Gives new meaning to reindeer “Raindeer”, doesn’t it? ♥
The ultra-delicious JYJ (Jaejoong, Junsu, and Yoochun) and the devastatingly handsome Rain say goodbye to 2010 and hello to 2011 in Nature Republic style — larger than life. Happy holidays indeed…! 😀
— Stephe ^@@^
(image credit: manotan+twitter / source blog: sharingyoochun.net / tip: Katie)
Could this be a new Rain display at » Lotte Star Avenue in Seoul, perhaps? The reason I think this is because it resembles his Star Avenue windows and displays from 2009, and from earlier this year as well.
In any case, this LARGE display and others like it are one reason that, when I do visit Seoul in the future, the Lotte Department Mall and Lotte Star Avenue will be on my agenda without fail. Do or die.
— Stephe ^@@^
Rain Lotte Photo Making.MOV. (courtesy of sanlybi @YT / source site: rain-cloud)
° ° °
Let’s check out some Rain at Star Avenue, shall we?
Lotte Star Avenue Film.wmv. From 2009… when Rain said, “Touch me.” (courtesy of sanlybi @YT)
≈
Rain [Bi] ROTTE STAR AVENUE. And from 2010. JiHoon the Magician. (courtesy of SIROK03 @YT)
≈
明洞 Lotte Department Store – Star Avenue – Rain. (courtesy of shirleyyswong @YT)
≈
Lotte Star Avenue~通路. Just walk right in and start spazzing. (courtesy of NUN218 @YT)
≈
LOTTE WORLD STAR AVENUE-東方神起-. A quick glance at DBSK/TVXQ’s amazing window from last year. Of course, now they’ve updated things with newer footage of the JYJ trio. (courtesy of tsulee04s @YT)
° ° °
Rain and his fellow Lotte spokesmodel celebs help open Star Avenue in June 2009.
090630 Lotte Star Avenue Opening ceremony[My Daily News]. (credit: MyDaily / courtesy of happyyouyou1 @YT)
[ Fancam]30-6-2009 Rain BI on star lotte world AVENUE. (courtesy of raineyes82 @YT)
Rain brings “Sad Tango”, his first Japanese single release, to Japan in early 2006. (And do you know what was on the B-side? “Slowly”! *DIES* *picks self up off floor in a stupor*)
Do enjoy this wonderful look back as Rain begins his foray into The Land of the Rising Sun.
— Stephe ^@@^
Sad Tango. Interview. (courtesy of rainsbabe @YT)
°
And you wonder why the Japanese have been in love with him all these years… ♥
[RAIN(bi)] 060203 PJ “Sad Tango”. (courtesy of rainxsnow @YT)
2010 will always be known as the year our Magic Feet revolutionized us in a major way. He promised just that, and delivered.
And unleashed Golden Rolling Abs onto the world. What the heck! Will we ever recover from that? (I think not.) 😉
— Stephe ^@@^
“Back to the basic”台灣特別版. Nicely done! (Courtesy of lyes84302 @YT)
Rain films Fugitive at a Choocheon City hospital, 11/28
Credit: Momotiki @DC Inside
Images: Momotiki
English translation: rain bird @rain-eu.— ^@@^
펌]11/28 춘천의 병원에서의 비느님 사진
춘 천의 병원에서의 사진입니다.불선명한 사진으로 미안해요. 광저우의 공항과 같은 복장였습니다.정말로 바쁜 스케줄였지요. 공항으로부터 직접 왔으므로, 피곤했을 ㅌ ㅔ ㄴ데, 엘리베이터에서 내리자마자 매우 큰 소리로 인사를 하고 있었습니다. 우리는, 피곤한 비느님의 방해가 되지 않게 조용하게 견학했습니다. 오후 8시부터 비느님의 촬영이 시작되었습니다. 우리가 돌아간 12시는, 아직 2 씬 정도 촬영이 남아 있는 것 같았습니다. 이렇게 고생해 촬영한 드라마이므로, 일본에서의 방영이 몹시 기다려 집니다.
Here are pictures taken at a hospital in Chooncheon city of Korea which shows Rain.
I’m sorry the pictures came out blurry.
He was wearing the same kind of clothes that he wore at Guangzhou airport.
As you know, he had been so busy.
Even though he was probably very tired because he came to the hospital immediately after he arrived at Incheon airport of Korea, he was saying hello to the filming crew in a very loud voice, as soon as he got off the elevator.
We were quiet so we would not disturb others during the drama shoot.
The cameras started rolling at 8:00pm.
There were probably still two more scenes to be shot at that time when we had to return home at midnight.
I can’t wait to watch this drama to be aired in Japan because it has completed filming after such a lot of hard work.
A totally FUN and entertaining fan video of many of Rain’s earlier projects, appearances, and rehearsals, set to his idol Michael Jackson’s “We’re Almost There,” and “Rock With You” live. Ahhh… so great! 🙂
Enjoy.
— Stephe ^@@^
Bi Rain Fanmade “Rock with you”. (courtesy of sonnakotoaruka @YT)
Asia broadcast 12/11. Continuation of The Man and the Men at the XVI Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.
