Entertainment

12 Savage References You May have Missed In Ariana Grande's 'Thank U, Next' Music Video

1 Dec 2018 by Chew Hui Ling

Ariana Grande has done it again.

On 30 November, the unpredictable pop diva has finally dropped her music video for ‘thank u, next’ and we know it’s 2018, but can we just say: IT’S SO FETCH. Chockfull of references to iconic noughties flicks such as Mean Girls, Legally Blonde, Bring It On and 13 Going On 30, the five-minute music video is a delightful romp of throwback mayhem, unexpected celebrity cameos – Kris Jenner, Troye Sivan, and hold up… is that the actual Aaron Samuels?! – and loads of not-so-subtle details that you probably missed. Let’s break it down point by point, shall we?

#1 Remember the girl who Regina George punched in the face?

Besides doing God’s work in getting OG heartthrob Jonathan Bennett to reprise his character as Aaron Samuels (someone gotta push back his hair!), Ari also casted Stefanie Drummond, who played Bethany Byrd in Mean Girls – or more famously known as the “army pants and filp flops” girl who got punched by Regina in the face. Only this time round, she “found a guy to propose to me and I broke off an engagement” because “Ariana broke off an engagement”.

#2 Big Sean is so cute, so sweet, and “could still get it”.

In Ariana’s version of the Burn Book, there’s a page dedicated to her former bae Big Sean, complete with the words “cute”, “sweet” and most importantly, “could still get it”. Well, time to hit her up, @bigsean!

#3 Meanwhile, Ricky Alvarez got friendzoned.

Hey, at least Ricky’s a “great dancer” and they’ve spent some “good times” together. Friends forever!

#4 She apologised to Pete Davidson.

On Pete Davidson’s page, a huge “HUUUGE” runs across the bottom – a reference to the long-running BDE joke. Besides reiterating the well-known fact that the Saturday Night Live fella is well-endowed, Ariana also wrote “sry I dipped”, which is a slang for leaving.

So here’s a translation for the uninitiated: sorry dude, I dumped ya.

#5 Ariana Grande is a little bit… needy.

Channeling her inner high-school queen bee as Regina George, Ariana struts down the hallways of a recreated North Shore High with her gang of Plastics in tow. She rocks a tank top with the words “A Little Bit Needy” on it, a play on the “A Little Bit Dramatic” shirt from Mean Girls. According to Arianators on the Twitterverse, it’s likely to be a track from the upcoming album.

#6 Then there’s Karen Smith already doing her job as a weather girl.

Ariana’s close friend Alexa Luria plays ditzy airhead Karen Smith, and in case you missed it: she’s pictured holding her chest as she walks down the hallway, a nod to Amanda Seyfried’s ability to tell the weather by feeling her breasts.

#7 Can we talk about Kris Jenner as Ariana’s cool mom?

Kris Jenner is not a regular mom, she’s a cool mom! When the Plastics were performing the mandatory Jingle Bell Rock dance for their winter talent show, the momager pops out to cheer on Ariana as Amy Poehler’s scene-stealing character in Mean Girls.

#8 Meet the “TUN” cheerleading team!

In the next scene, Ariana reimagines Bring It On with her very own cheerleading team. Their cheerleader uniforms feature the initials “TUN”, which is an acronym that stands for ‘thank u, next’.

#9 Ariana debuts her newly-chopped mane via a paper cut-out.

She then transforms into Jenna Rink from 13 Going On 30 as she carries the iconic Barbie Dream House from the 2004 romcom to the front porch. Eagle-eyed fans spotted that one of the paper dolls is a selfie that she posted on Instagram, which showed off her new post-split haircut sans her trademark ponytail.

#10 She drives a Porsche with a license plate that reads “7 RINGS”.

Finally, Ariana is seen cosplaying as Elle Woods from Legally Blonde as she steps out of a black Porsche, which has a license plate that contains the words “7 RINGS” — allegedly another track from her forthcoming album.

Another fan theory courtesy of Twitter user @CatchMeIfUKenze suggests that it’s in reference to the friendship rings she got with her six best friends. Hmm, what do you guys think?

#11 The political secret behind Ariana’s law school textbook.

While she’s out studying on the lawn, fans pointed out that the law textbook that she’s reading has a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it political message that will make Elle Woods proud. The book is titled “Immigration and Refugee Law and Policy”, which can be seen as Ariana showing support for immigrants seeking refuge in the US.

