nathaniel

[14.06.10] Hyomin to collaborate with rapper Loco for “Nice Body” Ahead of her solo debut, Hyomin released a new jacket image that reveals she will collaborate with Loco. Today (11th), Hyomin unveiled a new teaser image for her solo debut where she was posed alongside the rapper Loco. Hyomin wore a see-through yellow skirt with an otherwise sporty look, while Loco wore all black. Loco is a Korean rapper who is under Jay Park‘s own company, AOMG. Last month, he released a digital single called “Hold Me Tight” that became popular. Hyomin and Loco’s collaboration will first be teased on the 12th at 7:00 PM KST through a teaser video releasing on both Facebook and YouTube. After that, “Nice Body” will be released in the upcoming weeks and is produced by Brave Brothers. *** Source: http://xportsnews.hankyung.com/?ac=article_view&entry_id=459322 Translated by: Nathaniel @ Diadem

[14.06.07] Hyomin to reveal spoiler video teaser on the 12th Hyomin announced that she will reveal a special spoiler video for her solo debut as well as revealed a brand new still cut from the behind-the-scenes of her solo debut preparations. Core Contents Media revealed that Hyomin will release a special spoiler video (similar to Jiyeon’s) for Hyomin’s solo debut on the 12th via their YouTube and Facebook accounts. In addition, published on the 7th was a picture of Hyomin in a white tank-top with a gray-ish blonde haircut. Beside her was Jiyeon who was filming the both of them in the mirror. Hyomin’s title song “Nice Body” is composed by Brave Brothers and is a completely different song (music and style) than Jiyeon’s “1MIN 1SEC”. *** Source: Newsen Translated by: Nathaniel @ Diadem

[14.06.07] Eunjung to appear on the R-rated sex and relationship jTBC talk show “Witch Hunt” It’s been announced that Eunjung will appear on the Friday, June 19th installment of the jTBC talk show “Witch Hunt”. Eunjung will show off her proud and honest charms with the 4MC group (Shin Dongyeob, Sung Sikyung, Heo Jiwoong, Yoo Seyoon). jTBC made the announcement today (7th) and also revealed that F-ve Dolls member Seunghee will be on it as well. In regards to it, the “Witch Hunt’ PD said, “We’re cautious to bring female idols onto the show with the 4MC group, but Eunjung and Seunghee seem like two people who will be able to appear and create synergy.” In the past other female idols such as Jewelry’s Yewon, Brown Eyed Girls’ Gain and Narsha, and Orange Caramel’s Lizzie appeared on the show. *** Source: TV Report Translated by: Nathaniel @ Diadem

I merged the two topics on this together.

[14.05.29] Hyomin reveals first teaser picture for her upcoming solo debut next month Hyomin has unveiled to Newsen the first teaser image for her upcoming solo debut! After Jiyeon's solo debut earlier this month, Hyomin will follow forth next month with a Brave Brothers produced title song. Core Contents Media has released the first teaser image of Hyomin today and Hyomin is shown sans her long hair and transformed into a girl with an unconventional short blonde hairstyle. In addition, in the background of the teaser image, there is a picture of her in a style we aren't used to seeing her in. On June 2nd, the title of the song and more teaser images will be released for Hyomin as she makes last-minute preparations for her solo album. *** Source: http://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201405291110319610 Translated by: Nathaniel @ Diadem

[PRESS] Jiyeon photoshoot for BNT Hankyung (05/28) View the rest at the gallery: http://www.tiaradiadem.com/forums/gallery/album/2188-jiyeon-for-bnt-hankyung-may/ View the rest at the gallery: http://www.tiaradiadem.com/forums/gallery/album/2188-jiyeon-for-bnt-hankyung-may/ *** Credit: bnt news + nathaniel + tiaradiadem

[14.05.27] Jiyeon to reveal original version of “1MIN 1SEC” music video at midnight Jiyeon will unveil the original version of her solo music video "1MIN 1SEC" tonight at midnight (28th). The original version of the "1MIN 1SEC" music video will show off the pelvic dance and bat-dance and show a stronger side of Jiyeon than the previously released music video. The newly released music video will be 30% longer than the one currently published and will have an additional 2minutes of special footage added on. The new music video will be a surprise for fans because the images from the video have not been revealed yet. Jiyeon's "1MIN 1SEC" music video has collected a lot of attention, especially overseas in China where it was ranked first on the K-pop music videos chart. *** Source: http://www.starnnews.com/news/index.html?no=301490 Translated by: Nathaniel @ Diadem

