Movieweek

Ok............................I´ll put it this way.....I liked the interview alot. The shots on the other hand.....not so much. Surely not his best.



By the way, does anyone remember the shoot in which he had to wear fur ?
I´m asking because that one actually was my favourite out of them.

*** I hope him more success on things that he wants to accomplish. He always aims so high, high expectations. I think the headline of this article isn’t proper – “take revenge” (?)

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08 Apr 11 [Sina] Rain Wants To "Take Revenge" For World-Class Asian Entertainers

When singer-actor Rain accepted an interview with a Japanese media, he said that he wanted to "take revenge" on behalf of world-class stars. In a special-edition interview on April 10th by one of Japan's weekly best-selling distributions, he said, "From the very beginning when I released my album, I had the strong hope that my music would rank up the charts at first place; after which I also had the hope that I would become South Korea's best singer. Later down the line I then thought I'd be an actor, and then extravagantly hoped for an award in Asia. Now it looks like I'm in this world to win awards." (Deb's note: This last statement was confusing to translate from Chinese, so sorry if it doesn't make much sense.)

In response to the question of the essential conditions for Asian actors to step into Hollywood, Rain then said, "Actors playing the role also have to experience restrictions on their outward appearance. In actuality an Asian's single-eye-lid appearance is considered very essential in the eyes of the Westerners. However, outside of the appearance alone, if one does not have his/her own unique charm, it wouldn't work either. By diligently paying attention to these kinds of details, one can eliminate the restriction that Hollywood has on Asian entertainers, thus paving a brand new direction for Asia. Until the day when this restriction is eliminated, I will work hard continuously and become the world's best actor."

Source: MyDaily & Sina Entertainment 2008年04月11日21:54 新浪娛樂
Posted by dada@RainHK
Translation & edited by dsl99a@SexyBi & Rain-USA

Hello, fellow Biers! My first time to post here.

Is there anyone here from the Philippines? I'd like to formally invite you all to Cloud Philippines' special screening of Speed Racer on May 10, 2008. Below is the event invitation:



We hope to see you there!

[Apr-21-2008] Press Interview - Rain: "Wants To Become A Racer"


World star Rain starring in Hollywood movie "Speed Racer" will be in theatres on May 8th in Asia. This is produced by the Warner Brothers. On April 21st, Rain interviewed by the local press and he said "Even though he doesn't know if the box office is going to be a big hit or not, but he already signed for Speed Racer III."

Q: Your character is a supporting actor, why do you pick this character when you know this is a supporting role?

I received many main actor role invitations. If this is compared to a baseball game, I would want to be a leader in a big competition game rather than a small one. Besides, I really like this movie's director, Wachowski brothers. I believe I can learn many things. I gave it all while shooting so the director let me to be the main actor in Ninja Assassin.

The "Matrix" is a western action film, but the Wachowski brothers wanted to shoot an Asian kung fu film. When I was small, I learn kickboxing and some kung fu technique so it only takes me 30 minutes to finish the kick fighting scene. Maybe because of this, the director appreciated me. About the racing car scenes, we are shooting in a green screen and I am wearing leather clothing, my body temperature is higher than 90 degrees F. While other actors are resting, I am still insisted on filming. I wanted to let others know how strong and patient Korean people are.

During filming I mostly ate with the production group. I wrote Korean for them, I said "Korean writing looks very nice right", then I wrote "TAEJOTOGOKHAN" in Korean, never thought they added this into the movie. Ninja Assassin will start shooting on April 28th.


Q: Your English dialogues sounds very fluent, how do you feel talking English in the movie?

Who can imagine I could act in a Hollywood movie, release album in U.S. If I know this then I should study harder in English during High School (Smiled). I think need to have confidence on doing anything. I am still a Korean, no matter how hard I study, my English level will not be good as U.S. people. Because my English teacher is a British, I have difficulties on English pronunciation, but I will try to speak more naturally. But lucky I sounded quite natural in the movie.


Q: Some people said the character's emotion reveals too solely, but some said this is a very important supporting role.

The director cares a lot about little details, but to me requested a mystical rhyme. Don't' know if I reveal now is too early or not, but I already signed for Speed Racer III, of course this depends on Speed Racer become big hit. Even though no one told me, but I feel they will shoot a sequel. The director told me I will be acting as a car company's boss, so I must be steady and with competing strength. Voice need to tune deep. In the movie, my emotions are mostly cold and serious looking. Smiles and sunny looks are rejected by the director.


Q: How do you feel working with Hollywood stars like Emile Hirsch, Matthew Fox, Susan Sarandon and Christina Ricci?

At the beginning, I only have one thought, must have confidence. (Smiled) they are big stars, especially Susan Sarandon, she is my idol when I was small. I never thought she would have my album and ask me for my autograph. She also wrote a letter to me, in the letter she wrote "Hope this movie will be a stepping stone for you to success". One day, an actor's birthday, Susan, Matthew, Emile and I joined the birthday party and went to bowling together. Before I only thought not to worry then will be fine, but never thought they are very down to earth people. Asian fans are so warm-hearted. They came to Berlin studio and cheer for me. Other actors don't have such fans. During filming, the director from "Transformer" came visiting, maybe because this movie is a big hit in Korea, the director likes Korea a lot, he viewed Korea is an important market.


Q: The movie actor name "TAEJOTOGOKHAN", is he a Korean or Japanese?

"TAEJO" is a Korean name. I asked the director before, he also knew TAEJO is North Korea emperor. KHAN is Mongolian and TOGO doesn't have actual meaning. TAEJO is Korean name, but in the movie, his father Areum is a Chinese.

Washowski brothers are initiative peace people. The movie has different nationality staffs explaining the scenes, and there is Korean dialogue in the movie, seems like they appreciated me as a Korean.


Q: When will you come back to Korea acting?

Ninja Assassin will be done shooting at the end of July. This fall I will produce a special album for my Asian fans. To promote for the movie, I will stay in Korea, Japan, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan for one month. Then I will prepare for my English album, until next year then I could come back to Korea acting.


Source: 韓聯網
Translated by Summer, credit to Rain-America.com

08 Apr 20 [AICN] A New Review of Speed Racer

Elvenblade does an Esther Williams in the sugary goodness that is SPEED RACER!!!
from AICN

Hey Harry, Moriarty, Quint, everyone…

First off, gotta say I love the site to pieces. I sent in another article a long, long time ago about the Steamboy event that Mori hosted over at the Egyptian Theatre – that was one fan-****ing-tastic screening. Today, however, I feel cinematically obliged to speak on a little film I saw last night called Speed Racer.

A little history: I'm a pretty huge fan of the anime, having watched it a lot as a kid. As for the Wachowskis, I loved Bound, loved the first two Matrix films, but I thought the third one was uneven. As a result, I was pretty skeptical of Speed Racer – even with such a great cast and their obvious love for anime, I wasn't sure that the brothers would be able to capture everything that made the show so great – the family dynamics, the insane action sequences, the wrongs on the racetrack that needed writing, and finally, the cheese. Well, I was pretty sure after seeing the trailer that they were on track to getting the cheese right. The rest, though? It could have gone either way.

Warner Bros. was awesome enough to host this screening and I was lucky enough to know a kid with lots of friends and an extra pass. We were some of the first in line and after a lot of *****ing decided to get seats near the back of the theatre. After the screening they had us go to a different house so we could see the first reel again in IMAX. Again, my friends wanted to sit in the way back, so I can't say what the film would be like for someone seeing the film down by the front of the theater, but I can try to put into words my reactions on the experience as a whole.

Speed Racer is orgasmic.

I will try not to reveal too many spoilers until the end of the review, instead using the first 15 minutes to explain why this film is one of the very best reinventions of a classic series to come out in a long time (that is, it kicks Transformers' ass several times over) as well as a great film in its own right that works on just about every level. It surprises me that Warner isn't marketing this heavier as this could be one of the biggest films of the summer. There's something here for the all-American crowd, for anime fans, for racing fans, for kids and adults, even for your girlfriend (I'm taking mine on opening day). And the cheese is – surprisingly - kept to a minimum. Or at least it felt that way. In any case I was too absorbed in the story (I won't say 'plot' because that word sounds too conventional, and this film is anything but) to notice.

The intro to the film is simple enough and takes a cue from the checkered-flag intro of the original series, which is really sweet.

