October Headliners: The Agencies And Artists That Dominated This Month's K-Pop News

October delivered lots of news to make YG's CEO, Yang Hyun Suk happy.

October was a fascinating month for K-Pop, one where it was evident that the former balance of power was about to return. The headlines of K-Pop news were once again filled with announcements and promotional activities from SM, YG, and JYP Entertainment artists. While there were many successful comebacks launched in October, the completion of the YG Entertainment's competition program WIN, became one of the most talked about issues of the month. Beyond WIN, YG Entertainment delivered so much news within October, that the agency is clear in its intent to become the leader in the return of the Big Three in K-Pop.

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October marked the beginning of announcements in which YG Entertainment laid out the schedule of comeback activities for global sensation, Big Bang. It was known that T.O.P would be releasing his film,Commitment, in November and the artist was actively engaging in promotional activities for the film. However, it was announced that T.O.P would have his first musical solo release in November. Big Bang group mate Taeyang also began to reveal news for his upcoming solo project, solidly ending the month with the release of the teaser for the dubstep influenced Ringa Linga. In addition, G-Dragon continued to topple the competition on music countdown shows and became the recipient of the SIA Style Icon Of The Year award.

Aside from the solo announcements for Big Bang, YG Entertainment's PSY announced plans for the mysteriously named Moonlight Gymnastics concert, which is set to take place December 22, 23, and 24. PSY also revealed that he had collaborated with Aerosmith front man, Steven Tyler, on an upcoming release. Finally, the artist was named along with 2NE1, as being part of an upcoming hologram concert which is set to take place in the UK in early November.

If the announcements regarding Big Bang and PSY were not enough buzz for YG Entertainment, the reception that both Team A and Team B received upon the completion of WIN, were definitely icing on the cake. Although, many fans of YG and K-Pop followed the competition show, the K-Pop world went wild about the Final Battle performances and began to debate whether or not Team A were the rightful winners of the competition. In addition, YG immediately released some of tracks by both Team A and Team B, in a move reminiscent of KPop Star or American Idol. The excitement surrounding WIN continued when it was announced that Team A would be opening for upcoming Big Bang's Dome Tour.

Park Jin Young, CEO of JYP Entertainment and solo artist, kicked off October with the shocking announcement that he would be getting married within the month. Following his marriage, he released information regarding not only his own comeback, but his future plans regarding a new male group, artists JJ Project, and Miss A. After what seemed like a lengthy absence, JYP Entertainment is set to fully return.

In terms of K-Pop comebacks, solo artist IU and JYJ's Kim Jaejoong were the most successful, overcoming what could have been crippling obstacles. Following her SNS photo scandal with Super Junior's Eunhyuk, it seemed like IU would never be known as Korea's Little Sister, again. However, she made huge comeback with the widely successful, jazz influenced album Modern Times. Kim Jaejoong, in a similar move of reinvention, helped to change the way in which K-Pop and K-Rock are viewed with WWW.

Beyond the reemergence of the so-called Big Three in K-Pop, YG Entertainment's dominance in October, and the comebacks, October marked the beginning of the award show bonanza. By comparison to past seasons, networks have made huge strides to include international K-Pop fans in both the voting and viewing processes. With networks supporting online streaming and the inclusion of languages other than Korean and Japanese on voting sites, it is apparent that the industry is beginning to shift towards wider acceptance of international audiences. As this shift occurs, which agencies and artists will continue to evolve; which members of K-Pop industry will be left in the dust?

Nerdcore Rapper Adam WarRock Tired Of Psy Comparisons, Expectations He’ll Produce New Dance, ‘Ridiculous Video’

Korean-American rapper Adam WarRock is fed up with fans expecting him to be a carbon copy of K-pop superstar Psy.

In an interview on Wednesday in the Korea Times, WarRock, whose real name is Eugene Ahn, reported that people of all races and cultures seem to see him in the Psy mold.

"It's equally from non-Asian people, and Asian people who just assume that the next step is for me to make a dance phenomenon and make a ridiculous video," WarRock said.

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"I've had every older Korean relative and friends of my parents ask me if I dance on stage, or if I am going to go on TV like Psy. Or basically, during the height of 'Gangnam Style' fever, when I told people what I did, everyone who was not into rap or whatever, would just ask if I sounded like Psy."

The comparisons between Adam WarRock and K-pop's favorite "Gentleman" could have to do with more than the former's Korean heritage.

WarRock's music is far from serious.

A member of a genre commonly referred to as nerdcore, the 33-year-old former litigation attorney, is known to rap about such non-gangstafied topics as the original "Batman" television series and the NBC's "Parks and Recreation."

WarRock, brushed off the nerdcore branding as an invention by music journalists.

"I think genres or labels like that are useful to critics and some consumers; but to a lot of the people who are Nerdcore, we kind of got called that after we had already started making the music we were doing anyway," he said.

"So I don't know if it's empowering, but we've kind of taken the label and run with it, made it our own thing."

Yet as a child growing up in Memphis, WarRock does remember feeling alienated.

"I definitely was a nerd, though I don't know if I traveled around in a group," he said. "There was a group of nerds in school that were huge into computer programming, and they were the typical nerd group that you'd see in the movies. I was more just kind of a loner."

The new Adam WarRock album "The Middle of Nowhere" will be available Tuesday at adamwarrock.bandcamp.com, iTunes and Amazon.

Check out the new music video for the Adam WarRock song "B.S.F.X." RIGHT HERE

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PSY-2NE1 Holds Hologram Concert in the U.K

On November 4-6, Psy and group 2NE1 will be holding a hologram concert at the 'KBEE 2013'.

YG Entertainment had recently announced that these two artists would be participating at the 'KBEE 2013' with a hologram concert.

Hologram concerts allow the artists to show off more dynamic stages and let the fans experience a different style of concert.

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Psy also held his first hologram concert last summer in Korea as well.

This hologram concert will held 26 times in London.

Hologram concerts are becoming quite popular and many fans in Europe enjoy these types of concerts as well.