[14.05.26] “To unite is to die, to split is to survive”.. Will Jiyeon kickstart T-ara’s 2nd beginning? As the saying goes “to unite is to survive, to split is to die,” but the saying does not apply to T-ara. In fact, it should be the exact opposite: to unite is to die. After the July 2012 incident with Hwayoung, although two years have already passed, the public still view T-ara coldly and at a distance. Have T-ara had their peak? They were the stars of the retro concept comebacks. Roly-Poly was the most popular song of 2011. However, after Hwayoung left the group, T-ara became a word synonymous with “anti.” T-ara’s retro style was no longer accepted by the public. Although they returned afterwards with Number Nine and Do You Know Me?, all they received was only the public ignoring them. Will T-ara just fall like that? At this time, there is skepticism as their unexpected “counter-attack” begins. At the center of this is the group’s maknae, Jiyeon. She is not standing on stage as her original identity of T-ara Jiyeon but as “solo artist Jiyeon”. This is the start and notice to the beginning of the second start for T-ara. Will T-ara’s “season two” succeed? At the very least, Jiyeon is experiencing a better reaction that thought. “To unite is to die, to split is to survive” Looking through “tainted glasses” is very scary. Misunderstanding and their explanations and apologies are all blocked. One will only see the color that they want to see when looking through “tainted glasses” and believe that the colo0r that they see is then the truth. For T-ara, that is what the tainted glasses did. No matter what the misunderstanding was, the public does not want to hear or accept T-ara’s apologies or explanations. Therefore, for T-ara to unite (stay together) is to die. The public disregards their music and closes their eyes to their popular dance choreography. They don’t even give them a chance to showcase their charms. Under such circumstances, T-ara’s agency Core Contents Media chose to disperse them. That is, to have the members go solo. And the first protagonist is Jiyeon. A source from Core Contents Media said that “T-ara still wants to show a lot of their talents.” Unfortunately, people already have a prejudice against T-ara. They continued by saying, “Jiyeon has a wide variety of images that has not yet been seen in T-ara. She wants to use her charms as a singer to show everyone.” The result is a completely different image of Jiyeon when she is standing on the stage. She abandoned her image in T-ara. Instead, what she showed off is a perfect showcase of her personal charm. Through her solo song “1MIN 1SEC”, she challenged the concept of “innocent sexy.” The song is a sad song and the choreography is tough. The head of choreography responsible for the dance said that “Jiyeon really was biting the bullet in enduring throughout her practice. She had two months of continuous preparation for the solo stage debut.” They also said, “The “singer Jiyeon” has a lot of things that she wants to show still. She purely wants to show her charisma as a singer; to attempt the things she has not done in T-ara.” Viewing without prejudice.. will it work? Now that T-ara is scattered, the results are appearing gradually. Although only partially, the “tainted glasses” that are always used to view T-ara are starting to come off. The first result was seen when Jiyeon’s “1MIN 1SEC ” occupied Cyworld music charts in the first position on the 20th. It was also listed in the Top 10 on other music charts. The music video has also been popular. The “1MIN 1SEC music video” keyword has been repeatedly entered into the portal real-time search charts. Teasers, spoiler videos and the music video have all received a large amount of views. Even the dance choreography’s name of “pelvic dance” and “bat-dance” became top searched keywords. The reaction from the public also has seen a shift from being “accusations ” to becoming “critical.” It is no longer a case of just “blindly hating” on T-ara. Comments such as “because it was like this, I don’t like it,” “this is not bad” have begun showing. This is different from the reactions from when T-ara had made comebacks. In fact, this was a never before seen reaction for them. What would the public’s reaction be if T-ara sang “1MIN 1SEC”? The public would shut their ears and eyes and blindly hate. In contrast, they have opened their eyes and ears for Jiyeon’s “1MIN 1SEC”. Of course, there is always going to be a mixture of good and bad reactions. There were both the “sexy is the most desperate option” sarcasm and also the praises like “she actually has such talents like that?” There is hope for Jiyeon. In an interview she made before making her solo debut, she said that “she understands” that people have negative feelings towards T-ara. But Jiyeon pleaded, “nevertheless, I hope you can be forgiving and view us without prejudice, even if it’s only for once.” Her plea is not for people to forget the past situations.. It is just her hope that as a singer, she can be judged by her performance this time. T-ara’s 2nd beginning: not a crisis but a chance At the time of her interview, Jiyeon was already had a lot of determination for this second beginning. She said, “My solo activity is not meant to increase my personal popularity. Although it is a solo song for me, I still want to stand on stage together with T-ara unnies again.” Jiyeon’s solo challenge is also key in T-ara’s second season. It shows the individual member’s hidden charisma and looks to obtain a similar effect that T-ara’s group activities would achieve. Jiyeon has successfully taken the first step, and soon after, the other members will follow in her foot-steps. Firstly, Hyomin will will take the baton for solo song promotions. She is set to debut next month. Hyomin has the best fashion sense in the group and she will use what suits her best for a showdown to determine the winner. The song has already been completed with Brave Brothers. She is currently “arming” her image with her modern and trendy fashionista outfits. Other members will also begin solo activities in their respective fields. Former child star Eunjung will simultaneously take parts in movies and TV activities. In fact, Eunjung has recently received a movie proposal for “The Boss, The Beginning” to star as the female lead, but it is still being considered. Soyeon, Qri, and Boram also have the possibility of starting individual activities. T-ara’s second season has begun. The strategy now is “to unite is to die, to split is to survive.” This is the inevitable consequence of the public choosing to ignore T-ara. But thinking from another way, this is also a chance for them. This is the last chance for each member to display their individual charisma. *** Source: Dispatch Translated by: Beckhie @ Diadem

