Kim So Yeon 김소연

[rubie]

halo,

i'm a fan of soyeon in china.

here r some links of soyeon: http://tieba.baidu.com/f?kw=%BD%F0%CB%D8%E5%FB

soyeon's photo albums: http://tieba.baidu.com/%BD%F0%CB%D8%E5%FB/tupian

soyeon's video clips: http://www.youtube.com/user/seaHEARTsso

Hi haoying1116, welcome to soompi.com and to KSY thread especially. We're very happy to meet new fans and friends here. The links are wonderful sharing, please don't be shy or hesitate to share more KSY and IRIS goodies with us.

Btw.. I wonder if there's any update or pics of KSY on her birthday yesterday.. at the filming set, perhaps? Hope we will see more of her in tomorrow's episode and the next and more.

[rubie]

This is an awesome treat and a really cool read, thanks to deka_if at the IRIS drama thread for the highlight

November 3, 2009

[iNTERVIEW]

Reporter : Yoon Hee-Seong

Kim So-yeon in "IRIS" - Part 1

The female warrior Sun-hwa from KBS drama IRIS

Car chases, shoot-outs and bed scenes. KBS TV series "IRIS" has been grabbing viewers' attention from the start with its daring sideshows. The all-star cast, including Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-hee, Jung Joon-ho and Kim Seung-woo, boasts an enormous scale that one would have thought impossible to put together. But in between the glamorous moments of the drama, actress Kim So-yeon catches our eyes with a clean-cut look and clear character. Playing the role of North Korean agent Kim Sun-wha, she cut her trademark long hair and worked hard to shoot all the action scenes while suffering injuries. But she focuses more on the inner depth than the outward appearance of her character. She said she is happy and excited about "the things I'll be showing you in the future". <10Asia> met with Kim So-yeon, who has long dreamed to play the sad and beautiful female warrior that has never before been portrayed in a Korean drama.

10: You have been in shooting for quite a while now. Is the atmosphere on set pretty loose?

Kim So-yeon (Kim): I was cast in February and started shooting in March. We shot exactly half of the drama right before it aired. (laugh) It's a drama that relies heavily on action scenes rather than the story, so there's still a lot of stuff that I need to do. Many dramas wrap up with a weak ending, but the directors on "IRIS" are determined to do everything til the end so it's a little exhausting.

10: You have two directors. Most people would think director Kim Kyu-tae would be responsible for mise-en-scene, while director Yang Yoon-ho would be in charge of the drama's big scale. (laugh)

Kim: In general, that's true but they are both very meticulous about mise-en-scene. (laugh) The two sets of the crew have been named "Team K" and "Team Y" after the directors' last names. Both teams have their own color. "Team K" has a warm charisma and is always filled with quiet laughter. When you shoot in that kind of atmosphere, you feel like you're soaking into that as well. As for "Team Y", director Yang is such a cool man. He has a loud voice, gives clear directions and makes his actors feel really comfortable. The atmosphere is very lively and you feel like you've accomplished something when you finish shooting.

10: You have been shooting for a while, so the actors must have pretty good chemistry with one another.

Kim: The guys are all so funny that we became close very quickly. Jung Joon-ho is really funny, but he himself never laughs. (laugh) Kim Seung-woo is a really good person. It was very touching when he told me and Tae-hee, "We are going to make you feel moved at least once, and after you finish shooting, you are going to think that you did good at least once." Lee Byung-hun is an awesome actor and I found out he has a very fun personality. Tae-hee has the image of a prim and proper girl, but she's very hard-working and nice.

10: I heard that your first shoot was abroad.

Kim: I started shooting in Japan. Tae-hee and I had a huge action scene together at the end of the Japan shoot, so we practiced every night in the meeting room. Lee Byung-hun had to do car action and jump off a dam, so it was pretty tough for him. The shoot finished after a month and on the last day, it felt almost like a wrap-up party. (laugh) But after that, we had just as much to do in Korea, then in Hungary, and we had to do more shoots on location in China. The tough work never ended.

10: You did a lot of shooting abroad. Did you have any lines in the local language?

