130620 [NEWS] Yang Chopin (Seungho) showcases his piano skills

Source: allkpop
Reuploaded: blaqrain@mblaqwithusa

MBLAQ's Seungho aka "Yang Chopin" put his amazing piano skills to use when he visited the set of 'Beatles Code 2'!

Even though this never aired during their episode, one of the staff members managed to snag a video of Seungho totally mastering the piano, playing everything from Chopin and Beethoven to more contemporary works.

At first, he looks a bit embarrassed because he's being filmed, smiling shyly and even ducking his head, but after a bit he gets into playing the piano, focusing on the keys instead.

Seungho really is a man of many talents!

130620 [NEWS] Thunder explains he dyed his hair pink to keep a promise with fans

Source: allkpop
Reuploaded: blaqrain@mblaqwithusa

A lot of fans were shocked when they saw Thunder's new pink hair for 'Smoky Girl', but he apparently did it to keep a promise to his fans.

He was a guest on SBS Power FM's 'CulTwo Show', and he was asked about his new hair color. He revealed, "I actually did this as a promise to fans. When I saw miss A' Jia's hair [for 'Bad Girl Good Girl'], I promised I'd have the same hair to my fans. I was finally able to keep my promise after 3 years."

Looks like Thunder really takes his promises seriously! What do you think of his pink hair?

130619 [NEWS] Lim Joon Hyuk apologizes for his post on MBLAQ + points out the post was deleted on June 6

Source: allkpop
Reuploaded: blaqrain@mblaqwithusa

I'm sorry I think his apology is bull. Even him trying to explain it he contradicts himself. All that matters is we know how hard MBLAQ works, 1 comedians view does not count. I only posted because so many were wanting to know the translation to his apology.

Lim Joon Hyuk made a post to apologize and to clear the air on the whole MBLAQ situation.

He posted on his Facebook to explain the situation and to point out parts that the public had misunderstood. He wrote,

This is comedian Lim Joon Hyuk..

First, I wand to apologize because I believe there's a big misunderstanding from the MBLAQ-related article posted on my Facebook.

On June 5th, when MBLAQ came to film 'UtChatSah' as guests, I made the post on Facebook, and then I deleted it voluntarily on June 6th. I'm sorry and I want to clear up the air, so I want to tell you about our recording on the 5th.

MBLAQ was scheduled to be a special guest in our segment 'Rising Star'. On the day of the recording, MBLAQ took time out of their busy schedules during their comeback to stop by the studio.

And since all 5 MBLAQ members were in our segment, it is true that it was difficult to get the lines down and to cooperate. But they finished the practice well, and during the actual 'Rising Star' recording, both MBLAQ and the comedians worked professionally to give our audience the best laughter and finished the filming without NG scenes, gaining applause from the audience.

When we record live comedy, even comedians that practice hundreds of times during a full week for one recording have NGs during recording. I want to thank the MBLAQ members for performing well without a single NG.

Even though I've recorded hundreds of times, I think comedy is something you always have disappointment in after the fact. After I recorded and came home, I posted what I felt on Facebook, and tried to be humorous as a comedian when I expressed the disappointment from that day. But the day after, I realized many people saw my post. Realizing it could be misunderstood, I just deleted the post myself.

Again, I'm sorry all this happened because of my post, and I hope there are no other misunderstandings. And from now on, I will be more careful with my words.

130619 [NEWS] Variety show PDs speak up to defend MBLAQ

Source: allkpop
Reuploaded: blaqrain@mblaqwithusa

After comedian Lim Joon Hyuk criticized MBLAQ for their lack of cooperation, variety show PDs have spoken up for the group.

The PD of KBS 2TV's 'Immortal Song' said, "I can't believe the rumors that they don't work hard. If you ask other variety show PDs, they'll say the same thing. No one works as hard as MBLAQ. Also, it's the comedian that's at the center of a comedy program. Even if the guests are a little lacking, it's their job to fill in that space. I can't understand why he had to say it over SNS, instead of just saying it on-site."

tvN's 'SNL Korea' said the same thing. 'SNL Korea' said, "It's the first time we heard that someone say that MBLAQ doesn't work hard on variety shows. They worked harder than even the hosts when they were the featured guests on SNL.Lee Joon especially, he came right after recording 'M! Countdown' early in the morning on the 15th, waited 2 hours for Miranda Kerr, and went to act on the solid ground."

