[11.04.21] Dongwan’s Naver blog: 2011 (main page & profile pic updated)

New pic posted:

Profile pic updated:

Credits: Dongwan’s Naver blog + Absolut Shinhwa

[11.04.20] BTS pics: “Hedwig” cast at photoshoot for “The Musical” feature

Credits: @lovethemusical + @ginasam + Absolut Shinhwa

[11.04.18] Interview with Hedwig’s Kim Dongwan: I’m not what you imagine me to be (1/2)

In 2008, with military enlistment impending, he said, “I want to go to the army as soon as possible.” At that time, 30-year-old Kim Dongwan looked at me as if he was tired of his 10 years in showbiz, looking forward to the time when he can pay more attention only to himself. 2 years have passed in a flash, as a member of the everlasting Shinhwa, talented Kim Dongwan is preparing to stand in front of us as a musical actor. How has he changed before he decided on taking up this brand new challenge? Kim Dongwan gives his first interview about the musical.

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“Hedwig” is the triathlon of the musical world?

The news of Kim Dongwan in musicals, and particularly “Hedwig” was a surprising piece of news to many people.

Because I’m a singer and an actor, I had a strange preconception of “I can sing only on stage, and I can act only in dramas and movies”. While I wanted to do both, I didn’t want to, because musicals are difficult.

In the case of the homosexual role in “Hedwig”, I wanted to try doing it, and it’s a role that’s difficult to play and difficult to understand. This piece of work is a little like the triathlon of the musical world. Yes, I might get picked on if I do this, but I went ahead with it anyway. After I received the proposal, I pondered over it for just 2 days and I asked to be given the role.

Hedwig is not an ordinary role. It’s difficult to just label him as a transgender. He’s really complex. John Cameron Mitchell is really attractive and complex as a person. Many outstanding actors have taken up the role before, and the musical has also been made into a movie before. I’m still at the stage of finding out what Hedwig is as a character.

Have you watched previous performances?

Although I’ve been very interested, I haven’t watched it before. When I started to prepare for the show, I felt that it was a really good thing that I haven’t watched it before, as I won’t end up imitating anyone. But now I’m searching for videos to watch. (laughs) I’m regretting it, ah, the things I have to watch… There seems to be a lot.

This is your first musical, you must be excited and nervous at the same time.

I think my strength has always my confidence, but when it comes to the musical, it becomes reckless confidence. There are many things to think through. The director says that acting is a technique. As you do it repeatedly, you get more familiar with it and you become an expert at this role. If you do it based on your feelings and to feel good, you’re less likely to succeed. I think she’s right.

Of course singers and idols all work very hard, but the energy they get from the audience when they’re on the stage; and their naturally endowed attributes give them much popularity, but in the case of musicals, if we’re not fully prepared, it will be difficult to even receive recognition. The drop in popularity will be detected.

Don’t all the different types of stage and performing experience help?

I’ve been a singer, I’ve acted in dramas, and I’ve done things here and there, isn’t it all for the sake of being able to be in a musical? (laughs) It all helps. In the case of Hedwig, it feels like you’re doing your own show. Because it’s a monodrama, I’ll have to keep speaking to the audience and observe their reactions. My experiences as an MC and radio DJ will come in handy.

To transform yourself into Hedwig, what kind of external and internal preparations are you making? Rumor has it that you said that you wanted to “get rid of your muscles”.

I haven’t been able to get rid of my muscles (laughs). I exercised to get rid of them, but I ended gaining more muscle mass. Since I got rid of my excess fats, my body looks even more defined now (laughs). I’m trying my best to lose the weight from my face, so that I can look more feminine when I dress up, while I’ll go with a muscular body. That’s all.

I picked up some of Harisu’s gestures, and asked for advice in transgender forums. But then again Hedwig isn’t completely transgender either. Gradually I’m feeling the differences.

I’m curious about what the reactions, including that of the Shinhwa members, to “Kim Dongwan starring in a musical”. Andy is actually your senior when it comes to musicals.

They’re not really paying much attention (laughs). Because I haven’t been meeting up with people very often. I haven’t seen any of Andy’s performances. Although there are many works of beauty and happiness, these are not where my interest lies (laughs). That’s why I want to do this even more. Because you don’t get to realize this kind of work through dramas.

