— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
No introduction needed. Except that I’m so hung up on “Nan” LoR Saitama that I sometimes forget how effectively he verbally begged here, during “Nan” LoR Seoul. YOWZA. My goodness!
RAIN 091010 2009 RAIN ASIA TOUR_Legend of Rainism in Seoul [11]_ Nan + Solo Dance. (courtesy of terry820625 @YT)
(“Nan” Legend of Rainism Seoul captures courtesy of pollyanna)
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Enjoy this piece of goodness, when cool cat Rain promoted the DVD for his Rainy Day Tour on Tokyo TV show Takeshi no Daredemo Pikaso, in mid-2005. And, as usual in Japan, he dwarfed everyone else on the stage. They were so astonished by his height, they had it in a caption down in the corner. 🙂
ピカソ Rain bi (20050527 Japanese TV Program). (Courtesy of aichan625 @YT)
“Come on and smile for me, I know you’re waiting for that moment…” Mr. EyeSmile, at his best. ♥ 😀 ^@@^ RAIN 13 “Rain’s smile” (Credit and edit: harudoful @YT)
» Cloud USA Yellow Ribbon for Rain Calendar: DOWNLOAD it (for free).
» You can visit the previous Open Thread HERE. And of course, don’t forget that our Cloud USA Forum is a most excellent place for Rain love, fan communication, and self-expression. By the way — have you left a message for JiHoon on The Cloud today? Our Project page for newbies on how to register for and USE the Official Cloud Rain Fan Club site in S.Korea is HERE.)
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No news is good news: No further word has been released on Rain’s condition of late, dear fans, since RAINY Entertainment’s initial notice back on 9/25, and that isn’t a bad thing. That, and the fact that his October schedule on his official fan site hasn’t been populated with events yet, simply means that they are biding their time and continuing to let him recover without the pressure of stuff on his plate, as they should. As many of you know, back problems are tricky and unpredictable. It’s a feel-your-way, wait-and-see situation. Continue to take anything you see out there about events and Rain appearances with a grain of salt. That’s just the way it’s going to be, for now. Waiting for good info is just part of being a Cloud, it always will be, and we should pretty much be used to it by now. So, chin UP, and please keep the letters and positive thoughts going to Rain.
He is FINE (well, that too, but you know what I mean. He’s OKAY.)
R2B: Return to Base has touched down on tarmacs in South Korea, the U.S. and Canada, and is on its way around the world. It has premiered in Vietnam and Thailand; now Hong Kong and Singapore are set for October, and Malaysia is set for November. Japan is set for December. Let’s see where else this bird is going to land!
Don’t be thrown off by the name changes in some countries. That kind of thing happens all the time in the industry, and it is for the good of the movie. For instance, I hear tell that when Captain America: The First Avenger was released in Russia, the Russian authorities decided to drop the “Captain America” because “The First Avenger” would play better to their audiences (for political reasons, I’ll bet, and I agree). It’s about getting more people into the theater. Everyone on the planet connects Soar Into The Sun, R2B, and Return to Base with RAIN, anyway. It’s no big deal, folks.
As of this moment, 6054 yellow ribbons for Rain have been added to Twitter and Facebook icons everywhere. Amazing! Thanks for supporting our favorite corporal during his military service and for letting him know you’ll be waiting when he gets home! » For a brief read about the meaning of the Yellow Ribbon, go to our previous post HERE.
For information on where to send handwritten cards and letters to Rain, please see our previous post HERE (military). For cards, letters, and gifts, do see our post HERE (office admin).
» Rain’s official website. » RAINY Entertainment’s official Twitter.
» R2B: Return To Base official social media sites. » Rain’s official YouTube channel AND » Facebook page.
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SONG OF THE WEEK: “Am I Not Good Enough / Why Not Me? (Naron Andoni / Narun Andwaeni) 나론 안되니”, featuring Hooni Hoon and Ho InChang, Track 9 on Rain’s debut album n001 (2002). A catchy little tune if I ever heard one! Baby Boy was working that beat.