Next up under the Asiad arch… a modified version of “Hip Song.” Hair alert! Hair fetish alert, everybody! JiHoon’s lovely locks are in motion and keeping a beat, just for us, of course. 🙂
And then it’s time for “Friends”… and WOW. Check out that crowd as the camera pans. We knew there were a lot of people, but sheesh. (Okay, well good grief, what is it that I tend to say almost every week, folks? You know where I’m going with this. Sure you do. “My heavens. Rain’s ‘wardrobe’ is fitting quite nicely, if I do say so myself…” I should just record those two sentences, have it put on an endless loop, and just hit “play” every Saturday. Yeah. Anyhooo.)
The kids are the cutest things (although the boy on Rain’s left and our right looked pretty catatonic the whole time), the native Korean dress and representative symbols are spectacular, and JiHoon done good. S.Korea has quite an act to follow when it hosts the Asiad next, in 2014. Rain, get ready. You know your countrymen are going to make darned sure you’re involved. That’s a given.
Aaaand… after Rain comes off and is rushed backstage, and after an interview back lit by the gorgeous lights of Guangzhou, we run back to Fugitive footage.
Oh, woah… it’s the Fugitive: Plan B press conference at the Lotte Hotel in Sogon-Dong, Seoul, where our World Clouds banner for Rain was on display! Ahhh, our Badass Star in black. And just like that, all of those hundreds of still photos we saw of the press con come to life.
(NaYoung’s dress is a lot shorter than I remember! Girl, you better hang on to it tight!)
LOL! The highlight of the episode is upon us. At around minute 1:40, looks like Henney, who is posing with Rain and NaYoung, tells Rain to get lost, take a hike. Hit the road, Jack, so I can have her to myself for a bit. Rain’s expression as he heads back to his seat is priceless. ROFL! Locking horns over a female never goes out of style.
Noted Japanese actor Takenaka Naoto (Hiroki-sama, Kieko’s Yakuza father) arrives late and is ushered to the stage, which he spryly leaps upon like a ninja. Heheh. And after numerous questions, photos ops, and one last “Fighting!”, we’re out of there. (Sounds like, around the 5:30-odd minute mark, Rain is greeting some folks in Japanese on the way out.)
Enjoy this week’s episode, everyone!
— Stephe ^@@^
(source: teamjihoon625 / courtesy of ratoka @YT)
Ooooh, so Henney WAS a mere dalliance, was he? JiHoon and JungJin are still together… let’s all make happy! 😛
Just kidding, folks. We are talking about JiHoon the Jokester here. Hahaha.
Actually, it’s heartwarming to have watched this true bond of brotherhood forged over the course of Rain’s Fugitive odyssey. In this day and age, when celebs are more into competing rather than supporting each other, relationships like this are few and far between. And they are the ones that will stand the test of time.
Brothers forever.
— Stephe ^@@^
Bi, Rain – Hey, brother! I’m your friend forever, hyung, don’t forget! (credit and edit: tubetubehawaii @YT)
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“Hyung. Hold me…” So funny. So cute. They really gave the media a run for its money, huh? You’re that desperate for something to write about? You need a story? A good controversy? Here, we’ll give you one. Hahahaha! 😀
*UPDATE 6/4/2015: Seeing as the video we originally posted in 2010 is being blocked by KBS in Korea, I’m posting up this English-subbed version that was uploaded by KBS World (Star Date) and is totally legal.
In other words, it shouldn’t be disappearing any time soon. 🙂 ^@@^
Enjoy this KBS entertainment news clip on Rain, NaYoung, and the making of Runaway/Fugitive — the final episode in particular. The cast farewell party, where hats (and glasses) were the norm because of the cold weather, and where JungJin was as cute as ever, is included in the footage.
Very cool.
— Stephe ^@@^
101211 [Eng trans] Rain @ Entertainment News. (courtesy of rainbox625@YT)
(Brief translation by rain bird @rain-eu.)
0:39~0:59
Q : How did you feel when you gave Jinny (Lee Na Young) a kiss in the last scene of The Fugitive Plan B’?Rain : ‘Ji Woo’ (Rain) used to kiss a character called Jinny with force, but in the last scene, they came to kiss each other by tacit agreement. I wish they had kissed a little earlier, and it’s a great pity that they had kissed in the last scene of the drama.
1:21~23
Q :What was the hardest part of doing this drama?Lee Na Young : I think the fact that we had to shoot action scenes, including me.
1:36~2:06
Q: A picture showing your lost muscle mass during the 2010 Asia Song Festival, just ignited a heated debate on the Internet.Rain : It all depends on how they take pictures.
I still have nice abs. You can see the abs during my concert at the end of this year.
Please look forward to it.
2:22~2:35
Rain : The biggest change in this drama seems to be that Jinny wears a short skirt, I think.Lee Na Young : Maybe I should just stop wearing it.
Rain : ‘Lee Na Young’ has seldom worn a short skirt, but she has often chosen to wear it in the drama.
Lee Na Young : I think I’ve exposed my body to the public frequently.
Rain : Men ought to be all the more grateful for me.
2:43~
By making mistakes by intention, Rain is trying to make the drama contain many scenes where she wears a dress that shows her exposed figure.2:53~2:58
Rain : The scene should be let go on long. That’s the shots. Don’t give up!3:08
Q : What is it about each of you, you’re pleased with?Lee Na Young : He always let me know the point that has to say in this drama.
Rain : I think I’m more meticulous, but she isn’t.
Lee Na Young : He brought me laughter.