The music of “Hedwig” has a very strong sense of individuality. The genre of rock is different from the songs that Kim Dongwan the singer has sung before.

It has a very famous OST. I like it very much. The person who wrote these songs seem to like Kurt Cobain. There are many of his stories and the style is similar too. There are stories of Phil Collins too, but with Radiohead’s style. The taste in music is very similar to mine.

When I was in high school, I formed a Nirvana copy band called “Impact”. And I originally entered SM Entertainment as a bass guitarist for a band called “Bad Boys”, but Mr Lee Soo Man said, “You’re more suited to be an idol”. I told him, “I want to be in a band, I’m not suited to be an idol”, but then when I saw the videos of the other Shinhwa members, they were really awesome. So I told him, “I’ll work hard (to be an idol)”.” (laughs)

What is your favorite song in the musical?
“Wicked Little Town”. There seems to be a lot of emotions in the flow of the song. I’m also drawn to the message in “Origin of Love”.

(to be continued)
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Credits: PlayDB + Absolut Shinhwa

The original English versions of the songs Dongwan mentioned:

Wicked Little Town (movie version)


Origin of Love (movie version)

[11.04.15] BTS pics: The Hedwig cast at a photoshoot

Click on picture to enlarge

see picture for credit + Absolut shinhwa

[11.04.15] Eric to release a mini-album in 2nd half of the year

Discharged from military service in October last year, Shinhwa member Eric will return to the music scene with a mini-album in the 2nd half of this year.

Eric’s management company Top Class Entertainment told Star News on 15th April, “Eric is slated to release his mini-album in the 2nd half of this year. This album will be of high quality and in order to showcase this, we are now making thorough preparations.”

As part of Shinhwa, Eric last released the group’s 9th album in 2008, and this will be his return to this music scene after 3 years. Top Class Entertainment and Eric are committed to put in their best efforts behind this mini-album.

On top of his Shinhwa activities, Eric has also been featuring on tracks for other acquainted singers. However, this will be the first time that he will be actually releasing an album as a singer.

A rep from Top Class Entertainment said, “We’re now at the conceptualization stage for the album. We will showcase songs with a high level of quality.”

According to the rep, this mini-album will be a gift from Eric to his fans, as fans were unable to see Eric in action due to his military obligations, and he hopes to let the fans see more of him in activities now.

On the other hand, the production of Eric’s comeback drama “Poseidon”, which was slated to air on SBS, has been temporarily put on hold, effectively delaying his return to showbiz.

Credits: Star News + Absolut Shinhwa

[11.04.12] News pics: Eric at the VIP screening of “Sleeping With The Enemy”

see pictures for credit + Absolut Shinhwa

[11.04.11] Pics: Dongwan for PlayDB (‘Hedwig’)

Credits: PlayDB + Absolut Shinhwa

There is an interview that comes along with these photos – translation coming up soon.

[11.04.11] BTS pic: Dongwan in the waiting room for Night After Night

Credits: @sbsbambam + Absolut Shinhwa

If you can tune in live to SBS via TVAnts or TVU player, Dongwan’s episode airs today at 11.15pm (KST). Other guests include 2PM’s Taecyeon and Wooyoung, and 2AM’s Seulong.

[11.04.07] Chae Min Seo “Junjin and I broke up after 7 months” vs Junjin “We weren’t even in a relationship”

FOR REFERENCE: AN EXCERPT FROM THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE FROM ISPLUS

Chae Min Seo (30) and Junjin (31) have called it quits after 7 months.

The pair began a romantic relationship after being introduced through a mutual friend, and were seen on their dates at snack stalls in Apgujung. However they have split due to problems of busy schedules and differences in character.

Q: You broke up with Junjin?
A: Yes.

Q: When did you break up?
A: We recently decided to go our separate ways.

Q: We’re curious about the reason behind the breakup.
A: A while ago I was busy with the drama and the pictorial shoot. Jinnie-oppa, as you know, has limited activities due to his current status as a public service officer. We had some misunderstanding and though we talked things through, I think we neglected each other due to our schedules.