Kim: Tae-hee had some lines in Japanese, and I had a scene in the first episode where I had to speak Hungarian. It's a completely different language than English and it was totally unfamiliar, so I could never get it right no matter how I hard I tried to imitate it. I went through so much pain for just one sentence that I don't think I will ever forget that line. It was an important scene, so I was very stressed out about it and messed up a lot of takes. I ended up crying after we finished shooting. That rarely happens for me.

10: I heard you had a lot of problems with the props as well.

Kim: There was a scene where I had to hold a long rifle to kill Hyun-joon (played by Lee Byung-hun) and it weighed about eight kilograms. We couldn't get one in Korea so I practiced for the scene with a plastic gun. But on set, I got the real rifle sent from Germany. It was heavy, but it was turquoise and very pretty. (laugh) They wouldn't even let you touch the gun freely unless you were the person in charge, so there was a lot of tension, the gun was so heavy and the scene was a long one. I ended up becoming a zombie. I always put all my strength into the first take, but I was so disappointed and frustrated that I kept getting the lines wrong, even though I had rehearsed them a thousand times.

Scenes from the TV series "IRIS" [KBS]

10: How were the other action scenes? I heard there were some injuries -- weren't you scared to shoot after you got hurt?

Kim: Everybody had a hard time because the action scenes were so intense. Lee Byung-hun had a poultice all over his body, but I was the only one who got in the headlines because many of my injuries were very visible. (laugh) When you're shooting a scene where you have to punch or kick someone, it's hard to control yourself when you're too focused. And it gets even harder when you're trying to do it right on the first take. (laugh) I think I can control about 30 percent of my strength. And it looks better on screen too. I'm still learning how to do action scenes.

10: You must have undergone a decent amount of training before going into shoot.

Kim: I usually don't exercise, so it was hard trying to get used to the massive workouts. I also had to gain a lot of fat in the beginning and do physical strength training. I learned taekwondo and kung-fu too. I would get home and fall asleep without even taking off my makeup because I was so tired. It was exhausting but fun. I wanted the part so badly and that desire overtook the pain.

Reporter : Yoon Hee-Seong nine@10asia.co.kr l Photographer : Chae ki-won ten@10asia.co.kr

Editor : Lee Ji-Hye seven@10asia.co.kr l Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr <ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[rubie]

Our gratitude to deka_if for the sharing this at the IRIS thread

[iNTERVIEW]

Kim So-yeon in "IRIS" - Part 2

10: Why were you so attracted to this role?

Kim: I was thirsty for a role like this.

10: You mean a character with action scenes?

Kim: Not just the action but a character with a strong image. I really love Angelina Jolie from movies like "Wanted" or "Tomb Raider", where she looked fantastic as a sleek, sexy woman running around with a gun. I have strong features too so I thought I would look good carrying a gun or playing a detective role. That was when I got the synopsis for "IRIS" and the role of Kim Sun-hwa. There were only about five or six lines written about her character at the time but I really wanted to play her.

10: What parts about the character did you find attractive in that brief explanation?

Kim: I didn't feel that she was a "brief" character as shown in the synopsis. I felt like she was so much more, and the part did change a lot during re-writes of the script. In the beginning, there was no romance between Hyun-joon and Sun-wha, but that changed during the shoot in Japan. Tae-hee and I formed a love triangle with Hyun-joon. I think I'm going to give my whole heart to Hyun-joon in the second half of the drama.

10: So it's a love story where you choose love over ideology and feel guilty about it, right?

Kim: I think that's what makes it so attractive! Sun-wha is a character with a tragic destiny. She doesn't know what it feels like to be a woman being raised as a human weapon and every cell in her body becoming brainwashed. That's why she doesn't know how to express love even when she falls in love but she develops the emotions and starts worrying about it. We recently shot those scenes of my character going through the emotional changes and I had to act out subtle body language and looks when our bodies touched during the action scenes. It was so exciting to express this kind of faint love and I would think, "This is it!" after shooting. Isn't such love more appealing to the viewers as well? The important thing is not what the character ends up gaining, but how much presence she makes on screen.

10: For Sun-wha, making a presence started successfully with her hairstyle. Was it your idea?

Kim: I didn't think of it in the beginning. The producers wanted to give Sun-wha many changes and offered me a wig, but the way I looked in a wig felt so fake. So I offered to cut my hair and everyone was surprised. (laugh) I think it was a great idea now. The writer complimented me on it and I'm satisfied because the images that I wanted are coming together and alive even better.

