Word on the street: Has Rain decided on representation after military? Maybe. Maybe not.
— Posted by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
We’re sure you’ve all seen the articles concerning Rain signing with Cube Entertainment as an artist and possibly a producer. (He has been a free agent for a good while with RAINY Entertainment as his admin, after his contract with JYPE ended in October 2011 and him separating from J.Tune Camp before that, when JYPE merged with J.Tune Enterprises.)
We have seen the statement (in Korean) by Mr. Hong on the Cube Entertainment website, and we are taking it with a grain of salt for now, because there is nothing official on Rain’s website, official fan site, or from RAINY Entertainment. Rain and Mr. Hong have a long relationship, as he was there to help and support Rain as a trainee and during his debut in 2002, and it is obvious from Mr. Hong’s statement that he regards Rain highly professionally and personally. Time will tell when it comes to a signed contract for representation and if that is what Mr. Hong is indeed referring to when he’s talking about “walking hand in hand on a new starting line.”
We’re not saying that it isn’t true. We’re just saying that the facts aren’t completely clear because of the language barrier. (For instance, Rain and Mr. Hong can’t embark together in the spring of 2013 because Rain won’t be discharged until the summer.) And we certainly hope that the media hasn’t jumped the gun on this and possibly gotten the military riled up with this story, seeing as it has to do with a civilian career-based activity and Rain is still a soldier.
Terri’s comment on our Facebook sums it up nicely: ‘I just wish they had come out and said, “We signed a contract” with each other. Rather than just talking about some kind of “shining future.” Or is that how all Korean press releases are??? A simple statement would have been real nice.’ Very true, chingu. If that is what he meant.
And by the way, Rain will always be a big brother and mentor to his MBLAQies. He will always look after them and support them as their origin began with him, no matter what. Blood is thicker than ink. They’ve continued to be close ever since he left J.Tune, so what’s the big deal now?
— Stephe @cloudusa.wordpress.com / CloudUSA.org
Cloud USA 
All in All we wish Rain the best in whatever his decision is. We know he will make the right decision when it comes up
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I’m totally excited for Rain to be with Cube. I think it’s a great fit for Rain and Cube seems to have the system in place to help Rain expand more globally. What Rain needs is his music on iTunes and a global distribution system and a promoter with international (read outside of Asia) experience. The CEO of Cube provides this for Rain. I saw footage where Beast was in America last year.
Rain has to focus on being Rain the performer, producer and actor. He can’t run a management company and be the best performer. It’s too much. Let the CEO of Cube focus on management and let Rain focus on Rain….I mean really focus on being the artist he wants to be. Cube has the mentality to let Rain be truly Rain.
As for all this “what about MBLAQ?” stuff. WTH? That’s an insult to MBLAQ. People act like they can’t stand on their own. These guys are grown men who debuted FIVE years ago. Sink or swim at this point they have to do this on their own. All this “papa Rain” stuff IMO should cease. And from what I saw on Twitter, Rain being at Cube will help put the distance I think MBLAQ needs from Rain in order for them to be viewed independently and not as “Rain’s children”.
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Alisa,
I totally agree that Cube Entertainment could be an excellent home for Rain. However, they are going to have to prove to me that their scope is truly “global.” Nothing I’ve seen on their company website tells me that when they say “global” they mean the western world. To Asian companies, pushing into other Asian markets is often “global” enough for them.
It’s extremely expensive to promote an artist in western markets (including the U.S.A.) and make it stick. Even Psy, who had been doing so well, was booed by the crowd the other day at the Italian Cup (soccer) finals. Considering the audience, that’s not surprising, and Scooter Braun and YG should totally have known better than to book him for that event. Western fans will turn on you in a heartbeat if they sniff out that you aren’t sincere. Italian fans had gotten a whiff that Psy was just in it for the money, and their message was loud and clear. They were not impressed. Western fans are not loyal. They are also extremely cynical and harsh critics. So, to most Asian labels, promoting their artists in western countries isn’t even worth the effort.
Cube Entertainment says that they are ready to promote their artists globally, but what does that mean exactly? I’m not really sure. As far as I’m concerned, they’ve got to do a much better job with promoting their artists on the Internet from a truly global perspective. Their global site isn’t even functional. There is very little English provided. Some of their press releases are translated in English, but whose wasn’t translated in English? The one about Rain signing a contract with them. LOL. To me that says volumes about their scope and intent.