Rain : We sometimes had a very hard time during the drama shoot, but we always seemed to use our good manners.
3:49
Rain : It seems like just yesterday that I started shooting the drama 6 months ago.Thanks for a job well done.
4:00~
Lee Na Young : I know that our great accomplishments are due to your hard work and professionalism.
The Examiner Charlotte (North Carolina) 12/8/2010 — Un Kyoung Han, Correspondent
The Warrior’s Way opened in theaters this past weekend and featured Korean actor Jang Dong-gun. He is one of a handful of Korean-born actors entering the Hollywood movie scene. His movie made the top ten box office hits by rating number 9 and grossing $3,048,665.
Another actor is Jung Ji-hoon (also known as Rain) who was the male lead in 2009’s Ninja Assassin and earned MTV’s Biggest Badass Star. He is currently in a Korean drama called Fugitive Plan.B with Daniel Henney. Rain is more famously known as a k-pop (Korean Pop Music) singer. He made a headline at the 2010 Green Planet Movie Awards by making the list for 10 Outstanding Asians in Hollywood, Best International Entertainer, and Asian Cultural Ambassador of the year.
Daniel Henney was born to a Korean American mother and an American father of Irish descent. He wasn’t born in Korea, but he has made a big splash in the Korean drama industry. He recently filmed X-Men Origins: Wolverine with Hugh Jackman which came out in 2009.
You may also be familiar with Daniel Dae Kim who is currently cast as Chin Ho Kelly in the Hawaii-Five-0 series. He was born in Korea, but immigrated to America when he was two years old. You may recognize him from the TV series LOST. You can watch Daniel on your local WBTV Channel 3 station on Mondays at 10 p.m.
Be infused with some ethnic flavor by checking out what these Korean actors have to offer at your local movie theater and movie rental company. The Warrior’s Way is playing at select movie theaters, so be sure to check your local listings. You can rent some of the Korean dramas from Netflix and read the English subtitles. Blockbuster also carries Tae Guk Ki: The Brotherhood of War which stars Jang Dong-gun as well as other Korean movies in their foreign films section.
Well, truthfully, if you want to research Korean masculinity, Rain IS the ticket. 😀 *seriously considering going back to school LOL*
All jokes aside, though… fans, this is pretty big. JiHoon has been in fan magazines and entertainment magazines a million times, and will be until time immemorial, but good heavens, this is a university textbook that will be circulating in intellectual circles. Rain’s effect will be studied in schools all over. English-speaking schools. O_O
As JiWoo would say, “Oh, halleluia…!”
» Our article on Sun Jung’s book, released by Hong Kong University Press, is HERE.
— Stephe ^@@^
[Rain (Bi) TV] 101209 Rain @ Entertainment News. ETN Entertainment Station, Today’s Hot 2. (courtesy of rainbox625 @YT)
1. Grand Prize Winner of both the KBSWORLDi Fugitive Poster and the Nature Republic double-sided Poster from Shanghai: h k (doctorposh) Grade 110%: 100% plus 10 pts. for the correct extra credit answer
2. Jeanie (jkokawa)
3. jelyba
4. Marisara
5. StormofStarzz
6. divalcious
7. Gee
8. kongsao
9. cecilia185
10. mdwomack704
Congratulations to the winners, and thanks to everyone who entered! No one totally bombed out; everybody made a decent showing of it, so pat yourselves on the back. Boy, after our second call-to-enter and pop quiz extension, quizzes piled in, and so we had to take our time and be very careful in grading all of your “papers.” Being completely fair was the most important thing.
So, winners — please e-mail your snail mail addresses to us at letitrain@cloudusa.org, so that we can ship your posters out to you right away.
And now… for The Answers:
1. What kind of motorcycle did Rain drive in Cebu (the yellow one)? A Yamaha R6. In Episode 7, he also drove another R6, a white and red one.
2. What two important things did Jin-Yi take with her when she ran from her first pursuers? Her kitty and her ring.
3. Where was the fight scene on the flatbed truck filmed and who was fighting? Kobe, Japan. However: Everyone who said JAPAN got credit because we messed up and didn’t specify that we wanted the city.
4. What did Rain film in Yokohama, Japan, that had absolutely nothing to do with The Fugitive: Plan B? An SK-W Phone CF, specifically the commercial for the new W900 Aura phone. “Hello… good morning…”
5. Where was Rain when he was attacked by Kieko’s father’s men, and what did he use as a weapon? In Tokyo, at Saitama Super Arena. His bare hands, feet, costume rack and hairspray… and on stage, his jacket. Any combination of the correct items was acceptable.
6. The Fugitive: Plan B was filmed in 7 major Asian cities. What were they? Seoul in Korea, Macao and Beijing and Shanghai in China, Manila in the Philippines, and Osaka and Tokyo in Japan. Check the trailer below.
7. As of Episode 8, how many times had Jin-Yi slapped Ji-Woo? 5 times: 2 x on boat, 2 x @ end of Ep 5 and 1 x at end of Ep 6. But she has also headbutted him once (at Kai’s house), kneed him in the groin once (in her hotel room), hit him on the top of the head with a pipe once and on the hand once (in her hotel room), smacked his butt 4 times (during the butt in her face chase scene) and kicked him in the shin once (right bef’ore everyone went to Macau.). Geez, that girl was violent. He was also slapped by his “chagiya” once. Just so you know. So, Ji-Woo was actually “slapped” 6 times, but 1 x by the first girl.
