Daily K Pop News

[news] SouthEast Asian Fake groups on Kpop groups? Who are they?
[Audio] Second B2ST Beautiful Teaser Released
[Video] Oh!My School- Hongki Graph Eng Subbed
[NEWS] You Can Meet 2PM! A DVD With a Dream of a Ticket Enclosed
[News] Khuntoria Couple revealed their newlywed house!
[News] Nichkhun forgot his 100th anniversary with Victoria
[Video] SNSD Hoot MV BTS video!
[Vide] Why Did Taiwan Media Not Manage To Probe Anything From SHINee
[Info] Info on G-Dragon's G-Market MV/CF + New Pics
[News] Girl's Day, an unpolished jade indeed
[videos]101030 We Got Married [Eng Subbed], 2PM (Khun), 2AM (Jinwoon, Seulong)
[News] 4Minute JiHyun to act in SBS drama 'It's Ok, Father's Daughter'
[News] Sistar is Coming Back!
[NEWS] 3 reasons behind K-Pop girl groups' success in Japan
[Videos] Today's Episode of Music Core
[News] F.T Island's Official Shop
[News] Find a Golden Ticket In Your Album & Meet ...
[Video] Girls' Day comeback with Nothing Lasts Forever on Music Core!
[NEWS] Big Bang’s clothes to be auctioned for charity
[Video] VNT debuted with Sound on Music Core!
[News] Lee Joon talks about Onew again!
[TRANS] 2PM Countdown to Japan Debut #6, Taecyeon
[Info] An Exclusive Soompi Interview with SHINee!
[SHOW][101030] KBS Oh My School (Eng Subbed), Taecyeon
[TWITTER] 101105 Mika's Tweet

[news] SouthEast Asian Fake groups on Kpop groups? Who are they?

Posted: 06 Nov 2010 06:30 AM PDT

The issue of "fake groups" are becoming the spotlight on internet sites.

On the 6th of November episode of KBS 2TV "entertainment tonight" the topic was about "Fake Groups", these are fake groups from other oversea's countries imitating korean groups.

A culture expert said, "South Korea has evolved so much along with singers and musicians worked hard to make good songs for their albums. Therefore, countries who are not much equipped with such seem to imitate groups from Korea."

From other SouthEast Countries like Thailand, Cambodia, China and Taiwan, these "Fake Groups have emerged, such as Candy Mafia imitating 2ne1, Super Boy which is a parody group imitating Super Junior, OkBang imitating Big Bang, imitating other idols from SNSD to SHINee also.

Especially in Cambodia, a group imitates SHINee's concept even copies their song "Rind Ding Dong" perfectly.

However, regarding this issue, the pop culture expert said, "These fake groups are just following the Hallyu wave and what's popular" Suggesting that these acts are positive feedback on the hallyu wave.

Source: Newsen + Nate
Credits: Blueprincess824 @ dkpopnews.net

[Audio] Second B2ST Beautiful Teaser Released

Posted: 06 Nov 2010 05:39 AM PDT

As yesterday first audio teaser of B2ST Beautiful released, second audio teaser has been released.B2ST's 4th Mini Album 'Lights Go On Again' will be release on 9th November!

Listen to the second audio teaser now!

Credits : TWBTY@Youtube

[Video] Oh!My School- Hongki Graph Eng Subbed

Posted: 06 Nov 2010 05:01 AM PDT

Oh!My School first episode, FT Island Hongki revealed his 'up and down life' graph.
During his graph, he mentioned 'lab rats' and 'strong lab rats'. Are you ready to
know what he means? Check out the eng subbed video!

What do you think of his graph ?
Credits :HongkiMusicWorld2

[NEWS] You Can Meet 2PM! A DVD With a Dream of a Ticket Enclosed

Posted: 06 Nov 2010 04:33 AM PDT

The popular Korean, 6-membered male group, 2PM will carry out their DVD release and debut in Japan on the 24th of this month. It was revealed on Nov. 4th that they will invite six fans backstage to their event at Tokyo Ryokoku Kokugikan (famous hall of Sumo in Tokyo) on December 8th.

Carrying the sign of "Korea's Strongest Artists" along with the nickname of "Beast Idols" on their back, 2PM's landing in Japan is an ultra-surprising present.

