Where is U-KISS’ Kevin Woo Today?

Photo Credit: Kevin Woo’s Instagram

Kevin Woo is busy planning for the future!

On Monday, the former U-KISS member returned to his ASC roots by appearing as a guest on Arirang’s “After School Club”. He had a ball on the show greeting fans, joking with the hosts, playing games and even discussing his solo career. Kevin talked about the possibility of touring internationally to meet his fans around he world.

Click Here to watch his entire episode (Episode 350- video 255).

After spending time in the US,  Korea and Japan, he jetted off to Hong Kong this week for a special project.

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Hollyn is Married

Congratulations to the happy couple!

Click Here to read BTSCelebs’ past interview with Hollyn, and here to read my review of her last album.

Photo Credit: Hollyn’s Instagram.

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Madilyn Bailey and Ryan Higa Define Milestones

Serious Vs Hilarious

YouTube celebrities Madilyn Bailey and Ryan Higa kicked off 2019 with two very different benchmarks. Recently, they shared news about video views and dieting via social media.

Madilyn was overjoyed about one of her latest videos attracting views in a short amount of time. She had to be in awe by her fans outpouring of love. (To date, the video has over 2.1 million views)

Ryan marveled at a milestone of his own! He kept his post lighthearted by reminiscing about 2018 and making fun of his poor diet just a mere week ago.

Happy New Year!

 

Photo Credits: Madilyn Bailey and Ryan Higa

 

 

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Fantasy Casting: Disney’s “Pocahontas”

Pocahontas is one of the iconic films many 80s and 90s kids  grew up watching. Even though I preferred the sequel (“Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World”), I would still like to see a live action version based on the original film. If Disney decides to remake this one, I have a few actors in mind who would fit the starring roles perfectly.

Pocahontas  (Zendaya)

She is a Disney alum and young star who would definitely shine as the lovely, strong and statuesque Pocahontas. Disney fans fell in love with her in Shake It Up”, “K.C. Undercover”, as well as, some DCOMs. I think they would welcome her as a Princess.

John Smith (Cole Sprouse)

The “Riverdale” actor would also be returning to Disney roots if he took on the role of the European explorer who falls in love with Pocahontas. He and his twin brother (Dylan) are this generation’s heartthrobs who have the ability to take on any role.

Chief Powhatan (Martin Sensmeier)

At first glance, “The Magnificent Seven”actor seems like the perfect  Kocoum. However, that character has a tragic end during the film, so I felt the powerful and knowledgeable Chief Powhatan was a better fit for him. In real life, Martin is an expert on Native American culture, who is proud of his Tlingit and Koyukon-Athabascan descent.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjYWaNcFHXf/

Grandmother Willow (Octavia Spencer)

The Academy Award winning actress has played a variety of roles, but nothing can beat playing God in “The Shack”. So, I think her advice as the mystical and wise Grandmother Willow is sure to be concrete.

Nakoma (Vanessa Hudgens)

The “High School Musical” alum has found her voice on-screen and stage. She’s more than qualified to be a best friend to Pocahontas. This time around, Nakoma deserves more musical numbers and a better love story.

I’m hoping Disney greenlights a new “Pocahontas” soon and considers these talented actors!

Photo Credit: Disney

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[Opinion] Will Smith’s “Aladdin”

 

The live action version of Disney’s “Aladdin” hits theaters in late May. Award-winning star Will Smith, Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott promise to bring the iconic Genie, Aladdin and Jasmine to life. There are also a host of other actors rounding out the classic main cast with a few new characters sprinkled in.

Like so many fans of the animated version, it will be bittersweet to see a new person take on Robin Williams’ Genie role. He will always be the first Genie. However, I’m actually looking forward to Will Smith introducing an all new mythical being to the next generation. Will has done an incredible job in the variety of roles he has taken over his 30+ year entertainment career. Even if Disney doesn’t add the blue aura to his Genie, I’m completely fine with that.

I’m not familiar with Mena Massoud or Naomi Scott, but if Disney cast them… they must fit the animated roles flawlessly. According to IMDB, Naomi is a Disney alum through her part in the 2011 DCOM “Lemonade Mouth”. “Aladdin” seems to be a homecoming for her. Their Disney character clothes are a definite upgrade from the cartoon’s revealing attire. In reality, they would need to protect their skin from the scorching desert sun.

Since 1992, I have been a diehard “Aladdin” fan, and I’m beyond excited for this new film. So far, I’ve seen the original film, “The Return of Jafar”, “Aladdin and The King of Thieves”, and I can’t wait to add this one to the list!

Photo Credit: Disney

 

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American Idol Alum Celebrates 28th Birthday

Happy Belated Birthday!

 

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Book Review: Jolina Petersheim’s “How The Light Gets In”

Ruth Neufeld’s unique story is one of healing as she struggles to adjust to her newfound life as a widow and single mother.