They also need to get more savvy about marketing their artists to a truly global audience. For example, their artists’ pages lead nowhere. They are full of pretty images, but they don’t link in any of the artists’ websites or to any of their social media. More importantly, they don’t link to any way to PURCHASE their products. How weird is that? How innovative is THAT? Even though they offer their artists’ products on iTunes USA, on the pages where you can find links to sites like Soribada, Melon, etc., you will not find a link to iTunes USA. How is that possible? Is there some sort of trade agreement ban on linking to iTunes USA or something? This kind of thing is baffling to me. It really is. If I was a music label, I’d be linking in everything in my shop to my artists and their products, so that fans could find them.
And I could go on and on, but I’ll stop. LOL.
Terri :-}
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LOL Terri, this just reminds me of many conversations we’ve had in the past when most of us were new to Bi. We wondered why, why, why. He’s a world star you say? then why…dammit.
We all know the” Whys” no point in re-hashing but, I agree. This is wait and see kind of situation. All I know is the Bi that left to go into the army left with a pretty specific agenda, so it will be interesting to see how that agenda will continue to play out with respect to this new entertainment representation.
Also regarding PSY, depending on who you ask people on this side of the ocean are really kind of tired of PSY. Terri you are right Western fans are extremely harsh and not loyal. They are only loyal to artists they were either raised up on or fixated on to the extreme. Judging by some comments I have read on other sites, people see PSY as a one-trick pony and they are tired of what they feel is his “schtick.” Although, it is kinda cool to see him on several U.S. commercials. So Scooter is delivering at least in getting PSY plenty exposure. Anyway, enough about PSY. Bottom line is if you want your artist to go global, the U.S. has to be included in the equation and that means promotions and the artist wares available in English speaking markets. If you study Western markets then you study Western buying habits and if you know that then you know one thing…..we can be lazy. By that I mean, we LOVE convenience. We don’t want to feel like we are “taking an SAT exam” just to buy a CD. Point and Click is what we like. Going global?…..point and click (in a variety of languages). Then we are there with bells on and dollars in our hands. That’s it……remember it Cube. *SMILES*………….
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LOL. Yep. I remember those early Rain days well. And now here we are worrying all over again. Sigh.
I was heartened the other evening, however. At some point during my exploration of Cube Entertainment, I discovered that Cube United’s YouTube channel’s subscription button wasn’t working. After making sure it wasn’t just me doing something dumb (by testing different browsers on three different computers), I fired off a message to them to make them aware. Then, I tweeted about it on Cloud USA’s Twitter account and told everybody to go whine to Cube Entertainment. LOL.
Now, I don’t know if it was just a glitch on YouTube, or if someone at Cube Entertainment actually got our messages, but the problem was fixed in just a few minutes, and another fan alerted me and I was able to go over and subscribe (from my personal YouTube channel, not from Cloud USA’s channel).
So, if they really did respond to fans’ complaints about the issue, I would be a very happy camper. I did not get a direct reply, though. So, I don’t know for sure.
I guess we’ll see if there are any more issues to deal with, won’t we?
Terri :-}
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I hope over time their website will take on a more global image. I tried finding out how Cube handles official fan clubs and their memberships. I can’t find Beast or 4Minute official fan club websites. Have you seen them?
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Alisa,
I doubt they are going to do anything with The Cloud. It is already set up and has a huge budget and is working fine. The Cloud has grown throughout Rain’s career, regardless of agency.
I would be very surprised if CUBE messes with it very much. They may take over management of the website and such, and the look of that may change, but I doubt even that, because even The Cloud’s website is great now.
Terri :-}
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Hello everyone, this is my second time commenting.
clouds we are in for a very bumpy ride. I think this might be the most trying time of his career. y’all they are going in on him on Netizen Buzz & Omona. He’s going to have to tell his side of the story because being quiet seems to do more harm than good.
Why is everybody so concern about MBLAQ? Its not like he left them with unfit management. Like any father, you teach and show your sons what it means to be a man. After that, he has to find his own way in life. Rain can’t hold their hand for the rest of their career. They talk about them as though their children. Dudes are in their 20s. They have to learn what it means to be an adult, which means making difficult decisions.
