[movie 2008] Kang Cheol-jung: Public Enemy 1-1 (강철중: 공공의 &

[Guest kdramafanusa]

Seol Kyeong-Gu, Jeong Jae-Yeong

Kang Cheol-Jung: Public Enemy 1-1

강철중: 공공의 적 1-1

Public Enemy Returns

PROLOGUE

Official Website: http://001-1.co.kr/

Director: KANG Woo-suk 강우석 (Silmido, Public Enemy, Hanbando)

Screenplay: JANG Jin 장진 (Going By The Book, My Son, Welcome To Dongmakgol, Someone Special)

Main Cast: SUL Kyung-gu, JUNG Jae-young

Genre: Crime, Action, Comedy

Opening Date: June 19, 2008

Rate: Over 15

Production: KnJ Entertainment

Distribution / International Sales: CJ Entertainment

35mm, 2.35:1, Color, Dolby SRD

SYNOPSIS

KANG Chul-jung has been a detective fighting crime for 15 years, but he leads a hand-to-mouth living. The criminals he’s put behind bars in the past are now doing much better for themselves, and all this makes Chul-jung regret becoming a cop.

On the other end of the spectrum is Jae-young. He is a wealthy owner of a mini-empire including businesses in finance, construction, food and entertainment. He takes in young boys and has them take the fall for him for the crimes he has committed. One day Jae-young’s gang kills the owner of a meatpacking company, and pins the murder on Ha-yeon, a young kid not yet old enough to have a registration ID. Ha-yeon tries to go to the cops, but sensing his betrayal, the mob has him killed.

Kang Chul-jung feels an incredible anger towards Jae-young, who is quick to turn young boys into criminals for his own selfish gains. Vowing to capture him, Chul-jung gets his hands on Jae-young after he tries to run, feeling the heat of the investigations. They confront each other for the long-awaited battle.

CAST & CHARACTERS

Back With a Vengeance After 5 Years

Detective KANG Chul-jung / SUL Kyung-gu

More like gangster than homicide detective, he employs unorthodox methods and relies on violence instead of reason to round up criminals. But he is a cop through and through, going after each bad guy like he is the last enemy standing.

Filmography

Venus and Mars (2008)

Cruel Winter Blues (2006)

Silmido (2003)

Public Enemy (2002)

Cool, Calm, Collected CEO of Major Crime Ring

Boss JUNG Jae-young / JUNG Jae-young

With guts and guile, this shrewd, calculating boss of the organized crime ring, Giant Star, couldn’t care less about the young boys he sacrifices for his selfish gains.

Filmography

The Divine Weapon (2008)

Going by the Book (2007)

Righteous Ties (2006)

Welcome to Dongmakgol(2006)

DIRECTOR

Kang Woo-suk

After the release of Public Enemy in 2002, Kang Woo-suk solidified his position in the Korean film industry as a director to be reckoned with. Not only did the film achieved great box-office success, but received critical acclaim. He became a legend with 2004’s Silmido, which attracted more than 10 million admissions at the Korean box office. In 2005, he formed a film production company, KnJ Entertainment, with Director Jang Jin, which went on to produce such films as Hanbando, Righteous Ties, and My Son. For this movie, Jang Jin, of The Big Scene and Guns & Talks fame, came on board as screenwriter to create the third and best installment of the Public Enemy films yet.

