[NEWS] YG Entertainment Falls Short On First Half Revenue But Is Expected To Recover This Second Half

YG Entertainment has fallen short from the expectations with their first half of the year result of their agency’s earnings. YG Entertainment has revealed their first half of the year report on the 30th of May and they have made 17.9 billion won in total sales and operating profit of 3 billion won with net profit of 3.6 billion won. Although the numbers are impressive it has fallen short compared to their numbers on the same period last year. Their earnings for the same period compared to last year fell 2.5% and 15.3% on their operating profit.

Nevertheless, YG Entertainment was able to rake more than 20 billion won for the first half which is huge but shows a huge gap in the market compared to SM Entertainment’s 38.4 billion won sales for the first half of this year. YG Entertainment seemed to have started the year a little slower but experts say the company will manage to recover for the second half.

Experts say for the second half, it will be big for YG Entertainment and they will rapidly recover. The YG Family Concert in Japan and Big Bang and 2ne1′s album sales in Japan will be reflected in the second half earnings as well as the upcoming Big Bang world tour, repacked album release and 2ne1′s comeback. Experts say that they are expecting more or less around 29.6 billion won in operating profit and 74 billion won in sales and revenue byt the second half.

Credits:

Source: Nate
Written by: Blueprincess824@dkpopnews.net
Re-Uploaded by: ForeverWithDara

[NEWS] 2NE1, A-JAX Added To Japan’s “A-Nation Musicweek” Lineup

Top girl group 2NE1 and soon-to-debut boy band A-JAX have been invited to perform at the 12th “A-Nation Musicweek.”

2NE1 and A-JAX will bring Japanese music fans to their feet by performing their hit songs at the Yoyogi National First Gymnasium in Tokyo, set to be held between August 3 and 12, sources said.

Hosted by music software company AVEX, the 10-day festival will open under different themes everyday, such as ‘Band’, ‘Anime songs’, ‘Idol’ and ‘Rock.’ 

On the opening day of the annual summer event, August 3, 2NE1 has been announced to appear on stage with Japanese hip-hop group m-flo, according to 2NE1′s official Japanese website.

Also, A-JAX will serve as the opening acts of ‘Asia Progress M’ on August 9, which features rookie male artists in the region, with other K-pop groups U-KISS and SHUI and Japanese groups AAA and DEEP, A-JAX’s official told 10Asia in a brief phone interview.

Since its beginning in 2002, the a-nation musicweek has presented performances by A-list acts including Ayumi Hamasaki, Kumi Koda, BoA and TVXQ!

Meanwhile, an official from 2NE1′s agency, YG Entertainment, confirmed this morning that the girls will be returning to the local music scene in mid-June with a new album, though they have yet to decide whether it is going to be a mini-album or an official full-track album.

Before attending the music fest, A-JAX will also perform as opening artists at K-pop girl group KARA’s concert, “KARASIA,” at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama on May 26 and 27.

Having gone viral under their tentative team name “DSP BOYZ” before the official name was announced in late April, A-JAX is prepping up to make local debut later this month.

Source: 10.asiae.co.kr

[NEWS] YG: "2NE1 ARE NOT PRETTY, COOL IS BETTER"

“2NE1 ARE NOT PRETTY”…. YANG HYUN SUK, “COOL IS BETTER”

YG Entertainment CEO Yang Hyun Suk (43) publicly declares that he doesn’t find 2NE1 pretty.

On the 21st, Yang Hyun Suk appeared as the guest on the SBS show, “Healing Camp.” When asked by the show MCs, “What criteria do you have in choosing artists?” the YGE CEO replied with, “The rumors that I did not look at appearances when choosing 2NE1 and Big Bang are not true, in reality, I do look at appearance also. During audtions I also look at their appearance, aside from the voices,” he confessed.

Comparing them to other girl groups, the looks of YG’s girl group, 2NE1, is surely different, and he says that he is aware of the comments. In fact, Yang Hyun Suk said, “It’s true that 2NE1 are not pretty,” he said in his frank manner, drawing laughter from the MCs. He went on to say that, “In fact, 2NE1 members are not tall, and they don’t have average pretty faces. But more importantly, I think they’re cool.“

He goes on to say, “I think that a cool person is better than just being pretty,” he said, “2NE1′s CL and Gong Minzy have charisma. It’s cool. It’s my style,” he confirmed.

