Well known Korean pop idols Paran melted spectators' hearts on Saturday at celebrations in Vientiane to mark the first anniversary of Tigo, a mobile phone operator.

The exciting concert took place at the Lao-ITECC in front of a crowd of more than 7,000 fervent spectators, with free games, activities and give-aways.

The concert kicked off with some of Vientiane 's top acts, such as Idols, Punky Dolls, LOG, Overdance, Moderndance, A Pact, Nalin, Aluna and Sam, and hard rock groups Uluvus and The Cells before the appearance of Korea 's grooviest band.

The audience raised their voices like a siren and the ground before the stage shook when Paran appeared for their provocative song and dance act, and greeted the audience with a burst of Lao...more info>>

The band played hit songs from their first two albums, such as Five Steps, First Love and others before the concert had to be stopped because of strong winds on stage.

Tigo staff gathered on stage to blow out candles on their birthday cake in between acts.

The name Paran (which means blue in Korean) is an acronym comprised of the members' stage names. The band has five singers: Joo Jong Hyuk also known as Ryan, Yang Seung Ho or Neo, Lee Soo In or P.O., Choi Sung Wook or Ace, and Kim Jae Sub or A.J., who also raps for the group. They are all aged between 15 and 23.

“We are so happy and exited, because this is our first time in Laos , and it is great to perform in concert to commemorate Tigo's first anniversary,” said Ryan at a media conference at Green Park Hotel on Friday.

The band's first album was entitled I Hold My Breath , and came out in September 2005. Their follow up release was called Beyond the Blue Sky , in September 2006.

“Since I've been here one night, I only have two impressions: one is that the weather here is better than in the Republic of Korea now, where it is still cold, but here it's neither very hot nor cold, which is more comfortable,” said Ace.

“Besides that, Laos still preserves a lot of its nature. I saw green mountains as our flight came across from Vietnam , and now I can also say that here it is peaceful and there is very little traffic.”

“Another thing is the warm welcome we're received from people here, especially the smiles of the Lao women which make me want to stay longer,” Ace said.

Before the band arrived in Laos they toured countries such as Thailand , Taiwan , Singapore , Vietnam and Indonesia .

This is the second time the Millicom Lao Company has brought a Korean band to Laos . In December they presented one of Korea 's most famous girl bands, Baby Vox Re.V, to perform in concert to welcome in the International New Year.

By PHOONSAB THEVONGSA
Vientianetimes
http://samakomlao.blogspot.com

Paran, a five-member male vocal group which debuted in 2005, has made inroads all across Asia, including China, Indonesia, Laos, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan.

Members of Paran held a showcase concert at the amphitheater of Lao ITECC, an exhibition center in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, on April 5. It was the first concert by a male foreign group to attract 10,000 audience members. The event will be televised on Lao Star TV, the public broadcaster of Laos.

Laotian fans, who frequently enjoy Thai TV shows, raved over Paran's performance, although they did not understand the Korean lyrics...more info>>

Fans frantically took photos of the group, waved photographs of the members in the air, screamed and blew kisses to the stage.

Paran returned to Korea and April 7. Soon after their arrival, members of the group wrapped up recording their third studio album, which is slated for release on April 11. The album will be released simultaneously in six Asian countries.

The members recently said they plan to sweep their Korean fans off their feet with their new album.

Source: KBS

A new entertainment programme from Japanese television channel Nihon Shinbun Kyokai (NSK) has selected a Lao pop singer to be promoted worldwide, Indee Records announced yesterday.

“The programme is the newest from NSK, and has not yet been broadcast,” an official from the Media Department of the Ministry of Information and Culture, Mr Phaiboun Philathong, said yesterday.

He added that the show would promote various singers throughout Asia; Laos is the first country to be presented as a growing number of Japanese fans are interested in Lao music and the country...more info>>

The programme selected Nalin Daravong from Indee Records, and will film footage of her lifestyle and performances.

“They recorded me doing everyday things like studying and helping my parents, as well as singing on stage,” Nalin said.

Mr Phaiboun said the programme would be broadcast worldwide, and would therefore be a good opportunity to promote modern Lao music.

“This is a great chance for our singers and bands to be exposed to a wider audience,” said Indee Records President, Anoulack Pathammavong.

After three days of recording Nalin's life in Laos , the TV crew will go to Vietnam , Cambodia , Thailand , Indonesia and other countries throughout Asia .

“They will select singers from each country to feature on the show, and we've been lucky to be their first country selected,” Mr Anoulack said.

Nalin was the winner of the Close-Up 2005 singing contest, where she was discovered by Indee Records, which approached her about making an album.

“The debut album from Nalin was released at the end of last year, and now her songs are on high rotation on various radio programmes in Vientiane ,” Mr Anoulack explained.

Last week, she staged a free concert with Vorachith Intharaphithak, or Sam, at the Lao-ITECC, which attracted almost 1,000 fans.

“The crew was there to capture my performance on stage on their last day,” said Nalin.

Mr Phaiboun also reported that the programme would invite various singers from each country to perform in Japan in June this year, Laos included.

NSK was established in July 1946, to elevate the ethical standards in reporting and protect and promote the media's common interests. NSK is an entirely independent and voluntary organisation funded and operated by the private media of Japan .

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes

(KPL) A leading mobile phone network company Millicom Laos (Tigo) last Sunday held a concert to present big New Year gifts to its customers through the entertainment programmes by popular singers from local and foreign music companies.

The local artists were from Indee Record including Sam, Nalin, Souk, Modern Dance, LOG and Princes, while the famous artists from the Republic of Korea were Ahn Jin Kyung, Yang Eun Ji, Han Ae Ri, Hwang Yun Kyung and Myung Sa Rang from “BABY VOX Re.V”...more info and photos

BABY V.O.X was established in 1997 and their first single album (“Haircut”) ranked top ten on Korean music charts.



The girl band BABY V.O.X’ second album, Baby VOX II, was a much bigger success, hitting on the Korean pop charts.

On December 26, DR Music unveiled the members of the new Baby V.O.X, “Baby V.O.X. Re.V”.


L.O.G joined the concert

Like the original group, there is one lead vocalist, three “sub-vocalists”, and a singer.

The group made its debut in January of 2007, with the lead singer “Shee”.
Compared to the other groups, however, Baby V.O.X. Re.V has a more mature, sexual image, much like the original Baby V.O.X.



This group made its debut in January and has visited various countries.


Princess joined Baby V.O.X


Sam joined Baby V.O.X


Overdance vs Baby V.O.X


Source: kpl
Photo: Indee

Congratulation goes to Alexandra Thidavanh Bounxoui, Lao super star, for her graduation. On top of that, Alexandra also received the golden key award from Lao America College (LAC), the award for the excellent performance on study. Alexandra is the role model for all Lao youth. She has devoted herself to many Lao social activities and Lao music entertainment.

Best wishes for future success !