Asian news source The Daily Hankook has reported that Rain’s Zepp Tour will begin at Zepp Tokyo hall (in late June), and then proceed throughout Japan (nine stops total). After the recent Legend of Rainism Yoyogi, Rain was quoted as saying, “I’ve worked out the new plans and am pushing forward…I’m very confident [about it]…I’m revisiting how [my career] first began by preparing these concerts [small venues] where I can be closer to my fans…”
The Zepp Tour’s loose ends have all been tied up and everything is a go. “The concert halls are a lot smaller than before, but the smaller they get, the more work I have. I’ll work hard to satisfy my fans.”
(Thanks to rain bird and Rain Europe for this information.)
The article also states that LoR officially came to an end at Yoyogi Stadium, which suggests that the “with Saitama and Osaka to follow” wording on the old concert notice wasn’t referring to Legend of Rainism at all. I suppose mentioning the Zepp Tour at that time simply wasn’t an option. (But talk about confusing.)
The pre-recording was done on the 21st, and Jae-Dong was in rare form, as usual. 🙂 You can be sure that if either he or Ho-Dong is hosting a show, Rain will be laughing. Looks like it’s going to be a fun broadcast. Is it just us, or is Rain dancing very carefully (I will not break my zipper today… I will NOT break my zipper today… OR Gah, I’m feeling like crap today…)? — Stephe ^@@^
0:08
Kim Je-Dong: This suit looks quite expensive.
0:09~0:13
Rain: It costs about the same as yourself, so please be careful with it. 🙂 (The audience burst into a laugh)
0:17
Rain: I meant it for a joke.
0:18
Kim Je-Dong: I know what you mean.
0:22
Kim Je-Dong: I think you mean the clothes of this style are heavy. (Rain’s words seemed to send Kim into fits) (They all burst out laughing at the same time)
0:28
Kim Je-Dong: Actually, I don’t want to talk about such a (trivial) problem any further. [avoiding the subject of his worth or lack thereof LOL]
[Jae-Dong wants to be one of Rain’s crew! LOL! ^@@^]
0:06
Kim Je-Dong: I practiced enough for this broadcast.
0:09~0:10
Rain: Your dance movement is very neat.
0:11
Kim Je-Dong: My dance moves are so fluid, right?
0:12
Rain: You are right!
0:13
Kim Je-Dong: In particular, I’m pretty confident in this movement.
(Kim shows all the attendees how)
0:23
Kim Je-Dong: Don’t you have a spare suit? (to Rain)
And… he’s out of there. ^@@^
Oh my goodness! I haven’t heard Rain sing this since debut year. Awww. 🙂 ^@@^
[ *ETA 4/24/10: We emailed our personal letter and it did not bounce back. The address has been fixed.]
[ *ETA 4/23/10: Fans, an editor at TIME Inc. here in Atlanta has confirmed that their TIME letters email address (letters@time.com) is having technical problems, and that their IT people are trying to fix it. There is no official alternate email addy at this time; their PR Director suggests we continue using this one until our letters begin going through. Thanks.]
ALERT! Calling all Clouds, Rain clouds, and fans:
We’ve cast our TIME 100 poll votes all the way down to the wire (the poll will supposedly be ended today). Now it is time to support Rain a step further— and this step is imperative.
Many news magazines and entertainment sources know Rain only by his singer/dancer iconic status, and have no idea of the truly meaningful and selfless things he has done for other human beings across this planet. They haven’t heard of the achievements he has earned and the responsibilities he has taken on in the name of Korea and the rest of the world. It should be our mission to get that important information out and to the right places, and there is no better place to start than TIME Magazine….
Allkpop 4/22/2010— Keep that umbrella handy, folks. Rain / Bi is in this weekend’s forecast and he is expected to drench the other competitors with his comeback in full-force. In an emotional ballad, which Rain and producer Tae Wan wrote in 30 minutes, the international superstar returned to his third week of promotions for Love Song….
[ *ETA 4/23/10: A little birdie told us that Rain has the flu and will be taking some time off, but that he is fine and in good spirits. Thank goodness. ^@@^ ]
Hello lovely Clouds,
It has been reported that, during the April 22nd pre-recording of his performance of MNET M! Countdown, Rain complained of a fever, fatigue and pain. In spite of arriving late, he managed to complete his performance, but a medical team was still called in, and he was given fluids intravenously on site, to assist with his recovery.
