— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
FYI: Rain’s new Chinese TV drama has an official Weibo account, 电视剧-克拉恋人 (Drama-Diamond Lover). You can access it HERE. ^@@^
On the set, 1/10. (Images credit: @周轩榕 Weibo)
On on set, 12/27. Looks like at work from when he tweeted “belated Happy New Year” on January 7. (Images credit: Actor 李烨彤W @Weibo)
As published by Sina News in China, on 1/7/2015.
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Traditional art penciled by: JunMinseung @ deviantART. He was so doggone cute in this VONIN ad. 🙂
Digital art by: Dungaa @ deviantART. A “Move On” single Japanese release cover still. Love it!
Lately, my grown and sexy bias Ji Hoon Jung, a.k.a. Rain|Bi|비 (pronounced “bee”), has been on a professional roll.
Fresh from his K-drama “My Lovable Girl” with co-stars Krystal and Kim Myung Soo (a.k.a. L of popular K-Pop group Infinite), gorgeous Rain is on to even bigger things, apparently. His newest movie For Love or Money hit theaters in China two months ago and was a success as well. So, with a hit show and movie on his hands, a new drama being filmed in China right now (“Diamond Lover”), as well as a myriad of promotional appearances on the Asian continent, what’s a poor Cloud over in the West to do? *sigh*
Well, I’ll tell ya what she does. She lets her mind meander over into the “what if” zone.
What’s that, you say? Well, glad you asked. See, it’s that little place you take your mind to when you realize just how badly you want to see your bias in productions on this side of the ocean.
Your mind begins to play the “what if” game and very quickly it becomes apparent that what your bias really needs is you. Actually, what he needs is for you to enlist your services as his entertainment agent, that is. I mean hey, why not, right? I’m a ride or die Cloud after all, and very intuitive when it comes to the talents of one Ji Hoon Jung. Personally, I can see several Hollywood productions in my mind’s eye that Rain would have been/would be just perfect for. And then I asked myself, Self, what if he was working over here full time? What if he was a megastar of TV and film stateside? What if I (little ole me) was the one who helped make those choices for him?
So, after letting my mind ponder these extremely important and life altering questions, I thought, Hmm… if I had been the one making those choices, I’d certainly pull no punches, no ma’am, no sir. If I truly had my way, those choices would probably look a little something like this…
I believe I’d start off with a little “something new.” I mean who couldn’t get with a little something new, especially if that something new was Bi, right? Hey, a sista can have her fantasies, can’t she? Yes indeed she can, methinks!
(Rain in sponsor KB Bank Card’s 2008 campaign, Leather Style. Also with Lee Hyori. As you can see, he was in “Raizo” mode and would be for a few months yet. ^@@^)
» You can visit the previous Open Thread HERE. And of course, don’t forget that our new 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 Rain on the official Korean Cloud OR on the official Japanese Cloud today?
» Help us recognize Jung JiHoon as a leader in global entertainment excellence. Join the World Star Rain Brigade with your Twitter or your Facebook today, or add the World Star Widget to your website! Big thanks, fans. ♥
» Cloud USA disclaimer. READ it.
» DramaFever NEWS. For the latest on your Korean, Latin, and Asian stars and their shows.
° ° °
RAINY Entertainment has changed its name to JF Company, as announced on January 4 by Twitter, and backed up by Facebook.
https://twitter.com/jetpack/status/551953654354153472
* Update 1/9/2015: Yes, he did! Way to go, Clouds! Stay tuned for Rain in the semi-finals, coming up soon! 🙂 ^@@^
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^ 9:20 am EST 1/7/2015
The deadline for voting was extended from January 5 at midnight to January 6 at 5 PM, because the numbers were so close. I just captured this screen shot from DramaFever’s Google+. Out of 3021 votes total, Rain 54% (1629) and Kim Soo Hyun 46% (1392 votes).
BUT THEN, 10 minutes later, two more votes showed up. And then, one of those votes disappeared. And then another one showed up, just now. And another one.
Is this poll not closed?! And if it’s not, why do we think it is? Are these numbers even legit?
What’s up, DF? ^@@^
(Rain and popular model Yoo Gian for YSL’s newest campaign, Dangerous Rouge. Image source: Yoogian_Fans @ Instagram, 1/6.)
