Second Concert Date Added for SMTown Live in Paris

The announcement of the June 10 SMTown Paris concert generated enormous excitement, with tickets selling out within 15 minutes. The cost of the cheapest seats were 56 Euros (~88,000 won) and VIP seats at 111 Euros (~175,000 won), but there were VIP tickets being scalped for 399 Euros (~620,000 won) online on the first day that tickets were being sold.

The high difficulty of purchasing seats for the single concert date caused many European fans to urge SM Entertainment to put on an additional performance. The request by fans for a second concert date culminated in a flash-mob outside the Louvre Museum in Paris attended by over 300 people. As a result of the huge demand, SM Entertainment confirmed a second performance date for June 11. SM Entertainment expects the total two-day attendance number to reach 13,000 fans.

[Update: Korean Connection has issued a message with their apologies that the ticket sales have been indefinitely postponed. This article will be updated when more information is made available.]

Check out the Soshified Projects section for more information on fellow fans heading to SMTown Live in Paris as well!

Source: dongA, KoMe_France
Written by: michaelroni@soshified.com
Translated by: jreddevil07@soshified.com

SM Entertainment might hold 'SM Town Live World Tour' in South America this July

SNSD might be travelling to the ‘Land of Passion’ South America this summer.

SNSD and other SM Entertainment artistes including BoA, TVXQ, Super Junior, SHINee, f(x), etc might possibly be going on a South American tour this July. According to an official from the music industry, there is a plan for SM Entertainment artistes to have a concert in South American countries such as Brazil, Chile, etc in July. The South American concerts will be part of the ‘SM Town Live World Tour’ kicked off last year.

SM’s plan to tour South America was also fueled by the artistes huge popularity in the region. In February this year, in a survey entitled ‘Which artiste will have a concert in Brazil?’conducted via a TV broadcast, SM Entertainment artistes, namely Super Junior, BoA, SNSD and SHINee grabbed the top 4 spots. In addition to that, in November last year, Korea Foundation for International Culture Exchange (KOFICE) conducted a survey to find out Brazilian fans’ choice of famous Korean singers. The results – Super Junior in 1st place, SHINee, BoA and SNSD were in 2nd, 4th and 5th place respectively.

Music industry official said, “SM’s ripple effect is really great. Not only in US, Japan, China, the artistes have managed to make impact even to Europe and South America and this is such a rare phenomenon for Korean artistes. Isn’t this the way of the true ‘World Stars’?”.

source: sportsseoul.com
cr: fanwonder.com

K-Pop arrives in Europe

Hundreds of French fans gathered in front of the Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday demanded an extension of a Korean pop concert, symbolizing the spread of the Korean Wave beyond Asia and into Europe.

Around 200 diehard K-pop fans picketed while dancing to Korean pop tunes for over an hour in front of the museum, demanding that a concert by TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, SHINee and f(x) scheduled for June 10 be extended for another day.

The 6,000 tickets for the concert sold out in just 15 minutes online. SM Entertainment, the organizer, is considering an unscheduled additional concert on June 9 to reward the enthusiasm of the French fans.

K-pop is popular in other European countries including the United Kingdom and Germany as well. On Feb. 25 this year, British teens formed a 200 m long queue in front of the Korean Cultural Centre in Trafalgar Square to see the first K-pop concert hosted by the centre. Around 700 fans were in line to watch the concert, including from Scotland, 600 km away. British teens surprised cultural centre staff by imitating dance moves by K-pop groups such as Big Bang, 2NE1 and Super Junior and singing their songs in Korean.

What is it the appeal to European teens? One French teenager who said she is an avid fan said, “K-pop stars can sing and dance well and they have perfect faces and bodies. They make great music videos, so when you watch that you get addicted to them and watch them again and again.” Websites like YouTube have played a huge role in bringing K-pop to Europe. Diehard French fans have created websites where visitors can download K-pop music videos and TV dramas featuring the artists.

Another factor is that a large number of K-pop songs were created by European songwriters. The Girls’ Generation song “Tell Me Your Wish (Genie)” was created by a European team of songwriters. “Chu~♡” by f(x) was written by a Swedish songwriting team, while TVXQ’s “Mirotic” was written by a Danish team.