#12 More BDE references, just because.

In a conversation with Jennifer Coolidge, who reprised her role as Paulette Bonafonté, Ariana made yet another bold reference to Pete Davidson’s BDE: “I mean, he was really cute you know. It was really big.” And as if that wasn’t enough to add to the shook factor, she also got the UPS guy from Legally Blonde to don a uniform with a badge that says “BDE”.

Watch Ariana Grande’s ‘thank u, next’ music video in its full reference-filled glory:

Entertainment

Your Ultimate Guide To All The Major Concerts Happening In 2019

28 Nov 2018 by Jasmine Ong

With international pop acts like Maroon 5 and Ed Sheeran as well as K-pop groups like BTS and BLACKPINK gracing our shores next year, there are plenty of reasons to get excited about 2019. To gear you up for a year of nonstop entertainment, we compiled a list of notable acts that will be bringing their live gigs here!

5 JAN: WANG LEEHOM ‘DESCENDANTS OF THE DRAGON 2060’ WORLD TOUR IN SINGAPORE

Seven years after his last visit, Mandopop icon Wang Leehom is making his long-awaited return to Singapore with his ongoing world tour. Expect a night full of familiar hits that would unleash the karaoke crooner in you.

Tickets from $188, www.sportshub.com.sg

12 JAN: ‘S… TAEYEON CONCERT IN SINGAPORE

Missed out on Taeyeon when she was in town for HallyuPopFest in September? SONEs can now catch the Girls’ Generation songstress at her first ever full-fledged solo concert in Singapore, where she will dazzle us all over again with her mesmerising vocals.

Tickets from $148, www.sistic.com.sg

19 JAN: BTS WORLD TOUR “LOVE YOURSELF” SINGAPORE

What better way to start off 2019 than with the boys of BTS? Undoubtedly the most anticipated concert of the year, the world’s hottest K-pop boy band is ready to set the stage ablaze with their chart-topping hits and impressive moves as part of their sold-out concert at the National Stadium.

Tickets are fully sold out, visit www.sportshub.com.sg for more information.

19 JAN: TAKING BACK SUNDAY LIVE IN SINGAPORE

Having been around for 20 years, Taking Back Sunday has come a long way since their debut in 2002. Bringing their decades-spanning discography to Singapore, fans can look forward to oldie-but-goodie favourites as well as hits from their recent effort Tidal Wave. In addition, the post-hardcore band might also be performing two of their newest tracks from their new compilation album titled Twenty, which drops eight days before the concert!

Tickets from $108, www.sistic.com.sg

15 FEB: 2019 WORLD TOUR BLACKPINK IN YOUR AREA

As part of their debut world tour, YG darlings BLACKPINK will be bringing their unbelievably catchy bangers such as ‘DDU-DU DDU-DU’, ‘BOOMBAYAH’ and ‘Whistle’ to our sunny island for the first time ever. Plus, you’ll also get to witness Jennie’s electrifying performance of her solo hit ‘SOLO’.

Tickets are fully sold out, visit www.sportshub.com.sg for more information.

18 FEB: HYUKOH – LIVE IN SINGAPORE

Having recently been crowned Best Band Performance for ‘Love Ya!’ at the Mnet Asia Music Awards (MAMA) in Hong Kong, the boys of HYUKOH are heading back to Singapore to enthrall us with their signature sound and infectious melodies in another night to remember. To snag your tickets before everyone else, subscribe to the Now/Live newsletter by 10pm on 20 December to receive the presale code!

Tickets from $88, www.apactix.com

20 FEB: NICKELBACK FEED THE MACHINE TOUR

Since forming the band almost 23 years ago and producing iconic singles like ‘How You Remind Me’ and ‘Photograph’, Canadian rock band Nickelback will be heading to Singapore as part of their Feed The Machine Tour. Though this will be the first time the group performs here, their seasoned repertoire of tour experience will guarantee you a rockin’ good time!

Tickets from $128, www.sistic.com.sg

23 FEB: THE GREAT SEUNGRI TOUR 2019 LIVE IN SINGAPORE

As promised during an interview at the grand opening of HeadRock VR in Singapore, Seungri is making his way back to his ‘second home’ for The Great Seungri Tour! Fans of Big Bang’s maknae will not want to miss this chance to see him in his possible last solo tour before he returns to South Korea for his mandatory military enlistment.

