Ha Ji Won talks about her muscles and 2PM’s Taecyeon

On April 10th, actress Ha Ji Won was interviewed on MBC’s “Section TV: Entertainment and Communications“. During the segment, she revealed that she is exercising hard for her new movie.
She confessed, “I am learning table tennis for the movie. While I was exercising, the trainer said, ‘You have the most muscle mass out of all female actresses.’”
Meanwhile, it’s been revealed that 2PM’s Ok Taecyeon picked Ha Ji Won as his ideal type. Responding to this, Ha Ji Won mused, “I want to act with him sometime. One where we both die killing each other..”, causing both the studio and viewers to howl with laughters.
You can watch her talk about Taecyeon below!

Source: Newsen via Nate

Super Junior introduces Korean cuisine through YouTube

On April 11th, the Ministry for Food, Agrilculture, Forestry and Fisheries revealed that they’ve uploaded videos featuring Super Junior through their official YouTube channel, the Taste of Korea. As reported earlier, the Super Junior boys were selected to be the honorary ambassadors for Korean cuisine, and through the video, they introduced a few cultural dishes.
By promoting through YouTube, the ministry hoped to raise awareness about Korean cuisine to people all over the world. The videos currently have subtitles in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean.
Every few days, a new episode will be revealed. Check back at the channel for Ryeowook & Kyuhyun’s Bibimbap, Donghae’s Tofu Stew, Yesung’s Chicken Gangjeong, Leeteuk’s Spicy Rice Cakes, Sungmin’s Kimchi, and Heechul’s Beef Bulgogi.
Check them out below!
==
< Bibimbap >

< Shindong’s Bulgogi >

< Siwon’s Pajun >

< Eunhyuk’s Japchae >

==
Source: Union News via Naver

Harisu shares a heartbreaking story about her pre-debut struggles

On April 10th, SBS aired a special program called “Harisu: 10 Years of Her Dream“, through which transgendered talent Harisu shared a heartbreaking pre-debut experience.
The incident happened during a casting meeting. She said, “They liked me so they asked me to sign the contract. I told them I was a transgender and then they told me they wanted to check. They told me to take my clothes off and sleep with them to prove that I was a transgender.”
She continued the story, “People would cancel my contract after signing me. Some PD even said that as long as he was in charge, he would never let me go on TV.”
It’s pretty amazing to see that someone endured all of this hardship and still had the strength to make it through. The documentary also shared some childhood photos of Harisu.

Source: Newsen

JYJ’s Jaejoong clarifies on his love scandals with Japanese celebrities

In his latest interview with IS Sports, JYJ’s Jaejoong clarified the various scandals and rumors surrounding him and other Japanese top stars.
On Ayumi Hamasaki, he revealed, “It is true that I’m friends with her. We first met at Avex’s annual ‘A-Nation‘ concert and kept in contact since then. However, we are not of the relationship that people seem to think.”
A scandal first broke out between the two last October due to Hamasaki attending JYJ’s showcase despite her busy schedule. “At the time, Ayumi attended the showcase with another Japanese singer friend. It should be regarded as the upkeep of friendship between musicians. She also announced marriage plans in January.”
On actress/model Yamada Yu, he revealed, “She’s one of my closest friends, alongside Yamashita Tomohisa. We met at an after-party in LA and became friends. Like everyone already knows, she’s in a relationship with Oguri Shun.”
Jaejoong concluded, “I don’t have a girlfriend so I spend most of my time at home. It was an opportunity for me to learn Japanese and meet with other Japanese celebrities and develop friendships.”
Source: JoongAng via Daum

Sechskies’ Lee Jae Jin was the artist for Big Bang’s new album

Former Sechskies member Lee Jae Jin played a part in Big Bang’s new album.
On April 11th, a representative from YG Entertainment revealed, “In the ‘Big Bang Special Edition’ album that was released a few days ago, there were illustrations of the five members. The artist behind those sketches is none other than Sechskies’s Lee Jae Jin. Lee Jae Jin has considerable talent in drawing and animation, and he was able to exhibit his skills in this album. Lee Jae Jin’s drawings are also a great gift for Big Bang fans.”