Officials at J.Tune Entertainment have indicated that his condition was caused by a comeback and concert schedule too full of rehearsals and performances, which left him with inadequate time to rest.
It is our understanding that Rain is now resting comfortably and is in stable condition. So, there is no cause for alarm.
Cloud USA wishes Rain a speedy recovery and hopes he will take some time to take a well-deserved break.
Terri :-}
Credits:
rain bird @ The Cloud for the brief news translation
Hollywood Raw 4/1/2010 — NINJA ASSASSIN is brutal, violent and very bloody, everything a stellar ninja movie should be. There should be no regrets or shame as far as this film is concerned. Rain was amazing in both physical prowess, [martial] arts ability and weapons. He’s also a pretty decent actor to boot. Some have said there was a little too much CGI going on, but I disagree….
In the first one, Rain reminds me of a white crane in flight. See at the end how he stops moving his “wings” and simply “glides” to the left on the wind? Unbelievably creative. The second one shows his creativity during the Rain’s Coming world tour. The third scene is one I had not seen before, but thoroughly enjoyed. Have fun! — ^@@^
(source: RainTube @RainListings / courtesy of RAINsaranghae)
There are some strange upload problems concerning images to the WebBlog today. We wanted to let you know this so that you wouldn’t be confused when two of your email post links lead you to glitch notices. Those two WebBlog posts have been deleted.
WordPress—solve your hiccup problem, please. Thanks, Clouds, and sorry for the inconvenience.
Rain’s performance at luxury European brand MCM’s Spring/Summer event at Lotte Hotel’s Crystal Volume (in Seoul, the afternoon of the 21st) looks to have gone off without a hitch. Bravo. Innolife was in the house, and here is what they saw. — ^@@^
(video courtesy of ratoka @YT / translation by rain bird @rain-eu.)
1:07~1:26
Good afternoon. Thank you for inviting me to MCM Spring/Summer Show. The acoustics of this hall are very good.
Allkpop 4/20/2010 — He dances, sings, produces, acts, models, has the body of a god, and did I mention, he has the body of a god? In other words, Rain / Bi is pretty much made of perfection and is regarded as a top A-lister in the celebrity world. But even for a guy like him, there are unavoidable things that occur which help us realize, in the end, Rain is only human….
HanCinema 4/20/2010 — Asian pop sensation Rain has claimed his first win on KBS’ televised music program “Music Bank” with his single “Love Song”. According to the official website of “Music Bank”, Rain, who was to make his stage comeback on the show over the weekend, triumphed over contenders Girls’ Generation’s “Run Devil Run” and R&B trio Brown Eyed Soul’s “I’ll Move”.
“Music Bank” had originally been set to show last Friday with the lineup including Secret, Kara, After School, U-Kiss and F.Cuz, as well as….
Enjoy this absolutely wonderful Music Core-M!Countdown-Inkigayo “Love Song” performance remix, where Rain goes back and forth between NY bling and ATL ice. Fan made and fabulous. — ^@@^
(credit: DC Rain Gallery / courtesy of ratoka @YT)
Are we in for another Lotte concert/ too much Magic Stick/ zipper FAIL/ or fabric FAIL incident on camera, Ji-Hoon?
Ho-Dong is practically dying as Rain waddles off the stage. Holy moly, Clouds—this upcoming episode of Strong Heart is going to be hilarious. LOL! — ^@@^
Video courtesy of ratoka @YT
Credit: memo-rain.ning.com
Original translation: rain bird @Rain-eu. Loose translation (from original): Stephe @CloudUSA
Please credit properly. All dialogue is Rain unless specified.
0:28 – 0:32
Thanks for coming here, all of you. I’m Rain and I’ve returned with my special album.
0:38 – 0:49
I want to do real and refreshing music that reflects when I first began [my career].
0:51 – 0:59
Korean culture seems to have had a great deal of influence on world cultures, so I think I should pay attention to my domestic fans while including my overseas fans.
