Xiaxue Proposal Video!

This proposal video is brought to you by Cheesie at Cheeserland.com.

Singaporean Blogger XIAXUE Engaged!

[image via cheeserland]

Singaporean blogger Wendy Cheng, who is infamously known as XiaXue, got engaged to her long time boyfriend, Mike. According to Malaysian blogger Cheesie, Mike staged a fake movie screening and took the opportunity to propose. It's so romantic, don't you think? Quite honestly, I'm a huge fan of XiaXue so this really made my holiday season.

Congratulations Wendy and Mike! May you both have a long and prosperous marriage. :)

Model Daul Kim Commits Suicide

[image via: swarovski campaign]

In an article published here it is said that South Korean supermodel Daul Kim hung herself after falling into a depression that left her feeling alone and wraith-like.

A friend found the 5-foot-10 beauty, a regular on catwalks in New York, Milan and France, in her Paris apartment Thursday.

The 20-year-old known for her quirkiness and thick mane of hair - often blond - was at the top of her game.

But she recently left a series of messages on her popular blog saying she was "lonely" and "depressed."

Kim's professional success - she modeled for top designers like Chanel, Dries van Noten and Alexander McQueen - apparently couldn't mute her emotional pain.

On her blog she hinted at wanting to end her life with a series of poems, photos and thoughts called "I like to Fork Myself."

Yet only three weeks ago, after modeling during Seoul fashion week, Kim sounded upbeat.

"I left Seoul and I'm in Paris - I'm happy!" she blogged. Her hometown had made her "mad, depressed and overworked," she said.

The next day she wrote: "No more running away from something or someone or myself."

Within a week her thoughts darkened and she wrote, "I already accepted that I relate to nothing. The more I gain the more lonely it is ... I know I'm like a ghost."

And in a final post Wednesday, she wrote, "Say hi to forever."

South Korea has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. Former President Roh Moo-hyun jumped to his death in May and actress Choi Jin-sil killed herself last year.

[image via google]

The "2009 Asia Song Festival" concert will celebrate its 6th anniversary on Saturday with the performance of 14 popular singers and teams from nine different countries. The event will start at 6 p.m. at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Sangam-dong, western Seoul. Co-sponsored by Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange, the song festival has become one of Asia's biggest music festivals since its beginning in 2004.

Noriko Sakai Reappears

Quoted from Perez Hilton:

Missing Japanese pop star Noriko Sakai has turned herself in to authorities.

The popular icon - famous for her girl-next-door image - disappeared after a small quantity of drugs was found in her apartment. Her 10-year-old son, who also went missing, was found safe and sound.

Her husband was arrested on Monday for alleged drug possession.

Masahisa Aizawa, president of Sakai's management company, Sun Music, said, "Noriko Sakai was arrested last night and we would like to offer an apology to all her fans for the trouble caused."

He added, "I would like her to reflect on what she has done and feel the weight of the crime she has committed. I would strongly urge her to seek rehabilitation."

SS501 FIRST CONCERT IN TWO YEARS!

[image via asianbite]

South Korean boy band SS501 is embarking on their first tour in two years! The first concert of their tour kicked off on August 1 in Seoul. Fans were very excited as the band often came down to their level to mingle rather than staying on stage only.

They're going to release a new album shortly.

New Information on Jang Ja-Yeon Death!

[image courtesy of han cinema]

Jang's manager is now speaking out about the circumstances of his clients death against the wishes of her family. He is saying that although Jang did suffer from depression she had told him that if anything happens to her, it would take more than depression to be the cause.

The information he released states that Jang Ja-Yeon was abused by her production manager [from a film she was working on]! He forced her to sleep with him, because of her money situation she felt desperate and didn't know what other options she had because she was told that if she didn't, she would be fired. She also received threatening text messages and endured a lot such as having water bottles thrown at her.

Her manager wants the Production Manager that abused her to receive punishment and is working with the Japan Police Department to pursue justice.

However, even though he's doing his best for Jang Ja-Yeon it's a little late as she's already gone. I think he realizes this as well as there are reports stating that since his press release on the details leading up to her death, he's also been hospitalized for attempted suicide.

I wish these Korean celebs (and people in general) would realize that suicide isn't the answer! Even when things get tough, try to stick it out, you will be a stronger person. There's always going to be at least one person you can turn to for help, please don't be embarrassed to ask.

If you live in America and feel so depressed that you feel like ending it all, please call 1-800-SUICIDE, the suicide prevention hotline. Death is not the answer!

Ayumi To Be Spokesperson for Rimmel

[image via: rimmel]

Rimmel London has chosen Ayumi Hamasaki to be their first spokesperson in Asia. She now joins the ranks of Kate Moss and Lily Cole as a Rimmel character.

Choi Jin Shil Suicide

[image via: dramawiki]

I haven't been updated this blog in awhile due to other commitments (please forgive me) and I'm incredibly late on reporting this. I can't believe that I didn't hear about this sooner.

Korean celebrity Choi Jin Shil committed suicide in October 2008. She is most recently known for having starred in Last Scandal of My Life alongside Jung Joon Ho.

Although there's no proof, many people believe Choi committed suicide as a result of media reports that said she lent a hefty sum of money to another celeb who had recently killed himself as well as depression over her divorce from Cho Sung Min.

I think this is so, so sad. I just finished watching Last Scandal and a huge reason I enjoyed it was because of her acting; she was just so charismatic. In fact, her acting was so superb that it helped to coin a new word "Jumarella", a combination of the words ajuma (aunt, middle aged woman) and Cinderella. She is survived by her two young children and brother Choi Jin Young.