K-pop has captured the attention of the European media. Early this year, French state-run broadcaster TF2 featured a documentary called “Korea, Hidden Strength” about K-pop stars and their lives. The BBC reported last Tuesday that the Korean Wave has spread past Asia to Europe and the U.S. “While conglomerates such as Samsung and Hyundai still form the backbone of the country’s financial structure, many people now believe that the Korean national brand itself is changing to reflect this new passion for Korean Wave,” the BBC said.

Source: [The Chosun Ilbo]

K-Pop Fans Request Additional Date for SMTown Paris

More than 300 fans held a flash mob at the Louvre Museum in Paris, urging for an extension of the sold-out 'SMTown Live World Tour in Paris'. The star-studded concert featuring artists from SM Entertainment is to be held on June 10th, and many are requesting for an extension of the one-day event.

On April 26th, ticket sales for the concert started and were deemed sold out within only 15 minutes. Many fans of groups like Girls' Generation, TVXQ, Super Junior, Shinee and f(x) were not able to secure a place in the concert hall, causing them to move into action.

Here's a clip of the flash mob:

It was later reported that SM Entertainment is in the midst of considering an additional show, but needs to take into account other factors first before making a final decision.

In other news, as of 9.10AM on May 2nd, SM Entertainment's stock prices rose by 3.36% on the KOSDAQ market. This is most likely due to the sold out 'SMTown Live World Tour in Paris' concert to be held next month.

Written by: shizzles9@soshified.com
Source: Nate 1, 2, OrientExtreme@youtube

SM confirms "SM TOWN LIVE IN TOKYO" for September

SM Entertainment’s “SM TOWN LIVE in TOKYO SPECIAL EDITION” has been confirmed for September 3rd and 4th!

The two-day concert was originally scheduled for April 9th and 10th at the Tokyo Dome concert hall, but due to the natural disasters affecting Japan, SM Entertainment had no option but to postpone the date.

As the Tokyo Dome can house a 50,000 member audience, representatives are expecting over a 100,000 member audience over the two days.

Aside from Tokyo, “SM TOWN LIVE” will be heading to Paris, France on June 10th as well and all tickets were snapped up almost immediately after going on sale on April 26th.

Source: Newsen via Nate

Ever wonder how SM tries to protect the girls since the "Taeyeon Incident"

Recently, One of the member, Taeyeon was dragged by mysterious man on stage while they were performing Run Devil Run @Angel Price Music Festival. After the incident SNSD's protection/security are very tight now.

Take a look, SME hired alot of bodyguards. It's for SNSD's safety.

Girls' Generation's New Japanese Album Sets SM Entertainment's Stocks Soaring

SM Entertainment, the company that houses girl group Girls’ Generation, is waiting in anticipation for the sales reports of the soon-to-be released Japanese single album, ‘MR. TAXI’.

On April 25th, SM Entertainment’s stock prices on the KOSDAQ market finished the day at 19,600 won, which is 4.26% (800W) higher than the previous day. During trading, the share price at one point hit a high of 6.91%. The company’s shares significantly increased to 1.12 million shares from 280,000 shares.

The company’s strong showing in stock prices is interpreted to be a reflection of the high expectations of girl group Girls’ Generation’s Japanese single album ‘MR. TAXI’ due to be released on April 27th. According to the company, Girls’ Generation will release the single containing songs ‘MR. TAXI’ and ‘Run Devil Run’ and begin full-fledged activities in Japan thereafter.

Though the stocks stumbled last month in light of the recent earthquakes in Japan, stock market experts foresee them heading towards a positive direction as soon as SM artists start Japan promotions.

Samsung stock researcher Gong Taehyun states that “With the recent Japanese earthquakes, people’s mindsets towards investing in SM were less optimistic. But as Girls’ Generation’s activities resume, there are less worries now. Girls’ Generation has the biggest sales in terms of Japan-related activites as reflected from the first 4 quarters. If the SMTown concert in Japan is confirmed, results will further improve.”

