Is K-Pop's Ivy Returning?

Ivy, who nearly disappeared from the public scene since her 2009 album, may be making a comeback this year in K-pop. Besides her appearance in the musical "Kiss Me Kate" in 2010 she has stayed away from the music industry for over two years now. A reason for her withdrawal in the industry is largely due to a legal dispute with her former agency, Storm ENF. Previous to her disappearance she won numerous awards including SBS Best Female Singer Award at the "2005 Ga Yo Doe Jun" and Mnet's Best Female Solo Artist in 2007.  Hopefully this 2012 she will be back on the K-pop scene.

Click here for a sample of Ivy's music:

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Hyun Bin Update!

Hyun Bin, a South Korean actor best known for films such as Secret Garden, is currently enlisted in the military and serving in the Marine Corps. He has been in military service since early March 2011 and has been assigned to a camp in Baek Ryung Do. A photo of Hyun Bin with a fellow soldier in camouflage uniform has recently surfaced online. Viewers have noticed his sleek, handsome appearance with his new dignified posture. The photo received many comments such as "Come back! I want to see him soon!" and "Please take care in the cold" by fans. 


To learn more about The Year of the Dragon and other Asian themes, please visit Fujimini Island, find Fujimini Island on Facebook, follow Fujimini Island on Twitter.

Year of the Dragon Symbolizes Courage, Hope for Koreans

Similarly to the Chinese, the Koreans view the Dragon as a symbol of courage and hope. During the time of the Joseon Kingdom the dragon was Dragon was a sign of authority and dignity within the royal family. Within the palace the dragon was the emblem of the king. He also wore royal robes with dragon designs on them. For commoners, it was believed that having symbols of the Dragon within one's home protected them from misfortune.

The National Folk Museum is holding "Special Exhibition: The Year of the Dragon" through February 27th to celebrate the Year of the Dragon this 2012. The purpose of the "dragon and dream" theme is to wish everyone good luck for the New Year!

To learn more about The Year of the Dragon and other Asian themes, please visit Fujimini Island, find Fujimini Island on Facebook, follow Fujimini Island on Twitter.

2012: Black Water Dragon propels happiness, success. Be bold!

2012 Lunar New Year welcomes the Year of the Dragon, specifically the Black Water Dragon. The Black Water Dragon propels happiness and success. It encourages us to be bold rather than humble. This year there will be many smart and healthy babies born, many predict a 20% surge over normal birth rates in China and Korea. 

The Year of the Dragon is the time for big projects and innovative ideas. It will bring great success socially and financially. Great happiness and success will come to good and honest people this year. 

How can someone participate in this very exciting year? Regarding fashion for this new year, black is agreed to be the dominate color and most favored by the Dragon. But other bright colors will be worn as they attract the attention of the sometimes flamboyant dragon. The dinner table should be full of fresh and natural foods including fish, seafood, and even pumpkin. The main decoration on the table is glowing, radiant candles. The best gifts for the Dragon in 2012 are any gifts associated with water. Water related gifts to the Dragon are said to bring great success to its owner. Most importantly, the new year is a time to let go of the past and look towards the future. On January 23, no more talk of the past, just start planning your bold moves for 2012.

 The Dragon is a karmic animal so be sure to give lots of love and positive energy this year,
 and that love and positive energy will be returned! Be a giver.


To learn more about The Year of the Dragon and other Asian themes, please visit Fujimini Island, find Fujimini Island on Facebook, follow Fujimini Island on Twitter.

K-Pop Celebrates Year of the Dragon

K-Pop's G-Dragon

Despite the ball already being dropped, celebrations for 2012 have just gotten started.  Especially because 2012 welcomes the Year of the Dragon. Baby booms and good fortune is predicted for all. The Year of the Dragon is a year many hold above other years. In Asia dragons are mostly considered lucky despite being wild and unpredictable creatures. In Japan, seahorses are even seen as baby dragons. According to legend those born in a Year of the Dragon tend to live by their own rules and are generally successful. 

This has seemingly been proven by several stars born during a Year of the Dragon, including musical artists G-Dragon and Park Gyuri, whose struggles in 2011 did not prevent  them from coming out on top. It has been predicted that 2012 will be a big year for K-Pop,  especially for the artists born during a Year of the Dragon. Here are some links worth checking out with the latest news of G Dragon (or GD)

Read more about G Dragon and "Goddess" Park Gyuri 

To learn more about The Year of the Dragon, K-Pop and other Asian themes, please visit Fujimini Island, find Fujimini Island on Facebook, follow Fujimini Island on Twitter.

2012: The Year of the Dragon - What to expect?

The dragon is a creature of myth and legend which symbolizes good fortune and is a sign of 

intense power. Eastern philosophy regards the Dragon as a master of authority as well as a deliverer of good fortune. It is for these reasons that people born in Dragon years are to be honored and respected. 

Characteristics of a person born in the Year of the Dragon are said to include being brave, passionate, conceited, innovative, and flexible. There are five Chinese elements that separate the characteristics of the Dragon sign. They are Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth. 2012 is the Water Dragon. These dragons understand the art of patience and do not desire the spotlight the way other dragons do. Water has a calming effect on the fearless temperament of the Dragon and allows the Dragon to redirect its enthusiasm. 

To learn more about The Year of the Dragon and other Asian themes, please visit Fujimini Island, find Fujimini Island on Facebook, follow Fujimini Island on Twitter.

Japan's Perfect Holiday Gifts

Panic can subside among indecisive buyers in search for the perfect gift for their loved ones this Christmas season with the many Japanese gift ideas on the market. These gift ideas will undoubtably add a creative and fun flare to the holidays and prove that there is a perfect gift out there for everyone.

Kaela Kimura's new album, Kaela Kimura's, adds a fresh touch to the popular genre of J-Pop and includes seasonally appropriate tracks such as "A Winter Fairy is Melting a Snowman". This album is the perfect gift for the holiday season and includes enough variety that the whole family can find tracks in it they love.

For those buying for a lover of fashion and trends, Moo Piyasombatkul's new unusual eyewear would be a great buy. These recycled, ionic frames with hand-sculpted baroque decorations are a vintage trend in Tokyo. Although they are rather pricey, each frame is very unique.

For technology fanatics, the Ningen Gakki is hot this season. It is great for both adults and kids, turning players into instruments, literally. It makes an electric circuit through the person holding it and the players tap it on each other's skin to make musical sounds.

Click to view a Ningen Gakki (available at amazon.com)

Click to view Moo Piyasombatkul's eyewear.  Available at:
http://www.trenddelacreme.com/2011/03/feast-your-eyes-moo-piyasombatkul.html

Below hear a sample of Kaela Kimura's new album 8Eight8: