Australian economy sees sharpest contraction since 1991

Widespread flooding caused severe damage to resource rich states in Australia

Australia has reported its biggest quarterly fall in gross domestic product (GDP) in 20 years.

Its economy contracted by 1.2% in the first three months of the year compared with the previous quarter, the latest government figures showed.
The government said flooding and cyclones in the resource rich states of Queensland and Western Australia had a significant impact on growth.
Australia's economy is heavily reliant on exporting its natural resources.
"The economy has hit a temporary pothole courtesy of the natural disasters this year," said Besa Deda of St George Bank.
'Honeymoon period'

Matthew Johnson UBS Warburg

Australia has not only had to deal with the twin natural disasters. Other factors have also slowed down its economy.

The country's growth has been powered by a boom in its resources sector.
As economies like China and India grew, the demand for Australia's resources witnessed a massive surge.
However, analysts say the situation is changing.
"We have been in a honeymoon period for a long time," said Jonathan Barratt of Commodity Broking.
"The time has come for realignment. As growth in China and India slows down, the pace of growth in Australia will also be affected," he added.
Relieved market While the dip in growth was the biggest in two decades, analysts said that the numbers were better than the markets had expected.
"The market was very bearish in the last 48 hours," said Mr Barratt.
"The numbers are not as bad as people were fearing they would be," he added.
The effect of that was evident in the currency markets. The Australian dollar rose by 0.6% against the US dollar after the data was released.
It was trading close to 1.0723 against the US dollar in Asian trade.
Strong rebound While Australia's growth has been dented due to the twin natural disasters, analysts said they are not concerned about the long term health of the economy.

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The overall picture for the Australian economy remains rosy, as the BBC's Nick Bryant reports from Sydney

They say that strong fundamentals mean that Australia should be able to absorb the current dip.
"Underlying strengths of the economy, both domestic demand and gross national expenditure look very good," said Matthew Johnson of UBS Warburg.
"The temporary factors have given us the negative, but I am quite confident they'll come back," he added.
Analysts also said that as mining activity gets back to pre-flooding levels and reconstruction efforts take place in affected areas, economic growth will be back on track as well.
"We are looking for the economy to recover as this year progresses, as a rebound in coal exports occurs and we get a boost from construction," said Ms Deda.

Journalists' killings 'go unpunished' in 13 countries

After the murder of Luis Santiago of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico's El Diario, the paper curtailed crime coverage

More than 251 journalists in 13 countries were killed "with impunity" in the past decade, the Committee to Protect Journalists has reported.

Across the world, the unpunished murders lead to self-censorship and press silence, the group reported.
The group singles out Iraq, Somalia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka as the worst environments for journalists
The situation for journalists worsened in Mexico but improved in Russia in 2010, the group wrote in a new report.
"The targeted killing of journalists serves as a silencing message to others, ensuring that sensitive issues are not subjected to public scrutiny," Committee to Protect Journalists Executive Director Joel Simon said in a statement.
"Many journalists who were murdered had been threatened beforehand but were left unprotected. Governments can either address anti-press violence or see murders continue and self-censorship spread."
The New York-based group's report was released the day after the body of Pakistani investigative journalist Saleem Shahzad was found; Mr Shahzad had written about al-Qaeda's infiltration of Pakistan's navy.
In a report released on Wednesday, the Committee to Protect Journalists wrote that murders of local journalists constitute the majority of unsolved cases, and that corruption and dysfunction in law enforcement keep journalists' killers from being brought to justice.
The committee found the killings lead journalists to avoid sensitive topics, quit the profession or flee in order to avoid violence.
In 2010 Russia's standing on the "impunity index" improved, as no journalists were murdered that year and authorities won two murder convictions.
Mexico worsened for the third straight year when news photographer Luis Carlos Santiago, 21, of El Diario of Ciudad Juarez was shot dead in midday in a shopping centre parking lot.
The committee's report covered 13 countries in which the murders of more than five journalists remain unsolved in the past decade. Ranked by unsolved killings proportional to population, those include:

• Iraq, 92
• Somalia, 10
• Philippines, 56 (including 32 journalists and media workers in a single 2009 massacre)
• Sri Lanka, nine
• Colombia, 11
• Afghanistan, seven, including BBC Pashto Service reporter Abdul Samad Rohani, who reported on links between drug traffickers and government officials
• Nepal, six
• Mexico, 13
• Russia, 16
• Pakistan, 14
• Bangladesh, five
• Brazil, five
• India, seven

Pakistani journalist Saleem Shahzad found dead

Saleem Shahzad worked for the Italian news agency Adnkronos and Asia Times Online

A Pakistani journalist who was feared abducted after he went missing on Sunday has been found dead, his family has confirmed.

Police said Saleem Shahzad's body was found in a canal in Mandi Baha Uddin in Pakistan's northern Gujarat district.
Earlier, Human Rights Watch researcher Ali Dayan Hasan said he had "credible information" that Shahzad was in the custody of Pakistani intelligence.
He recently wrote an article about al-Qaeda infiltration in Pakistan's navy.
He reported that the militant group had launched the deadly assault on the Mehran base in Karachi, the headquarters of the navy's air wing, on 22 May because talks had failed over the release of several naval personnel arrested on suspicion of links to al-Qaeda affiliates.
At least 14 people were killed and two navy warplanes destroyed.
On Monday, a former navy commando and his brother were detained for their alleged role in helping plan the raid, which embarrassed the military.
Inquiry Shahzad's family said he had disappeared after leaving his home in Islamabad on Sunday evening and heading to a television station to participate in a talkshow.
They immediately issued statements saying they feared for his safety.

Analysis

M Ilyas Khan BBC News, Islamabad

Saleem Shahzad's death has shocked journalists across Pakistan. But the horror is not so much caused by the death itself - it is the widely held belief that he was in the custody of the ISI intelligence agency when he was killed.
In the past, journalists trying to poke their noses into the geostrategic games of the Pakistani intelligence community have been picked up and given a dose of what they might expect if they cross the line. Some of them gradually faded away as avenues of reporting closed for them. Others learned their lesson, quit their bases, or reverted to "responsible" journalism, as it is known in Pakistan. Though none of them spoke publicly about their ordeals, other journalists were aware of what was going on.
Those working for comparatively little known or less influential media groups - like Shahzad did - have been more vulnerable. In a country where journalists have borne the brunt of political as well as religious extremism, the thought of state institutions also joining the persecution has always been an uncomfortable one. The feeling that these institutions might actually kill journalists in cold blood is more dreadful than killings by extremists.

The 40-year-old's body was found by local residents in a canal in the Sarai Alamgir area of Mandi Baha Uddin, some 150km (93 miles) south-east of the capital. His car was found about 10km (six miles) away.

