Dara visits Taal Volcano

Dara has posted snaps on her Instagram account of her trip to Taal Volcano in Batangas.

In one of the photos, the 30-year-old Park, a former ABS-CBN talent, can been seen posing with her "We Broke Up" actors.

"We Broke Up" is a Korean web series which was based on a webtoon of the same title. It starred Park and Kang Seung-yoon of boy group Winner. Both Park and Kang are managed by YG Entertainment.

Although Park did not clearly disclose her location, one of her companions, Jang Ki Yong, posted a photo of him and Marshal Bang in Taal Volcano. This was followed by two more group photos with Park and the other members of the cast.

 

Dara returned to the country on Tuesday, in time to attend the concert of labelmates Big Bang.

Her return fanned speculation that she will appear as a guest at the concert. However, Dara was only part of the audience, just like during Big Bang's concert in 2012.

Credits: abs-cbnnews
Photos: Dara & juanxkui

2NE1 may be making a comeback soon?

With all the biggest girl groups making their comeback this summer, everyone is thinking (especially Blackjacks), "Well, when is 2NE1 going to make their grand comeback and shake up the K-Pop realm?" 

The past few months were chock full of comebacks from some of the biggest names in K-Pop, making the summer a grand ol' "Party," getting people to "Shake It" left to right, front to back, and get "Heart Attack"s from all the awesome returns from some of our most beloved girl groups. Now that all the big names have returned, some can't help but wonder, will the girls of 2NE1 ever "Come Back Home"? According to a rep from YG, the answer to that question may just be a resounding "Yes"! 

When asked about a potential 2NE1 comeback, a YG rep is reported to have said, "We're weighing in on a positive note that at the earliest [2NE1] will release a new song by this year or middle of next year at the latest." 

No other details have been revealed as of yet, but as we all know by now YG was never generous with details and likes to keep everything low-key. So, fans will just have to sit back and wait patiently for the return of their favorite girls which will probably be awesome if what little of YG said is true. 

Credits: Allkpop

Dara cast as lead in movie deemed Korea's version of 'Begin Again'

YG artists are busy acting, it seems, as not only Nam Tae Hyun but also Dara now has been cast in a new production!  Particularly grabbing attention is the fact that this movie, called 'Echo,' is being hailed as the Korean version of successful American movie, 'Begin Again,' which especially did well in Korea (if all those covers of "Lost Stars" did not give this away).

A rep from YG Entertainment stated on July 24, "Dara recently received the offer to be the female lead in a movie, and her appearance has been confirmed."  This will be her first time as the lead in a Korean movie!

Although it is deemed the Korean remake of 'Begin Again,' the production crew seems to have changed things around a bit while keeping the main points of the storyline intact. Dara will be playing a part-time worker at a convenience store who embarks on a trip in order to find a melody that she only listened to her in her dreams.  An internet broadcasting producer will try to help her look for that music.

The filming will begin at the end September for a premiere in the first half of 2016.

Credits: Allkpop

2NE1's influence is global as 'I Am The Best' is used in dope viral dance video

"I Am The Best," which is arguably 2NE1's most popular song thus far (at least in terms of YouTube view count and people's widespread knowledge of it), has popped up once again in the western hemisphere, this time for a choreography video orchestrated by Janelle Ginestra.

It was used for a short video featuring talented young dancers Larsen Thompson and Taylor Hatala showcasing powerful moves choreographed by Janelle Ginestra. "I'm the Best" plays in the background for a short 40-something seconds, to which the dancers execute swift, almost knife-like sharp choreography. 

The costumes the girls are wearing during the part of 2NE1's song (starting at 1:30 in video above) seems to be distinctly 'Asian' but not 'Korean' including buns decorated with chopsticks, a Hanfu-inspired crop top, and simple black skirt and sandals. The makeup also derives some inspiration from the traditional Japanese style of cosmetics. 

The usage of the song clearly denotes 2NE1's international popularity; if one recalls, the song was also used in the past year for Microsoft's Surface Pro 3 commercial.

Credits: Allkpop
Video: Taylor Halata