Shinhwa’s lead singer Shin Hye Sung makes a comeback with his 3rd solo album after a 1 year hiatus.

Shin Hye Sung released the SIDE 1 ‘LIVE AND LET LIVE’ on August 23 and plans to release the second side on August 26.

With the upcoming album, Shin Hye Sung returns to show his hidden colors in a variety of genres. His 3rd album consists of two sides: Side 1 shows a revolutionary, bold transformation of Hye Sung’s music style, while SIDE 2 displays Hye Sung’s well-known, sweet ballads. By this way, he hopes to compromise with his fans and prevent brand confusion while moving forward in musical maturity. Therefore, this album is a major turning point for Hye Sung, who tries to break the boundaries of Kpop and overcome the myopic preferences of Korea’s music consumers.

Hye Sung’s SIDE 1 boasts various genres, such as alternative, British Rock, Swing, and Big Band. Adopting the motto ‘Live and Let Live’, Hye Sung rebels against all preconceptions and pretenses to prove that he is a true, intrepid artist that is not afraid to explore different genres.

Hye Sung’s title song is “Because of You” that was composed by Vink, who used elements from British Rock to make a popish melody with a strong guitar in the background. It suits his endearing vocals very well. However, I’ve got to say, my favorite track is his rock song, “Awaken”, because it sounds so fresh and rebellious. He also sings “A Good Day to Love”, a lovely, melodious duet with Honey Lee (2006 Miss Korea). (I was afraid she couldn’t sing but her voice is absolutely sweet.)
Additionally, this album features Wheesung, YuriSangja’s Park Seung Hwa, Wanted member Kim Jae Suk to give a unique vibe. In particular, Park Seung Hwa composed the song “Promise” and also sings a duet with Shin Hye Sung.

Shin Hye Sung said, “This 3rd album ‘Live and Let Live”, like the title suggests, is an attempt to break away from my ballad image to create an image of my own by exploring different music; thus, I am more nervous than ever before because fans will have a high expectation.” Yet he promises his fans and music lovers to deliver a memorable album.

Check out Shin Hye Sung’s Comeback performance on SBS Inkigayo! (Rock is going to take over KPOP!!! BOOYAH!)
Shin Hye Sung - Because of You & Awaken

Credit: sogoodla

Source: Newsen

SYP credit: soyboy

For the past year, Rain has been dodging questions from the media asking whether he will perform at the Olympics. He confirmed this speculation, then later dismissed it by saying it was all a rumor. Nice try. It wasn’t much of a surprise.

Rain attended the 2008 Beijing Olympics Closing Ceremony and performed “Beijing, Beijing, I love Beijing” - the first act of the night. Representing Korea and the Hallyu Wave, he sang along side other famous Asian artists from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Thailand. I’m so glad he chopped off those feminine locks…but he’s almost unrecognizable with short hair. It look like he’s having the time of his life being flanked by two gorgeous stars while belting out “I Love Beijing.”

Watch the performance HERE:

Credit: vincet57

China ends the Olympic gala with style and awe-inspiring fireworks.

On another note, London reminds the international audience that the land of the white wigs is COOL and to anticipate another great Olympics in 2012. David Beckham kicked a football (soccer ball for Americans)- a quite subtle foreshadowing that London will be ready to kick some butt.

Source: sports.chosun, yahoo

SYP credit: soyboy

The 2008 Mnet 20’s Choice, held on the night of Aug. 23, was decorated by special performances/collaborations by many popular artists. Stars flocked to the show to celebrate the last of the waning summer days…check them out!

Jang Geun Suk started out the star-studded night with a charismatic performance. He was the designated MC host of the gala and also won the “Hot Male Movie Star” award.

Hot Stages
1. Kim Gun Mo & SNSD (KGM+SeoHyun played the piano) - Sweet 20

Kim Gun Mo played the piano as he sang a medly of SNSD’s songs. SNSD then came on stage to sing “I Love You” with Kim Gun Mo. SNSD’s Seo Hyun and Kim Gun Mo made a double piano arrangement.

Credit: youngmank0re

2. Big Bang & No Brain

Big Bang brought energy into the audience, making the auditorium feverish from the start with their performance of “Haru Haru”. TOP and G-Dragon ran in from back stage as fans cheered them on. No Brain then came on stage to perform “Let’s Play Like Crazy”. Finally Big Bang and No Brain performed their collab song “Oh My Friend” live, pumping up the revelers with their powerful stage presence.

Credit: BabyBongaholic @ Youtube

3. Seo In Young & Shinee - Shiny Shoes

I’ll leave this as a surprise….but Seo In Young arrives on stage like a princess, serenaded by Shinee - “Noona (Seo In Young) is so pretty.” Then Seo In Young is shot to death (gasp). SHINee and Seo In Young perform the “Cinderella” version of Rihanna’s hit song “Umbrella”. Seo In Young and SHINee - “You can be my Cinderella ella ella eh eh ~ under my umbrella ella ella eh eh eh eh ~”

Credit: jaeurazn1 @ Youtube

4. Um Jung Hwa & Hyori - 20 Years Later

Uhm Jung Hwa came out in her sexy spacesuit, transporting audiences through light years into the future of disco. UJH disappearing in a cloud of smoke, Lee Hyori takes the stage in black stripes and raps with Big Bang’s TOP. Then Uhm Jung Hwa shakes her booty to ”U Go Girl.” Finally the DJ turns up the volume as the two popdivas party it up to UJH’s song “DJ”. Lee Hyori replaces CL’s rap part.