More information about the concert can be viewed on the KBEE website.

2013 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) Nominees has been Announced...Let the Voting Begin!

History of MAMA

Music makes one by bringing everyone together. No matter what genre or country, everyone comes out for one special night which is full of surprises as well as fantastic performances!!

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Mnet Asian Music Awards which is abbreviated as "MAMA" is Asia's top music awards. Launched in 1999 as the first as well as only Korean music video awards ceremony which was first named as Mnet KM Music Festival. Since that year, the location venue has changed by not only being in South Korea as well as only having Korean performers, other Asian stars from China, Japan as well as the United States has shown up and performed over the past years.

Over the years, the slogan has changed by being "Asian Wave" in 2009, "One Asia" in 2010, then "Music Makes One" in 2011-2013. This slogan was announced to bring different cultures, languages as well as people together on one great night and stage.

Asia's large-scale music awards ceremony, MAMA aims to bring Asia's music to the world, raise up the global stage and give international fans the opportunity to select the most beloved songs as well as artists of the year!!

MAMA is a place where K-Pop idols, Asian stars, and international celebrities come together for one night to create awesome collaboration stages that you will not see anywhere else.

This Year

This year, MAMA 2013 will take place in Hong Kong on November 22, 2013 (Friday) at 20:00 - 24:00 KST. Red carpet initiates at 18:00 - 20:00 and then the awards ceremony begins at 20:00 - 24:00 KST. Broadcast stations will be Korean as well broadcasted on Mnet, KM, tvN, OnStyle, O'live, Story On, XTM. Overseas broadcast will be Mnet Japan, Mnet America, and Channel M. There will be a live streaming by going to the link mwave.interest.me

Nominees

Here is this years nominees for the 2013 Mnet Asian Music Awards.

Best New Male Artist

Roy Kim

BTS

Bumkey

Yoo Seung Woo

Jung Joon Young

Best Male Group

EXO

Shinee

Shinhwa

INFINITE

Teen Top

Best Male Artist

G-Dragon

PSY

Lee Seung Gi

Lee Seung Chul

Cho Yong Pil

Best New Female Artist

Kim Ye Lim

Ladies' Code

Yoo Sung Eun

Lee Hi

Crayon Pop

Best Female Artist

Baek Ji Young

Sun Mi

IU

Ailee

Lee Hyo Ri

Best Female Group

2NE1

Girls' Generation

SISTAR

f(x)

4Minute

Best Dance Perrformance

G-Dragon: Crooked

Jay Park: Joah

PSY: Gentleman

Yong Yo Seob: Caffeine

Best Dance Performance

B1A4: What's Going On

EXO: Growl

BEAST: Shadow

Shinee: Dream Girl

INFINITE: Man In Love

Best Vocal Performance: Male

2AM: One Spring Day

Lee Seung Gi: Return

Lee Seung Chul: My Love

Cho Yong Pil: Bounce

K.Will: Love Blossom

Best Band Performance

CNBLUE: I'm Sorry

Nell: Ocean of Light

Dick Punks: Viva Primavera

Busker Busker: First Love

Jaurim: Twenty Five, Twenty One

Best Dance Performance: Female Solo

G.Na: Ooops!

Seo In Young: Please Love Me

Sun Mi: 24 Hours

CL: The Baddest Female

Lee Hyo Ri: Bad Girls

Best Dance Performance: Female

Girl's Day: Expect

Girls' Generation: I Got a Boy

SISTAR: Give It To Me

Crayon Pop: Bar Bar Bar

4Minute: What's Your Name?

Best Vocal Performance: Female

Davichi: Turtle

Lyn: Breakfast Heart

IU: The Red Shoes

Ailee: U&I

Lee Hi: 1,2,3,4

Best Rap Performance

MFBTY: Sweet Dream

Geeks: Wash Away

Dynamic Duo: BAAAM

Bacchi Gi: Shower of Tears

Verbal Jint: No Love (If It Ain't Love)

NISSAN Juke Best Music Video

G-Dragon: Coup D' Etat

Busker Busker: First Love

PSY: Gentleman

Lee Seung Chul: My Love

Cho Yong Pil: Bounce

Best Original Soundtrack

IRIS 2 OST- Davichi: Don't You Know

That Winter, The Wind Blows OST- The One: Winter Love

Gu Family Book OST- Suzy: Don't Forget Me

Master's Sun OST- Yoon Mi Rae: Touch Love

I Hear Your Voice OST- Jung Yup: Why Did You Come Now?

2012 MAMA

Want to relieve the exciting performances as well as the red carpet last year? Well you can, provided is the link that you can go to see last years event!

Link: http://mama.interest.me/history?type=replay

Start voting now and enjoy the recap from last years performances as well as red carpet!!

Finally, be sure to tune-in on November 22, 2013. If you miss it, there will be recaps uploaded.

Videos

Trouble Maker

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PSY

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Dress Up Like Your Favorite Male K-pop Star: G-Dragon, Psy, Exo

I can guarantee that everyone will be dressing like the world famous Psy for this coming Halloween. Dressing up as Psy this Oct. 31 will be an affordable one since all you really need is a pair of dark shades, gel, and a cheesy colored suit that you can pick up at your local thrift store.

If you love G-Dragon and plan on dressing like him for the upcoming holiday, then lucky for you that the options are limitless. Here are a few ideas:

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If you're lucky enough to have 11 other guy friends who love EXO as much as you do then dress up like EXO for Halloween. Do your hair nice, wear skinny jeans, and order shirts with wolves on them and any time someone asks you who you are, get into the "Wolf" formation and any K-pop fan will understand immediately.

If you want to be Jay Park for Halloween get a washable black marker and draw tattoos all over you. Make sure you do it enough that your mom screams and passes out by the time out come downstairs. Don't worry about buying an outfit. Grab your fitted hat, a pair of dark jeans, and go topless. If your abs aren't up to par there are videos on YouTube that show you how to trick people into thinking you have abs with make-up.