In fact, Lee Jae Jin is planning to study animation and design in Japan. He is studying Japanese at the moment and preparing for his studies abroad.
The representative continued, “Lee Jae Jin no longer has any lingering desire to be a singer. After studying animation in Japan, he hopes to find a job [as an animator].”
An interesting fact is that Lee Jae Jin is the older brother of Sweety’s Lee Eun Joo, who is married to YG CEO Yang Hyun Suk.
Source: Star News via Nate

Sechskies’ Lee Jae Jin was the artist for Big Bang’s new album

MBC to begin airing the Korean version of “Dancing With the Stars” this June

On April 11th, MBC confirmed that they will be airing the Korean version of ”Dancing With the Star” beginning June 10th!
The program is a highly popular one both in Europe and the States, as it features a unique concept that pairs up celebrities for numerous dance battles.
A representative of MBC Plus Media revealed, “We will be making a reality program that exhibits stars rehearsing and improving their dance skills.  It will begin airing in the same time slot as ‘The Great Rebirth‘, and we currently have 12 weeks of episodes planned.”
They continued, “We have confirmed the show in our line-up and are currently in discussions for the cast and other details.  Because there needs to be time set aside for rehearsals and such, casting celebrities is proving to be quite an intensive process.”
Source: Star News via Nate

Super Junior’s Kyuhyun assures fans he’s okay

Super Junior’s Kyuhyun, who was previously reported to have been involved in a car accident on April 8th, has revealed that he is in okay condition.
On April 11th, SM Entertainment spoke through TV Report and stated, “He received contusions on his arms and legs due to the accident.  Just in case, we had him receive a thorough medical examination, but test results have revealed that there is no further injuries.”
Although Kyuhyun had to cancel his appearance in “The Three Musketeers” on the day of the accident, representatives revealed that his future schedules will not be affected.  Kyuhyun will be returning to China with his Super Junior-M members within the month.
His representative continued, “Although he wasn’t severely injured, he has several bad memories regarding accidents, so he is taking a brief break for the sake of his health.  He will be going back to the hospital today to receive a final check-up.”
Source: TV Report via Nate

will.i.am talks about 2NE1 at the “Rio” premiere

On April 10th, the Black Eyed Peas‘ will.i.am attended the “Rio” movie premiere at the Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood. As he was making his way down the red carpet, he took a moment to answer a question regarding his work with 2NE1.
In the brief interview, Will.I.Am revealed that 2NE1 finished recording eight songs and will be releasing their album once they complete two more songs. He stated that their goal was to create an album that would make them #1 all around the world.
Check out the video below!

Thank you all for the tips!

CHI CHI’s Jiyoo reveals her deeply calloused hands

After her elite background was discovered the other day, netizens have uncovered proof of CHI CHI member Jiyoo’s dedication to music.
Pictures from her high school days were revealed through her minihompy, documenting her practice with the haegeum, a Korean traditional instrument.
She attached the captions, ‘During my 12th grade entrance exam‘, and “This was when I already had callouses so it didn’t hurt much… Calluses where are you now….”

Although they were a testament to her love of music, fans were shocked nonetheless by the deep callouses on each of her fingers.
A representative from her agency stated, “Jiyoo is a practice worm. Despite her young age, her passion has been maintained due to the hard effort she put in since she was a child. She does not mind having to practice hard to fulfill her dreams.”
The hardworking idol is currently a student of traditional Korean music at Ewha Women’s University.
Source: Newsen via Joins

MBLAQ drops Japanese PV for “Your Luv”

Via tokyohive:
Popular K-pop group MBLAQ have kicked off their debut activities by unleashing the MV for their new song, “Your Luv“.
They’re notorious back in Korea for their sharp dance moves, and it looks like the boys are aiming to establish that same reputation in Japan. Playing with the concepts of ‘night’ and ‘day’, they’re seen tearing up the dance floor in flashy, textured outfits and hair that fangirls are sure to go wild for.
It’s a flashy video, but we’re not altogether sure why the producers decided to stick in “Golden Snitches” here and there across the screen. Check out the video below, and toss us your thoughts on their latest video!