Their Debut DVD, "Hottest~2PM, 1st MUSIC VIDEO COLLECTION & The History~" has quickly broken through with 13,000 pre-orders (from music stores, etc.). Upon receiving these pre-orders, the agency, Ariola Japan, hurriedly increased their initial consignment (number of DVDs) to 30,000. For a K-Pop artists' debut DVD, these are very exceptional figures.

SNSD's debut DVD, that was released this August, recorded 23,000 sales in its first week but there is a possibility that 2PM will exceed that. Because of this, increasing the debut events from the initial one event to multiple events is under consideration.

The reverberation of having exceeded expectations was transmitted to the members in Korea and the greatly impressed 6 members proposed a surprise plan. It was decided that within the first, limited, 30,000 DVDs, 6 golden tickets (a normal ticket is black) will be enclosed and on the day of the event, the winners will receive the dream-like present of being invited backstage.

Their new song, published in Korea last month, on the 12th, monopolized the number 1 spot on the charts immediately after being released to the public. When unveiled on YouTube, the music video broke through with approximately 2,000,000 hits, thus displaying the great efforts befitting of their reputation a Korea's Number 1 Group. That being the case, it is not doubtful that the song will surpass platinum status.

One of the members, Nichkhun (22) said in a message, "I want to go to Japan quickly and meet all our fans." Taecyeon (21) is also looking forward to their arrival in Japan saying, "When we go to Japan, we will work hard so that you can our HOT performances. I'll be very happy if we can all unite during these performances!"

Source: Sanspo.com
Translated by oraday @ W2D

[News] Khuntoria Couple revealed their newlywed house!

Posted: 06 Nov 2010 03:50 AM PDT

Nichkhun and Victoria revealed their luxurious newlywed house

on WGM that broadcasted on 6th November 2010, Victoria and nichkhun moved to their new house on their 100th Day anniversary. Their newlywed house looks so pretty and cozy.

This cute 'khuntoria' couple celebrates their 100th day anniversary by moving to their newlywed house. the WGM crew gave the address of the newlywed house. So, the beautiful white house waiting for them and yes, it is their newlywed house.

The new house is decorated nicely, the bathroom looks so pretty and give the cozy feeling to Victoria. looks like she loves the new home.

And then, khuntoria went to their kitchen to make ramyun, victoria helped nichkhun to put the apron on nichkhun, and they ate the ramyun in their new house, victoria even said 'Thank you' to nichkhun

Source: Osen via Nate
Trans : Yurisistable @ SMTownJjang
Edited : hellohazel @ SMTownJjang
TAKE OUT WITH FULL CREDITS

[News] Nichkhun forgot his 100th anniversary with Victoria

Posted: 06 Nov 2010 03:49 AM PDT

2pm Nichkhun forgot his 100th anniversary with Vic.

MBC WGM on Nov 6th aired Victoria and Nichkhun's running away trip.

On that day, Victoria asked khun "Do you know what a special day it is today?"，making khun flustered and replied" 3 month? 100th day?". Finally he revealed the fact that he forgot their 100th day anniversary.

And in the blackroom interview, nichkhun made the excuse" there is no such event in thai'，but he also expressed that he felt apologetic

Furthermore, after having shellfish dinner, Nichkhun and Victoria went back to Seoul a few hours before their 100th day's coming. Having no plan and being in a casual style trip, they didn't know the final destination, and WGM staff prepared their new house for the couple to celebrate their 100th anniversary.

@cr：胃痛就吃四大叔@winnie bar. English translations by Joe@khuntorialurve
Shared by hellohazel @ smtownjjang
Take out with full credit!

[Video] SNSD Hoot MV BTS video!

Posted: 06 Nov 2010 03:15 AM PDT

SNSD made their comeback with new hit song HOOT recently.Take a look at the makings of the MV here

[Vide] Why Did Taiwan Media Not Manage To Probe Anything From SHINee

Posted: 06 Nov 2010 03:25 AM PDT

Taiwan being one of the countries who manages to probes something out of all their stars, I have personally been wondering why I have not heard anything about JongKyung relationship.

This video explains alot. Reporting on the Press Conference SHINee held in Taiwan recently, all media were told that there were 3 big NO to the Press Conference.