Stay tuned for more updates on the girls and their Japanese activities!

Written by: shizzles9@soshified.com
Translators: 오이사랑싴, kpxsammy, oniontaker@soshified.com
Source: hankooki

SMTown Live in Paris Confirmed for June 10

SM Entertainment is going to Europe and they are holding a concert in France, Paris for the first time.

SM revealed on the 20th, "SMTown World Tour that's has been held in Seoul, LA, Tokyo, Shanghai, etc, will also be held in 'Le Zenith de Paris', which is located in France, Paris, on June 10th. They plan to meet the music fans in Paris".

SM Entertainment is first Korean entertainment company to hold a joint concert in Europe.

The venue that the concert will be held in, 'Le Zenith de Paris', is also famous as a stage that world star singers like Ne-Yo, PCD, and the Jonas Brothers have performed in.

The SM artists that will participate in Paris performance include: TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls' Generation, SHINee, and f(x) are the leaders of the K-pop sensation in Europe. Because it's the first performance that popular K-pop singers will be holding in Paris, this will gain attention from music fans from Europe.

Also, last January, France TV Channel 2TV reported the Hallyu sensation with SM artists mainly.

SM Entertainment revealed that, "After performances in Asia and now through this concert in Paris, they plan to broaden their activities to US and Europe, and have their artists participate in global activities by using a variety of networking."

Translated by 오이사랑싴@soshified.com
Source: Asia Economy

SME books SNSD a holiday house for vacation

After conquering 2010 with their successes from “Hoot” promotions late last year, it was recently revealed that SNSD had received a “surprise present” from their agency, SM Entertainment, as a way to give them time off before their soon-to-come full fledged venture into the Japanese market.

SM Entertainment reportedly rented out an entire holiday home in Gyeonggi-do for all nine members to stay for two days, and designed it in the form of an ‘exclusive club’. The girls were free from their bodyguards and managers during their two day stay, where they were able to enjoy their time with wine and appetizers.

With regards to their surprise gift, a representative of SM Entertainment stated, “The average age of SNSD is 21.5; they’re at a young age where they want to have fun too. We gave them this time for them to have fun amongst themselves without having other people looking down at them.”

They may be idol stars who show amazing performances with overflowing charisma on stage, but they’re also young adults in their teens and early 20s. From an agency’s perspective, handling these ‘active’ young adults isn’t an easy task. Major entertainment agencies are having to rack their brains to think of ideas like this in order to take care of their idols as efficiently as possible.

Major entertainment agencies find that it is these kinds of ‘unexpected presents’ that their idols appreciate the most. “Rather than the things that these kids know exactly when and what they will get, like end-of-year bonuses or regular pays, it’s those surprise gifts that move them the most and find motivation to work harder,” said an agency representative.

SM gives SNSD a vacation

SM Entertainment recently rented out a private pension club for 2 days in order to allow all 9 Girls' Generation members to rest. The girls stayed at the club without the presence of managers or bodyguards, making the 2 days a fully private experience. In addition to complete privacy, SM Entertainment also provided food and drinks for all 9 members at the club. With the girls making a strong charge into the Japanese market with 'Run Devil Run/MR. TAXI' as well as their numerous appearances on variety shows and commercials, their schedule has been understandably busy. SM acknowledged that, despite their strong on-stage presence, "the members of Girls' Generation have an average age of 21.5 years" and that "they are girls who want to party" but that they can't do so like normal girls because of the attention they receive.

Source: Chosun
Written by: michaelroni@soshified.com
Contributor: 오이사랑싴@soshified.com

SM Entertainment to produce Korean “Hana Kimi”

On March 10th, an SM Entertainment (SME) rep announced that the company had obtained the rights to produce a Korean adaptation of the Japanese manga,Hanazakari no Kimitachi e (For You in Full Blossom).

To be entitled 아름다운 그대에게 (Beautiful You) in Korea, this project comes in the light of JYP Entertainment’s success in producing the idol drama, Dream High.

The Japanese manga, which is better known to avid readers as Hana Kimi, has achieved widespread success with over 17 million copies sold worldwide.

