Jessica Kim
TVXQ [SM Entertainment]
K-pop duo TVXQ was the most-searched male celebrity in Japan this year, according to their agency SM Entertainment on Thursday.A press release by SM said that TVXQ took first place on MSN Japan's annual ranking for search terms in the category of top 50 male celebrities.Popular Japanese group Arashi followed behind in second place on the poll based on data compiled between January and October of this year.TVXQ, composed of members Max Changmin and U-Know Yunho, have topped Oricon's charts and achieved platinum status with "Why? (Keep Your Head Down)" which went on sale in the country in late January.They also claimed platinum status in Japan with "TONE," released in October, which made them the first international male artist in over ten years to do so.On December 30, TVXQ will take part in the 53rd Japan Record Awards as nominees for the grand prize alongside Korean girl group KARA and Japanese artists such as AAA, FUNKY MONKEY BABYS and AKB48.Then the following day, TVXQ, as well as KARA and Girls' Generation will appear on NHK's 62nd music special "Red & White Song Battle" making it the duo's third time on the prestigious show.※ Any copying, republication or redistribution of 10Asia's content is expressly prohibited without prior consent of 10Asia. Copyright infringement is subject to criminal and civil penalties.10 아시아 Jessica Kim jesskim@<ⓒ즐거움의 공장 "10 아시아" (10.asiae.co.kr) 무단전재 배포금지>