1:17 – 1:28
[On a comeback stage show] The concept of this album is based on a ballad. In terms of acting wildly, he (2PM’s Taecyeon) is second to none when it comes to tearing off his clothes.
1:40 – 1:50
The reason I’ve released my special album is because I just want to enjoy doing my favorite thing. I’m trying to show how my unique stage performance belongs in a different sphere from the current idol groups.
1:51 – 2:02
Question: Top singer Lee Hyo-Ri has also returned to the musical stage. [and how does he feel about that?]
Rain: During the pre-recording of one music program, there wasn’t one person there who I knew. So being there with Lee, who I’ve known for a long time, made me happy.
2:16 – 2:43
As I became independent of JYP, I had to work really hard to decide what was going to happen with my own music style. Since what was expected of me were my well-known dance movements and performances, the creation of something different while still using those wasn’t easy.
2:54 – 3:27
During the promotion for Ninja Assassin, I realized the truth that there were still lots of things to do in this huge world. My name hadn’t been known in Europe, America, and so on, but after the promotion, major daily newspapers like the Times, etc. interviewed me, I was called an action star, and I received overseas CF offers.
3:44 – 3:53
[on a show with comedian Kang Ho-Dong] By the end of Ninja Assassin, after shooting with such a severe diet and exercise, when I tasted so much as a grain of salt I got goosebumps all over like a vampire [who hadn’t had blood in months, for example], and I felt like a human weapon [robot].
4:22 – 4:36
[on another show… Chocolate?] The thing I missed the most was food. I get really mad these days if someone takes food from my side of the table/plate. Does it look like I don’t have an appetite or something [from being sick]? (laugh)
4:47 – 5:10
[on a Love Song set on location, with Rain doing stomach crunches to stay warm and tighten up those golden abs] It’s around 1 AM. A scene that cost a tremendous amount of money was already shot with a helicopter earlier in the morning… you’ll understand when you see it. Don’t ask me [about it now]. We’re under the Cheongdam Bridge. I don’t want to reveal the secret/ spoil the surprise/ lay everything out for you!
5:19 – 5:40
I don’t think it’s difficult, but it’s too cold. The unusual part of this concept is called “Bling Bling.” The price of our stage clothes comes close to that of a car. We’re trying to do what is best [do right by the project, give the fans the best product].
5:54 – :55
My upper body [muscles] keep falling down!
6:05
It’s really hard to maintain the physique I’ve managed to get.
6:15 – 6:33
I’m determined to drink coffee and [eat] Dukbboki [spicy rice cakes, see our Food, Glorious Food page]. I’ll just have to work harder.
6:35 – :50
My dance team and I exercised to look like real hunks for almost two months, and managed to stick to our diet.
6:51 – :55
Our labors were rewarded, so we’re happy.
7:13
[Han Ye-Seul] It seems essential that it shows the two being in love with each other.
7:36
Han Ye-Seul is so good at acting.
7:40 – 7:52
Thanks to her help, I’m pulling this project off. We are working together [meshing] perfectly. She’s the greatest.
7:54
She has a very small face.
7:59
[Han Ye-Seul] The director had a great job.
8:42
[Han Ye-Seul] Watching my scenes makes me feel shy.
8:58 – 9:13
This music video is based on my real life. Once, I watched a scene in a movie after breaking up with my girlfriend, and a great idea flashed into my mind, so I put that idea into action. Thus, this song was created.
9:22 – :53
In the MV, my most attractive feature is my long, dark eyelashes, which represent my soul. [Didn’t I tell you that, Clouds? Didn’t I say that? Those eyelashes made the character’s soul open and vulnerable. I’d never steer you wrong, see? You can trust your unni. — Stephe ^@@^]
I don’t think I’ve ever decorated my body with so many silver accessories.
10:01
[Director] Rain’s sound track is synchronizing with his actions as if he’s not lip-sync’ing.
10:13
[Director to Ye-Seul] Isn’t it hard to perform as the sleeping heroine? (She cups her face in her hands in response)
10:43 – 11:10
Question: How have you overcome your hard times?
Rain: I was at the point of giving up on everything once. But I looked myself in the mirror every day and told myself that I could do it. I feel that I’m becoming a strong-willed person who can meet every obstacle without being afraid of it.