From the very first scene, showing young Speed in the classroom making a flipbook of a car crash in his test booklet and imagining an animated fantasy race, we can already sense the giddy exuberance with which the Wachowskis have approached the material. Trixie just smiles at him as he sits there, eyes closed in the middle of an exam, making car noises. The film is jam-packed with adorable little touches like these. Anyway, it was clear that this film was going to be something different, something honest and pure. But I wasn't quite sold at this point yet, as there were so many things that could have gone wrong. But believe me, everything just keeps getting better and better. If I were a kid watching this first classroom scene, I would instantaneously have identified with Speed – I mean, show me a little boy who doesn't secretly harbor fantasies of driving futuristic racecars. Anyway, as soon as the bell rings, Speed races out of the classroom to see his brother Rex, a pro driver, and convinces him to take him with him in the Mach 5 on the racetrack to practice. The first time we hear Speed talk to Rex with lightning-fast eloquence is completely different from any other spoken dialogue in the film, but it's a great little throwback to the dubbed voices of the original show. Anyway, as they race around the impossibly stadium-like track, Rex explains to Speed that a car is a living, breathing entity, and we can see little Speed eating it all up. The film then flashes forward in time, showing us Rex's fate, which begins with a bomb threat, which leads to him leaving the house and racing on his own, and ends with an explosion and an untimely death. Flash-forward again to the present, where Speed is leading the pack in a race on the same stadium track, and racing against Rex's ghost (both figuratively and literally, as the ghost for the best track time runs side-by-side with Speed, a la Mario Kart). There's a lot of back-and-forth between timelines, between Speed's racing, Mom, Pop, Spritle, Chim-chim and Trixie watching from the stands, Sparky giving him advice from the box and the talking heads (many of them International) supplying us with Important Plot Information, but it all goes down smoothly and is all but necessary to prepare us for future time-jumps. The only hitch, really, is that the extreme stylization may be too much, too fast, for some audiences. Personally, I loved it. I ate the whole damn thing up.

If you've seen the trailer, well, pretty much the whole film looks like that. It weaves in and out of numerous styles, and just when you think it's pushed the envelope completely with regards to digital compositing, the Wachowskis pull off another ridiculous effect that just takes your breath away completely. A large part of why the film breezed by so quickly for me was that everything was so fresh and new – the amazing production design that makes everything look so much brighter, scenes layered on top of scenes, transitions effortlessly overlapping, timelines switching back and forth with very little allowance for a breather… it's pretty much balls-to-the-wall sugary action goodness.

The racing scenes vary in style, but they are some of the wildest ever put to film (and this is coming from a film nut). The first race is the most straightforward, with Speed defying convention, speeding through dangerous corners in order to challenge Rex's record. There are three more races, two of them being major ones. The cross-country race is beautiful and reminded me the most of the original series. It's got elements from some of the best James Bond car chase chases as well as Episode I's podrace mixed in with a lot of wicked car jumping, and it trumps them all in terms of sheer effect and the fun that comes with a sense of teamwork. And the Grand Prix… is just heart-pounding, show-stopping bliss. Rest assured the intensity of the racing scenes are only amplified by the Wachowskis' completely original style.

The performances are fantastic, especially considering how much of the film was shot over green screen. Like the Lord of the Rings cast, there's not a bad apple in the whole production. Of course, every Speed Racer fan knows that the core family just has to "click", and I'm happy to report that they got it right. So ****ing right. John Goodman and Susan Sarandon make the best pair of parents in the world - you just want them to adopt you. Pop is firm but caring, and Mom is beautiful, unconditionally loving and supportive. And she makes futuristic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Sparky is great but inexplicably British. He's a great source of comic relief without being overdone and he shares a moment with Speed near the end that is just classic. Rex is perfect. And Speed… Oh God, Speed… I thought Emile Hirsch was robbed of an Oscar nomination for his spectacular work in Into the Wild (I can't argue against any of the other nominees, and Daniel-Day Lewis deserved to win, but they should have had a sixth nomination just for him this year, seriously), so I thought he'd be a perfect fit for Speed. I didn't know just how perfect. He has this aura about him that can be so many things – spunky and heroically naïve, romantic and honest, burdened with the weight of responsibility over his family's future, desperately chasing his older brother, worried that everything he loves about racing (his life) is a lie… I thought this was going to be a thankless role, but the Wachowskis give Emile the screen time and range that he needs to create a genuinely lovable character stuck in a world where the odds are stacked so highly against him and the choices are so few that you don't just want to see him succeed, you NEED him to… because you identify with him so much… and Emile delivers, 100%. I do think that if Christina Ricci wasn't so ridiculously beautiful as Trixie, I might have had a man-crush on Emile. Trixie is super hot. Ricci and Emile share brief scenes together in the Mach 5 (no, not those kinds of scenes) where they speak honestly about their feelings and the future – these scenes really flesh out their characters. Every couple has their romantic fantasy, and when these two talk about theirs… it kind of has to make you smile. Matthew Fox is great, an imposing force even when most of his screen time is spent behind a mask. He has a great scene with Speed as well. Roger Allam is dastardly evil as Mr. Royalton, channeling a lifetime of theatrical experience into this despicable character. You might recognize him as Lewis Prothero in V For Vendetta or Adrian from Tristram Shandy. Korean recording artist Rain does a good job as Taejo, though it's a pretty straightforward role and kind of annoying to an Asian such as myself that his character is supposed to be Japanese when he's one of the most famous Koreans in the world. And he looks distinctly Korean as well. Eh, it's not really that big a deal the more I think about it, but it's still kind of weird. As for the kids in this movie, they are all perfectly cast, with Spritle being the best. Paulie Litt is instantly likable in a part that so easily could have been annoying or overdone. The chimps they got for Chim-chim are great, if I could judge chimpanzee acting.

As for the writing, it's not apparent at first just how great the script of the film is. I thought it started out a bit rough but just got better and better after the first act, but after seeing the first reel again in IMAX I realized just how tight and brilliant the set-up really is for building up to the rest of the film. Every main character has at least one strong scene with Speed, which is touching, human and extremely important to the story the brothers are trying to tell, as it's clear that family is what keeps him going. Unfortunately Snake Oiler, that dastardly villain from the show, doesn't get much screen time outside of his car. But yeah, there are tons of nods to the original show, with Spritle and Chim-chim popping out of the Mach 5's trunk more than once, Trixie spotting for Speed from her helicopter, there is a scene where the Mach 5 is outfitted with all the sweet gadgets it's famous for, etc… What can I say about the script other than it gets the characterizations just perfectly right and crafts an intricate yet simple story of one boy's dream? While it's idealistic as hell at times, it's got a lot of maturity for a kid's movie, dealing with the difficult and uncompromising nature of business versus art (yes, Speed's Mom calls his racing art more than once, I think, and I did wonder if Royalton was made to represent not only corporate greed, but the greed of Hollywood), and hardly wasting a second of screen time to repeat itself or to preach to kids. Just when it starts to get too serious, it lightens up. Just when it gets too light, we get some delicious action. There is a wicked fight sequence in this snowy valley that… oh, hell. I don't want to spoil it for you, just watch the damn thing when it comes out already.

The soundtrack is amazing and makes perfect use of the original Speed Racer theme, but it's up on AICN already so you all knew that. The music can be bombastic at times, but maybe it'd be more noticeable if it weren't, given the epic nature of the images on-screen. The end credits feature a remix of the original theme over some shots of Chim-Chim going crazy, followed by another rearrangement of the original theme that wouldn't be out of place at a rave.

Speed Racer goes by ridiculously fast and smooth, and it's the most entertaining film I've seen all year. In terms of artistic liberty, it goes far and beyond what most green-screen-fests (Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, Sin City, 300, etc) have done before. That's not a knock on those films, all of which I love, but praise for the masterful use of cinematic technique that went into the production of Speed Racer. The special effects blend in effortlessly with the world on-screen. Not once was there a scene where I stopped and thought to myself "Okay, I've just been taken out of the film. None of that is actually there, they totally shot this in a tiny studio in Vermont or something". That's more than I can say for either of those three films, as great as they may be. The world in this film exists. This is some of ILM's best work ever, and including Revenge of the Sith and Transformers, that's saying a lot. It takes digital filmmaking to an entirely new level, a world populated by rich, vibrant colors and textures and dominated by an idealized and perfected version of automobile racing.

In short, the Wachowskis have reclaimed their former glory. Maybe I'm just a raving lunatic nerd, but this is not just a small summer film! This is a noteworthy ****ing achievement for cinema! I just hope that it gets a ton of support at the box office, because quite frankly, it deserves it.

If you use this, call me elvenblade.

Source: AICN
Posted by rainalice@RainHK

*** I can imagine that RAIN had a great time filming this movie. So nice to read & know that they’re joking & laughing on the set……. It makes me happy to know, too that RAIN is comfortable being with them.

