JANG Keun Suk has proven to be the most buzz-producing Hallyu star online during the first half of this year in Taiwan.

According to data released by Yahoo! Taiwan, Jang has been chosen as the most searched Korean male celebrity this year on Taiwan’s portal website Yahoo-Kimo.

In 2010, he won Asia Buzz Award’s top Asian star category based on data compiled by the website from South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Indonesia.

Last year, he took home another trophy from the web portal after being voted as the top searched single Korean artiste.

The next four positions were taken up by singer-actor Kim Hyun-joong, Park Yu-chun, Lee Min-ho and Kim Su-hyun.

Jang agency YTree Media said in a press release that the premiere of his drama Love Rain (KBS, 2012) on Taiwan’s GTV has enhanced his popularity in the country.

Aside from his acting career, Jang has also been focusing on his music activities rolling out new albums as a member of Team H and promoting himself through his signature Asia tour The CRI Show 2.

He is set to hold the large-scale concert in Shanghai, China, on Aug 11 and two shows in Taipei, Taiwan, on Sept 1 and 2. – Reuters

Jay Park scores gold

K-POP singer Jay Park has become the first Asian artiste to achieve the gold status with a mixtape.

His agency Sidus HQ said in a press release that his latest album Fresh A!r: Breathe !t has earned the gold title after reaching over 100,000 downloads on DatPiff, one of the biggest mixtape distribution platforms in the United States.

The officials noted that Park is the first Asian artiste to achieve the record-breaking feat without any promotional events.

All six tracks listed in the project album by the American-born Korean singer are written and composed by Park himself. Covering various genres from R&B to hip-hop, Fresh A!r: Breathe !t was rolled out for free in May as a token of appreciation for his fans.

His landmark mixtape album will be recorded alongside artistes that have achieved the gold status on the website, such as Kanye West, Lil Wayne and 50 Cent.

The K-Pop star was last seen sharing the stage with pop sensation Justin Bieber at MTV’s World Stage Live in Malaysia on July 15.

Bringing more good news to his Asian fans, he will kick off his New Breed Asia Tour in Seoul on Aug 18. – Reuters

Roaring return

SINGER-actor Kim Hyun-joong has hinted that his upcoming TV series City Conquest is more than just a love story.

The drama’s promoter Feel Boy Entertainment unveiled still shots of Kim on a motorcycle, donned in black jacket and jeans.

The officials said special effects directors from KBS’ blockbuster series Iris (2009) were in charge of directing the action scenes and they blew up two cars during the shoot.

“We’re keeping the scenes and storyline top secret, with lots of surprises to be revealed soon,” said a rep from the production company.

Helmed by director Yang Yun-ho, Kim will play a strong independent character named Baek Mir who faces difficulties as an orphan.

Co-starring Jung Yu-mi and Nam Goong-min, the noir drama will be released later in the year.

Kim made his debut as a member of K-Pop group SS501 in 2005. He has been pursuing his career as an actor starring in the hit series Boys Over Flowers, (2009) and Naughty Kiss (2010).

He has also cemented his career as a Hallyu solo singer in many Asian countries with a few albums under his belt. – Reuters

Chart topper

SUPER Junior’s Sexy, Free & Single, the new title track from its sixth full-length album, was announced as the Song of the Week on M! CountDown on July 19.

“It was a long process in making Sexy, Free & Single and we thank our managers and everyone at SM Entertainment for helping us,” said Super Junior Ryeowook.

He added that the group extends its love and gratitude to E.L.Fs (the official name of Super Junior’s fan club).

Released on July 1, the 11-track set topped the Goan album chart for two consecutive weeks.

The title track was also top on the Korean Top 100 Singles Chart of Taiwan and Hong Kong’s KKBOX.

Adding to its already impressive achievements, Super Junior has continued its winning streak on the Taiwanese chart with the electronic tune and marked its 111th week reign. – Reuters

Japanese musical

KANG-in of iconic K-Pop group Super Junior has confirmed his role in the Japanese production of musical Goong.

A rep with SM Entertainment said that Kang-in signed on to play the role of Lee Shin in the Japanese version of Goong, that will be staged at U-Port Hall in Tokyo starting Sept 1.

Adapted from the popular comic book of the same title by Park So-hee, Goong was previously adapted into MBC’s TV series starring Yoon Eun-hye and Ju Ji-hoon in 2006.

With the popularity of the drama, the broadcaster aired a sequel, Goong S, the following year, featuring singer Se7en and Heo Yi-jae.

The musical version was first staged in September 2010 at the National Museum of Korea directed by Group 8, which is famous for reproducing popular TV dramas into musicals, such as Boys Over Flowers (KBS, 2009) and Naughty Kiss (MBC, 2010).

In South Korea, top idols U-Know Yunho of TVXQ! and Kim Kyu-jong of SS501 had performed previously as the male lead in the musical Goong, 2010 and 2011, respectively. – Reuters

Kye-sang in Acting Class

YOON Kye-sang will return to the big screen after a year-long hiatus. Yoon’s agency A-List Entertainment said in a press release that he will be playing the male lead in Acting Class.

In the movie scheduled to be filmed in September, Yoon plays an actor who has to portray a mentally challenged person from a wealthy, conglomerate-owning family.

“The scenario was really fun when I read it for the first time. I appreciate being cast in such an amazing project. I’m a bit worried if I can portray the character well, but I will do my best,” said Yoon.

Meanwhile, Yoon underwent surgery for a back injury last month and is now on the road to recovery.

After making his acting debut in film Flying Boys (2004), the idol-turned-actor was recognised as one of the most promising amateur actors in the silver screen and on TV. His recent movies include Come, Closer (2010) and Poongsan (2011). – Reuters

K-Pop acts in LA

SOME of the most popular K-Pop idol groups will soon hit the road to bring thrilling moments to their fans in the United States, according to the event’s organiser Jau Entertainment.

Girl’s Generation, 2PM, 2AM, CNblue, Kara, Sistar, Secret, Shinee and MBLAQ will share the stage at the 2012 K-Pop Super Concert In America, at Los Angeles’ Home Deport Centre on Aug 10.

The show at the 27,000-seat venue is expected to attract the biggest number of people among all K-Pop concerts in North America.

The show’s co-organiser and Korean broadcaster SBS will later air the concert on its channel.

K-Pop artistes holding exclusive or joint concerts in the United States are the norm as a growing number of idol groups are moving into overseas music markets to meet fans’ strong support.

YG Entertainment’s labelmates Big Bang and 2NE1 are also scheduled to host concerts in the United States as a part of their grand world tour in the upcoming months. – Reuters

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