[23 images][news][links][16 vids] 비 Yourself Open Thread for 7/1 — 8/31/2020. Rainism overload!

•July 7, 2020 • 1 Comment
From the “Love Story” short film and CF. Woahhh ❤ ^@@^

There has been a huge influx of new Rain fans, and Rain has mentioned working on new music. Now is a great time to go all the way back and get folks up to speed on his albums, from 1998 to 2017!

The seventh installment of my Rain Career Music special series celebrates when Rain dropped his next Korean offering Vol. 5: Rainism in October 2008. This was his first album on his own, without JYPE. He was back on the Korean music scene after a l-o-n-g break in the USA and Germany filming Hollywood movies Speed Racer and Ninja Assassin. His Rainism comeback, fully covered by the press and in the Discovery Channel documentary series Seoul Vibes: Hip Korea (aired in late February 2009), was a huge success. Korea was thrilled to have its Magic Feet back! The album’s success lead to a gorgeous Rainism Repackage album a few months later. ^@@^

SCROLL DOWN ↓ this post to see MORE album art and my compilation of songs, MVs, fan cams, and TV appearances (credited as tagged). Please enjoy! ^@@^

» You can visit the previous Open Thread HERE and re-visit Rain’s previous album Rain’s World. By the way — have you 10th Cloud sisters left a message for Rain on his officially sanctioned fan club on Naver today?

ANNOUNCEMENT: We noticed many pictures on our homepages weren’t loading anymore… As it turns out, our web host has moved to a new platform and we need to do the same (follow them). Co-founder Terri is working hard behind the scenes to rebuild our site and move it to the new web location. Please don’t worry — our blog is not affected and our new site will be up and running smoothly soon. PLEASE PARDON OUR MESS OVER THERE! 🙂

» Cloud USA disclaimer. READ it. We’re 10th Cloud term members now, but the same still applies.

Continue reading ‘[23 images][news][links][16 vids] 비 Yourself Open Thread for 7/1 — 8/31/2020. Rainism overload!’

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[23 images][41 Eng clips] Rain’s journey as 1/3 of summer retro K-Pop group SSAK3, so far. (May – July 2020)

•July 9, 2020 • Leave a Comment

— Written and compiled by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^

One of the reasons top Korean host and comedian Yoo JaeSuk (“the nation’s MC”) has been my favorite TV personality since 2010 is the fun, cool ideas he comes up with — like this one! The best summer project ever — a new co-ed K-Pop group made up of popular early-generation idol singers who would bring their experience and expertise to the table. Rain and Lee HyoRi (formerly of top girl group Fin.K.L.) made the cut, the icing on the cake being the three have been close friends and on TV together on and off for years.

So doggone exciting!

The group name? SSAK3, and their debut is coming up in a matter of days — July 18! This post is to briefly chronicle the group’s start back in May all the way to now, the things they’ve had to accomplish to put it all together.

Continue reading ‘[23 images][41 Eng clips] Rain’s journey as 1/3 of summer retro K-Pop group SSAK3, so far. (May – July 2020)’

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[5 images][video][Letit비][Eng subs] Rain tells his diet secrets, as promised! (5/6)

•May 13, 2020 • 3 Comments

— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^

First, we got the abbreviated version of Rain’s home circuit training… Then, we got his full 30-minute TABATA workout from hell in real time, with no breaks.

Now, as promised, he has spilled his dieting secrets that have kept him in tip top shape and has him presently at the same weight as when he was a 20-year-old (but with muscle!).

Continue reading ‘[5 images][Letit비][Eng subs] Rain tells his diet secrets, as promised! (5/6)’

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[12 pics][2 vids] Rain check: Fresh imagery, TikTok, Gre-kriti, Cuckoo, La Cloud, & true fakery. (4/21 – 5/12)

•May 13, 2020 • 2 Comments

— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^

5/12/2020. Rain’s latest TikTok video and an update on how his 3-week-old account is doing (let’s just say he’s killin it over there). *thumbs way up* ^@@^

Continue reading ‘[12 pics][2 vids] Rain check: Fresh imagery, TikTok, Gre-kriti, Cuckoo, La Cloud, & true fakery. (4/21 – 5/12)’

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[11 fan mades] Rain video salad.