10: The wardrobe must have been something to worry about as well, unlike in other dramas.

Kim: I'm always wearing jeans, walker boots with a leather jacket, tank top and camouflage jumper. It's a never-before-seen style so I think it's appealing. I don't think this role is simply boyish and strong. There's a complicated, sexy aspect to it so I think a lot about that.

10: It's also an unrealistic character, but I feel like you're really giving the character a sense of reality on your own.

Kim: Surprisingly, I don't think about how I should play the character. I think that once you understand this woman's history and pain, you don't need to make something out of it forcefully. I really love roles where, if it were real circumstances, it would be heartbreaking, pitiful and even a bit pathetic but you can live out the role with the story and the pain in your acting. There's a lot more to express emotionally.

10: Sun-wha looks like a completely new role, but when you think about it, you've played a lot of repressed characters over the years, including in [the TV series] "All About Eve".

Kim: In the emotional aspect, she could be considered similar to Young-mee in "All About Eve". But an actor's role can't be completely different every single time, unless it's a circus. You have your own personality and nature. But I am changing as a person. I'm getting older and like my subconscious adds or erases stuff, I believe the way you express a similar character clearly changes too. So I think there's a different look in my eyes and a different something. I want to show a different kind of depth, if it's possible.

10: A certain level of response is expected with the drama's scale and casting, but female viewers don't usually prefer this kind of drama. How can you appeal to them?

Kim: I myself am a female viewer. The Angelina Jolie's films I mentioned earlier -- I used to fast forward through the movie and just watch the scenes that Jolie appears in. (laugh) I also only recently watched "Swiri". That's how I was but now I'm so into this drama. It's better to watch ten minutes of the drama than me explaining everything, but it's a drama that has grown deeper in terms of scale and acting. I used to talk about myself a lot more in my previous interviews, but this time I keep talking about "IRIS". I make my first appearance in episode 3, but you have to start watching from the first episode. The melodrama storylines are truly the best! Really!

Reporter : Yoon Hee-Seong nine@10asia.co.kr l Photographer : Chae ki-won ten@10asia.co.kr

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr, Lee Ji-Hye seven@10asia.co.kr <ⓒasiae.co.kr All rights reserved>

[Guest So Hye Yeon]

Thai Fans KSY's Birthday Artworks Nov 2nd, 09

... Happy Birthday My Dear SOYEON ...

credit : http://forums2.popcornfor2.com/index.php?showtopic=37493 / Soyeon's little home @ popcornfor2 / KSY Thai Fans Thread

[Guest So Hye Yeon]

rubie

Thanks for sharing KSY's interested article

[rubie]

If someone can share a short gist from this article. IRIS is filming in Seoul and on Nov 2, the production had a small but sweet birthday party plus cakes for Kim So-yeon? I think she had cake gifts from the cast/crew including one from Lee Byunghun?

http://osen.mt.co.kr/news/view.html?gid=G0911040024

[rubie]

This is wonderfully shared & translated by antisocialnot at the IRIS thread

이병헌, '아이리스' 촬영장서 김소연 위해 '깜짝 생일파티'

[이데일리 SPN 장서윤기자] KBS 드라마 '아이리스'에서 카리스마 넘치는 북한 호위부 요원 김선화 역으로 출연중인 배우 김소연이 지난 2일 '아이리스' 촬영장에서 세 번씩이나 생일 파티를 하는 진귀한 풍경을 연출했다.

선배 배우 이병헌과 '아이리스'의 연출자인 양윤호·김규태 감독이 김소연을 위해 각각 깜짝 파티를 준비해준 것.

이 날 이병헌은 김소연이 모르게 직접 예쁜 컵케이크를 준비해 김소연에게 선물했고, 양윤호 감독을 포함해 촬영 스태프들도 미리 생일 케이크를 준비해 김소연을 위한 깜짝 파티를 열었다.

촬영에 집중하느라 주변에서 생일 파티를 준비하고 있다는 사실을 전혀 눈치채지 못했던 김소연은 양윤호 감독이 직접 생일 케이크를 들고 나타나는 모습에 무척 감동했다고.

