[fan cam/translation added] ZEPP Osaka: “Hmph.”

•August 17, 2010 • 15 Comments

We really want a translation for this one.  Looks like Rain’s being a smart@ss again.  “Hmph.” LOL!

— Stephe ^@@^

°

The subject title doesn’t translate properly, so that means he’s talking about something only native to Asia, with no English counterpart…  (courtesy of raintic @YT)

*ETA: “Please give me some Takoyaki (octopus ball, Japanese snack)” is the subject title of the video.  Thanks to Cuckoo for this information!  Rain, you are hilarious. — ^@@^

English briefly translated by rain bird
Reworded by Cuckoo

Subject – Takoyaki Kudahsai –

Rain :
Does anyone here bring Takoyaki I could have?
It’s so delicious.
(When he thought there was no one bringing it, he had a cynical smile on his face)
I’ve become one of the highest-paid stars, so I’ll pay for it myself if you don’t really want to buy it to me.
(In spite of saying such things, he is keeping saying about ‘Takoyaki’ )
I’d like some Takoyaki !! (Takoyaki Kudahsai)
(All of them at the concert laughed at his words.)

For your information :
**’Takoyaki’ (octopus balls), is one of the most signature Japanese snacks, which is out of the oven after allowing dough and octopus to mix well.
** Takoyaki Kudashai means “I’d like some Takoyaki”

Additional note from cuckoo – Kudashai means “please give me” in Japanese.

≈

Posted in Bi Rain, Bi Rain News, Cloud USA, Jung Ji Hoon
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[image] Fresh Runaway filming at Shanghai Pudong Airport.

•August 17, 2010 • 2 Comments

I swear to you, I am trying to be professional.  But if Rain’s pants get any tighter…  Why is reporting the news so hard sometimes— (wrong thing to say)  I really need to get a hold of myself here— (really wrong thing to say)

Excuse me.  *throws hands up and leaves the house for a long walk*

— Stephe ^@@^

(image credit as tagged)

Posted in Bi Rain, Bi Rain News, Bi Rain Runaway/Do Man Ja, Cloud USA, Jung Ji Hoon
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It’s Raining: No. 2 on AOL Radio’s Top 10 K-Pop songs.

•August 17, 2010 • 9 Comments

[Cloud USA] Rain’s 2004 hit, “It’s Raining,” has the #2 spot on the AOL Radio Blog‘s recent Top 10 Kpop Songs list.

Michael Kim writes:

“The best known Kpop star in the world, Rain released this hip-hop-tinged dance song about, well, dancing. Rain has gone on to star in two major Hollywood movies (‘Speed Racer,’ ‘Ninja Assassin’), was mentioned in the 2006 Time magazine article, ‘100 Most Influential People Who Shape Our World,’ and was even involved in a bit of a dance tussle with Stephen Colbert.”

Rain seems to be in pretty good company, too.  » Visit Kim’s write-up HERE to see the entire listing, which includes 2NE1, Big Bang, g.o.d, BoA, and other well-deserving artists, and to have a listen to “It’s Raining.”

» You can revisit when “It’s Raining” made the SHOUTcast Blog’s Top 10 Kpop Songs of All Time list, back in April, HERE.

I tell you, this song never gets old.

— stephe @cloudusa.wordpress.com ^@@^
www.cloudusa.org

Posted in Bi Rain, Bi Rain News, Cloud USA, Jung Ji Hoon, Korean pop, Rain Topics
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[fan made] Let us revisit the “serene forest deity” & the “introverted rock star.”

•August 17, 2010 • 7 Comments

*speechless*

— Stephe ^@@^

(now that I can talk again)

This is why Rain’s photo shoots are so successful and full of emotion… he isn’t just posing here.  Not really.  He has created a character in his mind, the same way he does for his music videos and for his acting roles (based on his surroundings, and on the tone the director and photographer need to convey in the pictures).

It may appear that he’s using the same facial expressions in both shoots, but he’s not.  Look closer.  For NR, he was at peace and quietly happy.  For HB, he was sullen and somewhat sad and lonely.

I’ve written fictional characters for years, so I can spot the process when someone else is doing it too.  And so can Terri.

The man is good.

°

From RAINY DAY Season 1 footage, Rain’s Nature Republic shooting in Australia.  (credit and edit: 3asian/625pocky @YT)

°

Also from RAINY DAY Season 1 footage, Rain’s photo shoot for Harper’s Bazaar Korea.  (credit and edit: 3asian/0625pocky @YT)

Posted in Bi Rain, Cloud USA, Jung Ji Hoon
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Wallpaper bonanza.

•August 17, 2010 • 7 Comments

Feast your eyes… (but you might want to do it sitting down).  — ^@@^

(source blog: Memo Rain)

Posted in Bi Rain, Cloud USA, Jung Ji Hoon, Rain stuff
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Rain on Channel V news in Taiwan.

•August 17, 2010 • 1 Comment

This recent entertainment news spot features Rain’s Love Song MV and the show host marveling over the actual Back To The Basic album.  Haha—I think he had the same reactions we all did when we opened our albums, huh?  *giggle*

» Back To The Basic’s Chinese/Taiwanese version was just released on August 13.

— Stephe ^@@^

(credit: Cathy @ 비withRain / courtesy of ratoka @YT)

Posted in Bi Rain, Bi Rain Back To The Basic, Bi Rain News, Cloud USA, Jung Ji Hoon
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Helloooo, Rain? Just a heads up from your U.S. Clouds…

•August 17, 2010 • 4 Comments

MTV News 8/16/2010 — Sylvester Stallone says “Expendables” sequel  is plotted out

When MTV News caught up with Sylvester Stallone at Comic-Con in late July, he professed more than a little nervousness about the possible fate of “The Expendables” at the box office. While Sly had hopes to shoot a sequel to his bombs-and-brawn throwback to ’80s action blockbusters, he wasn’t sure how everything would shake out and what his next project would be…

Now, it seems Stallone just might get the chance to shoot an “Expendables” sequel, after the first one opened to $35 million in ticket sales over the weekend. In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter following the movie’s big opening, Stallone said he knows exactly the direction a sequel would take.