•April 28, 2020 • Leave a Comment

— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^

Grab a fork and your favorite dressing, stir well, and dig in. Enjoy!

The latest from our Cloud USA YouTube channel. Please support us on our YouTube, as well as RAIN’s Official Channel and R.A.I.N. Company’s partner in managing Rain’s activities, Sublime Artist Agency. It’s really important that you do. Thanks so much! ❤️ ^@@^

Continue reading ‘[11 fan mades] Rain video salad.’

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The Top Ten Best Songs by RAIN

•April 28, 2020 • 2 Comments

A BLAST FROM THE PAST: I regret that we’re only now seeing this post, because it is right on the money when it comes to mid-2017. Nicely done! — Stephe ^@@^

The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion

K-Pop is one of the few international genres that places more focus on groups than solo acts, but when a single artist does make it big, they often burst into the stratosphere. Such is the case with Rain (Bi), who set the standard for male soloists everywhere. He is not only a Korean star. He’s a star who has conquered all of Asia. His lengthy discography is home to many classics, but here are my favorites.

  • Special shout-out to 2010’s Hip Song, which would have made it onto the list if it had been given a proper music video.

10. Free Way (2006)

Rain’s original Japanese material hasn’t always lived up to his Korean output, but the bright, breezy soul of Free Way is definitely the highlight.

9. How To Avoid The Sun (2003)

How To Avoid The Sun’s shuffling beat and atmospheric synths create the perfect midtempo soundscape for…

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[10 images][4 vids] Rain turns the tables this year, posts debut anniversary goodies for fans. (4/24, 4/28)

•April 27, 2020 • Leave a Comment

— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^

Once again, Rain’s debut anniversary is upon us — the 18th one. Nineteen years in the business as a solo singer! And y’all know the drill. Every year, Clouds all over the world load up social media with congratulatory fan made videos and images for him and we celebrate hard. Only, this year, Rain turned the tables on us.

He was ready and waiting for April 24, and loaded up his social media with precious 18-year-old gems we’d never seen and an image timeline representing his nearly two decades as the phenomenon known as 비.

Images from Rain’s career timeline on his Instagram. See all the images in full in his IG post embedded BELOW. ^@@^
Continue reading ‘[10 images][4 vids] Rain turns the tables this year, posts debut anniversary goodies for fans. (4/24, 4/28)’

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[2 images][3 vids] Rain TikToks with the best of ’em. Go see for yourself. (4/21 — 4/27)

•April 27, 2020 • Leave a Comment
Image credit: Rain’s Instagram (rain_oppa @ IG.)

— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^

Last week on the 21st, Rain announced that he was opening a TikTok account (not the first version, for Chinese-speaking territories — that was this past December… I’m talking about the version after that, based out of California, for markets outside of China. The one we all can use. YAY!) Mere hours later, he released his first TikTok video and it was a blast!

He took on the Drip Challenge and KILLED IT.

Continue reading ‘[2 images][3 vids] Rain TikToks with the best of ’em. Go see for yourself. (4/21 — 4/27)’

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[video][Letit비] Rain’s FULL 30-minute Tabata exercise routine is released, and it’s a killer! (4/24)

•April 27, 2020 • 1 Comment

— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^

Good heavens!

Everything after the 20-minute mark had to be HELL ON EARTH. The “devil’s workout” indeed. How was he able to still speak to viewers after 20 minutes of that? Rain’s discipline and stamina at age 37 are unbelievable.

I was exhausted just watching!

But not surprised by him at all. I mean, the guy did pull 9Gs in a centrifuge. 🙂 ^@@^

(Source credit: RAIN’s Official Channel @ YT.)

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[20 images][vlive][Eng subs] You can reach your body goals if you #letit비 — give Rain’s workout a try! (4/16)

•April 20, 2020 • Leave a Comment

— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^

Huge congratulations to Rain for achieving his weight loss goal recently!