Filmography

Hanbando (2006), Another Public Enemy (2005), Silmido (2003),

Public Enemy (2001), How to Top My Wife (1994), Two Cops (1993)

~~~

Cast

Seol Kyeong-gu 설경구 (Voice Of A Murderer, Silmido, Jailbreakers, Oasis, Peppermint Candy)

Jeong Jae-yeong 정재영 (Going By The Book, Welcome To Dongmakgol, Someone Special, Silmido, Hi Dharma)

Lee Moon-sik 이문식 (Bank Attack, Mapado 2, Fly Daddy, A Bloody Aria)

Yoo Hae-jin 유해진 (Tazza, King & The Clown, Another Public Enemy)

Kang Shin-il 강신일 (Black House)

Im Won-hee 임원희 (Le Grand Chef)

Yeon Je-wook 연제욱 (Someone Behind You, Gangster High)

Lee Han 이한 (Modern Boy; When Spring Comes, Lovers)

[source: CJ Entertainment/Cine21/KOFIC]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Guest Morty]

Great!!! Fantastic! You are the best!!!

It would be even more great if someone could translate the article above. Please!!!

[Guest kdramafanusa]

Kang gets ever more "Public"

Written by Darcy Paquet

Monday, 16 July 2007

SEOUL – Cinema Service founder Kang Woo-suk has announced a new installment to his highly successful "Public Enemy" series of films.

"Kang Cheol-jung" (original language title) is slated to start shooting this fall, and is hoped to extend helmer's stellar run at the Korean box office which includes the original "Public Enemy" (2002, $14.8 million), "Silmido" (2003, $57.7 million), "Another Public Enemy" (2005, $23.4 million) and the big-budget Hanbando" (2006, $26 million).

New pic is set four years after the original film in the series, with actor Sol Kyung-gu reprising his role as a corrupt and ruthless police detective. Sol played a different character in the second film in the series, "Another Public Enemy".

Helmer and playright Jang Jin, who launched production shingle K&J Entertainment with Kang in 2005, will also contribute to the film's screenplay.

Other thesps to appear include Jung Jae-young ("Welcome to Dongmakgol"), Kang Shin-il ("Black House"), and Im Won-hee ("Three... Extremes").

설경구의 '강철중', 할리우드 대작과 '정면승부'

2008-03-24 09:26:28

[마이데일리 = 장서윤 기자] 설경구 주연의 영화 '강철중(감독 강우석)'이 할리우드 대작에 정면 도전장을 냈다.

배급사 CJ엔터테인먼트는 24일 할리우드 대작들이 본격적으로 개봉하는 오는 6월 '강철중'을 개봉하기로 확정했다고 밝혔다

'공공의 적' 3편 격인 '강철중'은 1,2편에서 각각 형사와 검사로 등장했던 주인공 강철중(설경구)에 좀더 포커스를 맞추고 있다.

CJ엔터테인먼트는 "당초 7~8월 개봉을 고려했으나 6월로 개봉일을 앞당겨 할리우드 작품들과 승부를 걸어봄과 동시에 흥행도 동시에 성공할 것"이라고 전했다.

이 시기에는 '인디아나 존스-크리스탈 해골의 왕국', '나니아 연대기-캐스피언의 왕자', 그리고 비가 조연으로 출연한 워쇼스키형제 감독의 '스피드 레이서' 등 할리우드 블록버스터가 대거 한국에 온다.

CJ엔터테인먼트는 이밖에 송강호·이병헌·정우성 주연의 '좋은 놈, 나쁜 놈, 이상한 놈(감독 김지운)' 정재영·허준호가 연기호흡을 맞춘 '신기전(감독 김유진)' 김혜수·박해일이 주연한 '모던보이(감독 정지우)' 등 100억원대 대작 세 작품을 7월부터 한 달 간격으로 개봉할 예정임을 밝혔다.

[6월 개봉을 확정지은 '강철중'의 주연배우 설경구. 사진=마이데일리 사진DB]

장서윤 기자 ciel@mydaily.co.kr

기사 제보 및 보도자료 press@mydaily.co.kr

모바일 마이데일리 3693 + NATE/magicⓝ/ez-i

- NO1.뉴미디어 실시간 뉴스 마이데일리(www.mydaily.co.kr) 저작권자 ⓒ 마이데일리. 무단전재&재배포 금지 -

http://www.mydaily.co.kr/news/read.html?ne...803240915331122

(Summary of the article) CJ Entertainment announced that they will release "Kang Cheol Jung" (director Kang Woo-seok), starring Seol Kyeong-gu, in June instead of July-August. It will compete with Hollywood films "Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull", "The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian", "Speed Racers" where Rain plays a supporting role.

Starting in July: Song Kang-ho, Lee Byeong-heon, Jeong Woo-seong's "The Good, The Bad, The Weird" (director Kim Ji-woon), Jeong Jae-yeong, Heo Joon-ho's "Shingijeon" (director Kim Yoo-jin), Kim Hye-soo and Park Hae-il "Modern Boy" (director Jeong Ji-woo).

[Guest huangsy]

related movie site http://movie.daum.net/movieInfo?mkey=44053

