Top 10 things you should know about Korean Popstar Rain (Bi)

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic by 6 people | Log in to rate

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Rain (Bi) - A superstar in the making

Remember when Michael Jackson used to be huge a mega superstar in the United States? Korean singer Rain, has the same appeal all over Asia. Rain (Jung Ji-Hoon), born on June 25, 1982, is the biggest sensation throughout Asia, filling sold-out concerts all over the world. He started as a background dancer before he achieved worldwide fame.

1. Facts to know about Rain (Bi) 

His name is Korean is Bi, which means Rain. His real name is Jung Ji Hoon.

Education: Kyung Hee University. Majored in music.

Born: June 25, 1982

Family: Father and sister. Mother passed away.

Height: 184 cm about 6 feet

Weight: 74kg or 165 lbs.

2. Time Magazine's Top 100 Most Influential People 

Rain was Time magazine's 2007 most influential person in the world. Stephen Colbert was second. In 2008 Rain was third behind Stephen Colbert. IN 2007, there was a close vote between Stephen Colbert and Rain, yet Colbert lost at the end. After that in 2008, Stephen Colbert always jokingly mocked Rain and would challenge him to a dance off with words like "Hey Rain, let's see if Korea will lift the embargo on balls". Stephen Colbert even did a Korean like music video, jokingly mocking Rain.

3. His Music 

IN 2002 he started with an album called "Bad Guy". Although somewhat popular at the time of his debut, his album was overshadowed by the World Cup craze that surrounded Korea during this year. Yet Rain persevered and the second song from the "Bad Guy" album became a big hit.

In 2004 he made another album called "Ways To Avoid the Sun.".

IN 2006, his third album, "It's Raining" was such a success that it was on the top of the music charts throughout Asia.

Rain released his 5th Korean album called "RAINISM" on October 16,2008

4. Rain is an actor as well 

In Korea, after he gained popularity as a singer, he went into acting with a drama called "Sangdoo let's go to school". He followed up with another Korean drama called "Full House", one of the highest rated Korean dramas of all time.

In some Asian countries such as Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Rain is more well known as an actor rather than a singer! His drama "Full House" was very popular in these countries. When he finally visited some of these coutries to perform in concerts, they were quite surprised that an actor could sing and dance so well, since they had only known him as an actor.

In the United States he was involved in the movie Speed Racer, where he played a minor role. He is the lead actor in an upcoming movie called "Ninja Assassin"

5. American Music Connections 

Lil' Kim has worked with Rain on her album.
3LW also collaborated with Rain on their album.
Pepsi Cola shot a TV commercial with Bi and Christina Aguilera

6. Sold Out Performances 

February 2006 Madison Square Garden sold out show within two days.

Las Vegas, Nevada on December 23-24, 2006 - sold out shows.

7. His new movie: Ninja Assasin 

Larry and Andy Wachowski's Ninja Assassin, and Joel Silver, new movie coming in 2009, will have Rain as the lead actor. Although Rain is not a martial artist, he dedicated, worked out and trained extremely hard for this role. He missed his friends in Korea and fan base in Asia and devoted himself into this upcoming Hollywood movie.

How did he get this role?
It all started after his minor role in the film Speed Racer. The Wachovski brothers were looking for "world actors" to act in their upcoming movie Speed Racer. Rain from Korea was chosen as one of these world actors. Although the film never did well in the big screen, Rain had no regrets since he only played a minor role and he tried his best. This, however, was Rain's grand entrance into Hollywood.

What was his training like?
For this Ninja Assassin movie, which comes in 2009, Rain dedicated himself to working out and learning martial arts. It first started out with a protein rich diet where he could not eat anything he wanted but only foods such as nuts, eggs, salmon and chicken. This special diet coupled with a devout dedication to working out and martial arts has helped him make the most of his role. While filming the movie, he impressed the cast and crew of the movie with his dedication into his role. While making the movie, Rain wondered why he should struggle at an age when he should be going out with girls, but then he stated that once he thought about being the main character in the movie and having his face plastered in all of the movie posters it was all very much worth it.

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8. His past and his Inspiration 

Rain's family was very poor. There is a story where Rain was drinking some water at night and when he turned on the light, he saw that there was a cockroach in the cup. Rain's mother died from an illness that could have been treatable if the family had money. In fact Rain recalls that one of the last meals her mother had before she died was an instant packaged meal. Rain regretted such moments and the death of his mother has become his primary motivation in life. He strives to do the best at everything he can. In fact, Rain is always dreaming for bigger and better things and therefore he can never rest.

