— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
I think you pretty much know who “she” is. ♥
Bi/Rain Mv. (Credit and edit: bedbugg22 @YT)
[clip] MBLAQ check: The Boys show sharp skills during “This Is War” practice.
•January 24, 2012 • 5 Comments^@@^ MBLAQ(엠블랙) – ‘전쟁이야(This is War)’ 안무영상 / MBLAQ (MBLAQ) – “It’s a war (This is War) ‘dance video. (Credit: J.Tune Camp / jtunecamp @YT)
[quickie][fan made] Look what we just shared on Facebook…
•January 23, 2012 • 2 CommentsCubana!! Road for Rain. ^@@^ Rain in Cuba… (Credit and edit: Soorain @YT)
Cloudy Day: Fan art (and comics), inspired by Rain.
•January 23, 2012 • 2 Comments— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
No no no, dear JiHoon… you can NOT take your Best throne on base for assembly. LOL
So cute! 🙂
([eare]Comics! No. 10 by Rain[eare], Japan)
[article] You’re In The Army Now: The Changing Impact of Enlistment on KPop.
•January 23, 2012 • 13 Comments— ^@@^
HelloKPop 1/22/2012 — written by Ceefu
You’re In The Army Now: The Changing Impact of Enlistment on KPop
There is nothing new about the mandatory military enlistment system in South Korea. Even South Korean male entertainers are subject to the law. While most enlist, some are exempt and a very few avoid it like the plague, the impact of military enlistment on the careers of Korean entertainers is changing. Instead of being a career-killer, entertainers are beginning to see military service as a small part of a long career.
Likely, a favorite actor or singer is in the military right now, was just discharged, or is about to report to South Korea’s Military Manpower Administration (MMA). Notable South Korean entertainers who are currently serving include Rain, Hyun Bin, Lee Jun Ki, Kim Nam Gil, Park Hyo Shin, Kangin and Heechul of Super Junior and Mithra Jin of Epik High. Jun Jin and Andy of Shinhwa were recently discharged, and Kim Joon of T-Max will soon enlist. Sooner or later, Korean male entertainers must serve in the military.
Why? Like Taiwan, Singapore, Israel, Norway and Switzerland, South Korea mandates military service. South Korea maintains an active military presence at the Demilitarized Zone at the 38th parallel that separates North Korea from South Korea because it is technically still at war with North Korea. Instead of a treaty, the two countries signed the 1953 Armistice Agreement, “with the objective of establishing an armistice which will insure a complete cessation of hostilities and of all acts of armed force in Korea until a final peaceful settlement is achieved.” Translation: it’s not over, but we will pretend that it is.
When do men enlist? Information varies on the required age. The World Fact Book states that all males between 20 and 30 are required to serve, while men between the ages of 18 and 26 may volunteer. However, Ask A Korean writes that “all Korean men between the age of 18 and 35 must serve a mandatory military duty. [-EDIT 8/16/2011- As of January 1, 2011, the upper limit for draft eligibility was raised to 37 years of age.]” The term of service varies: 21 months for the Army and Marines, 23 months for the Navy and 24 months for the Air Force.
One might think that entertainers receive special treatment, but it seems they are distributed throughout the military. Wikipedia explains that there are for different grades, including special service, “which is given to individuals that fulfill their military duties as a civil worker amongst civilians.” Heechul is serving as a civil worker, but Rain has active duty.
Just because service is mandatory does not mean that everyone goes. Individuals can be exempt because of injury or illness. Actor Shin Dong Wook was discharged halfway through his service after being diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), which causes sudden, intense pain. Shinhwa’s Hye Sung was exempt due to a recurrent knee injury.
There is no option to be a conscientious objector, or someone who refuses to serve on the basis of religion or conscience. Either you enlist, obtain an exemption or suffer the consequences of avoiding service. For example, when singer Steve Yoo became a naturalized American citizen and avoided service, the Korean government deported him and banned him from the country.
While most entertainers eagerly serve, there are reasons why individuals may not want to. Jeff Yang spoke to Korean b-boys who are not eager to serve: “[JohnJay Chon, R16 co-organizer] estimates that four out of five b-boys currently competing in South Korea have postponed their service or have illegally evaded their conscription. Chon and [Charlie] Shin, [Chon’s business partner] say they know many b-boys who have mutilated themselves to dodge the army. Kim ‘Bang Rock’ Hyun-jin of the Rivers crew says through a translator, ‘Everyone tries to avoid the service.’ Then he switches to English for emphasis. ‘It’s like going to hell.’”
It’s not all fun and games. Ask A Korean describes one common form of treatment: “This punishment is applied liberally for various causes, such as being slow in marching, losing a soccer game, or overcooking sarge’s ramen.” He then refers readers to the following picture.
Despite this, most male Korean entertainers enlist. One would think that enlistment by music artists or actors would mean the end of their careers. Nearly two years out of the spotlight may cause fans to forget them. But with the rise of Hallyu (Korean wave), individuals have a greater chance of maintaining and continuing their careers.