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Made in Bablesberg
by Mr. Vincent Vega

german to engl: freya1507/ RainEurope & SexyBi

(freya’s note: this is a snip of and article of some one who worked as a “mute” “walk on” “extra” at the shooting in bablesberg)

[...]
One week later at six in the morning. Luckily the people, who were looking after us, did try to explain what it’s all about. At huge storyboards they showed and explained us the upcoming scene, and then we started.
Shooting Start. Everybody on place. A scene in front of Racer-X’s fan group.
This is the guy, who first wants to discredit our hero, till the luck has finally turned. Nobody seems to notice that this Racer-X is played by Mathew Fox, and who is the guy, they do know as the sexy doc from LOST. To not unnecessarily excite the just partly euphonic and mostly tranquil and even sometimes disinterested “ movie extra”s this information will remain unspoken.
Which applies to Rain too, the Korean singer and super star who got more known over here (germany) by I’M A CYBORG BUT THAT’S OK. But as it seems not under the Speed-Racer-movie-extras (but this is Ok).They are already occupied with the hard work of movie-extras, and do not have time for “Star Riddles”.
Cause after they entered the green screen hall, and did look carefully that they did not step on any cable at the floor, or oversee check marks, they had to yell for 2 hours. Namely such loud, that the offered cough candies periodically were more welcomed as the fee. "Racer X", "Racer X", "Racer X", and "yeah", "yippee", "here, here, here".
The only thing which was to see, was the one meter away small victory podium where Racer-X and Taejo looked grimly at each other, while a pretty lady was holding a winner’s cup. The rest was blooming in light green. Acting talent was apparently welcomed from the movie-extras, above all cause while the shoots of the yelling audience were done, the Misters Fox and Rain, did obviously tell each other jokes or what seems more presumable, that confronting with the dumb yelling crowd in front of them they could not avoid to laugh. Due to the fact that the ecstatic wild enthusiasm from the movie-extras were not enough the Wachowskis did encourage the cheerful going on with full personally body use.
[...]

source: http://www.dasmanifest.com/04/setberichtspeedracer.php

Source

*** I hope his dream may come true from this movie.

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08 Apr 23 Summary From Rain's Interview At <SR> Event In Hong Kong

Deb's note: Okay, so came across tons of Chinese press releases that pretty much repeated the same stuff over, so instead of translating every single one of them, I'm going to highlight key points from these various media sources, especially statements that he made during the interview at Olympian City as part of his promotional event. I assumed that he was asked some funny questions.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


Summary:

1. 300 fans or so came to greet him at the HK airport upon his arrival. He had 20 or so bodyguards of his own with him, plus the airport's own security and another 7 more bodyguards provided by Warner Brothers. (I posted this earlier on too, so sorry for the repeat...)

2. He stayed at the Peninsula Hotel.

3. During the interview, Rain said that his character "Taejo Togokhan" was a very fun character to play; although a bit mischievous, "Taejo" was all in all a good person.

4. He said that the entire shooting process of the movie was not difficult at all; there was constantly a good atmosphere.

5. Apparently in one part of the movie, "Taejo" disguises as a woman. When Rain was asked whether there was any struggle going through that, he curled his lip and said that he was worried before the shooting of that scene over whether his legs would look nice. But after watching the movie, he said that he was very satisfied with his legs!

6. When he goes overseas for work, Rain said that he packs "Shin" and "Dan Dan" noodle packages in his suitcase from home. Whenever he gets hungry, he relies on these 'local delicacies' to satisfy his desire.

7. Chinese actress Yu Nan plays Taejo's older sister in <Speed Racer>. Rain said that the biggest difference between them is their eye lids. He said she has big eyes while he has no eyelid, and therefore they look nothing alike. When asked whether he liked women with or without eyelids, he said that neither one matters.

8. He also said that after his promotional visit to the US, he will continue with a very tight filming schedule for <Ninja Assassin>. He said that that's the reason why he is unable to cut his hair right now.

9. At this meeting at Olympian City, the HK fans gave him a 35 pound cake to commemorate the 6th anniversary of his debut. After cutting the cake, he had the cake distributed out to all the excited fans in the audience.



Source: Various HK news releases (on.cc, The Daily Sun etc)
Posted by RainHK
Translation & edited by dsl99a@SexyBi & Rain-USA

*** Yaaayyy….omg – very close moment with RAIN! I do envy you – so very lucky girl! I know this isn’t the first time that you saw him.

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Credits : MissMonika / Sexy Bi

This is my fan account of this morning!! Enjoy!!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ok, so there were a total of 8 fans at LAX this morning to greet Rain. Considering that this was such short notice and the middle of the week, I’m glad that some fans showed up. I bought him flowers (red roses) and JeanY made a present for him.

He didn’t come out of Bradley Terminal this time. LAX directed all the flights from Cathay Pacific to Terminal 4. Initially, there were 6 of us waiting for him to come out. 2 Chinese fans who were on the same flight as him, and the 4 of us from Rain-USA (me, JeanY, Lluvia, and mmeng).

Like the HK Clouds said, he wore a black beanie, a long black t-shirt with a wing design on it, sunglasses, and jeans. I didn’t get a good look at his shoes. His entourage consisted of 5 people I think. 4 men and 1 woman. Unlike the last airport thing in November, we didn’t really scream. We called out his name but there was no screaming. I think all of us were just in awe of his presence. And we didn’t want to scare him.

We followed him out of the terminal and tried to give our presents to him. One of his staff took it from us so I’m happy. We thought there was going to be a car waiting for him outside but surprisingly, they crossed the street and headed towards the parking structure. They cross the crosswalk and we followed a few feet behind. Well, the light turned red so they had to stop at the gap in the middle of the connecting crosswalks. Thank goodness for that red light because we got to stare at him for a little longer. Many of us kept talking to him, saying stuff like “Welcome back to LA” or “Congratulations on Speed Racer.” JeanY was a little hyper and kept asking if she could get a picture of him but that one staff said no pictures.

Bi acknowledged us and turned around to look at everyone, and smiled a little. Then I don’t know if it was him or a fan who started it, but he went around and shook all of our hands! (Fangirly moment: I got to touch Rain! I shook his hand!! *SQUEEEE*) I was holding Lluvia’s son, Kai, in my arms because he’s so small and couldn’t see Bi. Lluvia then asked Bi if he could shake Kai’s hand too, because Kai was reaching out his hand to him also. Of course Bi complied and took Kai’s hand. Omgosh, it was the cutest thing! Bi’s smile got bigger as he looked at Kai and made this noise, almost reminding me of a giggle and an ‘awwww’ sound combined. You can totally tell this guy loves kids.

The light turned green and they crossed the crosswalk and entered the parking structure. At this point, the 4 of us from Rain-USA stop following him and Bi and his staff took the elevator up to the 2nd floor. A few minutes later, Jodie and her friend show up with a fruit basket or something like that. She told me later that she was successful in giving it to him. So the 4 of us were standing in the parking lot, in shock and totally hyper. We were talking for a few minutes when a black suburban turns the corner and stops a few feet away from us. The car door opens and we see Bi in the backseat. Even from a distance he looks good. They exit the parking lot and drive away.

So, this was the best experience EVER! We got to be so close to him and everyone was relatively calm and polite. I’m so proud of everyone! As a result, he shook our hands!! (Fangirly momen: I GOT TO TOUCH RAIN!!!) By the way, his hands are really soft, especially for a guy. I was surprised. He doesn’t look as thin as he does in pictures. I think it’s because his shoulders are so broad. But his waist line is kind of slender. But it’s ok, he looks soooooo good in person. Very hot!

I’m sorry, I didn’t take pictures. I forgot my camera. But other people did and I’m sure they’ll be posted up soon. Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed this.

In other words: Mission Accomplished. XDDD

Hi, I usually don't post here but I like Rain and I thought this was pretty hilarious. If anyone watches the Colbert Report a lot, then you know what's going on. Of course, this has nothing against Rain. I remember a lot of people were furious of Colbert for this, but you have to remember its a comedy show, Colbert wasn't being that serious about it. He doesn't hate Rain.

The "feud" between Stephen Colbert and Rain has continued. Last year, Rain has beaten out Colbert in the 2007's Time magazine online readers poll. Once again, Rain is beating Colbert in this year's poll. Recently Rain did some smack talking to Colbert. It was awesome. Colbert was mad but was delighted that Rain got to talk to him. He totally has a man crush lol. Hopefully all of this can be determined who's the winner in a dance off. Honestly I hope Colbert loses in the poll because he's freaking funny whenever he loses against Rain.

Rain vs Colbert

The famous Rain parody

Maybe some of you heard about a certain site starting with JJ--------guess what---they´ve got a full entry about Rain.


People will notice him it seems.

The high-octane family adventure "Speed Racer" premiered on the 26 April, 2008 at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. The movie is highly anticipated by many as it is from the Wachowski Brothers and producer Joel Silver, creators of "The Matrix" trilogy.

In one of the interviews conducted by Rain (real name Jung Ji-hoon) to promote the movie he mentioned that the Speed Racer cast was like family to him. But amongst them, he is closest to Susan Sarandon and Matthew Fox.


Susan Sarandon and Rain arrive at the premier of the
film "Speed Racer" in Los Angeles, California April 26, 2008


(Top row, from L, Producer Joel Silver, Roger Allam, Hiroyuki Sanada, Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, Christian Oliver, Matthew Fox, Susan Sarandon, Rain and John Goodman. Bottow row, from L, Nicholas Elia, Ariel Winter, Paulie Litt, Scott Porter, and Kick Gurry) poses for a photo at the premiere of the film in Los Angeles, California April 26, 2008


Hiroyuki Sanda (L) and Rain


Actors Rain, Christian Oliver and Paulie Litt

K-popped!

