[News] FT Island attends Japan’s Mezamashi Live music festival for the third year in a row

[News] FT Island attends Japan’s Mezamashi Live music festival for the third year in a row

Boy band FT Island was recently the only Korean musicians to attend Japan’s Mezamashi Live music festival, which is now in progress at Odaiba, in Tokyo. According to a July 28 announcement by their agency, FT Island performed for an hour, singing nine songs including their Japanese hits “Flower Rock,” “Freedon,” and “Siwaseori.” They performed fast-beat rock numbers well suited to the summer atmosphere.

With this concert, the band became the first Korean team to appear at Mezamashi Live for three years in a row.

Mezamashi Live is an outdoor summer festival that Fuji TV hosts every year, and this year will involve 24 teams performing from July 13 to September 1.

• Source: TV Report

[News] F.T. Island reveals a music video of their 11th Japanese single

[News] F.T. Island reveals a music video of their 11th Japanese single

F.T. Island has revealed a music video of their 11th Japanese single, “Shiawaseori.” According to a July 3 announcement by F.T. Island’s agency, the music video was taken in Chiba, Japan, and it shows the group’s five members (Choi Jong Hoon, Lee Hong Gi, Lee Jae Jin, Choi Min Hwan, and Song Seung Hyun) singing and playing on a cliff somewhere by the seashore. The beautiful scenery of the sea seen from the cliff is a highlight of the music video.

The title “Shiawaseori” is a combination of the Japanese word shiawase, which means ‘happiness,’ and seori, meaning ‘theory,’ creating a made-up word for ‘theory of happiness.’

The new single will be released on July 24 together with two other songs: “Eyes On Me,” written by Choi Jong Hoon, and “Rainy Day,” written by Choi Min Hwan and Song Seung Hyun.

‘Shiawaseori’ was chosen as the ending theme song of the animated feature-film version of Toriko, which will be released in Japan on July 27.

• Source: TV Report

[News] FTISLAND to Release New Japan Single, 'Ending Song for Japan Animation'

[News] FTISLAND to Release New Japan Single, 'Ending Song for Japan Animation'

Group FTISLAND will be releasing their 11th Japan single soon.

FTISLAND will be releasing their new single on June 24 and begin activities.

This single will include a total of 3 songs including the title song and two other songs.

The title song will also be used as the ending song for a Japan animation movie version that is releasing on June 27.

FTISLAND members will also be featuring their voices in the animation as well.

Previously, their 4th single, SATISFACTION, from 2011 was also used as an ending song for the same animation.

On the other hand, FTISLAND has started their 'FTISLAND Arena Tour 2013- FREEDOM' and will be holding a concert on June 22 in Japan.




M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com

[News] FTISLAND Lee Hong Ki Reveals His Love for Music and Acting, 'Q&A'

[News] FTISLAND Lee Hong Ki Reveals His Love for Music and Acting, 'Q&A'

Q. You were a child actor and appeared in a drama after your debut as FTISLAND. Did you not have opportunities for movies before 'Passionate Goodbye?'

Lee Hong Ki: Honestly, I do not hear about film scenarios being submitted for my consideration even when they do happen. This time, I was just focused on music and was handed the scenario. So I ended up doing it.

Q. You first rejected the offer but decided later that you would like to participate in the film. What happened?

Lee Hong ki: The scenario made me feel something within. I looked up more information about what a hospice is and reading the scenario a few times moved something in me. It nudged me to become different, more specifically in appreciating my family and loving the people close to me.

Q. So what happened after your brief career as a child actor?

Lee Hong ki: Well, that is how I began acting as a child but I went through the rough-and-tumble, rebellious stage as a teenager in junior high. I wanted to hang out with friends and forget about acting. I used to go to the karaoke a lot and my friends always complimented on my singing, but I didn't make much of it. One day, entertainment companies started calling and I eventually made the cut after participating in auditions. Now, I am crazy about acting and music.

Q. Any memorable reactions from fans after the premiere of your first movie 'Passionate Goodbye?'

Lee Hong ki: There was a message from a middle-aged woman who watched our film with her organization for people with disabilities. She said that a lot of them were touched and shed a few tears. She ended up watching the movie twice. I went around telling everyone after I read her message.

