INFINITE and Jessica Jiyeon sing for a cause

SBS MTV & Korea Cares have called upon the talent of White Entertainment & Woolim Entertainment in an effort to stop hunger for Christmas! Korea Cares ambassador Jessica Jiyeon & INFINITE’s Sunggyu, L, & Hoya hit some of Seoul’s improvised areas to give back to the less fortunate & spread a little holiday cheer for an upcoming special.

“This is such an amazing cause.” Jessica told AKF “No one deserves to wonder where their next meal is coming from, especially during the holidays!”

The singers went door to door, offering food & gift bags full of basic toiletries as well as copies of INFINITE’s holiday single “White Confession (Lately)” & Jessica’s “Last Winter”.

“Jessica is fearless.” Sunggyu revealed “She would just go up to people as if she knew them. She wasn’t worried about if they had weapons or would hurt her. She’s different from other idols we’ve worked with. She’s generous & kind hearted -”

“And beautiful.” L interjected, as Hoya nodded silently in agreement.

Jessica seems to have won the hearts & support of South Korea as her philanthropic activities in 2011 had her fighting for animal rights, aiding recovery & rebuilding efforts in Thailand after the country was devastated by flooding, and helped raise awareness about breast cancer, all in the name of Korea Cares.

“Being named as an ambassador was never a fluff title to me. A lot of performers get pushed into charity work to make their agencies look good. The work I do has nothing to do with White or Girls’ Revolution. It’s about knowing if I died tomorrow my legacy wouldn’t be how many music programs I won, how many CFs I secured, or how big I am in other countries. It’s about knowing that as small & insignificant as I am out of billions I stood up, I used my voice, & I made a difference.”

Once food delivery ended, Jessica & Sunggyu delighted onlookers with an impromptu acoustic cover of Clazziquai Project's "She Is" after which Sunggyu rejoined L & Hoya for a live rendition of INFINITE’s hit song “Nothing’s Over”, before the entire group gave a stirring performance of the 1947 Korean standard “The Sun Shines High Over Silla”, followed by a rousing version of "All I Want For Christmas Is You" lead by Jessica before departing.

"Sunggyu (INFINITE) & Jessica Jiyeon - She Is (Clazziquai Project cover live)" "INFINITE (L, Hoya, Sunggyu) - Nothing's Over (acoustic live ver.)" "Jessica Jiyeon & INFINITE (L, Hoya, Sunggyu) - The Sun Shines High Over Silla (live)"

INFINITE is set to return to Japan for promotion, while Jessica continues production on the upcoming SBS drama “The Seven of Us”, due out in January.

The special is scheduled to air on Christmas Eve.

Controversial new SBS drama “The Seven Of Us” due out early next year; cast revealed

Back in February, SBS revealed their plans to adapt the 2009 controversial bestselling novel “The Unfortunate Parks”. While public appetite for the book was high, many found some of the more adult content unsuitable for Korean television. After a lengthy battle with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Families, production of the newly titled "The Seven Of Us" was finally green-lit in late October.

The drama will revolve around the lives of the Park siblings: a Korean American family struggling to keep it together after the untimely deaths of their parents. First born Michael {played by Norazo’s Lee Hyuk, in his acting debut} is a failed lawyer who turns to alcohol to cope with his crumbling marriage & sudden responsibility of his six siblings, Timothy {played by ex TRAX drummer turned actor No Min Woo} comes to terms with his sexuality, college student Claire {played by White Entertainment singer Jessica Jiyeon} deals with a sexual assault & an unplanned pregnancy which results in a tragic decision, 16 year old Adam attempts to lead a normal life after the accident that took his parent’s lives also leaves him partially blind, while his identical twin Philip gets caught up in a dangerous lifestyle that leads to fatal consequences {played by YG Entertainment dancers Kwon Young Don & Kwon Young Deuk, aka “The Kwon Twins” - also making their acting debut}.

*the role of seven year old Molly will be played by Choi Hee Won, while the youngest Park sibling Henry will be played by Mavin Moon

The producers have promised not to shy away from the provocative story lines, and plan on taking advantage of the late night time slot to avoid offending those with more conventional sensibilities.

A planned 16 episodes will air on SBS Mondays & Tuesdays at 10:55 pm starting on January 16th.

Jessica Jiyeon says goodbye on Inkigayo

After taking top honors over T-ara’s “Cry Cry” on the latest unaired episode of Mnet’s M! Countdown, Jessica Jiyeon decided to wrap up promotions for her hit single “Last Winter” on yesterday's Inkigayo.

Jessica joined the ranks of such idols as SHINee, After School, f(x), B2ST, and MBLAQ with her version of the popular Traffic Safety Song, as this week’s PSA. Jessica is one of only two solo artists to record a version of the song {the first being Lee Hyori in 2008}.

“I’ve always wanted to do one!” Jessica excitedly told AKF “I'm so honored to have been asked.”

