130529 KARA Leader Park Gyuri Hones Up Nail Art Skills In KDrama

Park Gyuri has been a child actress, a regular reality show guest andis currently the popular lead singer of the girl group KARA. But that’sjust the beginning. With her new role in the drama “Nail Shop Paris,”she is gaining even more acting credits plus a reputation as a firstrate nail artist.

Actresses often have to learn a new skill to successfully play a rolein a kdrama. An actress may have to master martial arts, table tennisor pottery making. For “Nail Shop Paris,” the first kdrama about a nailshop, Gyuri had to brush up on her nail art. And she had to learn morethan how to neatly apply nail polish. She mastered on the latest nailart trends, such as pasting on jewels and flowers and creating intricatepatterns.

Everyone in the cast of the MBC drama about a flower boy nail shophad to study manicure techniques but Park Gyuri’s talent in acrylicdesign surprised the trainer. She was so talented that the trainersuggested that she might pass the official licensing exam required tobecome a nail artist.

Her role in “Nail Shop Paris” is not the first time the world hasseen Park Gyuri’s nail art talent. When she appeared on the MBC program,”Talk Concert Queen,” she drew some exceptional designs on MC Joo YoungHoon’s nails.

In “Nail Shop Paris,” her character Hong Yuh Joo begins working inthe shop on a trial basis and starts out only knowing the basics. As theshow continues, her character will demonstrate more sophisticatedtalents.

Pretending to be a nail artist is just a disguise as Hong Yuh Joo isreally a writer. She’s an Internet novelist who is out of fresh ideas.She follows a man she sees on the train. Wondering what his story is,she hopes he will provide inspiration. She trails him to the nail shopwhere he works and applies for a job. Since the salon hires only men,she must cut her hair and pretend to be a boy.
Fellow cast membersand nail artists include MBLAQ’s Thunder, Song Jae Rim and Jun Ji Hoo.Gyuri has appeared in musicals and did a cameo in the comedy “What isMom,” but this is her first leading role as an adult.

Ironically, the singer had to trim her own long, beautiful nails, to play a flower boy manicurist.

130529 KARA’s Han Seung Yeon Returns To “Jang Ok Jung”

KARA fans may want to be on the look out for lead vocalist Han SeungYeon in the latest episodes of the drama “Jang Ok Jung.”

Although the singer’s character was seen in one of the earliestepisodes, she has not appeared again, as the story played up the rivalrybetween Queen Inhyun and royal concubine Jang Ok Jung. But that is notunlike the true story of the historical character that she plays.

Maid Choi, also known as Sookbin Choi, was a woman who quietly beganher court life as a palace maid but then went on to shape history.Although much has been written about the tragic rivalry between QueenInhyun and Jang Ok Jung, in the end it was Sookbin Choi whose childinherited the throne.



After attracting King Sukjong’s attention, Sookbin Choi became a royal concubine and the mother of King Yeongjo.

Sookbin Choi also helped seal the destiny of Jang Ok Jung. Whetheryou believe Jang Ok Jung was an evil villain, responsible for killingQueen Inhyun or just a palace concubine trying to defend herself againstcourt intrigue, Sookbin Choi helps decide her future. Although SookbinChoi was initially grateful to Jang Ok Jung for an act of kindness, sheturns against her, taking Queen Inhyun’s side.

This week, Sookbin Choi will appear at a ceremony in the drama. Shewill smile at the king and the competition for his attention willintensify.

A representative for the drama’s production company said that withSookbin Choi’s appearance, things are going to heat up in the palace.”The women of the palace will start to fight more fiercely, bringingmore fun to the drama of the story.”

When Han Seung Yeon was cast in this part, the drama’s producer BuSung Cheol did not even know she was a member of the popular girl group.

“I thought she looked just like how I imagined Sookbin to be,” said Bu.

She would not be the first idol to make a successful transition fromsinging to acting and it is not Han’s first role. She had a cameo as achild actress in the 1997 drama, “Star in My Heart.”

She also contributed her singing talents to the OSTs for two populardramas. She recorded the song, “Because of Love” for the soundtrack of”Warrior Baek Dong Soo” and the song “Super Star” for the drama “MaryStayed Out All Night.”

Those who watched her work on set say the actress has been workinghard to disprove the notion that she was cast because she was an idol.She wants to be taken seriously. It will be interesting to see how hercharacter shapes the plot and how she portrays the character.

130524 KARA Kang Jiyoung Cute Face in a Beret

Group KARA’s member Kang Jiyoung revealed a cute self-camera photo in a beret.

Today, Kang Jiyoung posted on her Twitter, “I’m watching you” along with a picture.

In the picture, Kang Jiyoung is wearing a black shirt that has eyes drawn on it and a beret. She is glaring at the camera, making a cute face.

Internet users who saw this commented, “So cute,” “Kang Jiyoung is the best,” “Cutie,” and “The hat looks good on her.”

