MTV World Stage Malaysia 2014 reveals first wave of artists with its return on 16 August 2014

MTV WORLD STAGE MALAYSIA 2014 REVEALS FIRST WAVE OF ARTISTS WITH ITS RETURN ON 16 AUGUST 2014

HOMEGROWN INTERNATIONAL STAR YUNA AND RISING K-POP IDOL GROUP BOYS REPUBLIC TO TAKE THE MTV WORLD STAGE FOR THE FIRST TIME

BROADEST SUITE OF SPONSORS YET IN SHOW’S 6TH YEAR WITH SUNWAY, XPAX, JOHNSON & JOHNSON VISION CARE, HONG LEONG BANK AND WILLIAM GRANT & SONS; WITH SUPPORTING PARTNER TOURISM MALAYSIA

KUALA LUMPUR, 27 MAY 2014 – Save the date, reshuffle your appointments and start planning your trip to Sunway Resort City, Kuala Lumpur, because it is the place to be – come August! MTV, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), has officially announced that MTV World Stage Malaysia is back for the sixth-year running. Recorded live for global telecast, the one-night-only outdoor concert is set to take place at Surf Beach, Sunway Lagoon on Saturday, 16 August 2014. MTV Asia also announced the first two artists gracing the MTV World Stage for the first time – homegrown international singer-songwriter, Yuna; and Universal Music Group International’s first K-pop idol group, Boys Republic, with additional performers to be announced at a later date. MTV VJs Alan and Hanli will again be hosting this year’s concert. A video message from Boys Republic can be viewed HERE.

“Malaysia has emerged as a major music and entertainment destination for epic concerts and a key stop for international stars visiting the region in recent years with MTV World Stage Malaysia being a part of this scene in the last six years,” said Paras Sharma, Vice President of MTV, Comedy Central and Digital Media, Asia, Viacom International Media Networks. “We can’t wait to share the stage with the world on August 16th, when one of the biggest nights in music happens in Kuala Lumpur. Stay tuned as additional performers will be announced at a later date!”

Set to welcome an expected live audience of about 15,000 fans, MTV World Stage Malaysia 2014 is sponsored by Sunway, Xpax, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Hong Leong Bank and William Grant & Sons, and supported by Tourism Malaysia, local broadcast partner, Astro, and local radio partner, hitz.fm.

The announcement was triggered by MTV fans following an Unlock #worldstagemy campaign that was first shared on 27 May through MTV’s social media platforms, hitz.fm and with bloggers. Fans successfully unlocked the announcement details on Tuesday, 27 May, which quickly gathered a frenzy of over 15,000 tweets over six hours. Not only did #worldstagemy top trend in Malaysia, but it also listed as one of the top ten trends worldwide.

MTV World Stage is a global series that bring multi-genre talents with global relevance, telecast to an audience in over 550 million households. Recorded ‘live’ at the most exclusive gigs, world renowned music festivals and unique concert locations from around the world, the series is the ‘front row seat’ for music lovers to experience the biggest artists on the globe without leaving the comfort of their sofas. MTV World Stage Malaysia is part of this platform that delivers the MTV brand experience not only on the ground with MTV fans in Malaysia, but with a global airing in 154 countries across MTV Networks. The Malaysia show is also MTV’s first originally-produced MTV World Stage event globally, which started in 2009.

Last year, MTV World Stage Live in Malaysia 2013, which welcomed a whopping 15,000 fans, brought the award-winning and multi-platinum artist, Robin Thicke, along with explosive international sensations, Far East Movement. The concert also featured 12-member K-Pop super group, EXO, and Malaysian Hip Hop pioneer, Joe Flizzow.

YUNA

In a remarkably short period of time, Yuna has risen from a shy, YouTube sensation to full-on international stardom. In the process, the unique singer-songwriter has become the first artist in Malaysia to break into the American market. The ease with which Yuna has transitioned to border defying mainstream success should not be surprising, considering the effortlessly universal appeal of her organic blend of contemporary pop, acoustic folk and soulful R&B.

Yuna experienced success early on, with a quartet of popular indie releases in Malaysia, beginning with her self-titled 2008 EP. That debut disc became a major seller at home, producing the hit single “Deeper Conversation.” The following year, Yuna won the first of several Anugerah Industri Muzik awards, Malaysia’s equivalent of the Grammy. During the same period, the artist also found time to attend law school and open IAMJETFUEL, a successful women’s clothing boutique.