“It’s plotted out in my mind’s eye,” he said. “I believe this group has to continue to evolve; it just can’t become the same people. So how do you get new people introduced into the group, and how do you have some of the other people leaving? Those are the challenges.” …

» You can read Eric Ditzian’s article in its entirety on MTV.com HERE.

Yeah… I zeroed right in on the “new people introduced into the group” bit.  (If you’re new to this subject and are wondering what all my hubbub is about, » go HERE.)

Rain, you know what I want.  Sly, make it happen.

Hey, a gal can hope.

— stephe @cloudusa.wordpress.com ^@@^
www.cloudusa.org

Posted in Bi Rain, Cloud USA, Rain Topics
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[correction] Filming at the Expo & Rain in Macau…

•August 16, 2010 • Leave a Comment

Hello lovely Clouds,

Yesterday evening I received a message that some of the details of the fan account from the Domanja set in this post here: [ETA: Fan Account][images]From the Domanja set in Shanghai needed to be corrected, because a bit of news that the fan received was incorrect.

According to our additional sources, if the Domanja filming at the Expo took place (because no one at this point is really sure if it did or not—’tis still a mystery), then it happened earlier than originally thought, around 10:30 pm on August 14th.

So, the cancellation of activities at the Expo the next day (the 15th) wouldn’t have affected Rain’s shoot—if it indeed took place, which has still not been confirmed.

We do know, however, that Rain has left Shanghai and has arrived safely in Macau.

— Terri :-}

≈

Terri,
According to China Cloud, the news about Fugitive would film on 15th midnight at Shanghai Expo was fake news. Please make proper adjustment from your post. Thanks.
Per news, film crew has filmed in Expo but not midnight, it should be some time on the 14th evening.
Rain has safely arrived in Macau Airport on the 15th evening.

Posted in Bi Rain, Bi Rain News, Bi Rain Runaway/Do Man Ja, Cloud USA
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Bring it.

•August 16, 2010 • 7 Comments

Posted in Bi Rain, Cloud USA, Jung Ji Hoon
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[fan made] All I want is your lips.

•August 16, 2010 • 10 Comments

Okay, well… I’m so distracted, I can’t even tell you what all this delicious piece of Rain goodness is compiled of.  I think I saw a VONIN CF.  And a Family Outing shot.  And an old entertainment report where he’s trying the food at a Seoul restaurant…  Argh, just watch it (and expect to get drool all down your shirt).

Jeez-Louise.  O.O  — Stephe ^@@^

P.S.  I’ll bet money I know the second that Katie will hit the ground spazzing.  We’ll see if I’m right…!

Fan made, Synchronize Lips.  (credit and edit: nlovewiththerain312 @YT)

Posted in Bi Rain, Cloud USA, Jung Ji Hoon
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[images] Rain check.

•August 16, 2010 • 5 Comments

Rain on a Domanja shoot in Shanghai, August 13.  (image: DC Rain Gallery)

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Rain headed out to dinner.  (images: charlottelu)

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Rain at Shanghai Pudong Airport on the 15th, headed for Macao.  (images: charlottelu)

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Rain is down safely in Macao, which makes us very happy.  (images: niko~bi @raincloudHK, vicky996 @raincloudHK)

Posted in Bi Rain, Bi Rain News, Bi Rain Runaway/Do Man Ja, Cloud USA, Jung Ji Hoon
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[interview] Elle is crazy for him.

•August 16, 2010 • 13 Comments

The Hollywood Road
Source: Elle Extra September 2010, Crazy For Him (ELLE China)
English translation: huhuhuhu @raincloudHK

[*NOTE: There are times when English and Korean words have no true counterpart.  My own loose translations to smooth out the read (and my own side comments) are in brackets. — Stephe ^@@^]

°

Elle:  We heard that Bruce Lee is your idol.  Do you have any other action idols?
Rain:  Jackie Chan!  I know him.  Actually I liked him since I was a kid.  Of course I like other action stars too, but I like Jackie Chan the best.

Elle:  His expertise is action comedies.
Rain:  If there is an opportunity, I would also want to try combining comedy with action.  I like this kind of style.

Elle:  Your favorite Chinese actress is Gong Li, right?
Rain:  Not just Gong Li.  Many actresses are my idols since my youth, for example Maggie Cheung, Anita Mui.  And Michelle Yeong… My favorite is her “Police Story”.  I watched many of her films, but I like her not because she’s good in kung fu fighting (laugh).  [Maggie Cheung and Michelle Yeoh are awesome!  The Police Story movies are crazy fun and fantastic.  Love them.  And I miss Anita Mui… may she rest in peace. — Stephe ^@@^]

Elle:  Sylvester Stallone has high appreciation of you.  Unfortunately you did not accept the movie “The Expendables” and missed the chance of working with Jet Li.
Rain:  There should be a lot of big actors in that movie, so for me it would have been a very good experience.  Unfortunately at that time I was doing my concert tour, so it was difficult….