cast list http://movie.daum.net/movieInfo?mkey=44053&mode=2

photos at http://movie.daum.net/movieInfo?mkey=44053&mode=4

trailers http://movie.daum.net/movieInfo?mkey=44053&mode=5

[Guest kdramafanusa]

CAST

Seol Kyeong-gu

Jeong Jae-yeong

Lee Moon-sik

Yoo Hae-jin

Source: Cine21

[Guest kdramafanusa]

"Kang Cheol-jung: Public Enemy 1-1" will be released on June 19!

강우석 감독과 설경구의 ‘강철중: 공공의 적1-1’ 6월19일 개봉

[스포츠월드] 강우석 감독과 배우 설경구의 재회로 화제를 모은 ‘강철중:공공의 적 1-1’(이하 강철중)이 최근 모든 촬영을 마치고 개봉일을 확정지었다.

1일 영화 관계자에 따르면, 영화 ‘한반도’ 이후 2년만에 컴백한 강우석 감독과 배우 설경구가 함께 호흡을 맞춘 영화 ‘강철중’이 최근 서울 청담동에서의 촬영을 마지막으로 지난해 12월 말부터 시작한 촬영을 43회 차로 끝마쳤다. ‘강철중’은 앞으로 본격적인 후반작업을 거쳐 6월 19일에 개봉된다.

‘강철중’은 영화 ‘공공의 적’의 5년 후라는 설정으로 출발한다. ‘공공의 적’ 시리즈에 빠짐없이 출연했던 설경구가 다시금 무대포 꼴통 형사로 복귀해 더욱 견고해진 강철중만의 매력을 선보일 예정이다. 여기에 정재영이 새롭게 악역으로 변신해 흥미를 더해준다.

이밖에 이제는 당당히 주연급으로 우뚝 선 강신일, 이문식, 유해진 등 원년 멤버들도 그대로 재 출연하고, 개성있는 영화들을 선보여 온 충무로의 재주꾼 장진 감독이 각본을 맡아 기존 강우석 감독만의 연출 스타일에 독특한 매력을 가미하며 기대감을 높이고 있다.

한준호 기자 tongil77@sportsworldi.com

기사입력 2008.04.01 (화) 20:32, 최종수정 2008.04.01 (화) 20:46

http://www.sportsworldi.com/Articles/EntCu...=20080401003926

[Guest kdramafanusa]

Source: Korea Herald 2008.04.10

Movie industry struggling with slowdown

"The Chaser (Chugyeokja)," a Korean thriller directed by Na Hong-jin, has turned out to be a surprising hit in the slump-laden local film industry in the first quarter. Released on Feb. 14, it is still showing strong performances at the box office, outsmarting other Korean and foreign competitors.

If the current trend continues, the ticket sales of the thriller is now expected to reach the 5-million landmark soon, possibly emerging as the most successful Korean film in the first half of 2008.

The trailblazing success of "The Chaser" at the box office reflects the dearth of successful Korean flicks. Even foreign films are not faring so well, with Hollywood blockbusters mysteriously absent in the box office slots.

The problem with the film lineup in April has been compounded by the current downturn hitting local productions and distributors hard. Discouraged by the poor showings of major Korean films last year, production houses are delaying the release dates of some of the most promising movies like "Modern Boy" until the second half of this year. Director Jung Ji-woo's "Modern Boy" features top-notch actors Park Hae-il and Kim Hye-soo in a retro style story set in the vibrant 1930s. A series of promotional materials touting the movie's delicate depiction of cafes, coffee shops, and department stores in that era have been distributed, but the film's production house decided to put off the release.

"The Good, The Bad, The Weird," a big-budget Korean film that unfolds in Manchuria, is also unlikely to greet local moviegoers any time soon. Well-known Korean Wave stars Lee Byung-hun, Song Kang-ho and Jung Woo-sung play exotic roles -- a bandit, a train robber and a bounty hunter -- and expectations were rising high. But producers experienced cold feet about the negative sentiment in the film industry, rescheduling its release date to the second half.

The delays suggest that local production houses sponsoring big-budget projects are reluctant to stage a direct showdown with Hollywood blockbusters in the May-July period. At the same time, investors are highly cautious about Korean films, citing the frequent commercial failures and cutting off the much-needed funds for new projects. To reduce risks and stay afloat, production houses are taking all the steps necessary to turn a profit, leading to the lack of new releases in recent months.