MBLAQ will debut on May 4th, so stay tuned to allkpop for more coverage.
Source: MBLAQ official Japanese website

f(x)’s Luna releases comeback teaser photo

The last of the f(x) members, Luna, has finally revealed her teaser image for the group’s official comeback!
Styled with retro sunglasses and two cute buns, her photo was directed to express an image of energizing fun. After seeing ‘confident and chic’ Krystal, ‘androgynous charm’ Amber, ‘lovely and cute’ Sulli, and ‘feminine’ Victoria, fans can look forward to final product as the girls enter the final stages of their comeback preparations.
“Pinocchio” will be released on April 20th, followed by their comeback performance on KBS’s “Music Bank” on the 22nd.
Source: OSEN via Naver

miss A to make a full-length album comeback next month?

Though the details are still unconfirmed by their agency, it seems like miss A will be making a comeback some time next month.
Star Today News published an article today outlining upcoming girl group comebacks in April and May, and the predicted trend of sexy and tough styles rather than feminine concepts. Amongst the list was none other than miss A, which Star News reported will have a full-length album in the works. “miss A is going to release an album in mid-May,” the article said. “Last year, they found success with “Bad Girl Good Girl” and “Breathe,” and managed to snatch all the rookie awards at the end of the year. With that said, the expectations for their next album are set high.”
These four girls are going to step back into the scene with brand new tracks made by JYP, E-Tribe and more. The girls have been getting us excited with their brand new hairstyles, which are most likely for their new comeback concept.
They are expected to come back around mid-May. The girls are already busy in May since they will be attending Kim Yuna’s ice show as guests.
Afterwards, it looks like we will see them back on stage.
Source: Star Today

Official wedding photos of the cast of Heroes & TVXQ released

The episode of “Heroes” starring TVXQ’s Yunho and Changmin as guest stars and grooms aired just today.
In the episode, the boys paired up with the girls of the cast for some stylish and charming wedding photoshoots. The official photos from the photoshoots have been released and they’ll definitely have viewers fanning themselves with jealous!
Check these out:

Super Junior’s Yesung introduced on a Japanese language program

Despite Super Junior having yet to formally make their debut in Japan, member Yesung was recently introduced on a Japanese Korean language program, proving their popularity as Hallyu leaders.
On an NHK program, the MCs introduced Yesung’s “It Has to Be You” and his OST contribution for KBS’s “Cinderella’s Sister.”  They explained, “Super Junior is a popular 13-member group that is active in various areas like singing, MCing, and acting.  Yesung is the lead vocalist and has had his vocal talent acknowledged by many.”
The program went on to take apart the lyrics for the song as the focus of their lesson for the episode.
Super Junior will be performing at the “K-Pop Super Live Concert” in Tokyo on May 15th.
Source + Photo: Sports Chosun via Naver

Israel 'will observe Gaza truce if Hamas stops firing'

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Israel says it is willing to observe a ceasefire after days of military exchanges in Gaza, if Palestinian militants there end rocket attacks.

Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak said on Sunday: "If they stop firing on our communities, we will stop firing."
A spokesman for Hamas, which governs Gaza, said militants had no interest in escalation and calm could be restored.
At least 18 people have died in Israeli air strikes, which it says have been in response to militant rocket fire.
Mr Barak made the ceasefire offer on Israeli public radio, saying: "If they stop firing in general, it will be quiet, it will be good."
But he added: "We cannot tolerate firing... We will act along the lines of what happens on the ground."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later told Israeli radio that "if the criminal attacks against Israeli military and civilians continues, Israeli will respond with even more force".
Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri told the Reuters news agency: "If the Israeli aggression stopped, it would be natural for calm to be restored. Calm will be met with calm."
Although three mortar shells were fired by Palestinian militants overnight this was a sharp drop from previous days.
In the Egyptian capital Cairo, the Arab League called for a UN Security Council meeting to discuss the crisis and to impose a no-fly zone over Gaza.
Correspondents say the US, a strong ally of Israel, would veto any such move at the UN.
'Crossed the line' The latest round of violence followed a Hamas anti-tank rocket attack on a school bus near the Nahal Oz kibbutz last week.
A 16-year-old boy suffered serious injuries and the driver was also wounded.

Several civilians were among those killed in the following Israeli air strikes. Dozens of people have been wounded.

