By Han Sang-hee
Korea Times Correspondent

BANGKOK ― Korean top designer Andre Kim's fashion debut in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday proved that he still had the elegant touch he has been pursuing for the past 47 years.

``Andre Kim Fashion Art Fantasia,'' which took place at the Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Center, was held to commemorate the friendship between the two countries and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Korea-Thailand diplomatic relations.

``It's a great honor to be here. When I first visited Bangkok, the Kingdom of Thailand, it was in 1966, 43 years ago. I dreamed (that) in the future, I would like to present a fashion show and finally it is the day,'' Andre Kim said during a press conference before the event, with the venue packed with some 100 Thai reporters and photographers.

Prominent figures, including Her Royal Highness Princess Som Sawalee and some 1,000 guests were present, with fans of actor Lee Jun-ki, who appeared as the main model, lined up outside the center to get a glimpse of the star.

Kim's Spring/Summer collection was presented under six different themes ― 2010 World Festival for Spring and Summer in Bangkok, Unforgettable Romanticism and Poetic Dream, Everlasting Glory for Kingdom of Thailand, Korea The Tales about Land of Morning Calm, Seven Veils Legend of Orient and My Love of Eternity in Shangri-La.

Singers Oh Jong-hyuk and Evan Yu and local star May Pitchanart appeared as models along with the ``King and the Clown'' (2005) star Lee at the show, which displayed a unique collection of traditional and futuristic elements.

White, gold, bright orange, fuschia, turquoise, purple, neon pink and red colored dresses made their way across the catwalk, with some 170 creations greeting Bangkok fans for the first time.

The show started with models strutting the simple white runway dressed in pure white gowns with Kim's signature gold and silver flowery embroideries. With small white pieces of paper floating like flower petals, the models displayed elegant gowns and even short bubbly skirts with matching tights and gold and silver high-heeled sandals.

The second stage offered flowing, light pink dresses with sparkling embroidery and lace trains. The short yet graceful pink dresses resembled ballet tutus, and the models strut Kim's work with grace and dignity. The male models were charismatic in their simple yet stylish suits, some with colorful embroideries like the dresses, and others with pinstripes and even bow ties. With fans reacting whenever Lee appeared on the runway, the Korean actor was poised and graceful, taking every step carefully and successfully escorting Pitchanart from start to finish.

Another hallmark stage was the Everlasting Glory for Kingdom of Thailand, with models appearing in colorful Thai silk recreated as elegant dresses. The Seven Veils Legend of Orient stage offered Kim's staple piece: a lone model on the runway, wearing seven different colored robes. She took them off one by one, finally revealing a pink gown. The model then turned around and walked back, elegantly collecting the seven robes along the way.

The finale had models strutting with fabulous wedding gowns and the two main models, Lee and Pitchanart, bidding farewell to guests with their last walk as a couple.

Guests applauded enthusiastically when the show was finished, hinting that Kim's show was indeed memorable. Lee's popularity proved that hallyu, or the Korean wave, was still alive in Bangkok.

``The Thai people are very interested in fashion, including clothes, accessories and furniture. Korean actor Lee is also famous for his dramas and popular because he is smart and handsome,'' Sareporn Laovanijya from the Khom Chat Reuk, a Bangkok daily, told The Korea Times.

With fans and fashion lovers taking photos and reaching out to get a glimpse of the famous Korean designer and the handsome actor, Andre Kim Fashion Art Fantasia proved to be yet another success at one of the world's most exotic places.

Kim has made headlines for his unique approach to fashions show, including many world firsts, such as one in front of Egypt's pyramids and at Angkor Wat, in Cambodia. He is the first Korean designer to present his work in Bangkok and is also active in creating cosmetics, bicycles and even electronic goods.

sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr

un Ki's journals in the magazine as translated :

Lee Jun Ki..in pursuit of happiness

In order to leave behind good memories for the 3 siblings living in Jakarta, Lee Jun Ki and tvN filming crew left for Jakarta.
From his own personal journals, jotting down real life story that moves our hearts.


This campaign must make them happy, to bring hope to them, therefore must meet them face to face. However my behaviour might cause some harm or increases their burdens. So upon receiving the case, I thought about it for a long time.

But "Good Neighbours" explained to me and seeing the photos of the 3 siblings, I made the decision to see them.

On the day of departure, the thought that I would see them soon made my heart beat faster. With an excited mood and together with sunbae Kim Ha Neul and the tvN family, we got on the plane. Bound for our destination..Jakarta.

Day 1..our arrival

Today would meet eldest child Viky, 2nd child Dimas, 3rd sister Puteri and grandmother. Once our car appeared, the village bustled with activity. Meeting the brothers and sister, I happily greeted them in the bahasa Indonesia which I just learnt that morning. The children's faces lit up with smiles and they were shy and hid from us.
After using my limited bahasa Indonesia to greet the whole family, together with sunbae Kim Ha Neul, we got down to planning.