Q: Both of you are celebrities, you’re bound to encounter each other eventually.
A: We’re pretty cool about it, I don’t think there will be problems.

Q: What are your plans?
A: I’ll be greeting the viewers with a new project soon.

Source: http://isplus.live.joinsmsn.com/news/article/aid.asp?aid=4972222

Actress Chae Min Seo announced her ‘breakup’ with Junjin on 7th April in an interview, while Junjin’s management agency has expressed their displeasure and questioned the intentions of the interview.

A rep from Junjin’s management agency Open World Entertainment told OSEN in a phone interview, “We’ve already expressed our stand about the rumors last year, that the rumors weren’t true. We’d really like to know why they’re stating that they’ve broken up.”

“When the rumors came out in November, Junjin had already stated that they were just friends. As his management company, we clarified this publicly. Apparently they didn’t meet much as he is still serving his military duties. There shouldn’t have been any further problems, but we’re puzzled why this interview article suddenly came out.”

In another phone interview with Star News, Open World added, “We’re already stated that they were just friends, but now they’re supposed to have broken up. We’re really dumbfounded. Chae Min Seo is suddenly saying that they’ve “broken up”, we’re really confused. It’s nothing more than a senior-junior relationship.”

Chae Min Seo’s management agency said, “We can’t reach her right now, and we’re not too clear about the details because she doesn’t really talk about her private life.”

According to the interview article, Junjin and Chae Min Seo had broken up after 7 months due to conflicts in schedules and personalities.

Credits: ISPLUS + OSEN + Star News + Absolut Shinhwa

[11.04.07] Stars turn out for new celebrity football team FC MEN, led by JYJ’s Kim Junsu

Newly formed celebrity football team FC MEN (led by JYJ’s Kim Junsu) has attracted much attention for its star-studded squad list.

The team consists of football-loving singers, actors, comedians and models, and they have expressed, “We don’t just enjoy playing football, we also aim to actively participate in contributing back to society.”

Other than captain Kim Junsu, members include JYJ members Park Yoochun and Kim Jaejoong; SS501′s Kim Hyunjoong; Beast’s Yoon Doojoon and Lee Kikwang; 2AM’s Lee Changmin; Shinhwa’s Lee Minwoo; and celebrities such as Kim Junho, Im Joohwan and Lee Wan.

FC MEN will play their first tournament on April 15 in the “2011 Peace Starcup Celebrity Tournament”, up against other celebrity teams such as Superstars (led by actor Jung Junho), FC LIBERO (led by comedian Seo Kyung Suk) and MIRACLE FC (led by MC Kim Yong Man). The tournament will be held at Suwon World Cup stadium.

Credits: TV Report + Absolut Shinhwa

[11.04.07] Trailer: Andy, Lee Joonki, Lee Wan on KFN variety show “Force Map”

As some of you already know, Korean Forces Network (KFN) is Korea’s military TV network – and they’re introducing a new military variety show titled “Force Map”, which has a concept similar to “1 Night 2 Days” and “Infinity Challenge”. This programme will feature our Andy of course, alongside actors Lee Joonki and Lee Wan, as well as comedian Yang Se-chan.

First episode airs on 13 April. Expect lots of funny challenges and missions

Follow them on Twitter (http://twitter.com/forcemap) and visit their homepage (http://forcemap.tistory.com/) – lots of photos and some videos too!

For now, check out the trailer for the show:



credit: Absolut Shinhwa

[11.04.07] Eric’s “Poseidon” in crisis – drama may be aborted

The drama “Poseidon”, which initially attracted attention as Eric’s comeback project, is now on the verge of being aborted.

“Poseidon”, a drama based on the special ops team of the coast guard, had attracted much attention for its cast of Eric, Kim Kang Woo, Kim Ok Bin, U-Know Yunho and Jeon Hye Bin. Although principal filming started at the end of last year, filming was halted by the Yeonpyeong-do incident and bad weather. Although there were discussions with SBS to arrange for the drama to be broadcast in May, talks eventually fell through and the drama found its future left in the balance.

After this, there were talks of the main cast either dropping the drama or debating to drop the drama. Although Eric and the other cast members have completed filming for 20% of the first episode by the end of last year, the production company have announced that Kim Kang Woo and Kim Ok Bin have decided to drop the project. The other cast members are also in discussions to drop out.