[14.05.23] Jiyeon to modify her “1MIN 1SEC” pelvis dance choreography Jiyeon will edit her sexy pelvis dance move in her “1MIN 1 SEC” choreography. Jiyeon’s agency Core Contents Media said to OSEN on the 23rd, “In the upcoming performances on music programs, Jiyeon will perform a modified version of her choreography without the sexy pelvic dance move after requests from the public.” On the 22nd, Jiyeon began doing dance practice for a new dance move to replace it. “1MIN 1SEC” focuses heavily on choreography with a “bat dance” move where she raises her jacket, mirrored dance moves, and a sexy pelvic dance move against a wall. The edited “1MIN 1SEC” choreography will be changed beginning with MBC’s “Music Core” and SBS’ “Inkigayo”. *** Source: http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1109858466 Translated by: Nathaniel @ Diadem I have no idea who would be complaining about Jiyeon’s wall dance! But I understand why it will be changed. I personally believe it was the plan all along to edit the choreography after debuting it. With Core Contents Media releasing this news to the public, it only creates more interest towards what the dance move actually was and only gets more people to check out Jiyeon’s “1MIN 1SEC” music video in the end.

[14.05.22] Info - T-ara to release a special DVD music video compilation: T-ARA Single Complete BEST Music Clips「Queen of Pops」 T-ara’s agency Universal Music Records revealed today that T-ara will release a special DVD music video compilation containing 14 of their regular Japanese music videos and six special Japanese music videos. The DVD, titled T-ARA Single Complete BEST Music Clips「Queen of Pops」, will have two versions – normal and first press – of the DVD which will both have a Blu-ray option (so technically four versions). They will all be released on June 25th!' The normal edition tracklist is featured below. It will cost 3,800 yen which is about $37 USD. The Blu-ray option (blue cover) will be 5,200 yen ($51 USD). ≪Music Clips≫ 01. Bo Peep Bo Peep (Japanese ver.) Music Video 02. yayaya (Japanese ver.) Music Video 03. Roly-Poly (Japanese ver.) Music Video 04. Lies (Japanese ver.) Music Video 05. Lovey-Dovey (Japanese ver.) Music Video 06. Sexy Love (Japanese ver.) Music Video 07. DAY BY DAY (Japanese ver.) Music Video 08. Bunny Style! Music Video 09. ＴＡＲＧＥＴ Music Video 10. Memories~The guidance you gave me~ Music Video 11. NUMBER NINE ( Japanese ver.)」 Music Video 12. Lead the way Music Video 13. What Do I Do（Japanese ver.） *May change 14. QBS/Like the wind Music Video ≪Music Clips　Other ver.≫ 01. yayaya (Japanese ver.) Music Video Dance feature ver. 02. yayaya (Japanese ver.) Music Video Short ver. 03. Roly-Poly (Japanese ver.) Music Video Dance feature ver. 04. Sexy Love (Japanese ver.) Music Video Dance ver. 05. Memories~The guidance you gave me~ Music Video (Making version) 06. Lead the way Music Video Lip ver. If you decide to order the first press edition, it will cost 5,100 yen which is about $50 USD. The Blu-ray (blue cover) will be 6,000 yen ($59 USD). In addition to the above content, the following content will also be included on the first press limited edition: ≪Music Clips Making≫ 01 .yayaya (Japanese ver.) Music Video Making 02. Roly-Poly (Japanese ver.) Music Video Making 03. Sexy Love Music Video Making 04. Bunny Style! Music Video Making 05. Lead the way Music Video Making ≪Special Contents≫　*May change 01. SHIBUYA VISION – Bo Peep Bo Peep ver. – 02. SHIBUYA VISION – Roly-Poly ver. – 03. SHIBUYA VISION – Lovey-Dovey ver. – 04. SHIBUYA VISION – Sexy Love ver. – 05. SHIBUYA VISION – TREASURE BOX ver. – 06. TV-SPOT collection (CM broadcast that was on TV) 07. SPECIAL COMENT collection (Recorded special that announcement will be given on later) The TV-SPOT will be a TV clip that recaps T-ara’s debut history until now with never before seen images and such. The SPECIAL COMENT will be revealed at a later date about what it is. I’m not sure what the SHIBUYA VISION clips will be but maybe there will be more information released closer to the release date hopefully! Also, do you think that some of the clips will be the new re-recorded music videos T-ara did for Roly-Poly and yayaya back in late last year? We still don’t know what those were for but maybe this could be it! *** Source: http://www.universal-music.co.jp/emi-records/t-ara/news/2014/05/23/ Credit: Nathaniel @ Diadem