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Finally! Some gorgeous stuff (not leaked) from new Rain sponsor Yves Saint Laurent in China! Thank goodness. We’ve all been waitin’, yo! 🙂
On the site that I’ve linked to in this post, it seems like something might be happening on 1/8/15. There are references to “the actor” or “the hero” coming soon… Are y’all talking about a certain world star, maybe? 😉
It also has that 30-second Dangerous Rouge “The Elevator” CF on Youku that’s already made the rounds on the Internet, and references a “Sexy” CF and a “Cool” CF (Lounge CF and Dance CF?) yet to be uploaded. *excited*
There also looks to be an in-store giveaway going on that Chinese shoppers can sign up for. Lucky ducks!
By the way, Rain and Yoo Gian (유지안/Yoo Ji Ahn) have modeled together before — when Rain went to the Alps in August 2009 for ELLE Magazine and his O’live TV documentary, right before his Legend of Rainism Tour started. (You can watch that on our Documentary Page here, just scroll down.)
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
DramaFever’s YouTube Channel comments 1/2/15:
DramaFever Actor Face-Offs ROUND ONE: Kim Soo Hyun vs Rain
VOTE HERE! ➤ http://bit.ly/1BrHAZW
Subscribe to DramaFever ➤ http://bit.ly/10TNEL1
It’s time to decide once and for all: Who is The ULTIMATE Actor?
Introducing DramaFever Actor Face-Offs! For the next few weeks, we will pit 16 of the best actors against each other and let YOU decide who is better. The winning actors get to move onto the next round, battling it out with other winners.
For Round 1 Match 7, we have Kim Soo Hyun vs Rain! Voting lasts until Monday night 11:59PM EST. We’ll announce the winner of the previous match when we post the next face-off for you to vote, so watch this space for your favorite actor’s next match!
Kim Soo Hyun on DramaFever ➤ http://bit.ly/1yforwz
Rain on DramaFever ➤ http://bit.ly/1xCHVbM
Check out the Tournament Chart here ➤ http://dfvr.co/1vi5SAO
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
I tell you, while watching this Special Features segment from The Prince (2014) DVD, the color commentary from Director Brian A. Miller and actor Jason Patric (“Paul”) had me doubled over and in stitches. They are hilarious when Rain hits the screen. To boot, Miller cracked up and Patric groaned when Patric landed wrong and got his shoulder jacked by “Mark.” ROFL!
(Miller and Patric: “There is… precipitation.” [chuckles] “It’s a reference to Rain, Korean Pop star.”)
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Credit: Bussy @ The Cloud, 1/3/15.
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
As far as I can tell, the IC has been bringing us Most Beautiful lists for the ladies for some 25 years, but just started their Most Handsome lists for the guys the year before last, in 2013.
Here’s to the 2015 list, coming in 12 months! 🙂 ^@@^
(Videos source credit: TC Candler @YT.)
The first Independent Critics’ List of the 100 Most Handsome Faces (2013).
The second Independent Critics’ List of the 100 Most Handsome Faces (2014).
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
FYI: Rain’s new Chinese TV drama has an official Weibo account, 电视剧-克拉恋人 (Drama-Diamond Lover). You can access it HERE. ^@@^
Entertainment news report on iQIYI about Rain on set. (» Video link: Rain拍戏出演霸道总裁 与美女街头拥抱纠缠)
°
Rain and his “Diamond Lover” cast mate Luo Jin on set, posted by Director Chen Ming Zhang on his Weibo, 1/3/15.
Continue reading ‘[images][克拉恋人] Diamond Lover check. (Including Rain’s cast mate Luo Jin.)’
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
What can we say but WOW. 30Sexy at #2, and LASong at #5 out of 101 international music videos on Music Channel Hungary! 🙂
Posted by Harudo11 on The Cloud, 1/2/15:
“Dear Clouds anywhere in the world, Happy New Year!
The Hungarian Clouds voted for Rain on the Music Channel’s TOP101 list of the best music videos 2014 and here is the result. You can see the full list in the description of video. The 101 music videos were on the air yesterday and today (31/12-01/01).”
Once again, Clouds get it in!
Congratulations, Rain, for being publicly recognized in Hungary. Awesome job, Hungarian sisters. You rock!