A rep from Eric’s management company told Nocut News on the 6th, “Filming was supposed to have resumed in March but was delayed again. Right now we’re in a frustrating situation where we don’t know when filming will resume or when the drama will be scheduled for broadcast. We’ll have to wait for further advice from the production company.”

Although U-Know Yunho’s management has also expressed that he has yet to drop out of the project, but likewise he won’t be able to keep on waiting.

In response to this, a rep from the production company said, “It’s true that filming was to have resumed in March but was delayed. We’ll be organizing the schedules in April and discuss the filming schedules and broadcast date again. Right now the project has not been aborted. We’re also casting replacements for the actors who have dropped out. We’re also reorganizing the script.”

“Poseidon” was supposed to have taken over the Mon-Tue slot vacated by “Midas” in May, but was dropped in favor of “Sweet Scandal”. Since then the production company has been in talks with MBC but has not been able to secure a broadcast date.

Credits: Nocut News + Absolut Shinhwa

[11.04.05] Hyesung’s handwritten note to Japanese fans

I think the guys over at the Japanese site just locked it up…

Translation as follows:

To everyone in the Always Hyesung family
I hope to see smiles on your faces soon.

Pray for Japan….
Hyesung H·S

Credits: shinhyesung.tv + Absolut Shinhwa

[11.04.05] From Lee Jina’s Twitter: Heeheehee~ Our Hedwigs…

Credits: @ginasam + Absolut Shinhwa

[11.04.04] Eric’s Thailand fanmeeting – “Hello Again in Bangkok” on 21 May

ERIC 2011 FANMEETING “HELLO AGAIN IN BANGKOK”

Date/time: 21 May 2011, 5-7pm
Venue: Mahisorn Hall at SCB Park

Seating Plan


4,500 bahts – VIP ticket to attend press conference on May 20th + fanmeeting on May 21st with seating in Blue section + postcard from Eric + handshake
2,500 bahts – Pink section
1,500 bahts – Yellow section

Overseas fans can book their tickets by contacting either:
admin@ericmun-th.com or
ericmunthailand@hotmail.com

All tickets will be open for sale to the general public after April 10th.

Thanks to Phi for the info + Absolut Shinhwa

[11.04.01] From Lee Jina’s Twitter: Dongwan-dwig

Lee Jina’s the director of the musical ^^

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Dongwan-dwig, immersed in emotion…ㅋㅋ

To get rid of his six-pack that the others are so envious of.. Dongwan-dwig is starving himself and taking a break from exercising…

Credits: @ginasam + Absolut Shinhwa

[11.03.31] “Good job”, public service officer Junjin knocks off from work leisurely

Military service is an experience all Korean males have to go through. That includes celebrities as well. When male celebrities reach a certain age, they have to answer the nation’s call. Lately, most of the 1st-generation idols are serving their military duties.

In mid-Feb, this reporter was somewhere nearby the Gangnam District Office in the evening when he happened to see Shinhwa member Junjin, who is currently serving as a public service officer there, stepping out with some colleagues. Although his face was partially covered, his eyes still stood out as much as they always did.

Junjin was dressed in casual wear, very much unlike what he would wear on stage. He was wearing a beige jumper with a blue hoodie and a striped t-shirt, all comfortable and warm. Although he put on a cap and mask, probably conscious of the attention from passers-by, he was instantly recognisable from his long and slender frame.

The main highlight was his big bag. The brown leather bag that he was carrying emphasized on practicality. One could see his charm as Park Choongjae, and not Junjin the celebrity. As the weather was cold, he kept his hands tucked in his pockets, but even so he still seemed friendly and approachable.

Junjin seemed to have adapted very well to his job. Walking and chatting with his colleagues, they bade goodbye to one another. His life as a public service officer seems as fulfilling as his life in showbiz.

Junjin was designated as a public service officer after enlisting in Oct 2009. Fellow Shinhwa members Eric and Kim Dongwan have recently completed their military duties and returned to showbiz since then. We look forward to Junjin completing his duties and joining them in showbiz activities.

