Here you go, die-hard Rain “Bi” fans… the official trailer of “Speed Racer” is finally here! But gals, you’ll have to glue your eyes on the screen very carefully or you’ll miss the 2 seconds where Bi shows up! So, should Rain spend more time with his singing career or should he take more small roles in Hollywood if he receives more invitation? May he got a better shot at breaking into US market through movies than his singing?

Rain will join Matthew Fox (Lost), Christina Ricci, Emile Hirsch, John Goodman and Susan Sarandon. The movie comes out in May 2008. Enjoy!

There’s buzz online about Korean pop star, Rain hinting discrimination as result to why his concert failed. Initial reaction was “what the hell?!”. But further research on the actual interview shows that Rain’s statement was actually just exaggerated by media. He mentioned the limitations as an Asian performer in the US. Well honestly, if he can speak English well or have undeniable raw and unique talent, then sky is the limit for his career. It’s never been easy, even for local artists! So perhaps he should focus more on improving his skills more than dwelling on the “limitations”. But it’s good to get some clarification. I was about to get mad. It would have been pretty lame to blame it on discrimination.

The translated transcript is found below the video. What do you think?

Reporter: “Now you are really a world star. How have you been?”
Rain: Long time no sees; it’s been a long time. I am Rain.

Reporter: Please share with us me about your schedule for the fans.”
Rain: During July, August, and September, I was shooting a film in Berlin. And, from the mid September, I’ve been working on a new album. And there’ shortly been talks about a good movie. I might be able to bring good news to everyone soon. But I need to do my best while times are good.

Reporter: How could you manage all the stuff at the same time? How do you do it?
Rain: Primarily because I’m good at it.

Reporter: laughs
Rain: Because there’s the company. My company. I have my own company. Each week, we have a meeting and in those meetings I provide high level ideas.

Reporter: Ah.. the managers must be having a hard time.
Rain: They’re aging faster…because of me.

Reporter: What is your title in your company? President Jung?
Rain: No- no, I am just an entertainer. Maybe just giving managers pressure (*joking).

Reporter: Really? It must be pretty tiring.
Rain: Right.

Reporter: We’ve been seeing you during your world tour last year. And how long have you been in other countries besides Korea?
Rain: Probably, 3-4 months in Korea, 8-9 months in other countries.
…

Rain: As an Asian, there are some limitations. No matter what, performing globally is in itself a big new test for me. Initially, I was planning to take it very seriously. But from how things are now, Asians still have some limitations.

Screen Text: But Rain don’t see it as a limitation

Rain: There was also a time when I feel “Ah.. this part is just too hard”. That’s why when I do a second world tour, I feel organizing it would be easier. After these, I’ve learned a lot and witnessed a lot… Still in the end, as long as I take what I’m doing seriously and everyone work hard, then people will approve of us. This process is really precious, it makes me realize again that this is the most important thing, even though the result doesn’t come out soon enough. That’s why these are precious memories, precious concerts. I want to reiterate that this is all possible because of the fans. That’s why I want to say “thank you” to all the fans.

Rain’s LA Concert was canceled yesterday. The reason given by his concert organizers was that the venue did not meet the requirements. Yours truly don’t think that is the real reason. There’s usually list of spec requirements that the performer’s company would send to the host promoter’s technicians. If certain equipments are not available, then they would rent it from other companies. Then there would be one or two site visits to check the details. Announcing the cancellation for technical issues only a few hours before the concert is really suspicious and unfair to the fans. While the tickets can be refunded, others may have made travel arrangements for this show. It’s a possibility that the tickets are not selling well and there is not enough people to fill the venue. A celebrity of Rain’s caliber probably would not want to ruin his reputation over one US concert. Did you buy the tickets? Tell me what you think?

Photo: KBS