Yuna’s latest album, Nocturnal, was recorded in Los Angeles and marks a major step forward for her. Nocturnal’s 11 sparkling new originals include the warmly intoxicating first single “Falling”, produced by Robin Hannibal of Quadron and the soul-pop group Rhye; the breezy, upbeat “I Wanna Go,” produced by rocker Mike Einziger of iconic modern rock band, Incubus.

Previously, Yuna had worked with man-of-the-moment, Pharrell Williams who produced her hit single, “Live Your Life”.

Yuna’s North American breakthrough saw the artist winning widespread acclaim while achieving several significant career milestones – Rolling Stone magazine praised her combination of “certified indie cred and massive pop potential”, while The New York Times described her music as “gorgeous”. She performed high-profile sets at the hugely renowned Lollapalooza and Coachella festivals, and has appeared on shows of popular personalities such as Jimmy Kimmel and Jay Leno.

For more information on Yuna, visit www.yunamusic.com.

BOYS REPUBLIC

Growing rapidly into one of the most popular K-pop boy bands in the region, Boys Republic is a group produced by Universal Music Group and Jung Hae Ik, who also helped produce first generation idols like H.O.T., S.E.S. and g.o.d. The five-member boy group consists of One Junn, Da Bin, Sung Jun, Min Su and Su Woong.

Boys Republic has been in Universal Music Korea’s pipeline for almost two years until their debut in 2013. The multi-talented boy group was trained in diverse genres of music. Top Korean producer and composer, Keun Tae Park, who has written songs for IU and Ji Young Baek, was appointed as chief music adviser for the group. To ensure strong international appeal, not only did Keun Tae collaborate with Dsign Music, the Norwegian team that wrote for Girls’ Generation, TVXQ and EXO, but the boys have also trained in singing, dancing, acting and the languages and cultures of other countries.

When Boys Republic released their debut single last June, “Party Rock” along with its music video, the chart-topping song peaked at #1 on iTunes single charts in Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand in 2013. Their song “You Are Special” also peaked at #1 on KKBOX Chart in Malaysia in 2013. Their latest single, “Video Game” made #1 on Dwango K-POP daily chart in Japan in 2014.

Since then, the promising K-pop idol group has risen quickly to stardom as Boys Republic was declared “Best New Artist” at the 20th Korean Entertainment & Art Awards 2013. The boys were selected as both Jeju Air’s PR Ambassador for 2013 and as Korean Youth Association Ambassador. Additionally, the group has also appeared on SBS MTV in a special eight-episode feature, “Best New Artist, Boys Republic”, which aired June-July 2013.

Boys Republic returns for their second performance in Malaysia. Voted by fans to close the U.O.X. 2013 in Malaysia, the popular group was the only Korean artist invited for the event.

WIN MTV WORLD STAGE CONCERT PASSES

MTV World Stage passes are not for sale and may be won by fans through game contests that will open on 16 June. Details will be announced in the coming weeks.

NEWS UPDATES ON SOCIAL MEDIA

In the weeks ahead, fans can get direct information by following MTV Asia on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for news updates on MTV World Stage Malaysia 2014.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mtvasia

Twitter: www.twitter.com/mtvasia

Hashtag: #worldstagemy

Instagram: mtvasia


Tweet it: .@MTVAsia reveals 1st artists @yunamusic & @officialBoysRep who will take #worldstagemy for the 1st time on 16 Aug in #Malaysia!

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Posted at 5:14 PM |  by Colene Hyori

[BLOGGER POST] D-13 in Seoul, Korea

Today is the last day I am in Seoul. Since today's weather forecast is rainy, I went to Woohyun's family restaurant. It is called 먹&삼 생고기집. It was actually opened by his brother, Boo-hyun and he is a chef! The restaurant is located quite far away from where I stay but it was really easy to find. The restaurant is actually quite huge, compared to Hoya and Sungyeol's restaurant. When I arrived there, the restaurant was empty and I was starting to doubt that is was an off-day. My sister took a pee pinside and Woohyun's mom looked shocked. She said she thought there was nobody but suddenly somebody was standing there.

The signboard outside the restaurant

She invited us in and asked where are we from. She wasreally speechless and excited when we say we were from Malaysia. She was even shocked when she knew we were twins. She was like, "MALAYSIA? wahhh (in disbelief)". She then introduced herself and said this is Woohyun's "house" and she is Woohyun's mom. OMG His mom is a total beauty! She looked so young. Then, she saw the file my sister was carrying and the front page was actually the address and directions to the restaurant. She was overwhelmed. 

