YG Entertainment’s upcoming girl group seems to parallel 2NE1?
YG Entertainment recently revealed yet another ‘mystery girl’.
On May 11th, YG Entertainment released a video teaser featuring a potential member of the agency’s upcoming girl group on the YG-Life Blog. The new mystery girl seems to have outstanding dancing skills and, according to reports by media and fans, is rumored to be a 16-year-old half Caucasian and half Korean trainee from Thailand.
With three ‘mystery girls’ in total, including Kim Eunbi and Euna Kim, who were already known to the public through Mnet‘s ‘Superstar K‘, it seems like the members and overall structure of the new upcoming group shows several similarities to 2NE1, who made a powerful and impacting debut into the Korean music industry in 2009.
First, despite her young age of only 17, Kim Eunbi was one of the Top 6 finalists in 2010′s ‘Superstar K2‘. Many are anticipating that she will most likely be the main vocal or the ‘Park Bom‘ of this new group. During the second season of ‘Superstar K’, Eunbi showed her quirky and honest personality that captured the hearts of many male fans, which seems similar to 2NE1 Park Bom’s four-dimensional and dorky personality.
Drowned in Sound: “The 10 Biggest Number 1 Singles You’ve Never Heard Of”
Hello and welcome to a brand new spin-off from the commercially ignored and critically underrated DiS Does Pop. In the innovatively-titled DiS Does International Pop column we’ll be cocking our ear for a Top 40 smash abroad and shining a light on the biggest hits from foreign lands.
Want a sarcastic view of the Eurovision Song Contest that isn’t written by a Guardian staff writer? Fancy dipping your toes into the hyperactive world of J-Pop? Got a burning desire to discover Azerbaijan’s answer to Jedward? We’ll be answering most, if not all, of these questions in the months ahead.
We begin the column with a list of the biggest singles you’ve never heard of. Some are good. Some are excruciatingly bad. One of them is by Shakira.
1) B’z – Taiyo no Komachi Angel
2) Fun – We Are Young
3) Shakira – La Tortura
4) Marlon Roudette – New Age
5) Celine Dion – Pour que tu m’aimes encore
6) Tino Rossi – Petit Papa Noël
7) Big Bang & 2NE1 – Lollipop
8) Jedward – Bad Behaviour
9) Kent – Max 500
10) Chris Rene – Young Homie
(more…)
Big Bang and 2NE1 voted top K-pop stars in France
Big Bang and 2NE1 have been selected as the male and female groups most loved by the Hallyu fans in France.
The Paris office of Korean Tourism Organization has conducted ‘A survey to identify the status and distribution of Hallyu wave in France and the behavior of the Hallyu fans’ targeting 3,775 of local Hallyu fans. Big Bang and 2NE1 have each received 49.9% and 64.8% support coming in at #1.
The age range and gender of the fans who prefer 2NE1 and Big Bang were different. Big Bang was relatively highly preferred by male fans of Hallyu in France. As far a the age goes, Hallyu fans in their early 20′s seemed to prefer Big Bang. 2NE1 enjoyed most support of the Hallyu fans who are teenagers and those in their early 20′s and there was no significant difference between the genders.
The male group to rank #2 following Big Bang was Super Junior, then followed SHINee, B2ST, then 2PM. SNSD ranked #2 among female groups, followed by Miss A, f(x), then T-ara.
Big Bang & 2NE1, Simultaneously targeting Japan with new albums
Popular idols Big Bang and 2NE1 are said to take over Japan at the same time.
Both groups will start promotions with new Japanese albums on the 28th. Big Bang with “Alive” and 2NE1 with their first full album, “Collection.”
Big Bang’s “Alive” will have two new songs “Ego,” and “Feeling,” along with the songs from the 5th mini album, for a total of 10 songs.
“Feeling” became the theme song for Japanese animation “Transformer Prime,” and it was made by worldwide artist Boyz Noize, G-Dragon, and TOP.
2NE1’s first Japanese album will have Japanese versions of their hit songs from Korea, plus a bonus track of “Like a Virgin.”