And lastly, if you are a boy and you want to look like your favorite pretty male idol i.e., Hyun Joong, JaeJoong, or Taemin, I'm sorry to say but it's too late for you to get the kind of surgery that will make you look like those beautiful men.

The Top 10 Artist List For The “2013 Melon Awards” Have Been Released: Award Season Is Now Full Swing

Who will take home top awards?

Loen Entertainment, in conjunction with MBC Plus Media, released the Top 10 Artist list for the "2013 Melon Awards". The Melon Awards reflect not only the popularity of K-Pop artists, but the performance of their music on the charts. In order to determine the Top 10 Artists, statistics are compiled utilizing eighty percent of an artist's chart sales with twenty percent of online votes. Unlike the "2013 MAMA Awards" which has openly welcomed the addition of international fan votes by creating a multilingual system, voting for the 2013 Melon Awards remains contained to voters in Korea.

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The Top 10 Artist list is a mix of solo artists, male and female groups, as well as a hip hop duo. The most obvious choices, especially to international audiences, are G-Dragon, EXO, SHINee, BEAST, Ailee, IU, and Sistar. Popular hip-hop act Dynamic Duo, ballad duo Davichi, and Superstar K finalists Busker Busker round out the list. Online voter participation for round one reached 1.74 votes. The Top Ten Artists are now entered into a second round of votes, which will occur online until November 13^th.

In addition to the Top 10 Artists, there are numerous other categories. The Best New Artist category features the critically acclaimed hip-hop group BTS, the retro influenced male pop vocalists of History, girl group Ladies Code, alternative indie vocalist Lim Kim, and balladeer Roy Kim. One of the most interesting categories, considering that international audiences are restricted from voting is the Best Global Artist category. Nominees in the Best Global Artist include PSY, EXO, 2NE1, Girls Generation, and Super Junior-M. This category is also a point of interest in that it reflects the battle to dominate the global market, which YG Entertainment and SM Entertainment are most actively engaged in. The complete list of nominees and categories is available on the Melon Award 2013 site.

In a show of commitment to include international audiences, Loen Entertainment will be live streaming the event via their YouTube channel, with viewing availability for audiences worldwide. There will also be support for mobile live streaming of the event. This is in contrast to past "Melon Awards" which had to be viewed via underground streams. The 2013 Melon Awards will be held on November 14^th. Which artists will you be supporting and who do you think be the top award winners?

Psy’s ‘Gentleman’ Music Video Watched Over 3000 Years Online

Psy’s ‘Gentleman’ Music Video Watched Over 3000 Years Online

The 3 minute 54 second "Gentleman" music video has been watched for a total record time of 3000 years.

On April 13, world star Psy released the music video for "Gentleman," which has accumulated viewing time of over 3000 years.

According to YouTube on October 28th, the music video for "Gentleman" has accumulated enough views to accumulate a total viewing time of 3017 years. This statistic includes any views beyond 1 second of the "Gentleman" music video. On average, each view totaled about 2 minutes and 46 seconds.

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As of October 25th, the total number of views for this music video was 571,109,364.

Meanwhile, Psy's previously published music video for his viral hit song "Gangnam Style," which was released on July 15th, recorded 181,835,294 views as of October 25th.

Psy ‘Stressed! From Being Forced Overseas’

"Gentleman" star Psy gives a heads up on his exciting upcoming concert, and reveals his feelings on becoming an international singer.

On October 28th, Psy asked his Twitter followers, "What is moonlight gymnastics?" along with a photo.

The photo reads, "Psy Concert All Night Stand Moonlight Exercise," and announces his upcoming concert.

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Along with the poster, Psy used his unique wit to express his feelings about his success.

He wrote, "I had a really difficult time this year. Somehow I ended up being forced into overseas activities, already for 1 year now. Because I lacked class, I tried to muster up the class I had and didn't have to try and become a hot-looking little red pepper, but all I ended up with was better English skills and more stress. "

He continued, "I used to attend festivals and perform 15 songs at a time, but for the past year I've just been living off 2 songs."

He concluded with this, "Moonlight exercise! Let's do this" and "With a heart of serving the customer, sincerely Psy. It's considered cheating if you just go home!"

Psy will hold solo concerts at the Olympic Gymastics Stadium in Seoul for three consecutive days on December 20th, 21st, and 22nd, and hold his final concert on December 24th.

Photo credit: Star News

HyunA Is an Unstoppable Hot Issue, Taking Trouble Maker to an All Kill

4Minute's HyunA is one of the greatest hot issues in the music industry.

HyunA and BEAST's Jang Hyun Seung make up the unit Trouble Maker, and their new song "Now," which was released on the 28th, is currently sweeping all the music charts. After releasing their first single "Trouble Maker," which featured hot choreography and music, has come back again to sweep the music fans off their feet.

A former Wonder Girls member, HyunA had her comeback with 4Minute, and became a hot issue with their debut song "Hot Issue." Just like the title of her song, HyunA has risen as a hot issue in the music world.

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HyunA guest-starred in international star Psy's "Gangnam Style" music video, and caught the eye of many a pop fans. She then went on to her activities in 4Minute and as a solo artist, and is now being linked to Lee Hyori as Korea's next sexiest icon. Every song HyunA sang in 4Minute and as a solo artist has become very popular, and she's quickly establishing her own brand in the music world.

HyunA's popularity is so great, music reps are saying she has a "God-given talent," and even her sexiness is on a whole different level than that of other girl group members. To top it all off, her dance skills and charismatic stage presence are incomparable.

As a singer born in 1992, HyunA is just now only 21 years old, but it's already been 7 years since her debut. As a vetern in the music world, HyunA has all the know-hows in music. One producer even commented, "I look forward to what more she can do in the future." Even though she's already a hot issue, there's more interest into how far she can go.

Trouble Maker's new song "Now" was made by the same geniuses that worked on their title song "Trouble Maker," and includes Shinsadong Tiger, Rado, and LE. The song is like a monodrama that highlights the things that go back and forth between men and women.