First of all, we cleared the garbage lying around and then gathered the wet clothes. Sunbae Kim took charge of the laundry washing while I fetched water. After toiling in the heat and finishing the washing of clothes, we discovered that the pole for clothes hanging was unable to support, due to years of use..it was of no use. Picked up a few pieces of bricks and while using them to hammer the nails in, I decided that before leaving, I must make a laundry stand for them.

After our chores, we chatted with the children inside the house. At the mention of the word "parents", Puteri's eyes welled up with tears. Sunbae Kim and I were heart-broken. These kids cannot not even remember clearly their parents' looks, faced with their inner deep turmoil, we felt helpless. Therefore I made a decision. Even though lacking of time, please let me compensate the children with affection that is absent.

In the afternoon, we had to prepare dinner for the children. Sunbae Kim prepared barbecued meat and I fried noodles. Turned out that the children loved eating the meat, it was gone instantly. And my fried noodles were neglected. (My fried noodles were the local specialty ! )
Without realising it, our first day in Jakarta had ended.


Day 2..Sister and brothers' daily lives.
13 February.

Today is fumigation work, we had to get rid of the insects around the house. Covering up my mouth and a heavy fumigation machine strapped on, I worked my way from their house and around the village. The final task was a difficult one, how to mend the leaks inside the house.

It was troublesome because we needed to seek and obtain approval first. And a lot of repair was needed in many places. Even before repair could commence, there were problems. After discussions with the association and our team, I immediately rolled up my sleeves and pants, started to carry out the task. Filled up the holes in the ceiling and flooring, then distributed the educational items to the children.

After completing most of the repair job, I became a photographer and took photos of the 3 siblings and other children. To be used as future reference in order to render assistance. Today's shooting was to capture the children's innocence while they were playing. Only using the lens to film, no editing would be done.

Walking about in the village and in order to capture the children's happy images, I pressed the shutter non-stop. When I think that my photos would bring hope and changes to the children, I was filled with energy.

Our last itinerary on our 2nd day was to visit the children's school. Using the fans' kind
donations, we set up a computer room in viky's and Dimas' names. (My fans, I really thank all of you)


Day 3...fragile strength to live because of love.

Sunbae Kim and I started work very early. Haircuts for the children of the village, making jeans for the sister and 2 brothers. Sunbae Kim gave them the "Lee Jun Ki" haircut. I was responsible for their styling and making them handsome. We had a happy time with the children.

After haircuts, we went for a camping trip. The kids carefully packed their new clothes in the bags, laughing happily. Only 3rd child was not showing us her joy. I was worried about this child, so I asked the people who knows about her situation. It turned out that Puteri was adopted when she was very young, and suffered abuses at a tender age. My heart sank, when I recalled that to hear her voice and see her smiles, I used wicked tactics. It was too much. Puteri, I am sorry. But you must be strong, there are still kind people in this world.

At the camp, we ate delicious food and played with the children. Sensing that I had become closer to the kids, I was in a better mood. Especially Dimas, who had the team worker's camera and was constantly taking pictures.

Because our presence brought hope to these children..or maybe like Dimas who wants to be a photographer...we sowed the seeds of hope for them. It was really a wonderful feeling.
After playing, I bathed together with Viky and Dimas while sunbae Kim showered together with Puteri. This was the first time I bathed with children. We played happily with water, it was a wonderful moment.

Seemed that I became a father bathing the children. Could be they were tired after playing, they fell asleep.



Day 4...leaving behind good memories

The children said before, that they wanted to go swimming. Luckily there was a swimming pool, and everyone was thrilled. In order for the children to swim longer, I purposely got up early. Not eating breakfast, I gathered the kids and let them enter the water.

I had thought that because they love swimming, their skills must be good. It so happened that once in the water, the children were afraid..really cute. Swimming here was rare for them, usually they only play by the river in the village.To have a chance to play in the swimming pool, they must have felt like being in the blue sea.

Today Sunbae Kim and I taught the children how to swim. To use legs to splash around, non-stop activity.

After lunch, everyone went to the zoo (safari). Being the first time at the zoo with family, the children's happy laughter was heard. There were many animals that Sunbae Kim and I had seen for the first time. In the end, we were more excited than the children, happily looking here and there.

The time spent at the zoo, we were like kids back into our childhood days. We felt close bonding with the children.


Day 5...parting after 6 days and 5 nights

On our last day, we organised sports' day with the school children. During the games, I played till I was perspiring. I became the young and mischevious Lee Jun Ki in childhood, playing together with all the children.

I also thank the Indonesian fanclub for sending along 150 packets of food to the children. To express my appreciation, I rolled up my sleeves and personally helped to distribute every packet to the children.

It was Korean language lesson in the classroom at noon. The kids are clever, managing well with the tough Korean language. Imitating the actions, the classroom was filled with bursts of delighted laughter,

All good things must come to an end, it was time to leave. Saying goodbye was the most cruel moment after the past few days. Everyone was very sad. To give good memories of the unforgettable time, I took pictures of us and them. And we exchanged photos for remembrance.