Heeey.. wondering if anyone of you know if Rain is going to be in Berlin in the start of July? and if he is do you know which hotel he'll stay in when he's in Berlin? THX:D

He's going back to Berlin tonight from London. Here's his flight details :


[Apr-29-2008] Update UK-Berlin flight - Rain's flight schedules

4/30/08 London, British Airway BA988 18:00 --> Berlin 4/30 20:50
http://www.berlin-airport.de/DE/index.html


credit to Wanda@Rain-America.com

By July, he'll be back in Korea since by this time he'll be done with the shoot of his movie, NA.

yeeah... i kno he's in Berlin now.. and is going to start filming... I also heard that he is going to japan the 29th june, and then having a lotte concert the 5th july... so was just wondering if he would get back to berlin to finish filming.. because NA will be finish in the end of july.. so are there any possibilities for Rain to come to Berlin again after 5th july? :S Cause I can't come to Berlin yet... there are exams soon and summer vacation starts on the 27th june... Hmmm :S anyone can help me to find out? Please.. i really appreciate it

Hi everyone! I'm Rossy and I'm new in this thread. I'm from Texas. I've been a Bi Rain fan since I heard "It's raining" and when I saw the Time magazine 100 most influential people was it last year or 06? Either way. Since then I've watched all his TV dramas like "Full House" my favorite. And then "IJUKSA" and "Sang Doo Let's go to School" even though I haven't finished watching it yet. I will hopefully soon. But either way, he's a great artist with a great body and a sweet nice smile. Wish I could see him in concert sometime. I can't wait to see Speed Racer!!!! Yay! I finally get to see him on the big screen in my local movie theater. I'm so excited. Then I can't wait for Kung Fu panda, the music right? He's singing in the soundtrack, is that it? Either way, lucky the fan who met him at the airport and he was so sweet to take pictures with the little boy she was holding. Awww!! Bi Hwaiting! I hope I can see ya'll some time.

*** Amazing how these 3 supported him on his debuts. I thank these people for trusting him.

**************************************************************************

The three who made Rain an actor

Who are three people that receive the credit for making Rain an actor?

Writer Lee Kyeong-hee added the title of 'actor' to 'singer Rain'. This writer wrote KBS "Sang Doo! Let's go to school", Rain's debut drama in fall 2003. At this time, Rain was on the verge of releasing his second album. This writer took a new face with only one album who had no acting experience and made him into a star. She also worked with him in 2005 in KBS "A Love to Kill". She even gave him tonic medicine and treated him like a son. In every album, Rain mentions her in his thanks.

Director Park Chan-wook appointed Rain for the lead role of "I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK". Rain, who was already 'Asia's star', was in high demand from many movie makers, but Rain revealed that he wanted to work with Director Park. Rain, thanks to Director Park, had the honor of stepping on the red carpet at Berlin International Movie Festival with his first movie. Director Park of "Old Boy" played a big role in getting Rain's name out into the movie industry. Rain said, "I want to show "Speed Racer" to Director Park".

The Wachowski brothers of "Speed Racer" encouraged Rain, who took his first step in Hollywood. They increased Rain's role. Even before the opening of "Speed Racer", they asked Rain to be the main role in their movie "Ninja Assassin", and they are supporting his Hollywood career.

Original Korean article at news.empas.com
English translation from www.hancinema.net
Credits : rubie / news thread

Hai...i'm malaysian but really fond to korean entertainment especially Rain.... just went to HK last week and capture this big samsung ad with Rain in it... heheh ..just to share

About his guesting in Stephen Colbert show, ha ha ha – nice, I love it. The best thing I’ve seen yesterday. The clip is so hilarious to watch. I love the dance-off – so pretty funny. Colbert danced “I’m Coming”. Colbert looked seriously crazy here. I like his red pants. We’ve got to love Colbert for promoting RAIN in his show. RAIN is so sexy here with his voice, saying “I don’t think so” & sexier because of the clothing. He looks great. I think this would be smokin’ if it was live instead of taped. Whatever….good to see them both being together. RAIN – NOBODY DOES IT BETTER!!! I just cracked up when Stephen said first “ RAIN?”. I don’t think many people in the US audience know who RAIN is yet but I think the number will gradually increase. I was wishing that RAIN had talked more.

Cloud Notice] from J.Tune Entertainment

The J.Tune Entertainment official homepage in English, Japanese, and Chinese will be open at

4 p.m. On May 9, 2008



Hello, this is J.Tune Entertainment.

At 4 p.m. On May 9, 2008, we open the official homepage

in English, Japanese, and Chinese for Rain’s international fans.

We hope your support and love throughout your frequent visit and participation,

and this place would be your sweet and happy place which you can always be with Rain.

Thank you.


Source:rain-jihoon.com

I´ve just seen the dance-off--------------------so cool. If it weren´t for Rains long hair, it would have rocked even more.


But still, really nice one. I´ve got a feeling that he will gain popularity very quickly in the US.

hello,

i didn't know Rain is filming in Berlin until I saw a little article in a berlin-newspaper where the film is mentioned.
omg, how exciting (too bad i live on the other side of berlin, *haha*)

its so unusual for me to read or see something about asian stars in the german media so got really delighted and just wanted to share the little article and tried to translate:

(taken from "BZ")

throwstar attack in kreuzberg (part of berlin)
weird view on oberbaum-bridge. a VW, littered with throwstars, on its sides bumps and scratches. this is no attack from polit-rioter, but originated during the filming process for "Ninja Assassins". Produced by the Wachowski-Brothers ("Matrix"). In the leading part: the korean singer Rain.

*** This writer & the article is what you call a good & professional journalism. She/he knows what ethics in writing is.

****************************************************************************

Interview : Rain on His U.S. Film Debut in "Speed Racer"

[alt magazine]
By Steve Su


It's April 25 in Los Angeles, and it's Rain's press day for his U.S. film debut in Speed Racer. Although there was media attention from all over the world, Asian Loop got a chance to conduct a one-on-one interview with the Korean Superstar to talk about the film.


Based on the classic series by anime pioneer Tatsuo Yoshida, Speed Racer marks the Wachowski brothers’ first writing/directing collaboration since "The Matrix" movies. The story follows the young man Speed Racer, who grew up with racing in his blood. His brother, Rex Racer, was a legend in the sport, but he tragically died during a race, leaving a legacy that Speed is determined to fulfill. His father, Pops, designs race cars, and he created the Mach 6, a car Speed takes to new heights in racing.


Rain plays the role Taejo Togokahn, the lead driver and heir to Togokahn Motors, one of the most prominent racing companies in the World Racing League. In the film, rival company Royalton threatens to corrupt the sport of racing and take over Togokhan Motors. Thus, Rain's character of Taejo must work with competing driver Speed Racer to defend his family honor against the billionaire Arnold Royalton.


"It’s really well made and enjoyable," Rain says of his first Hollywood production, adding that everyone worked well together. He also loves that "the story is about hopes and dreams." He hopes that it will empower kids to reach for their own goals. Given his own humble roots and the hard work that drove his own success story, he strongly encourages children to believe in themselves.


Although Rain has previously starred in the Korean movie I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK, working on Speed Racer was a different experience for him. "Acting is acting," Rain believes, but he notices that "Hollywood has a stronger support system for the funding of its films." Movies made in Asia do not enjoy similarly large investments into their production. Therefore, working in a movie like Speed Racer, with its budget of $300 million, was a completely new experience for Korean actor.


During the making of the film, the cast and crew became "like a family," according to Rain. This made the filming experience very enjoyable for the 25-year-old entertainer, though not always easy. Shot on location in Germany, the role required Rain to be in peak physical form and involved long hours performing in front of a green screen. And unlike many of the other actors in the film, Rain wasn't familiar with the original anime series. "It actually started before I was born, so I wasn't able to see it when I was young," admits Rain. So before the shooting began, Rain had to give himself a crash course on the show by catching up on old episodes.


Fans may wonder why Rain chose this role for his U.S. film debut. One reason he cites is his tremendous respect for the creators of the film, Larry and Andy Wachowski. "My trust for the Wachowski brothers was really deep. I was their fan," says the pop idol. Unlike The Matrix, which had a dark tone, The Wachowskis purposely made Speed Racer to be vibrantly bright and colorful. As a result, they achieved an almost magical world, what the brothers termed a "live-action anime look."


Immediately upon working with the directors, Rain recognized their powerful imaginations and amazing attention to detail. "They are geniuses," he comments. At the same time, he found them to be very friendly. It may be hard to imagine with a serious film like The Matrix to their credit, but Rain felt that the brothers were very approachable and "able to talk to you about anything."


In order to achieve the Wachowski brothers' vision, cutting-edge photographic techniques and state-of-the-art computer-generated imagery were utilized. This meant many of the actors had to perform in front of a "green screen" to be combined with the proper backdrop afterwards. For Rain, this was a new experience. "Acting in front of the green screen was a great experience. It was my first time doing it. Since there was nothing in front of me, sometimes it was a little difficult. But overall, I had great fun," describes the actor. But his favorite part during the production was performing the action-filled racing scenes in the movie.


Rain's hard work on Speed Racer has not gone unnoticed. The Wachowski brothers have already offered Rain a role in their upcoming film, Ninja Assassins, slated to be released some time next year. It is an action/martial arts film that Rain is very excited about. Unlike in Speed Racer, Rain will play the lead role in that film, and he feels it is the type of role where he can leave an impression with the audience.


Given the physical nature of this new role, Rain is already hard at work training his body. The Korean sensation does have a head start though. "I already knew how to do Tae Kwon Do and Hap Ki Do, which is a traditional Korean Kung Fu," reveals Rain.