Tickets from $148, www.apactix.com

25 FEB: JOSH GROBAN BRIDGES TOUR

Global superstar Josh Groban is coming to Singapore for his very first concert here as part of his Bridges Tour. Famously known as the legendary voice behind ‘You Raise Me Up’, fans of the baritone singer are in for an unforgettable night as he takes you to musical heaven with a full choir and orchestra.

Tickets from $108, www.sistic.com.sg

27 FEB: YEARS & YEARS THE PALO SANTO TOUR [CANCELLED]

UPDATE: Unfortunately, the trio have cancelled several dates on the Asian leg of the tour including their Singapore stop due to unforeseen circumstances. As such, full refunds for tickets purchased will be available through the original mode of payment made.

It took years and years for Years & Years to finally hold their first full-length concert in Singapore, but you bet the wait will be all worth it. Following the release of their highly-successful sophomore record Palo Santo, let the Brit trio take you on an eargasmic journey with their well-crafted tunes such as ‘Sanctify’ and ‘If You’re Over Me’ this coming February.

Tickets from $88, www.apactix.com

2 MAR: BLUE LIVE IN SINGAPORE 2019

No stranger to our Singapore shores, Blue will be making their return to Singapore to give us a nostalgic night to remember with sing-along hits like ‘All Rise’, ‘One Love’ and ‘Breathe Easy’. If you’re a big fan of the band, limited VIP packages which includes a meet & greet will be available for purchase!

Tickets from $108, www.apactix.com

5 MAR: KODALINE – LIVE IN SINGAPORE 2019

Hot on the heels of their recent album Politics of Living, Irish quartet Kodaline will be coming to town for yet another spectacular show in March. Fans are guaranteed to have a memorable night rocking out to iconic anthems like ‘The One and ‘Honest’ as well as newer tracks like ‘Brother and ‘Follow Your Fire’.

Tickets from $138, www.sistic.com.sg

7 MAR: MAROON 5 RED PILL BLUES TOUR LIVE IN SINGAPORE

Get ready to dance the night away with Maroon 5 at their Red Pill Blues Tour in Singapore! Set to be their biggest show yet on our stomping grounds, expect to be swept away by the energy of frontman Adam Levine as he brings the band’s chart-topping discography to life.

Tickets from $98, www.sportshub.com.sg

17 MAR: LOVELYZ CONCERT IN SINGAPORE [LOVELYZ 3 OF WINTER WORLD]

Lovelinus, are you ready for the girls of Lovelyz? Having recently sold out all four days of their third solo concert in Seoul in the blink of an eye, the octet will be making their way to Singapore for their debut concert here with ‘Lovelyz 3 of Winter World’. As a bonus, all tickets will be eligible for a chance to receive exclusive fan benefits that range from photo opportunities to a signed poster!

Tickets from $88, www.apactix.com

22 MAR: DREAMCATCHER INVITATION FROM NIGHTMARE CITY IN SINGAPORE

Since their debut in 2017, the girls of DreamCatcher have been captivating fans with their unique concept of rock music and intoxicating choreography. Now, made possible by local fans, the dark and edgy septet will be making a stop in Singapore as part of their long-awaited Southeast Asia tour! MyMusicTaste users will get to have first dibs on pre-sale tickets with a 10% discount on 29 January at 12pm.

Tickets from $88, www.apactix.com

24 MAR: RUEL READY TOUR 2019 LIVE IN SINGAPORE

Following his rising popularity, singer-songwriter Ruel is set to hold his debut concert here in Singapore on a night filled with his breakthrough hits which includes the award-winning ‘Dazed & Confused’. Don’t miss your chance to watch this talented musician live for one night only!

Tickets from $88, www.livenation.sg

29 MAR: TOM ODELL LIVE IN SINGAPORE 2019

Six years after his last visit to Singapore, the English piano virtuoso Tom Odell is set to return to our tropical island for yet another night of grandstanding melodies and brilliant performances. You’re in for a rollercoaster of emotions with his breathtaking collection of tunes from his most recent album, Jubilee Road, and his debut album, Long Way Down.