Jessica was able to deliver the meaningful message of the song, a collaborative campaign between SBS’ Inkigayo and the Korean Transportation Safety Authority, while fully displaying her friendly charms & unknown rap skills.

"I'm not a rapper but I had a lot of fun trying it out." Jessica laughed "I think I'll leave it to Tiffany from now on."

Later, she gave an emotional final performance of “Last Winter” alongside B2ST’s Jun Hyung, who sent the attending B2UTIES in the audience into hysterics after his absence from the previous week's episode. The two held hands & forced back their tears as the song ended. However, they were unable to remain unemotional as Jessica was later announced as the night’s winner.

With a successful single & three music program wins under her belt, Jessica has stated she plans on focusing on acting in the coming months.

“Music is my 1st love, but acting is something I‘ve wanted to do since I was a little girl. I don’t want to pile too much on my plate all at once like some people do & get burnt out. My goal is to avoid time in the hospital for exhaustion & pace myself. I’m in no rush with my career.”

Netizens had this to say about Jessica's farewell:

"I'm so happy for her! JESSICA FIGHTING!", "I just wanted to hold Jun Hyung oppa and never let him go!!! Men who cry are boyfriend material", "I'm glad she's finally done with this stupid song. 2NE1's "Lonely" shits bricks all over "Last Winter"!", and "Was this her first time rapping? She was actually pretty good! She's definitely better than a certain rapper from 4minute. Not as sexy though. I really need to stop watching the "Troublemaker" mv. It's doing something to my brain LOL"

Jessica Jiyeon wins her first Mutizen!

Jessica Jiyeon secured her 1st solo music program win on SBS’ Inkigayo tonight with her hit ballad, "Last Winter"!

The big-voiced diva snatched the victory from her close friends, the Wonder Girls, who have struggled with their comeback since returning to Korea with their new album last month.

"We were very disappointed to lose again," said Wonder Girl Sohee after the show. "I have lots of confidence on stage and try my best to make up for my voice, but the other girls are just too nervous, especially Lim. I think she has really ruined our comeback. I even blame her for breaking our trophy on M! Countdown. I just can't believe that we lose to SNSD all the time, especially when our album is so much better."

However, a frustrated Sohee continued and expressed her best wishes for Jessica's win.

"This is the only time that we have lost that I'm not upset," she explained. "Jessica is our sister, so all the Wonder Girls support her success. I don't think SNSD feel the same though; they looked upset when her name was read out, especially Taeyeon unnie."

To cement their friendship, the Wonder Girls joined Jessica on stage to perform "Last Winter" together, which was met with united cheers from the Wonderfuls and Jessters in the audience.

After the show wrapped up, Jessica and her manager, White Entertainment co-CEO KellyRose Spires, spoke openly to the media in an impromptu press conference held in the backstage hallway near SNSD's dressing room.

“We knew "Last Winter" would be the song to take Jessica to the top!" said KellyRose, quite loudly. "Jessica is too talented to not be a success. She isn't just one those model type artists that just use their looks to get by. "Last Winter" is real music that's driven by powerful vocals and deep lyrics."

"Jessica is very proud that she decided to work with a Korean composer for this song," she continued. "So that she can help pump money back into the local economy now that the song is a hot digital seller. Some people use foreign producers just to gain attention, but White Entertainment aren't like that at all. Please buy "Last Winter" on Soribada now if you want to support Korea during these hard economic times."

After the win and Kelly's bold comments, Netizens flooded to our forums to share their thoughts on what went down.

Comments included, "What Kelly says is true. Jessica may not be a full-blooded Korean, but she has the true spirit of this country pumping through her veins", "Don't Tiffany and Suzy work with foreigners all the time? And didn't Jessica work with JD Relic on "Bad Girl"? He's caucasian & American.", "I'm so happy for Jessica to have a victory over these big artists. Girls' Revolution should reform and ruin 2NE1's comeback.", and "Was anyone else laughing at Lim trying to mime along with Jessica, Yenny, & Sunye? They should have just made her stand off to the side & hold the Mutizen."

Jessica Jiyeon makes a cool comeback with "Last Winter"

After attracting controversy with her first mini-album 'Girl Without a Heart' last month, Jessica Jiyeon has made a powerful and startling transformation back into the girl next door image that we all know and love for her new digital single "Last Winter".

Jessica has ditched the dark concept and heavy electronic house beats of her last single "Bad Girl" in favor of a soulful, R&B ballad style that showcases her emotive and strong vocals. The song was composed by K-R&B legend Insooni's longtime producer Lee Hyun Seung, & features a rap verse from B2ST's Jun Hyung.

The lyrics tell the story of a woman coming to terms with the anger and resentment she felt over her broken relationship as she comes face to face with her ex.

"My voice screaming the cold words at you keep trembling

If I look at you, the hurt I tried to suppress feels like it will explode.

They were all memories that distanced and passed away from us like a movie

Every night I made a determination that I would not be shaken again."

"Go back down your path forgetting about me

I can't stop you, I couldn't if I wanted.