Not only is Rain a major television and movie star in Asia, but he also holds sold-out concerts all over the world (his concerts in Asia are notorious for selling out within hours). And even though his U.S. film career is already blossoming, he is not ready to confine himself to acting just yet. "I love to act, dance, and sing. I enjoy doing everything," says the versatile entertainer. He would like to do more concerts in the future, as well as star in another Korean series if the right part comes along. But for now, the superstar is just trying to take it one day at a time. Rain explains, "With Ninja Assassins right now, I am focusing more on acting. But after the movie gets released, maybe next year, I am slowly going to be picking up my album career as well."


Speed Racer is set to open in theatres on May 9, but you can get a sneak peek of clips from the movie at http://www.collider.com/entertainment/news...aid/7652/tcid/1
For more information about the movie, please visit the official website at http://speedracerthemovie.warnerbros.com/.


Asian Loop would like to thank Rain for taking the time to talk with us and Warner Brothers for coordinating the interview.


source link : http://asianloop.com/article/85/Interview_..._in_Speed_Racer

source : asianloop
author : Steve Su
credit : Andante@soompi
posted in onlyrain by fongarkad / jinijung

please support Rain in his latest movie speed racer!!!
we must support him more..cause people hollywood is treating him as nobody..
we must not allow it..

i like him very much!!!

Rain fighiting!!!

*** Hahaha – lol – no GF yet & he’ll be introduced by Susan S to someone? I saw her daughter is she's also very pretty just like her mom but still prefer an Asian/oriental woman for RAIN. Just think it over RAIN – you just can’t be tied-up with any English girl so your English will be better.

***************************************************************************

Korea Elle PREMIERE Magazine : May Issue [Interview (English Translation)]

Why are you so thin?
I am under training for my new movie, Ninja Assassin. It's test shooting right now, on April 28th actual filming will take place.

What? So is not next week?
I will go to Hong Kong for Speed Racer promotion, then I will meet with Speed Racer group in America, and then go to London, last go to Berlin start filming for the movie, Ninja.

It's Berlin again.
Seems like Berlin and I have fate. I can even become Berlin tourism leader. If you want to eat Korean food then contact me. Even though I may be a high class (expensive) tourism leader......Berlin food tasted very good at the first time, but if you eat it often you will feel it's salty. It tasted similar to our country's pig liked food, at first it taste good, now because I feel is salty so I don't eat it often.

Actually, Korea food fits more your appetite, working in Korea is more suitable compared to the salty food and unfamiliar language, so what's your reason for staying Berlin?
You said it right, actually I really wants to live as normal people.

Really? This is the answer I never thought of.
I said IF, right now I better produce a good album, use Japanese, Chinese and Korean language for recording, then go to Japan, China and Korea to promote, have a concert once a year, film a drama, if there is a good movie then shoot one. If like this, I won't have an headache. But I never thought I would come here either. I didn't look back at time, because the chance already in my hand, I can only run forward. If I don't run then I feel I cannot beat myself.

The author of "SangDoo, Let's go to School" previously said "Rain is endless energetic friend, he never rest."
Is ambitious? is energize? If someone said "He cannot", then in my heart I will say, "yes, yes, right, right, I will use reality to answer." I used this attitude to proceed forward.

Who said you cannot before? Say their names.
At the very beginning they said, "Bi, Jihoon, how can he become singer? will he become famous? how can he act? how can he get award? wants to go to American market?" because these, is more need to use reality to answer. Lastly they cannot think of anything else to say then they said "he is good with everything but he looks ugly." I faced this I have no help.

This is too mean....
There are people no matter what they must critize me, no reasons. When there are rumors, sometimes I would think there are someone trying to play trick with me. But even though I had been suffered with rumors, I didn't waste time to hold a meeting and solve that issue. Instead, I spend time to think how to move forward. I want to start fashion brand, manage entertainment business, develop new artists, these I cannot give up. If I hear any bad news or rumors now I just treat it as nonsense, I won't put it in my heart anymore.

Feels like very confident.
Because I learnt many things. I realized if I give return to the people who recognize me, then how much I return, the other party will return back the same. If I received but did not return then that's lying. I use results to show my return. People who goes to America say this right? My album will release in XXX date, my movie will be in theatres in XXX date, just wait, just wait, can't be like this. After is released then is result, do this is the right way. Since my English pronunciation is not good, when it came out there were only couple scenes, look at the trailer only 2 scenes. If I feel appreciate, then I know I may have more scenes, I hold on to the movie's climax. Really, how is Speed Racer? how do I first appear?

Wachowski brothers seems to like you a lot, Taejo is easily been thought as a bad guy. But in the last scene, Taejo's happy expression for Speed scene really can see they treat you good.
They really treat me very good. I think may be because my new movie as a main actor.

First time encounter Wachowski brothers, can you think will be like this now?
Never. I am already like in the baseball game's final run. My movie have chance to become box office's number one. If Speed Racer movie box office become number one then will be the first time for Koreans right? Even though I am a support actor, but other than this, I got a new chance.

How do you grab this chance? Lucky? Hard work?
In Speed Racer, most of the racing scenes are made with CGI computer technology. Sitting in the small model car you can hear the loud shaking noise, if sitting there for like 30 minutes, my back feels like breaking. The machine turns to different directions, you don't act with other actors, is acting alone. I wear headphone under the helmet, the director will signal, 1 for dialog, 2 for dialog, right turn, left turn, good, then 3 for dialog, Hey. Where have u been? What're u doing? I must understand these signals and act under the shaking machine. Other actors will rest after 30 minutes of shooting, some went smoking. When they said "Rain, come out to rest," I answered, "it's okay, no problem."

So your back feels like breaking?
Yes my back really feels like breaking, because of dancing, my joints already not in good condition, I don't want to NG, everyone already feel tired.

"I'm a Cyborg, but it's ok" is your first time to be in the movie, that time feel like you are very cautious, want to shoot a good movie. But now feel like you have confidence, seems like you feel very good.
Is not specially hard, I can do it. I feel it. People said "in the movie see you look very handsome." After the press movie screening, I received a familiar reporter's SMS, "Your English pronunciation is very good, after you appeared in the movie it become more interesting." Actually the press rarely say good things.

During your concerts in New York it was serious, about half of the Koreans said, "Bi's popularity in America are like bubbles." Later when the concerts got cancelled in LA it became more serious.
Say like this is right. I don't have any activities in America, how can Americans know me? There are some south Americans, 70% Asian and 30% know me from youtube. From that time, I feel negative about the attitude of have not make the action yet but already say it to the public. My heart always think no matter is album or concert, say it only when there are results.

So now it represent your results after?
Did they say only appear in one scene? let's see. Did they say your English cannot? let's see.

These seems to be like your attitude's path, can it work? I did it. can it work? I did it.
Because I did it so I feel like my goals become higher and higher. If I don't have confidence then I can't do anything. I want to get box office champion. Once I have a goal then I will work hard to achieve it. Not long ago, Susan Sarandon wrote me a letter to congratulate me into the Hollywood market. At the very first beginning she already treat me very well, she ate with the whole crew. She said I look handsome, knowing me let her understand more Korea culture. She wants me to contact her if I go to New York. She gave me her assistant's phone number. Susan Sarandon is an Oscar best actress winner before.

Feel like you never change.
I don't know what are the changes, I only know how to run forward. Susan Sarandon said to me, if I go to New York, she and her family will treat me to dinner, she wants me to bring my girl friend too. I told her I don't have a girl friend, and asked her to introduce me one. She said is good for English practice and when there are chances she will introduce one, I hope to be friends with her daughter too. If I become more open to people, no matter what they may treat me the same.

Have you ever feel dizzy? Is like riding a Speeding car?
I prepare at every moment, I do my best. So even if I past out I won't feel regret. I did the base ground preparation. No matter is entertainment business, fashion design, or show appearance, all these are my motivation. People may easily forget their treasure of their own work, how many people wants to become a singer, an actor or a "Premiere" reporter.


End.


English translation by Rain-America.com
Please credit when transferring post, thanks!!



Sources : Elle.co.kr + Premiere.co.kr // Rain-America.com
English translation by Rain-America.com
Pic-Source : [Korea] Elle / PREMIERE
Credit : kkpark@Rain-America.com

*** Just can’t wait to watch this movie. Oh, this news is just part of the movie.

****************************************************************************

Flail-attack in Kreuzberg

german to engl: freya1507/sexybi/RainEurope

Strange scene at the Oberbaum Bridge. A VW(Brand of a car) littered with flails, and on side of the car: dents and scratches. This was no attack of a terrorists, it happened while the shooting for Ninja Assassin produced by the Wachowski brothers. In the leading role: the korean singer Rain.

Pic text:
The VW littered with flails. The korean pop-star (above) Rain acting as the main character.

*** Another great & long interview. I always love reading RAIN’s interviews. I did read a lot of them already by now. He hopes to be one of those influential ones, huh? You are already one of them, RAIN. And he’s really good in answering questions. “With bitterness then comes sweetness” – I love this line.

******************************************************************************

08 June Ceci Magazine (Chinese) -- Oh! It's Rain (Part 1)

"HIS SOUL"


Ceci: I really would like to break away from the identity of a reporter and pretend to be a close sister or a friend to have this open conversation with you. Frankly how do you think of yourself as being so fortunate?
Rain: Even though there has been many difficult and painful things in between, when I look back, I am overall a very fortunate person. The achievement that I have now is the result of years of effort, but in the world of entertainment there are many others who put forth so much effort and yet are unable to achieve anything. I'm very fortunate, what I've imagined and planned has been realized in every step of the process.

