Oxford Union will get some style

Psy is set to lecture at the Oxford Union, one of the world’s renowned debating societies, on Nov. 7 as one of the 30 guests picked each year.

He will be the Union’s second Korean guest in its 190-year history. The first was former Samsung Electronics President Hwang Chang-gyu.

Apparently, the request to have Psy talk about his music and the phenomenal success of “Gangnam Style” was the idea of John Lee, the club’s president.

Other speakers at the Union have included Jon Bon Jovi, Michael Jackson, John McCain and Ronald Reagan. While in England, Psy also will appear on BBC programs.

Psy, who is currently in the United States after a short stint in Australia last week, will depart for Paris on Nov. 4 and make his way to London before moving on to Frankfurt and other European cities. And although he is busy promoting himself across the globe, Psy hasn’t forgotten his loyal supporters in Asia. Mnet announced yesterday that the singer will make an appearance at the 2012 Mnet Asian Music Awards in Hong Kong this year.

Nelly Furtado raves about Psy video

Pop star Nelly Furtado took some time to rave about K-pop and Psy’s “Gangnam Style” at a press conference for her new album in Singapore.

While promoting “The Spirit Indestructible” on Friday, Furtado said that just days ago she enjoyed watching “this amazing K-pop video.” 

The 33-year-old Canadian singer laughed as she talked about “the guy doing the horse moves.” Although she couldn’t recall the name of the video straightaway, the press caught on and helped her out by yelling “Gangnam Style!”

Furtado went on to say that she’s enjoyed K-pop “over the years” and that she ran into the music frequently through her local Korean restaurant.

Furtado revealed that she actually wanted Big Bang’s T.O.P to feature in her single “Big Hoops,” which was released in April. She added that due to being “so far away in Canada,” working with K-pop stars has been nearly impossible. 

Meanwhile, Psy was mentioned on page 1 of Time magazine’s World Briefing section.

JYJ’s Kim Jun-su to release his debut solo album next month

JYJ’s Kim Jun-su is set to release his debut solo album in May and will tour Asia on his own, CJeS Entertainment said yesterday.

The singer played an integral role in the production and composition of many of the songs in the upcoming album, which is comprised of a diverse range of genres that includes dance and R&B.

“We won’t reveal the album’s concept or title just yet, but we anticipate that the record will be one of the best K-pop albums to be released in the first half of this year,” the agency said.

Kim entered the K-pop scene in 2004 with boy band TVXQ. He reached Hallyu stardom with his band members and recently returned from touring South America with other JYJ members.

The singer known for his distinct husky voice is also currently starring in the musical “Elisabeth” alongside Oak Joo-hyun, who has appeared in several musicals including “Aida,” “Chicago” and “Cats.”

MBlaq actualizes world tour dream

Boy band MBlaq will hold its first world tour concert since making its debut three years ago.
Starting from June 30, the band will tour Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, Singapore, Japan and Taiwan.

The concert will be entitled “The MBlaq% Tour” deriving its name from the band’s newly released fourth EP album “Blaq% Ver.”
“The members are currently in rehearsal for the tour as well as being busy with album promotions. They are determined to showcase a world-class act that will put K-pop on top,” said a representative from the group’s agency.

Meanwhile the group said they were stoked at the prospect of its first world tour. 
“It’s been our dream since our debut to tour Asia, so needless to say we are thrilled,” said leader Seungho. 
Fellow band member GO said, “We want to put on a show that will leave the audience gaping and saying, ‘MBlaq is the best.’”