The head of Margalla police station in Islamabad, Fayaz Tanoli, told the BBC that the local police force took photographs of the body and informed his officers on Monday that it might be Shahzad's.
The photographs were shown to Shahzad's brother-in-law, Hamza Amir, who identified the remains. Police said he had cuts to his face.
Relatives later travelled to Sarai Alamgir to confirm he was dead.
Mr Hasan of Human Rights Watch said Shahzad had recently complained about being threatened by the intelligence arm of the Pakistan military, the Inter Services Intelligence Directorate (ISI).
After writing one article in October, Shahzad was summoned to an ISI office, where an intelligence officer issued what appeared to be a veiled threat, he added. Shahzad sent him notes of the meeting "in case something happens to me or my family".
"The perpetrators of this murder have to be identified through a transparent inquiry and due process, and must be held accountable. However, Human Rights Watch is aware that Saleem Shahzad had claimed to have received multiple threats from the ISI, and we regard those threats as credible," Mr Hasan said in a statement.
"While it is yet to be determined who killed him, the manner of his killing is reminiscent of other incidents where there was credible intelligence of involvement by Pakistan intelligence services."
Mr Hasan said he had been told by some Pakistani government officials that they believed Shahzad was in ISI custody.

The deadly assault on the Mehran naval air base in Karachi embarrassed the military

A senior Pakistani intelligence official told the Associated Press it was "absurd" to say that the ISI had anything to do with Shahzad's death.
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists said: "We are losing our professional colleagues but the government never unearths who is behind the killing of journalists."
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has expressed his heartfelt condolences to Shahzad's family and ordered an immediate inquiry into his kidnapping and murder.
Shahzad, who had a wife and three children, worked for the Italian news agency Adnkronos International (AKI) and was Pakistan bureau chief for Asia Times Online.
Human rights groups recently called Pakistan the most dangerous place in the world for journalists to operate, saying they were under threat from Islamist militants but also Pakistan's military and intelligence agencies.

Syria: Bashar al-Assad 'grants general amnesty'

The announcement comes amid ongoing protests and clashes

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has issued a decree granting a general amnesty, state media say.

It said the amnesty would cover all political movements, including the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood.
Opposition figures were quick to dismiss the move.
The move comes after months of protests against President Assad's rule, leading to a crackdown in which activists say more than 1,000 people have been killed and 10,000 arrested.
The government has also offered some political concessions, but protesters have dismissed these as largely cosmetic.
The announcement of the amnesty came as at least three people were reported to have been killed in continuing clashes between security forces and protesters.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said President Assad's position was becoming"less tenable" by the day.
"The demands of the Syrian people for change only grow stronger," she said, adding that Mr Assad had "not engaged seriously in any kind of reform efforts".

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An unnamed British journalist currently in Syria said President Assad's amnesty would probably not apply to the thousands of protesters who have been arrested in recent weeks

'Too little, too late' "President Assad grants a general pardon for the crimes committed before 31 May," said a bulletin carried by state media. "The pardon includes all those who belong to political movements, including the Muslim Brotherhood."
Syrian activists gathered for a conference in Turkey dismissed the amnesty offer, with one describing it as "too little, too late".
"This measure is insufficient," said Abdel Razak Eid, an activist from the "Damascus Declaration" group.

Analysis

Jim Muir BBC News, Beirut

The announcement of a general amnesty was flashed repeatedly as an urgent item on Syrian state TV. It said President Assad had ordered forgiveness for all crimes committed before the 31 May by people belonging to any political movement, including the Muslim Brotherhood.
The amnesty had been anticipated, and it is also expected that the authorities will launch an attempt at national dialogue in the next few days - though it is still not clear who the regime intends to talk to.
The success of any dialogue in defusing the crisis will also clearly depend on how credible the amnesty turns out to be, and whether the many thousands of people detained in the past two months, as well as other political prisoners, really are freed.
It is also unlikely to get far if heavy handed repression continues on the ground.

"We are united under the slogan: the people want the fall of the regime and all those who have committed crimes brought to account."

Another activist, Mohammad Abdullah, said the amnesty offer showed "weakness on the part of the regime."
In Washington, state department spokesman Mark Toner said President Assad needed to take "concrete steps".
"He's said a lot of things in recent weeks and months, but we've seen very little concrete action," Mr Toner said.
News of the amnesty came as army forces using tanks were reported to be attacking two towns in central Syria, Talbisa and Rastan, where protests have continued.
At least one civilian was killed in Rastan and two more in the southern province of Deraa, an epicentre for recent protests, activists said.
The official news agency, Sana, said two soldiers had been killed in Rastan, and that troops had seized arms.
Foreign journalists have been prevented from entering Syria, and reports of violence are hard to verify.
Hama uprising The Muslim Brotherhood has supported but did not initiate the current uprising.
The banned political movement was behind a 1982 uprising in the city of Hama that was ruthlessly repressed, with at least 10,000 killed.
Membership of the group is punishable by death, though this has not been enforced.
In March this year, shortly before protests escalated, President Assad issued an amnesty for those convicted of minor crimes and prisoners over the age of 70.
In April, the president lifted decades-old emergency laws, but violence by the security forces was widely seen to have got worse following the announcement.
The government has blamed the unrest on armed groups, Islamists and foreign agitators.

Tepco president quits as firm reports $15bn loss

Mr Shimizu's resignation had been widely expected

The president of Tepco, which operates Japan's crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant, has resigned as the firm reported a loss of 1.25tn yen ($15.3bn; £9.4bn) for the past financial year.

Masataka Shimizu will be replaced by managing director Toshio Nishizawa.
Tepco's loss is a record for a non-financial firm in Japan.
The earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan on 11 March severely damaged the Fukushima plant and it has been leaking radiation ever since.
Mr Shimizu spoke to a packed news conference at its headquarters in Tokyo with Mr Nishizawa standing to his left.
"I wanted to take managerial responsibility and bring a symbolic close," said Mr Shimizu.
"We put the highest importance on experience and expertise in our business operations when we chose the person for the top post," he added.
His resignation had been widely expected.
Compensation The net loss of 1.25tn yen in the year to the end of March was the biggest in Japan's corporate history outside the financial sector. In the previous financial year, the company had reported a profit of 134bn yen.
Tepco's share price has fallen more than 80% since the earthquake.
"We want to sincerely apologise for our nuclear reactors in Fukushima causing so much anxiety, worry and trouble to society," Mr Shimizu said.
He was criticised for not making any public appearances in the two weeks after the disaster
Mr Shimizu was later hospitalised after complaining of dizzy spells.
Tepco's losses were considerably bigger than the next highest loss for a non-financial firm, which was the 812bn yen lost by Nippon Telegraph and Telecom in 2001-02.
However, its overall losses from the disaster are expected to be much bigger.
Thousands of people have been evacuated from the region around the nuclear plant, and the company has been charged with cleaning up the problem and paying compensation to the victims.
According to Bank of America Merrill Lynch, total compensation claims could reach as much as 11tn yen.