[14.05.20] Jiyeon, “I am not looking to compete with G.NA and Hyosung; I want to prove T-ara has not given up” On the 19th, Jiyeon held a press conference in Gangnamgu at Core Contents Media ahead of the release of her first solo mini-album. At the conference, she revealed her feelings of satisfaction and burden of being the first T-ara member to promote as a solo artist. “Because I’m the maknae, do I have to be the first [to have a solo debut]?” Jiyeon joked at the beginning of the press conference. Regarding her upcoming solo debut, Jiyeon said that, “The first time I was offered a solo debut I could was hesitant. I worried a lot about having to do everything by myself and it was a burden to me so much that I trembled and couldn’t sleep at night. ” “I’ve practiced a lot and I’m getting a lot of support now from fans,” Jiyeon said. “I also received support from the T-ara unnies and Duble Sidekick sunbaes.” She continued with, “It wouldn’t be true to say I don’t still feel burdened, but I think it’s a good image for me to overcome the challenges I’m faced with.” It’s also very troublesome for Jiyeon to have to stand alone when in the past, she was used to standing on stage along side five unnies. But Jiyeon won’t be staying true to T-ara’s colors. “I have a lot greed. We have prepared a different style of song and choreography. I want to show charms that are unique to me,” she said. Jiyeon’s title song “1MIN1SEC” was composed by the team Duble Sidekick and shows off a unique charm of poetic lyrics and melody in a mid-tempo beat. The lyrics are in the view of an honest woman who cannot ever give up on the man she loves. The concept of “1MIN1SEC” is sexy. Jiyeon said that, “It was not my idea to have a sexy concept. I wanted to have an androygnous concept, with some feminine and masculine aspects.” But when she was asked what sexy meant to her, Jiyeon replied, “I never thought of myself as sexy, but now when I go up on stage, I feel like my gaze is slowly changing. I am becoming more confident.” At the same time as Jiyeon, G.NA and Jeon Hyosung have came back as solo artists. Inevitably, they all have been compared because of their songs all being composed by Duble Sidekick but because they also all have sexy concepts. Jiyeon said, “I worried in the beginning about this, but after watching their songs and music videos, I realized we all have different concepts. So I think that we can all have a win-win situation.” She continued, “In reality, I’m not close with many celebrities, but I hope I can use this opportunity to be closer with them. I am competitive, but not right now.” When she was asked how she would stand out, she said, “I actually don’t have any weapon. I would only say I’m trying to do my best.” She also stated, “Honestly, I just want to show that T-ara has not given up.” In conclusion, Jiyeon revealed her future expectations: “This is not the last time I will make a solo album,” she said, “I hope to take on the challenge again.” Jiyeon’s “Never Ever” mini-album will be released at noon today (May 2oth) and her first stage performance will be on the May 22nd episode of M!Countdown. Make sure you have purchased her album via YesAsia if you haven’t already! *** Source: Newsen / BNT News Translated by: Nathaniel @ Diadem