No questioning on Jonghyun's relationship matters
No asking of questions from the media
No asking of questions about the fan meet

Which was kind of ironic actually since all they had to do was just state that there will be no questioning. And questions from the host were probably censored and pretty boring as stated in the video causing the atmosphere of the Press Conference to become awkward. Even questions when questions from the fan meet were asked, the members only gave out vague answers, which does not really answer the question.

However at the end of the Press Conference, Key mentioned that their track Hello was actually a confession. In response Jonghyun had a small smile on his face as though confirming Key's statement and the media were speculating if it was actually used as a confession to Shin Se Kyung.

They also mentioned that since the Jongkyung relationship is a topic interested by practically everyone in Asia, obviously they would not have a formal question and answer session in Taiwan.

Credits: egg101027, linda@dkpopnews.net

[Info] Info on G-Dragon's G-Market MV/CF + New Pics

Posted: 06 Nov 2010 03:05 AM PDT

The full MV will be released with the CF within the coming week. The music file for the song will be free. Articles about G-Dragon modeling for G-Market will be released next week with the release of the CF. (Making film of G-Dragon's CF with G-Market was posted earlier here.)

Sources: G-Market PR via 늘처음처럼 + Beau @ bbvipz (translation)

Photos: DCGD + Gilbakk

[News] Girl's Day, an unpolished jade indeed

Posted: 06 Nov 2010 02:53 AM PDT

Girl's Day, whom had received negative comments since their debut, is an unpolished jade indeed. What does it mean by that? A jade is a very precious item and only after it has been polished then it will shine. Girl's day is just like an unpolished jade in which will shine brightly, more than what people could imagine after it has been polished.

They made their comeback on KBS Music Bank and has received positive comments about their live performance.
In an interview right after their comeback performance, Sojin stated,'It's our comeback stage, but we're thinking of it as our debut stage. It was extremely nerve-wrecking, but we think we did okay. I'm glad that our fans enjoyed it as well. All I can think of right now is how thankful I am for everything. My heart's beating so fast.'

Minah, the maknae turned unnie commented about their debut, saying, 'We were really upset at the time. There was so much pressure that we weren't able to show off all our skills, and because we tried to do too well, our actions seemed kind of exaggerated. We cried a lot after reviewing the performances.'

The leader Sojin then continued,'A performance is a performance, but we adopted the mentality that a singer is someone who must sing well; listeners should immediately tell who the person is with just their voice. We became determined to exhibit our own musical style.'

The rookie group also went through a change in members as former members Jisun and Jiin bid farewell to the group to further their music studies and acting skills respectively. Although a pity, the group also added two new members, Yura and Hyeri, who gave the group a fresher and more appealing image. The group tried their best in variety shows, most notably MBC Bouquet, the show that helped the girls showcase their talents.

The new members also commented about their comeback song.
Hyeri said, 'We worried a lot in the beginning since we didn't train for that long, and we're still lacking a lot. At the same time, we were also hungry in wanting to give everything we had into the song. Thanks to the unnies that supported us, it feels like I took a step forward.'

Yura added, 'We're still going through image training every day. I hope that fans enjoy watching me grow since I promise to always show improvements.'

Sojin concluded, 'From here on out, we'll continue to improve. We may still be lacking, but we'd like our fans to anticipate the best for us. Please call us the 'selfish idols' that hopes to become'national idols,' 'pet idols,' and even 'perfect idols' (laughter).'

They released a dance practice video and that has interest many netizens.
Netizens gave comments like,' Wow. Their dance moves are so great, strong and sharp.'Netizens also posted a video where the background music has been removed and comments were given,' Better than expected, 100% better than expected.'

Their live performance was a little breathless but putting into consideration that they had 'jumping' dance moves, it was better than expected.
Check out the videos now!

Credits: TV report
Fully reported by Ting18♥@ dailykpopnews
Take out with full credits

[videos]101030 We Got Married [Eng Subbed], 2PM (Khun), 2AM (Jinwoon, Seulong)

Posted: 06 Nov 2010 02:14 AM PDT

[W2D] 101030 Int'l Wedding Ep. 19 1/2 [Eng Subbed]
Uploaded by wild2day. - Discover more animal videos.

[W2D] 101030 Int'l Wedding Ep. 19 2/2 [Eng Subbed]
Uploaded by wild2day. - Watch original web videos.
Translated by crystalheng @ W2D
Subbed by empired, Sensayshun, khy127 @ W2D
Do not reupload subbed material. Streaming links MAY be distributed.

