Kōhaku Uta Gassen

Kōhaku Uta Gassen (紅白歌合戦, Kōhaku Uta Gassen^?), more commonly known as simply Kōhaku, is an annual music show on the New Year's Eve produced by Japanese public broadcaster NHK and broadcast on both television and radio, nationally and internationally by NHK's networks and some overseas (mainly cable) broadcasters which bought the program. The show ends shortly before midnight (when NHK switches to a frenzy of "Happy New Year" greetings from around the nation).

Literally "Red and White Song Battle," the program divides the most popular music artists of the year into competing teams of red and white. The "red" team or akagumi (赤組, 紅組, akagumi^?) is composed of all female artists (or groups with female vocals), while the "white" team or shirogumi (白組, shirogumi^?) is all male (or groups with male vocals). The honor of performing on Kōhaku is strictly by invitation, so only the most successful J-Pop artists and enka singers can perform. In addition to the actual music performances, the costumes, hair-styles, makeup, dancing, and lighting are also important. Even today, a performance on Kōhaku is said to be a big highlight in a singer's career because of the show's large reach.

December 27, 2004

Credits www.leebyunghun.com/BHfantasyland

Korean-Chinese translation from Lee Byung Hun's MagicBox

English translation credits Aldersgate-Everything Lee Byung Hun, soompi.com

Mr. Lee Byung Hun's at dotcom confirming his attendance at the NHK 55th Red and White Singing contest on New Year Day

Hello everybody, I am Lee Byung Hun

Hope everyone had a merry christmas celebration. Due to the filming of BitterSweet Life,
I spent my christmas with the staff at the filming site.

I am aware that many fans are concern about my health and well being.
I am deeply touched from the bottom of my heart.

Today I had decided to post my confirmation for my attendance of the NHK Annual Red and White singing contest
here at the dot.com in view that many fans are curious on my decision and I want all of you to have the first hand
news.

I am also aware that fans had mixed feeling about NHK invitation to me and I do comprehend the reason.

My decison was based on the fact that 2005 will be 40th anniversary of Korea/Japan friendship/cultural exchange
and it had a special meaning and not due to the overwhelming popularity in Japan that I had make this decision.

This year in Japan, had been dominated with the popularity of korean wave and thus,
brought about good diplomatic cultural exchanges.

In appreciation, on behalf of my country, Korea, I have decide to make an appearance in the show.

I hope not just 2005, the good diplomatic exchanges will continue from there henceforth.

My appearance there is within the capacity of my duty.

Hoping for everyone understanding and support.

Lee Byung Hun

December 2004

Arrival captures courtesy Lee.lena, thumbnailed + uploaded by Hyc-EverythingLBH

December 31, 2004

Original article from http://news.naver.com/news/read.php?mode=LSD&office_id=079&article_id=0000020259§ion_id=106&menu_id=106



Excerpt related to LBH
Translation by Hyc based on Chinese text by Ping-bhjwlove.com

Korean actor~~ Gratitude of Love

On 31, Dec. 2004, special guest Lee Byung Hun who attended Tokyo NHK RED WHITE Show said in Korean, “ This year RED WHITE show, our singers and Korean actors are invited to take part in the event. I would like to say thank you.” LBH gave his speech to the Japanese friends as the KNTO ambassador.

LBH talked about his feeling and hope, “I am glad to be able to convey my thanks in this year-end big scale event. But I am a bit worried too. Close association enables the distance between Korea-Japan / Japan-Korea to be shorten. This improvement will continue. Not only Korea and Japan’s cultural collaboration, there are also cultures actors of the east. Finally, I wish that the friendship between Korea and Japan will grow deeper, thank you.”

When LBH was giving his speech, NHK showed the Japanese subtitle on screen.
The Japanese fans warmly applauded the Korean representative, special guest LBH.

“It’s regrettable that Choi Jiwoo and Bae Yong Joon were not able to come.” The Japanese female MC said in Korean, “Thank you.”

Moreover, there is no such instance in the history of NHK RED WHITE. In the Hallyu hot wave, Korean singers and special guest LBH were invited to the event. This reflects that the Korea-Japan cultural collaboration has entered into a new era.

Our thanks to jiji-hajiken for the wonderful recap of the Red White event

Last night, LBH appeared Red & White music show and he was just great!!! I can’t explain how holy it was when he appeared to the stage. He looked thinner than before but the first time, he came to the stage, audience screamed really hard including men’s deep voice. LBH seemed surprised to hear male voice but at the same time looked happy to hear that. But once he start to speak, the place was supressed and the audience became so quiet that you could have heard a pin drop. I think everybody, even including non-fans were touched by his dignity. In addition, this speech was all made by himself, and it is an exceptional case.

GREETING FROM LBH AT THE NHK 2004 RED-WHITE TV EVENT

Mr IBH, actor.

Hello. I am an actor, Lee Byung Hun from Korea.

Today, I am here to tell you to congratulate the 40th aniniversary of establishing the normality of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan .

Before that, I would like to tell you my appreciation. We have been thinking how to express our appreciation to your great support.

and today, I am greatful to have this chance in this show. Through TV or movies, we have more exchanges between the two countries,

I wish the relation between the two will be the closer and more friendly one.

Moreover, from the next year (2005) I hope we would not distinguish the image(pictur) culture of the two countries,

and expect it will be the world wide scale of the oriental image culture, and wish relations will get more deeply involved.

I would like to express my appreciation again.

translated by: jiji-hajiken for Timeless Lee Byung Hun

Captures from dorama, thanks to Hyc for the highlight

Thanks to Hyc for t a wonderful translation

January 2, 2005

Article from http://www.stoo.com/html/stooview/2005/0102/092015577512111100.html



Japanese fans' 2 minutes of sweet moment with Lee Byung Hun

On December 31st, Lee Byung Hun appeared in the 2nd session of Tokyo NHK Red White special event as cultural ambassador, conveying the message of Korea-Japan friendship, to the delights of fans.

On the 1st Jan. 2005, Japanese media published the news of “Super cheers for Lee Byung Hun” as the heading, showing the warm response for Korean representative.

After the flash showing “Korean actor Lee Byung Hun”, a well-groomed LBH as the representative of the 40th Anniversary Korea-Japan Friendship Normalization Commemoration made his appearance. He conveyed message to the fans of Korean stars and Korean culture, “Hoping that the relationship between the 2 countries would be closer from now on.”

LBH speech of 2 minutes finished with endless cheers from the audience. The Red White show MCs commented as LBH left the stage, “This is the “killer smile” LBH.”