이후 밤 촬영을 위해 인천으로 이동한 김소연은 김규태 감독과 촬영팀이 다시 한 번 준비한 생일 파티에 하루에 총 세 번 생일 케이크를 자르는 특별한 추억을 갖게 됐다.

김소연은 "생애 최고의 생일인 것 같다"며 "늘 가족 같은 분위기로 함께 고생하는 스탭들과 함께 생일을 보내서 무척 행복하다"고 전했다.

한편, 김소연은 '아이리스'에서 강인한 여전사 캐릭터로 시청자들의 호평을 받고 있다.

▶ HOT스타 연예화보 - 모바일 SPN1008 <1008+nate/show/ez-i>

＜저작권자ⓒ함께 즐기는 엔터테인먼트 포털 이데일리 SPN＞

장서윤 ciel@http://news.nate.com/view/20091104n03035?mid=e0100

Lee Byung Hun holds a 'surprise birthday party' for Kim So Yeon onsite

Kim So-Yeon, who plays the charismatic North Korean guard in KBS's Wed-Thur drama IRIS, had about 3 birthday parties played out for her last week.

Lee Byung Hun and the 2 directors, Yang Yoon Ho and Kim Gyu Tae held separate surprise birthday parties for her.

While Lee Byung Hun prepared cupcakes for her, Kim Gyu Tae(the director) and the crew prepared a birthday cake for her to celebrate her birthday.

Kim So Yeon was so engrossed in playing her role that she didn't even notice that the crew had prepared a birthday cake and party for her. As such, she was visibly touched when Yang Yoon Ho(the director) handed her her birthday cake.

After proceeding to Incheon for filming later on in the day, Kim So Yeon celebrated her birthday again with Kim Gyu Tae and crew. It was a very memorable experience for her as she had 3 'birthday cakes' to cut in 1 day.

Kim So Yeon expressed that 'this is the best birthday i've ever had' and her feelings of gratitude towards the staff for preparing the birthday celebration for her.

Meanwhile, Kim So Yeon has received favourable reviews for her role as a strong agent in IRIS from viewers.

**translated by antisocialnot**

[Guest 2uss]

ooops!! thought that i post Sun Hwa's art here already... must've forgotten

[rubie]

Another wonderful article translated and shared by antisocialnot at the IRIS drama thread

November 4, 2009

Were the sudden 'lovelines' in IRIS a mistake by the production team?

news.nate.com

The reason for the sudden loveline between Kim Hyun Joong (Lee Byung Hun) and Kim So Hwa (Kim So Yeon) has been revealed to be the mistake by the production team.

From wanting to kill each other, and then progressing to walking arm in arm indicated that some time had passed in the drama.

As the production team wanted to bring out the love triangle between Lee Byung Hun, Kim Tae Hee and Kim So Yeon, they resorted to this method. However, this was also met with many objections as some felt that it was too quick. The production team wanted to bring out the 'speed' essence of the drama as well as make use of the popularity of the drama at the same time. Thus, this love triangle idea was conceived.

The feedback from viewers was that it seemed a little too quick for Lee Byung Hun, who fled to Japan to avoid being killed, and Kim So Yeon, who pursued him to try to kill him, to fall in love. The production team has also admitted that this was indeed unrealistic.

In the drama, Kim So Yeon told Lee Byung Hun that " If I don't kill you, i've nowhere to return to" , to which Lee Byung Hun replied " Then kill me. But not now. I've something to do. You can kill me after that".

In relation to this, the production team stated that there was a period of about 2 months whereby both Kim So Yeon and Lee Byung Hun lived in the same hourse. However, this scene was edited out. They wanted to show how Kim So Yeon grew to like Lee Byung Hun and also, the subtitles of '2 months later' which was supposed to be added in, was left out.

This left viewers feeling very confused over the relationship between the two in the show. However, the director praised Kim So Yeon's acting by saying that through her portrayal of So Hwa, with her intense gaze, strong but feminine character, it helped to cover up the flaw in the script.

Meanwhile, the highly rated IRIS continues to showcase the relationships between Sawoo and Hyun Joong, as well as the upcoming scene whereby Hyun Joong goes over to NK to help. In addition, the loveline between Hyun Joong, Seung Hee and So Hwa continues to thicken, making for an interesting watch.