[News] 4Minute JiHyun to act in SBS drama 'It's Ok, Father's Daughter'

Posted: 06 Nov 2010 01:55 AM PDT

JiHyun will be casted in the SBS drama 'It's Ok, Father's Daughter'. The drama talks about a father's sudden death from an accident, the fall of the household and the story of the daughter who realised the sacrifices the father has done to the family and her subsequent selfless attempts to support the family.

Actors include Super Junior's DongHae, Baby V.O.X.'s Lee HeeJin, CNBlue's Kang MinHyuk, and of course 4Minute's Nam JiHyun. With the addition of GangSung who has sung the theme song for drama 'Rustic Period', there will be 5 singers in total acting in the drama.

The premiere episode will be aired on 22nd November, subsequent episodes will be aired every Monday and Tuesday, 8:55PM KST.

Source: Daum + Baidu
Translation + Reporting: kueensora@4-minute.com

[News] Sistar is Coming Back!

Posted: 06 Nov 2010 01:55 AM PDT

RealOne_(brave sound producer) tweeted yesterday that SISTAR's new single will be released soon! It's realone so definitely it's another brave sound song!
Hopefully this will be another hit just like push push and shady girl.

씨스타 세번째 싱글앨범 녹음기간! 사정상 일할 때 밖에 못보지만 애들이 밝고 착해서 좋다. Sistar's new single will be released soon!

Translation
It's the recording time for SISTAR's third single! I only got to see them when they were working for assessments, but I like them because they are bright and kind. Sistar's new single will be released soon!

Today, realone tweeted a picture of Bora practicing her rap parts at bravestudio!

씨스타 세번째 싱글 수록곡 녹음 준비 중! 랩 파트 연습 중인 보라! at Bravestudio

Translation
Preparing to record Sistar's third single title song! Bora who is practicing her rap! at Bravestudio!

source:4hipstar

[NEWS] 3 reasons behind K-Pop girl groups' success in Japan

Posted: 06 Nov 2010 01:51 AM PDT

As Korean idol groups are currently invading Japan, the 'hallyu' (Korean Wave) which was once led by Korean dramas at the start of 21st centuary is now led by idol groups.

Girl groups, especially SNSD, Kara and 4Minute are bringing in the new round of hallyu. On 26th October, SNSD earned themselves a first placing on the Oricon chart with Gee despite only debuting for 2 months. As a foreign girl group, this is the best result after 30 years since 1980 when English female group Nolans won the 2nd place. Kara, who has debuted a month before SNSD, was also 2nd on Oricon, proving the exceptional capabilities of Korean girl groups.

Reporters have analysed the secrets to success of "Idol Hallyu" in reference to the interview with SNSD on 2nd November.

1. Global Network

In the past, Korean idols like DBSK and BoA have entered the Japanese market through localising their songs to suit the taste of Japanese fans. This has changed lately. Idols now directly bring their popular songs to Japan from Korea. Their songs have already been familiar to Japanese fans through video hosting websites like Youtube. During showcases, the fans can even sing along in Korean. Japanese fans now like the original Korean flavour more. In fact, the number of fans from North America, Europe and South America using Youtube to know more about K-Pop is accelerating. TIME magazine has also stated that "K-Pop is being spread to previously isolated American and European markets through community media such as Youtube and Twitter".

2. K-Pop Style

The basic motor that drives hallyu is its difference in style from Japanese girl groups. In terms of singing and dancing, Japanese girls tend to express the cute teenage girl image. In addition, Korean girl groups dance vigorously and give amazing live singing performances. Their fashion, hairstyles and other features are also very unique. With a strong female image that is absent in Japan, it is easy to be unforgettable. Their Hip Hop, R&B and dances also absorb the essence of American and European music, creating a K-Pop of Eastern taste. This is just what it takes to meet the needs of picky Japanese fans.

The director of Universal Japan commented in a Fuji TV interview,"Korean idol groups have reached a point of perfection in 5 areas, namely songs, singing, dancing, visuals, and entertainment. Such combination is not seen in Japan."

3. Idol System in Korea

Korean idols endure a long polishing process before they become "branded products". The strategy used is a business model of achieving success in Korea before exporting overseas:

Planning (as a trainee) → Product Display (debut) → Promotion (appear on TV shows) → Exportation(expanding to overseas markets)

Foreign languages learnt during training period can also come in handy at overseas promotions. In Korea, participating in variety shows, dramas, etc have also contributed to the quality of the celebrities' overall development in entertainment skills.