(Fan made by hiromikubo1022 @YT)
(Summer 2009: The Seoul Metropolitan government appoints Rain as its Global Goodwill Ambassador.)
Harudo. Harudo. Harudo. Harudo… ♥ ^@@^ Rain(Bi) – 「Not a single day 」Mix. (credit and edit: miyupy @YT) Please be respectful and do NOT upload to other video channels. Thanks!
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
When Rain dropped in on PSY and Kim Jang-Hoon’s joint concert at Seoul’s Olympic Main Stadium (shortly after Rain’s performance that evening at KBS’s charity concert), everybody pert near passed out, and you just knew something was afoot with those two “comedians” in the same place. And indeed, the fans in attendance got not only a Rain performance out of this world, but some PSY hyung fun that kept us all (and Rain) laughing for days.
» To see lots of images and an additional fan cam from PSY’s concert, you can visit our previous post from May 2010 HERE.
» To see Rain at KBS’s Love Request charity concert, before he rode across town and invaded PSY’s stage, you can visit our previous post from May 2010 HERE. His voice, during “Love Song”, will give you chills.
(fan cams courtesy of B4marie1 @YT)
(on KBS turf)
(on PSY’s turf)
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Mnet notes how Bibigo Hot Stone Kitchen shows much love to the celebs who enjoy their food.
(Tweet and Image Credit: Mnet Global @Twitter 10.1.2012)
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Do enjoy this OK-POP entertainment news clip on Razor TV in Singapore that touches on R2B: Return to Base, Rain’s military service, Rain The Best Show 3D, and various other Rain projects past and present.
The interviewees who went to see Best Show 3D in the theater were steadfast in that they were absolutely not cheating on Rain during his two years away in the military. R-i-g-h-t. Now y’all go on home, turn on your K-Dramas and Music Bank and Inkigayo, and commence to not cheating. LMAO! (I mean what else are they going to say on camera? keke)^^ 😛 ^@@^
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
{*Edited to Add 10/24/12: It has just come to our attention that the Malaysian premiere may have been changed to November 8, so please check with your local venue. This tip came from Duth_Lady at the Jung Ji Hoon 정지훈 (aka Rain/Bi 비) Thread on SOOMPI.}
Just like in Hong Kong. As I previously said, it is imperative that R2B: Return to Base be marketed properly for the particular area it arrives in, for the best chance at success, the title adjustments in these places and in Japan don’t bother us in the least. Carry on! 🙂
Malaysia, November 4. (Source credit: Encore Films / encorefilmschannel @YT)
Singapore, October 25. Changed to October 18. (Source credit: Encore Films / encorefilmschannel @YT)
~Cloud Cover by Terri :-}, Managing Editor
Calling all Clouds in Singapore!
Did you know that KPop Cinema’s Rain The Best Show 3D has opened in Singapore? That’s right. It opened on September 27, at Filmgarde Cinemas. The premiere event was held on September 21. You can purchase your movie tickets HERE.
Here are the two trailers, both courtesy of Encore Films.
Poster Alert! Filmgarde also has a promotion going on where if you buy two tickets to the show, you get a show poster (while stocks last, of course). You can read all about that HERE.
So, if your a Singaporean Cloud, please head on out to the FilmGarde Cineplex theater nearest to you and check it out. (You know you wanna. :-})
For those of you who would rather watch the show in the comfort of your own home, on cable TV, the concert movie is also being shown on Celestial Movies’ cable channel.
Terri :-}
Sources: News tip – redmosQto, News/Photos/Video – Encore Films’ Facebook Page
JiHoon, we’re thinking of you. 🙂 ^@@^ I’m thinking of you….. (Credit and edit: changunijung @YT)
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
That’s right, dear fans. Out with the old and in with the new…
Rain sponsor Mentholatum China has scrapped its gorgeous 2011 sub-site for men’s skincare » for a sleeker, more modern and up-to-date version. Very nice! It’s not yet complete—as of this posting, the Wallpaper and Video section has yet to be populated and is still “COMING SOON”, but for the most part, the place looks great. I like. 🙂
Huge thanks to Scorpiola for this tip.
