// ARE MIDAS AND UTOPIA REUNITING?//

Unexpected news of Utopia’s Joon starting an entertainment agency has surprised the industry somewhat but representatives from his agency, Paradise Group, claim that it was a project that Joon had been secretly working on for years, even before the splitting of Midas. The biggest surprise came when it was revealed that they had signed on 3-year-old group Bedlam, leading some to wonder just how many connections Joon has.

People are also guessing that the reason for the setup of Paradise Group is to provide a sanctuary for both Midas and Utopia to come together without “external threats” but it must be noted that the contracts for all 5 of them with their respective companies have not ended.

// ASI IN DANGER OF DISBANDING?//

Despite rumors that ASI (Asia Super Idols) are working on their comeback album, someone from within RSquared Management let slip that the company is considering disbanding the group to debut a new one. It comes as no secret to the ASI fans that the group often has to plan their own fanmeets and comes up with ideas themselves for events for the fans as RSM seems unwilling to spend more money on the group. An online petition has been making its rounds around the fancafes, asking fans to participate in the “SAVE ASI PROJECT”.

// BEDLAM YUKO’S RACY PICTURE SPARKS CONTROVERSIES//

An old picture of Bedlam’s lead vocalist Yuko Ahn has been making its rounds on the Internet. It has been revealed that this picture has been taken back when the girl was an underaged 16-year-old trainee. This has stirred up many rumors about Yuko’s past with some claiming she was a lingerie model and some suggesting she was not as innocent as her company portrays her to be. Her representative could not be contacted for comment.

// WANDERLUST MEMBERS TO DO SOLO ACTIVITIES BEFORE COMEBACK//

Girl group Wanderlust is getting ready for their comeback and for their solo activites.

Last September, Wanderlust received much love for their third album title song “Step” and they are expected to release a new album in Korea this year.

The girls is expected to bring a new image from solo songs that are to be released by each member.Chin Mi Yeon is expected to do a collaboration with a famous male singer and will reveal a different side of herself. Information about the other members’ solo activities have yet to be revealed.

Currently Wanderlust is preparing for their first solo concert that is to be held on February 18 and 19 at the Seoul Olympic Park Stadium, and will then follow with an Asia tour.

// NO.CHUL’S ALPHA MALES.//

With new debuts popping up left and right, it’s surprising to see that January is turning out to be the season for successful sub-units. We’ve seen Aymethest turn their sexy stars into pixies, and up next hoping to claim the hearts of fan girls is NO.CHUL’s trio: ALPHA. 

Comprised of leader Jang Ju Bi, main vocalist Baek Jin Soo and rapper Go Tae Jin, Triple A has warned to not let their name fool you! While the boys naturally exude male charisma, the concept of their mini album is “Soft Romance”.

On January 12th, Triple A posted an announcement onto their official Fan Cafe which read:

Hello,

This is an official announcement with regards to NO.CHUL’s upcoming digital single. The Hyung trio of NO.CHUL, will be coming out with a new image as ALPHA and will be releasing their first digital single on January 15th, titled “Forever.” Through their digital single, fans will be able to meet a new, romantic image of the charming, explosive vocalists, Jubi and Jinsoo, and be warmed by rapper Go Tae Jin’s silky voice. We hope for much of your anticipation and interest towards the new ALPHA males.

Also included in the post was a teaser video for the single’s Mv (In which NO.CHUL’s magnae Cassidy Jang makes a short cameo).

// SKY NAM TO RELEASE: “TRICKED BY LOVE” MINI ALBUM//

After hinting at one of the Clover girls making a solo comeback, R Squared Management’s official blog has finally followed up with further information. 

“On January 21st, we will be releasing Skylar Nam‘s solo album, ‘Tricked By Love‘. Unfortunately, there aren’t any plans for Skylar to perform on broadcasts.”

The album’s lead single is titled: “37.5°C”, is the work of labelmate Sabi Yoon, and features a mellowed out version of Yoon’s signature jazz era flair.

And buzz surrounding the song’s corresponding music video has already been generated thanks to it’s director Pyo Bon Hwa, who’s apparently cast his younger cousin - NO.CHUL’s Go Tae Jin - in the lead male role.

From Director Pyo’s official twitter:

“Aigoo, these kids!! We’re shooting for Sky’s mv, but Tae Jin’s fussing over his hair again! >.<’ come on you two, you’re just a pretend couple, but I would like to go home to my real wife eventually!”

// JAY HWANG IS TEAMING UP WITH MONSTER TO CREATE A NEW LINE OF HEADPHONES//

Monster Cable has previously collaborated with Dr. Dre to create his famous “Beats” line of headphones, but now they’re moving beyond Beats. Monster will be teaming with Korea’s very own Jay Hwang! According to CNET, “The new headphones by Monster [will] get the same audio engineering that made its Beats line popular, but with a jewelry-like design to appeal to “younger consumers.””

Together with Monster, Jay Hwang has created the ‘Diamond Tears-Edge High Definition Music Headphones’ (as seen above) which will be available the first quarter of 2012 for $279.95, while the ’in-ear’ versions will be available towards the end of 2012.

What do you guys think of the new headphone design? Toss us your thoughts below!

// Amethyst’s subunit “PIXIE” releases their first concept photo!//

Earlier it was announced that Avery Gun, Bae Rana, and No Mi Yun of Amethyst were to form a subunit called “Pixie” and today the first images of their concept was revealed! Sexy silhouettes of the three members were shown behind a red curtain, giving a mysterious feel. Pixie’s debut song is  to be revealed on January 12th, and their first stage is set on the 14th.