Source: Joins
Translation + Editing: kueensora @ 4minute.com

[Videos] Today's Episode of Music Core

Posted: 06 Nov 2010 01:54 AM PDT

There were many exciting performances on today's episode of Music Core, a few of the appearances includes 2PM, SNSD and Co-ed. Check out the performances below!

(View Girl's Day's comeback here
View VNT's debut here)

SeoRo with Studio Apartment - Beautiful Fantasy

Supreme Team - Then Then Then

Co-Ed School - Bbiribbom Bberibbom

Younha - One Shot

Lim Jeong Hee - It Can't Be Real

Nine Muses - Ladies

Nine-member group Nine Muses once again perform their follow-up song Ladies, after No Playboy.

U-Kiss - Shut Up!

U-Kiss's fierce performance of Shut Up! shows a manly side of the U-Kiss members.

2AM - You Wouldn't Answer My Calls

This song is a melodious ballad from 2AM's recent albom, Saint O' Clock.

Rainbow - Mach

Miss A - Breathe

This will be Miss A's goodbye stage before they go on to have activities in China.

SG WannaBe - Sunflower

Ballad trio SG WannaBe have recently made their comeback with their track 'Sunflower'.

2PM - I'll Be Back

'I'll Be Back' is a catchy song with unique dance moves.

Psy and 2PM - Right Now

SNSD - Hoot

SNSD has recently made their comeback with their song 'Hoot', which has a concept of 'troublesome spies'.

Today's episode was rather colourful and melodious don't you think?

Vid Cr: CrazyCarrot270

[News] F.T Island's Official Shop

Posted: 06 Nov 2010 01:41 AM PDT

5 member Korean rock band FTIsland debuted in Japan in May. They opened their first official shop in Japan in Tokyo's Shibuya PARCO Part 3 for a limited period of time. CDs are there as well as items you can only find on their official homepage like the member's eye masks (880 yen/11USD), 12 set Polaroids (1650 yen/20USD), etc. You can buy all sorts of popular goods. Korean fans are also rushing to the shop. The limited edition shop closes on the 21st.

Translated by: gator_yoong
Source: Sanspo

[News] Find a Golden Ticket In Your Album & Meet ...

Posted: 06 Nov 2010 01:36 AM PDT

Korean group 2PM will have their Japan debut through the release of their DVD "Hottest~2PM 1st MUSIC VIDEO COLLECTION & The History~" on November 24th. A month before the release and this work has already exceeded over 12,000 pre-orders!

This DVD features 7 of their Korean music videos and a history documentary video. The first press limited edition includes a DVD as well as a 50~100 page photoalbum. A ticket to attend their Platinum Showcase Live on December 8th is also included. Furthermore, Judging from the current situation, it's no joke that at this rate they will ship out more than 30,000 pre-order copies. The Sales Agency Ariola Japan has already increased the number of discs being produced. The CD Shops are also saying, "It seems likely that their pre-orders will even exceed SNSD's."

Also, the First Press Limited Edition version of the DVD has now included a "backstage" complimentary ticket to the showcase live. The event ticket is black and the backstage ticket is gold. There are only 6 golden tickets included at random, so definitely check your copy!

[Comments from 2PM]

Taecyeon: Just from this, you guys have shown your love and I'm really happy and thankful. I'll do my best to show our fans a "HOT" performance when we get to Japan. I'm really looking forward to this special event at the Ryougoku Kokugikan. I'm happy we can become one with all of our fans at the Ryougoku Kokugikan.

Chansung: I'll user all of my power to show a 2PM-like image. I think we can all have a great time together.

Nickhun: I want to show 2PM's original style to everyone in Japan. I heard about the pre-orders for our Japanese debut DVD, I somehow feel like it's a miracle. I want to go to Japan soon and meet the fans up-close.

Wooyoung: I'm so happy that everyone in Japan has an interest in us. The closer we get to our Japanese debut, I get more and more nervous every day. Please look forward to our Japanese activities. It's a great privilege. I want the day to come where I can stand before our Japanese fans.

Junsu: I'm really happy that so many people have an interest in us, but I also feel a bit of pressure. I want to do my very best so I don't disappoint everyone. This is a great privilege. Japanese fans have sent us letters and are looking forward to us, they're kind. Please look forward to us.

Junho: I'll do my best to impress all of you. I want to respond to the love that everyone has given us!

[TL Note: Pre-orders are more like pre-order shipments from the shops, not necessarily items bought or pre-ordered by fans yet. It does, however, show the interest in 2PM.]

Translated by: gator_yoong
Sources: CDJournal & Searchina JP

[Video] Girls' Day comeback with Nothing Lasts Forever on Music Core!

Posted: 06 Nov 2010 12:41 AM PDT

Girls' Day made their comeback on Music Core with new song Nothing Lasts Forever.

The girls have become more matured to suit the image of their new song,enjoy their comeback stage here

[NEWS] Big Bang’s clothes to be auctioned for charity

Posted: 06 Nov 2010 12:39 AM PDT

Lotte Duty Free has launched an online "Sharing Auction" event which includes fashion items donated by Lotte Duty Free top endorsers such as Big Bang, Rain and Ji Sung.

Big Bang's donated items includes G-Dragon's tweeted jacket and bow ties, Taeyang's Solar shirt and jacket, Daesung's two bow ties, vest, scarfs etc.

The auction will run from November 4 to 28 and proceeds from it will be donated for charity.

Source: happyrichlife@ameblo.jp
Translated by Yuri @ ibigbang.wordpress.com

[Video] VNT debuted with Sound on Music Core!

Posted: 06 Nov 2010 12:38 AM PDT

New girls VNT made their debut on Music Core.SHINee's Minho was featured in their official MV,enjoy their debut stage here

[News] Lee Joon talks about Onew again!

Posted: 05 Nov 2010 11:27 PM PDT

Lee Joon revealed his date (?), not with a female celebrity, but with SHINee's Onew. Lee Joon "Not long aog, Onew and I were at Apgujung, eating curry and riding bicycles. Onew and I have similar personalities" speaking about the difficult environment that he and Onew faced.

"Of course as celebrities, it is good to be able to digest the schedules well but it was too hard and there are times we receive stress mentally. For me, while I was shooting KBS 2T 'Jungle Fish 2', I received stress thinking, 'Will I be able to do well?'. Onew too, in his recent musical 'Rock Of Ages' at the starting course, due to his busy schedule, couldn't take part much in the practices and it was difficult for him. We want to do well but when the people around don't see that, it is upsetting. I think we became closer because we experienced similar situations of difficult schedules. "

Original source

Credit: lala_land @ soompi

[TRANS] 2PM Countdown to Japan Debut #6, Taecyeon

Posted: 05 Nov 2010 11:15 PM PDT

Taecyeon says: This is Taecyeon! There are 18 more days until our DVD release and debut in Japan!

Source: 2PM's Official Japanese Website via NIJIRO2PM @ YT
Translated by oraday @ Wild2Day.org

[Info] An Exclusive Soompi Interview with SHINee!

Posted: 05 Nov 2010 11:14 PM PDT

Q: What do you think or feel when you go to a country you have never been to before and see hundreds of excited fans gathered to see you?

Taemin: We're just grateful for the fact that there are fans in countries we've never been to who know us and have an interest in us. By all means, I want to go to those countries and share a little more about us. If we have the opportunity to promote in those countries, I would really like to go.

Key: When there are a lot of fans waiting for us in a country that we've never been to, all I can think of is how amazing the internet is and how fast it is. I mean, when we release a music video [in Korea] it's basically the same thing as releasing it worldwide. We love Youtube very much.

Q: What country or place do you especially want to visit?

Onew: Alaska. I want to go at least once.

Taemin: The North Pole.

Key: Europe.

Q:The number of international fans of K-pop is constantly growing. How does this affect your training, your songs, and your promotional activities?

Onew: The more support we get, the more we feel we have to work harder. We always want to show our fans better performances so we work hard to train and practice more.

Key: If there's a country where there are especially a lot of people who love our music, I think it's possible to make plans to do promotions there. Of course, our licensed albums are always available. But, for example, we go to Japan every so often after we finish promotions in Korea. [To do this] we study Japanese and things like that, which is definitely an influence that comes from the rise of international fans.

