Source: http://entertainment.xin.msn.com/en/hallyu/photo.aspx?cp-documentid=5594403
Text: Joanna Goh
Photos: Lim Wen Ying & Mnet
Videos: Teng Siew Eng & Tay Yixuan
With one of Korea’s most highly-anticipated music awards, MAMA 2011 (Mnet Asian Music Awards) set to take place on our sunny shores today, Hallyu fans are in for a treat. With more than 20 Korean celebrities — apart from local and foreign stars — in town to help present the event, our little island is teeming with some of the biggest actors and K-pop groups from the industry.
This morning, more than 170 reporters from all over the world gathered at Marina Bay Sands Convention Center for a short ‘welcome meeting’ with Korean artistes such as Kim Hyun Joong, Koda Kumi, miss A, Girls’ Generation and Super Junior.
Fielding questions from reporters from the floor, artistes like Dynamic Duo, Simon D, Lang Lang and Ulala Session shared their excitement to be part of this international event, which will be watched by 1.9billion people worldwide.
Looking dapper in grey, Kim Hyun Joong revealed that his initial plans to bring his world stage next year will be delayed to end of the year due to an upcoming drama production in April.
With nominations in the Best Male Artiste and Best Dance Performance – Solo category, when reporters quizzed him on his chances at tonight’s award ceremony, Hyun Joong humbly replied, “I feel that my chances in both areas are quite low. I am not expecting much from it but I hope to win at least one item.”
Talking about his career development as a solo artiste, Hyun Joong admitted that it is “more physically demanding now” and says that he plans to “develop myself even more” to become a better artiste.