— Cloud cover by Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Well, y’all know my motto… Every girl’s crazy ’bout a sharp-dressed man. 🙂 ^@@^
» [article][Korea Herald] Rain Says Still Looking For Challenges in ‘Act 2’ of Life (12/1)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcJ-wMolHBL/?taken-by=seouldragoncity
Continue reading ‘[13 images][article] Rain at his press con for mini album MY LIFE愛. (12/1)’
— Cloud cover by Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
— Cloud cover by Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
We’ve got a full load here — Cultwo, I Live Alone, Carefree Travelers, Weekly Idol, Music Bank, and V-Live — with more to come. Grab your favorite beverage and a fork, add the dressing of your choice, stir, and enjoy. 🙂
12/1. Rain and his Fabulous Ones perform “GANG” (깡), the title track of his new mini album MY LIFE愛, on Music Bank today. Check out that intro. Whoa — he is not playing around! *thumbs up* ^@@^ (Credit: KBSKpop @ YT.)
Continue reading ‘[24 clips][#MYLIFE愛] #RAIN comeback video salad: 30 Sexy Oppa’s baaaack. (12/1)’
— Cloud cover by Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
YAASSSS, everybody! Early this morning (4 AM Atlanta time EST, 6 PM Korea time) as promised, the much-anticipated music video for Rain’s new song “GANG” arrived hot off the presses from Genie Music, and the hype was no lie. I’m having to force myself to stop playing it so I can flippin’ get it POSTED (it’s hard out here for a blogger!^^).
Tell ‘em how it is, 비. Kill ’em with that GANG drop to the ground! The swag is REAL.
— Cloud cover by Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
MY LIFE愛 will be available for digital download on Genie and MelOn on Friday, December 1 at 6 pm EST. I’m hoping like heck it’ll be on iTunes as well, but we don’t have that info yet. Tons of his other music are available there, so that’s a good sign… *fingers crossed*
As far as the physical CD goes, pre-orders should be ready for shipping on December 5. I can’t wait to hold it in my hands.
Come to mama! 🙂 ^@@^
— Cloud cover by Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
It was just him — a beast one minute, slick and suave the next, paying homage to his idol the next — and his Clouds, a brigade of supporters in black, ready and willing to see Rain through this, his newest comeback to the music world.
How Terri and I wished we could have been there. ❤
Continue reading ‘[31 images] Rain on the day of his KBS special comeback show recording. (11/21)’
— Cloud cover by Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
**EDITED TO ADD 12/9: You can also now order the new album at » Yes24.com and at » YesAsia (North America) and at » YesAsia (Global). and at » iTunes/Apple Music. Links for Amazon US and Synnara (Korea) are below. ^@@^
That’s right! For those of you who haven’t heard yet — I was sort of MIA during Thanksgiving holiday week too, it just is what it is^^ — Rain’s new mini album MY LIFE愛 and new music video are getting ready to drop from Genie Music on December 1, according to Rain’s latest V-Live talk and R.A.I.N. Company on their Facebook page, OR December 5, according to some album pre-order sites. (Pre-order links below. ↓)
In the meantime, Rain has released one song from it, a GORGEOUS new ballad with fellow The Unit mentor Jo Hyun Ah of the group Urban Zakapa. Rain says she wrote the song and they both contributed to the lyrics.
Continue reading ‘[info][MV][lyrics] Pre-order Rain’s new album #MYLIFE愛 and hear his new ballad. ☔’
— Cloud cover by Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Rain and Miss Korea 2017 first runner up Jung Da Hye for sponsor SP-68. (Image credit: SP-68魔术裤董事总代理鸣人 @ Weibo, 11/15.)
I cannot recall if I’ve ever blogged about Rain and new sponsor SP-68 here before! I’ve posted plenty on our social media about it, but with all the distractions of the past few months (his appearances hither and yon… my health challenges and injuries, ugh… the 10th Cloud membership drive… new baby Rain Droplet, etc.), it’s a wonder my head is on straight at all.^^
No harm, no foul, because what do we do in instances like this? Simply post everything there is but the kitchen sink! Right?