If I just extend my hands out you will be there, but I won't do that.

I couldn't if I tried."

Jessica's new style is bound to please her fans who were turned off by the singer's foray into dance music & reliance on shock imagery for "Bad Girl", which underperformed on the charts after it was banned from broadcast by KBS and criticized by the Ministry of Family & Gender Equality.

Speaking exclusively to AllKFlop, White Entertainment Co-CEO KellyRose Spires had this to say about Jessica's comeback: "Jessica was being pushed by a certain unnamed business partner of mine into releasing a style of music that she was not comfortable with. Vulgar lyrics and low-rent nude photoshoots are fine for some artists, but that's not who Jessica is. "Last Winter" is a new beginning for Jessica; it signifies her performing the type of music that she was born to do, and we are very confident that this song will appeal to the public in a way that no Girls' Revolution song, solo or otherwise, has before. Please support this song so we can beat Huh Gak on the charts."

"Last Winter", which was released to digital retailers earlier today, is already in the top five of most real-time charts, and has received an average rating of 4.5/5 stars from users. The only negative reception so far has been from 2NE1's Blackjacks, who have left many mean-spirited spam comments on Melon and Soribada.

Some of these comments included, "This song is BORING!", "Jessica who? Dara slays this bitch", and "Yawn, Elizabeth Taylor Wannabe was decent but this is so lame. 2NE1 please hurry up and come to America!"

Expect Jessica to set hearts aflame when she debuts "Last Winter' on Music Bank on the 11th alongside her close friends Wonder Girls. And as always, keep an eye on AKF for more.

Suzy Sooyoung & Tiffany Taeyeon show their explosive popularity!

Girls' Revolution may still be on an extended hiatus, but their popularity is proving to be higher than ever before!

Playboy Korea report that their recent spread with Suzy Sooyoung broke online traffic records last night after the idol's saucy snaps were uploaded to their official website. Within an hour of the photos being released, hungry netizens eager to see Suzy's uncensored charms flooded the website, causing servers to crash after traffic showed a spike of 970%.

According to their statistics, Playboy state that Suzy's photos were mostly accessed by their two core demographics -- young Korean males between the ages of 10-14, and older Japanese males between 60-70. There was also a large amount of female activity in the 14-18 age range, which Playboy is attributing to angry fangirls.

The physical copy of the magazine is proving to be a hot issue too, selling out in stores across the country despite only being released earlier this morning.

Speaking exclusively to AKF, a representative for Playboy had this to say, "Although we were disappointed that Suzy opted not to show more of her vagina in the shoot, we're very pleased at the interest the public have taken in her photos. The overwhelming reception to Suzy's unique shoot is a true testament to her popularity, as well as the insatiable hunger that Asians have for bizarre S&M fetish pornography."

Industry experts are predicting that by the end of the month, Suzy's issue could be one of the top ten highest-sellers in Playboy Korea's history. However, they are quick to point out that it will be impossible for Suzy to outsell the iconic 'Yoona Issue', which featured an exclusive photo of the SNSD frontwoman buying some groceries and sold 600, 000 copies on its first day alone back in January.

While Suzy is rocking the world of print media, her bandmate Tiffany Taeyeon has taken the small screen by storm!

Tiffany is currently in negotiations to permanently extend her guest role on popular K-Drama Busan Heights after her stint on the series brought in record-ratings for both her debut episode and the show's season three finale.

In last week's finale, the villainous Amber (played by Tiffany) was left slumming it in a Seoul strip club after being evicted from the Busan Heights' apartment complex when the residents discovered that she had blackmailed and kidnapped her older sister, Ryu, and then assumed her identity. Amber then has a nervous breakdown and goes insane, returning to Busan Heights with a machine gun to massacre her old neighbors in a violent act of revenge. The cliffhanger episode ended with Amber escaping after murdering most of the show's main characters, opening the door for a major cast shake up in season four.

K-TV Guide recently named Amber Moon-Ri as the #1 villain on Korean television in 2011, and her role has been credited as turning Busan Height's declining ratings around and establishing it as one of the country's top K-dramas. Producers are now said to be desperate to get her to return to the series, but may not be able to come up with the money to meet her outrageous pricing demands.

For the time being, Tiffany will continue on as Amber with a brief crossover guest-spot on Busan Height's sister show Gangnam Hills. Both shows are reportedly eager to boost their ratings even further by casting more Girls' Revolution members, with sources revealing to AKF that network bosses have reached out to Jessica Jiyeon, Suzy Sooyoung, and even rookie HyunA Knowles about potential roles. .

Suzy Sooyoung shocks as Playboy's November covergirl!

She's been quiet for a while, but Suzy Sooyoung is returning to the spotlight in a major way, covering the November issue of Playboy magazine!

The charming shoot reveals all the unique sides of Suzy that fanboys have been dying to see since she debuted, and also comes with an in-depth feature article that showcases a new and previously unseen color to the popular idol's personality.

Take a read of the article below.