11:23
[at his mother’s gravesite, early career] My late mother used to say to me, “You’ll eventually find your place on the international stage.” I’ll continue trying to do so.
11:34
[on a show, early career] My mother didn’t have any money for diabetic medication, and finally died. Our family had to fight poverty since there was no one to help us.
11:48
[2004 Daesang Awards, Best Newcomer] I made a promise to my late mother three years ago, and thought, “I’ll surely [win and] dedicate this great award to her…”
12:15
I’d like to do something great even in the years ahead. I think seven out of ten [goals] have been accomplished over my career. I’ll do my best to make my chances of success higher, so I ask for your continued support.
Asian source Sports Josun has reported that Ninja Assassin DVD sales have gone beyond the $10 million dollar mark in the United States alone. Ninja Assassin has sold over half a million copies since its US release four weeks ago, and has climbed to the #17 spot (out of 30) on the sales chart at The Numbers (dot) com.
(Thanks to rain bird @rain-eu. for this information.)
Raizo is doing it well in America, Clouds. Congratulate him! — Stephe ^@@^
Asian source TV EDaily has reported that Rain will perform at a special Lotte event for luxury European brand and affliate MCM’s 2010 Spring/Summer Collection, tomorrow at noon (April 21st). Actress Cha Ye-Ryun is the chosen model who will be promoting this collection.
The event will take place at Lotte Hotel’s Crystal Volume in Seoul.
(Thanks to rain bird and Rain Europe for this information.)
The Korea Times 4/19/2010 —Korean pop singer Rain wowed Japanese fans last weekend with two encore shows titled “Legend of Rainism.” After releasing a special album and completing promotional activity in Korea, the 27-year-old superstar flew to Tokyo and performed at the National Yoyogi Stadium. It was evident at both shows that he is still one of the most popular Korean singers on the island nation.
On Saturday, more than 10,000 fans cheered him on during the two-hour concert, with attendees ranging from six-year-olds to high school and university students to middle-aged housewives and even old ladies who attended hand-in-hand with their grandchildren.
On Sunday, the excited and grateful Rain jumped off the stage, something that was completely unpredictable, and ran to the crowds of fans to shake their hands. Security personnel instantly made their way through the screaming audience to protect anyone from getting hurt and to keep the singer from being mobbed….
I don’t usually put Rain’s commercial graphics (ads for Lotte, Nature Republic, Six To Five, Tous le Jours, et cetera) here because, frankly, they’re in Hangeul and it makes no sense to do so when we’ve no idea what they’re for. But these latest Lotte “Be Eco Friendly” ads are just so handsome, I simply couldn’t resist. And here is Joon’s new Hite Beer graphic. Mmm… my, they grow up fast. 🙂 — Stephe ^@@^
Allkpop 4/19/2010 — Who knew that Rain and Psy were even friends? Apparently the two share quite a bit of history with one another. On the show Intimate Note, the two revealed how and when they became such good friends. The pair’s relationship has never been public at all so this piece of information came as a surprise for most fans….
I had no idea that Rain and » Psy were friends. Very cool. I remember when Psy finally came out of the military and had an amazing celebration with his fans. 🙂 Maybe these two being on SBS Intimate Note will be a good thing for ratings, seeing as earlier in the year, the show seemed to be struggling because of its new format. Hopefully things have gotten better in the past four months… but if not, Psy and our Rain may be able to breathe some life into it.
Allkpop 4/19/2010 — Music Bank was canceled once again last week, making it three straight weeks that viewers were unable to [watch] their favourite singers perform on air. Scores were still tabulated though for their weekly K-Chart and SNSD had carted away the trophies for the past two weeks.
But their run came to an end as the Kpop king, Rain was announced on the 19th to be the winner of the K-Chart for the April 16th episode….
Asian source Herald Economy News has reported that tickets for G.Market’s Dream Concert 2010 will be on sale from April 22 through May 20 (the concert will take place the night of May 22 at Seoul’s World Cup Stadium, 7 PM sharp).
All seats are very affordable and go for ₩5,000. (roughly $4.50), and all proceeds will go to charity.
Members of » G.Market can apply for two G Tickets with two G Stamps. Also, there will be a raffle where fifty winners who describe how much the concert will mean to them will receive two tickets a piece.