Stars are more conscious of the impact on their career and see military service as a temporary detour from their plans. When asked about his plans after his discharge in an interview, Rain states, “I’m receiving a number of offers from Hollywood. When I am discharged, I will negotiate with Hollywood-related projects I’ve been pushing off.”
Rain has reason to have a positive outlook on his post-discharge prospects. Several individuals from groups have found success post-military enlistment. Following his military service, Kangta, formerly of H.O.T., not only resumed his singing career, but also became involved in the business side of Kpop as a director at SM Entertainment. Following his military service, Jang Woo Hyuk, also formerly of H.O.T., released I Am The Future with the single, Time Is (L)Over:
Fans are also more conscious of the military service of their favorite entertainers. When Rain reported to MMA, Reuters reported that hundreds of Chinese, Japanese and Malaysian fans showed up to bid him farewell. When Andy of Shinhwa was discharged, Changjos, as Shinhwa fans are called, organized a welcoming party upon his release.
These days, entrances and exists gain more coverage. Fans can track their favorite stars’ entrance and exit from the military. Idols are more popular going in, which may translate into greater recognition coming out. Whereas artists may have feared being forgotten by fans, groups like Shinhwa have established a trend of fans waiting for the ultimate comeback by a group.
As a result, military service does not seem to be a career killer. Today’s Korean entertainers now look forward to resuming their careers after serving their country.
— Article written by Ceefu @HelloKPop
Photo Sources: MIZ, Ask A Korean, allkpop
Video Sources:
Jang Woo Hyuk, Time Is (L)over, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Pa4h9AEbOM
Sources:
The World Factbook, Korea, South, CIA
Military Service Series: Part 1 – Mechanics of Military Service in Korea, Ask A Korean
Transcript of Armistice Agreement for the Restoration of the South Korean State (1953), Our Documents
Military Service-South Korea, Wikipedia
Jeff Yang, So you think they can break-dance?, Salon
Ask A Korean, You’re Not a Man Until You Survived Military, Ask A Korean
javabeans, Shin Dong-wook contracts rare illness, discharged from army, Drama Beans
Seo Ji-Eun, [Talk Of The Town: Korea]: Steve Yoo Isn’t Coming Back to Korea, Han Cinema
Shinhwa, Wikipedia
Iktae Park, Hundreds See K-pop Star Rain Start Military Service, Reuters
GONI, Rain on his upcoming enlistment, his mother and future plans, allkpop
[quickie][fan made] Rain in Latin news… 100 days and counting!
•January 23, 2012 • 5 Comments^@@^ Rain (Bi-비) – [Friends] the 100th day of the military service of Jung Ji Hoon. (Credit and edit: FIGHTINGxxFTWxx @YT)
[quickie][fan made] Rain, you’ll be the sky…
•January 22, 2012 • 1 Comment^@@^ BI RAIN TU SERAS EL CIELO. (Courtesy of Koty0511 @YT)
[quickie][Spanish subs] Rain’s Last of the Best: “One.”
•January 22, 2012 • Leave a Comment^@@^ Rain – One (Spanish Sub). Courtesy of itsrainismblogSONGS @YT. Please note all credits included in the video.
[quickie][fan made] His swagga’s so tight… Aren’t you fascinated?
•January 22, 2012 • 4 Comments^@@^ Rain (bi)~ Feel So Fascinated~ (credit and edit: BiRain625 @YT)
[quickie][fan made] Rain having a blast.
•January 22, 2012 • 1 Comment^@@^ Rain ~Having A BLASH~ (credit and edit: Rain0eye1982 @YT)
[CF][Eng captions] Rain’s 55sec J.VJQ commercial spot.
•January 22, 2012 • Leave a Comment^@@^ [Rain (Bi)비 CF][Eng Sub] 120120 Rain 瑾泉JVJQ new CF (55sec). Credit: hahabaobei625 @ tudou / English Translation & Subbed by scorpiola / scorpiolabibi @YT.
[quickie][fan made] The Power of Rain…
•January 22, 2012 • Leave a Comment^@@^ Bi, Rain -A Man Who We Love 39. (Credit and edit: JJ / tubetubehawaii @YT)
We’re 2 years old today!
•January 21, 2012 • 31 Comments
Stephe and Terri gave Cloud USA life. Rain gave it substance. And you, his amazing fans, gave it warmth and made it a home.
There’s nowhere for this community to go but up.
[CF] Rain’s new 55sec J.VJQ commercial spot.
•January 21, 2012 • 16 Comments— ^@@^
The 3rd in the series. “Love her, then give her what she wants.”
[Rain (Bi) CF]120120 Rain JVJQ CF_55 sec. (courtesy of ratoka @YT)
(captures by michi1108)
Rain’s “A Love To Kill” now on DramaFever.
•January 20, 2012 • 2 Comments— Cloud cover by Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Just in case you hadn’t heard…
FYI, English-speaking Clouds and Rain fans in the U.S. and Canada… all sixteen episodes of A Love To Kill have now joined Full House and Runaway: Plan B (The Fugitive: Plan B) on the DramaFever K-Drama site. Go immerse yourself in Rain and have fun doing it!
» You can access the A Love To Kill episode page HERE.
