kdrama and kpop

To say that Rain has come a long way from his humble beginnings as a dancer for ex-producer Park Jin-young would be a gross understatement.

With two Wachowski Brothers' films under his belt -- one of which is slated for release next year -- and an international album in the works, Korean pop star Jung Ji-hoon a.k.a. Rain is well on his way to global stardom.

That does not mean he has forgotten his domestic fans. Back in town after wrapping up his upcoming flick, "Ninja Assassin," the 26-year old heartthrob dropped his latest album, "Rainism," on the nation this fall.

"'Rainism' is a neologism that combines my name, Rain, with the suffix '-ism,'" said Jung in an e-mail interview with The Korea Herald. "It means 'everything that is connected to Rain.'"

The first album to be produced off his new independent label, J. Tune Entertainment, "Rainism" hit the top of online music store Hottracks' (www.hottracks.co.kr) Korean pop charts on the third week of October, setting a successful tone to Jung's first JYP-free solo debut.

"I think that in order to see far out and beyond, and fly high, a bird must leave its nest," said Jung of his decision to go solo in 2007. "Park Jin-young is the one, that special person to whom I am very grateful, who helped me do music for the first time. My 'big brother,' Jin-young, was happy to give me advice when I told him I was leaving JYP."

Jung added that he still consults with Park of JYP Entertainment, whom he considers to be his "closest advisor." But that is as far as their relationship goes when it comes to Jung's musical career. "For this album, I was in charge of producing everything," said Jung who worked with singer-cum-producer Tae-wan a.k.a. C-luv on it. "So you could say that I was able to fully infuse it with the color and flavor that I was going for."

Rain's musical vision, however, got lost in translation when confusion ensued over two of his new singles, "Rainism" and "You." Broadcasting station MBC re-evaluated the title song, "Rainism," for its potentially racy lyrics, which read: "My magic stick, spinning in your quivering body/My body shakes, feeling that it has reached its limit."

According to a MBC program evaluation and analysis department representative, the single underwent reassessment because the lyrics that follow the words "magic stick" could lead to the assumption that "magic stick" stands for male genitalia. After re-evaluation, they allowed it to be broadcast.

Meanwhile, SBS banned Rain's new single "You" from its station for the supposedly suggestive nature of the following lyrics: "I am struck by your curves ... Please hide that ass, you are driving me crazy."

Of SBS' decision, Rain answered, "If one looks at Korean pop music lyrics, there are many instances where it is hard to differentiate between sexual and dance-related descriptions. As I stated before, the lyrics for 'Rainism' were not written with sexual intent. The same applies to 'You.'" "If I had known that those words had a sexual meaning I would not have used them," he said of his single, "Rainism."

While his lyrics may not be considered suggestive by Koreans, that may not be the case with Americans, especially for those who are familiar with Lil' Kim and 50 Cent's hit 2003 single "Magic Stick."

But that should be the least of Rain's worries when it comes to the U.S. market. Judging from his latest album, which does not seem to be a radical departure from his previous releases, Jung will need to work hard to rise to the top in a market dominated by hip-hop pioneers like Kanye West and solid dancing and singing ingenues like Chris Brown.

Rain, however, has two advantages. Prominent talent agency William Morris is representing him and BoA, who released her first U.S. single via the internet in October, can serve as a benchmark.

"Right now, the William Morris Agency -- who is representing me in the States -- has formed an exclusive Rain team in order to provide all the support necessary to help me work as a singer and actor," he revealed. "They will play an important role ... at times connecting me to the artists, musicians and directors who I will work with."

Not that he needs to worry about connections. He already caught the attention of American comedian Stephen Colbert when he was voted the most influential person in the world in an internet poll conducted by Time magazine in 2007, leading to a memorable parody of Rain's music video "Running Away from the Sun" on The Colbert Report and to a guest star appearance on the show this May.

"I think from an American standpoint, the fact that Colbert parodied me should be seen as an honor," said Jung. "Hollywood's top stars often become fodder for parody or stories on American talk shows."

When asked about his comedic dance-off with Colbert in May, Jung answered: "Starring on The Colbert Report was a great experience." "The Colbert that I met was a really warm and cheery person," he added. "I remember, after filming, when I was leaving, he stuck his head out the window and waved at me."

Colbert is not the only person to take an interest in Rain. The directing-writing-producing duo behind the hit "Matrix" series, Larry and Andy Wachowski, cast him in their latest flick "Speed Racer" and as the lead for "Ninja Assassin."

"The Wachowskis I met were really friendly," said Jung. "They joked a lot and we ate together. That in itself was an honor."

But Jung has no illusions about what it takes to make it in Hollywood. "In Hollywood I needed to work hard to make myself known," he explained. "There are a lot of outstanding actors and actresses, so to gain recognition as an Asian actor required a lot of painful endurance and effort."

"But these experiences made me a stronger person," continued Jung. "And I gained the deep trust of Joel Silver and the Wachowskis. That is how I got the lead for 'Ninja Assassin.'"

Filming "Ninja Assassin" was not any easier. "Training was very harsh," recalled Jung, who worked with the training team behind the hit action flick "300."

"I am a big eater, so it was really hard just eating chicken breast and vegetables for eight months," he continued, adding that he trained for over 10 hours a day, at least four months prior to filming, and did over 90 percent of the action scenes himself.

"I really put everything I had into this movie," he said, before clinching it with: "You won't be disappointed."

By Jean Oh (oh_jean@heraldm.com), image as stated copied from empas.com

http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/


It better be good!

Singer-actor Rain [YONHAP]

Since he was a child, Rain has always kept his money safe in the bank. Despite being one of Korea’s most successful entertainers, it’s a habit he’s kept till this day.

