[10.02.19] Dongwan’s memolog: Doraemon. (edited)

Memory bread is one of the gadgets that was featured on an episode of Doraemon, which was supposed to help Nobita study for his test… Simply imprint the bread over the page you want to memorize and eat the bread and you’ll remember everything… I’m sure we all wanted something like this at some point in our lives…

Dongwan must be studying hard for a test too…

Watch the Doraemon episode if you’re interested :)



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Please give me the memory bread….ㅜㅜ

Received the memory bread!!! ^0^/



Doraemon…..-0-/?



Credits: Dongwan’s Naver blog + Absolut Shinhwa

[10.02.18] Andy to be deployed to Defense Media Agency after ending training on 19th Feb

From ‘An-Sobang’ to ‘Private Andy’, Shinhwa’s Andy will be serving his military duty as part of the PR Support Unit of the Korean Defense Media Agency (DEMA), as announced on 18th Feb.

Andy, who made his debut with idol group Shinhwa in March 1998, has been active with Shinhwa up until their 9th album in 2008, and has also been partaking in acting, MC and musical projects. He enlisted for active duty at Nonsan Training Center on 11th Jan this year, where he has been receiving basic military training for the last 5 weeks. After completing his training on 19th Feb, he will go on to serve in DEMA’s PR Support Unit as an entertainment soldier.

Andy gave up his US citizenship in 2001, and is the only Shinhwa member to be serving active duty. Starting anew not as the celebrity Andy, but as Recruit Lee Sun Ho, he has received much praise from fans.

A rep from DEMA expressed, “Just as how Andy has been active as a singer, actor, MC, we look forward to having him use his talents in various programs to spur the morale of the armed forces, which is the reason behind his selection.”

“Andy will be one of the many first-generation idols such as g.o.d’s Yoon Kye Sang; H.O.T’s Moon Hee Jun and Tony An; NRG’s Noh Yoo Min and Sechskies’ Kim Jae Duc, who have served in the PR Support Unit.”

On the other hand, Andy said, “It’s my honor to be selected. With the resolve I’ve gained from enlistment and the camaraderie that I’ve gained from the 5 weeks of training, I will do my best for the PR Support Unit.”

At the moment, Sergeants Yang Dong Geun and Kim Jae Duc; Corporals An Seung Ho (Tony An) and Kim Jae Won; PFCs (private first class) Kim Jung Hoon, Lee Jin Wook, Lee Dong Wook; Privates Kim Yoon Sung, Choi Jae Ho (both of Dynamic Duo) and Lee Min Ho (Boom) are all serving in the PR Support Unit.

Credits: MK + Absolut Shinhwa

Video: M’s Suite Room concert message

I'm happy that you're okay :) Happy that you've recovered soon :) Much more happier that you just had another beautiful conert with your fans :D Stay safe always andwe will see you all together again on your next concert :) :) :)



credits: Absolut Shinhwa

[10.02.12] Dongwan’s Japanese blog: ^_^

Oh! Thanks!
I’m surprised that there are so many replies and comments! ^^
It’s already been 100 days~ Time passes really quickly..Ｔ＿Ｔ
From today onwards it’s the New Year holiday in Korea!
14 February is the day when 2010 begins!
I’m going to relax during long-awaited break
Everyone, Happy New Year!

p.s.
Our youngest Andy is having a hard time now,
Let’s cheer him on together!

Credits: Dongwan’s Jap blog + Absolut Shinhwa

[10.02.12] Updates on Recruit Lee Sun Ho (Happy Army clip added)

Shinhwa member Andy has sent out a letter to his management agency TOP Media, where he said that he’s “getting on fine” in the army.

According to a rep from TOP Media, “Before Andy left for the army, he said he wanted to write to us, so I gave him the address. We received the letter a few days ago. He said he’s getting on fine, and asked if the juniors in the company are practising hard.”

“He said that it’s tough because of the cold, but he’s hanging in there. He’s also getting along well with his younger platoon-mates and is adapting well. He apparently has been receiving a lot of praise from his superiors too.”

The rep added, “It must be miserable for Andy to spend his birthday and Seollal (Korean New Year) in the camp. We’re planning to visit him once he has been deployed to his new unit.”

Scenes of ‘Recruit 125′ Andy during training will also be revealed on Feb 12’s episode of “Happy Army” on Chuncheon MBC. With his face smeared with camouflage paint, Andy is seen in the midst of grenade training. Andy has been appointed squad leader for his model behavior in camp.

He says, “Fans have been sending me many encouraging letters, asking me to get through training safely and return in good health.” When asked if the Shinhwa members have been sending him letters, he replied, “I didn’t even receive one single letter from them. I’m going to get them for this later.”