Source: TV Report

For those who do not know what this is referring to you can read earlier post here.

1306017 [NEWS] MBLAQ Mir’s Mom Exposes Chubby Childhood

Source: enewsworld
Reuploaded: blaqrain@mblaqwithusa

Everyone has had baby fat at one point in their life, and MBLAQ Mir’s mom recently shared just how chubby and adorable Mir was during his childhood.

On the June 16 broadcast of Mamma Mia, Mir appeared with his mother, who is already well-known for having a hilarious personality. 

When MC Park Mi Sun asked if Mir was a chubby and quiet kid, Mir’s mom replied without missing a beat, “When he was young, Mir’s chest was bigger than Lee Young Ja’s.” 

She proceeded to show a childhood photo of Mir, where he appeared a lot chubbier than the Mir we see today, but still just as adorable. 

“He came out pretty skinny in this picture,” said Mir’s Mom. 

Meanwhile, Mir shared that his mom has never told him to study. “She suggested I go to play billiards, or go to the arcade,” said Mir. “She gave me 1,000 won and told me to stay at the arcade all day.”

Photo Credit: KBS

130616 [NEWS] BTS and MBLAQ pose for a friendly photo

Source: allkpop
Reuploaded: blaqrain@mblaqwithusa

Hot-off-the-presses rookie group, BTS (Bangtan Boys), struck a pose with the boys ofMBLAQ following their 'Inkigayo' performance.

"In front of the waiting room with the MBLAQ sunbaes!!" they posted to their official Twitter earlier today. "'Smoky Girl' is so awesome.. hahaha thank you!" 

Dressed in a similar fashion with streetwear-black clothes and blazers, Thunder's shockingly pink hair particularly stands out from the crowd.

Check out their performances - along with the rest of the 'Inkigayo' stages - here!

130616 [NEWS] How K-pop artists relate to some of the people around you

Source: allkpop
Reuploaded: blaqrain@mblaqwithusa
Only showing MBLAQ's part

Wherever you go, in every walk of life, there always seems to be a homogeneous structure for classifying people - for instance, the jock, the smart at math Asian, the creeper, what have you. It's a gross and insensitive habit, but like all well-trained bad habits, it's more or less second nature.

Don't feel stigmatized, though - our tendency to label is only natural, and for the most part, we really can't help ourselves. 

The reasons we do so range from both ends - it could be instinctive; it could be for the sake of simplicity or consistency. And for some of the more questionable people out there, it could very well be for the sake of feeding your narcissistic tendencies, making yourself feel you're above everyone else. 

Whatever. The point of the matter is - we all do it. But admittedly, some of the labels are just dead on and so applicable to different situations and people. 

So we decided to give it a try. And what better targets? Well, this is allkpop, and as such, labeling some of your favorite K-Pop idols would make sense, contextually speaking. 

We understand that it's essentially the entertainment agencies, or the big guns, that spawn their careers. But the artists, in more ways than one, define their agencies just as much as their agencies define them. And it's quite interesting to see how some of those dynamics seep through the artists' style and nuance. 

Here's what we came up!

The boys who take Halloween costume coordination to new extremes - MBLAQ 

MBLAQ seems like the type of group who would do anything for a good laugh. Thankfully, we can get a peek of their playful personalities on variety programs.  

130616 [NEWS] [Star of the Week] The MBLAQ Members When They Were Mini-Sized

Source: enewsworld
Reuploaded: blaqrain@mblaqwithusa

The MBLAQ members may be all grown up now, singing about picking up ′Smoky Girls′ at the club in their latest single Smoky Girl, but they weren′t always smooth-talking playboys.

In fact, before they were suave and sexy, the MBLAQ members were simply sweet, and we have proof!

We′ve gathered a few of our favorite baby photos of the MBLAQ members, so read on and let the squealing commence.

 

 

We give baby G.O′s fashion choices here an A+.

Mir proves chubby babies are the happiest babies.

Seung Ho was born to be a leader.

Baby Cheon Dung monkeys around on a tree.

We wouldn′t mind being lost at sea with baby Lee Joon.

And, a bonus photo of Lee Joon, because this is too good not to share.