The "Now" music video features the anxiety between men and women, and reveals the dazzling charm of Jang Seung Hyun and hot issue music star HyunA.

“2013 Melon Awards” Announces Its Top 10 Artist and Other Award Nominees

The top 10 most popular K-pop artist of 2013 have been revealed. 

On October 29, Loen Entertainment and MBC Plus Media revealed the “2013 Melon Music Award Top 10.” The top 10 artists are: EXO, G-Dragon, SHINee, Beast, Sistar, IU, Ailee, Dynamic Duo, Davichi, and Busker Busker. 

These talented artists were chosen the results of 20% online voting and 80% music chart numbers. The first round received over 1.74 million online votes. All ten artists will move on to the second round of online voting that will take place until November 13. 

The other awards and their nominees:

Best Album: EXO’s “XOXO,” G-Dragon’s “Coup D-Etat,” SHINee’s “Dream Girl,” IU’s “Modern Times,” Busker Busker’s “2nd Album,” Cho Yong Pil’s “Hello,” Huh Gak‘s “Little Giant,” Lee Hyori‘s “Monochrome,” and Dynamic Duo’s “Lucky Number“

Best New Artist: Lim Kim, Roy Kim, BTS, History, and Ladies Code

Best Global Artist: 2NE1, EXO, Girls’ Generation, Super Junior-M, and PSY

Hot Trend Award: Crayon Pop’s “Bar Bar Bar,” PSY’s Gentleman,” Hyungdon & Daejun‘s “Hemansahang,” Rose Motel‘s “Long Time Lover,” and UV‘s “Because of You“ 

For a complete list of awards and nominees, check out the “2013 Melon Awards” website. The winners will be announced during the broadcast of “2013 Melon Awards” on November 14. the show will be streamed live on YouTube and MBC Music. 

 

What Has Psy Learned from His Travels Abroad, So Far?

The singer Psy tweeted wrote “All I get after a year abroad is better English skills and more stress” while he invited his fans to watch his end-of-the-year concert

On October 28, Psy tweeted an invitation, titled “Exercising on a moonlit night”, calling people to his end-of-the-year concert. He wrote, “I got into a lot of trouble this one year. It’s been nearly a year since I was forcibly expelled overseas. This classless person mobilized the class he had and didn’t have to try and become a hot-looking little red pepper, and all he got was better English skills and more stress.”

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“On the moonlit night of moonlit nights! Let’s exercise just once! Exercise at the Gymnastics Stadium under the moon! The best place for exercising on Christmas Eve!” Psy continued. “Like a proprietor serving customers, from Psy.”

Psy truly knows how to entertain. Apart from being an artist well known in the industry, he also has a lot to offer in terms of his entertainment value and people skills.

Psy will hold solo concerts at the Olympic Gymnastics Stadium in Seoul from December 20 through 22, before holding a final concert on Christmas Eve (December 24).

Psy Reveals Plan For 'Moonlight Gymnastics' At His 3 Seoul Performances In December

"What are Moonlight Gymnastics?" Psy asked his 3.5 million Twitter followers on Monday.

"What are Moonlight Gymnastics?" Psy asked his 3.5 million Twitter followers on Monday.

"What are Moonlight Gymnastics?" Psy asked his 3.5 million Twitter followers on Monday.

The K-pop phenomenon went on to explain that it was the concept for the series of shows at Seoul's Olympic Gymnastics Arena, on December 22, 23 and 24, that will be his dramatic return to the stage after an eight-month hiatus.

In a tweet that went well beyond 140 characters, the King of YouTube explained his mischievous concept for the holiday performances.

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"What is Moonlight Gymnastics? It is a scolding when you do something that's against your 'class.' As a member of society, how much effort did you put into this year to keep that 'class?'" Psy asked.

"I too had a hard time this year. It's already been a year since I ended up getting pushed into promoting abroad without even realizing it. The man with no 'class' in particular tried to have the 'class' of a small yet spicy pepper. After jetting forward with the 'class' that I do not have, all that's increased are my English and stress."

The record-breaking rapper also vented his frustrations of spending a year just promoting "Gangnam Style" and "Gentleman."

"Before I used to go to festivals and do 15 songs, but now I've lived an entire year with just two songs," Psy wrote.

"For all of us who tried their best this year, let's do something that fits our 'class' for just one day! Let's do some Moonlight Gymnastics on the moonlit night of Christmas at the Gymnastics Arena that's known to be the best place to do gymnastics."

But although Psy might be burned out on performing "Gangnam Style" and "Gentleman," in a cover interview in this month's issue of L'Uomo Vogue, he admitted the latter song has allowed him to breathe a sign of relief.

"After 'Gentleman' was out, I was really satisfied with what it had done, because it proved that I was not a one hit wonder, a lucky shot," Psy said.

"Nobody can ever label me that now. 'Gentleman' has 500 billion views right now, the song also hit number one in 81 countries, and I am really relieved by that. Now I can really do what I have to do, comfortably. I don't have to make another dancing phenomenon, I am just going back to where I came from and it's really comfortable right now."

"Gentleman" has broken YouTube records in five categories, including most views in a video clip's first 24 hours, the most views in any 24-hour period and the video to reach 200 million, 300 million and 400 million views the fastest.

"Gangnam Style" remains the most watched video clip in Internet history, with over 1.8 billion views.

Psy to Hold 4 Days of Concerts Starting on December 20

Singer Psy will be holding 4 days of concerts in Seoul this Christmas season.

They revealed that he would be holding his concert on December 20-22, 24 at the Seoul Olmypics Gymnastics Arena.

There have also been news that his concert will also feature top artists as guest performers as well.

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There will be a total of 5 shows that will bring in around 50,000 fans.

Information about the concert and tickets will be released soon.

Trouble Maker's 'Chemistry' Shows Substance Beyond The Sex Appeal Of The Duo [REVIEW]

Trouble Maker's 'Chemistry' is proves they are a force to be reckoned with.