**translated by antisocialnot***

[Guest 2uss]

[rubie]

IRIS Episode 8

It's indeed a nice surprise seeing the scenes and interaction between HyunJun & SunHwa in episode 8. Although they started as enemies from opposing sides, their moments of enlightment.. he shared his bitter secret, she shared her past.. a really sweet, tender moment from the most unlikely suspects and they look really good together. For whatever scenes these two actors (will) have together.. it's such an impressive chemistry, undeniable.

newscj.com

[Guest kbmoon87]

IRIS Episode 8

It's indeed a nice surprise seeing the scenes and interaction between HyunJun & SunHwa in episode 8. Although they started as enemies from opposing sides, their moments of enlightment.. he shared his bitter secret, she shared her past.. a really sweet, tender moment from the most unlikely suspects and they look really good together. For whatever scenes these two actors (will) have together.. it's such an impressive chemistry, undeniable.

http://www.newscj.com/news/photo/200911/25734_23892_5521.jpg

newscj.com

Completely agree with you. The chemistry is great. I enjoy every scene they have together. Hope it will last throughout the drama.

[rubie]

Related HyunJun-SunHwa IRIS article warmly translated by antisocialnot at the drama thread

November 6, 2009

아이리스 8회’ 김소연 눈물 닦아주는 이병헌

Lee Byung Hun wipes away Kim So Yeon's tears in Episode 8

newscj.com

In Episode 8 of Iris which aired on the 5th, we saw how both Hyun Joong (LBH) and So Hwa (KSY) open up to each other.

Hyun Joong talked about the job which he lost and the woman (Seung Hee) that he loves.

After successfully completing his mission by escorting the NK nuclear researcher, Yoon Seul Chung, he was being pursued by the NK agents. He saw Seung Hee, whom he loved more than his life, 'blown up' right in front of his eyes.

After Hyun Joong falls asleep with the USB necklace, Sun Hwa covers him with a blanket. However, Hyun Joong was not really asleep. He asked Sun Hwa, " Why are you following me around like this? Do you think that you'll have more opportunities to kill me?"

To which, Sun Hwa replied " Its too late for me to return. I was put through strict training whereby I had to condition myself to become stronger. It seemed like hell to me as it was unbearable." and " I had to kill prisoners who were sentenced to death like how a hunter would kill rabbits".

"That was how I became a person devoid of feelings, worthy enough to be admitted into the special forces. However, the people who gave me strength to carry on, my mother and sibings, are now dead because of me.", said Sun Hwa, dissolving into tears in front of Hyun Joong.

Hyun Joong used his hand to wipe away Sun Hwa's tears, displaying his empathy for her at the same time. While trying to avoid Sato Eriko (Yoo Min), Sun Hwa finds herself caught in Hyun Joong's embrace.

SaWoo provides evidence to Seung Hee, proving that Hyun Joong is dead. Unable to believe it, Seung Hee passes out.

Viewers are curious as to how the love triangle between Hyun Joong, Seung Hee and Sun Hwa will play out in the coming weeks.

**translated by antisocialnot**

[rubie]

November 6, 2009

Two Star Actresses Have Showdown on 'IRIS'

Two major female stars have engaged in a fight over a man--not in reality but in a drama. On the November 4 episode of “IRIS,” Choi Seung-hee (Kim Tae-hee), who is trying to find out the whereabouts of her boyfriend Kim Hyun-jun (Lee Byung-heon), had a breathtaking showdown in a train with Kim Seon-hwa (Kim So-yeon), a North Korean agent who is chasing Hyun-jun.

Seung-hee is secretly following Seon-hwa to the train. When Seon-hwa moves out of Seung-hee’s sight as a man next to her opens his newspaper, Seon-hwa hides in the corner of the door leading to the next train. Puzzled, Seung-hee moves toward the door only to encounter Seon-hwa, who points a gun at her side when she comes close.

But Seon-hwa becomes distracted when a girl appears through the door, and Seung-hee uses that moment to counterattack. The two get into a struggle and the gun is fired, making all the other passengers flee.