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Yuuichiro Nakajima, an investment banker at Crimson Phoenix discusses the future of Tepco

Asset sales Last Friday, the government announced a plan to create an entity to help Tepco compensate the victims of the nuclear crisis.
Authorities have also been studying possible bail-outs, including using contributions from other utilities and taxpayer money.
But it has been very difficult for Tepco to borrow money since the government suggested banks should waive some of Tepco's debt, which raised concerns that the government might not fully support the company.
Tepco has not offered any guidance on its trading in the current year because it does not know how much it will have to pay in compensation.
It has announced plans to sell 600bn yen of assets to raise money.
The assets sold are expected to include its 7.9% stake in KDDI, the telecoms company that owns Japan's second biggest mobile phone network.

West Ham's James Tomkins called into England U21 squad

Tomkins has played for England U21s nine times before

West Ham's James Tomkins has been called into England's European Under-21 Championship squad as a replacement for Manchester City's Micah Richards.

Tomkins, 22, who has nine under-21 caps, received his call after Richards was forced out by a hamstring injury.
The Hammers defender will now join up with the squad before Sunday's friendly against Norway in Southampton.
England's European Championship campaign starts on 12 June against Spain in Herning.
Three days later they play Ukraine, again in Herning, before their final group game against the Czech Republic on 19 June in Viborg.
The semi-finals and final of the tournament take place the following week.
The loss of Richards, who has won 12 caps for the senior England team, is another blow to coach Stuart Pearce's squad, with Andy Carroll and Jack Wilshere having been ruled out of selection because of injury and fatigue respectively.

Youssouf Mulumbu withdraws from DR Congo squad

BBC Sport, Kinshasa Mulumbu scored seven league goals for West Brom last season

West Bromwich Albion midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu has withdrawn from DR Congo's squad to face Mauritius in their 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on 5 June.

Mulumbu had been expected to board a flight in Paris on Sunday, along with other Europe-based players, but was unable to travel, joining three others who withdrew earlier.
Kamango Tsibola, the executive director of the national team, received a text message from Mulumbu informing him that he would not be joining them as planned, because of injury.
"We were awaiting Europe-based players at a location when the director got a message from Mulumbu informing him that he was not available to join his teammates for the flight to Mauritius, as he was injured," Otis Ngoma, DR Congo assistant coach told a radio station in Kinshasa.
"We were surprised to hear [that] because according to Caf and Fifa rules a player should get the clearance of the national team's doctor [before] confirming he is unfit."
Mulumbu only joined up with the DR Congo squad again in March after deciding to stay away for several months, complaining of disorganisation by the Congolese football authorities.
His withdrawal comes just days after three other Europe-based players announced that they would not form part of coach Robert Nouzaret's squad, leaving him with just 19 players to choose from.
Midfielder Cedric Makiadi, who plays for German side SC Freiburg, declined Nouzaret's invitation, as he got married on 27 May. DC Motema Pembe midfielder Kanu Mbiyavanga was called up to replace him.
Striker Mboyo Ilumbe of Belgian side La Gantoise was injured during his club's last game of the season.
And striker Mbuyi Mutombo from Belgian side St Trond also declined his call-up to the squad as he is yet to decide whether to play for DR Congo or Belgium, as he holds two citizenships.
The DR Congo FA's secretary general Ediba Bedi confirmed that Mulumbu, Ilumbe and Mutombo will not be replaced.
Two weeks ago, Lomana LuaLua was left out of Nouzaret's squad, but the coach is yet to explain why he omitted the former Newcastle striker from his original panel of 22.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Kidiaba Muteba Robert (TP Mazembe), Mandanda Parfait (Altay, Turkey), Matampi Vumi Leya (DC Motema Pembe)
Defenders: Nkulukuta Miala Eric (TP Mazembe), Dikaba Rodrigue (Beauvais, France), Kimuaki Joel (TP Mazembe), Mihayo Kazembe (TP Mazembe), Mulemo Landry (Bucaspor, Turkey), Ebunga Simbi (Vita Club), Tsholola Tshinyama (Lokeren, Belgium), Kinkela Christian (Ajaccio, France)
Midfielders: Ngassanya Ilongo (DC Motema Pembe), DR Congo), Milambo Mutamba (Beauvais, France), Bedi Mbenza (TP Mazembe), Matumona Zola (Mons, Belgium), Kanu Mbiyavanga (DC Motema Pembe)
Strikers: Kabangu Patou (TP Mazembe), Diba Ilunga Yves (Najran, Saudia Arabia), Kaluyitukadioko Alain (TP Mazembe)

erard Houllier set for Aston Villa exit

Houllier took over as Villa manager in September

Manager Gerard Houllier is expected to leave Aston Villa by Wednesday, BBC Midlands Today understands.

Houllier, who only took over in September, missed the end of the season because of health problems and is set to leave by mutual consent.
BBC Radio 5 live's Pat Murphy said: "The decision will be in the interests of Aston Villa, not Houllier.
"The delay may be over severance pay. Houllier still has two years left on a contract worth more than £2m a year."
Murphy added: "Houllier and his management team have remained bullish about his prospects of returning to work but a final round of medical tests late last week would have taken the decision out of Houllier's hands."
Medical test results have been studied by the club's owner Randy Lerner and medical staff. Houllier missed the final month of last season because of his heart problems.
Caretaker manager Gary McAllister had been convinced the Frenchman would return to his post and the 63-year-old has played his part in drawing up Villa's plans for next season.
It is understood Villa officials are concerned a return to the dugout for Houllier could cause further health problems and may not, therefore, be fair to him or the club.
He has struggled to win over the Villa fans despite them moving away from the relegation zone and finishing ninth in the Premier League.
Villa have already been linked with Everton manager David Moyes, Fulham boss Mark Hughes and former England coach Steve McClaren as possible successors should Houllier's reign be at an end.

Michael Mancienne signs for Hamburg from Chelsea

Mancienne has been on loan at Wolves for the past two seasons

Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne has signed a four-year deal with Hamburg for about £1.75m.

The 23-year-old will join his new team-mates after competing for England at the European Under-21 Championship.
Londoner Mancienne has had limited chances at Chelsea but he now joins Blues former technical director Frank Arnesen at the German club.
"Hamburg are a big club with a lot of tradition and some fantastic fans," Mancienne said.
"It's a big challenge for me to be able to play for this club. It would be great if I could play a part in helping Hamburg get back into Europe."
Londoner Mancienne joined Chelsea as a schoolboy but made only six senior appearances before he was loaned out to Wolves.
He spent three spells at Molineux, including the past two seasons, and also had two periods at QPR.
But his lack of top-level experience has not put off Arnesen, who has wasted little time raiding his old club since joining Hamburg as their new sporting director.
"I know Michael from Chelsea and have followed his development for years," said Arnesen. "I am aware of his great potential."
The deal has been sanctioned with Chelsea still looking for a new manager since they sacked Carlo Ancelotti on 22 May - the final day of the Premier League season.
Hamburg finished eighth last season in the Bundesliga

Man Utd midfielder Paul Scholes retires aged 36

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Archive: Scholes looks back on his Man Utd and England career

Manchester United's Paul Scholes has ended his playing career, aged 36.