This week, Cube Entertainment inundated the K-Pop industry with teaser photos and video to support the release of "Chemistry", the second mini album by the duo Trouble Maker (BEAST's Hyunseung and 4Minute's HyunA). The promotional photos seemed to become more aggressively sexy ranging from the initial photo in which HyunA was clad in her bra and hot pants with a fully dressed Hyunseung to photos where the duo frolicked on a bed. As a general rule, if a musical project seems over hyped, there may be little substance to it. In the case of Trouble Maker, however, their mini album "Chemistry" is definitely worth the level of hype and industry buzz.

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"Chemistry" reflects a level of musical sophistication that was lacking in the 2011 release of "Trouble Maker". While "Trouble Maker" was a whimsical mini album with a self-titled single which helped to solidify the branding of the duo, "Chemistry" displays a high level of emotional range and musicality. HyunA ,who has clearly proven her vocal talent in 4Minute, is often relegated to the role of the sexpot accessory, as witnessed in PSY's "Gangnam Style" music video. In the past, Trouble Maker as a duo faced a situation where HyunA's overt sexual appeal both vocally and physically outweighed that of Hyunseung. In "Chemistry", this is no longer an issue.

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"There Is No Tomorrow (Now)" the comeback single from "Chemistry" features strong vocals from both members of Trouble Maker. Hyunseung puts forth a greater effort to establish vocal dominance, which was absent in the past Trouble Maker mini album. The accompanying music video for "There Is No Tomorrow (Now)" reflects the decadence of life in the fast lane, most specifically in American culture. The video opens with the duo drinking profuse amounts of Budweiser and Hyunseung waking from a bed where he is draped with foreign women. In essence both the song and the video provide far more social commentary than what the duo was previously known for.

"I Like It" features a solo by HyunA with Flowsik from Aziatix, which has opens with a call and response rhythm that makes the song sound very similar to music released by The Black Eyed Peas. "I Like It" is enjoyable with a flavor that is hip hop meets electronic. "Attention" is a playful song which primarily features a saxophone and reflects 1990s New Jack Swing. The strongest point on "Chemistry" for Hyunseung is with his solo on "Girl (The Girl Who Wants To Play)". With R&B influences, "Girl (The Girl Who Wants To Play)" displays the potential for Hyunseung to lay down very sexy vocals which may be seen in the upcoming 19 plus release for Troublemaker.

Over all, "Chemistry" is a very solid comeback release for Trouble Maker. HyunA and Hyunseung have proven that the audiences have a lot to look forward to and that the duo is more than just a gimmick devised by Cube Entertainment. By exceeding the expectations for their comeback, Trouble Maker has established there is more to the duo than meets the eye.

"Chemistry", the second mini album from Cube Entertainment's Trouble Maker, was digitally released on October 28^th with the release of the physical album on October 31^th.

K-Pop Meets C-Pop: Show Luo Enlists Ga-In Of Brown Eyed Girls For Music Video Of 'Cast The Net Of Love,' Singer Accused Of Copying G-Dragon!

Ga-In may be an international K-Pop icon thanks to the Brown Eyed Girls and Psy's music video "Gentleman," but the diva is now entering the C-Pop world as well thanks to a new music video with Chinese pop singer Show Luo.

For those who do not know, Show Luo is a Taiwanese singer, dancer, actor, and the occasional TV host. Since his debut album in 2003, Show Luo has released 9 albums altogether, and his 10th album "Lion Roar" will be released next month.

To commemorate "Lion Roar," Show Luo has released his music video for his single "Cast the Net of Love," and Ga-In appears in the video as the object of his desires.

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Check out this music video below!

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According to 24-7KPop, Show Luo has an African theme for the album, including using its animals and colors to reflect the style. This will be his first album under his new contract with Sony Music.

Check out this video showcasing the photoshoot for his new album:

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Unfortunately, due to the far-reaching popularity of K-Pop, some netizens are accusing Show Luo of copying G-Dragon's style and hairdo.

"Fashion is like a cycle! I coloured my hair gold 10 years ago. Now that I've done it again, I was slammed for being a copycat! This is really funny! I can only say that I copied myself!" says the singer on his Facebook, according to Asian Pop News.

Crayon Pop’s Love Call to Psy ‘Please Call Us for Your Concert’

Crayon Pop sent out a love call to Psy at the '"2013 Style Icon Awards."

On October 24th, "2013 Style Icon Awards (SIA)" was held at the CJ E&M Center in Sangamdong, Seoul, and the red carpet was hosted by Shin Dong Yup.

Crayon Pop won the new icon award for their hit song "Bar Bar Bar." They said, "We want to thank our agency family and representative, our stylists, and popjusshis (short for Pop Ajusshi, used to refer to older 'uncle figure' fans of Crayon Pop).

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They continued, "We believe the reason why we're here today is because of popjusshis. We won't forget our first focus. I wonder if Psy is watching right now. We would love to be called to your concert," and sent out a love call to the world star Psy.

This year will be the 6th annual "Style Icon Awards." SIA seeks to find 10 stars that have introduced new styles in each category, and finally pick 1 ultimate "Style Icon of the Year" from those 10.

Last year, Jang Dong Gun took this award with his appearance in SBS drama "A Gentleman's Dignity." Past winners of "Style Icon of the Year" include Rain, Chang Mi Hee, Kim Hye Soo, Lee Byung Hun, and Cha Seung Won.

Photo credit: 2013 SIA

2013 MAMA Candidates Revealed... Who Will Receive the Award This Year?

The candidates for the music awards 2013 Mnet Asian Music Award ('2013 MAMA') were revealed.

Today, Mnet revealed candidates for boy groups, girl groups, song of the year, singer of the year, and many others, totaling to 19 different areas.

For the male singer area, G-Dragon, Psy, Lee Seung Gi, and others rose as candidates, and for female artists, Baek Ji Young, Sunmi, IU, Ailee, and Lee Hyori were chosen.