8. How many times did Ji-Woo shoot Do-Soo AND how many bullets did he use? Do-Soo was shot 4 times, and Ji-Woo used 4 bullets: 1 bullet in the first incident and 3 bullets in the 2nd incident.
9. Where were Kevin and Ji-Woo going to vacation after their next job in China? The Bahamas.
10. What is Ji-Woo’s last name? It was never revealed! NOTE: Even though he was called Detective Ji a couple of times, and Do-Soo was called Detective Do once or twice, that was more a cultural thing involving their whole first names, not their legal last names. The hyphen that is sometimes used in Romanization is a dead giveaway that Ji-Woo (and Do-Soo) are two syllables of one first name. And we could SWEAR that early on, someone somewhere listed Do-Soo’s true last name, though we can’t find it now for the life of us. (Jin-Yi’s last name certainly isn’t “Jin” or “Yi.”)
11. Extra credit question for extra poster: What was the name on Ji-Woo’s fake passport and what connection does it have with the K-Pop world? “Kim Tae-Woo”, which is the name of the velvet-voiced, ultra-tall singer of legendary K-Pop group G.o.d. (지오디, Groove Over Dose). Tae-Woo and Rain have been close for many years, and in fact it was hyung Tae-Woo who immediately brought Rain bread to eat on one of his hungriest nights while training for JYP, before debut.
Well, community members, that’s a wrap! We hope you all had fun. Until the next pop quiz…
— Stephe ^@@^ and Terri :-}
Wonderful thoughts from JiHoon on Runaway/Fugitive and on his future next year, as shared by KBS directly, from a few days ago when Rain was in Yeouido (KBS’ headquarters is there). So as you can see, the ridiculous hubbub yesterday and the day before made no sense.
For such a young man, JiHoon has such wise words concerning his work and his life that it would behoove us all to give them a listen.
— Stephe ^@@^
KBS Global 12/7/2010 —
With only one episode left to air for the KBS Wednesday/Thursday drama “Fugitive Plan B”, Rain made an appearance in Yeouido on December 6th to talk about his experience and what’s coming up for the world star.
He said, “Although ‘Fugitive’ didn’t rank too high in terms of viewers’ ratings, we did have a diehard fan base. It helped me to see a new side of me as a person and I think it was a drama that gradually earned the recognition of viewers. Although ratings are important, I also think the relationships formed between people and bettering yourself as a human being is important. I want to thank the producer Kwak Jeong-hwan for always greeting me with a smile and supporting me despite the various hardships that popped up during this drama. I’m thankful to Lee Na-young too for giving me strength as her opposite male co-star. She told me that if I let the negative personal issues get to me on set, I’m the one that’s losing in the end. Overall, this was a project that allowed me to really look back on myself and my actions.”
The filming of “Fugitive” took place while there were allegations of gambling and a significant amount of debt for the singer/actor.
As for what lays ahead for the big star Rain revealed, “The timing worked out for me to shoot one more Hollywood movie and then I’ll enlist in the military towards the latter half of next year.”
… which, as we understand it, will be televised on the KBS World Channel carried by your local, cable, or satellite television provider. Please see the blurb from KBS World below:
2010 KBS Drama Awards will be held at 9:50pm (UTC+9, Seoul) on Friday, December 31, 2010 to honor this year’s great dramas and people behind this excellence. Meet your favorite actors/actresses in KBS’s year-end drama awards~! This glamorous ceremony will provide you a chance to reunite with your favorite drama characters that made you laugh and cry throughout the year. On this night, nominees and guests will gather to acclaim the outstanding works and to share the behind the scene stories.
2010 KBS Drama Awards will be broadcasted live across 58 countries with English subtitles!
Global KBS Drama lovers!! Tune in and learn who and which drama will win the highest honor in 2010 KBS Drama Awards.
A Great Opportunity to Get More Involved in KBS!!!
Your support has helped us have a great year thus far!
KBS has planned for some great events to thank you all for your interest in this year’s KBS Dramas!! Check below for more details on events!NEVER, EVER miss this grand opportunity!!!
The Special Events sound quite exciting. One involves fans uploading their own video clips of support for their favorite dramas. The other lets fans convey their K-Drama thoughts by Twitter and/or Facebook. AND there are amazing prizes, some of which will be autographed by the casts or director of the K-Dramas we’ve enjoyed this year.
» You can visit the 2010 KBS Drama Awards page for detailed information on the December 31st televised award show and on these special events (which end December 20th) on the KBS World site HERE.
Wow. 😀
— Stephe @cloudusa.wordpress.com ^@@^
From the KBSWORLDi newsletter for 12/9/2010 —
A Special Note from “Kai” (Daniel Henney) to KBS WORLD Fans
Korean-American actor Daniel Henney, also known as “Kai” in “The Fugitive: Plan B,” personally thanked KBS and KBS fans for watching and supporting this drama as the season comes to an end.
“To All that loved and supported ‘Fugitive Plan B’
After 6 months, 5 countries, and 20 episodes… Fugitive Plan B’s last episode airs tonight.
I just want to take a few minutes to briefly say ‘Thank You’ from the bottom of my heart to all of you that gave us your unwavering support and love over the last few months.