After her death Korea passed a cyber bullying law nicknamed "Choi Jin Shil Law".

Andy Lau's Girlfriend of Twenty-Four Years Moves OUT!

[image via: oneasianworld]

Carol Chu, the long time girlfriend of Andy Lau, reportedly moved out of the home that they share. Chu, a Malaysian celebrity, was with Lau for roughly twenty-four years but decided that she couldn't take it any longer after he called of their April wedding due to "media frenzy". Lau has been quoted as saying that he was afraid of fan reactions to him getting married.

Personally, I think if Carol Chu was strong enough to stay with him for twenty-four years with no real commitment then he should suck it up and get married. Screw the fans! When his career is over and he's no longer handsome and famous, his fans won't care... but his wife will always be there for him. He could really be messing his life up if he loses Carol Chu.

Member of SMAP Arrested for NUDITY

Tsuyoshi Kusanagi of the pop group SMAP was arrested in Tokyo for public indecency. As reported on Perez Hilton:

Japanese pop star Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, of the popular group SMAP, was arrested for public indecency in Tokyo on Thursday!

Kusanagi wandered around a Tokyo park wasted and butt-naked until neighbors complained about the display of drunken nudity!

The pop star was promptly arrested but not before complaining to police, "What's wrong with being naked?"

Cast Member of "Boys Over Flowers" Commits Suicide

[image courtesy of han cinema]

Supporting cast member of the drama "Boys Over Flowers", Jang Ja-Yeon, was found hanging in her home in Bundang in Gyeonggi Province.

Although her death is deemed as suicide, there's rumor on the internet that it may have been a murder.


Thanks Becca.

絢香 marries 水嶋 ヒロ!

[image courtesy of Warner Music Japan]

Japanese singer, Ayaka Iida, who has recently become famous for her song Okaeri which was sung at the 59th Kohaku Uta Gassen wed to famous actor Hiro Mizushima! Many girls will recognize Hiro from such drama's as Hanazakari no kimitachi he(花ざかりの君たちへ イケメン♂パラダイス) or Zettai Kareshi (絶対彼氏).

Their wedding was on February 22, 2009.

SPEED Reunited

[image courtesy of sonic groove]

Exciting news!! The j-pop group which I grew up listening to, SPEED, is reunited! On Sept. 23 of last year they released their latest single "Ashita no sora" or "Tomorrows Sky". Let's support them and buy their album, if they regain enough popularity we can hope to see them on Kohaku!

Do your best, SPEED members! You will always have a loyal fan in me.

Japan wants to host FIFA World Cup

[image via: http://www.solarnavigator.net/]

According to this article, Japan is interested in hosting the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup. They will be placing their bids by Monday, which is the deadline.

In 2002 Japan co-hosted the World Cup with Korea but this current bid hinges on whether Tokyo is awarded the honor of hosting the 2016 olympics.

Other countries that are considering the bid are United States, China, and England.

Bi Rain Goes to Japan

South Korean singer, Bi Rain, flew to Japan two days ago for his first official appearance of the year; he was greeted by a swarm of at least 1,000 fans. His 5th regular album, "Rainism", was just released in Japan last Wednesday. During his stay in Japan he will have at least 4 meet and greet with fans as well as concerts.

Though his album was just released it's already #5 on the ORICON charts.

"Heart Station" SELLS ITS MILLIONTH ALBUM!

Utada Hikaru is a woman that I've respected since I was about 12 years old. She is a strong, independent Japanese woman who has power house vocals! Though she's had a difficult past couple of years which include a divorce from her director husband, her second attempt at a successful American album, and several various injuries, she is definitely starting 2009 off on the right foot. She has successfully reached 1 Million sales for her 5th album, Heart Station.

If you want to help support Hikaru's album please go here to buy it:

Utada Hikaru - Heart Station

Zhang Ziyi resents paparrazi

[image credit: tianya forum]

One of Zhang's assistants was quoted saying:

"When she found out about the photos online, she was enraged."

An estimated 80+ photos of Zhang and her fiance hit the Chinese internet. In many of the photos Zhang is topless or the couple are caressing each other. However, a source close to Zhang says that the beach they were caught on is a private one that is owned by her fiance. At this time she is trying to have all the photographs removed from the web and is considering a lawsuit.

Zhang Ziyi and her Fiance Caught on Beach

[image credit: tianya forum]

Images of Zhang Ziyi and her fiance, Vivi Nevo, at the beach have hit the Chinese internet. For conservative Chinese people, seeing these pictures came as a bit of a shock. I think it's a bit strange I haven't seen these on American gossip sites yet--isn't Zhang a celebrity in her own right? Anyway, Zhang's manager responded to the controversy by saying:

Ziyi and her fiance were vacationing on a private beach enjoying a normal part of life for the two of them. This is a matter of personal privacy. I sympathize with Ziyi and with all celebrities who have had their privacy invaded. It is difficult for them to enjoy vacations and even ordinary, everyday life.

Kago Ai Returns to School!

[image credit: welshjapanotaku]

Kago has been in the entertainment industry since she was 11 years old and due to her incredibly busy schedule she was unable to actually finish high school. She's currently enrolled in Aoyama International Academy, the schools headquarters is in Connecticut and she will be doing distance learning. As everyone knows, Kago doesn't understand English however all of her online courses will be in English therefore she's now being tutored in foreign language. She's also determined to finish her schooling so that she can enroll in University, possibly in America.

I have to say, I'm really proud of Kago. She's really rehabiliated her image since being expelled from Hello! Project. You go, Kago!! Your fans love you! Also, I know that picture of Kago is archaic but I love it, she's just so cute. :)