(All captures courtesy of Scorpiola @The Cloud Photo Board / Source credit: menthol-men.com.cn)
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Corporal Jung JiHoon/Rain and PFC Kang ChangMo/KCM for Speeding Instinct on Friends 96.7 FM radio! Penciled by artist Nao. Posted by raimy on The Cloud Photo Board.
Moonlit Rain Bi x2, by mang0l0v3r @DeviantART.
Thinking Rain by MoonAlissa @DeviantART.
Rain 2009 Birthday Tribute, by bluebunnyRAFI @DeviantART.
Rain Bi… Rejection, by zlatvic @DeviantART.
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Congrats on being one of CJ’s R2B: Return to Base in North America giveaway winners last month! Estoy feliz por tu! It really did our hearts good to see folks participating and giving CJ some love.
CloudUSAer 비나이르, a.k.a. Nair, in Uruguay, South America, shows us the front of her prize…
…and the back. ↓
…some of them, anyway, with a few noonas thrown in for good measure. Nicely done! 😀 ^@@^ Rain bi Brothers＆Me. (Credit and edit: Hatusmi / KIKI6457 @YT / Music: Kim TaeWoo feat. Rain and JYP, “Brothers&Me”)
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
A Rain edit from the broadcast (of the auditions that previously took place earlier this month) on the Korean Forces Network today.
120929 KFN TV_Be The Star (Edit Rain Part). Source credit: KFN / courtesy of ratoka @YT)
(screen caps courtesy of Rain Angel)
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Congrats on being one of CJ’s R2B: Return to Base in North America giveaway winners last month! The shirt looks GREAT. And so comfy. 🙂
Cute CloudUSAer Kongsao, in California, shows us the front of her prize…
…and the back. ↓
R2B T-SHIRT is here ^_~ (Source credit: BiRain625 @YT.)
— ^@@^
eNewsWorld 9/25/2012 — by Nancy Lee, CJ E&M
So long as you’re a healthy, male citizen of Korea, no one can escape the country’s two-year mandatory military service—not even celebrities.
And while we dread sending our favorite stars off to the army, it’s more reason to be proud of the men who have represented the best of Korea.
Following the announcements earlier today that Super Junior’s Leeteuk and 8eight’s Lee Hyun would be enlisting in the army next month, we were reminded of the celebrities currently doing Korea proud as brave soldiers.
So, for this week’s poll, we want to know which buzzed and brave celebrity soldier do you miss the most?
Rain
Rain has proved his talents as a singer and actor through various hit songs as well as dramas and films in Korea and abroad, but if he ever decides the world star thing isn’t for him, he has other options.
We know it takes a more than a few tests to become a pilot, but if Rain’s scores are any indication, the singer and actor, who played a pilot in film R2B: Return to Base, is certainly already ahead of the game.
Although Rain was unable to participate in the film’s promotions due to his service, he made sure to show face in the best way—unexpectedly.
Superstar? Superhero? Sometimes, even we’re not sure what to call the ace singer, actor and, now, soldier.
» You can read this article in its entirety, and vote for Rain, Hyun Bin, Ji HyunWoo, Heechul, or Leeteuk in the online Poll, on the eNewsWorld site HERE. ^@@^
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Very cool! That’s what we thought he was doing, recognizing guys who used to serve with him back around the first of the year, before he came to DEMA. Aw! He was so pleased. 🙂
The 9th Korea Defense Daily Comrade Marathon with world star Rain [Showbiz Korea]. Source credit: Arirang Global TV / arirangworld @YT.