Right. 🙂
— Cloud cover by Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Image credit: United News.
— Cloud cover by Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Screen cap source: ajarain0625.
» When the Episode 1 (parts 1 and 2) replay is ready, you’ll be able to watch it in full with English captions on V-Live at this link → http://www.vlive.tv/video/45505
Well, y’all, after many write-ups and filming stills, new KBS2 show The Unit (더 유닛): Idol Rebooting Project is here! For anyone who needs to catch up, this is a competition/reality TV show where Korean Pop idols who didn’t make it all the way up the ladder to fame the first time will complete missions, showcase their talents, and compete for a second chance at that brass ring. Rain was offered the position of show host (MC) and leader of the mentor team. The mentors joining him are: HyunA, Taemin (of SHINee), SanE, Hwang Chi Yeol, and Jo Hyun Ah.
And, let me tell you — the first episode did not disappoint. Wow.
There are waaay too many good shows of all kinds on TV in many countries and online these days and we need a place to dish about ’em, am I right? What say you? Let’s discuss! (Screen cap source: Shihorain) ^@@^
The previous Cloud-watching post from 5/17/2016 – 10/28/2017 is HERE. ^@@^
— Cloud cover by Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Here in Atlanta (EST), the premiere live-stream will start at 8:20 am this morning. Show host and mentor team leader Rain and his fellow mentors will use their knowledge, experiences, and hearts to guide K-Pop idols who didn’t make it to fame compete with everything in them for a second chance opportunity.
There is a chat room as well, for your comments. Please bear in mind that there may or may not be subtitles. We might have to wait for the V-Live replay for English subs, if at all. Please, enjoy!
Wishing all the idols — who are looking fantastic, by the way — the very best of luck! Go get ’em! You too, Rain. Proud of you! ^@@^
— Cloud cover by Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
The King and his queen have a precious little princess! Rain and wife Kim Tae Hee have their first Raindrop! (I’m borrowing your word, you know who you are, haha.^^) Aww ❤ YAYYY!! *popping the bubbly*
» [article] Star couple Rain, Kim Tae-hee welcomes first child (MSN Entertainment, 10/25)
What a year! Marriage and a new baby, and he’s juggled all of his projects and appearances like a CHAMP. 🙂
Best wishes and heartfelt congratulations to the new parents. They’re going to do great. We’ve wanted Rain to realize his dream to be a dad for so long… and it’s finally here. ❤ Next stop (hopefully)… The Return of Superman, haha. You never know! ^@@^
(Image source credit: rain_oppa @ IG, 10/25. English translation: “Thank you… She’s a beautiful princess ~ We’ll raise her well so she can be good for the world.”#blessing ^@@^)
— Cloud cover by Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Red Carpet and performance location: Alice’s World of Pop at the Landmark Hong Kong venue. Boy, what a crowd! 🙂 And let me say this right now — longtime Cloud Biblueberry of Cloud Taiwan had THE BEST VIEW IN THE HOUSE. If I’d been standing where she was, no doubt I’d have keeled over and hit the ground.
Her fan cam will be a longtime favorite in this camp. Well done, sister! *applause, applause* (AND the Hip Song grind from the side, to boot? Fiyah! 🔥🔥) ^@@^
» [tutorial][Eng trans] For 10th Cloud applicants: Adding pics & videos in the Cloud Cafe.
» [tutorial][Eng trans] From Stephe’s desk: Starting the requirements to become a 10th Cloud.
» [tutorial][Eng trans] From Stephe’s desk: Signing up for Rain’s official Cloud 10 fan club, now on Naver Café.
» [info] It’s finally here! The membership drive for Rain’s official 10th Cloud fan club has begun. (8/22 — 10/30)
» Rain’s official Korean/Global Cloud community site is moving to Naver Café: http://cafe.naver.com/officialcloud.cafe
» R.A.I.N. Company has moved to elegant new digs! Scroll down to our Rain links below for their new address.
» You can visit the previous Open Thread HERE. And of course, don’t forget that our Cloud USA Forum is still a most excellent place for Rain love, fan communication, and self-expression. By the way — have you left a message for Rain on THE (retiring) CLOUD Rain Official Fan Community OR on the RAIN JAPAN Official Website 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. We’re 10th Cloud term members now, but the same still applies.