On the weekend, Korean filmmaker Gong Su-chang's thriller "GP506" secured the top position at the box office, selling 190,000 tickets. Trailing behind were "Three Kingdoms," a Korea-China joint project that drew in 170,000 moviegoers. Even considering the slump, it is unusual when box-office leaders fall short of taking in less than 200,000 viewers.

This week, Korean-American director Lee Jie-ho's debut feature "The Air I Breathe" is hitting theaters featuring a high-profile American cast, including Brendan Fraser and Andy Garcia, in an labyrinthine tale. But this movie is unlikely to infuse a momentum to a box office stuck with slow ticket sales and an absence of major hits.

By Yang Sung-jin

(insight@heraldm.com)

-----

While other Korean movies get delayed to avoid competing with Hollywood films, "Kang Cheol Jung: Public Enemy 1-1" will premiere in June instead of its original release date of July-August. It will face off with "Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull", "The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian", "Speed Racers".

[Guest kdramafanusa]

<<<Credit: Rubie (News Thread)>>>

Tuesday, 22 April 2008

Kim named most powerful in Korea

Written by Han Sunhee

- compiled from the article, hope we'll have a complete list later

1. Kim Joo-sung (CJ Entertainment)

2. Tcha Seung-jai (Sidus FNH)

3. Kang Woo-suk (Cinema Service)

4. Kim Woo-taek (film director)

5. Bong Joon-ho (film director)

6. Shim Jae-myung (MK Pictures)

7. Kim Kwang-seop (Lotte Entertainment)

8. Song Kang-ho (actor)

9. Park Chan-wook (film director)

10. Yoo In-chon (Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism)

12. Kim Ji-woon (film director)

14. Lee Joon-ik (film director)

17. Jeon Do-yeon (actress)

23. Jang Dong-geun (actor)

29. Choi Dong-hoon (film director)

36. Jeong Ji-hoon (actor)

49. Lee Byung-hun (actor)

SEOUL---CJ Entertainment prexy Kim Joo-sung has been named as the most influential figure in the Korean film industry for the first time. Kim topped the 13th annual "Power 50" list published in the recent edition of film weekly magazine Cine21, which is voted for by 85 leading film industry personalities and observers. Previously in second place, he swaps places with Tcha Seung-jai of Sidus.

CJ Entertainment headed by Kim is taking the most critical role as the key investor and distributor in industry that is struggling this year. CJ Entertainment currently manages numerous biggest budget titles which will be released 2008, including "The Good, the Bad and the Weird", "Modern Boy" "The Divine Weapon" "Kang Chul-joong" and "Thirst".

Slipping to No.2 was producer Tcha Seung-jai of Sidus FNH, who previously topped in two consecutive years on the list. Unchanged in the ranks were Cinema Service founder and "Kang Chul-joong" helmer Kang Woo-suk was at No. 3, followed by Mediaplex CEO Kim Woo-taek at No.4; with helmer Bong Joon-ho at No. 5.

Rounding out the top 10 were MK Pictures producer Shim Jae-myung, Lotte Entertainment CEO Kim Kwang-seop, actor Song Kang-ho ("The Host"), helmer Park Chan-wook and Yoo In-chon, the former actor and newly inaugurated Minister of culture, sports and tourism as the first time entry at No.10

Among the actors and actresses on the list, Cannes winner Jeon Do-yeon was ranked at 17, Jang Dong-geun (upcoming in "Laundry Warrior") at 23, Lee Byung-hun ( upcoming in Paramount's "G.I. Joe") at 49. Korean Wave superstar Rain (a.k.a. Jeong Ji-hoon, "I'm a Cyborg, but that's O.K." "Speed Racer" ) also entered the list for the first time at 36.

Helmers included Kim Ji-woon ("The Good, the Bad and the Weird") at No.12, Lee Joon-ik ("Sunny") at No.14, Choi Dong-hoon ("Tazza") at 29.