I mean if they need help and or advice, I’m sure he’ll help them anyway he can but this whole betrayal thing is absurd.
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Hello, Drea. Thank you for commenting. Welcome.
Well, there is another article about MBLAQ that has some explanation as to why A+s are a little upset. As for the netizens, Rain has always had trouble with them and the Korean media. We don’t expect that to change.
Neither does he or Hong Seung-Sung, I don’t think. That is even mentioned in the CEO’s announcement about Rain’s signing with them. Basically, Seung-Sung indicated that he knows it is a jungle out there and that Rain has had a tough time fighting all those wild animals on his own. He also makes it sound like he is ready to protect Rain. We will see if he is telling the truth, of course, the first time a scandal breaks. You know it will. It always does.
Apologies if I sound a little skeptical.
Terri :-}
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Well I know Rain has a brilliant mind so I will go with him, whatever company he chooses it’s fine. I hope Cube put his music on ITunes and gives him the support he needs cuz I know Baby boy is itching to do many things at the same time and the company should work at his side diligently. Regarding Mblaq, many fans were mad cuz the announcement of Cube came at the same day Mblaq started promoting their new album. Sighh I don’t think it was intentional but Cube should’ve waited at least for a day or two to spill the beans, just to be safe and don’t steal the attention from Mblaq, specially when some fans say that Mblaq and Beast were rivals which I don’t know if it’s true but anyways. Fans saw it as a negative move from Cube and by deffault from Rain. I know Mblaq are grown men but Rain will always be their mentor and friend, Cube should’ve respected that. Other than that, I hope Rain’s comeback will be as awesome as he wants it to be and he can achieve all his dreams. 😀
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Okay, NOW I get why A+’s were mad. I would have been irritated too. ‘Cause you know that once that announcement came out, it was all about Rain over in Asia.
On the other hand, the news also united A+’s as well, which is actually a “good” thing. So, in the long run, it may have done MBLAQ a favor in a “competitive” way, as being seen as good enough to be in competition with Rain and Beast. Was it intentional? You never know. These companies are ruthless. However, nothing I’ve read about Cube Entertainment on the Internet leads me to believe that they would do such a thing. Hm…I’m going to have to ponder that one…Interesting.
Amazingly, I cannot find anything particular disconcerting about Cube Entertainment on the Internet, and trust me, I’ve been looking. They don’t appear to be “slave contract” holders. It looks like their contracts are seven years long. And their artists all seem to be pretty content with the label. And Hong Seung-Sung does appear to be very hands on.
In fact, I only saw one article out there about an APink member who was let go abruptly this month. But her father doesn’t appear to be angry with the company. He is instead angry with the Korean media, who are putting the blame all on Hong Yoo Kyung, because she comes from a wealthy family and they are basically saying that she cut and run after enjoying the fruits of APink’s labor, that she is abandoning the group. Looks like the father wants to release the details of their agreement with Cube Entertainment for her leaving. Cube Entertainment’s take on the matter is go ahead and release the content. It was her decision to leave. I don’t see any hoopla about it from fans either, which is weird.
And that’s all I’ve found so far. Which is also odd, because you know how the Korean media are. They are scandal crazy and they love to attack Entertainment companies. All I can say is this: Cube Entertainment, I hope you’re prepared, because your scandal free days are over now that you’ve got Rain in your camp. LOL.
Terri :-}
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I noticed that Rain doesn’t do much clarifications on the media really. And im not saying that he has to. But at some point i think it helps his fans to get the real info. When the apocaliptic news came out of from his girl saying that they were in a relationship. We waited for an official statement from him or agency. At the end we never heard anything official but it turned out to be true. So i guess Rain doesn’t mind that the other party makes announcements concerning his future.
He is a smart man so whatever he decides im fine with it.
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I think Bi doesn’t want to make any official statements about his career until he is officially discharged. The other day coming back from Washington DC, reporters kept trying to get an interview at the airport and Bi said (quite matter-of-fact) “I can’t do any interviews, I’m a soldier right now.” I just hope people on Korea’s end….chill for these next two months and let the man exit the military in peace.
