
That was a mouthful! The now emanciated Rain received the Korea Image Stepping Stone (KISS) Award for promoting Korea through his music (and sexy dance moves). The 2008 CICI Awards is organized by the Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI).
Congratulations. We know at least 2 foreigners who became fans of the singer because of his moves. And now they have also become fans of our culture.
Rain is gearing up for this next leading role in the Hollywood movie, Ninja Assassin.
Pop in:
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Park Jun-hyung stars in a movie
Rain throws a punch and no one cares
Rain wins CineAsia Award for star of the year

ugly or what…
Does it seem he like he’s been sporting the Michael Jackson look?
He’s looking good. He would have looked even better with different pants. The ones he’s wearing just threw that whole outfit off.
I must say, the colours of his ensemble are fabulous and is perfect in coordination with the bouquet of flowers. Love it. However it wouldn’t hurt if he ate a few bowls of bibimpa.
Yikes! Omg, he’s too feminine, metrosexual, Michael Jackson wannabe, etc…
~*~*Yeah he looks good but I can’t help to wonder how thin he’s gotten because he’s wearing like three layers of clothing and still looks skinny. (Ponders at the thought) I kinda like him looking like this and when he’s cut too!
*~*~
what’s up with his michael jackson look? why, oh why must he keep disappointing me????
rain stepping on korea to promote his image/music, or…what they say above?
why is ahn sung ki every-effing-where? maybe he can host our annual office party too (25% korean contingency)
He looks gorgeous…GORGEOUS in that picture…congrats Rain!! yes he is a bit skinny..but he looks great imo and I don’t get how he looks like MJ
Hey, he looks just fine
…BTW, Popseoul, were you going for “emaciated” as in skinny or “emancipated” as in no more JYP??? You’ve got either an extra “n” or a missing “p”!
te 50’s look is trendy in l.a. right now.
Hurray for Rain.
wtf?? why is michael accepting Rain`s award?? OMG.. This guy must be on something, cuz going from sexy “i wanna tear your clothes” to michael look-a-like, i`m scarred.. I hope his not hoping to get famous in the US the way he is portraing himself lately?? Rain let me tell you something, “we`ll do just fine with the original jacko, we don`t need another wacko” (little rhyme for you there..
)anywayz, congrats on your award and please get that disgusting rat outta your hair and gain some weight.. urgh..
Beautiful as always..
-.-lll
Whats with the comment Choco…
hmph!
I totaly agreed, I love Rain Sooo much and I suport him all the way, Bu what is up with the whole Michael Jackson look. I have a lot of espectation for him and I know that he can do them all. But he better Nock that out before his daybute in the state. Any ways still love him Go Rain!!!!!
What is wrong with his style…………………..
look like Jacko
wooHOO raiN !!
Goddamn it. one minute he looks gorgeous, the next minute he looks horrible.
STOP CHANGING YOUR STYLE SO OFTEN RAIN. Please, I love you so much.
what’s w/ his hair? ugh.
He’s gotten too skinny or something… from certain angles it doesn’t even look like him AT ALL. Rain, why’d you change?!
he changed for next movie role lol
I…don’t know. Looks like he’s getting fruiter and fruiter to me.
i am not a fan of him now, but i will say that he was in fact my introduction to korean ANYTHING…
Full House was the first Kdrama i ever saw and now i can’t stop watching them…
after i found out that he was also a singer, i looked him up on Youtube and that’s what led me to discover other korean singers…
also, by watching dramas i have been introduced to the culture and the FOOD, which i love by the way…
so although i don’t think he is the most talented singer or actor of korea, i do think that he deserves this award…well, at least in my book he does XD
wish him luck in his endeavors to conquer the US market. He might not succeed but i think he will definitely indirectly introduce more people to the korean culture.
by the way, chill guys…he had to grow his hair for the movie..how else could the poor guy hide that hair without a ponytail and a hat??? LOL
hehe
on the other hand, congrats on the award, OPPA
congrats to him
but those pants…oh god they look like pjs
♪oooEEEE
ooooEEEEE
ooEEEEE
oooEEEEEEEEEEE
go RAIN
go RAIN ♪
!!CONGRATULATIONS JI HOON OPPA!!