Source: Variety Asia Online

http://www.varietyasiaonline.com/content/view/5953/53/

[Guest kdramafanusa]

<<<Credit: Rubie (News Thread)>>>

April 22, 2008

Cine 21 Names CJ’s KIM Joo-sung Most Influential

Local film weekly magazine, Cine 21, provided its annual list of the most powerful players in the Korean film industry, with CJ Entertainment president KIM Joo-sung at the top for the first time. With the industry taking a downturn last year, CJ Ent. has grown to become the key investor and distributor for many of the biggest projects expected out this year, including Modern Boy and The Good, The Bad, The Weird.

In second place was CHOI Sung-jae of SIDUS FNH, switching from the top spot last year and the year before. In third was Cinema Service founder and director KANG Woo-suk, (Silmido, Hanbando, and the upcoming Kang Chul-joon). Mediaplex CEO KIM woo-taek came in fourth while The Host helmer BONG Joon-ho was in fifth place.

The ranking are voted on by 85 leading film industry representatives. Other notables included MK Pictures producer SHIM Jae-myung at no.6, Lotte Entertainment CEO KIM Kwang-seop at 7, top Korean actor SONG Kang-ho at 8 and director PARK Chan-wook, currently shooting his latest film “Thirst” with SONG at no. 9. International superstar RAIN (JUNG Ji-hoon) entered the list for the first time at no. 36.

Nigel D’Sa (KOFIC)

http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/KOFIC/Channel?...Gesimul_SNO=968

[Guest kdramafanusa]

Interview with director Kang Woo-seok

"Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull" (referred to as Indiana Jones 4) will be released on May 22.

"Kang Cheol Jung" will open on June 19.

-----

Big Movies Releases in June-August

June: Director Kang Woo-seok -- 'Kang Cheol Jung: Public Enemy 1-1"

July: 'The Good The Bad The Weird', 'Someone Dear Is Far Away', 'Eye For An Eye'

'Nimeun Meon Gose / Someone Dear Is Far Away': from "The King & The Clown" director Lee Joon-ik; opens on July 24

'An Eye For An Eye': Han Seok-gyu & Cha Seung-won; late July

August: 'Shingijeon'

[source: JoongAng Daily] Another promising blockbuster is "Shingijeon", directed by Kim Yoo-jin.

This 10 billion won movie is also a period piece. It goes back much further than the movies mentioned above. It's set in the Joseon Dynasty (1392 to 1910). Shingijeon is the name of a weapon that King Sejong, the creator of Hangul, the Korean alphabet, ordered his scientists to develop in the 15th century. The rocket-propelled weapon fires multiple arrows carrying small bombs over a great range. The production team made the now-defunct weapon using authentic designs from history books. The movie is filled with epic battle sequences between secret agents assigned to protect the development of this weapon of mass destruction. The Chinese do not want the weapon to be developed. Possible parallels with the world today and the problem of the proliferation of nuclear weapons? Ahn Seong-gi plays King Sejong, and Jeong Jae-yeong plays Seol-ju, who falls in love with the daughter of one of the key scientists working on the weapon. Seol-ju has to protect his love interest from a gang of Chinese agents determined to stop the Koreans and their arms industry.

[Guest Morty]

The official website is up:

http://www.001-1.co.kr/

The teaser looks cool, even if it features only one short scene at the end from the new film, the footage before is from the first film released in 2002. And I love Sol Kyung-gu's look at the site... it makes me laugh... really funny.

[Guest kdramafanusa]

^ Thanks Morty.