9. Rain (Bi) is a workaholic and never complains 

Whether it's acting, dancing or singing, rain has been known to profusely divulge himself into his work. There is a story where his mentor Park Jin Young would always criticize him and give him lessons on how to get better. Although he thought that Rain would ignore those suggestions, he was astonished when one day he entered Rain's home and saw a bunch of post-it notes all over his wall with all the words of wisdom that were told to him by his mentor. However, part of this hard work can be devoted to his mentor who rarely would give him a day off, not even if it was his birthday.

In fact, rain is so devoted to his work that even after he was done filming his movie Ninja Assasin, he went back to Asia and did a concert in Japan 2 days later. According to him, he always thinks two steps ahead even while involved in a current project.

10. His dedicated Fan Base 

Rain has fans throughout the world but his most dedicated fans are in Asia. When he goes to countries like Japan, you can see fans lining up from young teens to 60 year old women waiting in line to catch a glimpse of him.

In Hong Kong there is even a fan club that sells Rain related stuff in order to raise money and follow him around to all his concerts. These fans make a living just to "follow him around". To them they feel like it's all worth it.

Rain fan clubs develop close knit bonds with other members with the help of the internet. They develop a close network and bond because of their same interests. When it comes time for Rain's birthday, they get together and sing Happy Birthday to Rain as though he were actually there.

Among some of the reasons fans adore Bi
1. His dancing and singing.
2. He's good looking.
3. He's a decent actor.
4. He's tall and got a good body.
5. He's dedicated
6. He is humble.

Are you a fan of Rain? Get tickets! 

When Rain comes to the United States you can catch his performances and see what the craze is all about. Stubhub is a good place to find hard to find tickets. If you get a stubhub fan code you may even save even more money.

What do you think about Korean Pop Star Rain 

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Time Magazine Video On Rain 

Not the greatest talker, sounds like a typical 20 year old.

TIME Magazine Interviews Rain

READ MORE: http://tinyurl.com/3v2f8l The Korean superstar has just made his Hollywood debut in Speed Racer. In this edition of TIME's 10 Questions, Rain talks to his fans. For more video: http://www.time.com/video

Runtime: 262
138533 views
684 Comments:

curated content from YouTube

Rain Dancing 

Bi [Rain] Dance Mixtape

A mix of Bi/Rain's music videos. Bad Guy It's Raining I Do Sad Tango Pantech Search the rest of YouTube to see the complete version of the MVs. extended version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcIkG_he-iw

Runtime: 276
147172 views
105 Comments:

curated content from YouTube

What do you think about Bi 

Post your thoughts on Rain or his new movie "Ninja Assassin", which is out now!

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  • Reply
    MomKim MomKim Dec 10, 2009 @ 6:59 pm
    As a mom (In the U.S.), I really really appreciate Rain's approach to life. I wish more young people could understand that to realize your dreams you have to work extremely hard at them, persist (never give up), and above all, honor your family. I see too many kids giving up way too soon or heading in wrong directions. I'm very very impressed with him and predict that he will be a major world star someday. An all around very talented young man. Congrats to Rain on his success. I'm sure there's much more to come! I also hope he does more work in America. Especially acting...Please give us a heartfelt drama in English. Anyone whose seen Full House or A Love to Kill knows it would be spectacular to see him do a dramatic piece targeted for native English speakers.
  • Reply
    Mcha Mcha Dec 6, 2009 @ 12:34 pm
    Rain is such an inspiration! he's such a nice and humble person altho I've never met him but just seeing how he interacts with people on his interviews he's never big headed about his fame, he's always just himself. He did a AWESOME! job in Ninja Assassin I really hope that there is going to be a squeal and that Rain will start in it,since there was still alot of un-answered questions that they hinted in the movie. But over all Rain is just a awesome human being...I wish him many many more success to come and happiness in life, love,and health =) (Sorry I'm not Korean so I dont know how the proper last name would be for Rain but I'm thinking its "JEONG?") lastly I would like to THANK Momma and Papa Jeong for Rain he truly is a blessing in many many ways not just his cute looks...haha
  • Reply
    aayushma aayushma Oct 24, 2009 @ 12:05 pm
    Bi is soooooo cool and hency.His eyes are so cute.God bless you Rain.For your future.Be happy
    and stay healthy
  • Reply
    BiGrrr BiGrrr Oct 5, 2009 @ 3:12 pm | in reply to huhurain
    Right on Target, Ms. HuhuRAIN....while full credit should be given for RAIN's talents and artistic abilities, it is his work ethic, kind heart, never-give up attitude towards all of his challenges and, most of all, his proclaimed love & loyalty to his fans that makes him beloved by thousands across Mother Earth...aja aja! Bi - always!
  • Reply
    cindy cindy Oct 4, 2009 @ 3:45 am
    actually rain is more than good singer , dancer and actor , he's even a ceo of a his company and a designer with his own brand ( six to five ).
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