Jang Geun Seuk prepares food for YoonA like newlyweds

Jang Geun Suk and YoonA are interpreting the look of newlyweds in KBS2 drama series “Love Rain“, arousing the curiosity of audience.

In the episode 17 of “Love Rain” to air on May 21st, 2012, they will spend a wonderful time together, Seo Joon (Jang Geun Suk) who looks doesn’t know how to cook is preparing delicious meal for Jung Ha Na (YoonA), demonstrating his superb cuisine cooking.

Ha Na is looking forward to the cuisine prepared by Joon for her at the side, the two persons are as if sweet newlyweds, aroused the jealousy of the audience. The audience also curious what changes happened between them in the end.

Jang Geun Suk who loves to cook demonstrated the true level of cooking during the filming, amazed YoonA and crew members.

Netizens commented on the photos, “Jang Geun Suk who cooks seriously beside YoonA! Best husband,” “I also want to taste the food done by Jang Geun Suk on behalf of YoonA,” “Husband prepares meal for wife, really like a newlyweds,” “The good look of two persons is enviable,” and so on.

Staff crew said, “In episode 17, Seo Joon and Ha Na will spend a happy time of two persons. Hope everybody can look forward to the two persons who are like newlyweds.”

Girls' Generation Covered by Notable News Portals!

Throughout the week, Girls’ Generation has been reported on by numerous news portals. Most of these websites are international-based, proving Girls’ Generation’s role in spreading K-Pop worldwide.

Earlier this week, “CNN Geek Out!” published an article regarding the upcoming Google concert which would be hosted at its headquarters in Mountain View. The article then proceeded to describe K-Pop’s global appeal. Several mentions of Girls’ Generation include their appearance on “Letterman” and their musical career in the Japanese market. The writer concludes the article by agreeing to a statement which states that “K-Pop captures happiness”.

Malaysian newspaper “The New Straits Times” has published an article in relation to Girls’ Generation – TTS’s breakthrough on the Billboard charts as well as their record-breaking success on the international iTunes chart. The article also contains a short blurb on fellow Girls’ Generation member Yoona’s character in her drama, “Love Rain”.

Reported by the official site itself, Billboard covered Girls’ Generation – TTS’s breakthrough onto the Billboard 200 chart, where they placed at 126. The article outlines the success of the three teasers uploaded prior to the release of “Twinkle” as well as several bonuses when purchasing the mini-album. “Billboard” praises the trio by describing Taeyeon as “one of the group’s most powerful vocalists”, Tiffany as “the charismatic and English-speaking [member]”, and Seohyun as the “youngest”. The article ends by saying that Girls’ Generation – TTS is “completely revamped” by focusing the girls on “funky vocals and vibrant outifts”.

Not long after Girls’ Generation won the site’s poll, “Popdust” covers Girls’ Generation – TTS’s latest release, “Twinkle”. The article comments on both the music video and the song, describing it as “big and brassy, with singing just as big and just enough modern production touches”. It also applauds the release by saying that it “could well be a massive hit”.

Last but not least, popular music magazine “Vibe” introduces Girls’ Generation to its readers on May 15. According to the site, Girls’ Generation’s English album “The Boys” has a sound which is similar to “Spice Girls meets the Pussy Cat Dolls”. Sooyoung has also told “Vibe” that Girls’ Generation’s performances “give off a certain energy” that is “not restricted to language or culture”, something that she believes is a key to their success in the U.S..'

Jessica and Tiffany for 'Vogue Girl'

Girls’ Generation‘s Tiffany and Jessica have participated in a new pictorial for the latest issue of ‘Vogue Girl’ magazine.

In celebration of Chanel’s first ever cosmetics pop-up store, the two recently had a pictorial for the brand which was held in the store itself. Tiffany and Jessica showcased their perfect beauty and fashion sense, donning some flashy outfits and glittery accessories.

Girls' Generation & T-ara certified double platinum and gold in Japan

K-Pop groups Girls’ Generation and T-ara continue to solidify their growing status in Japan, as they achieved several album awards for their Japanese releases.

According to the Recording Industry Association of Japan’s report, Girls’ Generation’s title song from third Japanese single “Mr. Taxi” has been certified the double platinum status in Japan after they notched half a million digital ringtone downloads.

On the other hand, T-ara’s “Bo Peep Bo Peep” has achieved gold status after receiving over 100,000 paid download since being released on October of last year.

Under the Recording Industry Association of Japan’s (RIAJ) standard, music content selling over 100,000 copies are certified Gold, 250,000 as Platinum and one million as Million.

Hallyu Wave expected to cool down in the next four years, KoreaTimes reports

In contrast to the multitude of Korean and international articles praising the Hallyu wave’s rapid international spread and predicting its future growth, a new KoreaTimes article suggests that the viral nature of this success may not last as long as some expect.

“Six out of 10 foreigners believe the recent fad for Korean culture ― K-pop, movies and TV dramas and soap operas ― will decline over the next few years,” the report reveals. A survey by Korea’s Ministry of Culture Sports and Tourism and the Korea Foundation for International Culture Exchange (KOFICE) revealed that 60% of 3,600 people in nine countries doubt that the Hallyu wave will see lasting international success.

“The main reason foreigners doubted hallyu’s continued success is because they are ‘tired of standardized content,’” the article explained, attesting that 20.5% of respondents voted for this reason.

“Hypersexual dancing, lyrics and clothing are common among K-pop “idols,” and teen singers,” the report points out. “Korean drama series repeatedly revisit topics such as adulterous affairs, revenge and secrets surrounding the birth or identity of characters, making it difficult to move increasingly desensitized audiences.”

Experts believe that Korea must ‘sell its unique story’ in order to win over other countries by integrating the nation’s traditions into Korean pop culture.

As one representative from the culture ministry said, “Content that isn’t original and diverse will not survive in the market. It is essential to diversify the stories in the media … We also need to encourage financial investment in media, because you can’t create a masterpiece with just a great story and an idea.”

The report can be read in its entirety at KoreaTimes here.

This skepticism of the Hallyu wave comes as a shock to many Korean and international K-pop fans, many of whom are currently “drunk on the international Korean culture craze”. What are your predictions for the future of the Hallyu wave? We’d like to hear your reasoning in the comments section below!

TaeTiSeo performed Twinkle and Baby Steps on Open Concert!

Check out TaeTiSeo's performance on Open Concert,the girls performed Twinkle and Baby Steps on the show,enjoy!

Girls' Generation Shows Constant Popularity in Japan

Girls’ Generation is showing constant popularity in Japan despite being active in South Korea now.

The Recording Industry Association of Japan has released the certificate list according to the music sales of the last four months. According to this list, Girls’ Generation’s “MR. TAXI”, which was released on the 26th of April 2011, has been certified double-platinum. The certificate was awarded to the song in the ringtone (full version) division. Double-platinum certificates are only awarded to songs which have surpassed the 500,000 mark. In this case, the ringtone has been downloaded more than 500, 000 times.

This only proves how popular “MR. TAXI” is in spite of the fact that it was released over a year ago.

Note: Parts of the article not related to Girls’ Generation were omitted.