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That’s right. Right now he is extremely restricted on what he can and cannot do. And heaven forbid he does anything that any netizens grab ahold of at this late stage in the game.
Yes, I’d rather he just keep as quiet as a mouse for these last 6 weeks myself. In fact, I was rather alarmed that this news came out now. Although, I figure that the CEO had permission to release it or he wouldn’t have. But then again, I probably should never assume anything when it comes to entertainment companies. So.
Sigh.
Terri :-}
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I agree that it’s best for Rain to be quite until July 10th and I’m certain he will. As far as the timing I’m sure the CEO of Cube was probably good to wait until Rain’s discharge to make an official statement. Rain has his reasons for allowing the CEO of Cube to make an official announcement letter personally by the CEO on Cube’s website. Whatever Rain’s reasons I’m glad to know where Rain will end up in terms of management.
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I’m as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs right now. Celebrity soldiers in the past who have been found doing anything or talking about anything civilian- or career-wise during their service, even in the last weeks, have been brought up on charges. Rain does not need that crap.
He’s going to keep his lip buttoned and his profile low.
Let’s just hope that other people in his life are just as careful.
Stephe ^@@^
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Im sure he learned the lesson. But the media but love a scandal like that.
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If cant say anything can a manager or agency talk on his behalf
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Well hopefully his management team/agency will try something “new” and take a page from Bi’s book and keep silent. However if the media continues to put the pressure on, then I say speak but keep it vague. Only make statements like……”Regarding recent reports concerning Jihoon Jung in the press, an official press conference will be held upon Jihoon’s discharge from active military service. Until that time, we will not be making any further statements regarding his career as a civilian.” You see……….simple. Acknowledge the press, but don’t add fuel to the fire by making full on specific statements about his future plans. That would bring about more questions. Hopefully, those type of statements won’t be necessary.
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Stephe made an excellent point in the other article about this announcement. She said that it may be that Rain hasn’t actually “signed” the contract, but instead has made a “gentleman’s agreement” to sign with the label after his release. In that case, there is nothing to fear from the military.
I think she’s right. After all, don’t they usually have a signing ceremony or something? Make a big to-do? If it was Rain I was signing, I sure as hell would make a big event of it myself. LOL.
Terri :-}
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Reblogged this on Lynn's World and commented:
Thanks for clarification…
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Oh well, I spoke too soon. Terri has found Cube’s website not up to par and is reaming them a new ***hole on Twitter. *sigh*
Already.
Stephe ^@@^
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“Blood is thicker than ink” and with that I fall out laughing almost choking on my cashews.
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Really? …
^@@^
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Was that funny? Don’t know, I’m just asking. I think Stephe means that Bi will always be there for the MBLAQ….I hesitate to say “boys” because they are grown men. He’ll be there regardless IMO. It doesn’t matter if they have a different management team or not. I don’t think Bi planned to hold their hands forever. The idea was to teach them and give them wings so they could fly on their own. Lee Joon did wonderful in IRIS 2 (while Bi was/is away). So MBLAQ will be alright.
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Love it! You said it so true.
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I’m happy for him and I hope he does sign with Cube. They are at the forefront of the Hallyu wave and partnering with Rain would be out of this world. It’s great for his career. And with MBLAQ, they’re grown men, they arent crying the blues because hes on another label. Im positive their relationship will stay strong but we all must do what in our best interests regardless of who we might have to leave behind. This is in best interest for JUNG Jihoon’s CAREER. Confirmed or not im down.
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We certainly wouldn’t mind Cube at all. We’ve done some research on Cube business-wise and Mr. Hong, and seems it wouldn’t be a bad home for him. They have made and are making great strides in the industry with their artists. (Not to mention, there are several of their artists that we admire.) Up to this point, we like how Mr. Hong has conducted his business and we think Rain would be well cared for there…
Stephe ^@@^
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Agree!😎
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I certainly think that a home with Cube would be hella-better for him than with the Top 3. JYPE is no good for him, and I’m not even going to get into SM. I have nothing against YG in particular, but that just doesn’t feel right either. JMHO.
Stephe ^@@^
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Agreed!
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Bib2st,
You must be totally ecstatic, huh? Bi and B2ST at the same agency? LOL.
Terri :-}
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