TOKYO (AFP) ― Sony Music apologized on Wednesday for the Nazi-style uniforms worn by a Japanese pop band under its management in an MTV broadcast that triggered a protest from a U.S.-based Jewish rights group.The Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles had voiced its “shock and dismay” at the appearance of the six-member J-Pop band Kishidan in SS-style uniforms with Nazi insignia such as the Iron C

SM searches abroad as overseas producers eye K-pop trends to keep hits comingThis is the final of a two-part series exploring the increasing involvement of foreign producers and composers in the K-pop scene. ― Ed.With the K-pop market going increasingly global, the pressure is on to churn out an array of catchy and addictive tracks that feed the public’s increasingly selective appetite for music.I

 Music industry slump and digital downloads spur increase in East-West collaborationsThis is the first of in a two-part series exploring the increasing involvement of foreign producers and composers in the K-pop scene. ― Ed.When footage of The Black Eyed Peas’ will.i.am working with girl group 2NE1 hit national television last year, it was a defining moment for the K-pop industry. Though the domes

World musician Kidjo and jazz singer Nah Youn-sun bring their unique sound to SeoulThose tired of Seoul’s brutally cold winter may want to check the upcoming concerts by two female vocalists, Angelique Kidjo from Africa and Nah Youn-sun from Korea, at the LG Arts Center in southern Seoul.Their powerful and energetic voices, combined with experimental and fun music will melt and unlock the most fro

　Foreign fans of K-pop group JYJ said on Tuesday that they submitted a petition on Monday to the Seoul Central District Court and the Fair Trade Commission for the recognition and protection of the boy-band’s legal and human rights.　The petition urges prompt action by the South Korean government and justice system to “concretely block the illegal interferences and anti-trust activities of SM Enter

Foreign fans of K-pop group JYJ said on Tuesday that they submitted a petition on Monday to the Seoul Central District Court and the Fair Trade Commission for the recognition and protection of the boy-band’s legal and human rights.The petition urges prompt action by the South Korean government and justice system to “concretely block the illegal interferences and anti-trust activities of SM Enterta

Singer Kim Bo-kyung is still an unfamiliar name to most Koreans. But once associated with the word “Superstar K,” her name almost instantly translates into the name of the song, “Because of You” by Kelly Clarkson, which she sang during the Korean version of American Idol aired on cable channel Mnet.Despite her mature and appealing voice, Kim failed to get into the show’s top 11 partly because of b

BUENOS AIRES, Feb 18, 2011 (AFP) ― The world’s tango capital is dancing to a new beat at Latin America’s first museum devoted to the Beatles, displaying items from boots to wigs and even condoms stamped with John Lennon’s picture.Although none of the 2,500 articles on display actually ever belonged to a member of the Fab Four, thousands of visitors have already poured through the doors of the Buen

Slash, best known as former lead guitarist of U.S. rock band Guns N’ Roses, said he is preparing another solo album while planning to visit Seoul as part of a world tour.After releasing his first solo album “Slash” in Korea in May, the current guitarist of Velvet Revolver is to hold a solo concert on March 20 at Ax-Hall in Seoul.“I am working on material for the next record that I am gonna do outs

JYJ, a pop trio consisting of members from one of Asia’s favorite groups, “Dong Bang Shin Ki,” has won its legal battle to work independently from its management company.When three members of the quintet, namely Kim Jaejoong, Park Yoochun, and Kim Junsu (more commonly known as Hero, Micky and Xia), formed JYJ, SM Entertainment claimed the action was a breach of contract. JYJ members Kim Jun-su (le

LONDON (AP) _ Rocker Rod Stewart has become a father for the eighth time.The 66-year-old Stewart's wife, Penny Lancaster, gave birth to a baby boy Wednesday. British singer Rod Stewart, right, and his wife Penny Lancaster (AP)A statement released Thursday on the couple's behalf said they were ``proud and thrilled.''Aiden is Stewart and Lancaster's second child. They have another son, Alastair, who

Pianist Sergei Babayan to lead rich list of musiciansInternational and Korea-based classical musicians will put the spotlight on Busan this week, as they gather in the southeastern port city of Korea to hold eight different concerts.The 6th Busan International Music Festival kicked off Sunday at the Paradise Hotel with a chamber concert. The week-long event runs through Feb. 20 at the Busan Cultur

LOS ANGELES (AFP) ― Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan and Barbra Streisand join rising stars and seasoned chart-toppers Sunday at the music industry’s annual Grammys awards bash.Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and teen sensation Justin Bieber are also on a star-studded roster of performers at the show in Los Angeles, where rapper Eminem hopes to seal a comeback year with a brace of awards.While showcasing new talent,

Hollywood celebrity Kim Kardashian got booted off the stage at Prince’s concert when she refused to dance.(AP)Kardashian and her boyfriend Kris Humphries were watching the concert at Madison Square Garden when the legendary musician picked her out of the crowd to come up and join him on stage. “OMG Prince just pulled me up on stage!! I’m shaking!!!” Kardashian tweeted from the concert on Monday ni