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For boy groups, EXO, SHINee, Shinhwa, Infinite, and Teen Top were chosen and 2NE1, Girls' Generation, SISTAR, f(x), and 4minute for girl groups.

Online votes begin today until November 17 on the 2013 MAMA website.

Photo Credit: Mnet

YG Entertainment Dishes Out The Details On Their Famous Five-Star Cafeteria

K-pop powerhouse YG Entertainment is known for more than just releasing albums by international stars like Psy, Big Bang and 2NE1; they also run a world-class cafeteria.

A-List visitors to the record label from legendary producer Quincy Jones to pop superstar Justin Bieber have raved about the food in the YG cafeteria. Bieber's entourage reportedly helped themselves to numerous servings of the variety of side dishes the establishment is known for.

Will Smith and his son Jaden also reportedly had nothing but good things to say about YG's famous star-treatment as they stopped by the cafeteria during a tour of the YG recording studios.

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On Thursday, in a press release posted to the label's website, the YG Entertainment execs spilled the beans about their world-class dining hall.

"The secret to winning our artists' hearts, who are known for being finicky eaters, was [to serve up food with] the feel of their mother's home-cooked meals," the YG statement explained.

"The frequently appearing menu would be stir-fried chicken ribs, bibimbap, bulgogi, stir-fried spicy pork and different vegetable side dishes."

Having a top-notch cafeteria was a top priority from the beginning for YG Entertainment founder and CEO Yang Hyun Suk.

"When Yang Hyun Suk first built the head office in 2010, he recruited a chef from a highly popular restaurant near Hongik University, in an area known amongst South Koreans as Hongdae," the label's statement explained.

The kitchen staff has now grown to seven full-time employees serving up a constantly changing menu into the late hours of the night.

But for K-pop fans hoping to get a glimpse of their favorite stars from the YG family over a bowl of bibimbap, the cafeteria closed to the outside public several years ago.

"YG Entertainment's cafeteria is open to its artists, employees, and guests visiting for YG-related business," the statement explained.

"The cafeteria used to be open to public, but after becoming so popular there were too many outsiders wanting to taste the food. The workload for food preparation became overwhelming as kitchen staff members had to cook for all the YG-related personnel and outsiders."

Fans Rally For YG Family At MAMA Awards 2013 Voting: 2NE1, GD, Lee Hi, Psy Nominated As Diplo Reveals CL, G-Dragon, Skrillex Collab!

It's award season, and the YG Family is once again battling it out with other K-Pop idols at the MAMA Awards 2013!

For the YG Family, artists like Lee Hi, Psy, G-Dragon, 2NE1, and CL are all nominated in various categories for the MAMA Awards 2013.

2NE1 and G-Dragon are both nominated for "Artist of the Year," while 2NE1 is also nominated in "Best Female Group."

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Lee Hi is nominated for "Best New Female Artist," while G-Dragon and Psy are nominated for "Best Male Artist" at the MAMA Awards 2013.

In addition, G-Dragon and CL are both nominated in the "UnionPay Song of the Year" category.

Right now, voting is underway for MAMA Awards 2013, and YG Family fans are rallying to vote for their favorite K-Pop acts.

#Blackjack let's vote our idols on MAMA 2013 !! GD/LeeHI/Seungri/PSY/2NE1/CL vote » http://t.co/aaGiW4X44A pic.twitter.com/hX0QEhvDOe

— ZAFIRAZwag (@zafiramaharani1) October 24, 2013

#MAMA2013 VOTE TOGETHER FOR OUR GIRLS, 2NE1! Follow the link --> http://t.co/Z1rzgibdSW — We Love Chaerin (@WeLoveChaerin) October 24, 2013

[VOTE!] Don't forget to vote for 2NE1 for Best Female Group and Artist of the Year and CL for Best Dance Performance http://t.co/cuDNZppSDe

— We Love Dara (@WeLoveDara) October 24, 2013

LEE HI, 2NE1, PSY, GD as nominees for 2013 MAMA's Artist Of The Year http://t.co/UEC0stGgdI — Indonesia ♥ HaYi (@PlanetHaYi) October 24, 2013

Click here to vote for the MAMA Awards 2013.

In addition, Diplo has YG fans excited by revealing an upcoming collaboration between G-Dragon, CL, and Skrillex.

According to YG Ladies, Diplo recently participated in a Reddit AMA and revealed the news to fans of his collaboration with G-Dragon on "Coupe D'etat."

Funniest CFs Starring Your Favorite K-pop Stars

Commercials love using celebrities to endorse their products. If you're a celebrity and you're picked to represent a big product, it means you're doing something right. So let's take a look at some of the funniest commercials starring your favorite stars!

IU's commercial for the "SamSung Galaxy S Hoppin" is quite the adorable one. An IU fan is so obsessed with his favorite artist on his phone that he fails to see that the annoying girl behind him trying to get his attention is indeed the ever so beautiful and adorable IU herself. Watch here:

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Watching Super Junior and SNSD bounce their heads in unison while drinking "Sweet Tea" is comical to me. Why? I don't know but I just imagine all 20 of them in a room practicing this together for hours.

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I feel like anything 2PM does is adorable and hilarious. Watch this sunblock commercial they did below, I guarantee you it'll make you want to be in the sun with these boys as soon as you finish watching it.

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Can someone please just hire Jo Kwon to do every CF in Korea? I promise to buy every product. I don't eat spam but watching Jo Kwon dance to a jam about span makes me want to buy 5 boxes of it right now.

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Lee Seung Gi and Psys' commercial together for Zipel Asak Style is so cute and hilarious. I love Lee Seung's innocence and Psy's swag!

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Psy Says He's Satisfied With The Success Of 'Gentleman' Because 'It Proved I Wasn't A One-Hit Wonder' [VIDEO]

"Gangnam Style" may have been the song that made Psy an international celebrity, but it was "Gentleman" that allowed him to get on with his life.

"Gangnam Style" may have been the song that made Psy an international celebrity, but according to the South Korean rapper, it was "Gentleman" that allowed him to get on with his life.