Elle:  We heard that you have to be paid less in order to act in Hollywood films?
Rain:  You couldn’t really say that.  I  believed they calculated the most appropriate amount based on my capability in taking up an action movie, because I was a newbie in that area.  If I become more famous I will make more money accordingly.  Of course, compared to shooting Korean drama, the pay was less.  [Word on the street is Rain received a nice wad of cash, the amount of which I won’t say here, for his NA role.  I don’t know if that is true.  But if it is… it was a terrific paycheck (respectable and nothing to sneeze at) for a Hollywood unknown with his very first lead role, much less an Asian in a town where Asians are usually ignored and overlooked.  What an insensitive question to ask! — Stephe ^@@^]

Elle:  You participated in “Ninja Assassin”.   We heard that you expected to become a top star like Brad Pitt?
Rain:  It was just a joke in a talk show…  [And of course, you can’t even joke on a talk show without someone insensitively throwing it back up in your face later, during an interview.  Wow. — Stephe ^@@^]

Elle:  Did you feel disappointed or have any regret that the movie was not as successful as originally anticipated?
Rain:  Even in Korea I have become recognized by the public after a few works.  We have a saying:  you can’t become a fat man by just eating one mouthful.  Looks like I have to try more in future.  No matter what, this was a movie with a Korean male lead, which I think was a break through in some sense.  [Not as successful…?  ELLE, are you daft?  The movie MADE $25 MILLION dollars more than it took to produce even with an unknown lead, stayed on Top 10 DVD charts several months after release, spread Rain’s name into a ton of countries that previously didn’t know him, garnered him three Green Planet Movie Awards in LA, got him nominated for the MTV Movie Awards, helped him become the first Korean to win an MTV Movie Award in the history of the show, made him the very first Korean to have a lead role in a Hollywood film ever, et cetera, et cetera… Yes, ELLE, you are daft.  And you can quote me on that.  — Stephe ^@@^]

MY AMBITION

Elle:  Singing, drama, movie, producer, clothing brand, breaking into the world stage…  How big is your ambition?
Rain:  I will always do my best in my profession.  I want to actively participate in many activities.  I am relatively young… er, actually I’m not that young.  Anyway there are many things I still want to do and could still do in future.

Elle:  As the King of Asia, you become a rookie when you get to the U.S.   Do you feel [you aren’t treated properly there, as befitting your stardom? ^@@^]
Rain:  It’s actually the opposite.  I got better treatment in the U.S. because I’m an Asian actor.  [not well known here]  Whereas domestically, things are always the same because a system has already been established, so you don’t feel any particular treatment. [very well known there]

Elle:  Even in previous times you had little time to rest, now with even more work…
Rain:  (laughed heartily) I have no time at all to rest.

Elle:  Do you have time to be with your father?
Rain:  I have very little time for my family.  Can’t help it because of work.  But we send short messages.

Elle:  Your father seeing you work so hard…
Rain:  He’s very understanding and very supportive.

Elle:   His wish is to cook a hot meal for you?
Rain:  I also want to have a meal with my family if I have time.

CHANGES IN 8 YEARS

Elle:  The cover of “Back to the Basic” released in April was very special.
Rain:  Ha, I created that style myself.  Androgynous style.

Elle:  It gives people a sultry impression!
Rain: You need to constantly change your style if you want to keep the lead.  I choose this androgynous style from a fashionable angle.  But you know, fashion is always changing and coming back again.  [Haha, yes!  The many different incarnations of Glam Rock. ^@@^]

Elle:  Seeing yourself wearing a long, wavy wig with long lower eyelashes, did you feel uneasy in the beginning?
Rain:  Not at all.  It has been very popular in Europe to have false eyelashes.  Long wig is also popular. [Yes… absolutely true.  ^@@^]

Elle:  Female fans have always been crazy about your strong and magnificent body.
Rain: (calm)  As an artist it is very normal to keep a good figure.

Elle:  Are you the type that gets fat easily?
Rain:  (laughed)  No.

Elle:  How much time do you spend each day keeping fit?
Rain:  If I exercise, it will be about an hour a day.

Elle:  You were an introvert before.  Now you are capturing thousands of people.  Do you like it?
Rain:  I was an introvert when I was young.   Being in this industry I gradually became more outward.  I like the current me very much.

Elle:  How do you view your changes over these 8 years?
Rain:  I have very, very little private life.  But [in exchange, I can] stand on this splendid stage and show more people the best of me.

Elle:  Many idol artists will choose to hide their love relationships.  Why do you have to announce them?
Rain: (becoming alert)  Announce?  Which one do you mean?

Elle:  You said before you have had 4 love relationships.
Rain: (relieved)  I want to be honest, I don’t want to hide.  Although the company has policy against it, I had my love relationship secretly.

Elle:  You mentioned before if you met a lady you loved, you would have tattoo for her, you would tattoo her name…
Rain:  That was very long time ago…

Elle:  Will you still want to do this now?
Rain:  Now—No.  [A smart decision, Hoon. Haha.  ^@@^]

LATEST MOVE

Elle:  How’s the progress of “Runaway”?
Rain:  I have not had a drama for 5, 6 years since “A Love to Kill”.  We have already filmed one scene in Paris, and we have been to Osaka.  We are going to Shanghai, Beijing and Macao as well to shoot.  It will last more than a month.  It should be a good drama series!

Elle:  After so many years, what’s your biggest reason in choosing this drama?
Rain:  The main reason – it is for my Asian fans.

Elle:  What do you feel about your Shanghai trip?
Rain:  I have been to Shanghai before for filming.  Every time I come I have a totally new feeling.  Shanghai is hosting the Expo now… I would like to visit that.  There is the Korean pavilion too.  I’m not sure if we will have the opportunity to shoot our drama in the Expo.

Elle:  [Concerning] movies, will we continue to see you taking up action movies?
Rain: No (firm denial).  I will film different types of movies.

Elle:  Have you received other types of scripts?
Rain:  Yes.  But I have some plans on hand which I need to finish.  Other types – whether it’s action, or idol movies – if there is opportunity next year, I may participate.  [Ooooooh. Someone knows something we don’t yet… — ^@@^]

Elle:  The entertainment industry is full of competition and pressure, rumors and scandals.  How do you deal with these?
Rain:  Of course there will be a lot of misunderstanding in between.  But if I [were the type who was afraid] of challenge, I [would] not be in the place where I am now.  Sometimes I have to accept failures. Sometimes I feel wronged.  But if I am scared of [the bad stuff], I will not move forward.  This has always been my thinking.