Tickets from $98, www.livenation.sg

1 APR: JOHN MAYER ASIA TOUR 2019

Acclaimed singer-songwriter and skilled guitarist John Mayer is set to make his debut in Singapore as part of his 2019 Asia Tour. Previewing some details about the show, fans can expect an intimate evening with the man as John has mentioned that this gig will include two set lists with more songs in rotation than ever before!

Tickets are fully sold out, visit www.sportshub.com.sg for more information.

9 APR: ANNE-MARIE LIVE IN SINGAPORE

Having performed a very special one-off show here in October off her ‘Speak Your Mind’ tour; British songstress Anne-Marie will be making her way back to Singapore to entertain us with her infectious pop tunes in a one-night only performance at the Capitol Theatre.

Tickets from $98, www.apactix.com

11 APR: SABRINA CARPENTER THE SINGULAR TOUR

Since meeting with the sweet Sabrina Carpenter last year in Seoul, we had been counting down the days till she brought her stunning vocals to Singapore. Local fans of the singer-songwriter can now rejoice as she finally heads to our little island for her debut concert. Get ready for a memorable night with this petite powerhouse as she comes armed with her repertoire of songs which includes her hit dance track, ‘Almost Love’.

Tickets from $88, www.sistic.com.sg

19 TO 21 APR: SKECHERS SUNDOWN FESTIVAL 2019

Get ready for three whole days of partying at the Skechers Sundown Festival! Back for its 10th edition at Siloso Beach, Sentosa, the festival will feature some of Asia’s biggest headlining acts which includes Korean hip-hop trio MFBTY and K-pop boyband, iKON.

Tickets from $75, www.apactix.com

20 APR: ONF [WE MUST LOVE] ASIA TOUR 2019 [CANCELLED]

Update: Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Singapore show off ONF’s 2019 Asia Tour has been cancelled.

After recently making their awaited comeback with their third mini album We Must Love, ONF is set to make a stop in Singapore as part of their 2019 Asia Tour. Having already graced us with their stage presence last year at the HallyuPopFest, fans of the septet can expect yet another adrenaline-filled night of catchy tracks and swoon-worthy dance moves.

Ticketing details to be announced soon.

21 APR: 2019 CHUNG HA FAN MEETING IN SINGAPORE

Having made waves in Korea with her chart-topping bangers, Chung Ha is headed to Singapore for her very first fan meeting as part of her Asian Fan-Meet Tour. Be enchanted by her amazing vocals and charming personality in this one night only event and find out for yourself why she is dubbed the ‘Solo K-pop Queen’.

Tickets from $98, www.apactix.com

26 APR: ED SHEERAN DIVIDE WORLD TOUR 2019

For those who didn’t manage to score a ticket to Ed Sheeran’s sold-out Divide tour last year, you’re in luck ’cause the ‘Perfect’ singer will be returning for a new headline show at the National Stadium. Limited tickets are still up for grabs, so be sure to snap ’em up before they’re gone!

Tickets from $68, www.sportshub.com.sg

27 APR: HELLO! MOOMOO 2019 MAMAMOO ASIA FAN MEETING

Having blown everyone away with their appearances on King of Mask Singer, and making their much-anticipated return in November; Singapore MooMoos are in for a treat as Mamamoo comes to town for their first ever fan meeting in Asia! Alongside stops in Thailand and Indonesia, their visit here will be your chance to get up close with the girls as they showcase their vocal prowess and interact with their adoring fans.

Tickets from $108, www.apactix.com

3 MAY: TROYE SIVAN ‘THE BLOOM TOUR’ SINGAPORE

It seemed like just yesterday when we met up with Troye Sivan while he was here for his very first fan-signing session. This time, the ‘Dance to This’ singer will return with his long-awaited, headlining Bloom Asia Tour in Singapore! To get first dibs on the tickets before everyone else; download the Troye Sivan app for a special Presale access on 10 December at 10am.

Tickets from $98, www.apactix.com

4 MAY: JUS2 FOCUS PREMIERE SHOWCASE TOUR

Get pumped for the highly-anticipated debut of GOT7’s newest sub-unit Jus2! Following the release of their mini album on 5 March, the duo will be taking the show on the road to dazzle and delight fans in seven Asian cities including a final stop here in Singapore as part of their Premiere Showcase Tour.