In this month's issue of L'Uomo Vogue, the Italian version of the popular magazine, Psy, who is the first Korean artist to grace the publication's cover, explained why "Gentleman" allowed him to breathe a sigh of relief.

"After Gentleman was out, I was really satisfied with what it had done, because it proved that I was not a one hit wonder, a lucky shot," Psy said.

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"Nobody can ever label me that now. 'Gentleman' has 500 billion views right now, the song also hit number one in 81 countries, and I am really relieved by that. Now I can really do what I have to do, comfortably. I don't have to make another dancing phenomenon, I am just going back to where I came from and it's really comfortable right now."

"Gentleman" has reportedly broken YouTube records in five categories, including most views in a video clip's first 24 hours, the most views in any 24 hours and the video to reach 200 million, 300 million and 400 million views the fastest.

"Gangnam Style" remains the most watched video clip in Internet history, with over 1.8 billion views.

Psy compared "Gentleman" to a bunt coming off of the bat of Major League Baseball player Hyun-jin Ryu.

"I feel like Hyun-jin Ryu a baseball player from South Korea who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers," Psy explained.

"One time he was just trying to swing it while he was closing his eyes, and he accidentally hit a home run, and the next time he was up, the crowd was calling for another home run, but honestly, he went for a bunt instead, so runners could advance to second base. So for me, 'Gentleman' was that bunt, so now runners are on second base, and now it's my time and I don't have to hit another home run, and if I just hit one single and you can score because I made a bunt that's even better."

The King of YouTube, whose real name is Park Jae-sang, also revealed how the food tent scene in the "Gentleman" video was inspired by his own love of local cuisine.

"We are eating in a tent, it's a pojangmacha, and the late-night streets of Seoul are packed with them," he said.

"The name literally means 'tented wagon', and they're something like a dive bar combined with a street food stall, serving up hearty, spicy, salty food to go with bottles of soju [Japanese distilled liquor] and beer."

Click here to read the full Psy interview in this month's L'Uomo Vogue

Check out Psy's record-breaking "Gentleman" video RIGHT HERE
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Psy To Perform For The First Time Since His April 13 'Happening' Concert, In December At Seoul's Olympic Gymnastics Arena

Hometown fans will get an early Christmas present this year when the international K-pop sensation Psy plays his first concert in eight months.

Hometown fans will get an early Christmas present this year when the international K-pop sensation Psy plays his first concert in eight months at Olympic Gymnastics Arena in Seoul.

The rapper and YouTube phenomenon hasn't hit the stage since his April 13 "Happening," that corresponded with the release of his last single "Gentleman."

And the "Gangnam Style" won't be limited to a one night only affair, according to a statement from the concert promoter in a press release issued Wednesday by Psy's record label YG Entertainment.

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"We have finalized the application for the concert hall rental for ten days from December 16 to 25," the promoter's statement read.

"Psy [has been] writing new songs in the US and he will finalize the exact date of the concert by consulting with his US agency."

Although the concert promoters are considering a long list of factors as they decide exactly when and where to have the shows, and for how many days.

"Sangam or Jamsil Stadium which can accommodate an audience of 50,000 are not appropriate since it is too cold to have an outdoor concert," read the promoter's statement.

"Because Olympic Gymnastics Arena can accommodate only an audience of 12,000, we may hold the concert for [at least] five days in a row."

Psy, who is expected to unveil his bevy of new material at the December shows has been had at work on his new album, being recorded in the US.

The album reportedly features high-profile collaborations with rock gods Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and Brian May of Queen.

In an interview for this month's issue of Italian Vogue, Psy admitted to being a bit overwhelmed working with artists he had admired his whole life.

"Legendary artists like Aerosmith's Steven Tyler completed his recording right beside me," Psy said.

"When I was a middle school student, I used to cry listening to their songs. Aerosmith is my role model. I can't believe that I did collaboration with Tyler. I love my life."

K-pop Idols at Dance Practice: Our Favorite Mirror Dance Videos (Part 1)

I went on a YouTube rampage earlier today that landed me on a throwback video of 2PM doing a mirrored dance rehearsal for their single, "I Hate You," back when Jay was still a part of the group. What I've always loved about 2PM was their humor, and their ability to be professional yet always hilarious. Watch it here:

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There's something entrancing about watching Sistar dance in a studio without the bright lights and camera angles. It may be that we realize their legs are longer than life and we start to feel a sting of envy and jealousy right through our blood stream causing us to feel complete entrancement. Oh, is that just me?

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Why does 2NE1 have to be so perfect? Even in a simple studio space their swag is off the charts.

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I love watching Psy dance, it's addicting. It amazes me what a normal looking guy he is when he's out of his signature suit and sunglasses.

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I'm not a huge fan of EXO but I can't deny that their choreography to "Wolf" was one of the best and most creative ones I've ever seen!

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Which one is your favorite off of our list?

[News] Psy plans to have a concert in Korea sometime this December!

[News] Psy plans to have a concert in Korea sometime this December!

Psy plans to celebrate the Christmas season with his Korean fans this year!

In December, Psy may be having his first exclusive concert in eight months at Seoul's gymnastics stadium. It appears that for his Christmas concert in Korea, Psy will reveal his new song for the first time. It is yet unknown whether this new song will be his collaboration with Aerosmith's Steven Tyler.

One rep said, "We decided to request a Psy concert for ten days from December 16 to 25. Psy, who is working on his new song in America, will have a meeting with his American agency in the beginning of November to come up with accurate dates for his concert . . . It is difficult to have an outside concert at Sangam or Jamsil main stadiums, which can accommodate up to 50,000 people, because the weather is cold. It is possible that the concert may take place for five consecutive days at the gymnastics stadium, which can have up to 12,000 people."

Stay tuned for more information on Psy's concert schedule, which appears to be tentative as of now.

Girls' Generation and Psy Nominated for 1st Annual YouTube Music Awards

This year YouTube is launching their first ever YouTube Music Awards and two very familiar K-Pop acts have been nominated - Psy and Girls' Generation!