He added, “I realised that I’m able to learn many things while being in the army.”

After his 5th week of training, Andy will be deployed to his new unit where he will serve his remaining 22 months of military duty.

Credits: Newsen + Star News + Absolut Shinhwa

Andy’s military life to be shown on cable next week

Korean singer Andy undergoes military training in Nonsan, Korea [MBC LIFE]

Exclusive footage of Korean singer Andy Lee undergoing military training as part of serving the country’s mandatory military service will be revealed on cable next week.

Cable network MBC LIFE said in a press release Friday that its news program “Inside Life” will feature a special update on the former Shinhwa member, who last month entered a training camp in Nonsan of the South Chungcheong Province.

MBC will show the former boy band member appearing to be adapting well to his new life as a soldier, which include rolling around in the mud for battle training.

“It was tough at first, but I am happily adjusting to the life at military training camp with other soldiers”, the singer was quoted as saying.

Andy, whose real name is Lee Seon-ho, is a former permanent U.S. resident but gave up his green card in 2003.

He debuted as a member of popular six-member idol group Shinhwa and has also pursued a solo singing career — recording several solo albums and touring Asia after releasing his second solo album “Single Man”.

He released a digital single titled “One Love” on January 11, the day he entered the military.

The episode of “Inside Life” featuring Andy will air on February 15 at 11 p.m.

Korean singer Andy at the Nonsan military training camp [MBC LIFE]

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

shinwashi@Blogspot.com

Flashback: Shinhwa at the 2004 Hollywood Bowl

2004 Hollywood Bowl.....




credits: Absolut Shinhwa

[10.02.06] Dongwan’s Japanese blog: Yakusha Damashii!

Yakusha Damashii! – Also known as “At The Soul Of An Actor!”. Stars Matsu Takako, Fujita Makoto, Moriyama Mirai and Kato Rosa.

There are some subbed episodes at Mysoju if you’re keen to check the drama out.

==========================

I’m watching it now!
Whether it’s the words of Honnoji Kaizo (played by Fujita Makoto), or the words of the kids,
It’s very touching.
As an actor.. having these troubles should be fine… I often think like this.
Even in Korea, there are more and more people being alone.
I guess this kind of feeling gets even stronger living in Japan…T_T
But it’s too difficult to live alone~
As I’m looking at Honnoji Kaizo, I’m thinking a lot.

Credits: Dongwan’s Japanese blog + Absolut Shinhwa

[10.02.06] M Rizing notice: M’s Suite Room ticketing details

Ticket sales open:
9 Feb 2010 (Tues), 4pm

Concert details:
■Date/Time: 21 February 2010 (2 shows)
Sunday, 3pm and 7pm
■Venue: Mapo Art Center
■Ticket price: 77,000KRW

Concert introduction:
The moment he holds the microphone, he becomes the world’s coolest guy.
M Lee Minwoo
Is back with us once again.
Last Christmas Eve, M’s accident made our hearts hurt.
There is only one reason why he’s standing back on stage, which is to keep his promise to the fans.
M, who’s always welcoming us with open arms.
This is the time we welcome him back.
The warmest place in this cold winter, M’s Suite Room.

■Enquiry hotline: Interpark 1544-1555

Credits: M Rizing + Absolut Shinhwa

[10.02.03] ‘Find Voice In Song’ – Tracklist and introduction

Shin Hyesung’s first Japanese album!
FIND VOICE IN SONG

1. 虹の向こう (Over The Rainbow)
Lyrics by Hiroshi Kubota / Composed by Anders Grahn, Alexander Holmgren, Andreas Johansson, Christina Undhjem / Arranged by Anders Grahn, Alexander Holmgren, Andreas Johansson

A magnificent rock ballad with lyrics depicting the relationship between friends who can’t go on together for now and the thoughts of friends.
The beautiful melody of the climax leaves a lasting impression and is a sublime song with a strong message.

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2. 君の夢 (Your Dream)
Lyrics by Hiroshi Kubota / Composed by Junkoo, Andreas Johansson / Arranged by Andreas Johansson

The melody and lyrics give a feel of a sense of maturity, and is a love ballad that expresses the longing for an ex-lover.
The feeling of helplessness is expressed through a delicate and dynamic singing style, and makes the message more realistic. A song with a wide vocal range.

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3. 友達 (Friend)
Lyrics by Hiroshi Kubota / Composed by TJ Mixx, Fredrik Samsson, Andreas Levander / Arranged by Fredrik Samsson

The changing feelings of people who are more than friends, but not yet lovers, are expressed through this bright pop track with a light and cheerful melody and arrangement.