Credit: jaeurazn1 @ Youtube

5. Junjin & Wonder Girls - Runway

Did Justin Timberlake arrive in Korea? Not quite, but Korea’s very own “Justin Jinberlake” (JunJin) performed “Sexyback.” Then the Wonder Girls came on stage, heralded by the deafening cheers of the audience. Jun Jin entered WG’s “So Hot” performance during Yoobin’s rap interval.

Credit: wondersmurf

6. Park Ji Hwan & Ga In (Brown Eyed Girls) & Lee Bum Soo - Sweet Memories

Lee Bum Soo performs “Drunken Truth.”

Check out the stars who walked the blue carpet at the 2008 Mnet 20’s Choice>>>>>>>>>>>

Sources: Newsen, Youtube

SYP Credit: soyboy, strawberrybj (Thanks for all the help!)

The 2008 Mnet 20’s Choice was held last night in Korea with aplomb, style, and outlandish performances.

Check out the results of who the 20’s chose as Korea’s next trendsetter: 

Actor Jang Geun Suk, who was the MC host of the night, started off the gala with his hot performance and owning the stage.

Hot new star
Shinee
The 5 boys crying tears of joy after winning the hot new star award for their exceptional debut this year.

Hot Sitcom Star

Baek Seung Hyun

Hot Cable Show

Infinity Girls (Muhan Girls) - MBC Everyone

Kim Shin Young expressed her deepest condolences for her friend, actor Lee Eon, who died in an unfortunate motorcyle accident two days ago. She accepts the “Hot Cable Show” award in memory of Lee Eon.

Lee Eon’s funeral was held at 5am (Korea Time) this morning, surrounded by friends and family. Gong Yoo, who is currently in military training, was able to leave temporarily to attend his friend’s funeral and can be seen leading the casket. Rest in peace, Lee Eon.

Hot Style Icon

Lee Hyori

She looks ebullient as she recieves the much deserved “Hot Style Icon” award.

Hot Sweet Music

SNSD - Kissing You

Hot Couple

Seo In Young & Crown J

The fashionable and explosive couple walked towards the stage holding hands. Seo In Young said, “ I’m happy to be getting this award with my husband.” Seo In Young looks beautiful in the metallic silver dress with pink chiffrons.

Hot Buzz Word

Crown J - “A!”

Adidas Original Hot Trend Musician

Big Bang

Sporting an afro, G-Dragon accepted the award saying, “Thank you for giving us so much love in such a short period of time.”

Hot Character Star

Junjin

Junjin accepted his award for his infamous “Justin Jinberlake” character. Ironically, some anti-fans had coined this term for him.

Hot Male Movie Star

Jang Geun Suk

(He knows he’s hot.)

Hot Female Movie Star

Kim Min Hee

Hot Global Star

Park Yong Ha

More well known in Japan than in Korea, Park Yong Ha reached out to his Korean fans this year with a stellar performance in the hit drama “On Air.

Hot Younger Boy

Yoo Seung Ho

Child star in cult drama “Tae Wang Sa Shingi” - played the younger version of Bae Young Joon’s role.

Hot School Girl

Sohee of Wonder Girls

SoHee is the hottest school girl in Korea.

Hot Online Song

Jewelry - One More Time

Jewelry said, “It’s nice to be up on stage and winning another award again.” Jewelry sweeped up the most music awards this year with a total of 8.

Hot CF Star

Lee Kwang Su & Hong In Yeong

Hot Club Music

Wonder Girls - So Hot

Hot Male Drama Star

Lee Bum Soo

“I’m unsure of how to repay this love,” said Lee Bum Soo, accepting this award for his powerful, emotional performance on 2008’s popular drama “On Air.”

Hot Female Drama Star

Kim Min Jung

Displaying her beautiful eye smiles, Kim Min Jung accepts her award for a stunning performance in 2008’s hit medical drama, “New Heart.”

Hot Fashionista

Ryu Seung Beom

Showing off his quirky nature, Ryu Seung Beom arrives as Dr. Tillmans. He looks scary.

Hot Performance Musician

Hyori

Overthrowing JYP in the last few hours of voting, Hyori shot to first place to capture the “Hot Performance Musician” award. U Go Girl!

Look forward to SYP’s coverage of Mnet 20’s Choice Hot Stages>>>>>>>>>>

Hot Stages

1. Kim Gun Mo & SNSD (KGM+SeoHyun played the piano) - Sweet 20

2. Big Bang & No Brain

3. Seo In Young & Shinee - Shiny Shoes

“Noona (Seo In Young) is so pretty.”

4. Um Jung Hwa & Hyori - 20 Years Later

5. Junjin & Wonder Girls - Runway

6. Park Ji Hwan & Ga In (Brown Eyed Girls) & Lee Bum Soo - Sweet Memories

Source: soompi, mnet, Newsen, Naver

SYP credit: soyboy, strawberrybj (You’re awesome!)