It’s not that he was unhealthy or overweight by any means — he certainly was not — he’s always taken good care of himself, worked out, and cut a fine figure out in the public. But hey, we’re all human and we get it, you’re older and have an anniversary or birthday or an event or some type of milestone coming up and you want to be at and look your dead-level BEST. It’s a natural thing. So, with the incredible discipline and utmost care for his body that he’s shown over the years, it was only a slight surprise when Rain announced on his social media a few days ago that he was back to his weight as a 20-year-old, just in time for his 18th year debut anniversary on April 24.

A nice thing to do for himself, indeed!

Continue reading ‘[20 images][vlive][Eng subs] You can reach your body goals if you #letit비 — give Rain’s workout a try! (4/16)’

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[2 images] Even covered up and wearing a mask, Rain’s face and body shine. 🌞 (4/15)

•April 20, 2020 • 1 Comment
Images credit: rain_oppa @ IG (Rain’s Instagram)

— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^

That’s what the reporter in this OSEN article says — that Rain is small of face and best in body even in baggy, quarantine fashion. We quite agree! It was also reported that, from a polling place in Itaewon, Seoul on the 15th, he posted these two pictures on his social media with the hashtag “election” (선거), attracting attention from fans.

He most certainly did. Get our attention…

…which begs the question… is the Korean media still glued to our Instagrams, y’all? They have been in the past. Not a problem — just wondering. 🙂

The reporter goes on to say that one can tell that he’s even more toned than ever, and that even under a mask, his well-proportioned face catches the eye. Again, check and check. *thumbs up*

In other news, it sure was good to see our mop top posting again, with his adorable, careful, good citizen self.

Stephe @ cloudusa.blog / CloudUSA.org

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[16 images][3 videos] Rain check: News updates 3/23 — 4/13/2020.

•April 15, 2020 • Leave a Comment

— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^

Image credit: Sublime Artist Agency.

4/13/2020. It’s collaboration time! R.A.I.N. Company and Sublime Artist Agency have signed an MoU to collaborate on Rain’s activities and those also under his management (a.k.a. the boy band he is presently producing). I like the look of SAA and how they keep their social media updated. If indeed they’ve already been on board the Rain Train for good minute with all these 2020 ambassadorships coming to fruition, I’d say this is a WIN. An icon of Rain’s caliber has a lot of plates up in the air and needs a LOT of management. Sometimes, one company just isn’t enough! ^@@^

(Images credit: sublimeartist @ IG / sublimeartist.co.kr)

Continue reading ‘[16 images][3 videos] Rain check: News updates 3/23 — 4/13/2020.’

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[3 images][2 vids] Health Helper fires up their Instagram again with new ambassador Rain. (3/19/20)

•March 20, 2020 • Leave a Comment

— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^

Hi, all. Update time!

While researching Rain’s new sponsor Health Helper earlier this week, I ran across their Instagram account, which they hadn’t used since last August (2019). I followed it, just in case they decided to make a comeback.

Glad I did.

Continue reading ‘[3 images][2 vids] Health Helper fires up their Instagram again with new ambassador Rain. (3/19/20)’

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[7 images] Health Helper brings its G-Stemma Max Switch aboard the Rain Train. (3/18/20)

•March 18, 2020 • 2 Comments

— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^

Rain has always been a “whole ‘nother animal”, one who trusts himself completely when it comes to his career path.

Even as an icon, he knew his fan base was changing and his career was transitioning. He knew he had to change along with them, especially since he had no intention of going the expected “life after K-Pop” route and taking a seat (thank heavens!). The past few years are indication he’s successfully navigating that change. And year 2020 is just the icing on the cake! The sexiest K-Pop king alive is now the sexiest hubby, father, K-Pop legend and wellness aficionado alive. His skin, face, and body are still his fortune, along with the fact he’s now a family man, and SEVEN companies have wanted a part of that in the past five months.

Continue reading ‘[7 images] Health Helper brings its G-Stemma Max Switch aboard the Rain Train. (3/18/20)’

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[24 images][news][links][12 vids] 비 Yourself Open Thread for 3/1 — 6/30/2020. Rain’s World overload!

•March 16, 2020 • Leave a Comment

There has been an influx of new Clouds and new Rain fans, and Rain has mentioned working on new music. Don’t know if he is or not, but now is a great time to go all the way back and get folks up to speed on his albums, from 1998 to 2017!

