Rain to release new album this year

Korean singer and actor Rain performs at his concert titled "ADIEU 2010 with Rain" held at the Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul, South Korea on December 31, 2010. [Park Sung-ki/Asia Economic Daily]

Korean singer and actor Rain has said that he plans to release a new album sometime this year.

Rain made the comment to reporters before taking to the stage for his concert titled "ADIEU 2010 with Rain" held at the Jamsil Indoor Stadium on December 31, which was attended by about 7,500 fans from Korea as well as fans from overseas.

"I'm going to release a new record which will feature retro style music," Rain said, adding that he also has a movie coming out soon.

During his two and a half hour concert, Rain performed a total of some 20 songs including "I'm Coming," "You," "I Do," "Hip Song" and "Rainism."

"Today is the last day of 2010 and I'm so extremely happy because so many of my fans came out to see me," the singer said during his show.

He continued the concert with various special events for his fans including a special serenade for a chosen fan and he gave his rendition of famed producer Park Jin-young's hit tune "She was Pretty."

Born Jung Ji-hoon, Rain rose to stardom in Korea and throughout Asia with his solo singing career which kicked off in 2002. He also expanded his career into acting, appearing on the small screen for TV dramas "Sang Doo! Let's Go to School" and "Full House."

In 2008, he made his Hollywood debut through the Wachowski Brothers' action pic "Speed Racer" and landed the lead role in the martial arts film "Ninja Assassin" last year.

He recently played the role of Gee-woo in SBS' Wednesday and Thursday night drama "Fugitive: Plan B" alongside actress Lee Na-young and Daniel Henney.

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Reporter : Park Kun-ouc kun1112@
Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@