[fan mades] Rain tributes: I’m Coming, and Love Story.
•January 20, 2012 • 1 Comment^@@^ Bi, Rain Tribute of his song 3 – I’m Coming- / Bi, Rain Tribute of his song 2 -Love Story- (courtesy of JJ / tubetubehawaii @YT)
Revisiting February 2011: Rain is honored with the Korea SA&C Award for World Star.
•January 20, 2012 • Leave a Comment— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Looks like the Pop Pop Seoul show out of Japan is going back for a look at the 2nd Korea Seoul Art & Culture Awards, which took place a year ago, the night of February 28, 2011. For a translation of what Rain says as he accepts his award, do revisit our previous post HERE.
For more images of the event, revisit our previous posts HERE, and HERE. And enjoy.
RAIN world star 大賞. (courtesy of momorumii @YT)
[opinion poll] Singers you’d like to see perform at the London Olympics this year.
•January 20, 2012 • 2 Comments— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Of course, with JiHoon in the military, it’s highly unlikely that he would be able to do that. But Clouds never say never. And it’s an opinion poll. What would it hurt? (Rain started at #199, and has climbed as of this posting to #100.)
So vote. Right HERE. » Singers You’d Like To See Perform at the 2012 London Olympics Opening Ceremonies.
Rain check.
•January 20, 2012 • 4 Comments— ^@@^
Just a little Random Rain Goodness from across the Rainiverse today. (courtesy of Rain Diary / Rain Love Song / Rain[eare])
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More ruling the winter at Adidas. (Image: Alladidas / capture: ratoka)
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Fresh MENtholatum shots. (Images: ratoka @The Cloud Photo Board)
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A Soar: Into The Sun on-set shot courtesy of MovieWeek. (Image: ratoka @The Cloud Photo Board)
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Hawai’ian Cloud fan art from January 18. (by BiGrrr @The Cloud Photo Board)
[article][Rain/Hollywood] Survey: Foreign fans pick favorite Korean actors.
•January 17, 2012 • 7 Comments— ^@@^
(Clockwise from top left) Hyun Bin, Jang Geun Suk, Rain, Siwon, Won Bin and Yoochun (Photos courtesy of http://www.newsen.com)
The Manila Bulletin 1/17/2012 — by Jonathan M. Hicap
Survey: Foreign fans pick favorite Korean actors
MANILA, Philippines – Arirang TV held an online survey among its foreign viewers and asked them to pick their favorite Korean actors.
Topping the list is actor Hyun Bin, who is described by Arirang TV as an “actor with a thousand faces.”
Hyun Bin started as an actor in Korea in 2003 but it was his role in the hit drama series “My Name is Kim Sam Soon” that brought him fame.
In 2010, he starred in “Secret Garden” which also became a hit and brought him numerous acting actors. Last year, Hyun Bin enlisted in the Korean military and is expected to be discharged in December this year.
Following Hyun Bin is young actor and singer Jang Geun Seuk. He started as a child actor in Korea in 1997.
Jang Geun Suk is best known for his role as a band leader in the drama “You’re Beautiful.” Last year, he released a single in Japan, which debuted at No. 1 spot on the Oricon chart.
Asian pop star Rain is third on the list. He is one of the few Korean stars who have successfully crossed over from singing to acting. He also debuted in Hollywood through the film “Speed Racer” in 2008. He enlisted in the Korean military last October.
Fourth on the list is Yoochun of boy band JYJ. Yoochun made his acting debut in 2005 through the TV series “Rainbow Romance.” In 2010, he starred in “Sungkyunkwan Scandal,” which won him the best new actor awards in the KBS Drama Awards and in the 47th Paeksang Arts Awards. Last year, he starred in “Miss Ripley.”
“Sungkyunkwan Scandal” will be aired in the Philippines this year on ABS-CBN.
Next on the list is Won Bin, who debuted in Korea in 1997. Won Bin became a household name through the drama “Autumn Fairy Tale,” which became a hit in Asia including the Philippines.
In 2010, he starred in “The Man from Nowhere,” which won him several best actor awards in Korea.
Following Won Bin is heartthrob Siwon, member of boy band Super Junior. Siwon is one of the most popular members of the boy band.
He made his debut as an actor in 2004 through the drama “Precious Family.” He got his leading role in 2007 through the drama “Legend of Hyang-dan.”
In 2010, he starred in “Oh! My Lady” and “Athena: Goddess of War” and last year, he starred in “Poseidon.”
The No. 7 most favorite Korean actor on the list is Lee Min Ho. He is best known for his starring role in the hit drama series “Boys over Flowers” in 2009.
The drama made Lee Min Ho a household name and brought him numerous endorsement deals.
In 2010, he starred in “Personal Preference” and last year, he essayed the leading role in “City Hunter,” which will also be shown in the Philippines this year on ABS-CBN.
[article][Rain/Anchor Ice] Beer makers binge on ads.
•January 17, 2012 • 2 Comments— ^@@^
The Phnom Penh Post 1/17/2012 — by Don Weinland
Beer makers binge on ads
Whether it is dancing pop stars or plays on national pride, dramatically increasing budgets for beer advertising took Cambodia’s TV sets and public spaces by storm in 2011.
