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2014 is a special year for YG Entertainment’s founder, YANG HYUN SUK, aged 44. It’s a year of challenge. The attention to K-Pop from the world is hotter than ever, thanks to the ‘PSY effect.’ Any competitive K-Pop contents can now be a global-hit. In a recent interview with Maeil Economy, YANG commented, “Now is the time with most opportunities for the Korean pop,” and added, “This year marks a watershed for YG.” First, YG’s main singer BIGBANG and PSY are releasing albums in the first half of the year, while WINNER, AKDONG MUSICIAN, WIN’s B TEAM and a new girl group will all be making a debut. This is surely unprecedented. YG is even building two new training rooms for this. The lights at YG training rooms never dim. Last month, actor CHA SEUNG WON joined the agency, and YG plans to expand the company to actor management. YG will transform itself into a multi-entertainment agency that cuts across the two major pillars of the Korean Wave: K-Pop and K-Drama. YANG used to be an ‘owl,’ working throughout the night and going home in the morning. That’s all going to change. At the headquarters in Hapjeong, Seoul, the building holds a banner that reads ‘HAPPY 2014 YG YEAR.’ YG Family is determined. The interview was held at a filming site in Ilsan, Jang Hang-dong. - What has changed in the Korean Pop, since the time you were ‘Seotaeji and Boys?’ ▶ It’s completely changed. Wish I could be more descriptive. Seotaeji and Boys tried entering the Japanese market, but at the time it was culturally impossible. But the market’s absolutely changed. Park Jin Young made a bold attempt at entering Wonder Girls into the American market, while I did with Se7en, and SM did with Boa. And YouTube helped, too. It aided artists like BIGBANG and PSY become popular among Asian fans residing in the States. - What if Seotaeji and Boys made a debut now? What would be different? ▶Different times require different artists. Our time back then needed Seotaeji and Boys. I can’t say with a 100% assurance, but I think the current time needs BIGBANG. - We can’t leave out PSY when it comes to YG. ▶What I am grateful for is that since PSY rose to global stardom, various record companies and agencies became interested in YG. Many offer to work with us. These are the people who we couldn’t meet even if we desperately wanted to. But they are the ones coming to YG. It’s completely different to when Se7en was trying to sell in the U.S. There are so many opportunities, and now we are a partner of those agencies and companies. - PSY must be under a lot of pressure as his comeback day approaches. ▶ True. At the last concert, he said, “The global-hit ‘Gangnam Style’ took 10 years to overtake the popularity level of ‘Champion’.” As ‘Gangnam Style’ was such a huge hit, people now simply compare the follow-up ‘Gentleman’ with it. ‘Gentleman’ also attracted the highest number of viewers last year, and he did his best. I ask PSY to “slow down.” Because ‘Gangnam Style’ became instantly popular, there was much pressure for preparing ‘Gentleman,’ and we were in a rush. At the moment the album preparation is almost ready, but we tell ourselves to slow down and look over it again before release. - Any plans for overseas market penetration? ▶The U.S. pays much attention to Asian female artists. PSY didn’t become popular because he’s handsome (laughter). America’s the land of hip-hop, but there isn’t a famous Asian female rapper. So CL from 2NE1 could sell in the U.S. -What are your plans this year as a producer? ▶Now is the time with most opportunities for the K-Pop market. Seotaeji and Boys would not have dreamt of it. New artists like BIGBANG, 2NE1, and PSY chose YG, and I was the chosen one. They are betting their lives on YG, so it’s my responsibility to bring them success. I am going to do everything in my power as a producer to help them succeed. - YG is expanding to actor management as well? ▶ I’m actually not familiar with the acting part. But the company is now listed, and is becoming a proper organization. So we are expanding our field. China will be an enormous market for us. Drama takes a huge part in K-Wave, let alone music. So we can expand K-Wave much further and wider. We are strengthening our actor base, and are making an organization around it. - What is the music YG pursues? ▶I like “artists” that stand out. There are no groups in the world other than BIGBANG who does hip-hop and solos. We discovered LEE HI and AKDONG MUSICIAN in K-Pop Star seasons 1 and 2 respectively. They’re preparing album releases. These two really stood out in the crowd. There’s no other like them, so they’re perfect for YG. If we were to produce another boy group, they have to be different from BIGBANG. 2nd and 3rd BIGBANGs will not work. - You seem very fond of K-Pop Star. ▶Being a judge on the show takes up a lot of time. There are lots of artists under the care of YG, and I also need to appear on TV. K-Pop trainees around the world watch the show enthusiastically. People like me, who’s already been there done that, hopefully will be helpful to these trainees who want to be K-Pop artists. - Heard you became a ‘morning person’ from New Year ‘s Day? ▶That’s right. I had to stay up until 4 am as I was at BIGBANG concert’s after party. But I woke up at 9 am. I didn’t sleep much. This year is a turning point for YG. PSY and BIGBANG make a long-awaited comeback, and 4 new groups make a debut. YG takes time creating contents. We take it seriously. Fans don’t believe 4 groups are making a debut. They think we’re lying (laughter). I don’t know if it’s because it’s only January, but we are more determined than ever. Our producers are under much producer and we’re cheering them on. We have 4 recording rooms, and we’re building 2 extra. We want to make YG a music power station. - How’s your marriage life? ▶I am lucky to be married to my wife. We get along really well. In the last 5 years of our marriage, we never fought or argued, like many other couples do. - Do you like your wife or your daughter better? ▶(hesitant) Hmm… It’s 50:50. I think if I name one, the other would be upset. But my wife comes first (laughter). - What is your philosophy? ▶ That is the most difficult question. I feel it’s more important to avoid things you don’t like, than doing things you like. YG’s power comes from doing things we love. I am a friend to BIGBANG, and I don’t force them to do things. We don’t do music for money. It’s not what we want to do. ‘Gangnam Style’ was created under pure will. Nothing forced. The public loves it when we love it. If you say “I love you” and not mean it, the person hearing it will know. ■ He is… YANG became a legendary dancer in Seoul’s Itaewon. Soetaeji, who heard about him, approached him to form a group. They made a debut in 1992 as Seotaeji and Boys. In 1996 YANG founded Yang Gun Project, a former YG Entertainment, and became a producer. He successfully produced artists like Wheesung, Se7en, BIGBANG and 2NE1, putting YG at the top. Others see him as a good-natured, thoughtful and delicate man. To YG artists he is a mentor and a friend. After 9 years of dating with Lee Eun Joo, he married her in 2010. He is known for the blind love for his daughter, showing her singing on a TV show. He never studied the field, but he is naturally talented, and whatever work he chooses, it’s done by the best of the field. He spends more than half an hour raving about a beautiful fork. America’s Billboard selected YANG as one of the 100 people who transformed the world music market—the only one in South Korea. Source: YG-Life Source: FLYHAYI
Taeyang’s solo album, PSY, BIG BANG, rookie groups WINNER and Akdong Musician, 2NE1 and Lee Hi. With all these YG Entertainment artists getting ready to release new music, Yang Hyun Suk is said to be in the midst of setting up the comeback and debut lineup for 2014. Sunbaes first or rookies? Who will be the first to light the fuse for “YG’s explosive comeback”? We originally heard that Taeyang’s solo would be the YG’s first project in the new year. Many fans are also anticipating PSY and BIG BANG, who are also said to be preparing for their comebacks as well. We also have WINNER and Akdong Musician, two outstanding rookie groups who probably didn’t have an easy time on the debut schedule. WINNER won their title after the internal YG audition survival program “WIN,” in which Teams A and B were pit against each other in intense battles. They’ve already gained their own following, and currently have their own reality show “WINNER TV.” They’re in the middle of preparations for their album, and are expected to present their debut album at the end of February after the show ends. Sibling duo Akdong Musician won “K-Pop Star 2″ in May 2013 and already have several well-released singles under their belt. They have already chosen their debut track, and are said to be counting down to their official debut. With all these active artists, YG is planning to do something unprecedented in the music industry and have 4-5 groups of artists active a period of two to three months. While the usual stars carry out their comeback activities, WINNER and Akdong Musician might debut as in between as YG’s trump cards. BIG BANG’s Taeyang is supposed to be first on the comeback lineup, but nothing has been revealed just yet. He got a sensational response for his single “Ringa Linga” last year, and fans are definitely curious as to what they can expect from his next solo album. Right after Taeyang comes BIG BANG. It’ll be the first time they’re coming back together as a group since 2012, after the solo activities of 2013. The group has concluded their Japan six dome tour, and will be returning to Seoul to perform on January 25 and 26. This means that they’re likely to comeback as a group soon, but we also have to take into consideration that T.O.P is currently filming for the movie “Tazza 2.” Last year, YG said that BIG BANG would have their comeback right after Taeyang, but that might change depending on circumstances. If Taeyang chooses to move up his expansion into America, then BIG BANG’s comeback might be pushed back. Meanwhile, PSY’s comeback has universal interest. PSY decided on his title song at the end of last year, and will be filming his music video in the middle of January. He’s definitely started the countdown towards his comeback, and while there’s no definitive outline for his album just yet, it’ll be out by early March. PSY is poised to release more of his own brand of giddy, blood-pumping music following hit songs “Gangnam Style” and “Gentleman.” Then there is also 2NE1 and Lee Hi. There wasn’t any specific news on Lee Hi, but 2NE1 announced their world tour last year, and released a new single “Missing You.” On their list of confirmed tour stops and dates is Seoul in March, then Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei, Bangkok, Manila, Kanagawa and Hyogo in Japan. Take all of this with a pinch of salt though, because YG is known for having a highly flexible schedule! Source via Soompi via BBU Last year, YG Entertainment`s head Yang Hyun Suk was named as one of the “Power Brains” of Korea by the Korea Institute of Brain Science, along with chairman Kim Beom Su of Kakaotalk, director Bong Joon Ho of Snowpiercer, baseball pitcher Ryu Hyun Jin of LA Dodgers, and Jo Jeong Rae, the author of Jungle Great. This shows that he has gained recognition for his efforts and capability as the head of YG Entertainment, the fastest growing among the 3 major entertainment companies in Korea and also an entertainment company that has established a firm place in overseas markets.
Yang Hyun Suk is becoming more aggressive in doing his business this year. As the main producer of YG, he manages big stars such as PSY, BIGBANG, 2NE1, LEE HI and at the same time, he participates in the training and the debut process of new artists, such as WINNER and the YG`s new girl group. On top of that, he is one of the judges of SBS`s popular audition program “KPOPSTAR 3” and he is also active in giving back to the community, such as by making donations to the Severance Hospital of Yonsei University. “I`m going to work even harder in 2014. I work thinking that every day is a Monday. I`m sure you know what I mean (laughter). Nowadays, I go to work early in the morning and come back home late at night. It was hard at first because for a long time, I used to get up late in the afternoon, work all night, and then go to sleep in the morning. But I`ve made the decision to change my lifestyle so that YG could make it to the next level.” Yang Hyun Suk`s goal is clear and simple. It is to let the world know YG`s music. He believes it is critical that YG does not become too complacent about the popularity of K-pop and is determined to win the hearts of people across the world with YG`s music. “Since the beginning of YG Entertainment, the No.1 priority has been the stage. Singers have