Former Miss Korea Lee Ha-nui, otherwise known as Honey Lee, has been busy acting as a television broadcast MC and as a model for various CFs and clothing brands ever since she placed in the finals for last year’s Miss Universe pageant. And now she’s branching out into acting, preparing for her debut — in a musical.

Her rep explained that she’d considered making her acting debut in a drama or film, “but chose a musical in order to showcase her particular skills.” As you may know, she’s a noted classical musician, having majored in traditional music (gayageum, pansori) at Seoul National University. Not only that, she reportedly was in training as a vocalist under YG Entertainment prior to her Miss Korea win. She’ll begin rehearsals for the musical next week, produced by PMC productions (of the musical Nanta, which is described as a “non-verbal performance” that incorporated traditional folk music elements).

Via Sports Seoul

No mp3 available, but for a look (and listen) at Honey Lee’s musical skills, here’s her much-buzzed-about performance at the recent Golden Disk Awards with Epik High, transforming their thoroughly modern “Fan” into something of a fusion artistic statement.

SONG OF THE DAY

For the uninitiated, here’s what the original “Fan” by Epik High sounds like. [ Download ]

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Seo Taiji’s back in the news, and as far as Korean pop music is concerned, it’s a pretty big fucking deal. If you aren’t familiar with Seo Taiji, you might not get why he’s considered important, but the guy’s practically a legend. He had a strong, lasting effect on Korean pop music; he wasn’t just popular, he was influential.

And now he’s back. This time it’s something of an event, with an album to commemorate the 15th year since his debut. The album has already sold out in preorders, within four days of the November 2 announcement of its sale, and will need to go into additional pressings.

The frenzy of preordering was set off by the announcement that the album would be a limited edition — a monster 7-disc CD set with an additional two DVDs containing every song from his seven-album discography, all his music videos, unreleased footage, live clips, etc. Demand continues unabated even in the face of the rather high price, which is a bit over $100 (close to 100,000 won). The production company had wanted to only print 15,000 copies (15 being a special number as it’s the 15th anniversary), although a representative from Yedang Entertainment admits that it might prove difficult.

What I find cool about these copies is the care being taken to make it a special item — each copy from 1 to 15,000 will come with its own number, and the first 15 have been reserved for people at Seo Taiji’s company. The copies for sale will begin with #16, and — get this — even some of the other numbers are considered extra-special, i.e. 221 because February 21 is Seo Taiji’s birthday.

 
So what’s the big fuss? Hear some of Seo Taiji’s old-school hits >>

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It’s official. Jisun says goodbye to Loveholic.

The woman who fronted successful rock band Loveholic since its inception five years was sent off with tears and best wishes by the band and fans in a farewell-and-thank-you concert on the 27th. (Actually, there are two final concerts; the second and last takes place tonight, the 28th.)

Jisun managed to hold back her tears all throughout the concert, but finally burst into tears when bassist Lee Jae Hak brought out a letter.

Initially, she explained that she hadn’t prepared any special comments: “I don’t want it to give this a special meaning. I’d like to just treat this performance like a regular conversation.” But as they performed more and more of the songs spanning Loveholic’s career, she said solemnly, “I’ve been able to sing some truly great songs.”

After their last song, Lee Jae Hak took out the letter he’d written at the time of their very first concert, saying while holding back tears with difficulty, “I’m happy I can send you off with smiles.”

Jisun said at the end, with tears falling: “While I was in Loveholic, I came into my voice. I don’t know where we’ll be able to meet again, but if we do, please accept me warmly.” At a fan’s shout for an encore, she performed the song that had opened the concert, their first single, “Loveholic.”

She ended with: “Today, I didn’t cry that much. Tomorrow, I’ll cry my heart out” and thanked her fans.

Source: Star News

SONG OF THE DAY

Loveholic - “다시 피운 꽃” (blooming flower). Literally, “a flower that blooms again.”
[ zShare download ]

 
RELATED POST:

• Oh noes! Jisun leaving Loveholic

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Singer Jisun is leaving popular rock band Loveholic to go solo!

The remaining two band members will be looking for a new vocalist as Jisun embarks on a solo career. The decision was made after careful deliberation by all parties involved, including producers and their label Fluxus Music.

 
SONG OF THE DAY

Loveholic - “Blue 923″ [ zShare download ]

Read more >>

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Egads, I’m running behind! This is why I was wary about watching a third show… If I were doing two, I’d only be one recap behind, but now I’m THREE! Add to that two new episodes of Flowers (today and tomorrow), and on top of that, I just realized Yoon Eun Hye’s new drama Coffee Prince Store #1 premieres today! Aieee.

All right, I may be behind but I promise I’ll get to everything… eventually… Here, have a few songs while you wait. Music cures everything.

I mentioned before that Korean music is kinda going through massive diversification, and one example of that is its burgeoning rock scene. There are nowhere near as many rock genres as we’ve got in the Western world (indie, prog-rock, alternative, contemporary adult, grunge, punk, post-punk, emo, screamo, folk, etc…), but given that “Korean music” used to mean pretty exclusively mainstream pop or folk-style trot, it’s made great strides.

If Korea had a punk rock scene — or punk rawk (definitely more skater-punk than The Clash) — or a Warped Tour, Rocket Diary would be among the first there. They somewhat remind of bands like Saves the Day or Something Corporate, with a little Fall Out Boy thrown in. I mean the comparison in a good way, despite disliking Fall Out Boy kinda on principle.

Rocket Diary - “Heart Messenger” [ zShare download ] Rocket Diary - “District 13″ [ zShare download ] Rocket Diary - “Tonight” [ zShare download ] Rocket Diary - “She Makes Me Cry” (This one’s my favorite!) [ zShare download ]

A FEW MORE SONGS >>

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