Photo credit: Mir′s Twitter, Online community

 

130616 [NEWS] [Star of the Week] MBLAQ’s Smoky Girls

Source: enewsworld
Reuploaded: blaqrain@mblaqwithusa

MBLAQ made a sexy-smooth comeback with new single Smoky Girl this month, and we’re looking back on the women who have had an impact on the MBLAQ members’ lives.

From rumored romances to friendships and sibling love, we have it all below!

 

Ailee

When the MBLAQ members aren’t busy promoting their own songs, they’re supporting other artists, and member G.O once appeared as Ailee’s love interest in her music video for I’ll Show You.

Although G.O plays the shallow ex-boyfriend in the music video, scenes from the set show the two singers goofing off and having a good time.

Kara’s Park Gyuri

MBLAQ’s Seung Ho and Kara’s Park Gyuri may be colleagues in the K-Pop world now, but they go way back as they were once schoolmates

Park Gyuri revealed her close ties to the MBLAQ member on MBC’s Idol Manager, sharing that Seung Ho was a popular student at their high school.

IU

MBLAQ’s Cheon Dung and IU are also known for being BFFs prior to their debut.

Thunder even makes an appearance in IU’s early video clips, which showcase IU’s talent before the singer and star of You’re the Best Lee Soon Shin catapulted to ‘Nation’s Little Status.’

The two idol stars continue to support each other today,

Oh Yeon Seo

Appearing on MBC’s We Got Married has become a rite of passage for idol stars, and MBLAQ’s Lee Joon tried his hand at married life with virtual wife actress Oh Yeon Seo.

The couple’s time on the show was short-lived, however, as there were reports that Oh Yeon Seo was dating actor Lee Jang Woo at the time, and the two stars officially exited the show early this year.

Although fans were disappointed to see Lee Joon go, we hope he finds true love one day.

4minute’s Hyuna

While Lee Joon’’s fling with actress Oh Yeon Seo was made for TV, the idol star was once swept up in a real-life dating scandal with 4minutes Hyuna.

Rumors began swirling when a media outlet reported that Lee Joon and Hyuna were seen getting cozy on an airplane.

The artists’ agencies later explained that they were traveling together to film the music video for Hyuna’s Bubble Pop!

Fiestar’s Jei

Member Mir was involved in his own TV romance when he appeared on tvN’s The Romantic & Idol, a reality show that sent a bunch of idol stars off to Jeju Island to find love.

Mir was not shy about showing his affection for Fiestar’s Jei throughout the show, and the program ended with a happy ending for the idol stars as they were among the idols to come out of the show a couple.

Last we heard, the idol stars’ romance didn’t survive the show, but, hey, it was good while it lasted.

Ko Eun A

We can’t talk about the famous women in the MBLAQ members’ lives without mentioning two very important people: their star siblings.

Member Mir garnered attention during his debut days for being actress Ko Eun A’s younger brother, and while most siblings are at each other’s throats more often than not, the brother-sister pair are known to be extremely close.

Sandara Park

Member Cheon Dung and 2NE1’s Sandara Park are another set of famous siblings, and a simple search online uncovers a plethora of cute brother-sister moments.

Sandara Park is Cheon Dung’s biggest cheerleader, as she often tweets photos and messages of support for her younger brother, and when Cheon Dung isn’t screening the suitors pursuing his big sister, he’s praising her beauty.

130616 [NEWS] [Star of the Week] MBLAQ

Source: enewsworld
Reuploaded: blaqrain@mblaqwithusa

 

 MBLAQ has returned to fans, determined to prove that the Music Boys are still hot and sexy.

After over a year break from promoting as a group, MBLAQ released its fifth mini album, Sexy Beat and its lead single, Smoky Girl, ready to show off its new colors.

Returning as sexy-dols, the MBLAQ members deemed themselves the Pelvis Pros, while talking about how they meet girls and what kind of ′smoky girls′ they like.

While MBLAQ is slinking back onto the scene, the members are making their presence known, via music and variety shows, so we had to deem them our Star of the Week! So make sure to keep checking in for more special articles on all day!

130616 [NEWS] [Star of the Week] The Novices of MBLAQ Take Baby Steps into Acting

Source: enewsworld
Reuploaded: blaqrain@mblaqwithusa

When you think about MBLAQ, acting isn’t necessary the first thing that pops to your mind, but it’s also not the last.