Beer advertising surged 164 per cent year-on-year in 2011, according to data from Indochina Research Ltd, making it one of the fastest-growing areas in Cambodian advertising.
Beer companies spent more than US$5 million on advertising in Cambodia in 2011, $1 million more than ads for cars or food products – and insiders say the beer ad figure is set to continue to increase this year.
In 2011 there were also some of Cambodia’s biggest TV advertising campaigns, attempts from the increasing number of market contenders to brand their brews.
“Beer has definitely become an important part of [the advertising industry],” Mean Samol, Cambodia Brewery Ltd’s deputy marketing manager, said yesterday.
“Beer [advertising] is becoming more and more competitive right now.”
Indochina Research data showed that Thailand’s Boon Rawd Trading International Co Ltd, which owns Leo Beer and Singha Beer, was the biggest beer advertising spender at more than $2 million last year.
Cambodia Brewery Ltd spent about $1.1 million on advertising for Anchor Beer, ABC Stout and Tiger Beer last year, the data showed.
Boon Rawd’s Leo Beer was the ninth-biggest advertising spender among companies and products. Mobile service provider Cellcard spent $2.7 million on ads last year, making it the biggest-spending company.
The newest comer, Khmer Brewery Ltd, hit the market hard in the second half of 2011 with about $512,000 spent on its single product, Cambodia Beer.
One insider said the company will most likely spend more than $1 million on airtime alone in 2012.
Chris Ngiau, Khmer Brewery’s commercial manager, said Cambodia Beer’s advertising budget is poised to be one of the biggest in the country in the next two to three years.
“We will be very aggressive in the next few years,” he said yesterday.
Cambodia Beer kicked off a TV ad campaign with strong nationalistic tones when the brewery launched in early November of last year. In the ad, thousands of Cambodian people join together to form the facade of Preah Vihear temple, the site of a violent border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand less than one year earlier.
“As a symbol there’s nothing more patriotic and more nationalistic than Preah Vihear temple. It just so happens that it’s also on the label of the beer. So we thought this would be the best way to capture this pride,” said Peter Sutherland, executive creative director at River Orchid Advertising, which handled Cambodia Beer’s TV campaign.
“The other thing going for us is the name: Cambodia Beer. You can’t get more Cambodian than that.”
Garnering patriotism is no novel concept in Cambodian beer marketing. Angkor Beer has long used the slogan “My County, My Beer”.
Anchor Beer’s TV advertising campaign in 2011 focused largely on “fun and enjoyment” and incorporated a Hollywood director and Korean pop star Rain, Cambodia Brewery’s Mean Samol said.
Even this ad, however, struck a nationalistic chord with Cambodian viewers, as the world-famous singer says “hello” in the Cambodian language, he said.
“The most important part is that he’s an international star but he’s speaking Khmer,” Mean Samol said, adding that other aspects of last year’s campaign focused on environmental protection, which can also translate into Cambodian pride.
Inside sources said the Anchor ad was Cambodia’s most expensive beer commercial in terms of production costs.
Angkor Beer, which spent about $314,000 on beer advertising last year, ran a TV ad campaign that showed Cambodians helping each other, while Leo Beer’s commercial featured a Cambodian hip-hop star playing football.
At more than $17.6 million as of December 2011, spending on beverage advertising outweighed telecommunications ads by about $4.5 million, according to the data.
Advertising in Cambodia was a more than $100-million industry in 2011, growing 34 per cent compared to the year before, data showed.
Beverage ads hit the number one spending spot in 2010.
[soldier account] Private JiHoon Jung: A very proud basic training graduate.
•January 17, 2012 • 10 Comments— ^@@^
Rain at graduation ceremony event
Source: DC Inside
English translation: 화니 @The Cloud Photo Board
이거 수료식날에
훈련병동기랑 훈련병동기 여친이랑 같이 찍은 사진이야 ㅎㅎ
비느님 옆에 짤린거 동기 여친이야
비느님만 짤려서 갖고 왔어 ㅎㅎ
존잘 ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ
허락받지않고 갖고온건데
문제될려나? ㅠㅠ
암튼 12시이전에 지울게 ㅎ
이것도 수료식날
첫번째사진 단체사진인데 비느님만 갖고왔고
두번째사진은 다들 본거고
마지막꺼 말이 필요없음 ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ
[Eng.trans by 화니 (Hwani)]
Here are pictures taken at the military graduation ceremony.
These pictures show Rain and my another trainee mate’s girl friend.
To make only Rain appear in the pictures, they have been edited and the girl friend’s
Here are pictures taken at the military graduation ceremony.
These pictures show Rain and my another trainee mate’s girl friend.
To make only Rain appear in the pictures, they have been edited and the girl friend’s
image has been cut. In the fifth picture, the trainees are posing for a group photograph.
(Rain is sitting down, having a certificate in his hand)
Most of you have looked at the sixth picture.
The scene shown in the seventh picture is breathtaking.
Most of you have looked at the sixth picture.