» DramaFever NEWS. For the latest on your Korean, Latin, and Asian stars and their shows.
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» LINK: V-Live TV’s website » LINK: Rain’s V-Live videos for Replay
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** NOTE: THESE ARE MY EXPERIENCES ON MY DESKTOP COMPUTER. Figuring this stuff out on my tablet has been harder, so in the interest of time, I’ve been pursuing my 10th Cloud membership on my PC.
Hi, fellow Cloud 10 hopefuls! Good to talk with you again. Sorry that it’s been a little while, but learning to navigate Naver and trying to get my Diligent Cloud requirements done so I can be upgraded to an official 10th Cloud has been quite distracting. And, I must admit… FUN! I cannot tell you how much I’m enjoying the camaraderie on the site. In roughly 3 or 4 days, I reckon I should be a bona fide member of this new term and finally able to read the private message that Rain left in the Cloud Cafe for all 10th Clouds. Some of the earliest applicants have reached 10th status, I see. Congrats to them! So excited! 🙂
A lot of y’all have asked me how to post pics and videos, so here are my experiences with that in the hopes that it helps.
— Cloud cover by Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Don’t let those images you’ve seen of the R.A.I.N. Company building empty and in ruins alarm you, peeps! It’s all good, because Rain and company have pulled up stakes and moved on up to one of the most prestigious and expensive (if not THE most prestigious and expensive) address in Seoul.
And the agency deserves it, IMHO. (I am wondering what’s going to happen on the site where the building used to be, though…?)
Continue reading ‘[info][8 images] R.A.I.N. Company has elegant new digs. What a location! (8/22)’
— Cloud cover by Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
** NOTE: Though I will also be setting up my Tab A to access the Cloud 10 site soon (with the Naver Café app for Android in the Google Play Store), at the moment I’m doing all of this on my desktop computer. Seems like this will be easier for the time being.
» Having trouble getting a Naver ID or applying to use the Cloud 10 café? → [tutorial][Eng trans] From Stephe’s desk: Signing up for Rain’s official Cloud 10 fan club, now on Naver Cafe.
» Membership drive instructions for Cloud 10. → [info] It’s finally here! The membership drive for Rain’s official 10th Cloud fan club has begun. (8/22 — 10/30)
Hi there, peeps! Time for me to check and see if my application’s gone through and I’ve been accepted on the new Cloud 10 café site. Fingers crossed. Read on! ^@@^
— Cloud cover by Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
** EDITED TO ADD: I forgot to mention… I did all of this from my computer, rather than my Tab A or my phone. But I imagine it will work the same whether you’re desktop or mobile. ^@@^
Firstly, I want to thank those who went the extra mile for Clouds and Rain fans by posting Naver tutorials based on their own experiences, in the hopes that it would help the rest of us. Korean mega-portal Naver is something most of us have run into in the K-Pop/K-drama world, right? But when it comes to navigating the thing, it’s brand new territory in another language, not to mention daunting, frustrating to the point of tearing your hair out, etc.
— Cloud cover by Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Dear Rain fans, it’s a good day to be a Cloud!
The 9th Cloud term has lasted longer than any other, as far as I know, and we certainly got our membership money’s worth, as far as I’m concerned. But, as much as I’ve enjoyed it, it is coming to a close and R.A.I.N. Company has opened the recruitment doors for Rain’s official 10th Cloud fan club, if you choose to walk through them.
(FYI: Even though there is an English Talk board, many Internet browsers now have a tool bar option that will translate the page you’re on with the click of a button. You can successfully use that with the fan club site. Try it!)
Read on!
“Because of You” (Eternal Rain, 2006). The favorite of my favorites, played more in my car than any other!