In Taiwan, the drama adaptation of the manga recorded the highest viewership in 2006 while its Japanese counterpart also managed to garner an average of 17.04% in viewer ratings. Thus, fans responded almost immediately to the news, resulting in the phraseHana Kimi trending on Twitter just a few minutes after the official announcement.

For the uninitiated, the story is basically about the lives of “pretty boys” staying on campus, and focuses on a girl — disguised as a boy — who enters the all-boys school with a mission.

Consequently, representatives of SME revealed that the 16-episode Korean version will most probably air this summer with a strong storyline backed by a slew of handsome actors.

Since SME houses mega Hallyu stars such as BoA, TVXQ, SNSD and Super Junior, many have been speculating that a majority of the Beautiful You characters will be portrayed by its artists. However, an SME rep said that, “some SM artists will be chosen but not all.”

Nonetheless, netizens have been attempting to create their own all-star cast since the drama’s producer hinted that netizens’ votes or suggestions may determine who will be in the drama. Here are amongst some of the hottest suggestions (in Korea and internationally) so far:

Taeyeon (SNSD), Yoona (SNSD), Sulli [f(x)], Amber [f(x)] or Yeon Hee (last seen in Paradise Ranch) as Mizuki Ashiya, the female lead who disguises herself as a boy to help her idol, the excellent high-jumper, Izumi Sano jump again.

Minho (SHINee), Eunhyuk (Super Junior) or Kyuhyun (Super Junior) as Izumi Sano, the male lead who stopped high-jumping for unknown reasons and finds out Ashiya’s true gender pretty early in the series, without her realizing it.

Sungmin (Super Junior), Eunhyuk (Super Junior) or Onew (SHINee) as Shuichi Nakatasu, the second male lead who becomes a close friend of Ashiya and becomes conflicted with his sexual preference when he begins to fall for Ashiya, not knowing that she is a female.

Changmin (TVXQ), Donghae (Super Junior) or Siwon (Super Junior) as Minami Nanba, the dorm leader of the 2nd dormitory and a “ladies man”.

Heechul (Super Junior) or Yunho (TVXQ) as Hokuto Umeda, the school’s hot homosexual doctor who was the first to discover Ashiya’s true gender.

So, what will your ideal cast be for 아름다운 그대에게 (Beautiful You)?

Source: Shared by hellohazel @ SMTownJjang

[Rumor] Who's the female lead for Hana Kimi (Korean Version)?

Recently SM Entertainment mention that they will have a Drama called Hana Kimi. Hana Kimi is originally from Japan but this time SM Entertainment make it for Korean Version. The Drama is confirmed but how about the female and male lead role? Who is it? There's rumor going on that Yoona is going to be the Female Lead for Hana Kimi and Heechul is going to be the Male Lead. What do you think?

PS, About the female/male leads aren't confirmed yet. Will update more as soon as we get the news.

SM, The Red Cross, and the Social Contribution Agreement

SM Entertainment made a large contribution to the Red Cross on March 5th.

SM and the Red Cross met today, at 11am, to discuss how SM could increase humanitarian exercises as well as fostering a culture of voluntary agreements that could lead to a large amount of social contributions.

SM CEO Kim Youngmin attended the ceremony today, with Red Cross representatives, as well as Super Junior’s Yesung, SNSD’s Seohyun, SHINee’s Taemin, and f(x)’s Victoria. Red Cross captains also attended to give out top honors.

In addition, through this agreement SM agreed to be a part of the RCY (Red Cross Youth) program, therefore helping its formation. SM employees, who have regular promotional activities, participate regularly in pop culture and can lead a healthy group of volunteers to the forefront of this foundation.

Meanwhile from 2007 until now CSJH (2007), Super Junior (2007-2010), and f(x) (2010), have acted as ambassadors and donated blood to foster a culture of sharing among the community. This message led to contributions such as those that occurred when a massive earthquake hit Japan last month; so far, one billion won of relief has entered the Red Cross to help those affected by the tragedy.

Translated by: 오이사랑싴@soshified.com
Written by: JeremyJay22@soshified.com
Source: Asiae