Grilling samgyupsal and mushrooms

She then gave us the menu and served us the food. I was really really nice! We had the samgyupsal and makchang (pork intestines). If you are dining with your friend (2 person), one portion of samgyupsal and one portion of makchang is enough. You can order rice to go with the grilled food. While Woohyun's mom was cutting the samgyupsal and grilling it, she kept on saying, "Wah Malaysia...(in speechless mode)". Then she asked if we were Woohyun's fan. I nodded and she asked whether are we Infinite's fans. My sister said yes. And she asked if Woohyun is cute, is Woohyun handsome? and of course, we said yes! The restaurant was filled with poster and pictures of Woohyun. *I felt bad for Boohyun LOL*

The decorations beside the counter

The interior of the restaurant

After eating, I took a photo with Woohyun's mom. She said ok and was trying to tell all the fans who were dining there that we were twins and we are from Malaysia. She asked one of the Korean fan to take a picture of the three of us.Then I took a selca with her too. She was trying to adjust the lightning and she wanted Woohyun's poster to be seen at the background. What a proud mom!

A selca with the beautiful mom

A selca while waiting for the food

When I was planning to leave, it was drizzling outside. Woohyun's mom kept asking do we have umbrella but we didn't bring it that time. She was so worried and she kept on asking if we know the direction back to the subway station and asked where are we planning to head to after this. She asked us to run to the station too! Anyways, the food was so nice, I shall be back again!

Laughed out loud when I saw these 2 little cute Woohyuns hanging on the wall, laughing.

Boyfriend came here before!

I've decided to visit Myeongdong once again. We didn't buy anything for ourselves except for some snacks and socks! We had a hotdog which costed 3,000\. It was really nice. They had 4 different flavours of hotdog in halves on a stick. I like the one with ddeokbokki inside. It tasted good. Oh and I went to a CD shop to buy NU'EST slogan towel. SinceI have so many snacks to bring back, I've asked the cashier whether do they have any unwanted empty boxes.

I went back to the hostel and started to pack my luggages and seal all the boxes. I will be taking the KTX back to Busan at 6:40AM so I guess it is goodnight for now.

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Posted at 11:00 PM |  by Colene Hyori

[BLOGGER POST] D-12 in Seoul, Korea

I woke up early today because I've planned to visit Lotte World! I've been dreaming to visit this place for ages. The last time I came to Korea in 2008, Lotte World was under construction so I went to Everland instead. Today is the second last day I'll be in Seoul (extended my Seoul stay for 2 days). It is the 1st of May in Korea and it is actually Children's Day. Yup, me visiting theme park on Children's Day...

At the entrance lining up to buy tickets

It was really sad because it was packed with tourist, students and children. The rides were pretty exciting but the queues for the rides were insane. It was really sunny, must be a fun day to be out in the sun, riding roller coasters. Instead, I went to the indoor theme park and play. They have nice indoor facilities too. I've only managed to ride a few rides which I don't remember the name. Yeah, visiting theme park during holiday season was a bad choice. Tsk.

Standing on the bridge I've wanted to stand for so long :)

Taadaa, the ice rink!

I had my lunch at one of the restaurants in the indoor area. It is a food court called Arirang. Was expecting the pork cutlet rice to be as good as the one I've tried nearby N Seoul Tower but it wasn't good at all. They served it too cold. One portion costed 10,000₩ ㅠㅠ

The pork cutlet

The one and only thing that attracts me all along was the ice rink. I've seen two hit Kdramas filming here. First, Full House, Second, Stairway to Heaven. Sadly, the infamous painting that was featured in Stairway to Heaven that was supposed to be hanging on the wall beside the merry-go-round was removed. Anyways, NU'EST actually came to Lotte World for ice skating in one of their LOVE STORY episode. I was so excited to be there too. The good thing is that not many people are in the ice rink and it is cheaper to buy the ice rink entrance fee if you enter after 7PM.

My sister and I in the ice rink

In the ice rink by myself

Left Lotte World at around 9PM. I've bought coffee from Angel-In-Us because the weather was so cold and windy. Now I know why Koreans like to drink coffee or hold a cup of coffee. It's because the weather is so damn cold, a warm coffee is just nice to hold to keep your hands warm. I took the subway and travelled to Cheonggu to have the best ddeokbokki in town.

The best ddeokbokki ever!

