Japan

HK/Taiwan/China

Korea

J-pop diva Hamasaki Ayumi was in the spotlight yet again, after making a rare appearance at the Tokyo FM radio studio in the middle of Tokyo's trendy Shibuya district. The studio is visible to passers-by on the famous Spain-zaka street, and more than 1,000 people mobbed the area for a glimpse of the star. Some female fans were said to be in tears after such a close-up encounter with the aura of their idol. ? The latest in the recent spate of Hollywood remakes of Japanese hit movies is said to be Kurosawa Akira's "Shichinin no Samurai" (The Seven Samurai). The movie was already the inspiration for 1960's The Magnificent Seven, but the latest project is said to be happening under the Disney umbrella. Another movie in the works is a version of "Shall We Dance?" with Richard Gere in the lead.

From: http://www.japan-zone.com/
posted by admin March 17, 2003

Taiwanese pop king Jay Chou walked away with three prizes at last year's Golden Melody Awards - a major event in the Chinese-language music industry - and he could clean up again at the 14th annual ceremony Saturday in Taiwan's capital, Taipei. Chou's ``Fever'' has been nominated as the record of the year, and he's also a contender for best producer, lyrics and general songwriting categories. Last year, he won best record, songwriter and producer for his ``Fantasy'' album. Some critics have said Chou's biggest competition might come from Liu Shao-chi and his ``Night Funk'' in the best record and producer categories. The Golden Melody Awards was originally scheduled to be held earlier this year. But it was postponed because of the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome, which hit hard in Hong Kong and Taiwan - home for most of the nominees.
From: http://www.muzi.com/
posted 2003-8-1

Popular singer Rich is being given the chance to make an appearance in the US markets.
While Rich was invited to participate in Timberlake's Japanese Promotion Tour, he has been given the chance to slowly start into the American music industry, which he has been researching carefully. This meeting between the two started when Timberlake, having listened to several Korean artists recommended by his entertainment company, Jive Records, wished to meet Rich after being immediately interested upon hearing the album. Thus, he strongly urged and invited Rich himself. These two, who met in Tokyo, were awkward at first, but slowly began getting friendlier, discovering the similarities in musical style, and talks about releasing a mutual album together in the future.

From: www.kpopmusic.com/news.shtml

Fukada Kyoko's(20) new photo and essay book "KYOKO 8203" (2300 yen) by shueishya will be out on April 4th. This book includes 0 to 20 year old no nmakeup photos, essays, a talk with Iijima Naoko(35) who she longed for as a sister and her best freind Shinohara Tomoe(23) and last but not least CD-ROM containing her 37 CMs! Basically this is a book about Fukakyon growing up. She debuted at the age of 14 after beating out 20,000 candidates for the grand prize in a Hori-Pro audition called "The 21st Talent scout caravan". The book also includes off shots spanning seven years since her debut. Lots of personal and best photos! You can't miss out!

From: http://www.jpop.com/

Nicholas Tse, Hong Kong's "bad boy of pop," has been deluged with offers of new jobs after a short jail stint, which seems to have given him more publicity than he could have hoped for.

The heart throb, returning to the limelight after seven months absence from show business including two weeks in jail, told reporters on Wednesday he had signed up to do commercials and movies on top of a hectic schedule of recording and concerts.

The 22-year-old recently told Time magazine he was earning 40 percent more than before a car crash that eventually put him behind bars.

From: http://www.muzi.com

"There was really a man I loved."Sexy singer, Park Ji Yoon (Korean age 21), made a surprise confession on KBS 2TV's "Yah! Han Bam Ae" that was broadcasted on the 13th. When Shin Dong Yub asked if there was man she really had loved, she said that she had two. Curious, Shin Dong Yub asked "Are they both celebrities?" and she honestly replied, "Yes", causing a great stir and interest amongst her fans. Though she has had reoccurring scandals with K (24) and A (25), this is the first time that she's confessed anything.
After having broken up with K at the end of the year 2000, she also had scandals with A who was also a top singer, but they went out for a year and then broke up.

From: www.kpopmusic.com/news.shtml

Posted March 14, 2003 by Chrissy