Midfielder Scholes made his United debut in 1994, making 676 appearances, and will now join the coaching staff.
His retirement came after he helped the club win a record 19th league title, the 10th of his career, and his last game was Saturday's Champions League final loss to Barcelona.
"This was not a decision I've taken lightly but I feel now is the right time for me to stop playing," he said.
The famously low key Scholes added: "I am not a man of many words but I can honestly say that playing football is all I have ever wanted to do and to have had such a long and successful career at Manchester United has been a real honour.
"To have been part of the team that helped the club reach that 19th title is a great privilege."
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson paid tribute to Scholes and called him "a truly unbelievable player".
The Scot stated: "Paul has always been inspirational to players of all ages and we know that will continue in his new role."
Scholes was held in high esteem by his fellow professionals - in 2009, former world player of the year Zinedine Zidane said he was "the complete midfielder" and "my toughest opponent".
The France international added: "Scholes is undoubtedly the greatest of his generation."
That same year, United legend Sir Bobby Charlton also had warm words to say about the one-club man.
He commented: "Many great players have worn the shirt of Manchester United - players I worshipped, then lost with my youth in Munich. Players like Denis Law and George Best, who I enjoyed so much as team-mates and now, finally, players I have watched closely in the Ferguson era - and in so many ways Scholes is my favourite."
Meanwhile, United team-mate Rio Ferdinand said on Twitter that Scholes had gone "from a scoring midfielder to a dictator of the game" and "changed his game while still at top of the game".
Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere described Scholes on the same social networking site as "top class" and "a great role model for any young English midfielder".
Scholes was part of United's Class of 92, which also produced David Beckham, Nicky Butt and Gary Neville - another player who announced his retirement this season.

Phil McNulty Read more

United chief executive David Gill said Scholes had "established himself as one of the greatest players to ever wear the United shirt".
In addition to winning 10 Premier League titles, Scholes was a member of the team that triumphed in the 2008 Champions League final against Chelsea but was suspended for the 1999 final win over Bayern Munich.
He also won 66 England caps before retiring from international football following the Euro 2004 tournament, aged only 29.
Current England manager Fabio Capello tried to tempt him to change his mind before the 2010 World Cup.
Scholes said he would have considered a U-turn but was not given enough time to make up his mind.

Daniel Koellerer banned for life for match-fixing

Koellerer has been banned from all pro tennis with immediate effect

Former world number 55 Daniel Koellerer has been given a life ban from the sport for match-fixing.

The 27-year-old Austrian, currently ranked 385th, has been found guilty of three charges under the Uniform Tennis Anti-Corruption Programme.
They include "contriving or attempting to contrive the outcome of an event" between October 2009 and July 2010.
"The life ban applies with immediate effect," said the anti-corruption Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU).
"Mr Koellerer is not eligible to participate in any tournament or competition organised or sanctioned by the governing bodies of professional tennis."
Koellerer, who was also fined $100,000 (£61,000), has the right to appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Koellerer's manager, Manfred Nareyka, disputed the verdict and confirmed the Austrian is considering an appeal.
"This is a massive shock. This investigation has now been going on for a year and a half. It has affected him making a living," he said.
"There is no proof. I distance myself from any form of match-fixing."
He added of a possible appeal: "We're looking into it now. He isn't sure if he can afford the legal costs. He is going to become a father in July. It is very difficult."
The TIU has not specified which matches Koellerer manipulated and said no details of the hearing or decision will be made public.
The TIU was established by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the ATP and WTA Tours to protect the sport from corruption and betting scandals.
All players must sign up to the Uniform Tennis Anti-Corruption Programme.

Counter-Drug Efforts See a Boost in 2011

Counter-Drug Efforts See a Boost in 2011

  VOA Khmer | Phnom Penh  Tuesday, 31 May 2011

Photo: AP

Cambodian officers burn some three tones of various drugs are seized in the nation wide of this country at the outskirt of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday, June 2, 2009. Cambodian authorities torched nearly 3 tons of herbs used to produce "herbal ecstasy" as part of a campaign to wipe out synthetic drugs recently uncovered in the country.

Cambodian anti-drug forces have made increasing arrests, but the country still faces trafficking and production by criminals, authorities said Tuesday.
Police “suppressed” 350 drug offenses in 2010, up from 309 the year before, said You Sunlong, secretary-general of the National Authority for Combating Drugs. Authorities arrested 684 drug offenders last year, he said, up from 615 the year before.
The major increase in counter-narcotics has come this year, with 475 alleged drug offenders already arrested in the first three months alone.
However, You Sunlong said Cambodia remains attractive to drug producers and traffickers.
“Our point of challenge is that the criminals still have the ambition of continuing tricks in all forms of trafficking, distribution, production and renovation of drug quality,” he said.
The drugs are then smuggled to other countries or consumed locally, he said. Cambodia has “between 5,000 and 6,000 drug users,” he said, 60 percent of whom are “youths.”
Drugs are also brought into Cambodia through its northeastern provinces, the Phnom Penh International Airport and the port of Preah Sihanouk province—and then smuggled on to Thailand and Vietnam.
The counter-drug authority confiscated nearly 150,000 amphetamine tablets last year, along with nearly 7,000 grams of crystal methamphetamine, or “ice,” 781 grams of heroin and 277 grams of dry marijuana.
Those numbers were a decrease from the year before, You Sunlong said.

US Seeks Cooperation With China as it Boosts Engagement in Southeast Asia

US Seeks Cooperation With China as it Boosts Engagement in Southeast Asia

  VOA | Washington, DC  Tuesday, 31 May 2011

Photo: VOA Khmer

Cambodian Ambassador Hem Heng shakes hand with US Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, (file photo).

"One area where the U.S. could make a contribution is with disaster assistance."

A top State Department official says that as the United States works to deepen its engagement in Southeast Asia, working closely together with China is a key part of that effort.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell says that one of the the most important things that the United States is seeking to do this year, both at the ASEAN regional forum and the East Asia Summit, is show the United States deep commitment to working with China.

"We want to dispel any concerns in Southeast Asia that we see this as a venue for larger competition of the kind that would be destabilizing and unhelpful to Southeast Asian friends.  Obviously there's a degree of competition in any relationship, and there is that between the United States and China, but we want to make sure that we work together in an appropriate manner in Southeast Asia," he said.