Israel's strikes and the dozens of rockets and mortars subsequently fired by militants across the border represent the worst violence in Gaza in two years.
The violence led Mr Barak to postpone indefinitely a trip to Washington.
Israel has previously taken a hard line on the exchanges of fire.
Mr Netanyahu said the bus attack had "crossed the line", adding: "Whoever tries to hurt and murder children, his blood will be on his own head."
On Saturday, a senior Israeli security official told AFP news agency that Hamas's political branch had sent a message asking for a truce.
Hamas declared a state of emergency in Gaza on Saturday following the Israeli air strikes.

Poland: Kaczynski holds rival Smolensk crash ceremony

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The BBC's Adam Easton says political use of the tragedy is allowing "old suspicions of Russia to resurface"

Continue reading the main story Official ceremonies being held a year after a plane crash that killed Poland's President Lech Kaczynski have been boycotted by his twin brother.

Jaroslaw Kaczynski has condemned the government's handling of the affair, and held his own rival events.
After initially bringing the country together, the crash is now bitterly divisive, the BBC's correspondent says.
Official events began at 0841 local time, the moment when the plane crashed in Smolensk, Russia, on 10 April 2010.
Poland's new president, President Bronislaw Komorowski, silently paid tribute to his predecessor and the 95 other victims at a memorial in a Warsaw church.
He and Prime Minister Donald Tusk placed candles at the foot of the memorial.
Call for healing
Later, at the cemetery where many of the crash victims have been buried, Mr Komorowski recalled the moment when "for many of us... the world collapsed".
He called for healing, rather than recrimination, in the wake of the national tragedy.
"One of the finest memorials we can build together is to care for the dreams and passion of those who died, so that they find followers who will carry their passion, dreams and hopes into the future," the Associated Press reported him saying.
Meanwhile, Jaroslaw Kaczynski was leading unofficial commemorations.

Jaroslaw Kaczynski and his supporters attended a rival, makeshift memorial

The former prime minister, who founded the conservative Law and Justice Party along with his identical twin, laid a wreath outside Warsaw's presidential palace.
Thousands of supporters held Polish flags, near a makeshift shrine decorated with a cross and a model of Poland's presidential Tupolev 154 plane broken in two.
Jaroslaw Kaczynski, like many Poles, has refused to accept the findings of the Russian investigation into the crash, which effectively blamed the plane crew for deciding to land despite dense fog and warnings from ground controllers.
He says the Russian authorities should have closed the airport.
The affair has tested the improving diplomatic relationship between Poland and Russia. The latest row has been caused by Russia's decision to replace a sign at the crash site, which referred to the Katyn "genocide".
The Polish delegates had been on their way to a memorial for the victims of Katyn, where 20,000 Polish officers were massacred by Soviet forces in 1940.
Source: BBC news

Ivory Coast: New air strikes near Gbagbo residence

A pro-Gbagbo naval base in Abidjan was on fire after the air strikes

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Helicopter gunships have begun a new operation to destroy heavy weapons near Laurent Gbagbo's residence in Ivory Coast's main city Abidjan.

UN and French helicopters were attacking near the presidential residence and palace as well as military bases, a UN spokesman said.
A BBC correspondent reports loud explosions coming from the area.
A presidential spokesman accused France of seeking to kill Mr Gbagbo, who refuses to accept defeat at the polls.
He is believed to be sheltering in a bunker at the presidential residence after talks on a cease-fire with advancing forces loyal to his political rival Alassane Ouattara collapsed.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement he had requested the air strikes because Mr Gbagbo's forces were using heavy weapons against both the civilian population and his peacekeepers.
On Saturday, pro-Gbagbo forces attacked a hotel used by Mr Ouattara, who is recognised by the UN as the victor in November's presidential election.