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
“Sorry, Mark. It’s MINE.” Haha! KPop Cinema is using the picture for an unrelated Rain The Best Show 3D event right now, that involves theater tickets. (Rain vs. Mark Webber for F1 Rocks Singapore, image source: KPop Cinema @Facebook)
And since we’re on that subject… it’s been a LONG time since we watched that utterly hilarious clip from four years ago, so let’s do that now! Race car driver Mark, from the ground, after Rain has defeated his ninja double: “Not sure what happened there…” ROFL!
(Video courtesy of Lu Hernandez @YT)
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Who has one of the top 10 male bodies in the industry, » according to SOOMPI News? What’s that guy’s name again… Rain? Yeah, that’s it! Haha. Undeniably 몸짱 (momjjang)! 🙂
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Amazing time-lapse artistry by Travis Balitz, The Airbrush Addict. Do enjoy watching him create his airbrushed Rain art, and if you so desire, support him by having him do something for you!
Bi Rain Airbrush Artwork Time-Lapsed Video. (Source credit: TheAirbrushAddict @YT)
(Image credit: » Travis Balitz / ManHoPark @DeviantART)
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Loved this interview. Our talented baby boys have grown up well, and we are so proud of them. (Our source: absolutemblaq.wordpress.com)
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SOURCE: BNT News
TRANSLATION: afrah!@AbsoluteMBLAQ.net.
PLEASE TAKE OUT WITH FULL CREDITS. ADDITIONAL CREDITS ARE NOT ALLOWED. PLEASE DO NOT HOTLINK.
INTERVIEW #2: HERE
Interview #3: HERE
3 years since debut, MBLAQ had gathered to announce information next month under the topic of bubbling popularity rather than a sharp increase in popularity. MBLAQ’s latest interview with bntnews “Though it’s been 3 years since our debut, we still wonder if we can still climb the huge mountain that is Rain. Before we debuted it felt like that, even now it’s still like that” they said humbly. MBLAQ’s knife dances and overflowing charisma in the world of popular idols truly is appealing. Idol singers’ individual and group image branding is very important. It’s not about different members divided to be in charge of different things such as acting or gags but the fact that one person can show these different skills is essential.
From head to toe styling and an interview during a broadcast would either be win or a loss to the group’s image. At present, K-pop is bubbling. Since years ago artistes had took upon the task of glocalization and this is why junior artistes enter the industry easily. MBLAQ, however, survived solely on contents of Southern undiscovered aspects. These guys made it amongst other male idols primarily due to the ‘German Asian Music Charts 2010-2012 Special Top 20’ with Mona Lisa ranking at #1. ‘This is War’ of course clinched the 5th position. ‘Mona Lisa’ especially, was in either 1st or 2nd place from August to December last year, and even ranking 1st this year in January proving their immense fame. In this chart included other K-pop idols such as Big Bang, 2NE1, SHINee, B2ST who all too had favorable ranks.
Not forgetting, recently from the opposite side of the world in Brazil, our nation’s idols had appeared on their television. MBLAQ had never wavered to a bad path and neither had they taken a step back but instead they showed their close-knit camaraderie, not even leaving out one member, which is still evident now.
We received insight from each member. Let’s see MBLAQ’s 7 honest answers to 7 questions.
Q. [Scenes in Movies] MBLAQ’s favorite kiss scene? ‘Kissing in the rain’ with a lover
(Photo source: Stills from the movies ‘Notebook’, ‘Spiderman’ and ‘Titanic’)Mir: A kiss scene? I don’t particularly like kisses. (haha) If I had to choose from the list of movies I would say from the movie ‘Notebook’. Next would be ‘Romeo and Juliet’. The third would be from ‘Titanic’.