Setting the scene: It was December 2009, near Christmas. (It would be another month before Cloud USA was even born.) I’d been a Rain fan all by my lonesome for 2 – 3 years, and Terri was brand spanking new, just becoming one since we’d seen newly released Ninja Assassin twice in theaters a month earlier (November). I was feeling bummed out one night because Rain was coming to the U.S. for his Legend of Rainism concert tour stop in Las Vegas and I couldn’t go, so I went on YouTube, hunted down an earlier LoR stop (the very first one, at Saitama Super Arena in Japan), and watched the whole two and a half hour concert in my living room, the next best thing. Sort of like being in Vegas in spirit…^^
— Cloud cover by Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
You know the drill. Add your favorite dressing, stir well with your fork, and dig in! 😛
Fan made. Sexy Rain. By one of my favorite Clouds on YouTube, dear Soorain. This also includes a glimpse of that incredibly HOT “Nan” performance in Daegu (2007) that about burned our eyes out. O_O
This month’s theme is Rain’s long relationship with Harper’s Bazaar Magazine. In particular, a few images from Harper’s Bazaar China (sporting MCM fashion) and Harper’s Bazaar Korea (wearing H&M and other brands in New York City) in 2014, and in Korea earlier this year with wife Kim Tae Hee, wearing Dior and other delectable things.
They look better “fitted” or “centered” depending on size, but please feel free to display them however you like.
Just right-CLICK and save them to your hard-drive. Enjoy! 🙂 ^@@^
(2100 x 1600 and 1940 x 1500. Smaller size 1400 x 1000 in Gallery below. Month. By Stephe @ CloudUSA.)
Continue reading ‘[4 images] Wallpaper! Get your Rain calendar wallpaper for August 2017.’
» [tutorial][Eng trans] For 10th Cloud applicants: Adding pics & videos in the Cloud Cafe.
» [tutorial][Eng trans] From Stephe’s desk: Starting the requirements to become a 10th Cloud.
» [tutorial][Eng trans] From Stephe’s desk: Signing up for Rain’s official Cloud 10 fan club, now on Naver Café.
» [info] It’s finally here! The membership drive for Rain’s official 10th Cloud fan club has begun. (8/22 — 10/30)
» Rain’s official Korean/Global Cloud community site is moving to Naver Café: http://cafe.naver.com/officialcloud.cafe
» R.A.I.N. Company has moved to elegant new digs! Scroll down to our Rain links below for their new address.
» You can visit the previous Open Thread HERE. And of course, don’t forget that our Cloud USA Forum is still a most excellent place for Rain love, fan communication, and self-expression. By the way — have you left a message for Rain on THE (retiring) CLOUD Rain Official Fan Community OR on the RAIN JAPAN Official Website 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. We’re 9th Cloud members now (about to be 10th!), but the same still applies.
» DramaFever NEWS. For the latest on your Korean, Latin, and Asian stars and their shows.
° ° °
» LINK: V-Live TV’s website » LINK: Rain’s V-Live videos for Replay
° ° °
— Cloud cover by Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
I have to give Rain’s longtime friend, actor Kim Kwang Min, props here. It’s never easy for anyone to admit their shortcomings, much less on TV in front of, like, everybody. And for him to be able to get out of his feelings, look back, and understand that Rain was acting as a friend (not something many people can do, take criticism), he’s a pretty cool guy. These two have worked together on K-dramas A Love To Kill, The Fugitive: Plan B, My Lovely Girl, and upcoming Chinese TV drama Endless August.
Translation begins around a minute into the first video. » For more about what was said before that, see the second SOOMPI News article in my previous post HERE. Thanks to our Sunnypeony for her hard work! ^@@^
— Cloud cover by Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Well, peeps, if Rain re-posting from our Instagram wasn’t cool enough, it also landed Cloud USA in the Korean news (Nate, Newsen, eNews 24, etc.) and on Naver blogs. They must be watching his social media like a hawk! The gist of these write-ups is how Rain revealed a refreshing, handsome appearance [in a picture] of him picking out dessert in a café, how he re-uploaded the picture onto his Instagram from his U.S. fan account, and how even with sunglasses and a hat he could not hide [all that handsomeness]. True, oh, so true.^^
Continue reading ‘[articles] Rain check: Of a bad tenant, a good friend, and Cloud USA in the news.’