Tickets from $148, www.apactix.com

11 MAY: JASON MRAZ GOOD VIBES TOUR

Singapore just can’t get enough of Jason Mraz, can we? Having performed here recently in October, the American singer-songwriter will be stepping foot on our sunny island once again with his Good Vibes Tour! Known for his folk-pop sound and all-around positivity, you’re in for a feel-good night with Mr A-Z.

Tickets from $98, www.apactix.com

15 & 16 MAY: LAUV ASIA TOUR 2019

As one of the fastest-rising acts on the scene right now, it’s no wonder that tickets to Lauv’s upcoming concert sold out in a flash, and deservedly so. From being the opening act for Ed Sheeran to selling out not just one, but two nights of his own solo show, the pop visionary is certainly one to watch out for.

Tickets are fully sold out. Visit www.apactix.com for more information.

25 & 26 MAY: HALLYUPOPFEST 2019

Ready for two nights of non-stop K-pop action? rom headliners Super Junior, Winner, Monsta X and NU’EST to the next K-idol generation GWSN, A.C.E, VERIVERY and TREI, HallyuPopFest 2019 returns for its second edition bringing you a total of 15 K-pop groups and solos that you won’t want to miss!

Tickets from $98, www.sportshub.com.sg

16 JUN: THE BOYZ ASIA FAN-CON TOUR THE CASTLE

Having recently clinched the World Rookie Award at the 2019 Gaon Chart Music Awards, rising 12-member boy group is finally taking their talents to Singapore as part of their 6-stop Asia Fan-Con Tour. Don’t miss the opportunity to support and spend some time with the boys on their very first tour!

Tickets from $118, www.apactix.com

13 JULY: TWICE WORLD TOUR 2019

Fans of TWICE, it’s time to cheer up! In addition to the upcoming release of their seventh mini-album, Fancy You, the girls will be embarking on an accompanying world tour with a stop in Singapore. This will mark the third time the girls return to our sunny island to bring us their infectious hits and new beats!

Ticketing details to be announced soon.

20 JULY: GFRIEND 2019 ASIA TOUR

Set to make their sophomore return to Singapore as part of their Asia tour, the sweet darlings of GFRIEND are prepared to take the stage to create a magical night of dynamic dance numbers and impressive vocals that their fans will never forget.

Ticketing details to be announced soon.

10 AUG: LANY MALIBU NIGHTS WORLD TOUR 2019

No stranger to performing on our shores, it seems like LANY will soon be making their return to Singapore for their Malibu Nights World Tour. The news comes after the release of their latest record Malibu Nights, which is chockfull of synth-pop goodness that we can’t wait to groove along to.

Tickets from $108, www.livenation.sg

10 AUG: WESTLIFE THE TWENTY TOUR IN SINGAPORE

Having just visited our shores in January this year, the quartet is back with a full-fledged concert, in celebration of their 20th anniversary. Though it has been eight years after their last concert here, the band is ready to serenade fans with 20 years of hits which includes their new songs and their greatest number ones such as ‘Swear It Again’, ‘If I Let You Go’ and ‘Uptown Girls’.

Tickets from $108, www.sportshub.com.sg

16 SEP: THE 1975 TOUR IN SINGAPORE

The boys are making their highly-anticipated return to Singapore since their last show at Laneway Festival in 2015. As part of their Music for Cars project, this leg of the tour would see The 1975 play not just their current discography but also some new music off their upcoming companion record, Notes on a Conditional Form; which Matt has teased would be released in 2019!

Tickets from $88, visit www.apactix.com

30 OCT: BACKSTREET BOYS DNA WORLD TOUR LIVE IN SINGAPORE

Backstreet’s back, alright! Since the last time they came to Singapore as part of the headlining performance of the WTA Finals, the Backstreet Boys are back to get us moving and grooving to nostalgic boppers from the nineties as well as brand-new tracks from the quintet’s 10th studio album, DNA.

Tickets from $168, www.sportshub.com.sg

This post will be updated regularly with new announcements, so be sure to bookmark this page and keep checking back for more firsthand deets!

Josh Groban image credit: Brian Bowen Smith

Entertainment

Taeyeon Announces Details For First Full-Fledged Solo Concert In Singapore

27 Nov 2018 by Chew Hui Ling

Fans of Taeyeon have much to look forward to next year, as the Girls’ Generation member just revealed details of her upcoming solo concert in Singapore in January!