Elle:  The Korean artists are being replaced very quickly.  Do you have pressures [because of the] younger generation coming up?
Rain:  No.  I don’t have time to consider these.  [GREAT answer!  Matter of fact… it is the younger generation who should be worried about how high Rain has already raised the bar, and how in the world they themselves will meet that quality. ^@@^]


Posted in Bi Rain, Bi Rain News, Cloud USA, Jung Ji Hoon
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Three accomplished all-stars rest on the Runaway set back in Kobe, Japan.

•August 16, 2010 • 1 Comment

It’s true.  (It says so right there, across the sole of Jung-Jin’s Converse.) 😀

— Stephe ^@@^

(image: Goo blogs/Japan, as tagged)

Posted in Bi Rain, Bi Rain Runaway/Do Man Ja, Cloud USA, Jung Ji Hoon
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Rain gives Jung-Jin the short end of the stick…

•August 16, 2010 • 1 Comment

… but he was only teasing.  Haha—Ji-Hoon the Jokester!

Apparently, on KBS 2’s celebrity contest show “Men’s Qualifying,” on which Lee Jung-Jin is a regular panel member, Rain was to sing his Runaway cast mate’s praises in addition to cheering him on.  But that’s not what happened at first.  LOL!

Rain is such a tease. — Stephe ^@@^

(courtesy of ratoka @YT)

(brief original translation by rain bird @rain-eu. / loose translation asides in brackets by Stephe)

~0:02
Lee : (to Rain) Do you have any words for me?  Please talk about what I’m earnest in my endeavors.  [Do you have anything to share about me?  Please talk about how hard I work. ^@@^]

0:03~0:14
Rain : I’m Jung Ji-Hoon filming ‘Runaway’ with Jung-Jin hyung.  As a viewer of the program, “Men’s Qualifying”, I’m cheering the panel members.  Hope they’ll successfully perform.

0:15~0:16
Lee : Ji-Hoon, I’m working under difficult conditions, right?

0:17
Rain : Absolutely not. (No) [Nope. ^@@^]

0:19~0:21
Lee : If you’re going to do things that way, I’ll refuse to permit (the contest).  [If you’re going to be that way and not talk me up, this ain’t happening. ^@@^]

0:22~0:26
(Neither threats nor placation had any effect on Rain)
Rain : (Doing what he believes he must do) I just tried really hard.  [I tried my best to help you just now. ^@@^]

0:30~
Rain : (Shouting after Lee) Hyung! You shouldn’t cause a trouble for others! (he did a beautiful number on Lee)

Posted in Bi Rain, Bi Rain News, Cloud USA, Jung Ji Hoon
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SK Telesys “Aura” Phone event online.

•August 16, 2010 • 2 Comments

[Cloud USA] Asian news source Prime Economy has reported an interesting event presently being held by » the SK Telesys site, in connection with the SK-W900 ad campaign which features Rain.

SK Telesys:  “In order to give customers the experience of using an Aura phone (and to celebrate this third release of the W Phone), various products such as Aura phones, autographed copies of Rain’s music CDs, Polaroid cameras, restaurant gift certificates, etc. will be presented as gifts to them through events such as TV CF scrap games, puzzle games, and more provided by our online site.”

Customers should post their comments on why they would like the chance to have an Aura phone, and why they’d like to take part in this event, either on the SK Telesys site or on their own blogs by August 17.  As we understand it, participants will be chosen through a lottery system and game/activity winners will be given phones and other prizes.

(Thank you to rain bird and Rain Europe for this information, and for the original article translation.)

Wow… I suppose anyone can participate, but if you don’t read Hangeul you won’t make it very far.  Rats.

It’s certainly worth investigating, though!

— stephe @cloudusa.wordpress.com ^@@^
www.cloudusa.org

Posted in Bi Rain, Bi Rain News, Cloud USA, Jung Ji Hoon, Rain SK Telecom
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We were revolutionized, all right.

•August 15, 2010 • 7 Comments

And I dare say we’ll never forget it. Woahhh…! 😀  — ^@@^

Posted in Bi Rain, Cloud USA, Jung Ji Hoon
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[Fan cam] More of Rain filming Domanja at Shanghai’s Pudong Airport.

•August 15, 2010 • 2 Comments

Check out this scene being shot with Rain and Na-Young at Shanghai Pudong Airport yesterday, August 14.  Looks like “Ji-Woo” is trying to follow his target without being noticed.  Haha.  (Darling, you look way too good to be overlooked.  But nice try.)  “Cut…!”

Thanks, Terri, for the tip on this. 🙂

— Stephe ^@@^

(credit: graceppp @ youku / scorpiolabibi @YT)

°

Posted in Bi Rain, Bi Rain News, Bi Rain Runaway/Do Man Ja, Cloud USA, Jung Ji Hoon
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[RE-POST] [fan made] Try to watch this without laughing.

•August 15, 2010 • 20 Comments

[ *ETA 10/9: I came upon this again while doing some site maintenance and just couldn’t stop laughing.   I had to post it for you all a second time.  Sarang-hae, Ji-Hoon…! 🙂  ^@@^ ]

Bet you can’t…!  So go ahead and let it out.  Seeing Ji-Hoon like this does a body good, we say.  Cute, cute, cute.  Saranghaeyo!

— Stephe ^@@^

Fan made: Rain, 죽도록 사랑해. / Rain, I Love You To Death.  (courtesy of onlyone0625 @YT)

Posted in Bi Rain, Bi Rain News, Cloud USA, Jung Ji Hoon
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[ETA: Written translation added] RAINY DAY Season 2, episode 28.