Jolina Petersheim’s “How The Light Gets In” centers on Ruth, her two young daughters and life unexpectedly changing around her. In the story, the modern woman moves her small family into a classic Mennonite community (where her deceased husband’s extended family resides) with her mother-in-law Mabel. While living there, she allows herself and daughters to grieve their father’s untimely death and slowly heal. Ruth is even open to the idea of a relationship with her late husband’s cousin, Elam. That relationship possibility opens up a whole new world full of surprises.

Jolina Petersheim’s “How The Light Gets In” is quite the tearjerker. If you love melodramas, this book is for you. It’s not the type of genre I seek on a regular basis, because I prefer rom-com and more lighthearted books. Nonetheless, this particular novel shares a good life lesson that is religious based. 

“How The Light Gets In” releases in March 2019.

*A Special Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for the advance reader copy of the book*

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Anna Karenina: Joffrey’s World Premiere and First-Time Collaboration with Australian Ballet

Photo Credit: Cheryl Mann

From February 13-24, The Joffrey Ballet intends to bring “Anna Karenina” to the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, according to an official press release. The Leo Tolstoy classic envisioned by Yuri Possokhov will be brought to the Chicago audience through a first-time collaboration between Joffrey and The Australian Ballet.

Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director of The Joffrey Ballet, Ashley Wheater, had this to say about the upcoming production,  “Anna Karenina is a deeply emotional story that speaks to our turbulent times and offers the ideal muse for Joffrey’s tradition of powerful storytelling through dance. Our collaboration with the Australian Ballet is momentous on so many levels, and Yuri Possokhov is a creative powerhouse at the height of his career. His fresh classical vocabulary will no doubt lead to a phenomenal retelling that honors the classic story while exploring the modern ballet idiom.”

What is choreographer Yuri Possokhov’s version all about? “‘Anna Karenina’ centers on the tragic tale of a married aristocrat and her ongoing love triangle in Imperial Russia, a story that explores the complex politics of family, religion, morality and gender.” The show’s award-winning and famed creative team features Ilya Demutsky, Tom Pye, David Finn.

“Anna Karenina” premieres in Chicago this February, and The Australian Ballet plans to bring it to Melbourne in May 2020.

Learn more about choreographer Yuri Possokhov by clicking here.

A Special Thanks to The Silverman Group and The Joffrey Ballet for the exclusive press release. 

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Remembering SHINee’s Jonghyun

Photo Credit: SM Entertainment

On December 18, 2017, the world said farewell to the iconic musician Kim Jonghyun. Even though a year has flown by, he will never be forgotten by those who loved and respected him. As a longtime SHINee fan, I want to honor the memory of SHINee’s first lead singer, Kim Jonghyun.

Unfortunately, “Shinin” was released posthumously, so we never saw him beam with joy at the success of his single and album “Poet Artist”. (The album claimed the number one spot on the charts in South Korea, America and Japan.) “Shinin” alone is a beautiful and immortal single that will be loved forever. 

Jonghyun’s pink hair, the variety of colorful clothing and catchy beat made “She Is” irresistible! It’s impossible to forgot this one after listening to it. 

I have watched this video countless times marveling at his smooth vocals and dynamic stage presence. “Deja-boo” was one of his finest solo songs!

During happier times with his band SHINee, he was all smiles as they celebrated the Christmas season with fans (aka ShaWols). The song “Colorful” was so much fun!

Jonghyun was the master of selfies. He knew how to look perfect from any angle.

Jjong knew how to enjoy a delicious yet colorful cake. This tasty social media post  was unforgettable.

 He took pride in his workouts. He seemed to be disciplined and dedicated at the gym.

He even enjoyed great friendships with his fellow labelmates. Jonghyun seemed to be a valuable senior to Red Velvet

Rest in peace, Kim Jonghyun.

Photo and Video Credits: Instagram and SM Entertainment’s YouTube/SMTOWN..

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BTS Photo of Michael B. Jordan and Co-Star Jamie Foxx

Yesterday, the Creed 2 star shared an exclusive photo on-set his upcoming biography/drama film “Just Mercy”. In the snapshot, Michael B. Jordan posed alongside Academy Award-winning star Jamie Foxx. He admitted that the candid image was a behind the scenes picture from their upcoming movie and wished Jamie a belated happy birthday.

Michael: “A lil BTS of me & @iamjamiefoxx on our new movie 🤫 but wanted to take this time to wish big bro a Happy Belated Bday one of the most humble, hard working and just overall greatest people I’ve encountered in this industry. Such a legend”

According to IMDB, “Just Mercy” is about famed civil rights defense attorney Bryan Stevenson remembering a death row prisoner he worked hard to free from his sentence. It’s based on the biography written by Bryan Stevenson himself. Michael plays the lawyer, while Jamie portrays prisoner Walter McMillian. “Just Mercy” is scheduled to hit theaters in 2020.

Photos Credit: Michael B Jordan.  

 

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