to give the audience the greatest and the most fabulous music and performance. This is one of the reasons why BIGBANG`s World Tour was a success. The Korean Wave or the popularity of K-pop will not last long if the overseas performances of k-pop are a meaningless jumble of various groups and artists, which is very often the case right now. This is also why we often refuse to appear in music shows on TV that do not provide a high-quality stage for YG performers.” In the new year`s interview with OSEN, Yang Hyun Suk emphasized, “It is up to the public to decide whether the music is good or bad.” Yang Hyun Suk has stressed this many times before. At the end of the year 2012, he said, “The trend is shifting and the public is beginning to favor talented musicians rather than idol groups”, and predicted that the days of idols groups dominating popularity would be over. What he said proved to be right as talented musicians, such as PSY, Lee Juk, and Busker Busker had a great 2013, gaining much popularity. As the judge of “KPOPSTAR 3”, Yang Hyun Suk is mesmerizing the fans with the way he delivers his comments. Whenever he starts his comments saying, “Do you think I`ll give good comments or bad comments?” with his slow and unique way of talking, the contestants cringe with tension and the viewers become excited in anticipation. The contestants who get a good feedback feel as if they are walking in the clouds but those who are scolded for their bad performance feel as if they are in hell. Yang Hyun Suk has built a pretty much friendly image in “KPOPSTAR 3” but he is known for his sharp tongue in the TV show “WIN”. This is because Yang Hyun Suk believes he needs to rigorously train the new YG artists, who are set to enter the world of professionals, so that they gain the talent they need to succeed. This is an essential process for YG artists and it is also the secret behind the success of YG artists. “I have nothing to give and teach to the artists who are already huge stars, such as PSY and BIGBANG. They are already pros. I just give advices. To add a little spice. I believe it is my duty to keep producing those kinds of stars.” COMMENTS: Source: OSEN via Naver 1. [+2,323, -94] Please.. Akdong Musician's comeback... It's been so long since they won... ㅜㅜ 2. [+1,676, -65] So when's that pretty girl group coming out 3. [+1,564, -121] Yang-goon is quite multi-talented. Good at judging, business manage, sense, etc. 4. [+1,423, -90] YG's good at picking out talents and training them... looking forward to their new rookies. 5. [+378, -17] Yes, you're amazing, so please stop sending Big Bang and Winner to Japan. Are your Korean fans not your fans.. How can Big Bang only have two albums eight years into their debut... Can we please get a full album ㅜㅜ 6. [+287, -11] How about you earn that victory through a Big Bang comeback... and by the way, is the girl group's name really Pink Punk? ㅋㅋㅋㅋ 7. [+258, -9] Work hard or whatever but take care of your Korean fans too... 8. [+284, -61] YG's the only agency out of the top three that continues to grow Source: YG-Life , NETIZENBUZZ Lee Hi was on stage after very long time.
Lee Hi performed ‘Rose’ on ‘2013 SBS Gayo Daejun’ (MC Seong Si-kyeong, Kim Hee-chul, Sandara Park) on 29 December. On the day, Lee Hi wore a dress with rose patterns as her song title with a ribbon-type hairstyle. She was attractive with her skinnier face and it seemed she was working hard with her diet since there were no more chubby cheeks instead sharp jaw line. In addition, there were Lee Seung-chul, Yoon Jong-shin, Lee Hyo-ri, Lim Chang-jeong, Dynamic Duo, G-dragon, Taeyang, Girl’s Generation, Shinee, 2NE1, 2PM, IU, Beast, Infinite, CNBlue, B1A4, Exo, K-Will, Brown Eyed Girls, Kara, 4minute, F(x), Sistar, Ailee, Teen Top, Secret, Block B, Heo-Gak, ZE:A, Miss A, Rainbow, Girl’s Day, VIXX, Bumkey, San E, Bubblejint, B.A.P, A Pink, Nine Muses, Kim Ye-rim, Ladies’ Code, BTS, Hello Venus, Lee Hi, Baek Ah-yeon, Park Ji-min, Crayon Pop, etc. were on ‘2013 SBS Gayo Daejun.’ Source: Newsen Translated by: winieju93@flyhayi Trans : "I hope you all can enjoy and feel the warm Christmas after listening to Bom&LeeHi’s ‘All I Want For Christmas IS You’
Merry Christmas " translated by Master@1234Hayi via 1234HAYI |
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