•August 15, 2010 • 5 Comments

For a brief indication as to what Rain said at this press conference, and to revisit some of those images, please see our previous posts HERE, and HERE.  A resulting Japanese news spot heralding the start of the tour is HERE.

Asian broadcast 8/14.  We’re going ZEPPing!  It’s all about the 2010 Love Tour in Japan, and we start off with Rain briefly introducing himself to the media in Japanese at his Love Tour press conference on June 21.

My my, he is looking sharp in that suit and as fine as wine, but we already knew that from all the previous images and the bits and pieces of press conference footage we’ve seen in previous news spots.  Is that room FULL of reporters and photogs, or what?

In between conference questions, we get a real treat: ZEPP Tokyo rehearsal time.  Wowzer—that “born of fire” intro is hot, if you will pardon the pun.  What a visual!  The inside of ZEPP Tokyo Hall was also revealed to us in pictures back in June, but here you get a real feel for the place as Rain runs the rehearsal and takes the stage in from several vantage points.  We’re already looking forward to next week in the hopes that we continue ZEPPing in Episode 29.  *fingers crossed*

Enjoy, everyone!  — Stephe ^@@^

Part 1 of 2,  (courtesy of ratoka @YT)

(brief translation by rain bird @rain-eu.)

1:55
I [arrived] yesterday…

1:59
Thanks, but I’m not tired yet.

2:06~2:11
I’ve been controling my condition [physically preparing? ^@@^] for my concert and I had a nice dream last night.

2:40~3:20
The reason I’ve opted to hold my concert at such performance halls which are a lot smaller than I’m used to, is to come to my fans myself in order to communicate with them as if I’m close friends with them or I have a date with them.

3:32~4:40
First of all, I tend to think of a concept for my music album, everywhere I go.  When I went to Europe to film a hollywood movie, I was able to see a lot of men wearing false eyelashes and coloring their eyebrows.  Their epicene beauty that I had never tried before got my attention, that’s why I picked up the idea from it and applied it into the concept for my new album [Back To The Basic].

4:48~5:29
I’m thinking I’ll familiarly communicate with my fans as if they are just next to me.  By the way, I’ll proceed with Saitama Super Arena concert the way I did [ZEPP, but just as a larger scale extravaganza].

Part 2 of 2.

(brief translation by rain bird @rain-eu.)

0:15~0:25
I think I can eat sea mustard soup on my birthday in Fukuoka , but I don’t [have to].  I don’t mind eating Japanese miso soup on the day.

0:36~0:37
I’m not class enough [skilled enough? ^@@^] to play soccer.

0:48~1:06
I hope both Japan and Korea will make it to the round of 16 and have some great opportunities in the World Cup games.  No matter what, I’ve been watching each of the games involved in Korea and Japan on TV, even without watching other teams’ games.

2:22~2:25
Please turn the lights slowly.  I’ll let you know when I move.  Please start it!

2:50~2:54
Since I’ll be the [executive] producer, please do as I tell you.

3:01~3:25
Well. Too noisy! (calling into his ear microphone)  This performance will go for the next 9 days, it is expected more details will be needed during rehearsing.  Nobody can’t even count how much time we spend rehearsing for the concert.  Anyway, we belong to one team, so I ask for your help.

3:26~3:52
I’ll oversee the progress of the rehearsal, so I ask the director to be responsible for all of our rehearsal on the other side of the stage.  Before the opening video clip, let’s time the lift to reach in time.  Please put it back where it was.

4:12~4:19
Please try to operate the video from the half of it.  Just a moment, please stand by.

4:22~4:46
I’ll tell you what : Staff ‘Hyung Young’ will be on the right side of the front stage, while the audience will be provided with simultaneous translation of what I’ll say through the interpreter on the left side of it.  Each time I [talk to] the audience, immediately on the scene the interpreter has to interpret for them.

4:51~4:57
This concert won’t go according to the planned schedule, so there might be [many] ad-libs.

≈

Posted in Bi Rain, Bi Rain News, Cloud USA, Jung Ji Hoon, RAINY DAY
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[ETA: Fan Account][images]From the Domanja set in Shanghai

•August 14, 2010 • 11 Comments

(Please note: I have edited this post to add a brief fan account of this day.  To read, scroll down to the bottom of this post.)

Hello lovely Clouds,

Just wanted to share some images from the Domanja filming taking place in Shanghai.  It is my understanding that this shoot took place at Shanghai’s Pudong Airport. (credited as tagged).

Let’s see…first we have Rain and Na-Young looking shifty-eyed.

◊

Here’s Rain being surreptitious.  The staffer (or an extra—don’t know which) looks like he was caught off guard by the fan’s photography.  Don’t look at us, dude!  You’re supposed to be waiting in line at the airport!  Turn around! Gosh!

◊

Well, the first two were a little blurry, but hey, they’re better than nothing, right?

The most interesting pic, though, is the next one, where the photographer is positioned right behind the director.  See?  You can see the shot actually being captured.  Is that Rain in the center of the screen?  Yes, I do believe it is, ’cause isn’t he wearing white pants and a white shirt underneath that ooky-colored jacket?  How abso-freakin’ cool is that?!

◊

Next, here’s a little .gif treat of Rain at The Bund shooting another scene.  Thanks to summerlinn @ baidu rainbar for this one.

Again, a little blurry, but whaddaya expect when you’re fan-camming on the fly?

Thanks to all for these wonderful images.  More to follow as soon as I can scrounge some up.

— Terri @cloudusa.wordpress.com :-}
www.cloudusa.org

P.S.  Some of you may be wondering why the heck I have been posting most of the news these past few days instead of Stephe.  That is because Stephe’s mom just had major surgery, and so Stephe is busy attending to her.  Please send some hugs and kisses their way.  They could certainly use them.  Thanks so much.