KARA, Girls’ Generation, 2PM, 2NE1, SHINee, and CNBLUE receive nominations for MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2012
Some of the top Kpop stars have received nominations at the MTV VMAJ 2012 (Video Music Awards Japan 2012).
On March 19th, MTV Japan revealed the nominees for the MTV VMAJ 2012 (Video Music Awards Japan 2012). KARA, Girls’ Generation, 2PM, 2NE1, SHINee, and CNBLUE all received nominations in various categories.
In the “Best Group Video” category, 2PM received a nomination for “I’m Your Man“.
In the “Best New Artist Video” category, CNBLUE received a nomination for “In My Head” along with 2NE1 with “I AM THE BEST“.
T.O.P vs 2NE1’s Park Bom on StyleM’s Star vs Star
StyleM’s STAR vs STAR recently conducted a poll asking netizens which star best suits bright and colorful hairstyles. The results were released on the 14th of March and TOP got a total of 522 votes (56%) and Park Bom had a total of 413 votes (44%).
YG to establish branch offices in US and Hong Kong
The company responsible for hot sensations, Big Bang and 2NE1, YG Entertainment is starting on their world-wide advancement. On the 15th, it was revealed that YG is closer to launching their branch offices, and would be establishing “YG USA” a branch office for their artists’ US advancement, while “YG Hong Kong” would be for their Asian market advancement.
Big Bang & 2NE1′s Activities in Japan Anticipated to Bring Record Profits
2NE1 will release its first studio album in Japan on March 28. After releasing its debut single in Japan last September, the group will be increasing its activities in the country.
13 members of YG Family on Strong Heart Confirmed
13 members of YG Entertainment will be on SBS‘s variety show “Strong Heart“, including Big Bang, 2NE1, Se7en, Tablo, Psy, and Gummy.
On the 5th, SBS confirmed to OSEN through a phone call saying “All of Big Bang and 2NE1’s members, along with Se7en, Tablo, Psy, and Gummy have been confirmed to feature on ‘Strong Heart‘.”
They also said “As a YG Special, there will be many new and truthful stories and episodes that have happened within the company.“
Furthermore “‘Strong Heart-YG Special‘ will be filmed on the 15th, and released on the 27th and 3rd of April, broken into two episodes.”
Which Girl Group Would Top the Hierarchy Chart?
If you were to create a girl group hierarchy chart, who would be your top pick?
According to a hierarchy chart that’s been quickly spreading online, Girls’ Generation and 2NE1 are the undisputed top two picks. This chart, dated February, 2012, covers 16 of the top girl groups and ranks them in order by five different categories, such as “Wall You Can’t Go Over (unbeatable, basically),” “Nationwide level,” “Socialite level,” “Mania level,” “the Maginot line.”
The top “Wall You Can’t Go Over” category is rounded out by Girls’ Generation at #1 and 2NE1 at #2. Closely following them in the “Nationwide level” are T-ara at third, the Wonder Girls and Kara at fourth, and f(x) at fifth. This shows the girl groups popular in Japan ranking higher than the Wonder Girls, who’s mostly spent their time in the U.S. lately.
The next category, “Socialite level,” is comprised of Secret and SISTAR at the same level, followed by 4minute. After School is ranked slightly above the “Mania level,” with A Pink, Girls’ Day, Rainbow, and Dal Shabet trailing them to complete the “The Maginot line.”
Hip hop producer Swizz Beatz wants to see a collaboration between 2NE1 and Rihanna
World renown hip hop producer Swizz Beatz expressed his hopes to one day see a collaboration between Rihanna and 2NE1.
Past photos of 2NE1′s Park Bom without makeup draw attention
2NE1 member Park Bom‘s past photos are once again receiving attention.
On February 17th, the above photos of Park Bom surfaced on an online community site.
A few of the photos were taken when Park Bom was just a trainee, while another was a photo sticker she took with fellow group member Sandara Park.
Different from her glamorous image now, Park Bom wearing minimal makeup looked extremely natural and endearing.
MBLAQ’s Thunder wants his sister, Dara, to marry late
MBLAQ‘s Thunder has revealed that he’s very protective of his older sister, 2NE1‘s Sandara Park.