Stephe @ cloudusa.wordpress.com / CloudUSA.org
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
FYI: Rain’s new Chinese TV drama has an official Weibo account, 电视剧-克拉恋人 (Drama-Diamond Lover). You can access it HERE. ^@@^
On Christmas day, the QinSen Group (a corporation dedicated to spreading and promoting old Chinese culture and heritage) posted a writeup on their Weibo about Rain and the cast of “Diamond Lover” visiting the Christmas House at Pegasus Park (品臻園) for filming.
As I understand it, Pegasus Park is a massive resort community of luxurious vacation residences (villas and apartments), restaurants, art galleries, walking gardens, ancient canals and lakes, etc., fashioned with classic Chinese architecture. Pegasus Park has two locations, one in Shanghai and one in Shaoxing.
Everything about this place is in Chinese—everything—but I think this is the gist of it.
Stephe @ cloudusa.wordpress.com / CloudUSA.org
(Images credit: 品臻園 [Pegasus Park] / 秦森（集团）有限公司 [QinSen Group] @Weibo / Post cap: Cloud USA)
— ^@@^
MCM Worldwide Blog 12/24/2014 — by Mademoiselle Robot
In keeping with this week’s festive events theme, let me take you to Singapore where we recently celebrated the launch of our wonderful Heimat collaboration with German pop-artist Stefan Strumbel. The collection was welcomed with great joy at our Marina Bay Sands boutique in Singapore. To further help with the celebrations, we invited our good friend Rain to attend the opening and indulge the fans by signing their latest MCM purchases….
» You can see this post (and pictures) in its entirety on the MCM Worldwide Blog here.
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Posted by Mentholatum China on its Weibo micro-blog on December 27 and 31, and January 3, as tagged.
The Independent Critics List of the 100 Most Handsome Faces of 2014. (Credit: TC Candler @YT.)
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
On stage.
» LINK: Full fan cam, by summerlinn @ Youku.
Continue reading ‘[images][fan cams] Rain at the Shanghai Plaza Night Festival. (12/28)’
This month’s themes are new sponsor LAviva Ice Fruit Tea (2014), Rain promoting Chinese movie For Love or Money (2014), and the Rain The BEST Show National Concert Tour (2011). They look better “centered” or “filled”, but please feel free to display them however you like.
Gorgeousness abounds! Enjoy. 🙂 ^@@^
(1400 x 800. Cloud USA Forum mod Merrick.)
(990 x 1000. Cloud USA YouTube mod JJ/Rainthetreasure.)
(800 x 500. Yearly. edinaholmes @ deviantART.)
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Been a while, hasn’t it? 🙂
(Suki_Loving_Rain)
(Shihorain)
— ^@@^
Business Insider Malaysia 12/24/2014 — by Sharon Tang
[Excerpt]
Success isn’t handed to you on a silver platter. As talented or lucky as you may be, the one crucial trait that will determine whether you make it big or not, is resilience during times of adversity.
Here’s a look at some of the most successful people in the world who overcame life obstacles to bounce back and kick butt.
1. Steve Jobs
The temperamental Apple Inc co-founder was kicked to the curb in 1985 after a fallout with then-CEO John Sculley. He returned to Apple in 1997 and proceeded to revive the flagging company and turn it into the epitome of cult branding. Jobs once said his sacking from Apple was actually “the best thing” that could have ever happened to him. He said: “The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life.”
2. Rain
South Korean superstar and music producer Jung Ji-Hoon, better known by his stage name Rain, began his world domination in the early 2000′s. But success did not come easy: Rain’s family was badly affected by the recession of 1997. Unable to pay rent, his family had to be taken in by relatives after they were evicted by their landlord. His mother was struggling with diabetes because they couldn’t afford medical care and insulin. According to Rain, he was rejected time and time again by artistic management companies who said he was too ugly to be a star. He was finally recruited by an entertainment company in 2000. His mother died that same year…
» You can read this article, which includes Soichiro Honda, Michelle Yeoh, and Harland David Sanders in its entirety and leave your comments on Business Insider Malaysia here.