Credits:

Sources: Nate News: 1 2 3

Translated by: BlackjackBelle@OhDara/ SlaveTranslator@WeLoveDara

[NEWS] SANDARA PARK, REVEALS CONFIRMATION SHOTS OF GIFTS RECEIVED FOR 3RD ANNIVERSARY SINCE DEBUT, “REALLY SO CUTE!”

Group 2NE1′s Sandara Park, reveals gifts from fans!

On the 21st, Sandara Park updated her me2day with, “The gifts that fans gave in celebration of our 3rd anniversary!” revealing a photo along with her post.

In the photo that she posted, a variety of gifts from fans can be seen, most specially a photo book, and clothing items, such as various hoodies, socks, and t-shirts bearing cute Sandara Park caricatures. She said “Such precious memories.. Thank you all so much,” to all the fans that sent her the gifts.

The gifts were part of a project for 2NE1′s third anniversary. On May 6, 2009, 2NE1 debuted in the music industry with their debut song, “Fire.” This year marks their third anniversary since debut.

Netizens who saw the update responded with, “Congratulations on your third anniversary!” “The clothes would really suit you!” showing their various reactions.

Credits:

Source: Nate News: http://news.nate.com/view/20120522n05430
Translated by: BlackjackBelle@OhDara/ SlaveTranslator@WeLoveDara

[NEWS] 2NE1, A Surprise Comeback After One Year.. New Album On June, Concert On July

The 4 members of 2NE1, Gong Minzy, Sandara Park, Park Bom, and CL, would be releasing a new album and returning to the domestic fans after a year.

A representative from 2NE1‘s entertainment agency, YG Entertainment, told Star News on the afternoon of the 21st that, “2NE1 would be releasing a new Korean album in mid-June,” he said. The representative continued, “Producer Teddy has already completed 7 or more wonderful songs for 2NE1,” he revealed.

It’s been approximately 11 months since 2NE1 released “2NE1 2nd Mini Album” during July of last year, in Korea. In 2NE1′s 2nd mini album, their songs “Don’t Cry,” “Lonely” “I Am The Best,” “Hate You,” and “Ugly” all became great hits. As is expected from 2NE1, many of their songs become extremely popular every time they release a new album, and thus this news of a new album to be released locally has attracted a lot of interest.

YG Entertainment also said, “At present, 2NE1′s new album that is set for release hasn’t been finalized yet; we cannot confirm as to whether it will be a regular album, or a mini album,” he stated.

2NE1 is also scheduled to hold their second concert in July, a month or so after the release of their new album.

On August of last year, 2NE1 held their very successful first concert at the Seoul Olympic Hall in a span of three days. After concentrating on their advancement and promotions in Japan, along with their Nolza Japan concert tour, this meeting between 2NE1 and the domestic fans after a long time is something that is sure to have a lot of expectations.

YG Entertainment said, “We would be making an official announcement once the concert details become all fixed,” he continued, “We also hope that you all have fun with 2NE1 this summer,” he finished.

Credits:

Source: Naver News
Translated by: BlackjackBelle@OhDara/ SlaveTranslator@WeLoveDara

[ARTICLE] Rolling Stone – The 10 K-POP Groups Most Likely To Break In America

YouTube’s most-watched Korean pop music video, Girls’ Generation’s “Gee,” has earned 74,000,000 American views alone, even though most mainstream U.S. music fans have never heard of it. The song and video – a calculated, colorful, choreographed affair that sees the nine-member girl group smiling and winking for the camera in flirty outfits as they change formations and soloists without a hitch – epitomize how Korean pop music (K-Pop for short) has been able to break language barriers and captivate a passionate U.S. audience. More recently, acts have begun turning the interest into profitable American tour stops and announcing plans to officially release music stateside. And as if to officially christen the genre’s U.S. crossover potential as an internet phenomenon, Google will host a multi-act K-Pop concert at their California headquarters on May 21st, which will be livestreamed on their YouTube Presents channel.