(Thanks to rain bird and Rain Europe for this information.)
[ *ETA: I’m thinking this might be a shoot for Harper’s Bazaar… only because during Rain’s last Harper’s shoot (with model Hye Park), his makeup was exactly like this, and the scarf around his waist resembles the one he wore then. We have that footage over on our Drama MV/Trailers/Short Films/Photo Shoots Page. ]
Asia broadcast 4/17. Rain at a 2009 photo shoot. Does anyone recognize what magazine this was for? It’s very non-Lotte, where they always want him ultra-polished and ecstatically happy… these people wanted a darker, more rebellious tone for their clothes and pictures, so Rain used his character-building skills to create a sullen, introverted guy who might have been a model or a rock star. (It worked for us.)
The eyeliner made his eyes look SO deep. And he knows how to use his jawline like a pro, doesn’t he? Loved the hair… but goodness, that alcove really looked cramped after a while. We wondered if he was indeed in character or truly in a bad mood (especially when that lovely uncut gangsta rap started blaring, “We don’t give a damn, we don’t give a f__k! Yeah!” LOL). But those few times he broke character, to laugh at something funny and to play with his “eternal cameraman” told us that everything was cool. So enjoy this, Clouds! (If anyone can keep their eyes off of Rain’s amazing lips during this episode, we’ll pay you.) — Stephe ^@@^
(courtesy of ratoka)
—
*Edited to Add: Bingo! Harper’s Bazaar it is. ^@@^
Rain sings “September 12th” at a 2009 fan meet at the ZEPP Tokyo hall, Japan. Nice.
(courtesy of eye0rain)
An amazing fan made video, in anticipation of Legend of Rainism’s return to Japan this month. It creatively incorporates music from Ninja Assassin and images from Back To The Basic, along with the original theme—Rainism. An exceptional job, I say.
(courtesy of pokusuna)
On SBS Good Morning two weeks ago, a 79-year-old Rain fan showed her absolute love for our Ji-Hoon. She has been supporting him since his debut in 2002, and I’m not ashamed to say I wish this delightful woman were MY grandma (halmoni)! If I can ever find her name, she’ll have her own page here. (And this reporter was the perfect guy to interview her. What a ham! Hahaha!) — Stephe ^@@^
(courtesy of scorpiolabibi @YT. Please DO NOT take and upload this video to any other YouTube channel… thanks!)
Rain’s interview on CNN’s Talk Asia, first broadcast last year in October of 2009, will be making another appearance soon. It is set to show on Q TV in Asia at 9 PM on April 19th. Good interviews deserve to be repeated; we hope as many people get to watch it this time around as before. (While we did wish we could have heard Rain’s beautiful voice, it was more important that he be able to fully express himself in response to the interviewer’s questions and not be hindered by language. The full meaning of what he had to say here was what counted.) — Stephe ^@@^
Rain interview Talk Asia CNN 2009, Part 1. (courtesy of hyunoppa)
Asia broadcast on the 17th by KBS 2. » The screen caps from the interview are HERE. Enjoy! I am working on a loose translation as we speak, and will be adding it to this post. (I really miss watching Entertainment Weekly, back when I had KBS World. Awww.) Tah for now. — Stephe ^@@^
Behind every Cloud is a silver lining. His name is RAIN.
Cloud USA (EST. January 21, 2010) is a promotional/fan site where all English-speaking Rain Clouds of every age and ethnicity around the globe can share in their love of JI-HOON JUNG, the talented Korean artist known the world over as RAIN [비] (Bi). We want to provide a comprehensive introduction of Rain to those who may not know much about him, as well as help increase his presence in North America.
We also would like to further the popularity of Korean art and culture in the United States.
ENGLISH SPEAKERS FROM ALL COUNTRIES ARE WELCOME HERE. We hope you will visit and participate often!
Cloud USA
c/o Terri Robinson & Stephe Thornton
P.O. Box 1506
Mableton, GA 30126
EMAIL:cloudusa [at] gmail [dot] com
No copyright infringement intended; all videos (embedded or linked; there are NO uploads) and images remain the property of RAIN and their respective owners and are used for promotional purposes of Rain only.
Cloud USA 