Eight helicopters

At least six French helicopters and two UN helicopters roared into the sky from their station at the French military base in the south of the city within minutes of the UN decision to attack, the BBC's Mark Doyle reports from Abidjan.
Eyewitnesses then saw the helicopters attacking targets around the residence of Mr Gbagbo.
Our correspondent, reporting about 5km (three miles) from the presidential residence, could himself hear loud explosions coming from the area.
Smoke was seen rising from the area.
Our correspondent received one report that the residence had been partly destroyed and was on fire but he said he could not confirm this.
UN spokesman Hamadoun Toure told the BBC: "We sent a mission to try and locate all heavy weapons.
"We found found heavy weapons within the presidential palace area, also in the centre of the presidential residence, and in most of the camps in Abidjan. The operation is just to neutralise those heavy weapons."
In his statement, Mr Ban said attacks by Mr Gbagbo's forces on civilians and UN peacekeepers had to stop, and he had instructed UN forces to use "all necessary means" to prevent the use of heavy weapons.
He also called on Mr Gbagbo to resign immediately.
'Pretexts'
Responding to Sunday's attacks, Gbagbo spokesman Ahoua Don Mello said France, the former colonial power, was set on killing the incumbent president.
"There is no other goal [but] to assassinate the head of state, all the rest is just pretext," he told AFP news agency.
"France was looking for pretexts to attack again, and has found them."
On Tuesday, Mr Gbagbo was said to be "hours away" from surrender, but then he took refuge in a bunker under the residence.
The UN said on Friday his forces had used a lull in the fighting as a "trick" to regain ground in Abidjan and strengthen their position.
Last week, Mr Ouattara's forces swept down largely unopposed from their strongholds in the north. However, fighting began when they reached Abidjan, a city of four million people and the country's commercial capital.
Source: BBC news

Egypt: Hosni Mubarak to be quizzed over deaths

Mr Mubarak said he had been given 'great pain' by allegations of corruption

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Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has been summoned by the state prosecutor for questioning over alleged corruption and killings of protesters.

The announcement came shortly after Mr Mubarak made his first statement since he was ousted two months ago, denying accusations of corruption.
The former leader said he had the right to defend his reputation and denied having any assets in foreign countries.
Mr Mubarak's sons Gamal and Alaa have been summoned for questioning as well.
The prosecutor-general said Mr Mubarak's statement, broadcast on al-Arabiya TV, would not affect the inquiry.
On Friday, Cairo's Tahrir Square once again filled with demonstrators calling for Mr Mubarak and his family to be tried for corruption.
At least one person was killed and dozens were injured when troops moved in to clear the square. The injured suffered gunshot wounds but the army denied using live rounds.
Protesters and anti-corruption campaigners have been pressing for an investigation into the Mubarak family's assets, put at anywhere from $1bn to $70bn (£616m-£43bn).

Correspondents say protesters have become impatient with the slow pace of change pursued by the army council which replaced Mr Mubarak after he stood down on 11 February.

Mr Mubarak resigned on 11 February after 18 days of anti-government protests in which at least 365 people died.
He fled to his villa in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh with his family.
Mr Mubarak, his sons and their wives have been banned from leaving the country and their assets have been frozen.
Mr Mubarak made an audio recording of his speech on Saturday in the wake of the latest protests. It was broadcast by al-Arabiya TV on Sunday.
"I have been in great pain because of the unjust campaigns and untrue allegations targeting myself and my family," he said.
"They aim to tarnish my reputation and discredit my integrity, my stance, my political and military history during which I worked hard for Egypt and its people in peace and war."
Mr Mubarak, 82, is believed to be in poor health, though his aides have denied this.
Legal threat
Mr Mubarak said he was willing to co-operate in any investigation to prove that he did not own any property abroad or hold foreign bank accounts.
He said he would authorise the prosecutor-general "in writing to allow him to contact, through the foreign ministry, all countries in the world to prove to them... that their former president only owns domestically, according to previous financial disclosure."
But he warned of legal action if he considered himself defamed, saying: "I reserve my legal rights toward whoever tried to ruin my and my family's reputation."
Former Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif has also been detained for 15 days.
Prosecutors want to question him about the misuse of public funds.
Egypt has already requested a number of governments to freeze the overseas assets of the Mubarak family.
Three Mubarak-era ministers, including former interior minister Habib el-Adly, have already been charged with corruption.
source BBC news

Kim Jong Kook tries out the ‘apple hair’ on “Running Man”

