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
Arenowned pop group from the Republic of Korea, Paran, will perform for Lao fans on April 5 at the National Football Stadium in Vientiane to celebrate the first anniversary of Tigo, the brand name of the Millicom Lao Company.
The company was established in 2002 as a joint venture between the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and Millicom International Cellular S.A. It launched a mobile prepaid service on April in 2003.
The five member group, consisting of Cho Jong Hyuk (lead vocalist), Yang Seung Ho, Choi Sung Wook, Lee Soo In and Kim Jae Seob, will entertain the audience with songs from their latest album and Korean style dance moves...more info and photos>>
“We want to give our customers a special present to help us celebrate the first anniversary of our company; Paran is popular in the Republic of Korea and also in Laos ,” said Tigo's Assistant Marketing Manager, Mr Phouniphon Phanthavong
He said the concert will allow customers to meet and greet their favourite singers.
“People who want to attend the concert can purchase tickets through our phone service,” Mr Phouniphon said.
The concert will also feature local artists, including popular rock band The Cells, rappers L.O.G., pop groups Overdance and Modern Dance, and punk–rock bands Punky Doll, Aluna, Sam, Nalin, Jeiy. Newly formed rock group Uluvus will support the international headline act.
The name Paran is an acronym comprising the band members stage names, and means ‘big bang'. The group of five boys, aged between 15 and 23, trained in singing and dancing for two years before recording and releasing their debut album in 2005.
The song First Love , written by Von Tea Yong, was a hit on radio and TV in Korea .
In 2006, the group released their second album, under the guidance of Gary Hass, who has produced an album for the band Usher. Korean artists Kim Tea Woo, G.O.D. and PJ also featured on Paran's album.
All of the band members can speak English and Japanese fluently, so they are promoting themselves to overseas markets. Their latest album is popular in several Asian countries.
2007 is set to be a huge year for Millicom Laos. We’re evolving the popular Tango brand and introducing a range of exciting new services. In order to do this, we are aligning with the worldwide Millicom Group. This allows us to provide an even greater range of international services and products literally the best the world has to offer. A change of this magnitude requires a groundbreaking brand campaign, which is why ‘Tigo’ is becoming the new face of Tango. Tigo is a leading brand in over 13 countries an international byword for the best in mobile services.
People will soon become familiar with the Tigo brand and its distinctive slogan “Open up your world” However, it’s important to note that this is more than just a new name or new look - Millicom Laos has invested over 10 million dollars in technological advancements and coverage improvements for TIGO. This significant move is evidence of Tigo’s commitment to continue the tradition of wide spread availability, with easily obtainable services at reasonable prices the company’s three core principles.
In his statement, Mr. Fabien Levassor the General Manager of Millicom Lao says he is confident that “Tigo will revolutionise the entire communication industry in Laos” and goes on to “welcome everybody to enjoy the Tigo difference.”
“While Millicom Laos is extremely proud of Tango’s history in Laos, we believe that Tigo will further reward our existing clients and attract new ones. We’ll maintain the call quality, accessibility and exemplary customer service that got us where we are. But we’ll also be offering a whole lot more to help take Laos into the future”.
So be sure to look out in the coming months, as Tigo announces even more ways for consumers to open up their world. With exciting new developments and services, the future’s bright for Tigo and Laos.
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. 