Through the drama, I’ve learned so much about myself and the amazing people that I’ve been fortunate enough to work with. 5 months is a long time to work on a television show, and we had some very difficult moments, but I wouldn’t change it for the world, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
So again, to the crew, the staff, everyone at KBS, and to the fans…… THANK YOU SO MUCH.
I’m going to miss my ‘Domangja Family.’
LOVE DANIEL (Kai)”
≈
Thank YOU, Daniel. You did one heck of a bang-up job — we absolutely couldn’t stand Kai and his machinations, regardless of his intentions, and that was because your portrayal of him was top notch.
It thrilled us to see you in the Fugitive: Plan B cast. And we weren’t disappointed, not for one second. Here’s to your next role, whatever it may be.
A wonderful Holiday season to you and yours!
— Stephe ^@@^
Enjoy this fan made compilation of many of Rain’s more recent projects, from the past few years… Open Concert, Farewell to Comeback stages, Six To Five fashion concert, backstage at the 2008 MKMFs, Chocolate, and lots more.
Really cute.
— Stephe ^@@^
RAIN Same.flv. (courtesy of ramutyan0909 @YT)
[Cloud USA] Well, Terri — it really has arrived!
Way back at the beginning of the year, around February or so, we were surprised to run across THIS page on Amazon.com: a serious study by a Victoria University researcher on the effects of three far-reaching fandoms — that of actor Bae YongJoon, of the horror film Oldboy, and of mega-icon JiHoon. We were intrigued, but couldn’t find much more about it at the time, much less anything more explanatory. We weren’t certain if the 232-page hardcover book would actually hit around December 2010, as announced. We didn’t even have a cover to judge it by.
And so we decided to wait and see what happened.
Well, here we are now in December, and thanks to a freshly released article by Asian news source Nate, we see that the study in question — Korean Masculinities and Transcultural Consumptions: Yonsama, Rain, Oldboy, KPop Idols, by author/professor Sun Jung is indeed ready for release from Hong Kong University Press this month.
Here is a brief blurb from the book’s HKU Press page:
“This is a highly original, clearly written, and well-argued study that examines how Korean masculinity is being reconstructed through its regional and global circulation as part of the Korean Wave, producing new forms that negotiate local Korean creative energies and regional and international consumer forces.”
— Chris Berry, Goldsmiths, University of London
And what an unexpected treat — RAIN (his Full House character “Lee YoungJae”, rather) is gracing the cover of Professor Jung’s study.
» The Korean Masculinities and Transcultural Consumptions product page on HKU Press is HERE.
We can’t help wondering exactly what Professor Jung’s findings were, and what conclusions he came to by the end of the book. (We’ll let you know when we read it!) And we are extremely proud to find JiHoon in what looks to be an intellectual piece of work on the effects of the Korean Wave on the rest of us. Very cool.
— Stephe @cloudusa.wordpress.com ^@@^
° ° °
10asia 12/9/2010 —
Book on Korean Wave adopted as textbook for universities abroad.
A new book on the ‘Hallyu,’ or Korean Wave, has been adopted as a textbook for universities abroad.
The English book titled “Korean Masculinities and Transcultural Consumption: Yonsama, Rain, Oldboy, K-Pop Idols” was selected as one of the main textbooks for the media classes at Goldsmiths, University of London in England and the University of Melbourne in Australia.
Written by Sun Jung, a research fellow in the School of Communication and Arts at Victoria University, the book explores into several cultural phenomenons revolving around South Korean stars including the Singaporean fandom of singer and actor Rain, the middle-aged Japanese female fandom of actor Bae Yong-joon, the Western online cult fandom of thriller pic “Oldboy,” as well as the emerging versatile masculinity represented by K-pop idol boy bands.
“This is a highly original, clearly written, and well-argued study that examines how Korean masculinity is being reconstructed through its regional and global circulation as part of the Korean Wave, producing new forms that negotiate local Korean creative energies and regional and international consumer forces,” Professor Chris Berry of film and television studies at Goldsmiths was quoted as saying in a press release by Hong Kong University (HKU) Press that published the book on December 1.
The book, sporting singer and actor Rain on the front cover, is available at various online bookstores.
Rain, whose real name is Jung Ji-hoon, is arguably one of the most successful Korean stars in the Asia region who has achieved a phenomenal level of success in both singing and acting, paving the way for his acting debut in Hollywood with a supporting role in the Wachowski Brothers’ pic “Speed Racer,” followed by a lead role in martial arts film “Ninja Assassin.”
Bae, 37, is one of the first Korean actors to make a major breakthrough into Japan and the Asia region. He shot to stardom after starring in 2002 hit TV series “Winter Sonata” alongside actress Choi Ji-woo and has since been promoting himself and Korean culture in Asia.
“Oldboy,” helmed by critically acclaimed director Park Chan-wook, has received high praises from critics since its release in 2003 and won the Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival.
Starring Korean actor Choi Min-sik, “Oldboy” is about a man who is locked in a hotel room for 15 years without knowing why. He plots revenge upon his release and finds himself trapped in conspiracy, violence and falling in love with an attractive young chef.
Reporter : Heidi Kim heidikim@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>
Word has come down from On High (for newbies, that means the notice is on Rain’s official website). We’ve made the change under Rain’s Stats on his Biography page.
Please make a note, everyone. Thanks!
— Stephe ^@@^
Hi, this is J.Tune Camp.