[Edited to add]  Fan Account from 8/14:Rain in Shanghai ~ Day 5

Source: China Cloud@Rainbar;  Brief English translation by Cuckoo

Rain, Lee Na Young and film crew were filming at Shanghai Pudong Airport in the morning. Filming has already done around 11am. Rain returned to hotel and stayed in the hotel room. Fans didn’t see him out for lunch. In the afternoon, actor and actress #2 were filming in hotel but no Rain.

Originally, it was scheduled to film at Expo Garden in front of Republic of Korea Business Pavilion from midnight till 6am to 7am in the next (the 15th) morning.  Unfortunately, the schedule has been cancelled due to national mourning. China mourns the victims of the devastating mudslide in the northwestern Gansu Province. All entertainment activities will be suspended.  Expo Garden suspends entertainment Sunday for national mourning.

Per fans, they had dinner at Taiwanese restaurant.

Posted in Bi Rain, Bi Rain Dramas, Bi Rain News, Bi Rain on television, Bi Rain Runaway/Do Man Ja, Cloud USA, Domanja, Korean Entertainment, Rain, Rain Pic, Runaway, Uncategorized
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[Breaking news] Shanghai’s Expo Garden Suspends Entertainment Activities For National Mourning

•August 14, 2010 • 3 Comments

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The Shanghai Expo Bureau announced today that all entertainment activities at the Shanghai World Expo would be suspended tomorrow, Sunday, August 15.  This rare, large-scale display of mourning is intended to honor the victims of the massive mudslide that occurred in northwest China’s Gansu Province, on August 8.

Sun Weimin, the Expo Bureau’s concierge director, said that all official flags at the Shanghi World Expo would fly at half-mast tomorrow and that no music would be broadcast throughout the day.  Other Expo participants may decide for themselves whether or not to fly their flags at half-mast.  The announcement was in line with that of the State Council, China’s cabinet, which suspended all public entertainment and ordered that all national flags fly at half-mast on Sunday.

Tomorrow will be the seventh day since the mudslide occurred which, according to some Chinese traditions, marks the height of the mourning period.  The mudslide, which hit Zhouqu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, on Aug. 8, has killed at least 1,156 people and an estimated 588 are still missing.

Let’s all send up a prayer for our Chinese Cloud-sisters and let them know we are thinking of them during this tragic time.

In deepest sympathy,

— Terri @cloudusa.wordpress.com :-}
www.cloudusa.org

Source: Xinhua News: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2010-08/14/c_13444904.htm & http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2010-08/15/c_13445362.htm

Posted in Bi Rain, Bi Rain News, Bi Rain Runaway/Do Man Ja, Rain, Uncategorized
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CLOUDS UNITE TO WARN RAIN: Colbert has a secret weapon thanks to one of his spying fans…

•August 13, 2010 • 23 Comments

*SWAT TEAM VEHICLE SIREN BLARING*

Calling all Clouds!  Alert!  Alert!  Alert!

I was drowsily checking my In-box for news alerts this evening, when I came across these words in itsy bitsy unassuming letters:  How Stephen can finally defeat Korean pop star Rain! Colbert Nation Forum.

What?  How can that be?  Stephen Colbert has discovered some kind of secret weapon that will help him defeat our double sword wielding dancing king ninja assassin Rain?  Aigoooo.  Ohdukkae!  What should I do???

Loyal Cloud that I am, I immediately clicked on the link (which could have been a super-mega-Rain-universe-destroying-virus, but was not—so I’m okay—thanks for asking…), which sucked me into Colbert’s Community Forum category called “Everything Colbert” (copycat :-}), where I discovered THIS little horror, posted by Colbert Fan Samantha, also a Rain fan (OR SO SHE SAYS. Hmph.):

Posted: 08-13-2010 4:58 PM

As a fan of Rain (and an even bigger fan of Stephen) I have done my research and found the answer!

On episodes 21 and 22 of the Korean variety show “Family Outing”, Rain is the guest star as the family goes to South Korea’s Soyool Village. As the very first task in this episode, the family has to go fishing for Octopus. It is here that Rain reveals he has a phobia of Octopuses (Octopi?) and their suckers! He even proceeds to scream like a little girl every time one touches him!

You can see it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2WDgrLrxoc&p=95233A53588FFFF2&index=2 at about 0:36 Rain (white tank and black hat) has an octopus placed on him. Again at 0:58 he is sent frantically running away and pleading for mercy! Up until 1:08 he is complaining about how afraid of them he is!

Stephen should have Rain back on the show, now he does not need a dance battle to defeat him, he has a secret weapon!

It’s a good thing I was on the prowl, Clouds, because who knows WHAT might have happened if I had been snoozing on the job.  I’m so proud of myself.  :-}  Besides, Samantha isn’t that great.  After all, she missed the moment at 4:10 where Rain bravely pokes at one of the creatures.  Okay, well,  NOT so bravely. Okay, he was pathetic.  Really.  I admit it, my HE man was being more of a SHE man there.  But STILL.  He TRIED, right?  Sigh.

ANYWAY…Stephe’s over at Bob’s Bait, Tackle and Target Shop right now grabbing us up some ammo.  I say we go over to Colbert Nation and look around over there and whip us up another good old Rain versus Colbert battle, eh?  Just for old times sake.  After all, wouldn’t it be grand to see him on American television again, duking it out with one of our favorite comedians while getting even more exposure in the U.S. market?  I think so.

So, to quote our favorite Ninja Assassin:  “Go.  Go now,” Clouds, to Colbert Nation’s Community Page, and sign up for his forums and get cracking!  We’re counting on you to find Rain his own secret weapon to use against Colbert, okay?

— Terri @cloudusa.wordpress.com :-}
www.cloudusa.org

P.S.  Samantha, honey?  Just so you’ll know…this post was done in jest.  It really was.  We are not mad.  REALLY.  (Grrrr.:-})  Also, if any of you signed up for the MTV Movie Award voting, your log in for MTV.com should automatically log you in over on Colbert Nation, because Comedy Central is part of the MTV family.  Mine did, anyway.  Cool, huh?  Have fun!)