um..i dont see where you guys are even getting this “michael jackson” image from….maybe that hat?
but thats such a generic clothing item..especially for celebrities that that comparison isnt even doesnt even work…
but good try i guess
he couldve chosen better pants but i liked his overal look
he is getting thinner but i dont think hes EMACIATED…(as i think you meant to say)
congrats to him getting the award! and also to popseoul for writing a nice entry about him for once…thanks
^woah typo up there..sorry about that
whats wrong with his hair? i miss the old rain.
Well, the pants don’t bother me, they look okay. I think the comparison to MJ is because of the hair, hat,and pale skin. Also, he looks sort pale in the face,but has such pink lips. It almost looks a little like lipstick, although I hope not.
congrat! go daehanmingook!
JESUS…He’s so SKINNY now
Eat some kimchi for god’s sake!!!
And I don’t have the courage to talk about his outfit
I miss the old Bi *sigh*
CUTE!!
i don’t like his outfit. i didn’t like his previous outfit either.. the ninja one. it was just too much. this outfit. it’s like ah juh shi/m.jackson imagine… what in the world??
he is the first korean artist that i had recognised. Congrat to him.. he deserves it
dude everbody who wears that damn hat, you people say MJ look alike…i dont get it….i see nothing MJ about it..rekin idiots…he looks damn hot and he deserves it all
After his role in Ninja Assasin, he should eat more to regain his previous weight & muscle. Being skinny is not sexy, oppa
His face looks really angular here, I guess from all the weight-loss. But from the Lotte concert pix, he is also looking buff. I sure hope the W-brothers don’t have their ninjas wearing too much clothes!
(I see why people think MJ when they look at the above pix, but I am just SO happy he lost that stupid glove!)
Back away slowly and don’t look him in the eye…keep your gaze lowered and don’t make any sudden movements…
Wow he looks cute. I wish he’d do his hair better but whatev.
wow. what a cutie. for some reason no matter how much you guys make fun of him i can’t help but find him adorable (which is funny because he’s older than i am XD)
How one wins this award? If one of the criteria is filling up concert stadiums then all South Korean singers, artists, and entertainers who have done the same feat in the country and in Asia should receive an award as well. He is not deserving of this award yet. In due time, probably, but not right now.
Have we all forgotten the scandals, intrigues, and lawsuits that has plagued his career in recent memory? Are we just going to let him slide for not owing up to the responsibility on the series of concert cancellations he pulled in the US? Some fans are still demanding answers and although his team has offered one, it still doesn’t suffice.
On an interview, after his failed attempt to penetrate Hollywood, he played the race issue. Others will argue that he was quoted out of context or there was a lost in translation, the point is that he acknowledged that there are still a lot of work to be done and the hallyu wave is just beginning to rise and has yet to the touch the shore.
Yes, he did get a part in a major Hollywood production. Who wouldn’t be proud of that? But the role is typical genre given to asian actors. The characterization of Asians in Hollywood is very limited and only a handful has used that as an advantage-i.e Sandra Oh. Even Jackie Chan and Oscar nominated actor Ken Watanabe has not fully breakthrough and from time-to-time still succumbs to stereotyping of Asian actors.
I have nothing against Rain personally. I think he is exceptional as an entertainer. If I remember it correctly, people gave him the moniker “Justin Timberlake of Asia” and I, for one, think its a wonderful accomplishment. (I don’t think he exudes that sexiness and talent is not actually written all over him, but that is my opinion.) No matter how great his dancing skills and vocal prowess, he is still a copycat. Imitation, as they say, is the best form of flattery.
It is good that we celebrate the movers and shakers that have place our country in the map by spreading our rich culture. But if celebrating mediocrity is part of it, then count me out.
whats with the Michael Jackson look? @______________@
Yeah, why hasn’t Bae Yong Joon or Jang Dong Gun won this award?? Or Jeon Do Yeon, for that matter.
hahaha.. people will always say like this.. everytime he got an award or recognizition..
why [insert name] got the award, instead BI??
tipycal!!!
anywhoo.. he still looks adorable with those outfit!!