In the past, popular Korean acts (like BoA and Se7en) made unsuccessful American debuts likely due to the fact that they were molded by American record labels to be presented in a way they saw best to break into the notoriously difficult market.

Yet K-pop has garnered a strong following without the help of any major American backing. K-Pop is a mixture of trendy Western music and high-energy Japanese pop (J-Pop), which preys on listeners’ heads with repeated hooks, sometimes in English. It embraces genre fusion with both singing and rap, and emphasizes performance and strong visuals.

Never very racy, K-pop could easily slide into America’s Top 40 market if correctly targeted at children and teenagers. The following are the 10 acts most likely to successfully crossover to America – as long as they’re allowed to keep the same sounds and concepts that made them popular in Asia.

2NE1

One of South Korea’s most notable acts, 2NE1 stands out for the wide array of sounds heard in their latest EP that includes the club banger ”I Am The Best,” the slick electro-pop/hip-hop ”Hate You,” and the emotionally charged ”Ugly.” 2NE1’s genre-hopping and large personalities bring Nicki Minaj’s rap/singing approach to mind. Without any push into the U.S., the group caught the eye of will.i.am, who signed on to work on their American debut rumored to be released later this year. Listeners can get a sample of what a will.i.am/2NE1 production sounds like with the track ”Take On The World,” currently being used for a promotional video for Intel. The foursome’s fierce fashion even caught the eye of designer Jeremy Scott who has styled for the group. Several of the members have strong English skills, and the group won the award for “Best New Band In The World” for MTV Iggy, an MTV initiative that showcases music from all over the world.

Click the link below to see the 10 K-pop groups:

[NEWS] 2NE1, 2PM to Give Live Performances at MTV VMAJ 2012

2NE1, 2PM TO PERFORM AT MTV VMAJ 2012

K-pop male idols 2PM and female girl group 2NE1 will stage live performances at the upcoming MTV Video Music Awards Japan (MTV VMAJ).

On Friday, the MTV VMAJ’s official website showed that 2PM and 2NE1 will sing their hit Japanese songs at the awards ceremony, which will open at the Makuhari Messe Hall in Chiba on June 23.

At the event being hosted by popular Japanese electro trio Perfume, both K-pop idol groups will share the stage with internationally famous artists such as Exile, Miliyah Kato, J Soul Brothers III and Linkin Park.

Meanwhile, 2PM and 2NE1 received nominations at the MTV VMAJ 2012 in the best group video category, each with their music videos to “I’m Your Man” and “I am the Best.”

Several other K-pop acts including Girls’ Generation, KARA, SHINee and CNBLUE were also nominated at the music fest.

Source: 10 Asia

[Article] 2NE1 at #11 on Complex Music’s 25 Sexiest International Singers You’ve Never Heard Of

These days, American radio is saturated with Carly Rae Jepsen, Rihanna and other female superstars who are probably under the age of 25. Not that we’re complaining, but once you find yourself mouthing the lyrics to “Call Me Maybe,” you know you need to start listening to something else.

After witnessing Yuna perform at SOBS for Hot 97, we knew just where to look for new material: overseas. After days of trolling the web for other sexy female artists to switch up our playlist, we compiled our own collection of new (at least, to most of us) music. If you’re looking to broaden your musical horizons, check out our list of the 25 Sexiest International Singers You’ve Never Heard Of.

11. 2NE1

Country: South Korea

Since the four-girl pop group—consisting of CL, Minzy, Dara, and Bom—formed in 2009, they’ve already received a number of accolades, including “Song of the Year” at the Mnet Asian Music Awards for “I Don’t Care” and “I Am the Best” and “Best New Band” by MTV Iggy, before they could even put out their first full-length album. In March 2012, however, the cutesy foursome finally released their first LP, Collection, which features their second Japanese single, “Scream.”

Click the link below for the full list:

[News] Members of YG’s “Mysterious Girl Group” Represent Each of the 2NE1 Members?