// MEN OF THE YEAR//

With 2011 coming to an end, GQ has released their annual “Of the Year” issue to honor this year’s most unforgettable man. However, apparently, there were so many outstanding men who came to the attention of the staff at GQ Korea’s magazine, that they decided to give out 12 separate awards - spread out over the same number of cover issues. Listed below are the individual titles, and an interview with the man who took this year’s top ranking, Dian Oh.

• BAEK JEON GUN - STUD OF THE YEAR
• DOMINIC KIM - LYRICIST OF THE YEAR
• HWANG JAE BEOM - ACE OF THE YEAR
• JANG JU BI -  WORKAHOLIC OF THE YEAR
• LEE YONG CHUL -  VOICE OF THE YEAR
• MAESYN SOO -  LEADING MAN OF THE YEAR
• PARK JI SUNG  - SECRET WEAPON  OF THE YEAR
• PHENTON OH - VISIONARY OF THE YEAR
• SABI YOON - MELODIST OF THE YEAR
• SAM YANG - VETERAN OF THE YEAR
• SEO MIN JUN - REINVENTION OF THE YEAR
• SONG TAE KYUNG - BREAK OUT OF THE YEAR

(Oh’s alternate cover can be seen: Here.)

GQ: Congratulations on your Man Of The Year award. How does it feel?

Surreal. When I asked “why me?” one of the editors said I was chosen because of how much I accomplsihed this year. [Shrugs] I guess I’ve been so busy, that I forgot even time moves slower than I do.

It’s true though, 2011 was a busy year of you and your Record label. Everything has been doing fine so far, but debuting 3 groups in such quick succession seemed a bit rushed. Was there ever a time when you were scared that your groups might fail?

Yes, of course and they could still fail, so that nervousness never truly fades. Luckily, the individual members of said groups think about options and strive to accomplish tasks just like I do. We may all never obtain the title of “Legends,” but we all want to make a dent in this business some how, some way and working together, we will. 

That’s all nice and poetic, but still, was debut 3 groups in one year nessacery?

Of the many useful things my father taught me, cowardice and rationality weren’t amoung them. His style has always been ‘balls to the wall’ - brash, glitzy, and innovative - and I can only hope that I’m emulating him in a way that doesn’t seem so… [laughs] fake. I’m not and won’t apologize for debuting them practically all at once. It was a calulated move that was executed with perfection.

Okay, okay, but speaking of your father. How did he feel about you taking over the reigns of his legacy?

[Sighs] Did he pay you to ask this question? He was happy. Honestly, he’s estatic, he loves that I’m following in his footsteps. Next.

Touchy subject, I see?

No, not really. My answer never changes, so I figure that it’s about time to retire that question to the vault. Don’t you?

What was important to you when growing up?

Family. My parents - especially my mother - stressed the importance of keeping strong and healthy ties to eachother. I spent almost every waking moment with Phenton until he graduated from Highschool and moved out, and I was always being chased or chasing Tristan, Kyu won and Eden.

You’ve been associated with a lot of female idols in your dating career…

Dating career? [laughs] I’ve only had two girl friends - Dex’s mother and recently, Ae sook.

How does the fact people are constantly keeping tabs on who you’re dating affect the choices that you make?

It’s made me a much more private person. When I was younger, I’d annouce things about me and my Ex, but now no one really knows more than what I confirm. 

However, that doesn’t stop them from speculating. Like the most recent rumor of you dating your legacy actress, Shin Kyu won.

There is, of course, no truth to that. Kyu won has seen me at the low and high points and if anything, we’re best friends. I’d die with out her in my life - literally, she shuts the stove off for me all the time when I forget to - but, honestly Kyu won plus four years is my ideal type. She makes me feel.. safe. [laughs]

Safe? Moving on, what would you say is your most implausible trait?

My desire to not be alone, I’ve been called clingy - but when I try to tone it down, I’m suddenly aloof. I’m trying to find a balance.

You still act, but you’ve sort of moved onto the role of producer. Is there any new talent that’s caught your eye?

You mean… talent that’s not signed under Legacy?

Yes, aha.

Well, uhmm. You know of the idol group No.Chul? I like Go Tae Jin, I think he’s funny. If it’s on and I’ve got nothing else to do, I sometimes watch his drama, “While You Were Sleeping.”

All-time favourite film?

It used to be “All the Usual Suspects”, but Kyu won played the lead in “A Walk to Remember,” for her debut and her acting made me cry. Soooo [smiles], that’s my new favorite.

Favourite actor?

My father. He acted on and off the screen, so I learned a lot from him.

Other - But not all - covers from this series:

// 7 SINS LEADER RELEASES SOLO SINGLE//

It was just one year ago since 7 SINS debut in Japan at “Seol Train Nine Muses & Friend”. Since then the ladies have been working hard releasing four singles out through the year, as well as recording the RSM’s first collaborative digital single, “Shooting Star” with ASI and D.I.V.A. So it comes to be a surprise when leader, Sadie Hwang, released her first solo digital single - LOVE HURTS ft. Japanese rapper Coma-Chi - First in Japan before it made it’s way to South Korea. What caught our attention was that the song is in English; Only Coma-Chi’s parts are in Japanese. RSM Management Released that a mini-album is also in the works.