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Today’s Entertainment Headlines: New albums, more SM and John Mayer on Sewol

April 30, 2014

Today’s entertainment headlines from Korea.

Lena Park

Music industry comes back: Most album releases were postponed following the ferry boat tragedy, but singers are slowly starting activities again. Lena Park released a song, “The Next Year,” from her upcoming album; Rapper Outsider will unveil his latest digital single, “Hand,” on Friday; and rapper Mario has released “Damage,” his first comeback in two years.

Jun Ji-hyun joins list of donors: The perennially loved actress gave about $100,000 toward victims of the ferry boat sinking on Tuesday under her real name, “Wang Ji-hyun.”

SM joins hands with drama production company: SM C&C and Samhwa Networks have become partners to bring new content to the Chinese market. Samhwa has produced 3,500 hours of dramas in the past 30 years and employs writers like Kim Soo-hyun, Lee Kyung-hee and Moon Young-nam.

Speaking of SM C&C: It will produce its first musical, “Singing in the Rain,” featuring Trax’s Jay, Super Junior’s Kyu-hyun and EXO’s Baek-hyun. The musical is slated to run from June 5 to August 3 in Seoul.

Lee Jung-jae at the 50th Grand Bell Awards. / Yonhap

Poor Lee Jung-jae: The 41-year-old movie star has dropped out of the film “Big Match” after undergoing surgery for a shoulder injury he suffered while taking action lessons. C-JeS Entertainment, his management company, said doctors told the actor he needs three months of rest.

Japan gets more Kim Hyun-joong: Kim is returning to Japan for singer activities in June with his fourth single there titled “Hot Sun.” The title track, “Hot Sun,” will be rock-influenced, and the single will carry three more tracks: “Timing,” “B.I.N.G.O” and “Goodbye.”

John Mayer thinking of Korea after ferry tragedy: He tweeted Monday, “In Japan and loving it, but thinking about the people of Korea, my next stop. Having conversations about how we can help while there.” He’ll be performing in Seoul in May 6.

New marriage alert: Singers Lee Soo (of MC the Max) and Lyn will walk down the aisle on Sept. 19 at the Conrad Seoul hotel. The pair have been dating for two years.

MC Lee Hwi-jae gets new gig: Lee will host the pilot of “Big Star Little Star” on JTBC, which premieres May 10. The talk show will feature stars with their young relatives.