Taeyang and Minzy to give one-day lessons to SBS Kpop Star contestants
“KPOP STAR” Taeyang + Gong Minji give one-day lessons… “I used to be bad at singing, too”
Big Bang’s Taeyang and 2NE1’s Gong Minji are coming out as vocal trainers for a one-day lesson.
On the episode airing this coming 11th on SBS ‘Survival Audition – KPOP Star’ (also known as “KPOP Star”), Taeyang and Gong Minji are expected to make an appearance for one day as vocal trainers for YG Entertainment training.
With the two of them suddenly coming into the picture, it it said that the mood of the filming site rose with heat. The two will be training each contestant with a ‘1-on-1 one-point lesson’ strategy, unlike the first round of training they had before.
Se7en, “I am proud of Big Bang and 2NE1, who are my motivation”
Se7en is proud of the groups which can represent the Republic of Korea, Big Bang and 2NE1. He also regards them as his motivation and in this interview, his special affection towards these groups is shown.
Enews has recently conducted an interview with Se7en, he said, “the development of Big Bang and 2NE1 is good, they are the groups that I like very much. I am really proud of these friends.” As one of the representative singers of YG Entertainment, Se7en is a witness of the growth of his juniors, Big Bang and 2NE1.
He continued, “In fact, I am glad that Big Bang and 2NE1 are my juniors and I like them. I always bear them in mind. If my favorite brothers and sisters come back but something bad happens to them, I will be very sad. I hope more good things can happen to them. Now, these friends have climbed to the top spots of the showbiz. Thanks for this, I always prepare myself well because I need to work harder in order to show that I am a great brother to them.”
He concluded, “It can be said that I failed in doing my activities in America; however, it was also an opportunity for me to learn how to be self-independent and responsible. I have become more matured during this period of time so now, I am a little bit more proud when being with my juniors. For Big Bang and 2NE1, it seems that I am their hyung.”
Big Bang & 2NE1 to release Japanese albums on same day
Big Bang and 2NE1 will be releasing their albums in Japan on the same day. Will the move turn out to be a win-win strategy, or will this pitch the two groups against each other in an epic battle?
The big release is scheduled for March 28. Having two teams from the same agency release albums on the same day is, for obvious reasons, an unusual strategy.
A quote from a rep of YGEX, YG Entertainment’s Japanese counterpart, shows that the agency expects the move to benefit both groups and their fans. “Because the fanbases of the two groups greatly overlap, we believe that having the two groups release albums on the same day will please them even more.”
Big Bang plans to release its upcoming mini album Alive in Japan with a total of nine tracks, two more than the version to be released in Korea.
SPICA member Kim Bo Hyung was preparing to debut as a member of 2NE1
SPICA, produced by singer Lee Hyori‘s entertainment label is receiving some new attention, as it has recently been revealed that member Kim Bo Hyung was previously a YG Entertainment trainee preparing to debut as a member of 2NE1.
Kim Bo Hyung is the lead vocal of SPICA, and the singer trained with the 2NE1 members under YG Entertainment for 2 long years. During an interview conducted with SportsKorea on January 31st, Kim Bo Hyung remarked, “I trained with the four 2NE1 members, however after 2NE1 made their debut as a 4-member group, CEO Yang Hyun Suk introduced me to this new label and I eventually became a member of SPICA.”
Kim Bo Hyung has not revealed this information to the public until now. She did not want the public to misunderstand that she was using this information as a way of promoting her new group. But as she made her official debut with SPICA, the news naturally spread.
“I learned a lot from YG Entertainment,” she said. “They taught me everything from A-Z. When I look at past videos of myself as a YG trainee, I can see where I was lacking. I want to develop those areas and become a more mature musician as a member of SPICA.”
Daesung and Taeyang cuts on SBS KPOP Star Survival (120129)
Big Bang’s Daesung appears on ‘K-Pop Star’, pointed but thoughtful
Big Bang member Daesung appeared on a variety show after a long while away.
On the January 29th installment of SBS’s ‘K-Pop Star’, the YG training system was revealed with the casting audition finals coming up. The contestants attended the monthly evaluations.