[14.05.17] T-ara in an interview with Sanspo, “We are showing you a different side of us through Gossip Girls” Through T-ara’s Gossip Girls album, we were able to see a brand new side of T-ara. Our six members hold two years and eight months in their hands since their debut in Japan. For a release event, T-ara headed over to Japan. With sparkling smiles, the six members gave a positive interview for Sanspo in relation to the new album. In particular, Jiyeon showed a lovely side of hers by taking off her high heels during the photoshoot and standing barefoot on the floor in order to eliminate the height difference between the members. Q: T-ara will release the long awaited third album Gossip Girls on May 14th, after about 2 years and 8 months since the debut in Japan. Qri: It is almost 3 years since our debut in Japan, frankly speaking I couldn’t believe in it at first. At the same time I’m so glad and I really want to meet the Japanese fans Soyeon: This time Gossip Girls will be different from the two previous albums. Apart from the songs from the singles (Lead the way, La’BooN, Number Nine, etc.), it will contain many new original Japanese songs. It will also contain Japanese version of “Do You Know Me?” which is the latest Korean hit song. We portrayed melodies of house, Latin and American pop in the songs. You will see different side of T-ara! Q: The title Gossip Girls is a bit surprising, what is the album’s concept about? Eunjung: (laughs) This is the image of American celebrities. We did the photoshoot for the CD jacket in an atmosphere of being constant objectives for paparazzi and then we take off our uniform jackets and having a party in a limousine. For the first time the story defined the concept of the photoshoot, so look forward to it. Hyomin: The uniform was inspired by the US TV-series Gossip Girls and it was a bit fancy to wear. Yet still remembering student days and looking younger and happy because of the uniform brings up a fresh mood Q: How was the recording? Jiyeon: As Soyeon unnie has said earlier, this time we introduced new genres into the songs of the album, and the new tempo was a bit difficult (laughs). We’ve been recording one song a day over a period of one week Q: T-ara took a challenge for a trip to Hawaii On Fuji TV’s Sakigake! Music Ranking Eight which was recorded for the Limited Edition ver.A album Boram: The members were competing with each other in different games for a trip to Hawaii! Because we wanted to go to Hawaii we tried very hard to win and it was fun! Q: Who got the trip to Hawaii in the end? Boram: (laughs) Please look forward for the DVD Q: Well then, recommend us songs and tell us about your favorite songs from the album! Boram: I’d recommend the main song Just Now. This song has an American pop theme and it is very bright and positive Qri: I like the song from the single called Lead the way. I really liked it during the recording. I’ve listened to it about 100 times. And I often listen to it nowadays Hyomin: I like Lead the way too. Until now, dances of most of our songs had a briskly feel but this song is a medium tempo ballad and it was a new challenge for us Jiyeon: (In Japanese) I’d recommend Keep On Walking. (In Korean) When you’re in a bad mood and you listen to it, it will cheer you up Q: There is a nostalgic J-pop feel in it, in a way? Hyomin: I’ve been listening to J-pop for a long time and when I’ve heard Lead the way for the first time, I’ve thought that with such an atmosphere this should be a good song Q: Memories～You gave me guidance～ is the image song for the Japanese movie Jinx!!! where Hyomin played the leading role. This song has also been recorded and included on the album? Hyomin: (sings a few lines) Jinx!!! is the movie with me as the lead, and the excitement only doubled with having our song as a theme song (laughs) Q: Tell us your memories of the movie making Hyomin: There are really a lot of memories. During a 3 week period of the movie shooting in Fukuoka, I made Japanese friends for the first time. It took me some to accommodate because I was in Japan for three weeks for the first time. But the people from the staff were very kind and this is the best memory Q: Speaking of Japanese movies, Eunjung also appeared in Dodge GO! GO! as a child actress? Eunjung: (everyone is surprised and a big fuss is going on) That’s embarrassing!　