To our Cloud USA staff, who we love and appreciate so dearly. 💚 😃
To our Global Cloud sisters (and brothers!), and sisters in South Korea, united in Rain. 💕 🌻
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
HUGE thanks to Cloud overseas fan coordinator Huhuhuhu for making it possible for English-speakers and Chinese-speakers to read Rain’s Korean interview! What would we do without you, dear? 🙂
I had to crack up when Rain said he had no particular feelings about being called ajeossi (uncle, Mister, Pops) in My Lovely Girl. As if he just up and changed his Instagram handle to “rain_oppa” out of the blue. He didn’t want Clouds starting that ajeossi crap any time soon, haha, and I don’t blame him.
Oppa is his name and still being well in his prime is his game! Thumbs up.
Stephe @ cloudusa.wordpress.com / CloudUSA.org
Rain’s Interview in Dazed & Confused Korea Magazine (#81) January 2015
English Translation: huhuhuhu @The Cloud
Source: New Division: 정지훈은 10대를 오기로 보냈고, 20대를 열의로 지냈다.
지금은 매끄러운 30대를 한창 즐기는 중이다.Images credit: http://kr.dazeddigital.com/2014/12/24/new-division/
[Tweeks: Stephe ^@@^]
Checked shirt and black jacket, both Raf Simons (Raf Simons by Mue), wide white pants Noang (Nohant), black velvet shoes Uni pair (Unipair).
What do you do when you are at home?
Home is where you can perfectly rest. I spend half of the 365 days a year overseas, half of the 24 hours a day working outside. Therefore, home is a place where I don’t need to think of anything, but just rest comfortably.
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
…that he wishes us all a very Merry Christmas. Back atcha, Hoon. 🙂
(Image credit: 29rain @Twitter / rain_oppa @Instagram, 12/25.)
English translation by Sonya @Cloud USA. “Merry Christmas…”
[Sonya’s Note: 메크메크 an abbreviation for 메리 크리스마스, 메리 크리스마스 (메리 크리스마스 means Merry Christmas in Korean). He abbreviated the word (메리 크리스마스) to simply 메크…so cute….]
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
I think you’re right, Sonya. What a guy, that Rain! ♥ And MJ’s hilarious. 🙂
Umm, the foot inside of that dress shoe looks rather large… is that you, Rain? LOL~
° ° °
(Sonya’s Note: I think Rain gave his staffs Christmas presents. Rain is a warm-hearted man… he is so beautiful inside & out.)
English translation by Sonya @Cloud USA. “Ji Hoon hyung (brother), thank you for the Christmas present. I will put on (wear) the shoes until the shoes have a hole HAHA (LOL)”
https://www.instagram.com/p/xBphthhmXV/“지훈이형 크리스마스 선물 감사합니당 ㅎ 빵꾸 날때까지 신을께욤 ㅎㅎ”
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Dazed & Confused Korea Magazine has published Rain’s interview from its January 2015 issue on its website under the header New Division. N-i-c-e! The gist of the article subtitle is after all of his hard work in his teen years and in his 20s, he’s now in his prime and enjoying a smoother ride in his 30s.
To see the article and leave your comments, just follow the above link or use the URL below.
Stephe @ cloudusa.wordpress.com / CloudUSA.org
(Images credit: kr.dazeddigital.com)
Rain, we thank you for your hard work, endless effort, and love for your fans. Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to you, your Fabulous Crew, and your loved ones. 💓 💕
Clouds and Rain fans here in the Americas and all around the world, thank you for making Cloud USA a cozy, welcoming home and for supporting Rain so lovingly out there on the many sites in his fan base. Happy Holidays to you, your families, and friends. 💗
On behalf of our CUSA staff, cheers, everyone! Onward and upward, united in Rain!
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
This entertainment report is about the style icon award Rain was just presented with at the 2014 CHIC! Style Awards, not to be confused with the style icon award he was just presented with at the 2014 Asian Couture Federation Gala. Keep on rackin’ em up, Rain! 🙂 ^@@^
Arirang TV’s Showbiz Today segment on Rain and K-Pop group WINNER, aired this past Monday. (Clip credit: ARIRANG KPOP @YT.)
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
FYI: As I understand it, Maaduu is a free and legal K-drama streaming site for fans in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore.