I've done a few research on ddeokbokki and most of the bloggers recommended this particular restaurant called 마복림. It is opened 24 hours, just nice for me to spend my day in Lotte World and have some late night snack/dinner afterwards. Fyi, NU'EST also came here in the same episode where they went to Lotte World. I didn't planned exactly to follow them but it happened to be the same :) just that they visited the ddeokbokki restaurant before going to Lotte World and I went the other way round. The restaurant offers ddeokbokki in different portions and most of the people came in groups to eat together. I've order 2 portion of ddeokbokki and it costed 11,000₩. My sister and I could finish it. It would be just nice if 4 person sharing a portion of 3.

After finishing my late dinner, it was around 11:15PM. I went to the exact place where NU'EST sat and took pictures before leaving. Thank god the subway was still working (according to the web, most of them are closed after 10:30-11:00PM). 

Bye bye Lotte World, see ya next time!

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Posted at 11:00 PM |  by Colene Hyori

[BLOGGER POST] D-11 in Seoul, Korea

Woke up earlier today because I'm going to Arirang! :) Since I didn't manage to give any gifts to DJ Adrien on Monday, I've bought some Pepero for him. Aron is coming in today so I guess I can't go in empty handed. I've passed the gifts I bought earlier for him to a staff when I visited Pledis Entertainment so I've bought some Pepero for Aron too. So sad that I forgot to take pictures of the pepero with messages on it :(

I went to a Starbucks nearby before heading to Arirang because it was still early. Don't wanna be there so early looking like a despo when I really am a despo when it comes to NU'EST ;) haha

I didn't have any appetite to eat because I was so nervous knowing that I'm going to meet Aron. The producers said I won't be able to take photos when they were doing the live show nor taking pictures with Aron. Slightly disappointed but WHO CARES? Just the thought of meeting Aron made these few days unbearable. Anyways, my sister ordered a burrito.

It tasted really nice tho the ingredients were a bit weird. Or is it originally like that? I mean with rice in it?

Photo was taken few days ago when I visited Catch The Wave (wasn't allowed to take pictures when Music Access was doing it live) 

Arirang tower

Corridor in the studio

All of a sudden, Music Access asked me am I alright to do an interview with Aron. OMG YES *I can do it for no matter how long it takes* of course, I told them I can do it. They initially planned to ask 2 questions but when Aron briefed me through it, it was around 5-6 questions. I was so nervous I couldn't recall what I told Aron. But I remembered this cute conversation.

Aron: So you like NU'EST right? Which member do you like? (I told the producer I like NU'EST, apparently he told Aron)
Me: Actually I like all of them (it was true, I like all of you guys, Aron ㅠㅠ)
Aron: That's a lie haha Who do you like the most?
Me: erm....I like you...and JR
Aron: OK guys, she likes JR.

What?? Aron LOL I LOVE YOU TOO KAY? :)

The studio is actually quite warm. Not sure was it just me :o

Full credit goes to the person who screencap this. Do tell me if you are the one :)

Well, while we were not on air, Aron told me he remembered me since he have read quite a few of my messages from the message board cause I always tune in and leave him messages. Oh god, Aron you do remember me :)

Before leaving, Aron signed on my autograph book. He wrote my name with a ♥ beside *awww*

Ok, some facts about Aron when/after meeting him (A little fan girl section here please don't mind) :

1. His face is small. That explains why MinHyun's head is big. Haha. But seriously, Aron's face is really small. I've never thought his face could be that small judging from all the posters and photos. I wonder if other members' face is that small too.
2. Aron's height = my ideal height. I don't know how to express it in words, let's just call his height a BEAUTIFUL HEIGHT :)
3. Aron is skinny. Skinner than what I've imagined. Ok, where did the abs come from, Aron? *I think I can lift Aron up by piggybacking him & win the arm wrestling game*
4. He looks good even without make up. He still have that thick eyebrows and sexy eyes ;)
5. He is cute and he was happy when he saw the Pepero I gave him. He said YAY with the cutest smile on his face.
6. Aron asked me not to be nervous before the interview. Moments before we were on air, he was like "are you ready?". I swear he is the cutest thing ever, I'm gonna get diabetes because he is so sweet. Aron, you're gonna get ants all over you.
7. I did not know that one of the photo I took with Aron looked like he wanted to eat me until the producer sent it to me 3 hours later.
8. My mom asked if Aron was a wax figure when I sent her the photos.
9. Aron likes to adjust his hair from time to time. He took off his cap when songs were played and wear them on again when he is back on air.
10. Aron talks really fast but there were awkward pauses too. Oops Aronnie 
11. Aron's fingers are really beautiful!! And he has clean nails.