The scene shown in the seventh picture is breathtaking.
[soldier account][fan account] People continue to be impressed by Private JiHoon/Rain.
•January 17, 2012 • 7 Comments— ^@@^
Excerpts from soldier’s letters to their acquaintance, in which they talk about Rain.
Source of repost: DC Inside
English translation: rain bird @rain-eu.
– 여기 비(정지훈)있다. 완전 멋있다. 간지 폭풍이다 밥먹으러 가는 모습 봤는데 으야~ 나도 저렇게 되고싶더라잉
– 여기 비도 있다! 정지훈! 키 줜나커
– 여기에 정지훈 이병님이 계셔 바로 사회에서 비! 10월에 입대한 비가 여기 있더라 ㅋㅋㅋ 청소하다가 봤는데 TV랑 똑같이 생겼어 정말 신기 하더라 ㅋ
– 비 봤는데 완전 잘생겼고 뭔가 다른 포스를 느꼈어
– Rain (Jung Ji Hoon) is here. He’s really wonderful. No human language can describe his dignified appearance which faces every person around him down. When I saw Rain going for a meal, I felt like doing the same thing, “That’s what I want to look like.”
– Rain is also here ! “Jung Ji Hoon” ! He is very tall!
– Pte “Jung Ji Hoon” is here, who is called Bi (Rain) in society! I’ve realized that there is Rain enlisted in the military last October. When I saw him while I was cleaning, I found he looked exactly the same as he had appeared on the TV screen. I couldn’t believe my eyes.
– I saw Rain. He is very handsome, and he has something out of the common.
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Brief news related to Rain who serves in the military
Source: DC Inside
English translation: rain bird @rain-eu.
친구가 연천 OO기관에서 거의 7년째 일하고 있어그 기관에 비느부대 장병들이 가끔 봉사하러 나온다고 아쉽지만
아직 비느는 봉사나온적은 없고 ㅋㅋ이런 저런 얘기를 듣나봐
부대앞 국수집 옥상에 올라가면 부대안이 조금 보이는데 비느 입대하고 얼마 안되서 국수집 사장님이 훈련하는거를 보니
멀리서도 비느는 빛이나서 알아보겠다고 했다하네 . 그걸 듣고 그 옥상에 얼마나 올라가고 싶던지 ㅠㅠㅠㅠ
그리고 최근 들은 소식은 내 친구가 몇 년을 일했어도 그런 적이 없는데 비느가 입대하고 나서는 전곡과 연천 곳곳에 입대
를 축하한다는 현수막이 여기저기 걸려있다고 ㅋㅋ7년동안 그런거 걸린 것을 본적이 없는데 비느가 입대하고 그런거라며
다시 한번 비느의 위엄을 느낌.
친구기관에 직원들 중에 근처부대 가족들이 몇 있는데 비느는 적응 잘하고 이쁨 받고 생활 잘 한다는 얘기를 들었음.
1. It’s been 7 years since my friend worked in a public institution nearby a military unit where Rain serves in Yeoncheon. According to her a couple of days ago, soldiers belonging to the unit sometimes volunteer at the institution, but she’s never seen Rain participate in the volunteer work yet. Like this, they wonder when they can see Rain there, etc.
2. If you go up on the roof of a building that houses a restaurant that serves noodle (the restaurant is right across the unit), you can dimly see the interior of the unit. The restaurant owner said, “I was able to see Rain being trained for a couple of days after he was enlisted. Rain was able to be recognized immediately from far away, because he gave off an intense aura so that he stood out among his group.” Then I was dying to go up on the roof.
3. My friend told me the latest news, “Not like usual, there are banners saying ‘Congratulations on your entering the military’ all over the streets in Jeongok and Yeoncheon. I have never seen such a sight even though I’ve worked for 7 years. The reason for this is that Rain has joined the army.” I think it proves that his presence itself exerts influence on the region.
4. She added, “Some of those who are with the institution, are part of the family of career soldiers belonging to units nearby it, They say that Rain gets used to things, he has the full confidence of the soldiers, and he does very well in the military.
Rain check.
•January 17, 2012 • 3 Comments— ^@@^
Fresh boot camp graduation pics. (Images: DC / ratoka @The Cloud Photo Board)
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Rain and his J.VJQ co-spokesmodel. (Image: Minnie-ly)
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Fresh Rain Adidas. (Images: DC / Cap: ratoka)
Rain Ji Hoon Jung on Hollywood Stock Exchange
•January 15, 2012 • 11 Comments~Cloud Cover by Terri :-}, Managing Editor
Okay, so like this is the weirdest news I’ve ever found about Rain. Really, it is.
There’s this web-based, multiplayer game, where players buy and sell “shares” of their favorite actors, directors, films and such. It’s called the Hollywood Stock Exchange.
So, guess who I found on it? Yep. Rain himself. His stock symbol is JHJUN. I kid you not.
This would be really funny, except for one thing: While HSX.com players are having fun predicting the next big thing, Hollywood executives are actually using information from this game for making advertising and promotion decisions and box office predictions. Yes, you heard that right.