U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia was the focus of a speech Campbell gave Tuesday at the Washington D.C.-based research group, the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

As the United States works to find common ground with China, the world's second largest economy and a rising Asia-Pacific military power, Campbell says Washington will be seeking to highlight areas of common pursuit with Beijing and find specific projects the two countries can work with each other in the region.

Analysts say the United States is stepping up its engagement in the region to counter China's growing economic and political clout. China was upset last year, when the United States voiced its interest in helping promote the peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea.

China, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan all have claims on parts or all of the South China Sea, where oil and natural reserves are believed to be in abundance. China argues that the issue should be handled bi-laterally.

When asked about a recent incident between a Vietnamese oil survey vessel and a Chinese naval vessel, Campbell did not make any direct remarks, but stressed the importance of dialogue in resolving such disputes.

"Our general policy remains the same, we discourage a resort to violence in these circumstances or threats and we want to see a process of dialogue emerge. We communicate intensively and privately with a variety of states associated with the South China Sea and we want to continue that as we go forward," Campbell said.

Vietnam says its ship was operating well within the country's 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone when it was approached by three Chinese naval vessels. It says one of the Chinese ships cut exploration cables and forced the Vietnamese vessel out of the area under threat of violence.

Campbell says that since stepping into office over two years ago, President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have worked to intensify U.S. engagement in Southeast Asia.

In 2009, President Obama was the first U.S. president to meet with all 10 member-nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN.

Secretary Clinton has traveled to Asia seven times, he says, and that many of those trips have been to Southeast Asia. Clinton has hoped to visit all of the nations in Southeast Asia during her time in office.

"I think what you have seen over the course of the last two and a half years is the beginning of that process. I say beginning because in order to be successful, particularly in South East Asia, it is going to be important to continue this (effort)," she said.

One important move that to continue that effort for the United States is joining the East Asia Summit this November in Bali, Indonesia for the first time. Campbell says both President Obama and Secretary Clinton feel the way the United States joins the East Asia Summit is crucial.

"It is extraordinarily important for the United States to be successful. That we come in, we listen, we join the culture that is already established, and that we recognize our role as the new comer."

He says that the United States will come to the East Asia Summit prepared to interact with members on the existing agenda, as well as find a few areas where Washington can as he put it make some "modest contributions."

One area where the U.S. could make a contribution is with disaster assistance, he says.

At several points during the speech, Campbell highlighted the important role ASEAN is playing and can play in the region.

"It has become a very serious institution. It has been engaged on some of the most difficult and challenging issues confronting Asia over the course of the last many years, proliferation, challenges associated with Burma, questions related to what is the best way to promote dialogue in areas surrounding maritime security and the like," he said.

One area, however, where more could be done, he says, is how forums like ASEAN address problems in Northeast Asia and the need for more involvement and engagement on such issues.

Campbell says the United States overall goal in the region is to secure a strong enduring presence of commitment to the region, not just to North Asia, but increasingly to Southeast Asia as well.

Campbell adds that some details of that commitment will be outlined when Defense Secretary Robert Gates attends the regional defense meeting, the Shangri-La Dialogue, in Singapore later this week.

Plucked From Garbage Scavenging, a Girl Makes Good

Plucked From Garbage Scavenging, a Girl Makes Good

  VOA Khmer | Phnom Penh  Tuesday, 31 May 2011

Photo: by Pich Samnang

Today Chen Sokha, 16, is a student at a prestigious international school and has even been named one of Newsweek magazine’s top 150 women.

When Chen Sokha was a young girl, she found herself, through circumstance and bad luck, an orphan, and a scavenger at Phnom Penh’s notorious Stung Meanchey dump. Things went poorly from Day One.

“While I was scavenging on the side of the trash hill, a bulldozer pushed the trash down and the trash covered one of my legs,” she said in a recent interview, recalling the day years before. “I was so terrified that I tried to get out and run away, but one of my friends got covered up and killed there; I still remember the incident. ”
Those days are behind her now. Today Chen Sokha, 16, is a student at a prestigious international school and has even been named one of Newsweek magazine’s top 150 women. She’s an accomplished student and an aspiring dancer. She’s been featured in a documentary of inspiring girls around the world and has even met with US First Lady Michelle Obama.
“I was so proud of her as she was a strong and powerful woman,” Chen Sokha said, sitting in a clean school uniform at A New Day Cambodia, an NGO that helps young garbage scavengers leave the dump and go to school. She met the first lady on a sponsored trip to the US last year. “Meeting her made me feel like I wanted to be the same as her,” Chen Sokha said.
It has been a long road for Chen Sokha, who moved to Phnom Penh from Svay Rieng province after her mother died. Her father earned 1,000 riel a day as a laborer.
“We had nowhere to go when we got sick,” she recalled. “When it rained, the water flowed and it was unspeakably dirty and unhygienic for our health, but I was still struggling with my father. I did not lose hope.”
That hope did not last. Her father died from an unknown disease when she was six.
“When my father died, I lost everything: my education, my struggling spirit and my parental love and even the love from my siblings because I had to go away and live with others,” she said.
She began living a nightmare, scavenging at the dump with hundreds of children, until A New Day Cambodia found her in July 2007. Through the help of US sponsors, it pulled her from the dump and gave her a place to live.
“I felt like I were in heaven,” she said. “ I was in a big, cool and clean house with a cook and nanny; I was not staying here yet, but I already felt so warn then.
The organization asked her to do one thing: study.
Here, Chen Sokha gets academic classes, tutors and dance rehearsal. And she’s determined to make the most of it. Her hard work and good grades have earned her a place at Zaman International School, on a scholarship provided by A New Day Cambodia to its best students.
She also studies back at A New Day, where Geetha Jayabose Ingram is her science tutor. Ingram said she has always been struck with Chen Sokha’s curiosity and determination.
“There’s that motivation of I’ve got to work hard now, so I can do good for others,” Ingram said. “Basically, this was given to me and I need to share it.”
But even now, Chen Sokha’s memories of scavenging continue to haunt her.
“I always feel afraid that one day I’ll be expelled from here and return to my past life due to some unknown or unintentional mistake,” she said. “I don't want to go back, but stay here and move forward.”
Moving forward means making good on the opportunities she has been given. And it means giving something back, for the children here and for the memory of her lost parents. Now, Chen Sokha teaches English to the younger students, grilling them on vocabulary and grammar.
If there is one lesson she’s learned, it’s that “you must never give up hope,” she said. “You must struggle and struggle until one day you see success.”

Opposition Asks Hun Sen to Protect Prey Lang Forest

Opposition Asks Hun Sen to Protect Prey Lang Forest

VOA Khmer | Phnom Penh  Tuesday, 31 May 2011

Photo: AP

A rubber plantation at Rattanakiri province.