Because a five-song set at HallyuPopFest just wasn’t enough to please our SONE hearts, we couldn’t be happier that the K-pop goddess will be making her way back for a full-scale concert. Set to take place at Singapore Expo on 12 January, get ready to belt out to crowd-favourite tracks like ’11:11′ and ‘Fine’, along with fresh tunes from her latest solo record Something New.

‘s… TAEYEON CONCERT in SINGAPORE
Date: 12 January 2019
Time: 6pm
Venue: Singapore Expo Hall 1
Tickets: $288, $238, $188, $148

Tickets will go on sale 1 December, 10am via SISTIC. There will also be a pre-sale for IMC Live Global Fans on 30 November, 10am for those who signed up here before 29 November, 3pm.

Meanwhile, check out Taeyeon’s latest music video for ‘Something New’:

Entertainment

Interview: Nichkhun Reveals Who's The Best Cook In 2PM, His Favourite Singaporean Dish And More

9 Nov 2018 by Chew Hui Ling

Barely four months after his whirlwind visit to Singapore to promote Thai film Brother of the Year, the ever-so-hardworking Nichkhun made his way back to our humble shores for his newest project, Wok The World.

A new tvN production in partnership with Viu, the up-and-coming series sees Nichkhun, along with Michelin 3-starred chef Alvin Leung and MasterChef Canada Season 1 winner Eric Chong, embarking on a gastronomic adventure around the world to discover local delicacies. Their first stop? Our very own Resorts World Sentosa, where the trio were tasked to recreate our traditional Lo Hei Yu Sheng and Bak Kut Teh for their debut episode.

In between their shooting schedules, we caught up with the 2PM heartthrob to grill him on everything and anything food – from his favourite local dish, to his ultimate guilty pleasure. Along the way, we also found out that the 30-year-old is rather modest about his cooking skills, because he “always cooks and eats alone” (awww). Hey Nichkhun, you can cook for us anytime.

ON HIS FAVOURITE SINGAPOREAN FOOD

“I tried carrot cake at Lau Pa Sat today and I really liked it because it reminded me a lot of Thai cuisine as we like to take influences from other Asian regions. It’s a lot like Pad See Ew (stir-fried noodles) and I think I might even be able to recreate it myself. It probably won’t be as good as the one I had at Lau Pa Sat though! (Laughs)”

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USS~

A post shared by Nichkhun Horvejkul/นิชคุณ/닉쿤 (@khunsta0624) on Oct 31, 2018 at 9:13am PDT

ON THE FIRST DISH HE’S EVER LEARNED TO COOK

“I think it was a Thai omelette, but I ended up burning it (laughs). I thought I needed to heat up the oil so I cranked up the fire until it was really hot and was waiting for it to bubble, but it didn’t. So when I flipped the omelette over, it turned black. It happened when I was still in America, and I was probably around 13 or 14 at that time.”

ON THE BEST COOK IN 2PM

“Out of all of us, I think I’ve eaten Taecyeon and Jun. K’s tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), as well as Chansung’s ramyun (instant noodles). That’s all they cook! It doesn’t seem like it, but Taecyeon is actually pretty good [at cooking].”

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A post shared by Nichkhun Horvejkul/นิชคุณ/닉쿤 (@khunsta0624) on Jul 16, 2018 at 5:45am PDT

ON THE INGREDIENT THAT BEST DESCRIBES HIM

“How about an onion? Not because of the way it smells, but because there are a lot of layers in an onion. The more you peel it, the more you cry – just like how the more you get to know me, the more you’re going to cry (laughs). There are a lot of layers to me and I can be very adaptable, so I think I’m suited to be an onion.”

ON HIS ULTIMATE FOOD GUILTY PLEASURE

“Jellies, gummy bears, chewy candies. I buy a lot of snacks, but I never really eat them except for the sweets. And sometimes, I treat myself to ice cream. I’d take a pint and wolf it down while watching Netflix.”

ON HIS NEW SOLO ALBUM

“ME is my first self-composed album and I wanted it to be a gift to my fans, which is why I worked so hard to write all the songs in it. Because without my fans, I wouldn’t be able to get to this point in life and this album wouldn’t have happened. It’s my first attempt at composing so it’s going to need a lot of work, but I hope that my fans will like it.”