Q: SHINee is quite popular now amongst the K-pop groups in South East Asia and the United States. Do you notice any differences between your Korean fans and your international fans?

Minho: The way Korean fans cheer for us is a bit different because they can understand the lyrics. For international fans, because they don't understand the lyrics, I think they cheer more for our performance aspects. We heard that many people learn the Korean language because they love Korean culture and Korean music, and through that, they try to understand our songs. We're really amazed by this and the effort that international fans put into learning Korean to tell us that they love us.

Q: What was your favorite or most memorable music video to film?

Key: Our debut album music video. It was our first one and I was really nervous about it. It was cold. It was fun. It was dizzying. I was nervous. I was concerned about so many things. After that one, though, I thought, "Wow, music videos are nothing to worry about!"

Taemin: Lucifer. We shot the group dancing scenes for about 11 to 12 hours. It was difficult because we just kept on dancing - that's why it sticks out more in my mind. Also, the set was fun to work with.

Onew: When we shot the Ring Ding Dong video, there was a scene shot in the water. The water wasn't up to our heads or anything – it was just our up to our feet to give a splashing effect. During the shoot, we wore boots and so much water got into them that we couldn't move our feet. (Key: That shoot was also very cold). And we shot on a set that was kind of like the top of a building, which was pretty fun.

Q: What is your favorite or must-sing song for karaoke?

Onew: I went a lot when I was younger, but since our debut, I haven't really been. But before that, there's a Korean song called "Let's Race Horses" ("Mal Dal Lee Ja") that's really exciting. It's a great song to set the atmosphere.

Taemin: When I went with my friends after our debut, they would always make me sing our own songs. They would make me sing the first verse of all of them.

Minho: When I go with my friends, I sing our songs a lot. But also, the most exciting song, the one song that I think I always have to sing, is Psy's "Champion". I think we always sing it because it is just so exciting.

Jonghyun: I went a lot when I was younger and I sang a lot of ballads. For example, songs by Buzz or S.G. Wannabe. I was a student then and their songs were really popular at that time.

Key: My must-sing songs are all the new K-pop songs. You know, all of the songs on the last page in the karaoke book. (Taemin: The new songs for November are already too old for him.) I can't really remember old songs …

Q: What is your favorite song off of your albums?

Taemin: I think the song that all of us really love is "Replay". It was our debut song and the nervousness that we felt together, the practicing, the shooting of our first music video - all of these things are special memories for us.

Q: Now that you are past your 1^st and 2^nd albums, what styles of music or concepts would you like to experiment with in future albums that you have not had a chance to do yet?

Onew: I want to try band music.

Taemin: I want to try something like Linkin Park. It seems really stress relieving.

Key: Definitely not trot music (Korean folk music).

Q: If you were not a singer, what career would you be interested in?

Taemin: My childhood dream was to become a pilot. But that changed to becoming a celebrity. After becoming a celebrity, I thought about it and I kind of wanted to become a fisherman. However, we rode a boat once and I found out that I get very seasick. So then I thought, "Ah, I should just stick to being a celebrity."

Q: Have your families always been supportive of you being a singer?

Onew: Ever since I was a younger, my mother always suggested that I become a singer. At first I told her I didn't want to, but I changed my mind in 9^th grade. Since then, she has been very supportive.

Minho: For me, they were quite opposed to it at first but when I told them that we were going to debut, they became very helpful and supportive. After our debut, they were very happy about it. You know, since we're on TV and things like that.

Taemin: Like Onew, my family was pretty supportive from the beginning.

Key: My family was really against it. They really didn't like the idea of it. (How did you persuade them?) I just kept going with it and at first they were like, "Fine, go ahead." But afterwards, they were really happy about it.

Q: What is the strangest habit of the person sitting to your right?

Key on Taemin: He keeps losing things so every day, it's our job to find things for him.

Taemin on Onew: He has a lot of weird sleeping habits. For example, he sleeps with his blanket covering him from head to toe. He can't sleep if there's any light. (Onew: But they always keep the lights on. ) So he sleeps like that and in the morning, he wakes up covered in sweat.

Onew on Jonghyun: Jonghyun sleeps with his eyes slightly open. Just very slightly, though.

Jonghyun on Minho: There are moments when he gets very serious very suddenly. He always takes our jokes seriously. We joke around a lot all the time, but he takes them seriously by himself. In the end, we always have to make sure he knows we're joking. (Key: He says we can joke around with others but not him.)