But why? In the real world, the buying and selling of stocks and bonds affects the prices of securities. Purchasing or selling shares on HSX.com also cause its stock prices to rise or fall—just like the “real” stock exchange.
According to HSX.com’s entry on Wikipedia, “in 2007, players on HSX.com correctly predicted 32 of the 39 major-category Oscar nominees and 7 out of 8 top-category winners.” There is currently no verified citation listed for that quote, so I don’t know how true that is, but if what they are saying is true, then those are some astounding accuracy rates.
When it started, HSX.com used simulated money, called “H bucks,” but as of April 2010, the site began to allow people to invest real money for trades. The real cash is still converted into H bucks, but it’s still the real deal. Or maybe I should say the reel deal? :-}
When I checked tonight, Rain’s stock was worth $25.60 H bucks per share (or H$25.60). To give you a comparison to work with, Taylor Lautner’s is worth H$176.12 per share. Angelina Jolie’s is worth H$78.86. To buy stock in individual stars, you use something called “Starbonds.”
In any event, you might want to go over to HSX.com and check out Ji Hoon’s listing for yourself. Once he starts his U.S. activities again, I’m thinking this would be an interesting site to watch. I’m also thinking it might be fun to invest a few H bucks into Ji Hoon (at the proper time, of course) and then sit back and watch what happens in Hollywood. What do you all think? 😛
Sign up for the site was free, quick and easy. I did it in about 30 seconds. And they gave me $2,000,000 in H bucks to start me off. Sweet! I also earned H$10,000 more by answering a few really easy movie trivia questions. There are trailers of upcoming films to watch and lots of interesting movie tidbits everywhere. Looks like a lot of fun for movie buffs.
Terri :-}
P.S. Well, I just bought over H$200,000 worth of Starbonds in Ji Hoon, and I am sad to have to report that his stock is on the downswing. Apparently, he’s currently not a good investment. I imagine that his current military service may have something to do with that. Sigh.
by Terri@CloudUSA.org
[Koyote Update] Repeat the Same Words
•January 13, 2012 • 3 Comments~Cloud Cover by Terri :-}, Managing Editor
It has been awhile since we brought you news of what Koyote is doing. Right now, Koyote is in the middle of making their comeback, putting out new music and making the rounds on music shows in Korea. For those of you who don’t know, Rain’s best friend, BbaekGa, is the group’s rapper (center).
I just thought you might like to see the music video of their single, Repeat the Same Words (했던 말 또 하고). So, here it is. BbaekGa is featured mostly at the beginning and then again at the end of the MV.
Please enjoy.
Terri :-}
Click here for the lyrics (romanized and English translation) to Repeat The Same Words (했던 말 또 하고), courtesy of Lirik Lagu. (Please do note that the word in the final section of this song is not “crap,” but “clap.” The “l” and the “r” sound is a combination sound in Korean (as in l/r) and so it sounds like both. Even when BbaekGA is singing it. Lirik Lagu actually translated the word in the lyrics as crap in English, but it should be clap. The “l” and the “r” sound are definitely NOT the same sound in English. As this song demonstrates so well. LOL. :-})
by Terri@CloudUSA.org
MBLAQ Check [Eng Sub]: MBLAQ on MTV K at KPOP Masters
•January 13, 2012 • 1 Comment~Cloud Cover by Terri :-}, Managing Editor
Since I was such a hard-nose about MBLAQ’s new music video, you can imagine how thrilled I was to discover this delightful news this morning while scouting around for Rain stuff (which is hard to come by these days, by the way… O_o).
While MBLAQ was in Las Vegas for Billboard’s K-Pop Masters, the boys got the chance to be exclusively interviewed by MTV-K. The video of that interview was posted a few days ago, by MTV-K’s John Shim.
To watch the HQ video of their interview on MTV-K, please click on the link below. Although the interviewer didn’t ask any particularly unique or thought-provoking questions, the boys were handsome and well-spoken. They represented South Korea very well, I thought. Thunder even spoke some English! Nice! :-}
Please enjoy. I know I did.
Terri :-}
MTV-K’s Interview with MBLAQ at the K-Pop Masters
Credits: MTV-K
by Terri@CloudUSA.org
[ETA: Info] [Cloud USA Announcement] Mrs. Annie Eloise Thornton
•January 12, 2012 • 118 Comments[ETA: We have had some inquiries regarding flowers and such. Flowers may be sent to the family at the following address:
Mrs. Annie Eloise Thornton
Georgia Memorial Park
2000 Cobb Parkway, SE
Marietta, GA 30060Her memorial service is scheduled for Sunday.
In lieu of monetary donations, Stephe asks that you pick a needy child in your community and give them something that makes them smile. Be their angel for a moment—in Miss Ellie’s honor.]
Mrs. Annie Eloise Thornton
Lovely Clouds,
It is with a heavy heart that I bring you this news.
Last night, after a long and arduous battle against multiple myeloma and breast cancer, Stephe’s mother, Mrs. Annie Eloise Thornton passed away.
Miss Ellie was graced with a gracious spirit and a special soul. This was never more evident than in her final days, as person after person dropped by to visit and to share their own unique stories of how Stephe’s mom made the world a better place—just by being in it.
