RAIN KRÓNIKA: 2009.07.14.

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[July-13-2009]Will Korean singers appeal to American audience?


By Hyun Ji-hyang
Initiated by Rain's world tour concert in 2005, Korean pop singers are trying to break the U.S. entertainment industry. But it remains yet to be seen whether Korean pop stars will be able to be as successful as they are in Korea.
Pop star Rain has repeatedly made forays into the North American continent as a potential Hollywood star. His first Hollywood movie, "Speed Racer," (2008) paved the way for him to star in "Ninja Assassin," (2009). The new movie, upon its release in November, is expected to strongly influence his potential performance as a singer in the United States.
Another Korean pop sensation, Se7en entered the U.S. music field in 2006, following his Japanese debut in 2005. After three years of preparation, the singer released his first single, "Girls," in March. But despite his solid Asian fan base, Se7en still does not have much recognition in the United States.
Having achieved stardom in Japan, BoA moved her way on to America in 2008. In March, the singer represented her first official U.S. album, titling "I Did It for Love." Currently, BoA is promoting her album by touring the country, appearing on radio shows and performing.
Lately, Wonder Girls made their debut in the United States, with English version of "Nobody," a mega-hit song in Korea. Last month Wonder Girls began their tour opening for Jonas Brothers, in front of tens of thousands of people each night.
It may be too early to predict the outcomes of the Korean singers' performance in the United States. However, entering into the Billboard chart has not been easy for many foreign musicians. "The U.S market is a tough gateway to knock even for British singers performing in English-speaking regions. There have been a number of celebrated U.K. musicians who failed to penetrate the continent," Kim Dogg, a music reviewer in Korea for Hottracks magazine and Izm, said in an interview with The Korea Herald.
"To effectively ensure their local recognition there, the artists need to make active use of current trendsetters or icons who are hot locally," music critic Hong Hyuk-eui in Izm told the newspaper. For example, he said, "Participation of Lil' Kim and Darkchild in Se7en's album making was not the best choice because of their dwindling influence." He pointed to much healthier Billboard chart rankings of songs featured by prominent figures such as Jay-z, T-Pain and Kanye West.
Another pop culture critic, who wished not to be named, emphasized the need for a good communication with local fans. "The singers should be able to promote their albums and do interviews in English."
Good performance and real talent as a singer may be key points of fan connection, rather than English skill. "I believe that they (American fans) also value the best performance, and are more open to performances that are not in English," said Catherine Moore, a clinical associate professor of music business in New York University. "They (her students) chose Rain as one of the strongest because of the high-quality production, pop genre, and Rain's voice and energy. Even though the students did not understand the words, they felt a strong connection to the performance," she said in an e-mail interview with The Korea Herald.
There have been concerns among critics about Korean pop stars' actual singing abilities. "Without a unique quality, outstanding singing ability or performance, and attractive points, it will be difficult for the singers to survive in the business," said Han Dong-yoon, another music critic
(jenellehyun@gmail.com)

2009.07.13

source
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/NEWKHSITE/data/html_dir/2009/07/13/200907130095.asp




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[July-13-2009]Rain's been appointed to Goodwill Ambassador to help to globalize Korean-style food.  





Rain's been appointed to Goodwill Ambassador to help to globalize Korean-style food by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

At the ceremony to entrust Rain with the Goodwill on the 13th, 'Jang Tae-Pyung', the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, told as , "Korean-style food is in a new singer position from the point of the whole world as its stage, but if we work together, there is good chance of becoming a world star like Rain."

Continuing, "When Rain holds his fan meeting abroad, the government will actively support that he acts as the Goodwill Ambassador to help to globalize Korean-style food."

Meanwhile, at this day, with Rain's hit song 'I Do' for background music, the ceremony started with the presentation based on 'Rain, he's come under Korean-style food', including putting a screening.

Also, Rain introduced Duckbokki (a broiled dish of sliced rice cake)as his favorite food and expressed the whole story of Duckbokki by his experience.

Yonhap news/Star news
Brief translation by rain bird

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Zarifah

July-14-2009]Rain declares, "There is nothing better than red Duckbokki."Please, click the below link to see the video. http://mbn.mk.co.kr/tv/programVodList.php?programCode=422

After click, press the VCO (2009-07-14.. 떡볶기는 역시 빨간 떡볶기!), and you'll see the video related to Rain.

*떡볶기는 역시 빨간 떡볶기 : There is nothing better than red Duckbokki

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'Jang Tae-Pyung', the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Marine, and Food :
"Since we've had a lot of rain currently, I'm really worried. By the way, Rain, 'Jeong Ji-Hoon' who brings us happiness is here.

-Minister is presenting the certificate to entrust to Rain.-

"We hope Rain to serve to globalize Hansik (Korean-style food), and entrust the Goodwill Ambassador to him."

-Super star Rain who has become the Goodwill Ambassador to globalize Hansik.-

Minister: "Did you have difficulties when you were in those day your debut? (to Rain) None the more, our Hansik is also making its debut in the world. We hope that it is at this point that globalization of Hansik can growwith Rain."

Rain : "How do you do?" This is 'Jeong Ji-Hoon'. Hansik is a culture like mother and a food like the first instinct to me. I plan to promote globalization of Hansik with a strong image, and to become the Goodwill Ambassador to inform Hansik to the world."

-Two kinds of Duckbokki are prepared as Hansik representative.-

MC : "I'm told Rain is a Duckbokki mania."Rain: "Since I'm thinking I'm still a high school student in spirit only, I always love Duckbokki."

-After a while-(Minister and Rain stood in front of Duckbokki on exhibition on the table.)

MC :"Thank both of them.. Please turn back to the seats."Minister : "I think we should have a nibble on...."

-Due to people around there overwhelming flood of requests, two decided to taste Duckbokki-

MC :"The sight seems to make us happy."(seeing two are eating Duckbokki.)Rain :"As expected, Tastes good! I think there is nothing better than red Duckbokki (mixed by Korean hot pepper paste)."

Minister : "I think Duckbokki by sweet pumpkin with cream sauce is all right as well. I'll feed this (by sweet pumpkin) to Rain. He said he likes the red one, but once he has a few, he might change his mind (in a flash)."Rain : "This yellow one is as good as the red one."

-People around there have to move quickly-

After the official function was done,

The people : "Don't you give us your sign? (to Rain)

They are crying for a sign, with one voice.At that moment, Vice Minister, 'Min Seung-Kyu', is holding out a notebook in his hand.
He said, "We have to move quickly!"




credit to MBN News Maker
Brie ftranslation by rain bird@Rain-EU