The sixth installment of my Rain Career Music special series celebrates the time when Rain — his attention back on Korea after Japanese album Eternal Rain — dropped his next Korean offering Vol. 4 Rain’s World in October 2006. This was to be his final album at JYPE, his final project with the mentor who had discovered him and would forever be his hyung, Jin Young Park. The album’s success lead to a Rain’s World Repackage album a few months later. ^@@^

(CLICK on images ↓ ↓ for larger view.)

Rain’s first movie where he had the lead role, I’m A Cyborg But That’s OK, would be released at the end of this year (2006). This was also the year that he donated the funds for 50 wells (enough drinking water for 60,000 people) in Cambodia, and donated the proceeds from sales of the campaign umbrellas with his image on them to low income children. He also participated in the Love Photography Exhibition, an annual charity held by the Social Welfare Society and photographer Cho Sei-Hon, that helps children who are in government care find adoptive parents.

And don’t forget the absolutely MASSIVE BMW Meets Truth campaign. See the FULL film below. ^@@^

SCROLL DOWN ↓ this post to see MORE album art and my compilation of songs, MVs, fan cams, and TV appearances (credited as tagged). Please enjoy! ^@@^

» You can visit the previous Open Thread HERE and re-visit Rain’s Japanese album Eternal Rain. By the way — have you 10th Cloud sisters left a message for Rain on his officially sanctioned fan club on Naver today?

ANNOUNCEMENT: We noticed many pictures on our homepages weren’t loading anymore… As it turns out, our web host has moved to a new platform and we need to do the same (follow them). Co-founder Terri is working hard behind the scenes to rebuild our site and move it to the new web location. Please don’t worry — our blog is not affected and our new site will be up and running smoothly soon. PLEASE PARDON OUR MESS OVER THERE! 🙂

» Cloud USA disclaimer. READ it. We’re 10th Cloud term members now, but the same still applies.

Continue reading ‘[24 images][news][links][12 vids] 비 Yourself Open Thread for 3/1 — 6/30/2020. Rain’s World overload!’

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[4 fanmade][2 fancams][clip] Rain video salad. (Fan art, V-Live, PopXClassics, a cute Blast, & 6 mins of 비’s lips.)

•March 10, 2020 • 1 Comment

— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^

Image credit: JanVogler.com

2/20/2020. Fan made. Our Cloud USA fan art Man of 1000 Faces #2 video. Please enjoy. ❤ ^@@^

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12/3/2015. Clip. Remember when Rain opened his new V-Live Channel looking like a million bucks? So handsome. *sigh* ^@@^

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Continue reading ‘[4 fanmade][2 fancams][clip] Rain video salad. (Fan art, V-Live, PopXClassics, a cute Blast, & 6 mins of 비’s lips.)’

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[6 images][4 vids][Eng] Rain and CUCKOO for World Water Day! (3/6/2020)

•March 10, 2020 • 1 Comment

— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^

From donating funds for 50 drinking water wells in Cambodia (2005) to his 2011 BEST Rain concert tour stop in Singapore to World Water Day in Gangnam (2015) to now, Rain’s personal and professional platform has always been “water for all.” Conserving, providing, preserving water and teaching our children to use it wisely is one of the things he’ll always champion.

So, the #Just1Cup campaign by CUCKOO International and its brand ambassador Rain for World Water Day 2020 makes perfect sense, as does its cute but important message. I already only use one cup when brushing. I mean, it is 2020 and it’s not just about us. Future generations need some consideration, don’t they?

In English, with Malay subtitles. Enjoy the cuteness! ^@@^

CLICK image to visit the official campaign page. ^@@^

FULL VIDEO.

Continue reading ‘[6 images][4 vids][Eng] Rain and CUCKOO for World Water Day! (3/6/2020)’

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[6 images][2 vids][gre-kriti] Behind the scenes: Effort is Rain’s best adjective. (2/23)

•February 24, 2020 • Leave a Comment

— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^

Our favorite slogan of the bunch is: “Effort is his best adjective.” ❤

Wow. Even as a BLURRRRR… he looks so good. ^@@^

(All images and videos source credit: Libra_Yoyo @ Weibo as tagged.)