Fighting, oppa~~ you trully deserve it!!
Rain looks so hott!
“Ninja Assassin”? But, of course, welcome to America where Asians are pidgeoned into playing the usual stereotypical roles of chop-suey kung-fu masters, ninja warriors, Asian gang/mafia, or geeks that not only can’t get white girls (heaven forbid the white males are offended), but can’t even get Asian girls (when was the last time an Asian male was shown in a romantic or sensitive light?). Makes me puke that he’s selling out to continue the stereotyping. But, it makes me even that white male worshipping sellout Asian girls want to keep the Asian guys emascualted in the West. Yup, Asian-fetsh sure benefits Asian women - which explains why they are more succesful in a white society, like America, than Asian men.
He looks like he’s gonna go out and play cricket rofl XD Oh Rain, how ilu.
OMG!!!!!!! Rain looks so skinny than he was in Full House.
yeah rain seemed to have lost some weight….
Like Yeli, he got me started on all things korean too - dramas, music, tv progs, movies, food and culture.
Heck cosmetics even.
To me, he deserves the award.
I wldnt mind a holiday in Seoul, anyone from KTO heard me ? LOL
@ MAY February 20, 2008 6:06 a.m.:
I second your comment. Why, oh, why, would he be gorgeous one moment and hideous the next? Dang, I’m beginning to really appreciate his talent (but I’m for looks, too, so I’m disappointed
)
@ Dumpling February 20, 2008 10:09 a.m.
You always make me laugh and this is just one of them!! I was rolling!!
Anyway, his pajama-like pants doesn’t compliment. Repulsive, if I may add!
I think there’s a problem with the crotch of his pants?
I dunno really but, it looks awkward.
that’s cool. man rain always gets outstanding awards. he’s got one hell of a resume if you ask me.
but damn! what the hell is up with the mj look? hey penguin_x3, I’ll narrow it down for you. It’s not just the hat. I think it’s how fair skinned he is and how his hair is set up.
I kinda miss how toned and meaty he was in Full House and A Love To Kill. Personally I think he was at his FINEST in those two dramas.
anyway, on with “Speed Racer” and “Ninja Assassin”
Congratulation’s Rain, You’ve made it again and you deserved the title anywayz..
The fact that your movies or mini-series are the ways to like your culture and be interested all about your country “KOREA”.
I might say you are other Michael Jackson creation but you’re in different version..
Eat more to bring your muscle and musky body that lots of ladies loved it..hahahha
Bravura Rain ! wish all the best and waits for more awards to come….
….why is he wearing pajama pants ?
weird hairdo. ==;; bi needs to eat.
He DOES have a Michael Jackson vibe going on here and he does that a lot. He constantly emulates this weirdo PEDOPHILE and then his fans (and himself) wonder why so many people don’t respect him, and why his plans to take over America went off like a fart.
P.S.
Thanks, Calla. Some people take him soooooo seriously. WTF?! It’s bizarre.
if i want to make trip to korea then it’s only because of rain . rain got me interested in the korean culture and food etc , so he deserved the award . he looks adorable and
i’m respect him .
Even if this composition of clothes is “in ” in Hollywood mode, it looks ridiculous!
^ Shut up.
Look who’s talking. You’re the one who’s taking him soooooo seriously with all your comments regarding his taking over America blah blah. WAsting all your oh-so-precious time to Rain when you’re saying that he’s not worth it.
Whatever people say, MICHAEL JACKSON is still one hell of an entertainer. Many people still listen to his music and loves it. SOmetimes people just have to know how to separate the artist’s personal life to his job. Geez!
And just because his wearing a hat, he has that Michael JAckson thing going on. IS MJ the only one who wore a hat. ANd that a BURI hat, FYI.
So, why was Rain given this award and not (insert name)?