G.O: (When watching the scene from ‘Notebook’) “Personally I’m not so sure about the emotions during kisses in the rain like this. I’d like to try a kiss scene in the rain though”
I would place ‘Spiderman’ in the top spot as the scene was very unique. Second would be ‘Titanic’. The pose seemed like only people in love could do it. I watched this movie when though I couldn’t since I was a minor. (Laughter)Lee Joon: ‘Spiderman’ would be first. Second ‘Titanic’ and third goes to ‘Twilight’. The actor really portrayed a spider really well which made the kiss scene exciting to watch. In ‘Twilight’ the scene was like the actors facing each other normally then falling in love during the shoot. (haha)
Seungho: I too found the kiss scene in the rain very pretty from the ‘Notebook’ so that’s first. Second would be from ‘Romeo and Juliet’. The scene in the movie was very pretty. The third would be Titanic.
Cheondung: First is Spiderman. Second is ‘Titanic’. Third would go to ‘Twilight’. The lead couple in this movie seemed like they were very compatible.
Q. [Ideal Types] Mir’s ideal type “Rather than Kim Tae Hee it’s of course SNSD’s Taeyeon nuna”
(Photo Source: Stills from ‘Romeo and Juliet’, ‘Dark Night Rises’)Mir: No one from the list is my ideal type. I’m only for SNSD’s Taeyeon nuna. “I don’t have a second place” There’s no one but Taeyeon nuna because “her face is pretty and her personality is really nice, everything’s good” (Laughter)
G.O: For me, Kim Tae Hee. I like girls with angelic styles. “I believe that girls should really be feminine” That’s why I don’t like hippie styles. Secondly, it would be Megan Fox. She was really charming when I watched ‘Transformers’. Third would be Anne Hathaway. When I watched ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ it left with lingering emotions.
Lee Joon: Kim Yuna the figure skater. “I personally like oriental people” (laughter) The fact that she works very hard in whatever she does and endures through the hardest times is very good. Also though she’s at that level, she very humble and I believe that’s the most charming aspect.
Seungho: I like Olivia Hussey. No one else is my ideal type. When I first saw her I thought “She’s pretty” (laughter)
Cheondung: In first place is actress Anne Hathaway. Second is Megan Fox. Third would be Kim Tae Hee. Personally it’s not that I like sexy styles, but not long ago I watched the newly released movie ‘Dark Night Rises’. Anne Hathaway’s concentration and tough persona made it even sexier. The third is Kim Tae Hee. I believe she’s universally everyone’s ideal type.
^@@^ Rain ~Eng Sub~[MV]~Hold On to Your ~Spirit~ (Credit and edit: Kongsao. “Rain, we believe in you, and we’re praying for your health and wealth!” / BiRain625 @YT. Music: Angus and Julia Stone, “Hold On”)
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
…because we’re running out of space for Cloud USA stash! Where are we going to put all THIS stuff, chingu? And let me just say—NO picture does that mouse pad justice. It’s just so pretty. Awesome. 🙂
(From our Christmas fairy across the ocean today: Brochures, 2-sided posters, mouse pads, fans, and CGV ticket stubs from the Cloud R2B VIP pre-premiere back on August 14. Woot!)
JiHoon busts out the MCM, once again. It’s Raining Live, at the 62nd Anniversary Military Concert for Daegu Citizens. (9/18) ^@@^ Source credit: lifedaegu.com / Life In Daegu / jinyoun @YT.
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
And that is perfectly understandable, seeing as this was the intended title up until the 11th hour anyway, when extensive marketing in the West came into play. Apparently “Soar” works better in this region, so I’m all for it (just as Japan dropped the R2B, no problem). It is imperative that R2B: Return to Base be marketed properly for the particular area it arrives in, for the best chance at success! 🙂
» The Soar Into The Sun movie page on VMOOV.com is HERE.
壯志衝天 (Aspirations/Ambitions Sky ^@@^) Source credit: Panasia Films Ltd. / Wmoov.com / WMOOVMovie @YT.
(Hong Kong is gearing up for Soar Into The Sun on October 4.)
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
ROFLMAO! Yep. You’ve got us pegged.