But an unexpected third person appears to help Seung-hee when Seon-hwa succeeds in picking up the gun and threatens her again. Jin Sa-woo (Jeong Jun-ho) shoots the gun out of Seon-hwa's hand. Surprised, Seon-hwa jumps from the train and runs away. Sa-woo tries to shoot her to death, but Seung-hee stops him, saying, “If we kill her, it will leave us no way to find Hyun-jun.” She is certain that Hyun-jun is alive.

Their fighting was as tough and cutthroat as men’s fighting, as they are secret agents who are trained to be skilled at attack and defense. And it helped that the two actresses could show different sides of themselves that entertained viewers.

Meanwhile, Japanese actress Yu Min made a surprise appearance on the episode as a Japanese secret agent. Yu, who gained popularity here in Korea for her pure image in a series of Korean dramas, went back to Japan around four years ago and has been working there.

Internet broadcast media for "Guide & Review," TV Report

Writer: TV Report l Copyright ⓒ KBS & KBSi - KBS Global

[jeeji]

Lee Byung Hun holds a ’surprise birthday party’ for Kim So Yeon on-site

Kim So-Yeon, who plays the charismatic North Korean guard in KBS’s Wed-Thur drama IRIS, had about 3 birthday parties played out for her last week.

Lee Byung Hun and the 2 directors, Yang Yoon Ho and Kim Gyu Tae held separate surprise birthday parties for her. While Lee Byung Hun prepared cupcakes for Kim So Yeon, Kim Gyu Tae (the director) and the crew prepared a birthday cake for her to celebrate her birthday.

Kim So Yeon was so engrossed in playing her role that she didn’t even notice that the crew had prepared a birthday cake and party for her. As such, she was visibly touched when Yang Yoon Ho (the director) handed her her birthday cake. After proceeding to Incheon for filming later on in the day, Kim So Yeon celebrated her birthday again with Kim Gyu Tae and crew. It was a very memorable experience for her as she had 3 ‘birthday cakes’ to cut in 1 day.

Kim So Yeon expressed that ‘this is the best birthday i’ve ever had’ and her feelings of gratitude towards the staff for preparing the birthday celebration for her.

Meanwhile, Kim So Yeon has received favourable reviews for her role as a strong agent in IRIS from viewers.

credits: antisocialnot @ IRIS-soompi.com

[lilcrash]

Thank you for sharing all the recent articles, interviews! I enjoyed reading them all!

Some more Ep 7& 8 caps

2 gifs

Credit: daum

[Guest csfan]

Super thanks to lilcrash for the screencaps and gifs :thumbsup I totally adore KSY's character in here and am more interested in KSH-HJ interactions.. lol i know im in the minority but oh well.... ;)

[rubie]

I know that we can't have it all but I'm really glad that KSY really jumped at the chance to act in IRIS, she really wanted the role despite the supporting status and she went into character all-out since day 1. And honestly, I'm really happy how her role turned out.. it's more that expected and even better than anticipated. KSY may not be the leading choice but she made her role as KSH so good and effective that we know we're seeing a new star emerging. Most hopefully and very likely IRIS will give KSY the acting recognition that eluded her for so long because she is indeed one of the better actors.

We've known that IRIS isn't about HJ and KSH but that wont stop us from enjoying the series. I personally love all their moments and interaction since their paths crossed.. I wasn't expecting anything too much but everything turned out just right.. the chemistry is simply undeniable. Obviously no passionate kisses.. no lovescenes but just as intimate.

[Guest kbmoon87]

I agree with you rubie. I missed watching KSY since Gourmet and she's really proven how great of an actor she is in IRIS. I look forward to scenes between HJ and KSH on IRIS every week. I hope we get to see scenes with them together more even though I know HJ and CSH will get back together.

[Guest csfan]

I also agree with you rubie... Although KSY is just a supporting character, she brings so much depth and emotion into her character which makes her interactions with HJ so much interesting... heheh no passionate kisses?? lol imo, there scenes are captivating and intimate enough haha its not all about bed scenes and passionate kisses lol

Yeah will enjoy KSHwa-HJ moments before the reunion of CSH-HJ... I really hope that KSY gets the recognition and fame after IRIS.. she's truly talented and deserves to be recognised :)