Q. How would you score the movie and yourself as an actor?

Lee Hong ki: The movie gets 9.5 from me. I'll give myself 5 out of 10. There were some bad habits that I developed as a child actor. The director helped me reduce a lot of it but I still see it on film. One thing for sure is that I fit a bad character much better than a nice one.

M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com

[News] An FTIsland promotional truck is touring several city districts in Japan

[News] An FTIsland promotional truck is touring several city districts in Japan

 On June 12, FTIsland’s agency, FNC Entertainment, released a photo of members of the group standing by a truck that is covered with the jacket image of the group’s third Japanese album, Rated FT. The members are taking a break in front of the so-called “FT Car” and have left their autograph on the truck.

From June 10 to 16, the truck is touring several busy city commercial districts in Japan, including Harajuku, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Omotesando to promote the group’s album.

The album contains eleven songs, including the lead number, “Freedom,” and several songs the members wrote themselves. It will be released soon.

• Source: Starnews

M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com

[News] FTISLAND Lee Hong Ki, First Movie Lands In Japan To A Warm Welcome

[News] FTISLAND Lee Hong Ki, First Movie Lands In Japan To A Warm Welcome

Arriving in Japan to face the public for the first time as an actor, FTISLAND Lee Hong Ki is touched by the warm welcome and reception of him and his movie by Japanese fans.  In the stage greeting held in TOHO Cinemas in Tokyo's affluent Roppongi Hills, a crowd of about 650 people gathered on a regular workday to give the FTISLAND lead vocalist some support.

"It is my first time to appear on stage, not as a musician, but as an actor. I'm very happy.  Thank you for watching me," the passionate rocker said.  Lee Hong Ki was there for the opening of his "Phoenix: A Song Of Promise" in Japan.   During the stage greeting, Hong Ki treated fans with his rendition of "Orange Sky", his self-composed song included in the movie soundtrack.  He was surprised to find the crowd singing along with him acapella, while the 650-strong audience immersed themselves in the melody of Hong Ki's powerful vocals.

Coincidentally, June 6th, the day of the event, was also a commemorative day in Japan, as 'The Day Of Musical Instruments' and in the film Lee Hong Ki plays a musician role as drummer and guitarist.   Because of this, his fans presented him with a 'guitar and drum' cake as a symbol of their well-wishes for the film's success.

In his message about the film, Lee Hong Ki says, "It is a chance to look back at one's own life. Now, I want to live a life I cannot regret.  Everyone watching this movie, let's value our parents and families who are still around and thank them."

With such a powerful message, 'Phoenix' regardless of how it fares in the box-office anywhere, is a refreshing break from commercialized stories.  It reminds viewers the importance of living life to the fullest.

FTISLAND will be releasing their 3rd major Japanese album, 'Rated FT' on June 12th, which will then be followed by the band's Japanese Arena Tour.  The Arena Tour will be held in 6 cities, in 7 arenas, including the Saitama where they also performed last year.

M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com

[News] FTISLAND Choi Min Hwan Attends Press Conference for the Production of 'Princess Hours' Musical in Japan

[News] FTISLAND Choi Min Hwan Attends Press Conference for the Production of 'Princess Hours' Musical in Japan

FTISLAND member Choi Min Hwan appeared at the K-Stage in Tokyo, Japan to attend the press conference for the Production of "Princess Hours" (Goong) that will be turned into a musical.

In the musical, Choi Min Hwan will play Prince Lee Shin. Choi Min Hwan stated, "Singing and acting on stage has a different attractiveness from playing the drums. I will work hard and make sure to do well so please keep your expectations high."

"Princess Hours" or "Goong" will be Choi Min Hwan's second musical. The musical is a love story that goes on within the palace that has a tightly knit story line. The original story, as well as the drama drew a lot of attention for its popularity.

Korean musical "Princess Hours" or "Goong" will open its doors in Japan from July 5 to July 21 at the Osaka Theatre Brava. A total of 24 shows will be available for viewing. Choi Min Hwan will begin performing on July 17 to July 21.

Meanwhile, FTISLAND will release their new official album "Rated-FT" on June 12 with their title song, "Freedom". Lee Hong Ki wrote songs like "Orange Colored Sky" and "Black Chocolate", which will all be included in their album.