Ceci: Do you still get to eat fried Korean rice cakes by the roadside these days?
Rain: Recently because of the training for <Ninja Assassin>, I've had to regulate my diet, I can only eat things such as chicken breast meat and raw fish. Even after becoming famous, I'd still eat fried Korean rice cakes often, just not by the roadside.

Ceci: During such moments, do you suddenly get envious of regular people?
Rain: I would really like to learn from the experience of an "on-campus romance", but for me now, that is just impossible.

Ceci: We can say that there will be paparazzi in the future in Korea. I am not in favor that the personal lives of stars be thoroughly exposed. What do you think? What if in the future, or even now, you are pursued by American paparazzi, what would you do?
Rain: The intrusion of one's personal life is very miserable. But if that is really the case, I'm still just like how I've always been, there won't be much changes. It's because I want to show my most natural and honest side to the fans.

Ceci: Do you have any bad habits, for example habits that you'd personally like to change?
Rain: My brain is always filled with different idears, there are also a lot of matters to think through. I constantly wish that I'm not this way, but no matter how much I try, it still doesn't help. Perhaps I'm destined to be this way.

Ceci: Through so many years, you've experienced many moments of glory as well as memories of hardships. Is there something that you'd specifically like to forget?
Rain: People can't just have sweet memories. With bitterness then comes sweetness. When there is pain to compare, one can only then appreciate even more those happy moments. I don't have any specific painful thing that I'd want to forget. I won't worry about those things that are painful because the path ahead of me is still long, there is still much that I want to do; if I worry about such things it would just be a waste of time.

Ceci: In your mind, how does the future "Rain" look like?
Rain: Continuing to work hard to be a very good singer and actor. Guiding and supporting newcomers, managing business matters well; but aside from all that, I don't have any definite plans for the time being. However if I have the opportunity in the future, I'd like to give myself freedom. Even though at that time I'd still be working hard, I will put my main energy and affection towards family matters, just like my father. He is my role model.

Ceci: What kind of man do you hate the most, for example the kind that you specifically do not want to become?
Rain: The kind of man who cannot be responsible for himself!


08 June Ceci Magazine (Chinese) -- Oh! It's Rain (Part 2)

"HIS HOLLYWOOD"


Ceci: Congratulations to you for being the lead character in the Hollywood movie <Ninja Assassin>. Heard that this is a martial arts film. Talk a little bit about the movie.
Rain: Thank you. For the filming of this movie, I'm undergoing training, doing physical exercises to build up the appropriate kind of physique for this character. Am also going through some martial arts training. Filming hasn't begun yet, the daily training has been strenuous. The training program formulated for me is done by the group of acrobatic fighting choreographers for the movie <300>. In short, I hope to be able to present a better appearance of myself to everyone.

Ceci: The movie <Speed Racer> in which you participated is about to hit the screens. Was the English dialogue in it hard for you? Was there anything specific that was difficult to pronounce?
Rain: It was difficult, for me acting out a role in English is certainly not an easy challenge, but there were many foreign actors and staff around me at that time, so the talking environment was very natural. During the filming process, my English standards were enhanced, it will probably be even better in the next movie.

CecI; Heard that you sang "Kung Fu Fighting" for the OST of Dreamworks' movie <Kung Fu Panda>. This is a movie that consists of the collaboration of many international stars such as Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Jacky Chan, Lucy Liu and others. You are the first Korean singer to ever sing a Hollywood movie theme song. Does this indicate that your being in Hollywood has opened up a smooth road ahead? Do you personally feel satisfied?
Rain: I hope that every kind of work that I do would be like my first, and I hope that it will be the best one yet. As I hold on to the present, the future is even more important. As for the end result, I'll just leave that to the fans to evaluate.

Ceci: What is your impression of Hollywood? Have you adapted to a completely unfamiliar environment?
Rain: The movie was filmed in Berlin, and then there were some additional shooting done in L.A. I think regardless of who it is, adapting to an unfamiliar place is not an easy task. I wasn't used to the kind of eating and drinking, even sleeping was a problem. Especially because of the time difference I ate non-stop as the time in Korea and in the US are completely reversed. Fortunately the production company went through great lengths to take care of me, enabling me to work in peace.

Ceci: Please allow me to ask you this bold question: how do you feel about becoming an international star?
Rain: Thank you for viewing me as an international star even though I personally am not deeply convinced if I am qualified to be one. Stars continuously work hard to be liked by people, and this process is accompanied by many painful periods because there is always the need for new actions and new projects.


08 June Ceci Magazine (Chinese) -- Oh! It's Rain (Part 3)

"HIS CHALLENGES"


Ceci: Apart from domestic appearances, the world tour, and your entering Hollywood, you even launched your own fashion line. As fas as you are concerned, don't you feel that it's difficult to take on the challenges of a new territory and work? We know that even though challenges can bring much pleasure, they can also bring much burden.
Rain: I'm one who likes challenges. In order to achieve my target, I will surge forward with all my strength, not wasting a single minute or second. That's why I'm constantly testing out new territories. Even though there are difficult times in my work, it is because of the thrill that comes from the achievement of success that I continue to press forward. Entering Hollywood is not easy, but <Speed Racer> is a good piece of work, I feel very fortunate.

Ceci: I hope that you can frankly discuss some honest feelings, like during the filming process were there situations where you weren't satisfied or felt especially difficult...particularly uncomfortable feelings that you might have felt while in Germany. Hope that you won't merely give me instant answers like "For me this was a good experience" and so on...
Rain: For me, a person's taste for food is very hard to harmonize. One can work hard on nurturing his performance, but you can't just impose on his taste buds. Chinese food, Korean food, Japanese food, no matter how I eat them I can't get enough of them. Even though Western food is good, but for a Korean, eating it everyday can become unbearable. The inability to adapt to the food and the feeling of loneliness from being by myself in Germany were very painful things.

Ceci: Compare to Korean women, Korean men don't have that much of a high appeal overseas. But yet you've become the top male choice for overseas movies! What is your secret formula? As an actor, what is charming and fascinating about you?
Rain: Movie directors hope to choose from a worldwide range of actors, so as an Asian actor I am fortunate to be chosen. Having the chance to reveal my acting in Hollywood is not an easy task, of course, there is also very aggressive competition. But what can be felt is that these days Hollywood is gradually passing on the glory to Asian actors. I really hope to be one of those influential ones.

Ceci: Your performance in the 2003 KBS drama series <Sang Doo! Let's Go To School> was superb and convincing; one moment people could break into laughter while the next they were shedding tears alongside the story. But the pity is that ever since then there has yet to be a piece of your work that can simply stir up people's emotions from deep within. Why is this so?
Rain: This could mean that I am gradually maturing. I can't always be acting that kind of role. Based on different characters, sometimes you must speak less, sometimes you must be depressing and burdensome, and sometimes you must be lovable by all. If I were to come across a character like "Sang Doo" again, I think I will still act out the kind of feeling that will stir people's emotions from within.


Source: Ceci Magazine (China)
Posted by RainHK & kairu@SexyBi
Chi to Eng Translation: dsl99a@SexyBi & Rain-USA

Info from Rain's official website


Rain’s official fan club meetings are set and here are the schedules.

Hi, this is Cloud Master.

Rain’s official fan club meetings are set and here are the schedules.
You have be a member of Rain’s official fan club (Cloud) to attend fan meeting event.

Official Global Fan Meeting
Date: Sunday, July 27, 2008
Place: Korea (TBD)
Qualification: Members of 6th Korean Cloud and 2nd the Cloud (International)

Oversea Fan Club – Japan Fan Meeting
Date: Monday, June 30, 2008
Place: JCB Hall, Tokyo, Japan
1st Qualification: 2nd the Cloud members reside in Japan

Detailed information will be notified later date.

Thank you.

source: www.rain-jihoon.com

[Junior Herald] Korean stars taking over Hollywood

It seems like Korean stars are now not *satisfied with the *fame that they are receiving from Asian fans. They are now *striving for a bigger goal and world named Hollywood, whether in the film or music industry.

Film industry

The first Korean entertainer to *catch the eyes of people around the world is Rain, a Korean *heartthrob who turned into a world star. He made his first debut in Hollywood through the movie "Speed Racer," released in Korea on May 8. He will also be playing an important role in the movie "Ninja Assassin" which is currently being filmed and will be released in 2009.

Another Korean celebrity, Jang Hyuk, will star in the movie "Dance of the Dragon" together with Singapore artiste Fann Woong as student and mentor.

Jun Ji-hyun took the *lead role of Saya in "Blood: The Last Vampire," which is an English-language, live-action *adaptation of the popular Japanese anime of the same name. And she will be using the name "Gianna Jun" in Hollywood.

Other Korean movie stars that have challenged Hollywood are Lee Byung-hun, Jang Dong-gun, and Song Hye-kyo. They have been selected to play the leading roles in "I Come with the Rain," "The Laundry Warrior" and "Fetish," respectively.

(skipped unrelated)...............

Music industry

On May 5 Korean pop artist Seven showed his talent to various American music industry officials at a *preview party held at a club in Hollywood. Seven performed three songs including "Girls" produced by well-known producer Dark Child and *mesmerized the audience. His first Hollywood album will be released this summer.