Posted in Bi Rain, Bi Rain blog post, Bi Rain News, Ninja Assassin, Stephen Colbert, Uncategorized
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Oh, Rainnnn. You beamin’.

•August 13, 2010 • 11 Comments

I tell you all, I was either krumping in my desk chair to this fabulous beat, or shocked and awed and staring in a catatonia at Rain in this Making of CF.

How can he look like that?  The older he gets, the more heat he generates.  The hotter his Swagger.  What the… I… I—

*zones off into NeverLand*

— Stephe ^@@^

°

Rain’s Making of SK-W900 Be With Aura commercial spot.  (courtesy of rjsarang @YT)

Posted in Bi Rain, Bi Rain News, Cloud USA, Jung Ji Hoon
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Blast from the past #21.

•August 13, 2010 • 4 Comments

Our Rain performing his second Japanese hit single Freeway, live on Music Fighter on June 3, 2006.  (His first was Sad Tango.)  Again, the Ji-Hoon charisma is off the chain, baby.

— Stephe ^@@^

(courtesy of sporksy @YT)

Posted in Bi Rain, Cloud USA, Jung Ji Hoon
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[images] Rain check.

•August 13, 2010 • 1 Comment

Back in Beijing: Runaway filming.  (credit: Goo blogs, Japan / t.sina.com) ^@@^

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Runaway Filming in Shanghai, from yesterday the 12th, as we understand it. Again, these don’t appear to give away any obvious plot points, so we are bringing them to you.  And doesn’t Rain look just magnificent in them? (credit as tagged / angelordevil @raincloudHK)

Posted in Bi Rain, Bi Rain News, Bi Rain Runaway/Do Man Ja, Cloud USA, Jung Ji Hoon
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[Cloud USA] What brought Runaway’s all-star cast together?

•August 13, 2010 • 4 Comments

Asian news source My Daily reported on the epic excitement brewing for Rain’s upcoming drama Runaway yesterday, and said that interest in the show with only a month to go before broadcast is simply unimaginable.

Everything on the Runaway set is gelling so well because of the all-star cast’s faith and high expectations in the project.

Rain signing on in a leading role, being a top star, and winning popular acclaim abroad certainly got other Asian celebs wanting a piece of it themselves, not to mention the huge positive impact the show will make on their own futures.  Runaway officials are quoted as saying, “We guess they’ve shown interest in this project because Korean dramas are still spotlit all over Asia due to the Korean Wave.”

J. Tune is quoted as saying, “Rain expressed satisfaction that the outstanding part of this drama is its well-organized plot.  He seemed to think there wouldn’t be any problem at all making his comeback with Runaway, seeing as he is back from a long break.”

Actress Uehara Takako and director/comedian Dakenaka Naoto of Japan, actor/director Jeong Ji-Wi and singer Josie Ho of Hong Kong, and others are all too happy to join A-list Korean celebs Lee Jung-Jin, Daniel Henney, Lee Na-Young, Yun Jin-Seo, Sung Dong-Il, and Gong Hyung-Jin in this diverse cast.

It really is a shame that Jackie Chan’s schedule prevented him from joining friend Rain in this dynamic project.

(Thanks to rain bird @rain-eu for this information and for the original translation.  We so appreciate your help!)

≈

Thank you, Henney, for adding some American flava to the mix.  We really are proud of you.  We hadn’t realized just how multinational Runaway was going to be, before this article.  How absolutely cool, when you think about it.

A while back, I was so hoping that Rain accepting a » Fugitive-like on-the-run role would come true.  And it has.  Who’s going to reap the awesome benefits?   We are.  Rain fans everywhere, let us rejoice!

— Stephe @cloudusa.wordpress.com ^@@^
http://www.cloudusa.org

Posted in Bi Rain, Bi Rain News, Bi Rain Runaway/Do Man Ja, Cloud USA, Jung Ji Hoon
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MBLAQ check: Word on the street.

•August 13, 2010 • 3 Comments

Allkpop 8/12/2010 — MBLAQ’s G.O to release a single’s album?

Melon’s Coming Soon page has recently been updated with the latest news stating that MBLAQ’s G.O will release a singles album on August 26th.

The single doesn’t have a title yet but it does state that it’ll be a collaboration with rapper Nat-sun.

Can’t wait to see what G.O has in store for us, make sure to check back for any new information pertaining to this upcoming single.

Thanks to Katrina Lee for the tip.

By: GhostWriter

(cap from allkpop)

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KPopLive 8/11/2010 — MBLAQ postpones fan meeting after member Lee Joon is hospitalized

After suspending member Lee Joon’s activities because of his poor body conditon, J. Tune Entertainment has decided to postpone MBLAQ’s August 15 fanmeeting and issued an apology letter to fans.

MBLAQ just finished their current activities on SBS Inkigayo as they gave their goodbye stage while performing Y and One Better Day. Fans have noted that perhaps their Y activities had gone on for far too long after seeing images of the boys looking tired.

Now, it seems that fans were correct after J. Tune Entertainment announced that member Lee Joon’s body condition quickly went from bad to worse as they had to take him to the hospital where doctors said he needed at least a week of bed rest. Fans are currently both worried for the overworked member and relieved that he is getting some well deserved rest. “All of the members should get some rest,” a fan commented along with “It’s a good thing they postponed it, they’re always getting overworked.”

Hello this is JTune Camp.