Continue reading ‘[6 images][2 vids][gre-kriti] Behind the scenes: Effort is Rain’s best adjective. (2/23)’

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[6 images][making of] Behind the scenes: “Stay tuned, GRE-KRITI and Rain.” (2/23)

•February 24, 2020 • 2 Comments

— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^

Images credit: GRE-KRITI, courtesy of raincloudworld on IG.

On popular Chinese social networking app Weixin.qq.com today, GRE-KRITI posted a truly warmhearted blog post chronicling their journey with Rain so far and the reasons they value him as their new spokesperson.

They talked about how Rain has worked incredibly hard as an international superstar, and that he is as serious and sincere behind the scenes as he is in front of people on the world stage. They also said that his meticulous work ethic, professional attitude and warm kindness are reasons he still has so many fans, including young women — it’s more than just his gorgeous appearance.

They hit the nail on the head.

Continue reading ‘[6 images][making of] Behind the scenes: “Stay tuned, GRE-KRITI and Rain.” (2/23)’

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[4 images][6 CFs] Rain & Kim Tae Hee are sleeping on a “cloud” for Bodyfriend Korea. 🌤️ (2/20/20)

•February 21, 2020 • 9 Comments

— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^

The slogan says, “Because I love you, [I’ll give you] La Cloud.” So cute. ^@@^

Our game changer Rain and his wife, beloved actress Kim Tae Hee, have thrown their hat in the ring for Bodyfriend Korea‘s trademark brand La Cloud. (The “Italy” part refers to the product’s Italian materials and craftsmanship.) Finally! We knew it would happen at some point, because these two are waaay too smart to not combine their top couple marketing power at least once.
The only question here was “when.” 😁
Such exquisite CFs. 🥰 Sooo warm and cute. And La “Cloud”? It’s like fate, haha!

Continue reading ‘[4 images][6 CFs] Rain & Kim Tae Hee are sleeping on a “cloud” for Bodyfriend Korea. 🌤️ (2/20/20)’

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[12 images][4 videos] 나인닷 NINEDOT health and fitness brands has boarded the Rain train. (2/14)

•February 18, 2020 • 2 Comments

— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^

We’re still at the beginning of Year 2020, and Rain has another brand ambassadorship under his belt! He is now also representing NINEDOT Treadmill Fitness Brands and is helping roll out their new, innovative product. Just like that, our Cloud USA Facebook banner and my Twitter banner are obsolete! ^_^

 

Continue reading ‘[12 images][4 videos] 나인닷 NINEDOT health and fitness brands has boarded the Rain train. (2/14)’

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[18 images][3 vids] Rain check. (GRE-KRITI spoilers, FanArtFriday, 4️❤️or💲 & an awesome past Blast.)

•February 11, 2020 • 3 Comments

— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^

All screen caps in this post by Cloud USA. ^@@^

2/10/2020. GRE-KRITI representatives posted a spoiler video with more of Rain’s photo shoot highlights on their Weibo accounts today. Hooray! I can’t wait to see how they’re going to revamp their website and see his new CFs. ^@@^ (Video credit: 格丽缇股东合伙人妞精灵 @ Weibo.)

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Continue reading ‘[18 images][3 vids] Rain check. (GRE-KRITI spoilers, FanArtFriday, 4️❤️or💲 & an awesome past Blast.)’

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[21 images][6 vids] Rain check. (Magic Show, GRE-KRITI photo shoot, charitable acts & a blast from the past.)

•January 31, 2020 • 3 Comments

— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^

1/29/2020. News outlets have reported that Rain and Kim Tae Hee donated ₩100 million KRW (roughly $100,000 USD give or take, depending on exchange rates) on January 14 to the Archdiocese of Seoul. The donation was delivered by Rain’s mother in law and, according to the couple’s wishes, the donation will be used to help single mothers and their children. The donation is in the name of their second daughter, who recently celebrated her 100th day. In 2017, the couple also donated the same amount to the diocese in the name of their first daughter to mark her 100th day, also. The news photo below shows Rain’s new sister-in-law (the pro golfer who recently married actor Lee Wan, Tae Hee’s brother). As expected, KTH and Rain kept things low-key by not showing up and not letting reporters make it all about them. *thumbs up* ^@@^

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Continue reading ‘[21 images][6 vids] Rain check. (Magic Show, GRE-KRITI photo shoot, charitable acts & a blast from the past.)’