Minho on Key: Key is from Daegu (a Southern province of Korea). When he talks to us, his accent comes out only from time to time. But when he talks to his friends or his parents, he speaks completely in a Daegu accent. (Key: My accent comes out when I get really excited about something, too.)

Q: Do you have any odd eating habits?

Taemin: I used to be a really picky eater and ate only the things that I liked, but not so much anymore. For example, if there was kimchi jjigae (kimchi soup), I would pick out and eat only the meat.

Onew: I hate when stuff gets on my face so if something gets on my face, I wipe it off immediately. When I ate jjajangmyun (black bean noodles) when I was younger, I would wipe my mouth after every bite. In the end, I'd have a pile of napkins by my plate.

Q: What is your favorite Korean side dish?

Taemin: Anything meat.

Onew: Right now I'm obsessed with "nak jee bokkeum" (panbroiled octopus seasoned with red pepper). I like when it's really spicy. It's delicious.

Jonghyun: I don't really have a favorite food, but I love meat.

Minho: I really like ramen noodles. (Is there a special ingredient that you put in the ramen when you cook it?) Sometimes I don't put in anything extra, but sometimes I put in Chungyang red peppers. (*note: very, very spicy Korean peppers)

Key: I really like cream pasta, but my favorite Korean dish is green onion kimchi.

Questions for Onew

You've participated in several musicals up to now. Do you have any desire to act in a drama?

Yes, I think it'd be a lot of fun.

What type of character would you like to play?

I haven't really thought about it too much.

Questions for Jong Hyun

How did you realize your passion for music composition?

Ever since middle school, it was always my dream to become a composer or a vocal trainer.

If you could do a dream collaboration with any artist of your choice, who would you choose?

I would want to work with someone who isn't the same age as me and isn't Korean, an artist who is much older than me and understands culture from before I was born. Working with people like that would give me a lot of experience. In terms of Korean artists, someone like Kim Gun Mo and in terms of American artists, Babyface. I really like him as a producer.

Questions for Key

Recently, on Soompi, our members were talking a lot about your use of make-up and "guyliner". The overwhelming response was that our members think you are very sexy when you wear eyeliner and make-up. What are your thoughts about being recognized for this characteristic?

I do it because I want to. I think that make-up is an extension of our outfits. Hair, make-up, clothes – it's all a part of a concept. So I do it when it fits the concept. For example, in "Hello", I don't wear make-up because it doesn't really fit. But for "Ring Ding Dong", it fits.

Did you get any shopping done in the states while you were in L.A. for Hollywood Bowl?

We didn't have much time when we visited last, so I was only able to buy an iPad. When we went for our first Hollywood Bowl, though, H&M wasn't in Korea yet, so I bought a ton of accessories [from H&M].

What do you think of fashion in the states compared to fashion in Korea?

I think American fashion is closer to the style that I like – I mean, designers like Jeremy Scott live and work in L.A. Also, whatever country you go to, there's always a concept of "teen fashion". For example in L.A., I saw a lot of teenagers wearing a white shirt with jeans and a pair of Nikes. This is just a normal, everyday thing in L.A. but if that comes to Korea, it's considered a type of "style". In the same way, if Korean "teen fashion" were to be adopted in L.A., it would be considered a different kind of "style", too. I find this really interesting.

If you could have a shopping spree anywhere in the world, where would you go?

England. I want to go to vintage shops there.

Questions for Minho

It's well-known that you love sports a lot. If you could pick your dream soccer team, which celebrities would you pick for it?

I don't really know who's good or not so I'll stick to people from SM. First, Eun Hyuk and Dong Hae from Super Junior. For goalie, I'd pick Shin Dong.

Questions for Taemin

What choreography do you like the most from your promoted tracks?

I like the choreography for all of our songs but the choreography for "Replay" was very fresh and exciting for me. We worked with a foreign choreographer for the first time. It was very exciting and shocking to me, and I remember really liking the choreography.

How would you compare your dancing skills today to when you first debuted?

Working with and learning from many different teachers, foreign choreographers, and dancers has definitely helped me improve little by little. Also, I have a lot more experience performing on stage than I did before, which has helped me improve, too. So in conclusion, I am much better compared to before.

After the interview, some silliness that happened!