Big thanks to CloudUSAer RaRa (a.k.a. Robin) for the tip on this cute bit of fun. 🙂
(Source credit: DramaFever @Facebook)
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Rain at the Be The Star military talent competition (before hospitalization). Source credit: K-Force 국방일보 (K-Force Defense Daily News) / kookbang.DEMA.mil.kr)
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RRG from across the Rainiverse today that caught my eye…
(BiRainLove2)
(Rainstorm)
(pollyanna)
» Cloud USA Yellow Ribbon for Rain Calendar: DOWNLOAD it (for free).
» You can visit the previous Open Thread HERE. And of course, don’t forget that our Cloud USA Forum is a most excellent place for Rain love, fan communication, and self-expression. By the way — have you left a message for JiHoon on The Cloud today? Our Project page for newbies on how to register for and USE the Official Cloud Rain Fan Club site in S.Korea is HERE.)
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R2B: Return to Base has touched down on tarmacs in South Korea, the U.S. and Canada, and is on its way around the world. It has premiered in Vietnam and Thailand; now China, Singapore, and Malaysia are set for October. Japan is set for December. Let’s see where else this bird is going to land…!
As of this moment, 6001 yellow ribbons for Rain have been added to Twitter and Facebook icons everywhere. Amazing! Thanks for supporting our favorite corporal during his military service, and for letting him know you’ll be waiting when he gets home! » For a brief read about the meaning of the Yellow Ribbon, go to our previous post HERE.
For information on where to send handwritten cards and letters to Rain, please see our previous post HERE (military). For cards, letters, and gifts, do see our post HERE (office admin).
» Rain’s official website. » RAINY Entertainment’s official Twitter.
» R2B: Return To Base official social media sites. » Rain’s official YouTube channel AND » Facebook page.
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As you all know, JiHoon is in the hospital getting his strained back tended to with medicine, physical therapy, and bed rest, and that he’s being well taken care of and will be okay. He’s had a bad back for years now, from full-out dancing and his action movies, and it was bound to get aggravated. There’s a new notice up on his official website, in Korean—hopefully it will be translated shortly, but for now there is no new news. (FYI: For the time being, please send any handwritten get-well wishes to his permanent address at DEMA above—they will make sure he gets them—or write him a Cloud Letter on his official fan site so that he can readily see it.) And so, this week, instead of the Song of the Week being Rain, it’s going to be FOR Rain.
I know everything’s going to be all right, Hoonie. Dust your wings off as you rise. 🙂
{ » Edited to Add: You can read an English translation of the new notice from RAINY on Rain’s official website today by clicking HERE.}
SONG OF THE WEEK: “Rise” by the McClain Sisters.
(Fan made by rainoppa62582 @YT)
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
N-i-c-e, RAINY! (Images source: rain-jihoon.com / CLICK images for full view)
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Rain, Park HyoShin, KCM, Yu SeungChan, Mithra Jin, and Kim JiHoon at the Vietnam Korea Friendship Concert at the Hanoi Opera House.
(All fan cams: miyupy @YT. Please do NOT re-upload to other video channels. Thank you!)
120321 Vietnam Korea Friendship Concert – (Rain) MC.
120321 Vietnam Korea Friendship Concert – (Rain) High Technology.
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Big props to our KCM, who entertains us each weekend with Rain on Friends 96.7 FM’s Speeding Instinct, and to the awesome Park HyoShin, » who was discharged from the Army yesterday and is once again a free man! Work those falsettos, guys. 🙂
120321 Vietnam Korea Friendship Concert – (Park Hyo Shin & KCM) You Raise Me Up.
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Kekekekeke! What a character he is. 😉
Lordy, as I recall, » our cheating on Rain with Jay Chou kinda/sorta happened during one of our weaker moments, and we TOTALLY blame Jay… *wink* I also recall Terri alarming somebody on Twitter, before Rain went into the military, when she was over there gettin’ her K-Pop-Idol-on and staunchly standing by her right to cheat if she wanted to. LOL! Go, Terri! And a few days ago, I kinda/sorta went on a SHINee/HoMin video binge, yes, on my Twitter… ahem…
But hey. Does not matter. Rain knows and WE know what the score is. His boots are the only boots in our foyer. It says CLOUD USA on this here marquee for a reason. 😀
Do enjoy this article, dear fans, written with information from a Celestial Movies interview transcript with Rain. ^@@^
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K-pop superstar Rain wowing fans on stage at his last concert before his army enlistment in Seoul last September.