I’m about to give some very sorry words to all the fans.
I don’t even know how to begin.
I believe many of you already know that Lee Joon had to cancel all schedule activities today because his body condition was not good due to overworking.
The hospital says that he needs at least one week to rest. Because his body condition became this bad so rapidly
After consulting it became necessary to make the hard decision that the fanmeeting is to be pushed back til later
All the MBLAQ members prepared a lot to show all of you but because I don’t think the fanmeeting can commence I am giving these words of excuse.
I know that all of you fans have given your precious spare time for this so I’m giving these hard words… cautiously.
At the next fanmeeting the members will provide and put in a lot of attention to prepare so they can be with all of you together.

I request that all of you give your deepest understanding.

Everyone at J.Tune Camp

Though this isn’t member Lee Joon’s first visit to the hospital, last year he was diagnosed with H1N1 and was hospitalized for further treatment.

Source: MBlaq Daum Cafe
Translation by J00NiEx@AbsoluteMBLAQ
Written by wonderwonders@kpoplive.com

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Good heavens…!  Joonie, please get well soon.  The rest of you Boys, take care of yourselves! 😦

— Stephe ^@@^

Posted in Bi Rain, Cloud USA, Korean pop, mblaq
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Guy Movie Review: Ninja Assassin Vs. Ninja Turtles.

•August 13, 2010 • 4 Comments

Guy Movie Review: Monday Movie Battle 8/9/2010 —

We’re starting off a new feature here on Guy Movie Review called Monday Movie Battle, where we put together odd match-ups between movies and their characters and let them battle it out to see who reigns supreme.

In the first GMR movie battle ever, we put together a ninja bout (who doesn’t love ninjas?) between my favorite childhood ninjas the Turtles and my favorite new ninja Raizo from Ninja Assassin! ….

» You can read this article in its entirety on the Guy Movie Review website HERE.  And you must.  You must!  It is a must-see.

Prepare to laugh your butt off.  ROFL!

My son grew up on the Ninja Turtles, so I’ve always loved them (especially Rafael).  And of course, you know I am thoroughly Raizo’d.  I do think Raizo would kick some major shell, with the final fight ending in a draw and a new alliance.  And he’d definitely get April O’Neil’s phone number after pizza, especially if she were played by Scarlett Johansson as a redhead (he and Kiriko only got briefly to first base, and Mika is probably still recovering from being sliced and diced by Ozunu-sama, which means Raizo has never had any lovin’ and can only imagine what it’s like).

Yes.  With that body.  What a crying shame.

This made my night, I tell you.  Enjoy. 😀

— Stephe ^@@^

Posted in Bi Rain, Bi Rain News, Cloud USA, Jung Ji Hoon, Ninja Assassin
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New on the Block.

•August 13, 2010 • 1 Comment

* REFRESHED: Our Rain’s Crew: The Men Behind The Man page.  Recognize the “cowboys” in that cute fan-edited video?  Haha!

* REFRESHED: Our Korean Culture in Atlanta page, with a new slide show from Atlanta’s 16th Asian Cultural Experience.  Gorgeous images.

* NEW: “Where is Rain on MTV-USA?” and Rain’s links on MTV.com have been cross-posted to our Cloud Projects page, as well as on our Forum (under Important Projects) and our Facebook (under the Discussions tab), for your convenience.

Enjoy, all. 🙂

— Stephe ^@@^

Posted in Cloud USA
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Uh… yeah, hi, Allstate? I just hit a ninja.

•August 13, 2010 • Leave a Comment

I suppose I’m just in a giggly mood concerning NINJA ASSASSIN tonight.  Haha.  I can even forgive Tara Perry for mispronouncing his name RAY-zo.  I’m sure she meant no harm.  And she was funny as hell.

LOL!

— Stephe ^@@^

The Movie Maven: The Road, Ninja Assassin, and the Fantastic Mr. Fox.  From November 2009. (credit: The Movie Maven / courtesy of mania @YT)

Posted in Bi Rain, Bi Rain News, Cloud USA, Jung Ji Hoon, Ninja Assassin
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Newest Addition to Runaway (Domanja/도망자): Josie Ho

•August 12, 2010 • 2 Comments

Hong Kong singer and actress, Josie Ho, is the latest actress to be added to the star-studded cast of Domanja (Runaway).  Her addition is causing a lot of buzz over in Asia, mainly because she is the daughter of businessman Stanley Ho, who is apparently the wealthiest person in Macau, and among some of the wealthiest in Asia.  His estimated net worth is said to be $1 Billion USD. (Think Asia’s Paris Hilton and you’ll understand what all of the commotion is about.)

All money talk aside, Josie appears to be quite the accomplished actress, and is said to be willing to take on roles that sharply contrast to her own wealthy upbringing as a billionaire’s daughter.  I look forward to seeing her work.  There’s no word yet as to which character she will play, but I have no doubt of her abilities, since this drama is filled with such talented artists.

The filming of Runaway is currently underway in Shanghai, and the drama is scheduled to air in the end of September on KBS2.

Congratulations, to Josie, from Cloud USA!

Terri :-}

Source: Sport Seoul/www.dongdrama.com

[*ETA 8/13:  You can also read HanCinema’s article on Josie Ho’s Runaway character HERE. ^@@^]

Still of Josie Ho in Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li

Posted in Bi Rain, Bi Rain Dramas, Domanja, Rain, Runaway, Uncategorized
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Rain the Magician.

•August 11, 2010 • 5 Comments

Oh-oh-oh…!  I have been waiting for someone to put up footage of some of Rain’s LCD action from Lotte Duty Free’s HUGE department store windows.

Ever since I saw footage from a touch-screen last year (in this post’s picture), I’ve been wanting more.

Initially, Lotte’s main shopping districts (Star Avenue comes to mind) look quite spectacular.  When I get to Seoul one day, rest assured they will be high on my (and Terri’s) list.

— Stephe ^@@^

Touch the screen and play magic with Rain, at Lotte DF. (credit: cloudbb @raincloudHK / courtesy of vicki0919)

Posted in Bi Rain, Bi Rain News, Cloud USA, Jung Ji Hoon
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