The Sam Rainsy Party has sent a request to Prime Minister Hun Sen requesting that he cancel economic land concessions in Prey Lang forest, in the east of the country, where thousands are villagers say their livelihoods are under threat.
Nine SRP parliamentarians singled out more than 6,000 hectares in a concession to a Vietnamese company, CRCK, among others, and suggested the forest be listed as a Unesco World Heritage site.
Hun Sen approved a 70-year lease to CRCK in September 2009, clearing the way for a contract between the company and Ministry of Agriculture for the clearance of forest for a rubber plantation.
In their letter, SRP lawmakers said more than 29,000 people from four different provinces had signed a petition for intervention in the concessions.
Kampong Thom Governor Chhun Chhorn defended the CRCK rubber plantation, saying it would bring more than 2,000 jobs to the area. He accused the Sam Rainsy Party was using the concession as a “political issue.”
However, Men Sothavrin, an SRP lawmaker for the province, said the company was not complying with government development plans and was not likely to bring as much economic development as hoped.
Chhit Vuthy, director of the Natural Resources Protection Group, said Prey Lang forest in Preah Vihear province had been cleared of 30 percent of its tree cover.
“The company clears the forest before the rubber plantation so that’s why the company has a lot of income before they help people,” he said.

Lake Residents Amass Petition for Onsite Housing

Lake Residents Amass Petition for Onsite Housing

Photo: AP

A man walks among the rubble of houses almost removed on the edge of Boeung Kak, Phnom Penh's largest lake. The man and other residents of the area are being evicted from their homes to make way for upscale villas and office buildings.

Residents facing the threat of eviction in Phnom Penh’s Boeung Kak lake development have collected 1,500 thumbprints on a petition supporting their plans for onsite housing there.
The residents are pushing for their own plan and rejecting a counter-offer from the city, along with a buyout from developer Shukaku, Inc., they say is below market value.
The petition drives comes as the UN’s special human rights envoy for Cambodia, Surya Subedi, arrives in Phnom Penh for an assessment of the country’s rights environment, including the pressing issue of forced evictions.
Tep Vanny, a representative of lake residents, told VOA Khmer on Monday the 1,500 families represented on the petition want city authorities to resolve the development dilemma with onsite housing.
“Our thumbprints are very important in showing our last stance, what [we] really want,” he said.
The plan calls for a minimum 4-meter-by-16-meter house for each family, at ground level, depending on the size of the home a family now house in the proposed 133-hectare development site. It is a rejection of an earlier city plan for housing at another site.
Phnom Penh Deputy Governor Noun Sameth said the residents must make their demands clear and “concrete,” criteria that Tep Vanny said the residents are meeting.
The petition will be submitted to the city on Tuesday, Tep Vanny said.
“We’re pushing the government to stop continuous delays in solving the issue for Boeung Kak residents, because now it is the rainy season,” he said. “”When there’s a flood, we will not have a place to live.”

ICJ ruling just before poll could hurt the Democrats

If the world court agrees to Cambodia's request to get Thai troops out of area near Preah Vihear temple, party may suffer a voter backlash

If the International Court of Justice (ICJ) takes provisional measures as requested by Cambodia and get Thai troops to withdraw from the vicinity of Preah Vihear Temple in the next three or four weeks, it will make the ruling Democrat Party appear to have failed to protect the country's interests.
Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya expects the court to deliver a ruling on the provisional measures by the end of this month, perhaps just a few days before the July 3 election, which would be long enough to influence voters' decisions.
The last two weeks of June are also critical because the World Heritage Committee will hold its 35th session in Paris to consider the Preah Vihear management plan, which is getting strong opposition from the current Thai government.
It is difficult to speculate how the ICJ will respond to Cambodia's request to take temporary measures that ban Thailand from maintaining a military presence near the ancient Hindu temple. The court may grant or reject the request, or even offer other alternatives.
The worst-case scenario for Abhisit Vejjajiva's government would be that the court takes Cambodia's side and forces Thailand to withdraw its troops from the disputed area and bans any act that might violate Phnom Penh's sovereignty over the area.
Abhisit's policy towards the neighbouring country during his time in power has been to block Cambodia's moves to manage the World Heritage-listed temple.
The government managed to delay the consideration of Cambodia's management plan for the temple during the committee's meeting in Brasilia last year, and has been trying to introduce further delays until the border dispute can be settled.
Cambodia has been trying to implement the plan since the temple was listed as a World Heritage Site in 2008, but all bilateral moves to settle the conflict have failed. Phnom Penh then took the case to the ICJ to have it clarify the scope and meaning of its 1962 ruling.
In 1962, the court ruled that Preah Vihear was situated in territory that came under the sovereignty of Cambodia, and that Thailand was obligated to withdraw its troops and personnel from the temple and its vicinity. Phnom Penh now wants the court to clarify whether Thailand's action since 1962 has been enough.
Meanwhile, Thailand has been arguing that the ICJ does not have the jurisdiction to make clarifications on the boundary matter, because its 1962 ruling only covered the temple and its immediate vicinity. Cambodia had accepted the lines demarcating Preah Vihear's vicinity offered by the Thai Cabinet in 1962 without any objections.
In a radio show yesterday, Kasit said he was confident in the ICJ's abilities because it comprised highly qualified judges from developed and developing countries and he believed that Thailand's argument was convincing enough.
In a Twitter message, the Thai Foreign Ministry said Cambodia needed an area in Thai territory for its Preah Vihear management plan to work.
The best-case scenario for Abhisit's government would be if the ICJ rejected Cambodia's request and the World Heritage Committee agreed to delay its consideration of the management plan during its upcoming session.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti, who will lead the Thai delegation at the meeting in Paris, failed in his efforts last week to have Cambodia agree to delay the plan again.
He told the Cabinet yesterday that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) backed Thailand's moves to delay the plan, but it needed to lobby support from other members of the committee.
Abhisit, meanwhile, has told Suwit to study closely the wording in the World Heritage Committee's decisions, since certain terms might affect Thailand's interests.
Suwit faces an uphill task next month, since he has already agreed, and even signed a note with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sok An, to allow the Preah Vihear management plan to be considered by the committee in its upcoming session.
If the government fails the battle at both the ICJ and the World Heritage Committee levels, Abhisit and his government will lose all credit, because it would prove that his policies and handling of the issue have been totally wrong.

