[Translation of Apple Daily article] 太陽預告世巡有香港站 見港迷：感覺係最幸福同最好 https://t.co/HCvXcHnitd pic.twitter.com/7g7H2Sw8W0
— ねずみ (@onebluemouse) July 27, 2017
Full article at: HK Apple Daily
By Ilse Hernandez and Jen Garcia
G-Dragon wowed the Houston crowd with a colorful and organized show all while sharing his personal struggle with his two identities, a theme of his latest EP.
The South Korean superstar, who gained fame after being one of the lead rappers of the boy band BIGBANG, made his first ever appearance in Houston Wednesday night at the Toyota Center and it’s safe to say that his K-pop fan base is LOYAL.
The star, also known as Kwon Ji Yong, was met by a roar of screaming fans during his stop in the Bayou City for his ACT III, M.O.T.T.E. tour, where he performed songs from previous albums as well as his recent self-titled EP Kwon Ji Yong.
The thousands of fans that flocked to the show couldn’t contain their excitement as the artist made his first debut as himself and not G-Dragon.
During his show, a short film was shown of him lying on a gurney as the sound of a heartbeat pulsated through the arena. In between his performance, a more detailed video was also broadcast of his family and friends speaking about how Kwon Ji Yong is different from his G-Dragon persona.
The video revealed a more humble, sincere, and timid man, a stark contrast of what G-Dragon represents.
“I can’t show you everything, but showing you who Kwon Ji Yong really is for the first time, I wish I can be someone who still shines without all these shiny things on,” he said. “I’ve been living as G-Dragon until now, but now I want to live being Kwon Ji Yong.”
As the film ended, the crowd chanted “Kwon Ji Yong! Kwon Ji Yyong!” in support of the star. Throughout his performance a wave of yellow flashlight crowns and crown headbands overflowed the stadium as they moved along to the beat of his music.
“I loved every piece of the concert, but my favorite parts were definitely the times when GD spoke to the audience about his perspective and identities as the star GD and as the person Kwon Ji Yong,” said Houston fan Estafania Garcia.
Garcia had been waiting seven years for G-Dragon to appear in Texas and never imagined he would perform in Houston.
“I think anyone out there at one point in their life has struggled with some aspect of identity,” Garcia said.
“We are always wondering who we are or where we are going and seeing GD openly speak to us about his own struggle felt special and personal,” she said.
As the night progressed, the inner-identity conflict that was being alluded to at the beginning of the performance felt more resolved toward the end of the show.
“Sometimes I feel lonely. But when I’m on the stage singing in front of you guys, I feel happy and alive,” he said.
Before ending the concert with an encore performance of “Crooked”, the artist gave an emotional speech and promised fans to return to Houston with the band BIGBANG.
Special night for a G-Dragon Musician
The Houston stop on the 19-city world tour was extra special for G-Dragon’s lead guitarist, Guitarslayer, whose real name is Justin Lyons.
Lyons, a native Texan from Dallas, invited his family to see him play for the first time with Kwon Ji Yong.
WHY GD MADE IT SPECIAL MOTTE IN HOUSTON BEST TOUR NIGHT HTTPS://T.CO/QWH8MSG5WA VIA @YOUTUBE
— JUSTIN LYONS (@GUITARSLAYER24) JULY 21, 2017
Michelle Nguyen, a long-time fan, said she enjoyed the star’s new music and felt it gave a new glimpse into his life.
“It was a very emotional EP that was different from his previous work. You could tell that it was kind of like a goodbye album before he goes into the military. Definitely raw and unique with GD’s artistry,” Nguyen said.
The Kwon Ji Yong EP, which peaked at number one on the Billboard World Albums, rose two slots since last week to land at number four in the week ending July, 22, 2017.
According to Billboard, Kwon Ji Yong surpassed all expectations with the release garnering its highest sales in the United States last month in just one day.
Fan Twitter Reaction
EVERYONE BRING RED LIGHTSTICKS, GLOW STICKS, OR RED BAGGIES TO GO OVER YOUR LIGHT STICK! LET’S MAKE THAT RED OCEAN HAPPEN!!#MOTTEINHOUSTONPIC.TWITTER.COM/BUUN39P884
— MOMMAVIPARMY (@MRSANDYXOXO) JULY 19, 2017
HE SHOOK MY HAND
I AM SHOOKETH
HIM TAKING THE COWBOY HAT FROM US WAS THE PERFECT TEXAN SEND-OFF!!!
…SHOOKUSH #MOTTEINHOUSTON #GDRAGONPIC.TWITTER.COM/XEY8L0YIGV
— THINA | + (@THEENUH) JULY 20, 2017
Credit: Christina ‘thina’ Ouk.
HERE’S GD PROMISING US THAT HE’LL BRING BIGBANG TO HOUSTON!! #MOTTEINHOUSTON #GDRAGON #BIGBANG#KWONJIYONG #MOTTE #KPOPPIC.TWITTER.COM/BTAMQSLLPD
— ROSE FOR TOP (@MEDSZ) JULY 22, 2017
Credit: Jenny Rose Ganut
#MOTTEINHOUSTON “KWON JI-YONG!” PIC.TWITTER.COM/O70MTR33N3
— AMANDA (@MISSTEXASSTAN) JULY 22, 2017
OMG VIPS ARE THINKING TO CREATE RED OCEAN IN THE CONCERT WHEN JIYONG WILL SING NEW SONGS WHAT AN AMAZING IDEA #MOTTEINHOUSTON
CR: OWNER PIC.TWITTER.COM/K3CMKELL6J— MYSTIC (@YONGIEMYSTIC) JULY 19, 2017
THAT’S ME IN THE BACK @IBGDRGN #MOTTEINHOUSTONI’M STILL SHOOK ! GOLD VIP WAS SO WORTH IT ! JIYONG TAKE CARE BRO AND BRING BIGBANG TO US! PIC.TWITTER.COM/3JWCATNMP6
— ORLANDO RODRIGUEZ (@ORLANDO_SENPAI) JULY 22, 2017
PHOTO CREDIT: YG Entertainment – Source: HoustonVenture
Italian luxury house Fendi has joined forces with BIGBANG’s Taeyang for a special capsule collection titled, “Fendi for TaeYang.” Designer Silvia Venturini Fendi and Taeyang worked together to create a lineup that includes jackets, hoodies, T-shirts, and accessories all showcasing the artist’s signature element: a daisy-shaped motif. The “Fendi for TaeYang” collection will debut in Hong Kong on July 27 and will be available for pre-order over at Fendi’s official website.
Source: HYPEBEAST
[OSEN=선미경 기자] Group BIGBANG’s TAEYANG appears in “Single Life” show.
According to broadcasting insiders on July 26, TAEYANG has recently confirmed his appearance in MBC’s “Single Life” show. He will appear in a rainbow live episode that will be aired in mid-August. The shooting for the episode begins next week.
Fans are showing all the more interest in TAEYANG’s appearance in “Single Life”, as he is soon to release his first solo album in three years during this summer. Because BIGBANG has usually met fans in concerts even after the release of new songs, TAEYANG’s appearance in “Single Life” is expected to be a special gift for fans.
Notably, TAEYANG launched a reality show that displayed the process of the work for his first full solo album in 2010 on cable channel OnStyle. The show was titled “Real Sound by TAEYANG”. The TAEYANG episode of “Single Life” show will be the first opportunity for fans to see what the house of BIGBANG is like, so fans are paying keen attention to it.
In addition, as the episode will be broadcasted in mid-August, the release of TAEYANG’s new solo album is expected to be very soon. YG has recently hinted on TAEYANG’s upcoming comeback by unveiling photos taken at the music-video shooting for TAEYANG’s new solo album.
As TAEYANG has always presented overwhelming charisma on the stage, fans are now showing great interest in how he is different in his daily life as a young single man.
2017. 7. 26.
Fendi’s fashion music party features Choice 37, DJ Cawlr, Okasian, R.Tee, Bryan Chase, Arisa Ueno and DJ Victor Aime
BY VIVIAN CHEN
When it comes to tapping the millennial generation market, Fendi is among the few luxury maisons which have embraced the concept wholeheartedly.
“You have to have some fun aspect of it,” says Fendi’s CEO Pietro Beccari. “Because you cannot [be]too serious, pompous and distant. You have to be close, to be fun and to not take yourself too seriously.”
Behind the scenes of the ‘F is For’ campaign.
Apart from the many digital initiatives, the Italian marque – known for its expertise in fur – throws lavish parties across the globe featuring cool artists and musicians that strike a chord with millennial customers.
Since its inauguration event in New York in February, the fashion music party is coming to Hong Kong tomorrow.
The party is headlined by famous Asian DJs the likes of Choice 37, DJ Cawlr, rapper Okasian, R.Tee, Bryan Chase from South Korea as well as Arisa Ueno from Japan and DJ Victor Aime from China.
The musicians each command a huge fan following in their own circle, which allows Fendi to appeal to a much younger customer base.
K-pop star Taeyang creates a capsule collection for Fendi.
DJ Choice 37, for example, is the music producer of YG Entertainment, who has worked with K-pop giant BIGBANG since 2011.
Apart from the niche fan followings in Asia, hip-hop culture is making a comeback in China as well thanks to the high profile TV reality show titled The Rap of China, produced by iQiyi. Millennial heartthrob Kris Wu is a judge of the reality show.
The Fendi party coincides with the brand’s store re-opening in Central’s Landmark mall where K-pop star Taeyang will make an appearance. The star was recently tapped by the brand to create a capsule collection for the new men’s autumn-winter season.
Source: SCMP
BIGBANG’s Taeyang is the next star to appear on MBC’s “I Live Alone,” a show that reveals the daily lives of celebrities living alone.
On July 26, a representative from the show confirmed the news and stated that they are currently working out their schedules to settle on a filming date.
Taeyang will also be returning with a solo album for the first time in three years. It looks like he’ll be kicking off his comeback promotions with his “I Live Alone” appearance.
Are you excited to see him on the show?
Source (1)
#Hallyu stars promote #2018PyeongChang #Olympics#LeeMinho #KimYuna #GirlsDay #Taeyanghttps://t.co/Ho94X9CpmP
— Kpop Herald (@Kpop_Herald) July 25, 2017
Hallyu stars gathered to promote the upcoming 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics.
The PyeongChang Olympics organizers shared a video via social media accounts Monday featuring various Korean public figures, including actor Lee Min-ho, Taeyang of BIGBANG, girl group Girl’s Day, comedians Kim Byung-man and Jung Chan-woo and Olympic figure skating champion Kim Yuna.
“Only 200 days left until PyeongChang 2018! With only 200 days remaining, we ask for your further interest and support. 200 days will go fast!” the celebrities said in relay.
All of the celebrities appearing in the video are honorary ambassadors for the event in 2018.
The PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games are set to open on Feb. 9, 2018.
#PyeongChang2018 #Olympics #200DaysToGo#2018평창 동계올림픽대회 #200일 남았습니다! 성공개최를 기원하며 '#이백일' #삼행시 를 지어주세요! 이벤트 정보->https://t.co/XqvxmTj0XU pic.twitter.com/0Lzr5o1YNT
— PyeongChang 2018 (@pyeongchang2018) July 24, 2017
Source: KPopHerald
PMO uses superior materials and advanced audio technology including brass, aluminum & black almite housings, and more for balanced full spectrum HiFi sound.
The audio product market is about to get even more options in the United States as PeaceMinusOne (PMO), a premium audio and lifestyle brand in China and Korea is preparing for a push into the American market. PMO’s premium audio products use superior materials and advanced audio technology including brass, magnesium domes, aluminum & black almite housings, and more for balanced full spectrum HiFi sound.
The PMO brand is backed by G-Dragon, a popular South Korean music megastar with ties to Justin Bieber, and other A-List actors, music superstars, fashion icons, and other celebrities.
“We’re incredibly excited to begin laying the foundation for a full, long-term push into the United States market, riding on enormous momentum our brand and HiFi earbuds have generated in China and Korea,” said Ellen Zhang, CEO of PeaceMinusOne’s Music Product Division. “To work with a music, fashion and culture icon like G-Dragon – and have the PMO brand reflect his emotion, artistry and professional music demands in every sense – is powerful. We look forward to sharing that beautiful story while offering stunning sound that takes on – and even exceeds – the best in the global audio industry. Inspiring audio, wrapped in truly artistic designs, is what Americans can expect from PMO.”
Some of the key features and specifications of PMO earbuds include:
The PeaceMinusOne Soundband in gold.
PMO earbuds are available for purchase on Amazon.com and range in price from $145USD to gold-plated top-shelf units that retail for more than $700.
Source: Teachaeris
On July 22, YG Entertainment’s Yang Hyun Suk shared a video on his personal Instagram that gives fans a quick sneak peak at what BIGBANG’s Taeyang has in store for his upcoming solo comeback.
Earlier, it was revealed that Taeyang was working with new directors for his comeback MVs and also that he would have two title tracks, each with their own MV. Although it’s not clear what the MV is about, fans can hear a bit of the track faintly in the background. Plus, the MV was revealed to have been shot in LA and fans can see Taeyang sporting a new hair color for his comeback.
#TAEYANG #태양 #NEWMV #2MVs #NOWSHOOTING #inLA #comingsoon #YG
A post shared by YANG HYUN SUK (@fromyg) on
Anticipation is very high for the artist’s solo comeback, as it will be his first in three years since 2014’s “Rise.”
Source (1)
[Dispatch=김희경 기자] BIGBANG’s G-DRAGON shows off his extraordinary charisma. The life of a fashionsta was revealed, and it was impressive.
On July 21, Harpers Bazaar Korea uploaded pictures taken at G-DRAGON’s party on its official SNS page. From the exhibition to the live performance, the party offered a chance to see G-DRAGON’s versatile talent.
It was also a chance to see G-DRAGON’s friends. He took pictures with TAEYANG, CL, and model Soo Joo. He also exhibited explosive swag during his live stage.
His unique taste in fashion also stood out. He wore all black, which added to his strong charisma. In one picture, he is holding a camera in his hands and being playful.
Meanwhile, G-DRAGON kicked off his North American tour in Seattle on July 11. He will hold concerts in major cities such as LA, Houston, Chicago, Miami, and New York.
2017. 7. 21.