J.Tune Camp’s office has been moved to a new location, so please note the change of its address. Hope you to refer to the changed address when you send a fan letter to Rain.
The changed address :
서울시 강남구 청담동 32-6 현대빌딩 402호
제이튠캠프 앞
J.Tune Camp
402 Hyundae Building, 32-6 Cheongdam-dong, Kangnam-gu,
Seoul, South Korea 135-100.
http://www.rain-jihoon.com/n2/notice_view.php?page=1&No=321&bSeq=471
(English translation by rain bird @rain-eu.)
Asian Economy 12/8/2010 —
Rain participates in charity bazaar.
Singer Rain, swimmer ‘Park Tae Howan’, the head of SKC group ‘Choi Sin Won’, and golfer ‘Choi Na Yon’ are selling Hodduk, a Korean rice snack, at ‘the 2010 SK Charity Bazaar To Share Love With The Needy’ held under the sponsorship of the company, in an inner-plaza located on the first level of the Yongsan subway station, on Wednesday, December 8th, from 8:30am to 5:00pm.
All the proceeds of the bazaar will be used for winter heating bills for more than 300 low-income families.
credit to Asian Economy http://news.nate.com/view/20101208n18469
(Brief translation by rain bird @rain-eu.)
— ^@@^
°
[Rain (Bi) Fancam] 101208 Rain (Bi) @ SK Sharing Happiness Bazaar 2010. (courtesy of ratoka @YT)
°
Rain at the SK Sharing Happiness Bazaar 2010. (images: http://me2day.net/kimhoojin // DC+NAVER NEWS)
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More of Rain at the SK Sharing Happiness Bazaar. (images: MJ @DC / source site: rain-cloud)
And something tells me the ratings there will be a DIFFERENT story (like… through the roof). Just sayin’.
— Stephe ^@@^
10asia 12/8/2010 —
KBS TV series “”Fugitive: Plan B” will go on air in Japan starting April next year.
CEO Ahn Hyung-soo of the production company of the show told Sports Today over the phone, “It has been decided that the show will begin its air in Japan. Starting April, ‘Fugitive’ will be broadcasted on So-net, a station affiliated with Sony Group.” Ahn added they are currently in talks with other public networks in Japan as well.
In October, the distribution rights to “Fugitive” was sold to seven countries in Asia including Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.
“Fugitive: Plan B,” which will end its run tonight, is helmed by noted director Kwak Jung-hwan and written by Chun Sung-il, the creative duo behind the 2010 hit series “The Slave Hunters.”
The action-comedy drama, starring Rain, Lee Na-young and Daniel Henney, is about a detective and his female client getting chased by cops and gangs as they get entangled in a case searching for gold that disappeared almost a century ago.
The 20-part series first scored viewership ratings in the 20 percent range when it aired on October 7 and has maintained its position at No. 2 on the Wednesday and Thursday primetime slot with ratings in the 13 to 15 percent range.
Reporter : Kang Geyong-rok rock@
Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>
Rain with Runaway/Fugitive production crew. — ^@@^ (images: Adelaide Napitupulu)
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Rain, NaYoung, and the crew clowning around. (image: B4 @DC)
*REFRESHED: Our Rain’s Crew: The Men behind The Man page. We needed to add some images from the G20/Asia Song Festival and from the 16th Asian Games.
And we needed to add dancer Yong Deock’s name to our list of Men behind The Man.
Enjoy, fans!
Until next time…
— Stephe ^@@^
"Give me a break!"
First of all: We know this, J.Tune, so thanks, it’s nice of you to confirm it. Thank you.
Secondly: So why did you have to deflate us so badly with that Big Denial the other day, just as we finally saw a light at the end of the LONG tunnel between us and JiHoon? Nobody named a Hollywood movie — the media said, Rain said he’ll be doing a “Hollywood movie.” And Rain said, I’ll be doing a “Hollywood movie.” And then you piped up, That is so absurd that we are speechless.
And now here is your rep saying (and I paraphrase), Well yes, Rain’ll be in a Hollywood movie. Which is all anybody said to begin with.
— Stephe ^@@^
TV Edaily 12/9/2010 —
Singer and actor Rain has continuously received attention from Hollywood.
An official from his agent ‘J.Tune Entertainment’ told TV Edaily in a telephone conversation on the 9th, “Rain said that he would appear in a Hollywood movie before entering the army, but he has not decided to say yes to any movie. It is true that he is worried about which movie to choose as he has had many movie roles offered to him from Hollywood recently, but any movie has not been definitely decided yet.”
credit to TV Edaily http://news.nate.com/view/20101209n12160
(Brief translation by rain bird @rain-eu.)
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And while we’re still in J.Tune’s front yard… ^@@^
TV Edaily 12/10/2010 —
Rain can’t attend any of the end-of-year awards ceremonies due to preparation for his New Year’s Eve concert.
According to Rain’s agent ‘J.Tune Entertainment’ on the 9th, “There is a rumor that Rain’ll exclusively attend the Song Festival to be hosted by SBS TV, but the rumor is groundless. He’ll probably skip all the awards ceremonies at the end of this year, because he is scheduled for his concert on the 31st of this month.
Since his drama has gone off the air, he has no special plans for now, so he tries to pay attention only to his concert, practicing hard to show an impeccable performance to his fans.”
credit to TV Edaily http://news.nate.com/view/20101209n11400?mid=e0101
(Brief translation by rain bird @rain-eu.)