M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com

[News] FTISLAND Lee Hongki's Movie 'Passionate Goodbye' To Hit Small Screen

[News] FTISLAND Lee Hongki's Movie 'Passionate Goodbye' To Hit Small Screen

'Passionate Goodbye,' which is FTIsland's Lee Hongki's debut film that opened last month, will be produced into a TV drama as well.

Nam Taek Soo, the film director, shared what inspired the writing of the film scenario. Producer Nam was laid off from his job at a network as it closed down back in 2005 and soon after lost his mentoring senior producer at an early age. Shocked and lost, he volunteered at a hospice facility for over three years. Aiming to raise awareness on hospice facilities, Nam Taek Soo decided to write about some of the individuals who touched his heart during his volunteer years.

Similar to the film, the drama production will center around an idol star who gets court-ordered to volunteer at a hospice facility where he learns to mature as a person and artist.

Earlier, the cast members of the film, including Lee Hongki, Baek Jin Hee and Ma Dong Suk unanimously said that they would like to partake in 'Passionate Goodbye' again if there were to be a drama production. They shared that through the movie, they were able to "invest more thought into death and life, dreams and hopes, the realities of hospice facilities." Lastly, they added, "We hope that this drama will help many others learn precious lessons that we were fortunate enough to learn."

'Passionate Goodbye' opened in theaters on May 30. Due to heavy influx of Hollywood blockbusters which gobbled up most big screens, the movie has not fared well in the Box Office. Featuring a major K-pop star in Lee Hongki, however, the movie is set to open in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, etc.

M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com

[News] Hong Gi of FTIsland makes his screen debut, saying, “I couldn’t sleep well on the day before the preview”

[News] Hong Gi of FTIsland makes his screen debut, saying, “I couldn’t sleep well on the day before the preview”

“I couldn’t sleep well last night!” said Lee Hong Gi of FTIsland, having just made his screen debut. He said his excitement after the preview held at Lotte Cinema on May 21 accounted for his sleeplessness.

Lee says: “Because it’s my first movie, I feel more nervous than when announcing a new album. I was too nervous to sleep well. I asked senior actors about this and they responded that the more previews of your movies you attend, the more nervous you feel. While watching the preview, I felt I’m lacking at acting, but that lack was made up for with the help of the great work of the director and the crew.”

Lee played an “idol” singer in the movie. He says, “When I saw the screenplay for the first time, I thought I couldn’t do it because I had no experience of the knid of hospice where the story takes place, but after reading the screenplay through, I made up my mind to try because I felt like this movie would be important to the rest of my life.”

The movie Good Bye Party is kind of a human drama. The story is about young singer who is sentenced to do community service at a hospice and is deeply disturbed by  spending time with terminally ill patients. The movie is to be released on May 30.

M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com

[News] FTISLAND Lead Vocalist Lee Hong Ki Would Rather You Not Compare Them To CNBLUE

This is an oft-repeated refrain.  Comparing FTISLAND to CNBLUE.  And Lee Hong Ki is most vocal about his discomfort about the issue. These days, since he's promoting his movie "Passionate Goodbye", he got to say it again, or at least show his discomfort. 


Recently, Lee Hong Ki guested on SBS 'Midnight TV' with his co-stars from his upcoming movie. His co-star actor Ma Dong Seok shared an incident on the set wherein he had referred to Hong Ki as, "Do you know Lee Hong Ki? CNBLUE."  The senior actor further said, "Hong Ki's expression didn't look too good after that." At which point, Lee Hong Ki attempted to explain the predicament.  Patiently, the FTISLAND vocalist explained, "Well, I am aware that a lot of people think FTISLAND and CNBLUE are alike".  Lee Hong Ki even quipped, "We (FTISLAND and CNBLUE) are actually really close, but when people joke around and comparing..." at which point he couldn't finish his sentence.  His co-actor Ma Dong Seok came to his rescue, nodding his head, "I think I know how that feels."

At least, one thing is clear from this, FTISLAND and CNBLUE are close to each other. Therefore, there is no need to create an unnecessary rift between the friends by consistently comparing and pitting them against each other.