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4. Night Date
Lyrics by Hiroshi Kubota / Composed by Erik Lidbom, Olle Lidbom / Arranged by Erik Lidbom

Everyone remembers the tingling flutter when love starts to grow, the palpitations, the affectionate thoughts, which are conveyed via the fast tempo of this pop track.
With this song, Shin Hyesung challenges a new style which has yet to be heard in his Korean solo albums.

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5. Gone Today
Lyrics by Hiroto Tachibana / Composed by Vink / Arranged by Vink

This is an aggressive rock track that represents the wide range of this album.
It’s the work of Vink who has written songs for Shin Hyesung and Shinhwa.
A song with a sound that only Vink has, it also proves the wide range of the Shin Hyesung ‘genre’.

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6. コトバにできない (Unable To Speak)
Lyrics by Hiroto Tachibana　/ Composed by Kishino Yoshiko / Arranged by Vink

A song written with the image of ‘Springtime in Japan’ with falling cherry blossoms.
A gem of a ballad that will be familiar to people who have heard Shin Hyesung’s solo albums.

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7. 僕らの永遠 (Our Eternity)
Lyrics by Hiroshi Kubota / Composed by Erik Lidbom / Arranged by Erik Lidbom

Yet another song whose style has never been heard in Shin Hyesung’s Korean albums.
With an upbeat 16-beat guitar riff, he sings that the love you are holding in your hands now is something eternal.
The message which is usually conveyed through ballads is now expressed in a lighthearted sound, which better showcases the depth of ballad singer Shin Hyesung.

——————————

8. もっと君と (Even More With You)
Lyrics by Hiroshi Kubota / Composed by Erik Lidbom, Josefi n Gustafsson / Arranged by Erik Lidbom

The one and only dance track featured in the album that makes one want to dance. A song featuring the latest dance music arrangement.

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9. 春の中で (In Spring)
Lyrics by Yuka Miyagawa / Composed by Akinori Imai　/ Arranged by Vink

A new ballad that shows the real side of ballad prince Shin Hyesung, made with a touching melody and a Japanese style that has never been heard until now.
A gentle and bright expression of love amidst the sorrows of spring, .
——————————

10. 銀河 (Galaxy)
Lyrics by Hiroshi Kubota / Composed by TJ Mixx, Play Production / Arranged by TJ Mixx

A song that is reminiscent of the starlit night sky, through its lush melody arrangement you can hear the ultimate love.
A message of love about regrets of not thinking about signs sent from a loved one and thoughtlessly inflicting hurt, and trying his best to convey his feelings despite not being good at expressing himself.

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11. 遠い世界 (Distant World)
Lyrics by Hiroshi Kubota / Composed by Paul Drew, Greig Watts, Pete Barringer, Douglas Shawe / Arranged by Paul Drew, Greig Watts, Pete Barringer

The sense of feeling conspicuous sometimes is naturally expressed through this mid-tempo ballad with a lighthearted beat.
A remarkable song which, when you listen to, flashes the situation graphically and vividly in your mind.

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Credits: Always Hyesung + Forever Hyesung + Absolut Shinhwa

[10.02.03] Dongwan’s memolog: Since I received a pretty serious email…^_^;

Agreed…
There’s no reason for me to insist on doing that kind of thing. I have my blog anyway…-_-
And though I also often use Internet slang for fun….After becoming an adult, using standard language is better.
Could it be the sense of feeling comfortable? The beauty of Hangeul. Well. Like this? ㅋ When listening to young kids talking.
The so-called ‘hands and feet shriveling’ (note: slang that means ‘cringing’) syndrome happens to adults too. Honestly speaking..
Sorry to the many ‘kids’…ㅜㅜ Since people who have been supporting Shinhwa for a long time should all be in their 20s and beyond…
That place is teeming with Internet slang isn’t it?… -_____-
In conclusion, going to that ‘that place’ isn’t quite appropriate. It’s not even my kind of place…
Although I blog frequently. Recently I’ve been living life pretty diligently…^_^
Anyway, stop the serious emails.
Life in the 30s is serious enough! Don’t tell me about useless things. I don’t want to know.
It’s pathetic that I’m making time before I go to school to sit in front of the computer and explain something like this…
I could have memorized 20 characters during this time….ㅜㅜ
Bye~


p.s. By the way looking at my profile picture on the left and reading this, why do I feel that they go so well together?
That picture is the best. I like things that are done without effort. Even the butt cheeks on the face~! ^0^/