JYP, the producer of Wonder Girls, is also going to debut three of his well-trained artists. They are J-Lim, G-Soul and Min. Min will be the first to release an album and is working with Lil Jon on a first single album. Compared to the movie industry, the music industry seems less active in embracing Korean artists but let us hope that these artists will make it big and pave the way for those who will follow next.

By Yeom Mi-na (minayeom@empal.com)

Source: The Korea Herald
Credits : kdramafanusa / news thread

*** Wondering for the month of August, is he going to Beijing for the Olympics? Because I thought he can't make it since he apologized to all his Chinese fans that he can't be with them during this event. And about the December work in Korea, I hope this would be the drama that we've been waiting for a long time. Can't wait for next year to listen for his English album.

*****************************************************************************

JUNE
Hollywood film "Kung Fu Panda" opening
Rain will visit Berlin, London and Japan

June 6
"Speed Racer" Opening in Norway

June 18
"Speed Racer" Opening in France

June 29
"Speed Racer" Opening in Japan
Rain will go to Japan for premiere.

June 30
Rain will hold a fan meeting with 3,500 Clouds at Tokyo Dome.
This event is gratis.

JULY
"Ninja Asassin" filming ends
Lotte concert
Korea fan meeting

AUGUST
Rain will visit Beijing in mid-August for Samsung Anycall advertisements
for the promotion of 2008 Beijing Olympics

SEPTEMBER or OCTOBER
J.Tune Entertainment press conference for new singer
Special Korean Album Production / Korean Drama

DECEMBER
New film in Korea

2009
English Album Production
credit: aoyyy/pantip/onlyrain

***Talking about his Kung Fu Panda song , I love his version more – he sounds sexy & the tune is danceable. He’s wonderful. Oh my, can’t wait for the CD to come out. Here’s the lyrics of his version…….

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kung Fu Fighting Rain version

From: http://www.myjungjihoon.blogspot.com/

Lyrics:

Chorus:
Everybody is Kung Fu Fighting
Your mind becomes fast as lightning
Although the future is a little bit fright'ning
It's the book of your life that you're writing

You're a diamond in the rough
A brilliant ball of clay
You could be a work of art
If you just go all the way
Now what would it take to break
I believe that you can bend
Not only do you have to fight
But you have got to win

(Chorus)

Oooooouuhhh

You are a natural
Why is it so hard to see
Maybe it's just because
You keep on looking at me
The journey's a lonely one
So much more than we know
But sometimes you've got to go
Go on and be your own hero

(Chorus)

(Repeat verse I)
(Chorus)

Thanks to Chris for providing the information & lyrics. ;

source:rain-union.com
Posted by marcobi@RainHK

Searched up the Kung Fu OST... its pretty good! well done Rain... lol random question for anyone who reads this.. funny and interesting to know. If u were to randomly to meet Rain, what would u do or say??? lol I think i would just be stunned... and wouldn't be able to say anything haha

*** Wow, so good.

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Fan-account Berlin 22.-24.05.2008

just came back from my trip to Berlin - and this time i saw him

2008.05.22
we went to the Studios Babelsberg like we did last aug while he was doing Speed Racer there. The area is quite open for public, cause there is a restaurant inside where you can eat and drink and sit outside, having a good view what is going on.
I met there also the guy and the gal again who are working there and with whom i already chatted last year, they did recognize me and were such friendly like last time. They told me everybody from staff and all othere ppl there like him very much he is easy going and friendly. Ninja Assassin is working with nearly 100% the same staff as for Speed Racer. They told me as he was arriving for NA everybody was happy to see him again and he was hugging with the most.

We could walk around quite freely, just not entering anything, we could see the trailer park, the catering, and saw at an open studio door ppl enrolling a green screen, and on the other side we saw a tiny little bit of a set, not very suprising, part of a wall of a japanese(?) traditional house. And we could look in the open but empty make up trailer, and through the open door of the costume trailer we could see hanging some clothes.
I decided to tell this here all openly, cause the Studios have a movie tour where ppl like in hollywood get driven through the area by an open train, and they could all see the same things. Though this can not be very secret.

But no Rain --- no where.

2008.05.23
At that day in the afternoon we got the information where they are shooting right now! Not at the Studios, outside in Berlin. Okay palli palli back to Berlin to the set.
We arrived there around 5pm, and could see on the first sight, this is the right palce and they are still working.
All there, a lot of cars we saw at the studios before, trailer park, catering, technical staff, security, all what is there when hollywood is shooting a movie.
Though we started to wait outside, the shooting was indoor, no chance to see anything, but the area itself, we had nearly unblocked view on it .
At around 7pm the catering was carrying huge amount of water and food inside, so we came to the conclusion, they will not ending shooting such soon. We rushed to the hotel, put on some warmer stuff and where back at around 8:15 pm.
At around 9pm a lot of ninjas started to come out of the set. Real ninjas in the tradtional ninja costume.
We get prepared, and more and more excited.
And then finally ------ he appeared
and he crossed the area from set to the trailers which is quite far and we had a real good sight on him even though it was not near.
He was dressed casual, as you see on the pics of the next day. The hair was black, and same length as we saw before. He looked very dark, i mean his skin. He looked very very tanned, but i think make up.
He was in very good mood, kinda not walking more "jumping" like a young boy, and he was waving to somebody at the catering area, from far.
He looked relaxed and happy. Think propably the shooting at this day went fine ^^.
Then he vanished from sight between the trailers.

We kept on waiting, cause we wanted to see him leave the area.

Around 45-50 mins later, he got in his car and the car was approaching the gate we were standing.
I was at the side where he was sitting in the back. (good for me cause all was very fast) The window was open, the light in the back was on, though i had a great sight at him, especially he was putting with both hands his hair behind his ears at this moment. He did not look at us but i have kinda feeling he maybe did open the window for us , i want to belive this.
And his skin was back to his normal color.

finally not like my trip for speedracer, there just emile

2008.05.24
The next day we decided to give it a try, even though it was saturday, and we arrived there at around 8am in the morning. (the early bird cathes the worm )

We could clearly see shooting day again. Already staff there, and cars are coming. As we approched the main gate we recognize the security guy from last day. And we greeted him friendly "Guten Morgen" and he did greet back so we were encoraged to start a chat. He was asking us whom we are wating for, and we told him. And another security guy was coming, he seemed to be the boss, and we asked him will Rain work today? And he said: "Yes we will!"
We went on chatting, they asked us where we are from and how we know about him. They were really impressed.
The 2nd one told us, he is a really nice person, very carefree, very friendly. Before the shooting, while the location observing, he went with him all over berlin. He was very friendly and acted not like a star, acted like normal person.

We kept on wating, and then ....at around 9am his car passed the gate.
It was very fast, but i could see him sitting inside, in the back, wearing white t-shirt with blue and red.

The security guy told us, the dressing and make up might take ~1h, which was true. HIHI "painting" him needs a lot of time

Then ppl appreaed and corssed the area, going to set.
And then as the last one --- he came. Walking calmly, think talking on phone over to the set.
Same costume as the day before.
This time i managed to take a pic

When he vanished inside, it was time for us to leave and go for breakfast. (one of the security guys did bring us a cup of coffee from the catering before, how sweet )

At around 1pm we were back (we had to reg as cloud meanwhile ). When we reached we could see the staff, and actors having lunch. We could not see him.

At around 2:30 pm ppl started to go back to the set. This time, not the way they took in the morning. We see them come, they turned left and we could see them walking from the back, to a set somewhere behind the hall. We saw the Warshowki brothers walking this way. And Yun the co-actor in ninja costum. A lot of ninjas. Then a person looking like him. Wearing the same costum, all the same but too short legs NOT HIM! - his double! Then after the directors already passed, one appeared - runnig to set. We: is this him ??? why is he late??? ....but ---- 2nd double ---- short after
He appeared! and this time we could clearly see it was him
We was again walking calmly, no hurry, same costume, but we just could see him from back. But better as not

At around 5:30pm we did leave.
The security guy told us, he will not walk back to trailers later, he will get picked by car from behind and leaving directly this time. This meant we will not be able to see him properly, though we decided to leave.
We were already lucky we saw him 5 times That was great.
And he told us too, that on sunday will be no shooting. Day off for all!
On Wednesday they will finish at this set. He told us too.

The security was very very friendly and nice, They did as much they could did for us in their position.
The Bi's driver is directly from the Studio, and he was very protective, he always had an eye on us, he watched every step of us.

Though sunday was no shooting, we had off too, to go around in Berlin, going back to the palces Bi was last summer and do our personal-rain-berlin-shoooting

Thanks gals for reading this long account, sorry did not thought it will be that long

credit: freya1507/sexybi&RainEurope

*** Hope that there will be enough fans to show up in support for RAIN for this. I just hope it would turn out good.

******************************************************************************

Credits : Jay / SexyBi

Hi, everyone.

MBC(one of Korean network) television is making Documentary of Rain that will air this fall and would like to film USA fans watching speed racer and interview some of ppl in SF bay area.

I know it is short notice but with Speed Racer not doing so well.... time is running out.

Anyone lives by San Fransisco bay area, please come by and support Rain.