Catch Nichkhun in tvN’s latest original production Wok The World, premiering on tvN in Asia and Viu Singapore from 26 November (every Monday) at 10.30pm.

Entertainment

Lee Junho On His Most Memorable Career Moment: "Being Part Of 2PM Is My Best Memory"

9 Nov 2018 by Jasmine Ong

Known as one of the most famous K-lifestyle festivals, the Korean Brand & Entertainment Expo 2018 (KBEE 2018) opened to throngs of fans waiting to discover new Korean brands as well as meet their favourite K-pop idols.

Held on 1 and 2 November at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, it was two days of Hallyu goodness at KBEE 2018. Not only were fans able to get upclose and personal with Honourary Ambassadors 2PM’s Lee Junho, Song Ji Hyo, SNUPER and Boy Story at their respective fan events, attendees were also treated to thrilling performances by the various artistes during the opening ceremony.

Amidst the flurry of events, we also managed to catch up with K-heartthrob Junho to talk about his cooking skills, his best 2PM memories and his upcoming plans for 2019. Read on for his full interview.

Hi Junho, welcome back to Singapore! It’s been 10 years since you’ve broke out into the industry, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt as an artiste?

There’s this quote that I’ve always heard from Jun.K and it goes, “You are passionate in your heart and very rational in your head”. As I feel like I’m still learning as I go along, I think it’s very important to be led by your heart with passion but at the same time think rationally to make hard decisions.

You’ve have taken on various roles since making your acting debut. Which has been your favourite so far?

I like everything (laughs). I’ve acted in about seven dramas so far and every moment was very memorable for me. Particularly, [I remember] coming to Singapore to promote for this movie called Cold Eyes back in 2013. Although my character wasn’t one that appeared much in the film, I felt that it was still a very significant role as he played a part in creating tension amongst the characters. It was also my first ever on-screen performance and I view it as a piece that brought me a lot of good luck.

You’ve acted with a lot of notable actors through the years. Are there any actors whom you would like to work with in the future?

I was very lucky in a way. I’ve worked with a lot of wonderful sunbaes from the start and I felt that I’ve gained a lot from this experience. During filming, I learn a lot from different people on set, so as long as I can meet a fellow actor whom I can learn from, it would mean a lot to me.

You played a chef in Wok of Love that debuted onscreen earlier this year. We’re curious – did you have to attend cooking classes for the role?

Yes, I had to attend classes for about a month where I learned how to cut vegetables the right way and picked up other cooking techniques. That’s where I learned how to use the wok as well.

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중식당 열어야겠어요. #풍이네 #풍화요리

A post shared by 이준호 (@le2jh) on Jun 10, 2018 at 5:07am PDT

Do you find yourself cooking more now that you’re equipped with the skill?

The essence imparted from the wok is very important. But when I’m at home, I don’t have all the things to cook with the wok so I wouldn’t really put the skills I’ve learnt to good use outside of the set. I feel that I make pretty decent food with the wok and although I haven’t had a chance to cook for my family yet, I hope to do so someday.

What’s one dish that you will never get sick of?

Stir-Fried Kimchi Rice. I really like fried rice, but I like the fact that there’s kimchi inside as well. It’s one of my favourite dishes!

Two years ago, you were in a drama called Memory. What’s the best memory you’ve had in your career?

Being part of 2PM is my best memory. It’s also the best thing I’ve ever done.

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A post shared by 이준호 (@le2jh) on Sep 29, 2016 at 9:56pm PDT

As we’re nearing the end of the year, what are some of your New Year resolutions for 2019?

To always be healthy, and to continue to being in contact with my fans.

If you could give the other 2PM members a New Year’s resolution you want each of them to fulfill, what would it be?

For Taecyeon, I would want him to constantly work hard as he has just returned from the army. For Jun.K and Wooyoung, don’t be sick. For Chansung and myself, it’s to stay strong. As for Nichkhun, I would also want him to constantly work hard at what he’s doing… because he would be the only one left after the rest of us enlist in the army, so I’d want him to continue spreading the fame of 2PM by himself (laughs).

Featured image credit: The Big Issue

Thanks to KBEE Singapore for the interview opportunity with 2PM’s Lee Junho!