Mr. Jimmy Thornton, Sr. and Mrs. Annie Eloise Thornton, wed 54 years.
For 54 years she was the beloved wife to her husband and one true love, Mr. Jimmy Thornton, Sr., a retired Air Force Sergeant. Miss Ellie and Mr. Jimmy shared a love like no other I have ever witnessed. Their life together was enriched by each other in exactly the right way. Their love was palpable, real. (By the way, when they met, Mr. Jimmy actually stole Miss Ellie away from her boyfriend at the time, who just happened to be the Godfather of Soul, Mr. James Brown. True story. I kid you not. LOL. So you can just imagine how charismatic Stephe’s dad actually is, right? :-})
Miss Ellie was a precious mother to her daughter Stephanie and to her two sons Jimmy, Jr. (Yes, Cloud USA’s very own Jim) and Barry Thornton. Her bond with her children was rock solid, and she was always there for them—no matter what. Everyone should have a mother like her to count on. Miss Ellie was also a loving older sister to her sisters Evelyn and Mildred and a devoted grandmother to her grandson Jamiel (JT) Thornton (Stephe’s son).
The love she had for her family was steadfast, but that didn’t stop her from also generously serving as a surrogate mother to many other young people in her family and community who needed her tender, loving care. Some of her last visitors were from the children she had mentored over the years, children who had lost hope—until Miss Ellie took them under her wing and helped them start believing in themselves again.
The Thorntons renew their vows on their 43rd anniversary.
Miss Ellie was a loyal friend to many other people around her—including me. She didn’t just treat me like Stephe’s best friend. Instead, she treated me more like a second daughter, like Stephe’s sister. One time, about a month or so ago, I was really busy and tired—working some really long hours. I was so exhausted and overwrought that I hadn’t realized that several days had passed by without my checking in with Stephe. The phone rings and I pick it up. It’s Miss Ellie, who proceeds to rake me over the coals for worrying everybody sick. Next thing I know, I’m promising that I will never ever ever EVER do that again. EVER. :-}
One of the most special things Stephe was able to share in recent months with her mom was Rain. Stephe and her Mom spent many hours traveling to and from doctors’ offices together. One of the things they did while they were driving around was listen to music. One day, Stephe decided to put a Rain CD in the CD player.
All it took was one CD and Miss Ellie was hooked. Stephe said, “Once she got ahold of Rain, that was it. I couldn’t play any other kind of music in the car—to the point of violence. Either I put a Rain disc in, or the car wasn’t moving!” LOL. Her favorite Rain song was “Friends” with TigerJK. Her favorite Rain concert DVD was his 2007 Rain’s World Tour Premiere. She considered Rain a truly amazing young man, and wished for him all the successes that he worked so hard for.
Miss Ellie was a woman full of life and love and laughter. She will be sorely missed. Please join me in supporting Stephe and the rest of her family during the trying days ahead.
Thank you,
Terri :-}
P.S. For awhile we will not be updating the Cloud USA blog as often as we would like to. We will bring it back up to speed as soon as we can. Please feel free leave messages for Stephe on this post. I will make sure she sees them, even if I have to print your comments out and hand deliver them to her. You may also send her e-mails. However, please understand that she may not feel like responding to e-mails for awhile. So, please do not expect a quick response from her. Thank you. :-}
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- Mr. Jimmy Thornton, Sr. and Mrs. Annie Eloise Thornton, wed 54 years.
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- The Thorntons renew their wedding vows on their 43rd anniversary.
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- Miss Ellie (and her sister Mildred) at her son’s wedding.
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- Mrs. Annie Eloise Thornton
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- Two brave souls step up to try and catch the bouquet. :-}
by Terri@CloudUSA.org
Rain check.
•January 11, 2012 • 10 Comments— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Fresh Adidas Rain. (Images: DC Rain Gallery)
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And a daily dose of RRG… 🙂
(courtesy of Rain Love Song)
Beauty personified.
•January 11, 2012 • 10 Comments— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Remember these shots, from Rain’s appearance on MBC variety/talk show Come Over & Play (during his B2TB stages) back on May 17, 2010? Female K-celebs would actually have us believe that they’ve mostly thought of Rain as a brother… r-i-g-h-t. They are so full of crap. LOL! Not buying it, ladies. I mean look at him. You’d have to be blind. And you aren’t. You’ve been dipping in the Rain pond and you know it. 🙂
[fan cams] Blast from the recent past #s 122 and 123: Consider yourselves ZEPPed.
•January 11, 2012 • 3 Comments— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Rain does “Sad Tango” commando-style at ZEPP Osaka during the Rain Loves ZEPP Japanese tour, June-July 2010.
Hot hair and big guns. Wow. (Get ready for some MAJOR screaming, to boot. Haha!)
OSAKA SAD TANGO. (courtesy of raintic @YT)
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Absolutely the most precious performance ever. What lucky Japanese Clouds! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ (yep, a 5-hearter, unheard of!)