AsiaOne Showbiz 9/22/2012 — by Tan Key Yun, The New Paper
Any act of betrayal is traumatic, hurtful and emotionally draining.
But K-pop superstar Rain, who is going through the South Korean equivalent of national service, has magnanimously given his legions of supporters the go-ahead to fall in love with other idols during his temporary hiatus from showbiz.
“I will let you cheat on me during these two years,” the boyish-faced 30-year-old singer-actor told his Singapore fans, in an interview transcript provided by Celestial Movies.
“Just make sure you come back to me when I’m back from the army.”
Rain is widely recognised as one of South Korea’s most successful and all-rounded entertainers.
He had sold-out concerts in 2006 at New York’s Madison Square Garden and roles in Hollywood action flicks Speed Racer (2008) and Ninja Assassin (2009), and he was at the peak of his career when the call to serve the nation came.
He donned the green uniform last October and is now in the midst of completing his 21-month national service, which is compulsory for all South Korean men.
This was his first interview with local media since his concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in May 2011.
Fans who are curious and worried as to whether their beloved poster boy is adjusting well to the regimented, rigorous life of a full-time soldier, can be reassured that he is doing more than just fine, Rain said.
“Serving the army is my solemn responsibility and it is my honour to be able to become part of the military,” he said.
“I always get to experience new stuff and I’m happy when I manage to overcome challenges.
“My life as a singer, from 2002 up to the moment I started military service, is Act 1. Army life is Act 2… I look forward to Act 3 of my life when I am discharged.”
The heart-throb who is known for his nifty footwork and jaw-dropping six-pack abs has definitely not been lazying about as part of South Korea’s military personnel.
Performing for army
He performed at the Black Eagle Air Show at Seoul’s Incheon International Airport earlier this month, reported Chinese news portal Sina Entertainment. The event was a celebratory event for the Black Eagles, the air force’s aerobatic flight display team.
“They (the Black Eagles) were awarded at an international air show in Britain in June. I’m extremely proud of them,” said Rain.
Last weekend, Rain also sang and danced at the 9th Korea Defence Daily Comrade Marathon, which was attended by more than 5,000 soldiers and members of the public, reported Hong Kong’s Singpao Daily News.
YouTube clips of that event showed him in his army uniform and cap, being mobbed by reporters and photographers, and also singing and dancing onstage.
His hectic schedule comes after he was “appointed the publicity ambassador of the Military Manpower Administration”, said Rain.
“Aside from my daily duties, attending orientation ceremonies for newcomers has become part of my work.”
» You can read the rest of this article and see it in its entirety on the AsiaOne Showbiz site HERE. ^@@^
[ Clouds, below is Rainy Entertainment’s statement about Rain’s current medical condition. This statement was posted on Rain’s official website this morning (9/25). Thank you. Terri :-} ]
Hello this is Rainy Entertainment.
The daily temperature range is getting severe and it is easy to catch a flu. Are you all keeping well?
The weather will soon get chilly so please take good care of your health.In just a couple of days there have been misleading rumours about Rain, Jung Jihoon’s health problem, which surprised many people. We therefore want to put out this notice.
Rain suffered from back pain before he joined the army, when he carried out his various activities, and had been receiving treatment steadily.
It is just chronic back pain. His military duty is not affected at all. Therefore there is absolutely no such thing as early discharge due to family circumstances. He will continue to carry out his duties and he wants to complete his military service until the end with a smart look, even if he breaks his back.
Thank you for your concern. Rain will faithfully fulfil his duties.