Maaduu Blog 12/22/2014 —
BI Rain also known as Jung Ji Hoon is definitely one of Korea’s stars that spread the Korean drama and Korean music influence all across Asia. Debuted as a singer, he gained popularity with his talented dance skills and soothing voice which lead him to be cast on several drama projects. The most notable of his drama projects, — “Full House” which he acted alongside Song Hye Kyo, really boosted his popularity all over Korea as well as across Asia…
» You can read this article in its entirety and leave your comments on the Maaduu Blog here.
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Oooh, someone in DC Rain Gall got their copy of Rain’s Dazed & Confused Korea issue (January 2015)! Cool. (Image source: terry0625)
°
Looks like Rain’s got another performance coming up close to the new year — the Shanghai Plaza Night Festival, on 12/28. But I ain’t frettin’ none. I’m well used to him working straight through Christmas and New Year’s. That’s all he’s ever done since I came on board. 🙂 (Poster credit: as tagged)
°
Continue reading ‘[images] Rain check. (Including more from The Nest in Shanghai.)’
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Behind the scenes at Rain’s Dazed & Confused Korea photo shoot. Posted by Rain’s longtime stylist, Stylistmj, on 12/18. 🙂 ^@@^
“나도 키 컸으면 좋겠다. ㅠㅠ”
English translation by Sonya @Cloud USA: “I also wish I were tall. ㅠㅠ [like Rain]”
“RAIN 오빠 “매력” 조심 그리고 “개조심”
English translation by Sonya @Cloud USA: “Beware of Rain oppa’s “charm” and “Beware of Dog”
(Sonya’s Note: As you see, there are Korean letters “개조심” on the wall of the right of picture… so Mj mentioned that. LOL)
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Hand drawn and penciled by artist NAO. Post by Raimy @The Cloud.
Merry Christmas! 🙂
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
FYI: Rain’s new Chinese TV drama has an official Weibo account, 电视剧-克拉恋人 (Drama-Diamond Lover). You can access it HERE. ^@@^
On the set, 12/22. (Images credited as tagged)
Continue reading ‘[images][克拉恋人] Diamond Lover check. (Including on the set, 12/14 — 12/22.)’
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
» LINK: Fan cam, Rain @ Xiushan Lishui Oxygen Music Festival, on Youku. Credit: 柏动我心007
Onstage. (Images credited as tagged)
Continue reading ‘[images][fan cam] Rain at the Xiushan Lishui Oxygen Music Festival. (12/20)’
DramaFever News 12/23/2014 — by Stephe Thornton
The fine folks over at fashion, art, and culture magazine Dazed & Confused Korea are ringing in their new year right. Their January 2015 (#81) issue features multi-tasking, mega-entertainer Rain!
The general reaction from fashion watchers and from Rain fans alike suggests that his casual style and handsome charm does leave one dazed, though definitely not confused…
» You can see this article in its entirety and leave your comments on DramaFever News here.
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
(Cover and images source: shop.k-plaza.com)
As most of you already know, Rain is being featured in and on the cover of fashion, art, and culture magazine Dazed & Confused Korea (#81) for January 2015. It would be wonderful to be able to read his interview, but alas, it’s all in Korean. ㅜ_ㅜ
But since when has the language barrier stopped us all from wanting a piece of the Rain pie? It hasn’t! Ever! 🙂
So, if you so desire and aren’t overseas to pick one up on a newsstand, you can order this issue from online shopping sites all over the Internet. I’m not telling you to order at any of these links. I’m merely letting you know what I’ve found:
I think there might be posters that come with this issue (of whom, I’ve no idea).
If you do order from these sites or others, please read all of the rules, regulations, and disclaimers to avoid being put in a trick. I’ve only ever ordered from YesAsia and never had any problems, and I’ve been told that other sites out there are reliable as well, but anything can happen anywhere to anyone. Use caution when making a purchase.
It’s pretty terrific to know that we can get our hands on this issue, isn’t it? Have a wonderful Tuesday, all!
Stephe @ cloudusa.wordpress.com / CloudUSA.org
(Photo shoot source credit: Dazeddigital / courtesy of ratoka)
— Cloud cover by: Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Gorgeous and heartfelt, Jess. Love them! ❤ ^@@^ Credit and edit: JJ @ CloudUSA / Jess MK / rainthetreasure / CloudUSAChannel @YT. Music: Ed Sheeran, “Thinking Out Loud” and Liu Xing Yu, “The Meteor Rain”. PLEASE support the artists. Thank you!
Cloud USA 