Kim Of Hearts: Korean Star Kim Hyun Joong Captivates Pinoy Fans

Here's a feature of Hyun Joong at Cosmo.ph...Waa, it took me a long time to upload all the pics because of my really slow connection...And I made sure to include all the captions too :)... I love all the close-up shots...How I wish I can see him up-close like this in the future... A fan girl friend of mine said she realized she should have pursued her passion for journalism when she was in college and would gladly give up her corporate life just to interview Hyun Joong. I feel the same way too, sometimes. :)...And I'm looking forward to Hyun Joong's next visit here in Manila. Maybe, just maybe, I'll get to have my own close encounter with KHJ. :)

Posted by: Gigi Yia

Credit:  http://www.cosmo.ph/

Photo: Marie Joyce Siason

Armed with talent, flawless looks, and a heart of gold, there's nowhere but up for Korean pop star and heartthrob Kim Hyun Joong, who continues to win hearts the world over. He's famous for being the leader of Korean idol group SS501, but his career (and his universal charm) really skyrocketed after playing the role of Yoon Ji Hoo in the hit K-soap Boys Over Flowers. He also played Baek Seung Jo in his recent drama Playful Kiss, which was also a huge hit.

It's been one year and two months since his Manila fans first swooned over the star in the flesh. (He last visited for a sold-out concert where he raised and donated funds to benefit the Abiertas House of Friendship, a center for unwed pregnant mothers.) To our delight, the 25-year-old hottie graced Manila shores once again last August 25 to promote his first solo mini-album "Break Down." We caught up with him at a press conference at EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, and on the same day, he launched his album via a "High-Five Touch" event at the TriNoma Activity Center in Quezon City.

The album launch was a huge success. Even before the mall opened, kilig fans were lined up outside--waiting to get their copy of "Break Down" and meet the Kim Hyun Joong, of course! The first 500 who purchased the CD even got to exchange high-fives with the cutie!

"Break Down" marks Kim Hyun Joong's comeback to the music scene, this time as a solo artist. The album is a mix of musical genres, from heavy urban dance tracks to strong R&B and even bubble gum pop. For his solo debut, he shed his pretty-boy charm for a more mature, masculine one. He told us he has plans to do an Asia concert tour that will include Manila as a pit stop! We'll be looking forward to that, for sure!

At the press conference, he told his fans, "Thank you for all the love you have toward me. It inspires me to bring up better songs and better performances." Proving to be a huge hit in Asia and beyond, Kim Hyun Joong is shining brighter than ever as an international star.

Launch the gallery to see photos of the gorgeous Kim Hyun Joong from his press conference!

Kim Hyun Joong's solo mini-album "Break Down" is available in all record bars nationwide, exclusively distributed by PolyEast Records in cooperation with KeyEast Entertainment and CJ E&M Korea.

Kim Hyun Joong arrives at EDSA Shangri-La Hotel for his press conference and album launch.

Kim Hyun Joong sits down to answer a few questions from the press gathered at the event.

K-drama fans best know him as Yoon Ji Hoo--his role in the popular 2009 romantic comedy series Boys Over Flowers.

You've seen him most recently in the new series Playful Kiss, where he plays a popular and genius male student named Baek Seung Jo.

Kim Hyun Joong gives his Filipino fans a heart-melting smile.

With looks like that, it's easy to see why this boy is an international hit.

He began his music career as the leader of the boy band SS501 back in 2005.

The name of the band has a special meaning: The first "S" stands for "Superstar." The second is an abbreviation for "Singer." The combination of 5, 0, and 1 symbolizes "five members united as one forever."

The band's first full album was called S.T.01 Now, followed by a second album All My Love, and most recently, a series of mini-albums.

The boys of SS501, however, are now focusing on doing their own thing. Kim Hyun Joong, for instance, is launching his debut solo album "Break Down."

Kim Hyun Joong had just completed his South Korea and U.S. tour a few months earlier, before embarking on an Asian tour to promote his solo project.

With that smile and undeniable charisma, it's no wonder this Korean star drew over a thousand Filipino fans to his album launch!

Kim Hyun Joong revealed at the press conference that the release of this album marks his growth as a musician

He said that doing this project as a solo performer opens a lot of new doors for him.

Earlier this year, "Break Down" was released in neighboring Asian countries like China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia. The reception was impressive!

Kim Hyun Joong's album has six tracks and one instrumental version of the title track "Break Down."

He revealed that the title track is his personal favorite.

"Break Down" is a powerful synthesized song with an urban style, which features a stylish rapping by South Korea's Double K.

The song was actually produced by Ken Lewis (the same producer behind the hits of Eminem, Kanye West, and Usher!).

Other album highlights include "Intro (Let Me Go)," which opens with a pipe organ melody and the upbeat tune "Yes I Will."

He believes his album shows a different and more mature side of him, compared to his SS501 days.

He moved from the synthesizer instrumentals, heavy beats, and bubblegum pop to more artistic musical freedom. He has created mature yet catchy sounds.

He told us, "This is a very personal project because I was hands-on in producing this record. I was involved in all the processes of the album, from the lyrics to the jacket design."

The album is currently getting attention for the track "Kiss Kiss," which is heating up the airwaves.

"Kiss Kiss" is a pop/dance song accompanied by an acoustic guitar. The song's music video is now on MYX top charts.

The album also features a previously released single "Please." It still proves to be a hit!

He expressed that one of his biggest dreams would be to do a free concert--for charity!

Even his fans in Manila inspire him. He shared that he was both "shocked" and "amazed" by the warm welcome he received from the moment he arrived in the Philippines.

He says he hopes to include the Philippines in his plans for an upcoming Asia tour.

Young gals and older ladies alike were seen sporting Kim Hyun Joong fan gear! Many of them admitted to being fans since his Boys Over Flowers days. He peered in amusement at the turn-out.

"Thank you," he said, "for all the love you're [giving] me. It inspires me to bring up better songs and better performances."

Kim stood up for a short photo-op before the program ended.

Don't worry, fan girls, we can definitely look forward to seeing more of Kim Hyun Joong (even sooner than you think, in Cosmo.ph)!

He revealed that when he finishes the Asian concert tour, he'll be back on your screens, possibly for a new TV series and a movie.

Kim Hyun Joong waves goodbye to the crowd gathered at his album launch. It was truly a pleasure to see and chat with this hot Korean star.

"We love Hyun Joong!" his fans declared.