Ask those who gave the award. Or maybe they only gave it to one artist every year. Haha. Just wait for your favorite actors in the coming years. Hahaha.
Great for him!
Congratz RAIN!!
“Whatever people say, MICHAEL JACKSON is still one hell of an entertainer.”
No, he’s not. He hasn’t had a record in years or completed any projects because no one wants to deal with him in the business. And the public doesn’t want to look at his crazy f*cking face. He’s a pedophile and THAT alone turns people off.
P.S.
Do you know how crazy YOU sound? “He might be a child molester but that’s okay because he made some music I like.” You sound CRAZY.
I believe you mean *emaciated.
ohh dumpling..stop talking about MJ….!! go hate him and make blog abt him.
this is Rain’s entry..
people are jealous…. cause you wish and expecting him to fall and failed. but he is not. he still comin, still in news, still got the spotlight, still talk-able..
I prefer his build in Full-House. He’s just too skinny now.
hmmm. does popseoul have new writers ?? surprising that the articles are not so scathy anymore. which is good IMO
i meant scathing not scathy
so rain is the new ninja assassin???
i know his engrish is terrible. i guess he cant read a english movie script either.
yo bisexual-the script reads “kill him” not “kiss him”
put the lipstick down and start acting like a man
poll-
who is worse for the koran male stereotype
william hung or bisexul
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqESG57ysbU
congrats rain
2nd last image = man version of han ji hye.
@ ALL Jealous Haters
If you think Rain does not deserve the award, who does?
Rain was elected as one of the Time’s 100 most influencial people in 2006. Got the most votes in 2007 where the majority of people who commented on why they voted for him were living outside Korea/foreigners.
It is undeniable that many people who appreciate Rain have a good impression about the country and its people, and would want to know more about its culture.
I found that Asian culture on the whole has a weak point although things are changing. That is the majority of Asians are very stingy (thrifty)when it comes to praising others. People, like you haters, like talking down people who are successful in order to push themselves up so to make themselves look less useless.
When was the last time you did something that made your parents proud?! Let alone your country! When was the last time you did something to improve the image of your (native) country? I bet such idea has never ever crossed your mind.
If the award should go to one person this year, who is most deserving if not Rain?! You?
He should seriously consider getting his ears pinned back…They stick out too much, and I notice it more and more each time >_<. I remember Lee JunKi got his ears pinned back and he looks like 10 times hotter now! ^_^
And his outfit hurts too much for me to talk about it…
I think it’s the pants that doesn’t match the rest of his ensemble. perhaps if he went with solid white pants?
and maybe if he could take some time and go under the sun for a couple of hours, and while he’s at it…get some food. >.<
whoa
despite the obvious hint of manorexia, bi still looks great!
i hate his style. It’s gay
I wonder if he thought of being a role model and ambassador of Korean culture when he was starting out or it just happened because he made a name for himself?
Truly, one can argue that he has touched countless lives in South Korea and perhaps the rest of Asia through his music, dance moves, and acting career. This is supported by the fact that thousands of people voted for him online as one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People for two consecutive years (2006 and 2007). A good point to raise but I stand and beg to disagree because of the simple fact that it was done through online voting and not by deliberations of intellectuals, scholars, writers, and editors of the magazine who knew better.
You are indeed big time if you make on Time. But to say that he represents Korea and Korean culture is a little far fetched. If history is to judge, popularity does not necessarily equate influence. Adolf Hitler was once Time Magazine Person of the Year. In his quest to achieve a perfect race, he did terrible and unimaginable things that made him virtually unpopular until today. But, nobody can deny the fact that he was influential.
Most likely, people are asking what Rain had to do with Hitler if they did not win the same honor or they are in totally different category. The point is that to represent one’s culture it requires a lot of things more than just popularity. As I have said before, he might be more deserving of KISS award in the future, not right now.
Finally, it never occurred to me that to make your parents or your country proud that one has to be famous. Everyday, millions of people struggle to make a difference, make their lives significant, their voices heard, and even die fighting for a cause they so dearly hold in their hearts. Are we to say to them that their sacrifices are unimportant because it didn’t make on prime time? Tsk…tsk…tsk.