Those who set out as the judges next to Yang Hyun Suk were 2NE1′s Park Bom & CL, and Big Bang’s Taeyang & Daesung. After the car accident last year, Daesung had been taking time for introspection. Recently Daesung has started working through MBN’s ‘What’s Up’ and Big Bang is about to make their comeback but it has been a long while since his appearance on a variety show.
Big Bang and 2NE1 to Stand on the Same Stage with LMFAO & David Guetta at SPRINGROOVE
Big Bang and 2NE1 to appear at Japan best R&B and Hip-Hop festival “SPRINGROOVE”.
Japan SPRINGROOVE party said, “For this festival line-up, Big Bang and 2NE1 were introduced as the main cast.”
Started in 2006, as Japan’s largest R&B and Hip-Hop festival, SPRINGROOVE has been known for casting top stars locally and internationally.
In 2006, SPRINGROOVE invited Snoop Dogg, and after that, each year they invited Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Ne-Yo, Rihanna, Keyshia Cole, Akon, T-Pain, TLC, and other great R&B Hip-Hop singers to this big festival.
Old Photo of 2NE1’s CL Looking Nervous and Shy with Lee Hyori
A past photo of 2NE1’s CL and Lee Hyori has surfaced the web.
SHINee’s Minho becomes a gallant gentleman for 2NE1′s Sandara Park
SHINee‘s Minho is much beloved for his talents, but now his appeal got kicked up another notch after netizens espied his chivalrous manners towards 2NE1‘s Sandara Park.
Snapshots from an Etude commercial shoot were shared online under the title, ”Minho taking care of Sandara. It’s heartwarming”.
Reportedly, the two stars were on standby, but Minho kept active by ensuring that Sandara was protected from the cold. Minho was seen putting a jacket on Sandara several different times, as the photos show him wearing different outfits. Sandara looks a bit taken aback by Minho’s manners, who is actually seven years younger than her.
Prior to this incident, Sandara had previously mentioned on SBS‘s ’Strong Heart‘ that “I like younger boyfriends. I’d like it if he would have a cute appearance but have a masculine, tough personality.” It seems that without knowing it, she went on to describe SHINee’s Minho indirectly.
Dal Shabet selects Lee Hyori & 2NE1 as their role models
Girl group Dal Shabet selected singer Lee Hyori and fellow girl group 2NE1 as their role models.
The members revealed their Kyunggi-do “Hit U” MV film site on the 6th, and met with a few reporters to answer a few questions.
Dal Shabet member Viki was asked which girl group she were jealous of, and she responded, “I respect Lee Hyori. I envy everything about her. Her song “U Go Girl” is my absolute favorite.”
“She’s cute, bubbly, and sexy all at the same time, and I’m envious of her performances,” she continued.
Wonder Girls, Girls’ Generation & 2NE1 to make their US debut in 2012
Hallyu’s top three girl groups, the Wonder Girls, Girls’ Generation, and 2NE1 will be releasing albums in the US back to back in an attempt to make a breakthrough in the birthplace of pop.
The Wonder Girls will be releasing their single “The DJ is Mine” on January 11th, Girls’ Generation will be releasing ‘The Boys‘ special album on the 17th, and 2NE1′s new album produced by the world-famous will.i.am will also be dropping in the near future.
The Wonder Girls’ single will be released through their Teen Nick TV Movie, ‘THE WONDER GIRLS‘ which hits the small screen on February 2nd, and the girl group will also be dropping their full-length album along with the release of their movie.
2NE1 is working on a new project with will.i.am. The producer recently tweeted, “This @2ne1 is coming out crazy…#willpower“, further evoking anticipation amongst Blackjacks everywhere. And Girls’ Generation who was featured on NPR last December have already begun selling reserved copies of their ‘The Boys’ special album online.
CL’s “Where Is The Love” performance is #1 on ‘Best International Collaborations’ list
MTV Iggy has recently posted their list of ’10 International Collaborations That Blew Our Mind in 2011′. Although there were many amazing collaborations featured on the article, coming in at #1 were none other than 2NE1′s CL, will.i.am, Apl.de.ap with “Where is the Love” at the ’2011 MAMA’ (Mnet Asian Music Awards).
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