Caring for Cambodia’s kids

01 Jun, 2011 08:41 AM

In a sea of brown faces a Wellington woman of just 23 is making a real difference. Cambodia in South East Asia has history of corruption, war and poverty but now its changing a little day by day.
Clare Holman shows maturity beyond her youth and manages an orphanage in Siam Reap nurturing the future of young girls and boys.
“The orphanage is non-government funded and survives off donations and the work and goodwill of volunteers. It caters for 57 orphans ranging in age from eight to 21 years. The orphanage also operates as a free English school for over 400 local children,’’ her friend Kate Kiss said.
“Clare has stayed at the orphanage several times over the past couple of years. She is a Wellington local girl making a huge difference in the lives of the children and also provides a great role model for the teenage girls in Wellington.”
Ms Kiss established a sponsorship program in Australia and has successfully managed to have each of the 49 children sponsored.
Many of these sponsors are in the Wellington/Dubbo area.
“At the beginning of 2010, Clare embarked on a year-long stay to help at the orphanage and also to teach English to the students. She pays for her own food and accommodation while she is there and teaches the children six days per week at no cost to them,’’ Ms Kiss explained
In 2009, Clare’s family and friends raised $4000 for the orphanage through a music trivia night in Wellington. It was a huge success and a great send off to Clare.
‘’I organised another music trivia night last July and we raised in excess of $8000 for Clare.
“It assisted Clare with some of her own expenses. Extra fundraising allowed her to purchase clothing within the Siem Reap markets for over 400 children.
A music night will be held at the Soldiers Memorial Club in July.
Contact details:
Oakey Creek Rd, Spicers Creek NSW 2820
Ph/Fax 6846 6217 Steve 0428 684 363 Kate 0427 466 217
Skype Stephen and Kate/currawarra88
stephenkate@b igpond.com

Cambodia, Thailand look to end row

Cambodia, Thailand look to end row

HA NOI — Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister cum Minister of Foreign Affairs Hor Namhong and Thailand 's Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya met yesterday at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands to resolve border dispute issues between the two countries.

At the court, Hor Namhong requested the ICJ propose solutions to put an end to armed conflicts escalating in the disputed border area around Preah Vihear Temple.

He also appealed to Thailand to respect Cambodia's territorial sovereignty and withdraw its troops from the disputed area to ensure security and peace, and conserve the temple precinct.

Meanwhile, Kasit Piromya responded by saying that the court had no jurisdiction to intervene in the dispute, saying that Thailand accepted the 1962 ruling that the temple was on Cambodian territory, but the disputed border area was not part of the ruling.

The border dispute around the Preah Vihear Temple had escalated into a serious rift in relations between Cambodia and Thailand in past years.

In 1962, for the first time Cambodia submitted the problem to the ICJ after a dispute caused tensions, including suspension of diplomatic relations between the two countries. — VNA

Rain to become a free agent after contract expires in October

With his military enlistment looming ahead of him, singer/actor Rain will have to face some major career decisions. It’s been revealed that his exclusive contract with his agency will expire in a few months.
On May 31st, a representative of Rain revealed,

“Rain’s exclusive contract with JYP Entertainment, which is run by J.Y. Park, will expire in October. This is different from his first contract… Whether Rain will be renewing his contract or looking for a new agency has not yet been decided. Once his contract expires, Rain plans to enlist in the military by December.“

Initially, Rain had planned to enlist early last year, but after being cast in KBS2TV’s drama “Fugitive“, he requested the Military Manpower Administration to defer his enlistment to this year.
He is currently in the midst of filming for his new movie, however, nothing has been decided regarding possible album promotions.
Source: Star News via Nate

JYJ’s Yoochun exhibits his fluency in English for ‘Miss Ripley’

Park Yoochun recently showed off his fluency in English through MBC’s ‘Miss Ripley‘.
In the episode that was aired on May 31st, the singer-turned-actor intrigued viewers by speaking English in a scene. Playing the role of ‘Song Yoo Hyun’, Mondo Group’s sole heir, he gave a speech at the vice president’s induction ceremony. He was able to smoothly deliver the rather difficult and long lines in English, speaking about his group’s vision.
Yoochun had lived in the U.S. when he was younger, and is therefore proficient in English. He is also fairly fluent in Japanese, from his days of carrying out promotions in Japan.
Meanwhile, ‘Miss Ripley’ capped off a good opening week, registering a rating of 14.3% for episode 2, an increase of 1.1 percentage points from it’s debut episode.
Check out the scene below:
Source: Sports Chosun via Nate

Sunny Hill reveals 2nd teaser for ‘Midnight Circus’, starring IU

Sunny Hill just unveiled their second teaser, and to everyone’s surprise, IU made a cameo appearance!
The second teaser was revealed through Loen Entertainment’s official YouTube page.
In the new teaser for “Midnight Circus“, fans were able to see IU walk into a mysterious warehouse, which houses a mysterious circus tent. The haunting music forces IU to walk deeper into the warehouse, where she encounters a turntable that leaves her transfixed.
Loen Entertainment explained, “Despite her busy schedule, IU came in a heart beat in order to show support for her labelmates, Sunny Hill. The greatest ‘dream team’ of the music industry has joined forces with Sunny Hill, so fans can expect something that will exceed their expectations.”
Sunny Hill’s album, “Midnight Circus”, will be released on June 3rd, be sure to check back for updates!

Source: Economy Daily Star via Nate, Sports Chosun via Nate

Super Junior’s Leeteuk clarifies what he meant by asking Suzy to lose weight

On May 31st, Super Junior’s Leeteuk guested on SBS’s “Strong Heart” and made an apology for a statement he made about miss A’s Suzy some time ago.
Suzy, who was also guesting on the show, began her story by explaining, “It hasn’t even been a year yet since our debut, and I’ve been up on the chopping block so many times for my weight gain, acting, speech mistakes, falling, and even for my runny nose.”
When asked what she had the most trouble with, she replied, “Since I’m a girl, I have trouble dealing with weight-related controversies.”
At her reply, Leeteuk looked uncomfortably at the camera, leading Heechul to jump in and explain, “Leeteuk once talked about Suzy on his radio program (Kiss The Radio). While talking about miss A’s comeback, he had told her to ‘lose weight’.”

Heechul continued, “I live with Leeteuk and we randomly came across a ‘chubby Suzy’ article. He told me, ‘She doesn’t look like she gained weight at all,’ and even mentioned that he would console her the next time he saw her. On the radio show, he had actually meant to say, ‘Why are you losing weight, Suzy, you don’t have to.’ The guests on the radio show reacted too quickly before he got to complete his sentence.”
Leeteuk added, “I couldn’t conclude myself at the time. About 3-4 days later, people began talkng about that. I didn’t feel it was right to bring it up again so I told someone I know to send her my apologies.”
Suzy said, “I swell up naturally; maybe it’s because I’m young. It differs day to day for me in that sometimes I’ll look heavier or thinner depending on the time of day.”
Source + Photos: Newsen via Nate

Shinhwa’s Eric cast for KBS’s “Spy Myung Wol”