— Cloud cover by Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
The materials from Rain’s Nikon campaigns is so extensive, I had to break them up into parts to survive trying to post it all. Are we really — finally — at the end of this thing? Onwards, then! I hope you’ve enjoyed our journey. 🙂
Winter/Spring 2010. After all of that running around Seoul and other places with Rain using his photography skills, Nikon put all of his images together in a D5000 series photo exhibition for the public. I can’t remember if the camera package presented to that lucky winner was a giveaway or an auction, but I do remember that the event happened earlier in the month, online, and all the dude had to do was come and pick his prize up from Rain. ^@@^
— Cloud cover by Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
…that he does think about his Clouds and is gathering them close. He’s been showing some of his unofficial global fan groups love on his Instagram randomly this summer by re-posting from theirs, something he’s never done before on social media. As far as fans go, these actions are unprecedented. And we adore and appreciate the gesture. ❤
Continue reading ‘[4 images][1 dance cam] Instagrams abound: 비 wants you to see…’
— Cloud cover by Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
6/29. Full clip. For those of you who might have missed it, Rain’s full performance at this year’s Viral Fest Asia 2017 in Bangkok, Thailand, back on June 3. ^@@^ (Source credit: WebTV Asia @ YT.)
2016. Clips. Strictly for the Visuals: Sexy, racing hot star Rain in three Season 1 Hot Star Close Up episodes (I cracked up over how the host introduced him, LOL~ Loved it!), and world star Rain’s Squall concert tour showcased on an episode from Season 2. Stars From Korea is a Chinese online program that talks about Korean stars. ^@@^ (Source credits: STARS FROM KOREA @ YT.)
— Cloud cover by Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
비 wanted you to see on his Instagram about an hour ago:
…wanted you to see on his Instagram three days ago:
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7/14. Rain was at C27 Cheesecake &Coffee in the Apgujeong neighborhood in Gangnam District, looking classy casual and getting his dessert-on, haha. (Image: @____1223____) Weibo user Melody noticed that he was wearing the Nikes he posted about on Instagram last year. (Image source: @sunnypeony) Apgujeong is considered to be one of the wealthiest and most fashionable neighborhoods in South Korea. ^@@^
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— Cloud cover by Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Actually, I should probably rename this Rain check something like, Stephe Goes On Several Rants. But hey, y’all should be used to me by now.^^
7/7. Diamond Lover check: For the longest time, I didn’t give two hoots about watching Diamond Lover (2015). » SEE the official long trailer » SEE the official CEO trailer. I didn’t try to watch it, and I didn’t care to watch it. I’ll tell you why.
— Cloud cover by Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Mix well with your favorite dressing, grab a fork, and dig in! 😛
7/11. Clip, English-subbed. Brief Rain interview about his experience at Viral Fest Asia 2017, and his future plans. A boatload of brief artist interviews and performances were released in the past 4 hours. Rain’s was the first! ^@@^ (Source credit: WebTV Asia @ YT.)
7/8. Fan cam and image compilation. Thai Clouds’ personal POV during Rain’s time in Bangkok for VFA 2017. ^@@^ (Credit: Rainscloudthailand @ YT.)
— Cloud cover by Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Hmmm. Interesting, indeed! Here are a few thoughts that crossed my mind when I read the article below:
What a perfect fit for Rain. He’s always been a nurturing and caring senior when it comes to idols and those who dream of being idols, and Korea is full of young entertainers who will attest to that fact. He has a ton of valuable guidance and advice to give to the dreamers out there…
— Cloud cover by Stephe, Managing Editor ^@@^
Hi there, dearest readers, Rain fans, and Clouds. ❤
Although I have enjoyed the heck out of all of Rain’s performances so far this year, I’ve made no bones about the fact that his live comeback on KBS’s Yoo Hee Yeol’s Sketchbook this past January slew me like no other. As if the official “The Best Present” music video wasn’t phenomenal enough, his live-mic’d stage of the song was and is almost unbearable in its beauty. The way Rain moved, the way he sounded, the complete dedication of every joint and bone in his body to that moment… It was just… YOWZA…
Cloud USA 