Credits: Dispatch + Absolut Shinhwa

[11.03.30] Pics: Eric at the MVIO fashion show (Seoul Fashion Week)

Click here to see more pictures of Eric at the Seoul Fashion Week

Picture credit: Yonhap News + Absolut Shinhwa

[11.03.30] Pics of the “Hedwig” cast

S


Credits: PlayDB + Absolut Shinhwa

[11.03.30] Dongwan’s “Hedwig” performance schedule

There are a total of 4 actors playing the role of Hedwig, so naturally we won’t have Dongwan doing it for every show.. For those who are lucky enough to catch Dongwan in action, here’s the schedule for his performances:

PERFORMANCE RUN
14 May 2011 to 21 August 2011

PERFORMANCE VENUE
KT&G Sang Sang Art Hall (Samseong Station, Exit 2)

TICKET SALES
Interpark 1544-1555 (ticket.interpark.com)
(*ticket sales open at 2pm on 31 Mar 2011)

TICKET PRICES
Weekdays & Sundays: Area R 60,000KRW / Area S 50,000KRW
Saturdays & public holidays: Area R 65,000KRW / Area S 55,000KRW

KIM DONGWAN
2011-05-14 (Sat): 3pm
2011-05-18 (Wed): 8pm
2011-05-20 (Fri): 7pm
2011-05-21 (Sat): 9pm
2011-05-25 (Wed): 8pm
2011-05-27 (Fri): 7pm
2011-05-28 (Sat): 9pm
2011-06-1 (Wed): 8pm
2011-06-3 (Fri): 7pm
2011-06-4 (Sat): 9pm
2011-06-8 (Wed): 8pm
2011-06-10 (Fri): 7pm
2011-06-11 (Sat): 9pm

Credits: Interpark + Absolut Shinhwa

[11.03.28] Liveworks notice: Kim Dongwan cast in the musical “Hedwig”

DONGWAN IN HEDWIG…!!! How i wish I can watch !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This role has some really illustrious casting history – it was played before by Uhm Ki-joon (Kang Oh Hyuk in Dream High), Cho Seung Woo and Yoon Do Hyun… WOW! And now we’ve got Wannie!!!! Here’s a video of Yoon Do Hyun’s take on Hedwig.. Awesome stuff!


==========================================
Hello, this is Liveworks Company.
We’ll be sharing with you some long-awaited news about Kim Dongwan’s upcoming acting projects.

Kim Dongwan has been cast in the lead role of the 2011 edition of the musical “Hedwig”, which will begin its run from this coming May.

The first run of the musical “Hedwig” in Korea took place in 2005 and has enjoyed immense popularity since then,
And news related to the casting for the 2011 edition of “Hedwig” are expected to be officially released tomorrow.

Regarded as the rarest and most unique character in musical history, being able to play the role of “Hedwig” is more enviable and attractive than being cast in any other musical, play or even movie.

Please look forward to the Kim Dongwan-style “Hedwig”, which looks set to become a brand new sensation in the musical world in 2011.
In addition, we’re working towards letting you see Kim Dongwan in a drama and other projects in the second half of the year.

Thank you.

PERFORMANCE DATES
2011.05.14 (Sat)~2011.08.21 (Sun)

PERFORMANCE VENUE
KT&G Sangsang Art Hall (Samseong Station, Exit 2)

TICKET SALES
Interpark 1544-1555 ticket.interpark.com
(Ticket sales open on 31 March at 2pm)

PRODUCED BY
SHOWNOTE, CJ E&M

CAST
HEDWIG: Kim Dongwan, Choi Jae Young, Jo Jung Suk, Kim Jae Wook
YITZHAK: Lee Young Mi, Jeon Hye Sun, Choi Woo Ri
THE ANGRY INCH BAND: Lee Joon, Kim Min Ki, Chae Je Min, Zakky, Seo Jae Hyuk, Choi Ki Ho, Kang Woon Hee, Lee Joon Hee

Credits: Liveworks + Absolut Shinhwa

[11.03.27] Pics: Junjin’s recent selcas

Credits: Shinhwa Baidu Bar + Absolut Shinhwa

[11.03.26] Scans: Dongwan in a Japanese magazine

Credits: Yoenin + Absolut Shinhwa