From the Runaway/Fugitive farewell party… Korean Clouds graced the cast with thank-you sweets. How nice! And there’s our Beanie Baby standing next to the infamous “Chairman.” 😀 — ^@@^ (images: myjanggun @twitter / DC)
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More from The Fugitive: Plan B farewell party. And someone looks incognito… 🙂 (images: brandonj Cyworld)
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Rain and the Runaway/Fugitive cast. And… a staffer? (images: cyworld / shelley @ raincloudhk)
… have been felt by all of us around the world.
Thank you, JiHoon, for tweeting in both Korean and English. You’ve no idea how much that means to us. How wonderful of you. Your English-speaking fans love you too, very much. ♥ ♥ ♥
On their behalf…
— Stephe ^@@^ and Terri :-}
(So… is Rain’s movie and new album still not confirmed, J.Tune? Just askin’.)
여러분 그동안 “도망자” 사랑해주셔서감사합니다 여러분들이 힘을주셔서 무사히 잘 끝낼수있었습니다… 이제 지우는 제마음속에 잘간직하고 비 라는 이름으로 무대위에 설것입니다 12월31일 잠실콘서트를시작으로 새로운 앨범과 영화로써 찾아뵙겠습니다.사랑해요
I would like to thank those of you who have supported “The Fugitive Plan B”. Thanks to the concern all of you have shown, I could finish work successfully. I’ll stand on stage in the name of ‘Rain’, cherishing the name ‘Ji Woo’ in my heart forever.
Beginning with my concert in Jamsil Gymnasium on December 31st, I’ll be back with my new album and movie.
I love you.
(English translation by rain bird @rain-eu.)
This time, he’s not alone.
Remember that not too long ago, Nature Republic updated one of our favorite Rain ads with a new product and a new look. And in a brilliant move, NR also added a mighty fine trio into their campaign mix—Jaejoong, Yoochun, and Junsu of DBSK/TVXQ/Tohoshinki fame. ♥
And so you see, in taking a casual stroll one afternoon, you could literally come upon JiHoon and JYJ… larger than life.
— Stephe ^@@^
(image credit: InfinityHK, Naver / tip: Katie)
… Smile at them, and call out their names. 🙂 The Man and the Men backstage at the Asian Games. — ^@@^ (images: Adelaide Napitupulu)
UPDATE 12/9: Well, thanks to Rain cloud Glenda tweeting to the handsome Ko SooBong in an attempt to find the answer to my question below, and SooBong kindly tweeting the answer back to her, we now know that “sweetie” in the below picture (backstage at the XVI Asian Games in China, November 2010) is hyung Yong Deock (Yongduck), who Rain mentions in his choreography thanks for the Back To The Basic mini-album.
Thanks a million, SooBong! That’s doing it kostyle! 😀
— ^@@^
Gori, SungTak, Hongshi, Rain, (who are you, sweetie??), SooBong, and KyuSang. We want to know who "sweetie" is, desperately! He's been tearing up the stage with Rain this year, and should be credited. Who are you, hon?
… Smile back at him, and yell his name. 🙂 Rain leaving Guangzhou, China after the Asian Games. — ^@@^ (images: t.sina.com, as tagged)
(Debut year, 2002)
» 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?
≈
We are coming upon the last episode (#20) of The Fugitive: Plan B, and the Fugitive behind the scenes Special to follow, and it makes us very sad! But hey, there are such things as reruns, after all. Just fire it up again on your computer and revel in The JiWoo Experience all over again! Ha.
As of this posting, KBSWORLDi has ALL aired Runaway/Fugitive episodes (1-19) up and subtitled, for a small fee. And DramaFever has Runaway/Fugitive episodes 1-14 up and subtitled, for no charge. You can access all of these episodes through the KBSWORLDi and DramaFever links in our blog side bar, under TV GUIDE: SHOWING IN ASIA.
We’ve already placed our bets as to what character is going to bite the dust in Episode 20. KBS has pre-warned everyone of the impending doom, but is giving no hints. Gah!
Have a great week, all…!
— Stephe ^@@^
And as we understand it, this was the concert photo book. Oh, my. 🙂 — ^@@^
This has always been one of our favorite fan-mades ever, because he’d worked so hard for Six To Five, he was preparing for the start of Legend of Rainism in August, he looked so darned adorable, and “My Girl” was the perfect song for such a precious video.
Look back on this with us… and enjoy it. 🙂
— Stephe ^@@^
Rain Bi – A Book Signing With Rain 2009.flv. (courtesy of minhgarung @YT)
"Give me a break!"
[*ETA: And so now J.Tune has also followed up these things with “What delayed service? What Hollywood film?” Just like the other day… “What Red Scarf?” And “What Manila concert?” (oh, really?) “Rain’s not going to be working with the writer of Chuno on Fugitive…” (oh, really?)
Yes, I am cracking up right now. Is anyone else thinking that things surrounding Rain have become incredibly tedious, and for NO good reason?
Let me give you a tip, J.Tune. (You should listen in too, JiHoon.) It would do you, us, and Rain’s career a ton of good if you would stop being so close-mouthed and get in the game. Rain has a huge following that needs—no, deserves to be kept up to speed on the news surrounding him as much as possible. That is what is necessary to properly maintain and grow a successful fan base. Fans need to be FED.