Thank goodness Paris Hilton is not Korean or else we would be giving her this award.
lol.. if it based on popularity ONLY then dbsk should be in this award.
The jury is still out if DBSK indeed has that many fans.
jyun i agree with you at first look he looks like MJ to me…well rain looks a lot better than MJ but the hair is uhrm.
pootcha that was a great thought. i have nothing against Rain but i also think its too much to give such serious award for his contributions to arts…maybe the criteria of KISS has to be revisited. I like Korean entertainment but your point is worth thinking of.
“. This is supported by the fact that thousands of people voted for him online as one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People for two consecutive years (2006 and 2007). ”
I noticed that his official Fansites told the fans to vote nonstop. So many fans voted 100 times a day , for weeks! This “Time magazine´s 100 most influential People” turned into a joke!
But I have to say this year he deserves to be in this list. By being influential to insolvent local promotors, never refunded fans, fans who lost their money for flighttickets and hotelrooms because of the canceled concerts in Hawaii and LA.
I love him here, his lips look HOT and I like the colours of his outfit. I have those pictures on my desk top now. I LOVE THEM,LOVE THEM,LOVE THEM.
why are so many ppl saying he’s skinny? He has lost a bit of weight but that’s still acceptable, it’s not as if he’s reed thin now. He has lost some of that bulk but trust me, he’s hitting the gym actively now and back at home, with all his comfort food (the man loves his food), he will be healthy! No doubt abt it
He was probably under some stress when he was away in the states late last yr which explains the weight loss. The man doesnt travel well when it comes to food.
3 out of 3 meals he had in singapore were korean.
people saying this and that, and they dont get listening, i think that’s frustating enough,so we here rain’s fans try to listen to your frustation antis and get a great laugh about you, hahahaha……….
i dont care if he deserved the award or not, there would be long argumentation about that, but hey…. he got it, like it or not.
live is cruel and never be fair.
clothes were awesome, didnt have any complain
and yeah he looked like Michael jakson, he pulled it off really well, didnt he?
i think he could look like anyone if he wanted to, or copy cat anyone as he wishes to, and there’s not many will change. it’s not like DBSK goin to win the award, hahahahahahaha……. who are those kids? group of teens doing some dance routines? boyband? hahahahaha….
and seriously, who’s jang dong gun or bae young jun or lee byung hun, or those korean names people here mentioned about? hahahahahaha…. ok, i know them, good actors , but their names just not being heard in the states as much as rain, as far as i can concerned….
so, Go Rain, we’re here in the states have our arms wide open for you….. even if you failed, there’s still another door open wide…
@lady: Don’t forget the canceled concert in Toronto.
he looks like a woman.
@hunterXhunter
well said ! i put my hands together for you .
He’s got the Michael Jackson look!
@hunterXhunter
i dont care if he deserved the award or not, there would be long argumentation about that, but hey…. he got it, like it or not. live is cruel and never be fair.
so you are admitting that he doesn’t deserve this award. that’s good. at least you know.
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i think he could look like anyone if he wanted to, or copy cat anyone as he wishes to, and there’s not many will change. it’s not like DBSK goin to win the award, hahahahahahaha……. who are those kids? group of teens doing some dance routines? boyband? hahahahaha….
hmmm … so much for being original. and isn’t drizzle doing his dance routines? what exactly are you trying to say?
—
and seriously, who’s jang dong gun or bae young jun or lee byung hun, or those korean names people here mentioned about? hahahahahaha…. ok, i know them, good actors , but their names just not being heard in the states as much as rain, as far as i can concerned….
that’s because jang dong-gun, bae young-jun and lee byung-hun didn’t schedule concerts in the US and then cancelled them. drizzle isn’t exactly known in the US for being a good thing.
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so, Go Rain, we’re here in the states have our arms wide open for you….. even if you failed, there’s still another door open wide…
uh, yeah. at least he can always count on you little clouds to keep buying into the hype no matter what he does.