~~~~~

Images from Cine21:

~~~~~

http://www.donga.com/fbin/output?n=200805150218

http://web.reviewstar.net/view.php?code=1030&id=68427

http://media.daum.net/entertain/broadcast/...7&cp=newsen

[Guest boshao]

Trailer

mms://media1.maxmovie.com/movieinfo/image/av/Max001-1trailer.wmv

Poster

Cast: Kim Nam-gil (Lee Han)

[Guest kdramafanusa]

Public Enemy Returns

PROLOGUE

Presented by CJ Entertainment

Produced by KnJ Entertainment

SUL Kyung-gu, JUNG Jae-young

Director KANG Woo-suk

June, 2008

35mm, 2.35:1, Color, Dolby SRD

SYNOPSIS

KANG Chul-jung has been a detective fighting crime for 15 years, but he leads a hand-to-mouth living. The criminals he’s put behind bars in the past are now doing much better for themselves, and all this makes Chul-jung regret becoming a cop.

On the other end of the spectrum is Jae-young. He is a wealthy owner of a mini-empire including businesses in finance, construction, food and entertainment. He takes in young boys and has them take the fall for him for the crimes he has committed. One day Jae-young’s gang kills the owner of a meatpacking company, and pins the murder on Ha-yeon, a young kid not yet old enough to have a registration ID. Ha-yeon tries to go to the cops, but sensing his betrayal, the mob has him killed.

Kang Chul-jung feels an incredible anger towards Jae-young, who is quick to turn young boys into criminals for his own selfish gains. Vowing to capture him, Chul-jung gets his hands on Jae-young after he tries to run, feeling the heat of the investigations. They confront each other for the long-awaited battle.

CAST & CHARACTERS

Back With a Vengeance After 5 Years

Detective KANG Chul-jung / SUL Kyung-gu

More like gangster than homicide detective, he employs unorthodox methods and relies on violence instead of reason to round up criminals. But he is a cop through and through, going after each bad guy like he is the last enemy standing.

Filmography

Venus and Mars (2008)

Cruel Winter Blues (2006)

Silmido (2003)

Public Enemy (2002)

Cool, Calm, Collected CEO of Major Crime Ring

Boss JUNG Jae-young / JUNG Jae-young

With guts and guile, this shrewd, calculating boss of the organized crime ring, Giant Star, couldn’t care less about the young boys he sacrifices for his selfish gains.

Filmography

The Divine Weapon (2008)

Going by the Book (2007)

Righteous Ties (2006)

Welcome to Dongmakgol(2006)

DIRECTOR

Kang Woo-suk

After the release of Public Enemy in 2002, Kang Woo-suk solidified his position in the Korean film industry as a director to be reckoned with. Not only did the film achieved great box-office success, but received critical acclaim. He became a legend with 2004’s Silmido, which attracted more than 10 million admissions at the Korean box office. In 2005, he formed a film production company, KnJ Entertainment, with Director Jang Jin, which went on to produce such films as Hanbando, Righteous Ties, and My Son. For this movie, Jang Jin, of The Big Scene and Guns & Talks fame, came on board as screenwriter to create the third and best installment of the Public Enemy films yet.

Filmography

Hanbando (2006), Another Public Enemy (2005), Silmido (2003),

Public Enemy (2001), How to Top My Wife (1994), Two Cops (1993)

[source=CJ Entertainment]

[Guest kdramafanusa]

PUBLIC ENEMY RETURNS

Directed by : KANG Woo-suk

Cast : SUL Kyoung-gu, JUNG Jae-young

Genre : Crime/Action

Synopsis : KANG Chul-jung has been a detective fighting crime for 15 years, but leads a financially insecure life. Meanwhile, the men he’s put behind bars in the past are now doing much better for themselves, which drives Chul-jung to regret choosing his profession. Jae-young, one of those wealthy criminals, is a crime boss that recruits young kids to work for him while taking the fall for crimes he commits. Chul-jung feels an incredible anger towards Jae-young, and vows to put him away.

Copyrightⓒ 2008 CJ Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

[Guest kdramafanusa]

June 2, 2008 - Press Screening & Conference