Credits: Dongwan’s Naver blog + Absolut Shinhwa

[10.02.03] Dongwan’s Japanese blog: Congratulations! First snow~*

It’s snowing in Tokyo too…
I’m really envious~The snow in Tokyo..
From tomorrow onwards the temperature in Seoul is dropping below zero again.
Take care not to catch a cold!
It’s already February.
Time passes really quickly~
Anyway I want to learn Japanese well, but it’s not that easy and it’s getting frustrating.
I really envy you all~ Your command of Japanese is so good…~^____^
Good night~

Credits: Dongwan’s Japanese blog + Absolut Shinhwa

[10.02.03] Dongwan’s reviewlog: Shinya Shokudo

Dongwan mentions the movie Himitsu in this entry. It’s a novel by Keigo Higashino and was made into a Japanese film released in 1999, directed by Yōjirō Takita. The story centers on a man whose wife and daughter are in a terrible accident; the wife dies, but when the daughter wakes up, he discovers his wife’s mind inside.
=======================================


Author: Abe Yaro
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Kobayashi Kaoru.
He was really good in the movie ‘Himitsu’~
The scene where he tried to hinder Ryoko Hirosue’s date by imitating an alien was pretty funny…ㅋ

8 years ago.. So I was 24 then. After watching the movie ‘Himitsu’ I was stunned for a period of time.
The final scene of the movie clearly implied that within Ryoko Hirosue, who returned as the daughter, the wife existed.
To me, who has lived in Korea for more than 20 years, I certainly couldn’t see that scene as anything else other than ‘lies’ or ‘immorality’…
The movie depicted a happy ending. But somehow it sent me into a state of panic.
I was thinking, ‘In Japan is it also a happy ending for a man to be abandoned in this manner?’
But I don’t know since when.
‘If there was a time that person existed as my woman,
Can’t I sincerely give my blessings to the woman I love when she has another life?’
I started to think this way. Slowly over a long time…

In this drama series, there are people experiencing big and small problems.
But everyone is definitely standing in his own place and living life.
These are not stories of people who only dream and do nothing else,
These are little stories of people who live by squarely face things that are placed in front of them.

But if you watch this at night you certainly will want to eat something. Please watch this after meals…

p.s.
Perhaps minors may find this a little hard to understand or strange..^_^;

Credits: Dongwan’s Naver blog + Absolut Shinhwa

New pic from Hyesung’s official Japanese fanclub homepage (Always Hyesung)

Credits: Always Hyesung

[10.01.31] Eric in attendance at actor Shin Seung Hwan’s wedding

Shinhwa member Eric, who is currently serving his military duty, attracted attention when he attended actor Shin Seung Hwan’s wedding on 31 January.

Eric had enlisted for military service on 9th October in 2008 and is currently deployed as a public service officer at Seoul Metro.

Both Eric and Shin Seung Hwan had appeared in the KBS drama ‘Strongest Chil Woo’.

On the other hand, the wedding was held at Nonhyeon-dong and guests such as Eric, Jang Hyuk, Park Soo Hong, Yoon Jung Soo and Hong Kyung Min were in attendance.

Credits: Star News + Absolut Shinhwa

[10.01.31] Dongwan’s memolog: iPhone. Handphone.

Thanks to a friend who is troubled over which one out of two phones to buy, I’ve also come up with a conclusion after much thinking.
It seems that the iPhone cannot be compared to any other handphone.
The iPhone is a smart mini-computer, while other handphones are clumsy and slow mini-computers.
The advantage of a handphone is probably only the fact that the battery can be removed and changed…
[I'm not talking about smartphones and handphones. I'm only talking about the iPhone and all other phones besides it.]

But since I have an iPod, I have the mission of waiting for the Android phone.
I’m excited because Google Earth can be accessed via the phone!
The phone model that I want hasn’t come out yet…ㅜㅜ
It’d better be released in Korea..!

Credits: Dongwan’s Naver blog + Absolut Shinhwa

[10.01.31] Dongwan’s memolog: Shinya Shokudo (深夜食堂)

Starring Kobayashi Kaoru, the 10-episode drama – adapted from the manga by Abe Yarou – is set in a small restaurant in the corner of a shopping district. The unusual eatery is only open after midnight, and its standard menu consists of just a single choice. However, the customers still come for the amusing chatter and the proprietor’s willingness to cook any dish that they request. This drama depicts the lives of the restaurant’s patrons, including a yakuza, an unsuccessful actor, a group of office ladies, a newspaper delivery boy, and a stripper.

I think there are some, if not all, episodes uploaded on Viikii
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This is interesting.. This is really interesting. I’ve been watching this since morning…-_-;

Credits: Dongwan’s Naver blog + Absolut Shinhwa