Over the past couple of years, the MBLAQ members have dove into this new world of acting, exploring new challenges that they can face along the way as a famed celebrity.

While they’re still babies in this acting game, it’s not stopping the members from doing their best, making new goals, and just simply shining their pretty faces to the fans. 

Lee Joon

Out of MBLAQ, Lee Joon is the member with the most acting experience.

He made his fame as ‘Little Rain’ in the movie Ninja Assassin and then worked his way up to KBS’ Iris 2.

Lee Joon’s made himself the actor in the team, even being casted in Director Kim Ki Duk’s upcoming new movie, An Actor is an Actor.

It seems like he has nowhere else to go but up when it comes to acting, and we hope he keeps himself humble throughout the entire process.

                                                           

 

G.O

G.O.’s still a rookie when it comes to acting, but he’s definitely a determined one.

He’s acted in several projects, including SBS’ Ghost, KBS’ Pure Love, and KBS’ Love and War 2 – Idol Edition.

Although he’s been criticized for somewhat terrible acting, G.O. confidently responded back by saying, “Nothing can start out in a perfect state. I’m a singer, but when I look at our first album, there are many things I’m embarrassed about. If there is an idol, who has a longing for acting and a good opportunity comes, he shouldn’t let it go.”

He’s even made fun of his own bad acting on tvN’s Saturday Night Live Korea..

Keep on acting, G.O. Don’t let anybody bring you down!

 

Seungho

Seungho took a different route in acting, heading to a stage instead of the screen.

In early 2013, Seungho, along with G.O, appeared in the musical, Gwanghwamun’s Love Song in Osaka and Tokyo. Also double casted, Seungho made sure that his acting did not get overshadowed, portraying his character in his own style.

Now instead of acting, Seungho’s more interested in dancing across the stage, but we’re sure that when the right opportunity comes, he’ll be more than willing to return to acting soon. 

 

Cheon Dung

Following his nuna’s footsteps, Cheon Dung is slowly edging into the acting career, and things aren’t looking too bad for him.

He was able to put him name on a few projects, including jTBC’s Padam Padam…the Sound of His and Her Heartbeats as Jung Woo Sung’s younger self, and now he’s playing his own character on MBC QueeN’s Nail Shop Paris.

Baby steps are the key, and Cheon Dung is doing it right. 

 

Mir

All right. Mir is the one member of MBLAQ who has yet to be a part of any acting production.
But that is okay, because not everyone is meant to become an actor.

Although, there is still a glimmer of hope since Mir did participate in Saturday Night Live Korea, and if he’s willing to throw away his well-made image like it’s nothing, anything is possible.

Photo Credit: KBS, Spell Entertainment, Gwanghwamun Love Song, MBC QueeN, SBS, tvN

130616 [NEWS] [Star of the Week] [Song Review] MBLAQ Again Floats on ′Smoky Girl′

Source: enewsworld
Reuploaded: blaqrain@mblaqwithusa

For idols these days, concepts and images are everything. Before they try anything new, they need to find a specific concept they can root themselves in and appeal with, or else it will look like they′re just going all over the place instead of ′changing their image′. Whether it be perfectly synchronized dance moves, a perfect imitation of wolves and vampires or an impeccable and unique style of vocals, idols need to tell some story about themselves and make the public think up one ′definition′ for their group.

Such are the woes of an age when idols are a dime a dozen.

In this age, MBLAQ fortunately seems to have found its footing, but it weirdly seems like though its feet have been roped down tight, its arms are flailing all over the place.

 

MBLAQ′s new single Smoky Girl, from its fifth mini album Sexy Beat, is on a certain continuum with the group′s previous singles, but we have to ask, what exactly is that continuum?

Smoky Girl is a slick dance piece that was written by the hip-hop giant Primary, and it seems to continue where MBLAQ left off with Y. The only problem is that Smoky Girl follows a line of other songs released after Y.

Y and Smoky Girl are both oddly calm dance songs that seem to draw their sexiness from that heavy calm. A certain dark weight connects both songs. If they could be molded into human figures, it′s like they would be clean-cut men in dark suits with sharp, beastly eyes.

Before Y, however, there was Oh Yeah, and after Y there was Mona Lisa and It′s War. It becomes trickier to connect the dots with these songs, because they′re a new world all on their own. Oh Yeah and Mona Lisa are fairly similar to each other with their guitar riffs, but the similarities end there as Oh Yeah is a sexy party track while the sad Mona Lisa turns the boys into begging lovers. It′s War stands all on its own as an orchestra-charged, heavy warrior piece.