The star’s sensible saving practices were recognized at the 45th National Saving Day last Tuesday, where he was awarded a Presidential Commendation.

“When people were calculating yields and putting money in equity funds and other investments that promised higher returns, I placed my cash in bank accounts, a habit I inherited from my parents,” said Rain, 26, at the ceremony at the Korea Federation of Banks building in Myeong-dong, central Seoul.

Although the singer-cum-actor is said to be worth billions of won, he still receives a monthly allowance from his father, who manages his son’s sizable assets.

Rain recently appeared in the Hollywood movie “Speed Racer” and his second U.S. film, “Ninja Assassin,” is set for release next year.

Rain talked about the importance of saving for the future. “I can guarantee that however little money you have, when it is piled up, it will be of enormous help in the future,” he said. He also cited the proverb, “Many drops make a shower.”

Kim Ji-su, an actress who received a Prime Ministerial Commendation for her saving habits, also cited “security” as the biggest merit of bank savings.

“Unlike other occupations, acting does not guarantee a sustainable income. As I don’t really know other methods of asset management, I opted for saving that involves no risk and burden,” she said.

The 36-year-old actress recently appeared in the hit TV drama, “Woman in the Sun.”

By Seo Ji-eun Staff Reporter [spring@joongang.co.kr]

http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2896800

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter


One of the busiest stars in the local entertainment business would be none other than singer and actor Rain. The 27-year-old star has a new album out, is waiting for the release of his recently finished Hollywood film "Ninja Assassin" and is appearing for local fans through talk shows, music programs and radio shows. Amid his hectic schedule, he never misses a workout routine and dance practice, as it was his diligence and passion that helped pave his way from "hallyu" or Korean wave star to up-and-coming actor in Hollywood.

"I was so tired both physically and mentally, but I feel back at home now. I see that many fellow singers have made their comeback and I'm happy to be working with them. It feels like a festival and I am planning to enjoy every minute,'' he told The Korea Times through an email interview.

If the mark of an artist who has reached a certain level is confidence and control over his art, Rain demonstrated them with his return. In interviews, Rain was a smooth talker, oozing wit and confidence. His dance moves are markedly more controlled, gone were the powerful exertions and assertions, replaced with a more controlled pace.

"As you can see from the title of the album `Rainism,' all the ideas were from me, Rain. I wanted to show my style, what I could do best. I think an artist's mission is to come out with something new. I also worked on my vocals because I didn't want to be known just as a dance singer. I broadened my pitch and worked on my voice with three vocal trainers," said Rain.

At the showcase of his return earlier this month, it was evident he had practiced some new moves as well.

"I aimed for a more flexible and natural style. I had some kind of obsession that I had to show everything I've got on stage, which made my moves a bit rigid. But now, I understand the art of 'less is better,' so my moves are more relaxed,'' he added.

There is always a flipside to the glamour and fame, and for Rain it was arduous training. He started out as a trainee under famed singer and producer Park Jin-young, also known as JYP who created the Wonder Girls, and after three years of rehearsing and preparing, finally came into the spotlight with his powerful dance moves and appealing voice. Album by album, he rose to stardom and made headlines by being voted number one of the most influential people in the world in a Time magazine online poll, which eventually led him to a small role in the Wachowski brother's movie "Speed Racer" and the lead role in "Ninja Assassin."

"To be frank, life in the United States was very difficult. Not being able to eat what I wanted and training for more than 10 hours a day for eight months was hard to endure. I continuously asked myself why am I here having such a hard time? I could have led an easy life in Korea. But then I thought 27 was an age when I could try out starting over again and so I clenched my teeth and trained harder," he said.

"Speed Racer" didn't do too well at the box office, but it was his hard work on the set that landed him the leading role in "Ninja Assassin." Also, there was always Asia that still remembered him as a singer who could dance and sing like no other. Realizing the need to return to his original fan base, he came back with a surprise: his first album after parting with his dear friend and producer JYP. While some may notice a difference in style and concept under his new production team and agency, Rain believed it was appropriate to bring something new to the table.

Although Rain has become one the best dancers in the local pop scene, his position as a newcomer in Hollywood meant going back to the starting line.

"Filmmaking in Hollywood was a memorable experience and I'm sure it will become a great platform for my future. To be honest, my English is far from perfect. When I needed help, I admitted that I did and everyone helped out. I'm pretty good at listening, but there are still times when I suddenly go blank right when I have to say something," the singer said.

Rain is not the only Korean to have starred in a Hollywood movie, nor is he as famous as others. Actress Kim Yun-jin made it big as one of the stars of the hit television series "Lost," and actor Park Joong-hoon co-starred with Tim Robbins in the movie "The Truth About Charlie" (2002).

Some liken Rain's popularity to a bubble: it's getting bigger, but no one knows when it's going to pop. The singer said that he felt a bit pressured and nervous when he decided to go to that next level, but he soon forgot these feelings when he actually jumped into it.

"I'm actually very proud of my role in 'Ninja Assassin.' I believe my hard work paid off," he said.

For a 27-year-old with six years in the music business, Rain has come a long way. He knows the life he's lived is unlike that of a normal 20-something. In a recent appearance on a popular television talk show, Rain talked openly about what motivated him to work and work: his mother who passed away. The show offered a different side of the so-called world star, and he admitted that he was doubtful whether he spent his twenties to the fullest.

"I had no idea I would come this far. As a trainee, my goal was to become number one in a K-pop chart program. When I topped the charts, I wanted to be the winner at the year-end K-pop awards and from there, my dreams just grew bigger. I think it's good to set your goals as high as possible. I set a dream, worked hard and they all came true,'' Rain said.

"The biggest competition is myself. I am not looking to follow others or pull them down. I'm planning to test my own boundaries,'' he added.

Credits: sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2.../201_33417.html