Photo Credit: Kang Jiyoung Twitter

130521 Kara’s Park Gyuri Solo Interview Part 1: “I Was Attracted to Crossdressing Projects..”

Park Gyuri had a chance to take time out of her busy schedule to sit down for an interview with Ilgan Sports where she opened up about her recent acting project in the crossdressing drama “Nail Shop Prince.”

_Feelings regarding first leading role

“I did some acting in elementary school, but I became a singing trainee in middle school and put all my energy promoting with Kara. I would occasionally take on projects, but it was through ‘Nail Shop Prince’ that I had renewed feelings for acting. The other actors in the same project joked and called me ‘dae sunbae’ [super senior]. *laugh* I learned a lot about acting through the lead role. I participated in the Dream Concert stage in the middle of the drama’s filming and since I had to sing and dance [after a long time], it felt unfamiliar. Even though I felt awkward, I was able to feel the freshness [of singing]. This became a time where I could reflect on my career as a singer.”

_Appearance opportunities

“There was a time when I thirst for acting while I promoted with Kara. I had a fun time watching ‘Coffee Prince’ and ‘To the Beautiful You’ so I was attracted to those crossdressing projects. Originally, I wanted to cut my hair short for the role, but decided on wearing a wig because my company was against it. *laugh*”

_Your voice is so high that people most likely pointed it out

“The director talked about it often. The character Yeo Joo isn’t as boyish as Yoon Eun Hye senior’s Go Eun Chan. Because of [Yeo Joo’s] lame crossdressing, she’s quickly caught. It wouldn’t be realistic if I purposely tried to speak like a man.”

_You look really good in short hair. Have you tried that hairstyle before?

“I had short hair in kindergarten. Afterwards, I tried short hair during ‘Rock You’ promotions. Maybe it’s because I haven’t lost my baby fat, but the reaction wasn’t good. My personality is more reserved than boyish.”

130522 Kara”s Park Gyuri is Praised for Her Talent in Nail Art

Even though for some reason Park Gyuri may decide to stop being an idol in the future, it seems she′ll still have a lot of other talents to turn to for a living.

While learning nail art for her MBC Queen and MBC Dramanet drama Nailshop Paris, Park Gyuri was recommended she take a test to become a professional nail artist.

The cast of the drama were trained by an expert nail artist for about two months before they entered their shoot.

During their classes, Park Gyuri surprised her trainer by showing great talent in acrylic design.

The expert was quoted to have said, “She is very talented in nail art. She could start preparing for the official license test.”

Park Gyuri′s talents were previously revealed on the MBC Queen program Talk Concert Queen, which aired on May 2. She had drawn some exquisite nail art on the nails of MC Joo Young Hoon when asked on set, drawing awe from those watching.

Park Gyuri currently appears as a probational employee at the nail shop in her drama, but as the story progresses she will go on to show off more complicated and beautiful nail art.

Photo credit: DSP Media

130522 Kara’s Park Gyuri Solo Interview Part 2: “There Will Be A Scene Where I Kiss A Girl”

Park Gyuri had a chance to take time out of her busy schedule to sit down for an interview with Ilgan Sports where she opened up about her recent acting project in the crossdressing drama “Nail Shop Prince.”

Click here to read Part 1: “I Was Attracted to Crossdressing Projects..”

_While you crossdressed, you also showed some skin

“It’s still just a taste [of the drama]. Later on, there will be a scene where I kiss a girl. There are quite a few intense scenes to the point that other actors asked me worriedly, ‘Will you be okay?’ While I’m acting, I’m not Kara’s Gyuri. Rather, I’m one of the actors so I think it’s something I should do.”

Click here to read Part 1: “I Was Attracted to Crossdressing Projects..”

_Han Seungyeon is also in the middle of filming with SBS’s drama “Jang Ok Jung, Live in Love”

“Since the filming schedule got pushed back, more will be shown towards the latter half. There are plans for her to make more appearances so people don’t have to worry. Since both of us don’t have much acting experience, we try to take care of each other’s health rather than give advice on our acting. We give each other vitamins and talk about how we can optimize on sleep.”

_How long do you plan on being a singer?

“Nowadays, the line between singers, actors and comedians have been blurred. I don’t want to set a set timeframe on my career. Shouldn’t I keep going until my fans stop loving me?”

_How long do you plan on dating?

“I think that now’s a good time to start dating. There are quite a number of people publicly dating. Even so, I still prefer dating quietly without other people knowing. Rather than a guy who’s good looking, I like a guy who I’m deeply interested in.”

130523 Kara”s Han Seung Yeon to Start Appearing in “Jang Ok Jung” from May 28

Han Seung Yeon will finally be making an appearance on Jang Ok Jung.

According to an official, Han Seung Yeon will be appearing in the May 28 broadcast of the drama.