Shinhwa’s Eric will finally be making his return to the small screen through the KBS drama, “Spy Myung Wol“!
Eric will be playing the role of ‘Kang Woo’, a Hallyu star who not only represents the entire South Korean entertainment industry, but a legendary figure who creates a new wave in the market.
Eric commented, “There’s a bit of pressure since it’s my first return in three years, but I’m also excited for my first filming. I promise to perfect the character of ‘Kang Woo’ so that everyone can become captivated by his charms.”
The drama is about a spy named ‘Myung Wol’ (played by actress Han Ye Seul) who meets ‘Kang Woo’ and eventually falls in love with him through a series of mishaps.
The drama will begin airing on July 4th!
Source + Photos: Joy News 24

Cha Ji Yeon releases her remake of Im Jae Bum’s hit, “Where Are You”

After making her first appearance through MBC’s “I Am a Singer” as part of Im Jae Bum’s chorus team, Cha Ji Yeon has made her debut as a singer!
On May 30th, Cha Ji Yeon’s management company, Trophy Entertainment, reveled that Im Jae Bum had presented Cha Ji Yeon with a song that he had personally composed and written for her debut.
A representative stated, “Im Jae Bum has always praised and encouraged Cha Ji Yeon, even from her days as a musical actress. He had also asked Cha Ji Yeon to sing as part of his chorus despite her lack of experience because he trusted her musical talent.”
They added, “Im Jae Bum is greatly interested in Cha Ji Yeon’s career. We started working on her album right after Im Jae Bum’s surgery. Despite the condition of his health, Im Jae Bum personally checked the direction of how the album was going. He was a big supporter in helping Cha Ji Yeon debut.”
Cha Ji Yeon expressed her nervous, yet excited feelings about her debut. “I was burdened whenever I thought about standing on stage as a singer, not just as a musical singer. However, I was strengthened by Im Jae Bum-senior’s words of encouragement and praise. He told me ‘A singer must sing with his or her heart’. I will never forget that advice and try my best to become one with the public”.
Cha Ji Yeon released her first digital single, “Where Are You”, and finally began her promotions as a singer. Because of Cha Ji Yeon’s outstanding vocal skills and experience as a musical singer, it doesn’t seem as though she is a rookie singer.
==
< Im Jae Bum version >
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< Cha Ji Yeon version >
==
Source: Star News via Nate
Tip: Jae

Baek Ji Young and Jung Suk Won are dating!

It’s been revealed that actress Baek Ji Young and actor Jung Suk Won have been dating for the past eight months.
Baek Ji Young’s representatives confirmed, “The two people have been building their love carefully since last fall.”
Rumors about the couple became an open secret within the entertainment industry. The couple went to go see Kim Junsu’s musical “Heaven’s Tears” together on February 16th, and their relationship has been flourishing ever since.
Baek Ji Young, who was born in 1976, is 9 years older than Jung Suk Won, who was born in 1985.
An official stated, “It’s too early to comment about marriage. Please look on with love as the two people meet happily.”

Source: Newsen via Nate

Rain and J.Y. Park plan for a spa date

Singer/actor Rain and producer J.Y. Park amused their fans with a recent Twitter conversation.
On May 30th at 11am, J.Y. Park tweeted, “Yesterday’s fan meeting was so heartfelt and touching that it is hard to express with words. It’s been too long, right? I’m sorry. From now on, I will have them more often! Again, thank you so much for everyone who traveled so far. I love you, everyone.”
Rain replied, “Hyung, I love you, too!”
Later, J.Y. Park responded to Rain and said, “Because you are in China, I won’t be able to see you before I leave. That’s disappointing. I’m so happy that our Japan concerts in August are overlapping. Let’s definitely go to that spa we went to last time.”
Netizens commented, “It’s good to see the close relationship between the two of you”, “Looks like you will get to catch up in August”, and “Two lovable men at the spa, I want to go too!”
Source: Star News via Nate

SECRET’s “Starlight Moonlight” generates explosive interest

Earlier today, SECRET finally unleashed their much-anticipated comeback track, “Starlight Moonlight“. Since the girls have a history of making hits with “Magic“, “Madonna“, and “Shy Boy“, fans expected nothing less than perfection from them. The result? SECRET delivered a sweet, retro-flavored track that left fans feeling both pleased and refreshed.
The song’s been climbing quickly on the charts thanks to its ability to approach a wide audience, bypassing barriers of age and gender. Listeners remarked that when they heard “Starlight Moonlight”, it gave them a serene moment in their fast-paced lives, bringing them back to simpler, sweeter times.
The music video, which was directed by director Hong Won Ki, aimed to do just that by delivering beautiful, tranquil scenes that looked straight out of a fairytale.
If you haven’t checked out their MV (and grabbed our limited-edition special badge for it), then click in for it here! Stay tuned to allkpop for coverage on their comeback stages.

Yoon Jong Shin – the sixth member of 4minute?

Singer Yoon Jong Shin took a friendly picture with the girls of 4minute!
On May 30th, Yoon Jong Shin shared the following picture through his Twitter, writing “Mnet Director’s Cut 4minute”.
The veteran star and the idol members are seen sporting a friendly pose with bright smiles on their faces. Netizens were charmed by the warmth of the photo, as they commented, “Yoon Jong Shin-sshi, you look like you have been added as a new member”, “You guys really fit well together”, and “Make a spot for me, too.”
Source: TV Daily via Nate

Alex confesses that he has many weaknesses

Singer Alex confessed that his faults and weaknesses.
On May 31st, Alex made a guest appearance on SBS Power FM’s “Choi Hwa Jung’s Power Time” and stated, “In reality, I have a lot of weaknesses.”
DJ Choi Hwa Jung asked Alex, who is known for his clean cut and romantic image, “Different from your perfect image, is it true that in reality you have imperfections?” Alex replied, “This is very true. Truthfully, I have many imperfections, but I don’t hide them purposefully.”
He added, “Many people know me as a romantic guy, but in reality, that’s not all that true. My current girlfriend even stated, ‘You should make a nationwide apology to all the people who misunderstand you to be a romanticist.’”
Alex also revealed, “There are also many people who think that I often cook delicious meals at home, but I actually don’t enjoy cooking. Because being a chef was my one time real job, I don’t really cook when I’m at home.”
Many people received this perception of Alex due to his role in the popular show, We Got Married. Meanwhile, Alex has released his 2nd album, “Just Like Me“, after 3 years of hiatus and is planning to promote his album with the title track “Even If I Try to go Crazy“.

Source: MK StarToday News

Aziatix’s Flowsik covers Chris Brown’s “Look at me Now”

Photo by Marcaux Fotografía

Aziatix member Flowsik recently showed off his rapping skills on a YouTube video.
Flowsik, real name, Jay Pak, is a talented Korean American rapper from the borough of Queens in New York. He’s worked with JYJ on a track from their album, ‘The Beginning’ and he also featured famous rapper Ice-T in one of his music videos.
Check out his cover of Chris Brown’s “Look at me Now,” it’s fresh and he hits the beat harder than the original on certain famous female celebrities.

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