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[14 images][7 clips] Rain check. (GRE-KRITI, a 10th birthday, a 3rd anniversary, gym rat, friends, & HNY Japan!)

•January 23, 2020 • 6 Comments

— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^

1/22/2020. Rain took to his Instagram and Chinese TikTok to let us know a project had started — it turned out to be his GRE-KRITI filming! And we also got a quick look behind the scenes from A Great Day brand agent Sung Cheol Park, who posted: “At the end of many twists and turns, GRE-KRITI and Rain’s filming has been completed. Thank you to Jung Jihoon for being a wonderful model and showing a deep caring for his work!” Aww ❤ ^@@^

Continue reading ‘[14 images][7 clips] Rain check. (GRE-KRITI, a 10th birthday, a 3rd anniversary, gym rat, friends, & HNY Japan!)’

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[7 images][clips][fan cam] Rain at the VIP premiere of movie “Chiefs of Namsan.” (1/20/2020)

•January 23, 2020 • 1 Comment

— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^

A new movie, Chiefs of Namsan, premiered yesterday in Korean theaters, but the VIP premiere happened on the 20th at the Seoul COEX Megabox and Rain walked the Red Carpet in support of the film. The Korea Dispatch called our fashion icon an “A-class visual” and, yes, they were right.

His kind of magnificence does not grow on trees, folks. 🙂 ^@@^

Continue reading ‘[7 images][clips][fan cam] Rain at the VIP premiere of movie “Chiefs of Namsan.” (1/20/2020)’

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[15 images][video] GRE-KRITI Cosmetics signs Rain as its new brand ambassador. (1/10/2020)

•January 15, 2020 • 4 Comments

— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^

Yet another high-end cosmetics and skincare brand has jumped aboard the Rain train! Rain is now brand ambassador for GRE-KRITI (I’ve seen a Hong Kong website and a Canada one, too).

I don’t think these images are magazines… I can’t find any evidence that they are (they seem to simply be creative ads). If anyone knows, please chime in! A rep on Weibo has also posted about Rain being hailed as the hardest-working all-around artist in the world, and that they will work hard alongside him.

Continue reading ‘[15 images] GRE-KRITI Cosmetics signs Rain as its new brand ambassador. (1/10/2020)’

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[25 images][news][links][12 vids] 비 Yourself Open Thread for 1/1 — 2/29/2020. Eternal Rain overload!

•January 15, 2020 • 7 Comments

Album art in this post is from co-founder Terri’s Eternal Rain album. ^@@^

There has been an influx of new Clouds and new Rain fans, and Rain has mentioned working on new music. Don’t know if he is or not, but now is a great time to go all the way back and get folks up to speed on his albums, from 1998 to 2017!

Welcome back! Hope everyone had a nice, cozy holiday.

My fifth installment of this series celebrates the time when Rain took a tiny detour out of Korea and dropped his first Japanese album Eternal Rain in September 2006, in Japan. That’s going to take a little ‘splaining because Eternal Rain is technically his second album released in Japan.

(CLICK on image ↓ ↓ for larger view.)

Okay. In my mind, a Japanese album has Japanese songs on it. Songs sung in Japanese, of which Eternal Rain has plenty. Of its 12 tracks, 9 are in the Japanese language, 2 are in Korean, and one is in English. Whereas what is considered Rain’s first Japanese album, RAIN: Early Works, released in Japan in December 2005, is comprised of 16 songs from his first three Korean albums. With not a Japanese song on it. Which is fine, nothing wrong with that. It’s simply my opinion that for an album to be classified Japanese, it needs that language on it.

I say Eternal Rain is his first Japanese album, and RAIN: Early Works is his first album released in Japan. My story, sticking to it. 🙂

FYI: First release “Sad Tango” and songs “Free Way” and “Move On” were released as singles ahead of the album.