I did not used make-up during the times of junior high school at all! Five Japanese and five Koreans successfully passed the audition and we’ve been practicing dodge-ball with the representative players during the movie shooting. Ah, yet still, I’m very embarrassed!! Q: Double A side LA’BooN has also been included? Eunjung: This is my favorite song. I think this song fits perfectly for the spring drive. The song has Arabian nights motive. Soyeon: I’d recommend “Do You Know Me? (Japanese ver.). This is remake of the song by a famous Korean band Sandpebbles, recorded in 1977. T-ara’sversion of this song is completely new. The song is included in the Japanese album, I think the Japanese fans will like this song; we rerecorded it in the Japanese language anew. Q: In Korea, everyone played a role of a different character on stage as in musical for this song? Soyeon: At first Jiyeon’s and Hyomin’s characters were not set, but during the practice we defined the characters which fitted for each particular member, like during the times of Roly-Poly. Q: The message in the Japanese songs can be heard clearly, did you practice a lot? Jiyeon: (laughs) Really?　We’ve practiced a lot Q: Since the title of the album is Gossip Girls, tell us a bit of gossip? Eunjung: When to go to buy coffee and drinks, I unwillingly get food as well (laughs) Soyeon: Lately, we were invited to attend a famous fashion show in Korea, the members and I went there being sponsored with very expensive clothes. However, we had to return the clothes at the end of the show and it was a bit sad to return there in our everyday clothes Hyomin: My little gossip is that I have two dogs and I buy a lot of clothes for them to wear, but I rarely bath them (laughs) Qri: I really like shoes and I wear expensive shoes, but at the same time I wear very cheap socks for about 500 won (everyone bursts into laughter) Boram: I spend a lot on cosmetics, when we are in Japan I buy a lot of cosmetics, I usually buy three bags. Jiyeon: I’m not such a type who cares a lot about clothes, I can wear what my mom buys me, without saying anything. I like nail art, I’d go to a shop when I wear expensive clothes. Q: Jiyeon and Hyomin will have a solo debut in Korea? Hyomin: (In Japanese) Oh, thank you very much! Jiyeon: (In Japanese) I’ll do my best!! Q: Any message for the Japanese fans in conclusion? Qri: We are very happy that we were able to meet the fans during the promotion of the third album Gossip Girls.. The album will contain a lot of new original Japanese songs, so please listen to it and enjoy T-ara are named after a crown (tiara) for a reason – the Queens of the music industry debuted in Korea in July 2009. After the release of their song Bo Peep Bo Peep, they were heading to the top and with good performances in variety shows and various activities, they continued on to debut in Japan on September 28th, 2011 with Bo Peep Bo Peep. They accomplished a feat straight away by becoming the first foreign artist in history to win the 1st place on the Oricon weekly chart with their debut single. *** Source: Sanspo Translated by: Cheetah @ TiaraDiadem

[14.05.16] Jiyeon spotted grabbing a meal at Burger King with her friends On the night of the 15th, Jiyeon was spotted enjoying a quick meal at a Burger King location with three of her friends! And on the morning of the 16th, images were published via an online community with pictures of Jiyeon at that Burger King and where she is seen with her friends, looking at posters of herself upon the wall. Jiyeon’s posters are displayed upon the wall because last month T-ara’s agency entered into a deal with the fast food restaurant chain Burger King in addition to the major coffee shop chain TOMNTOMS to display pictures of Jiyeon’s fast approaching solo debut in various locations across Korea. Being displayed all across Burger King and TOMNTOMS is a great opportunity for Jiyeon since both of those places are incredibly popular, with tons of locations, and are so often visited by a large variety of different people. And what other female solo artist has the honor of saying she is in hundreds of Burger King’s across Korea? I think it’s just Jiyeon – now known as the Queen of Burger King! *** Source: OSEN What do you think Jiyeon ordered at Burger King?