Date is May 31, this Saturday. 1-2 pm.
Place is Century 20 Great Mall, Milpitas, CA.
We will be meeting in front of Theater at 1:00pm.

Thanks and hope a lot of ppl show up to support him.
It would be kinda embarrasing for Rain if there aren't wholatta fans there.

If you are attending, please reply to this topic or send me a e-mail.
I need to figure out how many ppl would be.
Jay

RAIN’S KUNG FU FIGHTING TRACK IN CANTONESE VERSION OF FLICK

Rain's version of Kung Fu Fighting will be heard when the credits roll during the Cantonese version of Kung Fu Panda (KFP).

United International Pictures Malaysia announces that there is a Cantonese version of the latest Dreamworks animated flick. And if you're watching the Cantonese print in local cinemas, you'll hear Rain when the credits roll.

However, if you are watching the original English version of the movie, Cee-Lo Green's version will play when the credits roll.

The Cantonese version of KFP will be released on the same day as the original, which is on June 6 in Malaysia.

Hong Kong star Eason Chan will lend his voice to Po the Panda, while father and son team - Jackie and Jaycee Chan are portraying Monkey and Crane respectively. Denise Ho voices Tigress, Josie Ho portrays Snake and Sam Lee plays the Mantis.

Can't wait to watch the Cantonese version of KFP? Then make a beeline for one of the cineplexes below when the movie opens:

* GSC Mid Valley
* GSC Pavilion KL
* TGV Kepong Prima
* GSC 1 Utama (New Wing)
* Cathay Cineplex Damansara
* TGV Cheras Selatan
* MBO Galaxy Ampang
* GSC Gurney Plaza Penang
* Cathay City Square JB
* TGV Kinta City Ipoh



K-popped!

*** It’s a great idea. Aaaawww…….. I miss him.

*****************************************************************************


Jun-1-2008 on.cc - Rain's KB card CF clothings are being put in auction for helping children.

While ago, Korean super star Rain and Lee Hyo Ri's credit card commercial advertisement gained the high praise. Now those clothings which Rain and Lee Hyo Ri wore for the commercial advertisement are being put in auction on G Market's website. All profits will be donated to Hong Kong UNICEF.

source:rain-america
English translation by MustRain @ rain-america.com

Wow, so nice…..want to get my own copy.

*****************************************************************************

Samsung Anycall DVD

Yesterday, I was watching a TV programme on CCTV-2.

They mentioned about a speed skating contestant from Heilongjiang team, named Wang Shuang.

She’s a very outstanding new athlete & had won several prizes in the country.

Unfortunately, she suffered from virulent encephalitis (not sure this is correctly translated) and was in critical condition.

She was in deep coma & might only survive for only a few days.

After the treatments by the Beijing professionals, she slowly regained conscious.

But, because her brain was badly damaged by the viral attack, she had lost her verbal skill and almost 2 years of her memories.

Her parents had brought many things to stimulate her memory and verbal skill.

Her teammates & nurses knew that she likes Korean Superstar Rain, and hence, they brought a few photographs and showed them to her.

Upon seeing it, her first sentence after regaining conscious from the deep coma was, “This is Rain, my idol!”

Our Rain had made a girl in deep coma to open her mouth to talk again!

I feel proud of our Rain, I love Rain!

During my wife's funeral, Rain (Jeong Ji Hoon) sent over a flower garland,
he also called my wife occasionally.

Though Rain is a well-known artiste,
but he has the most compassionate heart than anyone else.
I've been thinking of what I can do for him,
hence, I went to Jihoon's concert together with my mother-in-law.

Even though we did not contact him before going for the concert,
but Jihoon still squeezed out some time,
and met up with us after the concert.

He warmly greeted my mother-in-law & I,
and sincerely hope for happiness for my wife in the next world.

Though I got to know him through my wife's incident,
but he's indeed a very outstanding person.

In the past, I like him as an artiste,
now, I think he's not only good-looking on the outside but also in terms of his character.

Upon receiving Jihoon’s warm consolation,
my mother-in-law & I returned back to 마산 (their hometown).

Looking at Jihoon & I wonder,
if Jihoon’s late mother was able to see the present Jihoon,
she would be so contented and happy.

I think I also want to be a husband like this,
although I can’t be like Jihoon,
but I can be a husband that my wife would not feel embarrass about.

Jihoon’s message to my wife:

To Su Feng ssi!
I pray that you would rest in peace in heaven,
you must definitely stay healthy and happy there.
Protect 소윤 (child) well,
and protect me as well!!

Wow... Rain had that big an impact huh? The article mentioned her losing 2 yrs of her memory, I guess she must have liked Rain for more than 2 years to recall that!

Oh, poor her. She is an Outstanding athlete but suffer of this kind of sick.
Ehm she lost her memories but she still remembered Rain.
She really love Rain.

Maybe if Rain heard this news, he will come to see her.

Yeah.. I'm going to ask the same question too...
But no matter who he is, Rain is a good guy, willing to spend a little bit of his time making other people happy.

He's the husband of the deceased cancer patient who's been a fan of RAIN for a long time.

*** Wow, it’s confirmed that there’s a new drama for him. This news is cool. I’m a sucker for happy-ending stories, hope this drama is one.

****************************************************************************

[Jun-10-2008] StarNews - Rain will return to Korea on July, drama will push back

Rain's management, J.Tune said because of schedule conflict, Rain's korean drama starring with Jun Ji-hyun will be push back.

Rain is considering to act in the drama called "½ÎÀÌ´õ½ºHQ", this is about an orphan who became French mercenary soldier in love with a news reporter lady in the arm force. Rain and Jun Ji-hyun are chosen to be the candidates. The author of this story is the one from "Sang Doo, let's go to school" and "A Love to Kill" so Rain trusted her.

According to J.Tune, Rain will finish Ninja Assassin shooting and will be back to Korea in the beginning of July, then he will start preparing for his new album. There's a time conflict between Ninja Assassin's promotion period and the drama shooting, therefore the drama will be reconsidered. Jun Ji-hyun side also has schedule conflict as well. More planning about this drama will be discussed later this year.


English translation credit to Rain-America.com

*** It’s obvious why RAIN deserves this. It’s not surprising at all.

***************************************************************************

Video clip of Korean singer Rain popular
Date: June 11, 2008



A video clip in which the famous Korean singer and actor Rain answers questions for an interview with the weekly U.S. magazine TIME has clinched the top stop in the "Most Popular Videos" on the magazine's website.

As of June 10, the video web coverage segment, 10 Questions for Rain, where the 25-year-old star of Hallyu (referring to popularity of Korean pop culture overseas) answers 10 questions chosen from a pool of user submitted questions is ranked first on the most popular video clips from the magazine.

For the interview, TIME's editor-in-chief selected ten questions from the countless number sent in to the website (http://www.time.com/10questions) by Internet users all over the world.

This is the third consecutive year that Rain has been linked to TIME.

The star, who recently appeared in the Hollywood movie Speed Racer< was chosen for the "TIME 100" list in 2006 becoming the first Korean entertainer to make the annual list and walked the red carpet with powerful figures such as U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and movie mogul Jerry Bruckheimer.

In 2007, Rain was ranked number one on the online voting system set up for the "TIME 100" and introduced as "Asia's Prince of Pop."

Thanks to his well-toned body and dynamic dance moves, which exude masculine charm, Rain has ridden the crest of the Hallyu, or Korean wave.

By Han Aran
Korea.net Staff Writer

08 Jun 13 [MyDaily] "Female Version" of Rain Will Be Performing <It's Raining>



A "female version" of Rain, singer Son Dam-bi will be performing Rain's <It's Raining> on a program broadcasted by SBS television on the 15th.

SDB expressed that having the nickname of the "female version" of Rain as she is making her debut has rapidly fired up popularity, therefore the preparation for Rain's dance this time is specially to show respect for him.

To give <It's Raining> a perfect 'reappearance', SDB has also specially invited the same dancers who performed the song with him. They are the dance team that belongs to Rain's former management company JYPE, and SDB is the first non-JYPE entertainer under which they will be allowed to dance with.

SDB's management company indicated, "For this special performance much preparation has been made, we hope that everyone will give your full attention to SDB's <It's Raining>".

Source: MyDaily
Posted by karman1668@RainHK
Translation & edited by dsl99a@Rain-USA & SexyBi

Some promotional photos of Rain, taken in Spain…

[08 Jun 16 [Big Public Network] Rain Hopes To Work With Tang Wei

After watching the movie <Lust, Caution>, Superstar Rain publicly expressed his great appreciation for Tang Wei's performance in the movie, and commended her for being an extremely specialized actor. On top of that he thought that Tang Wei's classic beauty is extremely attractive, causing abundance of hyped scandals in South Korea's tabloid magazines about him with her. Rain's management company indicated that Rain and Tang Wei do not have secret contacts, but Rain indicated that if the opportunity arose, he hoped that he would be able to cooperate with Tang Wei to make a movie in the future.


Source: Big Public Network (Chinese)
Posted by dada@RainHK
Translation: dsl99a@Rain-USA & SexyBi

no matter long hair or short hair...He is still very MAN ^.^....




Hi.. may i know where can i get this?




May i know where can i download the OST?