When YouTube announced the nominees for the YouTube Music Awards on October 21, it was no big surprise that Psy ended up among the world's viral elite. He nabbed three different nominations, Artist of the Year, Video of the Year for "Gentleman," and YouTube Phenomenon for the song "Gangnam Style."

Furthermore, Psy got recognition in another category. YouTube sensations Jayesslee we nominated in the Response of the Year category for their remarkable cover of Psy's world record-breaking single "Gangnam Style."

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Going up against him in the Video of the Year category are the lovely ladies of Girls' Generation. The nine K-Pop goddesses grabbed a nod for their "I Got a Boy' music video.

The YouTube Music Awards will go live on November 3. Fans can vote by sharing the nominee videos below.

Also check out the full list of nominees HERE.

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Running Man Cast Brings 'Boys Over Flowers' To Singapore Fan Meeting; Successfully Concludes Their Race With Fans

Organised by ONE, the 'Watsons RACE START! in Singapore Running Man Fan Meeting' was a huge success. Held at Singapore Expo Hall 2B on October 19, the event saw to a sold-out crowd of more than 3,000 fans. 

Haha, Kim Jongkook, Jee Seokjin, Kang Gary and Song Jihyo were the resident cast members present at the fan meeting. Comprising of four guys and one female, the Running Man team was likened to a really popular drama with the same composition during the opening segment. A video montage of the cast members being depicted as the handsome cast of 'Boys Over Flowers' was shown. The Running Man cast then appeared singing to T-Max's "Almost Paradise", which had many fans roaring with laughter. Haha was dressed up similarly to Gu Junpyo (a character in Boys over Flowers) with the fur on his outfit and pretty Jihyo was definitely Geum Jandi (another character in Boys over Flowers).

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The fan meeting started off with a talk session and the host congratulated Seokjin on his first solo win in one of the recent episodes. Seokjin commented "Thank you very much! It was my first win in three years" and then followed up with his usual comic dance as the crowd went "Cha cha cha cha cha! Cha cha cha cha cha! You're still alive, Jee Seokjin!" (in Korean)

"I don't want to always win." Jongkook said when the host commented on his many wins on Running Man. He continued, "I want to let them win. I am a generous person", and amused the audience with his comments as he denied his ambitions to win in the variety game show. 

The Singapore event was the first leg of the Running Man Fan Meeting Asia Tour 2013 that Jihyo was featured in and there was much hype about her appearance. Many fans were excited to meet her and of course, Gary on the tour, and hoped to see some dearly-loved "Monday Couple" interactions. There was indeed some couple business that went on in the fan meeting. During the 'gesture game' (it was a charade relay game with selected lucky fans), instead of copying the actions of the person before him, Gary acted on his own and made a heart to Jihyo.

It was real fun watching the Running Man cast and the fans play the game on stage with their expressive body languages. Seokjin was a black hole on his team while Haha was the ace of his. Familiar games seen in Running Man episodes were played on the stage as well. 'Goal In' was the second game and the cast members paired up with a fan and had to kick a slipper into a box with their names. There were penalty boxes with penalties such as 'Couple dance' as well but none of them kicked the slipper into those boxes, disappointingly. 

For the third game, fans were selected to be on stage and they had to dance to Psy's "Gangnam Style" and impress the Running Man cast. Gary and Seokjin were called out to demonstrate the dance for the fans on stage. However, Gary made Jongkook and Haha do the dance as well, and to get back at Gary, the two males danced up to Jihyo. Gary got jealous and confronted Jihyo by saying "sabo", a term used by Singaporeans to mean sabotage, and Jihyo quickly comforted him by saying "I love you". With that, Gary and Jihyo were then made to do a couple dance together.

The fans finally got to dance and the Running Man cast picked out fans that got to play the next game, the "shake off post-its" game! It was hilarious watching the Running Man team paste the post-its on the fans, as they not-so-apologetically sang to "I Am Sorry" while pasting the post-its mercilessly and strategically on places where it would be hard to shake them off. On a side note, Jongkook's team won in all of the games.

The last game of the night was the tug-of-war and the Running Man cast were pitted against the fans. It took 9 fans to beat the Running Man team. The fans that participated in the games were the envy of the audience as they brought home lots of presents such as signed posters, T-shirts, goodies from the sponsors and also, a Polaroid shot with one Running Man cast!

Up next were the live singing performances by all the Running Man cast. Seokjin sang his rendition of the English song, "I Swear" and ended his performance with a corny speech. 

Gary, who is part of Leessang, rapped to the hip-hop duo's hits "You're The Answer To A Guy Like Me" and "Can't Breakup Girl, Can't Leave Boy" before Jihyo joined him on stage for "Turned Off the TV". The "Monday Couple" gave the hip-hop song a different vibe and it was a pleasure to watch the two share the same stage.

"I am Haroro in Running Man, but right now I am a tough guy." Tough-guy Haha performed a remix of "Story of A Little Kid", "You are My Fate" and "Rosa" along with "Busan Vacance" and got the crowd to stand and jump along with him. 

The last of the solo acts, Jongkook serenaded with "One Man" and "Today More Than Yesterday" with his 'mosquito voice'. (as dubbed by fellow Running Man cast Yoo Jaesuk) 

The five Running Man cast members united for the finale and got the audience wild and fans started to jump crazily. The cast members then thanked the audience for their support towards the show and the warm welcome they received in the country.

The fun-filled and engaging 2.5-hours fan meeting ended with an encore stage and the cast members said they will make their return to Singapore soon. Jongkook promised "With Kwangsoo and Jaesuk, we'll be back."

Don't forget to catch new episodes of Running Man every Friday at 11.45pm on ONE (StarHub TV channels 124, 820, 823 and 876 or SingTel mio TV channels 513 and 604)!

Special thanks to ONE for inviting KpopStarz.com to cover 'Watsons RACE START! in Singapore Running Man Fan Meeting'.

Writer: Eileen C. | Photo Credits: ONE