~Cloud Cover by Terri :-}, Managing Editor
Dear Clouds,
An article from the Korean news outlet, Dispatch, indicates that Rain is doing well in the hospital. He is currently taking medication, undergoing physical therapy, and is expected to make a full recovery.
Please see the English translation of the full article below. Many thanks to 화니, at The Cloud for translating the Dispatch article into English for Rain’s English-speaking fans. You are awesome, girl!
[Sep-24-2012]Rain will normally continue to serve in the army after treatment. He won’t be invalided out of the army.
Singer Rain (Jung Ji Hoon) serving in the army, has been hospitalized with a pain in his lower back.
During the phone call with “Dispatch” on the 24th, Rain’s agency “Rainy Entertainment” expressed, “Last night, Rain was complaining of pain in his lower back and went into the hospital to undergo tests for the pain. He was absent even for a military audition event held in Gyeryong City’s Culture &Art Complex on the very day.”
An official from his agency said, “Dancers tend to have backaches problems. Rain has had some back pain since before his enlistment. When he had an ache in his lower back, he used to receive medical treatment from a doctor. But it’s not something serious. It’s a habitual thing with him.”
He added, “Rain is taking medication, taking to physical therapy in a hospital. There are no serious problems with his health. If he rests in the hospital for the time being, he’ll recover from his illness. He’ll normally finish military duty after treatment.”
Meanwhile, Rain had served as a teaching assistant in the 5th Division since his enlistment in October, 2011. He’s served as a PR soldier there since he was transferred to Defense Media Agency last March.
Credit to Dispatch http://www.dispatch.co.kr/news/detail.asp?idx=13684&category=2&subcategory=49. English translation by 화니 on The Cloud
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
{*Edited to Add: Please be wary of wild, improbable stories spread by fans as well, for that matter. Just a warning. ^@@^}
(NOTE: This image being used by the Media is back from when Rain was a Private First Class.)
Clouds and Rain fans, as you all can imagine right now, things are a little panicky across the Rainiverse. The best advice we can give is please, do NOT panic.
All that is certain at this time is, as we understand it, Rain developed back pain and severe soreness the evening of the 23rd and was immediately hospitalized for a thorough examination and tests, and that due to this, he didn’t participate in or judge the Be The Star Finals.
We do not know if the problem is herniated discs or something else, nor do we know what may have precipitated his pain. That information should come in due time, but in the meantime, please take ANY news you read on this matter that is not from RAINY Entertainment with a grain of salt. Articles are popping up all over the place and speculation is running rampant about Rain’s future when no one has any facts yet.
We are including an article in this post, but do remember—grain of salt. And remember that Jung JiHoon is no pushover. He isn’t a stranger to pain, and he’s a strong man who has already been through a lot and can certainly hold his own.
Feel better soon, Corporal. Be nice to your lucky, lucky nurses, and for pete’s sake, get some rest! 화이팅! Hwaiting! You can do it!
— Stephe @cloudusa.wordpress.com
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Korea.com 9/24/2012 — posted by dkrogers
Rain misses a military audition due to a sore back
Singer Rain (Jung Ji Hoon), who is currently serving in the Army, was recently hospitalized due to back pain.
According to Army officials on September 24, Rain did not participate in the officers and men of the armed forces star audition ‘Be The Star,’ which was held on the same day in South Chungcheong province.
Rain was going to appear at the audition as a jury member but he was suddenly hospitalized on September 23 with a sore back.
A spokesperson for the Defense Media Agency says, “We announced that Rain would not attend the audition due to back pain. We have to check the details to see how he is doing.”
As a result, no one knows whether or not Rain will do his official schedules in the future. It’s not sure if he can attend the celebration for the Armed Forces Day on September 25. Army officials said, “We can’t grasp the exact situation. We will consider his health condition for his future schedules.”
Rain joined the Army in
November[October ^@@^] of last year and is currently serving his duty at the Defense Media Agency.
- Source: Starnews
Cloud USA 