This line of mildly random songs makes the release of Smoky Girl float on thin air instead of adding something to and cementing MBLAQ′s image. The song itself is a great Primary-style track; once you get over the ′doosh doosh (dooshi = 2 o′clock)′ and the ′joosh joosh (juice)′, it′s a pretty funky song the likes of which can be expected from Primary.

In fact, all their main promotional singles were good in this manner; it′s just that they don′t fit in to any big picture.

So here′s to hoping that MBLAQ will find its identity, because the group and its music is too good to be buried under its lack of one.

130615 [NEWS] Lee Joon returns as a bizarre 'black swan' in front of Miranda Kerr on 'SNL Korea'

Source: allkpop
Video: mblaq1015a
Reuploaded: blaqrain@mblaqwithusa

MBLAQ's Lee Joon gave fans what they've been asking for by returning as a 'black swan', this time, in front of the ever so lovely Miranda Kerr!

On the June 15 episode of 'SNL Korea', Lee Joon made his grand entrance in a skin-tight leotard and impressed Miranda Kerr with his ballet performance. But that good impression lasted for only a few seconds as Lee Joon started crowing like some kind of ferocious bird, scaring off the supermodel. 

Luckily for Miranda, her prince charming, Lee Bum Soo dressed up as Legolas, came to stop the madness by shooting Lee Joon in the butt with an arrow! Check out the hilarious cut below.

130615 [NEWS] MBLAQ put on a musical performance on 'Immortal Song 2'

Source: allkpop
Reuploaded: blaqrain@mblaqwithusa

MBLAQ put on a musical rendition of Jo Duk Bae's classic hit "If You Come into My Heart" on the June 15 installment of 'Immortal Song 2'.

Wearing black suits, the MBLAQ members left an impression on the audience with their smooth vocals and rap. Seungho was amazing during his piano solo intro as well.

Jo Duk Bae commented, "There was a mature feeling [to your peformance]. It was like your own song."

However, despite the amazing performance, MBLAQ lost to Bada's 384 points for the round.

130615 [NEWS] Lee Joon wanted to marry H.O.T's Moon Hee Jun when he was younger?

Source: allkpop
Reuploaded: blaqrain@mblaqwithusa

As strange as it sounds, MBLAQ's Lee Joon revealed that there was a time he wanted to marry Moon Hee Jun of the legendary idol group H.O.T.

On the June 15th episode of 'Immortal Song 2', Lee Joon shared that he was a huge fan of H.O.T back in the day. Host Shin Dong Yup commented, "I heard that Lee Joon dreamed of marrying Moon Hee Jun in the past, and he even asked for sincere advice from his parents." 

The MBLAQ member explained, "I really liked him. It could happen if you really like someone. I decided to marry him during H.O.T's 'Line Up' promotions in 1998. They were at their peak at that time."

Moon Hee Jun responded, "If MBLAQ wins first today, I'll marry him," making everyone laugh. Unfortunately, Lee Joon's dreams didn't come true.

Check out H.O.T's "Line Up" performance below to see what stole 10-year-old Lee Joon's heart.

130614 [NEWS] What does Lee Joon want to do if he's born again as a woman?

Source: allkpop
Reupoaded: KristinieC@mblaqwithusa

Everyone has something they would want to try out if they were ever born as the other gender, and Lee Joon offered his 4D response bringing laughs as usual!

The 14th's episode of KBS 2TV's 'Full House' touched upon the topic of being reborn as the opposite gender. So just what was Lee Joon's response? 

Well, he said, "When I saw the movie 'Piranha', I saw a scene where about 80 women wearing bikinis come out. They looked so pretty as they played beach volleyball together like that, and I thought, 'I want to try that, too,''"revealing his secret desire to play on the beach in a bikini!

MC Lee Kyung Kyu didn't exactly agree with him on the dressing in a bikinipart, but he was interested in watching this movie with 80 women in bikinis as he asked, "Can you tell me the exact title of this movie again?", bringing laughs on set.

So what about you? If you could be reborn as the opposite gender, what would you want to do?

