[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.