A photo with Aron! 

I prefer the upper photo :D

After leaving the studio, I went for some early dinner at Hoya's new family restaurant. It is not actually a restaurant they named it by themselves. It is a franchise restaurant called 돈수백. It sells pork soup and rice. Hoya's dad and mom are at the restaurant. His dad took my order and his mom served me the food. There are still quite some photos and calenders of Hoya sitting around the restaurant.

Oh and the food was nice! The pork soup and rice costed 6,000₩ while the boiled pork costed 9,000₩. Infinite fans do come and visit!

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Posted at 11:00 PM |  by Colene Hyori

[BLOGGER POST] D-10 in Seoul, Korea

View of the river under the bridge

Today was a bit colder. Woke up at around 11AM and went to Yeouido Hangang Park. According to my sister, Infinite was here when they were filming for 'This Is Infinite'. It was a really huge and clean park by the river. You can see many restaurant delivery stickers on the bench/stools under the bridge for people to call for delivery food while picnicking at the park. There are also special lanes for biker to ride their bikes.

People who wants to enjoy the breeze or ride their bikes can come here. You can see people exercising, playing, and picnicking here. During summer time, Koreans like to come here and dip their feet in the shallow pool to cool off. If you want to ride a bike but you don't have one, you can rent it at the park too. How cool is that?

People like to dip their feet in the shallow water in summer

A selca at the park 

There was a memorial park nearby where a few idol groups have their own memorial tree planted here. As far as I know, Girls' Generation, Shinhwa and Infinite have trees under their names here. Nothing special but you can see fan gifts and fan letter here. How weird.

Girls' Generation trees 

I also went to Woollim Entertainment today! It was not that hard to find but I walked a lot and my legs were sore. Woollim Entertainment is located in an apartment. You can't see any labels or signboards that says it is Woollim but if you follow the address, yeah you'll end up in front of an apartment. There was this girl who came out from the apartment, my sister then asked whether is this Woollim? She said yes. My sister handed her the fan letter she wrote for DongWoo. The girl said she will pass it to DongWoo for her.

Woollim Entertainment

Anyways, since Infinite's old dorm is nearby, I've decided to drop by and dine in the restaurant where L admitted he ate kimchi jjigae everyday during his trainee time. The restaurant was located right beside the dorm. I took a picture in front of the dorm bit across the street. I heard there are people living there now so it is better not to get to close for pictures. After that, I went to the restaurant called 행복한 마당. As soon as I walked in, the ahjumma asked whether are we Infinite's fans. She asked who we liked and escorted us to the table and told us which member sat where. I sat on L's place while my sister sat on Hoya's place.

Kimchi jjigae L ate for a few months

A selca in front of Infinite's old dorm

I've ordered kimchi jjigae, just to try out and figure why Myungsoo liked it so much. The kimchi jjigae wasn't as fancy as other restaurant with lots tofu/meat/spring onions. But the taste was really good. I like the sourness and the spiciness of the soup. The weird thing is that it costed more than the other restaurants I have went to. Normally it costs 5,000₩ or 5,500₩ at most but this costed 6,500₩. Myungsoo, I thought you are still a trainee that time. Why are you so loaded? Or did the ahjumma increased the price? Hehe

The menu

The seats Infinite used to sit according to the ahjumma

Well, after that, I went to Hongdae. There is this cute Hello Kitty Cafe that I've always wanted to visit. It is nearby Hongik University station. The cafe is not really big but there are 2 floors. The food and beverages sold are waffles, cakes, coffee etc. Coffee costed around 5,000₩ while whole cakes costed around 11,000₩. I ordered hot cafe mocha and kitty tiramisu cake. The whipped cream was really really sweet while the tiramisu cake tasted good. Hello Kitty lovers, do visit the shop! You won't want to leave. It is all pink and cute.

Hot cafe mocha and tiramisu cake

Tiramisu cake with Hello Kitty's face

The tables at Hello Kitty Cafe

2nd floor

After eating, we went for second round dessert! My sister wanted to try Natuur Pop ice cream. It was endorsed by Infinite but not it is Got7. She bought the flavour Hoya endorsed, which was Blueberry yogurt. It tasted quite good.

Natuur Pop ice cream, Blueberry Yogurt flavour

Going back to Arirang tomorrow, since I have gave the gifts and fan letter for Aron to the staff when I visited Pledis, I've bought some peperos for Aron. Not to forget, Adrien too!

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Posted at 11:00 PM |  by Colene Hyori