130614 [NEWS] Lee Joon to wear a full-body leotard for 'SNL Korea' with Miranda Kerr

Source: allkpop
Reupoaded: KristinieC@mblaqwithusa

Lee Joon donned a full-body leotard for his 'SNL Korea' skit with Miranda Kerr! 

The pair pulled off an 'SNL-Project Runway' skit, where Lee Joon was getting examined by Miranda Kerr. This should be familiar with fans as Lee Joon had played the 'Black Swan' before when MBLAQ previously appeared on 'SNL Korea'. 

Even though he was fine when the cameras were rolling, it was a different story when the cameras were off as he was seen hiding his body while smiling shyly.

But it's been reported that Lee Joon and Miranda Kerr worked perfectly well together, and Lee Joon even gave Miranda Kerr a signed album of 'Sexy Beat'. Miranda Kerr was elated by the gift, looking through the entire album before placing it safely in her purse.

Lee Joon said, "I received a call at night on the 12th (to appear on SNL). I came here right after pre-recording 'M! Countdown'. I'm not even tired. I was so happy and anticipating the whole time".

The episode will air on the 15th, so keep your eyes out for it!

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FOR ADDITIONAL PICTURES THAT WERE INCLUDED PLEASE CLICK HERE

130614 [NEWS] Where does Lee Joon want to go when he enlists in the army?

Source: allkpop
Reuploaded: KristinieC@mblaqwithusa

With so many celebrities facing problems in the army, and with others being criticized for enlisting as a public worker or a celebrity recruit instead of as a normal soldier, MBLAQ's Lee Joon offered his own fresh opinion.

On the June 14 episode of KBS 2TV's 'Full House', Lee Joon said, "In terms of my physical examination, my ranking is the special 1st rank. I want to enlist somewhere good", meaning that he wished to enlist as a regular soldier due to his physical well being.

Often labeled as 'Rain's idol' even though Rain is no longer a part of J.Tune Camp, the MBLAQ members suffer from the image that they'll follow in his footsteps and enlist as a celebrity recruit, taking advantage of the perks and excessive breaks. However, his statement impressed many viewers, who encouraged his decision.

130614 [NEWS] Dara prepares an 'egg feast' for her little brother Thunder + Pic

Source: allkpop
Reuploaded: KristinieC@mblaqwithusa

Dara tried her best to make a feast for her little brother, MBLAQ's Thunder.

We all know how much Dara adores her little brother, and she made sure all of her fans knew what kind of effort she put for him. She wrote, "I just woke up a little while ago. My mom was out, and Thunder suddenly came home. It looked like he finished his dry rehearsal, but he said he had to go out again after he ate... Hmm.. I'm not very good at cooking, but I decided to make him food!!! The menu is~ eggs!!! ^.*v".

She kept writing, "But!!! Thunder was worried and asked me, 'You're going to make it with the shells in it again, aren't you?'. Gasp.. It's because I've made eggs with a bit of shell inside it before... ^^;;;; I told him it was a mistake and I did my best today!!! ^_^ I also made him Vienna sausages as a bonus!".

She added, "I put out the side dishes our mother already made and the fantastic big-noona meal was ready!!! Thunder asked me two questions. 'Did you forget to put salt in the eggs..?' @.@. 'Is this fully cooked?' Hahaha he kept doubting me keke. But in the end he didn't leave anything and ate it all before he left ^_^v".

She concluded, "The meal that big-noona prepared for her dongseng who wanted to eat home food. It's lacking because I was in a hurry to prepare it because we didn't have time, but eat well and do well on the 'Music Bank' stage today!!! ^_^v Fighting~".

Looks like Thunder really is lucky to have Dara as his older sister!

130614 [INSTAGRAM] Jun.K reveals a photo of '2PMBLAQ' + Pic

Source: allkpop
Reuploaded: KristinieC@mblaqwithusa

Jun.K has revealed a photo of '2PMBLAQ'.

The photo was taken backstage at 'Music Bank', where 2PM performed "A.D.T.O.Y", and MBLAQ performed "Smoky Girl". 

Jun.K posted the photo onto his Instagram, writing, "2PMBLAQ ~~ At the waiting room today keke".

The six of them look really close, with Thunder and G.O holding hands with Jun.K and even interlacing fingers. Lee Joon seems to have found an awkward place for himself to be in the photo as well, putting on a serious face.