Kim Jong Kook’s cuteness went through the roof when he tried out the popular ‘apple hair’ style.
On April 10th’s episode of SBS’s “Running Man“, the muscular singer was subjected to a stress test with the goal of getting the least stress possible.
Other team members tried to get Kim Jong Kook’s stress levels up by tying his hair up. He successfully pulled off the ‘apple hair’ by making cute expressions, to the surprise of his team members.
Yoo Jae Suk moved onto attacking him with food, and the singer had no choice but to eat what he was given. He is normally very health-conscious, so he is known to eat only healthy foods.
The members also gave him a uni-brow and tried to make him angry, to the delight of the cast and staff.
Source: TV Daily via Nate

Namolla Family’s Kim Jae Woo collaborates with D. Heaven’s Yusin for second solo album

On April 8th, Namolla Family’s Kim Jae Woo made his comeback with his second solo album, “Revolution.”
Representatives of Jang Entertainment commented, “Under the name of Namolla Family’s JW, Kim Jae Woo has released his second min–album.  He’s always considered his roles as a gagman, singer, and actor very seriously, and that same level of concentration is reflected in this album as well.”
Kim Jae Woo enlisted the help of producer Oh Se Wook for an impressive collaboration with D. Heaven’s Yusin.  The heartbreaking title track of lost love was also arranged by composer Kim Soo Bin, who’s previously worked with SECRET and M2M.
===
01. Love Won’t Listen to Me (Rain Version)

02. Love Won’t Listen to Me

03. Instrumental
===
Source: IS Sports via Naver

Rapper Ricky releases collaboration single with Oh Yoon Hye

Earlier this week, rapper Ricky released his latest collaboration single with vocalist Oh Yoon Hye, “How to Break Up With Manners.”
As Uptown’s honorary member, Ricky first debuted through his digital single, “1LUV“, last year, and decided to come together with the talented Oh Yoon Hye (known for “I Wish“) for a special follow-up track to Def Conn’s “How Rappers Break Up.”
The track is composed by cuzd, who previously worked with Uptown and Untouchable’s albums, and utilizes Ricky’s personal experience of having to let go of the memories he cherishes with his lover in order to let her go.
Check it out below!

Source + Photos: BNT News via Naver

Lee Soo Geun’s beautiful wife attracts attention

Comedian Lee Soo Geun’s wife, Park Ji Yeon, was recently revealed on KBS2TV’s “1 Night 2 Days“. Her picture was unveiled on the show’s latest episode, attracting the attention of the viewers.
The main game of the show involved a person quiz. The members had to figure out the name of a person after seeing their picture. During the quiz, Lee Soo Geun was visibly surprised after a picture of his own wife popped up.
Netizens commented on Park’s beauty, saying, “You’re a ‘queen of housewives’ as well as a goddess, I’m jealous of Lee Soo Geun”, and “You look like a celebrity. I hope you two are happy.”
Lee Soo Geun married Park Ji Yeon in  2008, and the couple has two sons, Lee Tae Joon and Lee Tae Seo.
Source: BNT News via Nate

Girl’s Day’s Yura shows off her cute charms

Girl’s Day’s Yura recently updated her Twitter with new selcas, displaying her naturally cute charms with her now platinum blonde hair.
In two of her pictures, you can see close up pictures of Yura while she poses cutely for the camera, while in the third picture, the Girl’s Day member looks like she’s enjoying her iced Americano drink.
Girl’s Day is currently active in promotions on various music show programs and variety shows for their newest track, “Twinkle Twinkle”.




Source: Yura’s Twitter

miss A’s Suzy shows her support for “The Great Rebirth” contestant, Hwang Ji Hwan

On this week’s episode of MBC’s “Star Audition: The Great Rebirth”, miss A’s Suzy came on to show her support for her close friend and contestant, Hwang Ji Hwan.
Hwang Ji Hwan was unfortunately eliminated on the show this week, however many people were touched to see Suzy with him back stage and wishing him luck.
Check out the short cut down below, which also shows a sneak peak of her new blonde transformation!

Source: Newsen

After School’s Kahi throws the opening pitch for Doosan Bears

The Korea Professional Baseball League is into its second week for the season, and After School’s Kahi participated in the opening pitch for the Doosan Bears in their home game against the visiting Kia Tigers on April 10th at the Jamsil Baseball Stadium.
Kahi showed her athletic prowess with her pitch and brought many smiles, but unfortunately for her and the home fans, the Doosan Bears were thumped 0 – 8 in the end.






















Tip: DesPinAh