~~~

~~~

Credit: Chosun, Newsen/Daum, Edaily

[Guest kdramafanusa]

Source: The Korea Herald 2008.06.04

[movie REVIEW]New 'Public Enemy' upgrades humor

In "Public Enemy Returns," the third installment of the police action series by director Kang Woo-suk, the most visible -- and welcome -- change comes from the central character, detective Gang Cheol-jung.

Gang, played by veteran actor Sul Kyoung-gu, still works as a quirky, almost uncontrollable detective who specializes in hunting down the vicious villains. But this time around Gang is much more tenacious: even after he gets stabbed by an attacker and goes through a major surgery, he springs back to his feet and runs after what he sees as "a public enemy."

The enemy is Lee Won-sul (played by Jung Jae-young), chairman of Geo-seong Group. An up-and-coming entrepreneur, chairman Lee runs a host of seemingly legitimate businesses, but his real business remains deeply rooted in his lifelong career of gangster. All of his employees are in fact members of a massive gangster group led by Lee, and their key business is to threaten, stab and kill for money.

▲A scene from "Public Enemy Returns"

Compared with the previous two installments, detective Gang looks bigger and more powerful, and even the evil character, Lee, comes with multiple psychological layers in a departure from the typically cardboard criminals. The movie also draws strength from a solid cast of supporting characters who do their part in throwing in more dramatic effects as well as a whiff of realism.

The movie, however, is not exclusively devoted to action sequences. Jokes are inserted in key moments, softening the overall tone of the film and offering a much-needed Korean sense of humor. The credit of this enhanced comic effect goes to the screenwriter Jang Jin, an established filmmaker himself who is known to be adept at creating tongue-in-cheek comic scenes, which are plentiful in "Public Enemy Returns."

In the beginning, Detective Gang is seriously considering a career change. For years he has tracked down really bad criminals, but he does not have enough money to secure a decent house for his daughter and mother. Gang drops in at a bank to get some loans, but the bank clerk's answer is resolutely negative. After all, his credit rating, because of his dangerous and terribly busy job that does not come with corresponding monetary returns, is at rock bottom.

Gang files his resignation letter to his boss but nobody believes he's quitting. While he is trying to get out of his trap, something serous hits the town. Gang's team is confronted with two murder cases whose traces seem to be linked with Geo-seong Group chairman Lee.

Lee is a very affectionate father who brings his son to a weekend farm house to teach him lessons about nature and humanity. He loves his wife dearly to the point of obeying her orders whenever possible. But behind this gentleman's facade lies a hidden identity: a merciless gangster boss who makes money, even by recruiting high school students and training them to stand in the front line of deception and violence.

Noticing that Lee's dirty hands are linked with the murder cases, Gang sets aside his career problem and begins his investigation, which turns out be more dangerous than he imagines.

Sul Kyoung-gu has increased the energy of Gang's character, showing off a more relaxed yet seasoned touch. Jung Jae-young, despite his first-ever role of an evil character, has successfully created an intriguing persona who is hopelessly corrupted to the heart and yet humorously vulnerable in a way that generates plenty of sympathy.

The original "Public Enemy" was a commercial hit in 2002, and the sequel "Another Public Enemy" produced mixed results in 2005. The third installment of the series, which draws keen interest as a major Korean film with box-office potential, is scheduled to be released on June 19.

By Yang Sung-jin

(insight@heraldm.com)

[Guest kdramafanusa]

Source: The Korea Herald 2008.05.30

Korean movies leap into box-office fray

In late April, Iron Man arrived in the Korean cinema, smashing the box office into very profitable pieces. In mid-May, Prince Caspian took the baton and kept up the pressure on Korean competitors. Last weekend, whip-wielding Indy joined the Hollywood-only party, roped in plenty of movie tickets sales.

The bombardment of Hollywood films has dragged the share of Korean films to a record low. But this bleak development was widely predicted since only a couple of new Korean releases were made. June might be slightly different, as eight Korean movies are set for release.

"Girl Scout," directed by Kim Sang-man, will hit theaters on June 5, featuring well-known actors such as Kim Sun-a, Na Mun-hee, Lee Kyung-shil. The film will test whether audiences still have an appetite for a chase-the-money drama with fewer funny moments than publicized.

Waiting in line for the June 12 release are four Korean films: "She was Beautiful," "Beyond All Magic," "Spare" and "Like Father, Like Son."

"She was Beautiful," directed by Choi Ik-hwan, will introduce a love story where three men fall in love with the same woman. The film uses "anigraphics," putting together conventional shooting of real actors and animation. Kim Su-ro, Kang Sung-jin, Kim Jin-su play three close friends competing for the affection of a woman played by Park Ye-jin.

While "She was Beautiful" is about three men, "Beyond All Magic (Heuksim-monyeo)" is about three women falling for the same good-looking guy (played by Lee Sang-soo). Directed by Jo Nam-ho, this comic fantasy sells itself on the reputations of veteran actors, such as Shim Hye-jin and Kim Soo-mi.