SCROLL DOWN ↓ this post to see MORE album art and my compilation of songs, MVs, fan mades, and TV appearances (credited as tagged). Please enjoy! ^@@^

» You can visit the previous holiday Open Thread HERE and see the link to re-visit Rain’s third album It’s Raining. By the way — have you 10th Cloud sisters left a message for Rain on his officially sanctioned fan club on Naver today?

ANNOUNCEMENT: We noticed many pictures on our homepages weren’t loading anymore… As it turns out, our web host has moved to a new platform and we need to do the same (follow them). Co-founder Terri is working hard behind the scenes to rebuild our site and move it to the new web location. Please don’t worry — our blog is not affected and our new site will be up and running smoothly soon. PLEASE PARDON OUR MESS OVER THERE! 🙂

» Cloud USA disclaimer. READ it. We’re 10th Cloud term members now, but the same still applies.

Continue reading ‘[25 images][news][links][12 vids] 비 Yourself Open Thread for 1/1 — 2/29/2020. Eternal Rain overload!’

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[26 images][2 vids] Rain & Siti Nurhaliza bring a familial touch to CUCKOO’s #SAMASAMA Division. (1/6/2020)

•January 9, 2020 • Leave a Comment

— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^

Hi, all! Rain has started the new year at a full run, as always. No surprise at all!

Global corporation and No. 1 healthy home appliance brand CUCKOO International has named world-renowned Korean singer-songwriter and Hallyu star Rain and Malaysian queen of pop Dora’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza its brand ambassadors for the year 2020, representing their #SAMASAMA Division (Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Dubai). CUCKOO has blasted this news just about doggone everywhere and, personally, I think it is truly a smart move on their part.

(Video source credit: Cuckoo International)

With Rain having two daughters now (a 2-year-old and a 4-month-old) and Siti Nurhaliza having a 1-year-old daughter, a massive chunk of CUCKOO’s consumer base identifies with them right away — parents. Parents concerned about the water their children drink, the air their children breathe, the food their children eat, the cleanliness of their family’s home. This is a huge problem in some areas. Residents have posted about how they can’t drink water out of the tap or how the outdoor air is so polluted, they worry about the air in their houses. CUCKOO is the biggest manufacturer and seller of these appliances across Asia because it’s capitalizing on those concerns big time.

You can clearly see their proposition to consumers (Why you should buy our products?) in their Behind The Scenes announcement and promo film. A Korean pop king and Malaysian pop queen with new families both choose CUCKOO. How can you go wrong? You can’t! 🙂

(Video source credit: Cuckoo Singapore)

Continue reading ‘[26 images][2 vids] Rain & Siti Nurhaliza bring a familial touch to CUCKOO’s #SAMASAMA Division. (1/6/2020)’

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[47 images][8 fan cams] Rain check. (A birthday, best 9, concert guest, a good meal, selfies & gorgeousness.)

•January 5, 2020 • 11 Comments

— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^

1/2/2020. January 2 was the 6th anniversary of the 2014 release of Rain’s 7th full length album (8th album overall) Rain Effect. Needless to say, we celebrated all over our social media. ^@@^

Continue reading ‘[47 images][8 fan cams] Rain check. (A birthday, best 9, concert guest, a good meal, selfies & gorgeousness.)’

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[Cloud USA][video] Happy RAINy Holidays, all! 🎄🕎🍾

•December 25, 2019 • Leave a Comment

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[2 vids][info] Rain nominated for 2019 MBC Drama Award. Join us and him on TikTok! (12/16)

•December 23, 2019 • Leave a Comment

— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^

It says I voted! — Stephe ^@@^ (from my phone)

Before we get to Rain on TikTok…

Rain and leading lady Lim JiYeon have been nominated for their work in TV drama Welcome 2 Life, as well they should. The show wasn’t #1 in its time slot for its entire run for nothing — they and the plot and the cast were just that good!

Fictional couple “JaeSang” and “SiOn” are up for Best Couple in the 2019 MBC Drama Awards. International and Asian Clouds and fans are voting for them 3 times once a day on TikTok until 12/30, easy-peazy and in UNDER A MINUTE. For real! Please join us, because they truly deserve our support in this. Instructions are below. (HUGE thanks to _hannahssi_c and raincloudworld on Instagram!)