“愛してる!” (Itoshi teru / I love you)
[Rain(Bi) Fancam] Rain @ Zepp tour 2010 _ words I wanted to say [Full]. (courtesy of ratoka @YT)
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And a ZEPP bonus…
A taste of Love Song in Japanese. @__@ Somebody help me.
Rain(Bi) Fancam] 7-7-2010 Rain @ Zepp tour 2010 _ Love Song. (credit:letsgohome @DC / courtesy of ratoka @YT)
[clips] Strictly for the Visuals: Rain in recent entertainment news.
•January 11, 2012 • 3 Comments— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
On SBS. Rain’s fashion.
[Rain (Bi) TV]120102 Rain MTV Fashionista. (Source: rainsnow / Courtesy of ratoka @YT)
On KBS World. A Love To Kill.
111216. (Source: rainsnow / Courtesy of ratoka @YT)
MBC Good Day. Rain and Hyun Bin in the military.
[Rain (Bi) TV]120110 Talk about Rain. (Courtesy of ratoka@YT)
Korean TV subbed in Japanese. Rain’s temporary farewell to his fans.
RAIN 「 アジドラ 韓国芸能まる見えTV 」 2012.1.10放送. (Courtesy of momorumii @YT)
[13/91 weeks done][Song of the week] 비 Yourself Open Thread for 1/10 – 1/16.
•January 10, 2012 • 9 Comments
» 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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The Yellow Ribbon for Rain Brigade continues to travel along its tracks like a train with no brakes. Ain’t no fan like a Rain fan, and here’s the proof. Be proud, everyone. Keep racking them up and spreading the word! Thanks for supporting JiHoon and for showing him how very much he is loved.
You can see Private JiHoon’s first letter to his Clouds and fans HERE, in our previous post. ♥
There are two options for sending snail-mail to JiHoon presently. For information on where to send handwritten cards and letters to him in the military, please see our previous posts HERE (military) and HERE (military, official site notice). For cards, letters, and any gifts, do see our post HERE (office admin).
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Well, our song of the week is actually three songs—blame it on this terrific Rainy Day Tour 2005 video!
SONGS OF THE WEEK: “Why of All Things” (Wae Hapil / 왜 하필) from Rain’s second album Escaping The Sun (2003), and “I’m Searching/Looking” (Chajayo / 찾아요) and “Quiz” off of Rain’s third album It’s Raining (2004). Waaay before there was “My Girl”… Rain serenaded his woman and gave teddy bear gifts with “Quiz.”
Courtesy of sherryrain1 @YT. (You can also find this video to your right, at the very top of our media blog sidebar.)
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We’re coming up on the middle of January, dear fans, so hopefully JiHoon will be able to take his earned vacation soon and chill out with his family and his hyungs. Lord knows the Man certainly deserves it, right? I would love to see his expression when he comes face to face with the General soon, who is more like a white lion these days than the fluffy snowball he was. That little doggie is growing up so fast! ♥
Rain is Eternal. Where clouds stay gathered, rain will always come. It is inevitable.
— Stephe ^@@^
Cloud USA 
[14/91 weeks done][Song of the week] 비 Yourself Open Thread for 1/17 – 1/23.
•January 17, 2012 • 13 Comments°
The Yellow Ribbon for Rain Brigade continues to travel along its tracks like a train with no brakes. Ain’t no fan like a Rain fan, and here’s the proof. Be proud, everyone. Keep racking them up and spreading the word! Thanks for supporting JiHoon and for showing him how very much he is loved.
You can see Private JiHoon’s first letter to his Clouds and fans HERE, in our previous post. ♥
There are two options for sending snail-mail to JiHoon presently. For information on where to send handwritten cards and letters to him in the military, please see our previous posts HERE (military) and HERE (military, official site notice). For cards, letters, and any gifts, do see our post HERE (office admin).
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SONG OF THE WEEK: “Feels So Right”, off of Rain’s second Japanese album Eternal Rain (2006). Mmmmm. What could he be talking about? 🙂 (I’m just being facetious. Please don’t assume that I don’t know the answer to that question.)
Courtesy of AngelFire781 @YT. (You can also find this video to your right, at the very top of our media blog sidebar.)
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Thanks so much, all of you, for the heartfelt comments that you’ve left on Cloud USA for me and Jim, and for the kind things you’ve said about our mom (including Terri in her wonderful post). You have comforted us a lot during this extremely difficult time.
Rain lives by the motto The show must go on, and so it must… but I still need some time right now. The media blog will be back to full force when I’m feeling better. In the meantime, the patience you are showing is really appreciated. ♥ Please enjoy what we do manage to post. ^@@^
Rain is Eternal. Where clouds stay gathered, rain will always come. It is inevitable.
— Stephe ^@@^
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Posted in Bi Rain, Cloud USA, Jung Ji Hoon, Rain Topics
Tags: Bi Rain favorite pics, bi rain military service, Bi Rain song of the week, Cloud commentary, Cloud USA, cloud usa site news, Cloud USA's Yellow Ribbon for Rain Project, Soldier JiHoon Jung Rain, The Cloud Fan Site, Yellow Ribbon for Rain