"Spare," first introduced at the Pusan International Film Festival last year, will feature well-organized action performances from its Korean and Japanese cast. Director Lee Sung-han, who started to work on the film in 2006, finally brings his debut feature to theaters, but the competition will be tough.

"Like Father, Like Son," director Lee Mu-young's third film, portrays a rock musician who reunites with his son after a 15-year separation. A real drama begins to unfold when the two characters have to live together with a woman named Marie. The film stars Kim Sang-joong as the father and Kim Heung-soo as his son, and Yoo In-yeong plays Marie.

A bigger Korean film project will come out on June 19. "Public Enemy Returns," the third installment of the police action series helmed by director Kang Woo-suk, will bring back the foul-mouthed yet justice-obsessed police detective Gang Cheol-jung played by Sul Kyoung-gu. The original "Public Enemy" was a commercial hit in 2002, and the sequel "Another Public Enemy" in 2005 fared relatively well. Expectations for the third one are building, not least because it has a solid supporting cast, including Jung Jae-young, Lee Moon-shik and Yu Hae-jin, and the screenplay is written by Jang Jin, a popular filmmaker.

"Crossing," to be released on June 26, is one of the most notable Korean films this summer, largely due to its realistic depiction of North Korean defectors. Directed by Kim Tae-kyun, the film stars Cha In-pyo as a North Korean who crosses the Chinese border to get food and medicine for his ailing wife, only to find himself on the run. His 11-year-old son (Shin Myeong-cheol) also risks his life to trace his father in China. Shot in Korea, Mongolia and China between July and September last year, "Crossing" portrays the plight of North Koreans desperate to survive in a way that raises the awareness about this serious issue.

Set for release on the same day as "Crossing" but with a far brighter tone is "My Mighty Princess." Directed by Kwak Jae-yong, this romantic comedy stars Shin Min-a as a female college student armed with unexpectedly good skills in martial arts, and the storyline revolves around her quest for Mr. Right.

The eight Korean films will surely make some headway in their concerted efforts to fight off the attacks from their Hollywood counterparts, but the fight will be nothing if not tantalizing and cutthroat.

The tantalizing aspect will come from "Sex and the City: The Movie," which makes its debut June 5. The big-screen adaptation of the hit HBO series will reunite Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis, and given that Korea has a solid female fan base for the four fashionable New Yorkers, the R-rated film is expected to sashay the box-office runway with some confidence.

The cutthroat front has two muscular players: "Kung Fu Panda" and "The Incredible Hulk." The most feared adversary of the two is a pot-bellied panda named Po. The podgy panda turns into an unlikely kung fu hero in a clever animated marital arts adventure by the DreamWorks Animation team known for its "Shrek" franchise. The beautifully rendered graphics and intricately organized animated sequences give the film enhanced dramatic effect, and it will strongly appeal to audiences of all age groups when it opens on June 5.

"The Incredible Hulk," based on the classic Marvel Comics superhero, depicts Bruce Banner (Edward Norton), a mild-mannered scientist who has been traveling the world to find an antidote that will allow him to break free from his primal alter ego.

For better or worse, Panda and the Hulk will not pay much attention to the eight Korean films opening in June. Their focus will be on Iron Man, Prince Caspian and Indy. The three movies took a combined 81 percent share of ticket sales last weekend, according to the Korean Film Council.

By Yang Sung-jin

(insight@heraldm.com)

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Credit: Osen/Daum

[Guest kdramafanusa]

Source: Osen + Daum

[Guest kdramafanusa]

Source: KBS World 2008-06-06

Actors Voice Opinions on U.S. Beef Import

Celebrities have joined a large part of the Korean people in speaking out against the import of U.S. beef. Famed actor Seol Kyeong-gu of “Silmido,” “Oasis,” and the “Public Enemy” series has voiced his support for anti-U.S. beef protestors, especially high school students. He has said that he realized that the future of Korea is bright when he saw students expressing their opinions in public.

In the meantime, Seol’s latest film “Kang Cheol-jung: Public Enemy 1-1” includes a scene in which Seol’s character mentions mad cow disease. The scene was filmed in February, before the mad cow disease controversy broke out. He says the day he shot the scene was the day he stopped eating meat. He added that the government should be more judicious in dealing with the public outcry against the U.S. beef import. “Public Enemy 1-1” is scheduled to be in theaters on June 19th.

Another hot actor has posted his thoughts on the U.S. beef import deal. Hot actor Kim Rae-won, the star of soon-to-be-aired drama “Sikgaek (Gourmet Chef),” wrote on his personal homepage that he is concerned about food safety and imported beef like the rest of the Korean public and came to realize the superiority of the Korean cuisine and tradition through the filming of “Sikgaek.” He added that he learned why Korean beef is so superior to other beef while preparing for his role as Seong-chan, an aspiring chef in the drama. The posting wrapped up with his plea to remember the hard work Korean livestock farmers have put into raising the cattle.

Drama “Sikgaek,” based on the comic book series under the same title, will air its first episode on June 16th.