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Art and Culture

It's Wednesday and..you know what that means it's celebrity news time with our Michelle Kim. From the Lindsay Lohan to Girls' Generation, she has brought all the latest updates in Hollywood and Korea.

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Hello Michelle

[Reporter : ] Hello Conn-young

So what's the latest entertainment news in Korea[Reporter : ] The kpop industry is hitting a new wave of unit groups, where only certain members of an originally formed group create a new one to bring out a different charm and appeal to the public. This may seem like a perfect way to listen to more music and also publicize the original groups, but there are also drawbacks for the music industry as well. Here are the details.

The unit group of Girls' Generation, TTS, formed by the members Tae-yeon, Tiffany Young, and Seohyun sprung to number one in many music charts as soon as they debuted. Also 40 hours after their album released, they reached 126 on the Billboard 200 chart.

These unit activities bring out a different charm from idol groups.

Both of the members of the co-ed group 'Trouble Maker' appeal to the audience in a different way from their characters in their original group. 'Orange Caramel' shows off a cute, sweet side of the 3 members, which is very different from their sexy image of their original group, After School.

Once the unit groups gain fame and reach stardom, their original groups also grow in popularity.

It is the perfect way for producers to get their artists more publicity for less money.

[Interview : Gang Il-kwon, Editor-in-chief
Rhythmer] "The unit groups are helpful for the members who were outshined by the other members of their group to bring out their talent and charm".

However, one of the drawbacks of unit groups is that there is less space in the market for rookies.

Some have suggested that the Korean music industry needs to not just invest in singers who are already famous but also pump money into finding rising stars to have the industry flow smoothly.

MAY 09, 2012
Reporter : dainee@arirang.co.kr

Art and Culture 2

I've heard of these unit groups, they all have such catchy songs with such addictive melodies, especially Orange Caramel[Reporter : ] I know! Now it's hard to just sing the songs because you just have to follow the artists' dance as well. I really like the group Trouble MakerI think it's a nice change from all of the single sex idol groups. And also their performances are really good.

I agree. And now that we got the latest updates on the entertainment industry in Korea, you have other entertainment news for us[Reporter : ] Yes I do. From Korea's entertainment news we now move on to Hollywood. From the Met Gala to Lady Gaga to Will Smith, I have the latest Hollywood gossip for you. Take a look at this.

One of the most important fashion events of the year took place in New York on Monday. The annual Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Benefit gala had its grand opening, with new mom Beyonce, who looked stunning in a Givenchy dress, and newly engaged couple Justin Timberlake and Jessical Biel posing together to celebrate the event. Other Hollywood A-listers in attendance were Rihanna, Mick Jagger, and Gisele Bundchen with her husband, Tom Brady.

Sad news for the fans of the book, "Where the Wild Things Are", the writer and illustrator of the book, Maruice Sendak passed away this week at the age of 83 in Connecticut due to complications from a recent stroke.

Lady Gaga has landed in Japan, with hundreds of fans swarming to greet her at the airport. She is in the country for the Japanese leg of her world tour from Thursday through Sunday.

More news on the queen of pop, the tea cup used by Lady Gaga at a press conference in Japan last year has sold for 75,000 dollars at an auction. The auction had more than 1,300 bids and lasted for more than a week.

The money raised by this auction will be used to help Japanese artists who want to study in the U.S.

Moving on to one of the paparazzi's favorite celebs, Lindsay Lohan has settled a case involving an employee at the Betty Ford clinic. The employee said she received minor injuries after a physical argument with Lohan. The actress-stroke-pop star initially denied the claim but later decided to settle out-of-court for an undisclosed amount.

Last but not least, Will Smith was in South Korea this week to promote his new film, "Men in Black 3". Thousands of his fans were able to get a closer look at the star and his wife Jada Pinkett Smith

MAY 09, 2012
Reporter : dainee@arirang.co.kr

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You know, although it was for a good cause, I still think paying 75,000 dollars for Lady Gaga's tea cup is just way too much.

[Reporter : ] I definitely agreeI don't think anyone needed to pay 75,000 dollars to buy the tea cup Lady Gaga drank out of to help people. But it happened and I'm just glad the money is going to be used for something educational. And also Will Smith's upcoming movie Men in Black 3 will be released in theaters on the 24th of this month so be sure to check it out.

We definitely will. Well, although it's wednesday and its celebrity news time, you still have the events bulletin for us, right[Reporter : ] Of course I do. I have a musical called "Until The Day", a cello recital by Daniel Muller-Schott, and the 2nd Record & CD Fair in Seoul for those of you who are interested in going to events in the near future. Take a look.

[Reporter : ] The bulletin features 3 events.

The musical, Until The Day will be held at the Daehango Elim Hall until May 31st. The plot talks about the hiddden story of North Korea, with music, laughter, and tears.

Cellist Daniel Muller-Schott will be holding a cello recital on the 5th of June at the IBK Chamber Hall of the Seoul Arts Center. He will be playing pieces of Bach and Britten without any accompaniment.

The 2nd Record & CD Fair will be taking place from June 2nd to the 3rd at Ax-Korea. This is the first records fair in Korea and you will be able to not just buy and sell albums, but also listen to live music and buy music related merchandises.

Thank you for the update. See you tomorrow

[Reporter : ] My pleasure.

MAY 09, 2012
Reporter : dainee@arirang.co.kr

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