One by one started to cry silently, finally everyone could not help but weep. Knowing we were leaving, the children hugged me and cried. I cried as I handed them a letter. Till now I am still unable to put down in words what I wrote.

Living our lives in our own individual space, I learnt a lot having spent time here. They promised to take care of the children and so I went to say goodbye to grandma. Grandma was sad and she cried.

Going through this eventual parting of ways, I felt helpless. Spending this period of time with the kids, to me it was not a hand-out. In fact, it allows me to clearly know that while we enjoy luxurious things, we have lost something essential.

Hoping that if we meet again, I can still see your innocent cute smiling faces. Hoping that we can exchange warm hugs.

Lastly, I wish that you will maintain the honest and sincere hearts and must grow up healthily and happily.

Thank you, I love you.

Original article posted in picture
Translated from Korean to Chinese by Roubao @ baidu
Translated from Chinese to English by Wendy @leejunki-singapore

31 March 2009 - 4,000 Lee Jun-ki Tickets Sold Out in 2 Minutes

Actor Lee Jun-ki has seen the first portion of tickets for his fan meeting–scheduled to be held at the Olympic Park in Seoul on April 18–sold out in only two minutes after sales opened, according to his agency Mentor Entertainment on Friday.

“We first put some 4,000 of a total of 8,000 tickets up for sale on his fan cafes and official foreign-language site exclusively for members of his fan clubs and overseas fans, and they were sold out in just two minutes,” the agency said. “The foreign language site even went down at one point due to heavy traffic, with fans from all over Asia accessing it.”

Mentor Entertainment said that it decided to sell the tickets in two rounds to give both local and overseas fans of the actor equal opportunities to buy a ticket and facilitate sales. The second round opened on the online ticket site Interpark on Friday.

The agency added, “We have had lots of calls asking about the fan meeting even from Thailand and Arab nations, as well as China and Japan. So, we are planning to hire some translators for each language for the event.”

Source: KBS Global

1 April 2009 - Lee Jun Ki's Music Video Teaser for Episode 2

Photos of Lee Jun Ki's new music video specially made to be shown during his 2nd fan meeting for his fans were released to much fanfare today, with his new image becoming a hot topic among his fans. The photos were released by his management, Mentor Entertainment with a representative expressing, "When we filmed the music video, we had setup 5 video cameras around the stage. We also used a stage that could switch to different scene settings automatically and the effects can definitely rival a big budget movie production."

The music video director said, "Lee Jun Ki left a really deep impression on me when he was doing the dance steps during the filming. I think this music video will be a nice surprise for his fans."

Lee Jun Ki's second fan meeting codenamed Episode 2 will be held at the Seoul Olympic Park on 18th April. All 8,000 tickets for this exclusive event were snapped up within 2 minutes of the two sale windows opening, with local and overseas fans "fighting" for a chance to see their idol in person. Because of the response and requests from fans, the organizers are considering adding more seats and opening another sale window.

Source: Allkpop

Lee Junki who has recorded an exclusive MV for his upcoming fan meeting Episode 2 for his fans, have been dealt with a blow after important scenes from it were leaked onto the internet recently. Junki who was still feeling the effects of an ankle injury suffered on the 5th during rehearsals for his fan meeting, was shocked to see part of his MV appearing on the internet. This has thus disrupted plans for the fan meeting as it was to be shown on that day exclusively. Mentor Entertainment has launched an inquiry as to how it was leaked.

Lee Junki had been working with famed Korean producer, Kim Hyung Suk on this MV which will be shown to fans during his Episode 2 fan meeting on the 18th. But the leak of partial scenes from the MV has disrupted the plan. Despite the blurry looking pictures, the sad thing was that most of the important scenes from the MV have been leaked.

A Mentor Entertainment representative expressed, "It's unfortunate to have so many problems before the fan meeting has even started. But we believe that these are signs that point towards the big success of the fan meeting eventually. But we will still launch an inquiry and will go about it accordingly once the culprit is found out."


Lee Junki's second fan meeting codenamed Episode 2 will be held at the Seoul Olympic Park on 18th April. It's the first stop of his scheduled world tour and thus is highly anticipated by his fans from all corners of the world. All kinds of professional equipment will be utilized to the max in order to bring fans an experience that they will never forget.


credits: coolsmurf @ allkpop
pictures: dunnbother@soompi

In case you are wondering, this is not a publicity stunt because his fan meeting codenamed Episode 2: Mask is already sold out. Having seen the pictures of the exclusive MV for the fan meeting leaked a few days ago, Mentor Entertainment has proceeded to release a teaser of the MV which is named J Style to get fans salivating even more. The MV features a slick looking Lee Junki moving around and posing in the MV and seemed to have been made with a lot of thought and effort.

Unfortunately, only fans going to his fan meeting on 18th April will get to see the full J Style MV. For those who are not going, we will have to wait for fancams. Although Lee Junki is currently nursing an ankle injury suffered during one of his rehearsals, he is working through the pain barrier and continuing with the rehearsals so that he can present his best side to his fans who have been waiting for him.

credits: allkpop