The singer will take up the role of Maid Choi, a woman who has the King (Yoo Ah In) fall in love with her, and later gives birth to King Yeongjo. She will be joining forces with Queen In Hyun (Hong Soo Hyun) to put Jang Ok Jung (Kim Tae Hee) in danger.

Her appearance gathered much interest after she made a brief appearance in the drama′s first episode but never appeared again.

In the upcoming episode, Han Seung Yeon will appear near the end, smiling thoughtfully at Lee Soon (Yoo Ah In)′s ceremonial walk.

A rep said, “With the appearance of Maid Choi, the women of the palace will start to fight more fiercely, bringing more fun to the story of the drama. Han Seung Yeon has looked into her character a lot while watching Jang Ok Jung. We believe she will be able to show us some good acting.”

Photo credit: SBS

130520 KARA one-act play is in the works

The one-act play starring Kara has been named “Secret Love – 2013″, according to producers.

Kim Kyoo-tae, chief producer of SBS drama “That Winter, the Wind Blows“, starringSong Hye-kyo and Jo In-Seong, will work with the girl group to produce five different episodes – one for each member of the girl group.

All the episodes are love stories. The filming and release dates have not yet been set.

“It will be worth waiting as Kara and experienced director Kim will create a fresh new trend”, the production company for the play said.

The drama will be translated into different languages and then distributed in Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and other countries in Asia.

Meanwhile, Park Gyoo-ri-I of the group donated 670 kilograms (1,477 pounds) of rice to people in need through a charity last week.

She received the rice as gifts from overseas fans who wanted to congratulate the star on taking part in the drama “Nail Shop Paris“.

By Lee Sun-min

130520 KARA Kang Jiyoung Coming-of-Age Day, ‘Give Me Roses!’

Group KARA’s member Kang Jiyoung asked for roses in celebration of Coming-of-Age Day.

Today, Kang Jiyoung posted on her Twitter, “Give me roses!” along with a self-camera photo.

In the picture, Kang Jiyoung has her mouth closed, making a cute face at the camera. She seems to have lost all baby fat, revealing a smaller face and a more matured look to match the day.

Internet users who saw this commented, “I want to give you roses,” “Congratulations,” “Are you 21 now?,” and “Wow.”

Kang Jiyoung became a legal adult on January 18.

Photo Credit: Kang Jiyoung Twitter

130520 KARA’s Park Gyuri Shares Dieting Secrets In June Issue Of Cosmopolitan Magazine

KARA's bandleader Park Gyuri opens up about her dieting regiment in the June issue of Cosmopolitan Beauty Magazine.

KARA’s bandleader Park Gyuri opens up about her dieting regiment in the June issue of Cosmopolitan Beauty Magazine.

Gyuri, whose face graces the cover of the June issue, explained that beauty is a non-stop pursuit, according to BNT News.

“In order to maintain my figure, besides applying the Denmark Diet, Protein diet and [others] I have to exercise at least an hour a day,” she said.



That exercise typically includes running, Gyuri explained. She says her mother always encouraged her to jog for an hour every day.

Famous for her flawless complexion, Gyuri also revealed her preference for skin products that last an extended amount of time.

The singer assuredly set her followers hearts aflutter on the South Korean talk show “Talk Concert QueeN” earlier this month, when she offered to express her appreciation physically if her new television show “Nail Shop Paris” gets at least a five percent share in the ratings.

“If ratings reach 5 percent, I will give free hugs to fans,” Gyuri said.

The KARA singer’s “Nail Shop Paris” co-star Song Jae Rim doubled down on Gyuri’s offer.

“If the ratings really exceed five percent, then the drama’s four main actors will all give free hugs to 100 people in Myungdong,” he said.

Park Gyuri isn’t the only South Korean celebrity to be included in the June issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine.

The issue also includes model Koo Eunae, Uhm Junghwa, MBLAQ and recent chart-topper Lee Hyori.

Although Hyori’s fifth album “Monochrome” isn’t slated for release until Tuesday, the first single of the album, the jazz-infused “Miss Korea,” has been tearing up the charts both in the US and in South Korea.

The song is currently number three on the Billboard Magazine K-Pop Hot 100.

Other tracks from Hyori’s 16-song album include “Holly Jolly Bus” featuring her pet dog Soonsimi, “Love Radar” featuring rapper Beenzino, “Amor Mio” featuring Park Ji-yong of R&B trio Honey-G, “Go Crazy” featuring comedian Ahn Young-mi and the dance track “Bad Girls.”

Tuesday night, Hyori will also appear in a comeback special on South Korean music channel Mnet.

Entitled the “2Hyori Show,” the special will celebrate the dynamic performer’s return to the stage.

“For this filming, Lee Hyori is preparing a show unlike any regular comeback shows,” a representative from the singer’s label B2M Entertainment told CJ E&M enewsWorld

“You’ll be able to see a never-before-seen special stage only Lee Hyori can do.”