We would much rather hear Rain’s news and updates directly from YOU, and have a consistent relationship with YOU, rather than the media, but you don’t seem to be interested. You seem quite happy leaving us all dog-paddling in media waters, wondering what the heck is right and what is wrong, what is fact and what is fiction. Would it really be that much skin off of your back to develop a stable relationship with Rain’s fans, for his sake, and give information in a timely manner to where we didn’t have to go looking elsewhere and getting confused? Would it be that difficult for you to use JiHoon’s websites (the Korean AND English sides) as DAILY tools for what is truth and what is rumor?
Stop leaving us to the media! Tell us what is and is not going on yourself, which is what you should be doing anyway. Why am I even having to say this? Huh? — ^@@^]
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ORIGINAL POST
I’m… not sure. I… don’t know.
Terri and I had already predicted that when Rain went into the military, it would NOT be before late spring at the earliest, seeing as he had a movie to film. (Folks were freaking out about him going in January 2011, which was ludicrous— he couldn’t possibly film a blockbuster between the end of Fugitive now and the early next month. Come on, people! *shaking my head*) Not to mention trying to see as many fans as he could to say goodbye properly.
So. These write-ups are quite welcome, indeed.
But these write-ups have also BLOWN OUR MINDS. Did you read them closely? Hollywood movie? What Hollywood movie? The Red Scarf remake, if indeed that is coming, is a KOREAN film. Or could the fighter pilot movie be a U.S. one? Is there one movie on the way, or two? O_O
And suddenly, his tweet from October 6th again slams into the front of our brains… “While my producer in U.S.A. and I were talking about the scenario of new film, the producer praised the wonderful taste of Korean cuisine.”
*staring sideways at JiHoon and wondering what the heck we don’t know* *slow grin*
— Stephe ^@@^
Star News 12/7/2010 —
Rain’ll enter the army in the latter half of next year after shooting a Hollywood film.
Rain says that he plans to enter the army in the latter half of next year after shooting a Hollywood film.
Rain talked about the terms of entering the army at KBS TV’s Wednesday and Thursday drama series ‘The Fugitive Plan B’ farewell party last 6th.
On that day, Rain expressed as, “I’ll enter the army in the latter half of next year after shooting a Hollywood film I’ve recently arranged my schedule to fit into.”
And, he said, having a great affection for ‘The Fugitive Plan B’, “‘The Fugitive Plan B’ series haven’t enjoyed high viewer ratings, but the drama’s continuity in a unique way in a tightly woven plot has created a huge fan base for it. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have made a lot of friends during the drama shoot. I think this drama will win wide acclaim among the public as time goes on.”
Adding, “I really wanted to appear in a soap drama, but I think ‘The Fugitive Plan B’ can be far better received by the overseas critics because it is a detective drama with lots of suspense.”
credit to My Star News http://news.nate.com/view/20101207n09831?mid=e0100
(brief translation by rain bird @rain-eu.)
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Allkpop 12/6/2010 —
Rain reveals his enlistment plans.
After the conclusion of “Fugitive: Plan B“, Rain ended up revealing his enlistment outline after he was asked about his future plans.
The singer/actor stated, “Although ‘Fugitive’ didn’t record high viewer ratings, I believe it to be a drama that has allowed me to learn more about people. It also earned a ‘mania’ fanbase and had me acknowledged as an actor.”
Regarding his enlistment plans, he stated, “I’m timing everything now. I’ll be entering the miitary in the second half of 2011, after I film for a Hollywood film.”
Rain is currently busy with preparations for his year-end concert, “Adieu 2010 with RAIN“, which will be held on December 31st.
By: Vitalsign
Source: BNT News via Nate
Lovely KBS Runaway/Fugitive episode 19 screen caps. And guess who has shown up again, having cheated the Grim Reaper? (Actually, you don’t have to guess because the media already spilled the beans.) Welcome back, “MiJin”!
It tickles us silly that after SonHa’s car accident, Terri and I were like, Oh, just shoot her, Director Kwak. Write in where she gets shot and taken out by the Chairman, yeah, and have her come back in a wheelchair. You can work that.
Haha! From the minds of writers. — ^@@^
Images from the recent Fugitive: Plan B farewell/cast party. *sad, sad sigh* But at least everyone can take a breather now, especially JiHoon. He always needs more rest than he actually gets. — ^@@^ (images: credit: DC + myjanggun + reflectionNo2 @ Twitter)
Cloud USA 
I know, I know, we don’t usually put up this kind of thing…
•December 13, 2010 • 4 Comments… because we always see them out of context and don’t know what the heck is going on anyway (folks don’t bother explaining them, so oh well).
So why is this Lotte Duty Free ad here, then? I’ll tell you why. Because I’m looking down this thing, and what do I see? KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS. The BEST doughnut that a human being will ever taste on this planet. You will commit a crime for a lick, I’m telling you.
Krispy Kreme stores are all over Atlanta and the Dirty South, but you still have to drive a ways unless you’re lucky (I have to drive over to the next suburb). And I see Seoul is lucky enough to have them?
Fire up the airplane! With a quickness!
— Stephe ^@@^
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Tags: Bi Rain Lotte, Cloud commentary, funny stuff, Jung Ji Hoon, Rain commercial ads