Continue reading ‘[2 vids][info] Rain nominated for 2019 MBC Drama Award. Join us and him on TikTok! (12/16)’

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[16 images][7 vids] Rain check. (Surprise fan signing, I Do, good hubby, body goals, JVJQ, & is it or isn’t it??)

•December 23, 2019 • Leave a Comment

— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^

12/20/2019. Handsome Rain was spotted at the Shinsegae Duty Free mall (wow, just look at the place!) in the MyeongDong shopping district in Seoul today. The Shinsegae Group also has a new duty free mall in Gangnam District, and online shopping sites in Korean, English, and in Chinese, which might be why the lady with the mic was speaking in what sounded like a form of Chinese and the banners were Chinese as well. Gosh, he looks good! 👀☔ ^@@^ (Images credited as tagged. THX to everyone who shared! 😘)

Continue reading ‘[16 images][7 vids] Rain check. (Surprise fan signing, I Do, good hubby, body goals, JVJQ, & is it or isn’t it??)’

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[39 images][3 vids] Rain check. (Hanryu Pia, a movie premiere, Magic Show, baby stuff, & friends on set.)

•December 13, 2019 • Leave a Comment

— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^

12/12/2019. Rain’s longtime FanClub band mate, Kim Hosang, posted this cute pic of them from Shenzhen, China. So cool. We’re glad they remain close after all these years. Thanks for sharing on your Instagram, 호. You look busy, busy, busy! ^@@^ (Image: worldho333 @ IG)

°

Continue reading ‘[39 images][3 vids] Rain check. (Hanryu Pia, a movie premiere, Magic Show, baby stuff, & friends on set.)’

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[12 images][news][links][15 vids] 비 Yourself Open Thread for 12/1 — 12/31. Happy Holidays! 🎄🎁

•December 13, 2019 • 3 Comments

‘Tis the Season, all!

And because of that, I’m taking a quick break from my Rain Career Music special series (4 installments so far) to celebrate that which we all love — Christmas Rain Spam. We all love us some Rain overload at Christmas and New Year’s, don’t we?

January will start off with the next Rain album installment (#5). For now, though…

Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year to you all. ❤️

SCROLL DOWN ↓ this post to learn more and see my Christmas Rain compilation (credited as tagged). Please enjoy! ^@@^

» You can visit the previous Open Thread and re-visit Rain’s third album It’s Raining HERE. By the way — have you 10th Cloud sisters left a message for Rain on his officially sanctioned fan club on Naver today?

ANNOUNCEMENT: We noticed many pictures on our homepages weren’t loading anymore… As it turns out, our web host has moved to a new platform and we need to do the same (follow them). Co-founder Terri is working hard behind the scenes to rebuild our site and move it to the new web location. Please don’t worry — our blog is not affected and our new site will be up and running smoothly soon. PLEASE PARDON OUR MESS OVER THERE! 🙂

» Cloud USA disclaimer. READ it. We’re 10th Cloud term members now, but the same still applies.

Continue reading ‘[12 images][news][links][15 vids] 비 Yourself Open Thread for 12/1 — 12/31. Happy Holidays! 🎄🎁’

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[5 images][10 vids] From Stephe’s desk: Ninja Assassin (the reason Cloud USA was born) turns 10! 🎂

•December 6, 2019 • 5 Comments

— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^

Last Monday, 11/25, Ninja Assassin celebrated its 10th anniversary! The film that made Rain the FIRST Korean national to land the lead role in a Hollywood movie premiered in 2009 and caused quite a stir in many circles and demographics, oh yes.

Seems like just yesterday, here in Metro Atlanta, my friend and fellow martial arts aficionado Darrell said to me in an autumn 2008 E-mail, “Hey. Did you hear about this new movie being filmed, Ninja Assassin? It’s starring some K-Pop singer named Rain. What do you think? Should we be excited?” This was how I found out about the upcoming movie and Rain’s role in it.

Rain and his movie billboard at Times Square in late 2009. So proud! ^@@^

Continue reading ‘[5 images][10 vids] From Stephe’s desk: Ninja Assassin (the reason Cloud USA was born) turns 10! 🎂’

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