Lee Hong Ki obviously does not appreciate these comparisons and most importantly, while viewed similarly at times, the two bands do offer a unique musical experience giving each band a niche in the crowded world of K-pop. In the past Lee Hong Ki has been under fire for voicing out his concerns about this CNBLUE-FTISLAND 'rivalry'.

When he was younger, he complained in a variety show (100 Out Of 100), he had blurted out his disappointment at how he felt that his band were like CNBLUE's guinea pig or lab rat. It has been long since, and Hong Ki has wisened up and maintained close relations with his labelmates, but he still would rather you not compare them. It's akward, even Ma Dong Seok knows how it feels. This writer wonders though, since Lee Hong Ki filmed the movie until early this year, was this incident the inspiration of his designing this jacket at that time?

M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com

[News] Lee Hong Ki says, “I’m close to CNBlue, but I don’t want to be compared with them.”

Lee Hong Ki, the vocalist and leader of FTIsland, has revealed his friendship with CNBlue.
The main cast members of the movie Rockin’ On Heaven’s Door, Ma Dong Seok, Lim Won Hee, Lee Hong Ki, Baek Jin Hee, and Shim Yi Young, had an interview on the episode of SBS’s Midnight TV Entertainment that aired on the afternoon of May 8. Ma Dong Seok said, “While shooting, I teased Lee Hong Ki, saying, ‘Do you know Lee Hong Ki? He’s a member of CNBlue.’ He looked upset.” Lee Hong Ki explained, “People are confused between CNBlue and FTIsland. We are actually very close friends, but it has become slightly awkward because of people comparing us with each other.” Hearing that, Ma Dong Seok said, “I know what you mean.” However, Lee Hong Ki confirmed the friendship between the two groups, saying, “FTIsland and CNBlue are really close to each other.”

M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com

[News] Rockin’ on Heaven’s Door (with Lee Hong Ki in the lead) boasts advance sales abroad

The movie Rockin’ on Heaven’s Door, with Lee Hong Ki in the leading role, has already sold in advance in five countries. On April 18, the film’s Korean distributor, 9ers Entertainment, announced that the film (directed by Nam Taek-su) has been bought by distributors in five countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia.

In the movie, some terminally ill patients and a troublemaker idol singer organize a band as the last thing the patiens want to achieve before they die. Lee Hong Ki, of the rock band FTIsland, plays the role of idol star Chung-Ui, who is sentenced to community service after getting into a scuffle. Ma Dong-seok, Lim Won-hee, and Baek Jin-hee also appear in the movie.

Rockin’ on Heaven’s Door made its advance sales by through such overseas markets as the Berlin European Film Market and Hong Kong Filmart.

9ers Entertainment, which is in charge of domestic distribution and overseas sales, reported, “The film appeals to buyers in Asia for several reasons: exhilarating scenes superbly produced, a touching story mingled with an excellent sound track, and the debut appearance in film of Lee Hong Ki, who is an upcoming top star in Asia.”

Rockin’ on Heaven’s Door will open on May 30.

M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com

[News] FT Island celebrates its 10th Japanese single and will go on a concert tour in June

The group FT Island recently held an event to commemorate the release of its 10th Japanese single, You Are My Life. According to a report made by FT Island’s agency on March 28, “Over 300 fans gathered in Yokohama’s Osanbashi Hall on March 27 to hear FT Island talk and perform live. The group entered the hall walking on the red carpet in a ceremonial atmosphere like that of the music video of “You Are My Life.” They gave a passionate performance the song.” They introduced the song by saying, “It’s a ballad that is different from our previous songs and puts you in the mood of the spring season.” The lead vocalist, Lee Hong Ki, expressed his impressions, saying, “This song creates an atmosphere that is quite different from our previous songs, so I tried to sing it in a relaxed mood when we recorded it. It was not easy, but it gives us a chance to present you with a different type of performance by FT Island.”

At the event, FT Island showed the quintessence of live performance, singing “Like the Birds” and “Beautiful World,” which are on the 9th Japanese EP, Polar Star.

FT Island spoke of their aspirations, saying, “We are planning to have tour Japanese arenas in June. We are doing our best to show you something new in our performances. We hope you’ll look forward to it.”

M/s : kenvilthomas@kpopupdates.com