Kim Hyo Jin 김효진

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February 9, 2012

Celebrities Join Together To Raise Money For Facial Burn Victims

Source: KBS Global l Nate

A group of celebrities got together to do some good for those that are victims of facial burns.

Titled "Another Face Another Dream", the charity photo shoot was held by an optical brand and a magazine company.

Celebrities like Yoo Ji-tae, Kim Hyo-jin, Kim Hee-sun, Jeon Do-yeon, Jang Yoon-joo, Sung Si-kyung, Song Joong-ki, Choi Boo-lam, Park Ye-jin, Cho Yeo-jung, Min Hyo-rin, Kim Jin-pyo, T-ara's Ji-yeon, Ali, Park Jung-ah, Lee Eun-kyul, and more all lent their time and faces. Their pictures feature these stars wearing the brand eye-glasses, and they were printed in the magazine company for February. They'll also be exhibited in an exhibit at the Chungdam-dong Gallery Face from February 15-27th.

The eye glasses worn in the pictures will also be auctioned off, for profits that will be donated to help facial burn victims.

On top of all this, the "Another Dream Party" will be held at a Seoul club on February 15th, with guests like 2PM and T-ara. The second party after party, "Allnight Club Party", will invite DJ Koo on the spin tables.

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February 7, 2012

Korea’s most anticipated films of 2012

By KANG Byeong-jin koreanfilm.or.kr

With the start of the new year, the Korean film industry looks to its brightest prospects. KANG Byeong-jin profiles eight highly anticipated films of 2012.

Fortune-tellers

In production. Directed by SHIN Jung-won. Starring KIM Su-ro, LEE Je-hoon, GANG Ye-won. Produced by Dasepo Club, Saram Entertainment. Distributed by N.E.W.Release planned for the first half of 2012.

Korean fortune-tellers not only tell the future, but they also chase away ghosts. The background of <Fortune-tellers> is Uljinri where a decades-old evil spirit rules. When mysterious accidents and events keep happening without avail, fortune-tellers from all over the country gather to hold a shaman ritual.

Master Park, who gets paid for performing exorcisms around the country; the monk Shim-in, who studied with him under the same master but is now telling sundry couple’s fortunes around old Tabgol Park; the boy Wol-gwang, who can’t tell what will happen from one moment to the next; Seung-hee who is skilled at taro cards and can see the memories stored in all objects; Suk-hyun who has a doctorate in engineering and makes all kinds of demon-chasing equipment. In addition to them, newspaper reporter Chan-young, who has come to Uljinri to cover it, joins them in facing off with the evil spirit.

Somewhat like the US TV series <Heroes>,<Fortune-tellers> is the story of a dream team of superheroes wielding different supernatural powers at the right times and right places.

Of course, it’s subject matter with potential for director Shin Jung-won’s idiosyncratic black comedy. Moreover, the film takes place mainly on a treasure ship and so Shin is planning thrills from adventures of the likes of <Goonies> and <Indiana Jones>.

The film also features Lee Je-hoon, who rose to stardom with his performance in <The Front Line>, and Gang Ye-won, who was in <Haeundae> and <Quick>.

The Taste of Money

In post-production. Directed by IM Sang-soo. Starring Kim Gang-woo, KIM Hyo-jin, BAEK Yun-shick,YOUN Yuh-jung. Produced by Film Pas Mal. Distributed by Cinergy. Release planned for May.

More characters, more love and hate, more sex, more cash. Director Im Sang-soo’s seventh film <The Taste of Money> is set to be a more powerful and shocking film than his previous one,<The Housemaid>.

The main character JU Young-jak is the secretary to BAEK Geum-ok, a rich conglomerate owner’s woman. Baek covets Ju’s young body, and he has already sold his pride for money a long time ago. What tangles up their relationship is the appearance of Baek’s daughter Na-mi. Na-mi shows an interest in Young-jak, and he is also attracted to this girl who is so differentfrom her money-is-everything parents.We could say it’s a sort of erotic drama that takes place in the household of a conglomerate-owning family.

If <The Housemaid>asserted through a self-immolating woman the impossibility of overturning the classes, <The Taste of Money> is a film that asks the question of whether a beautiful and happy life really might be impossible in a dark society.

Youn Yuh-jung, who is virtually Im Sang-soo’s muse, plays Baek Geum-ok while Kim Gang-woo from <Le GrandChef> and <The Railroad> plays Ju Young-jak and Kim Hyo-jin plays Nami. What heightens our anticipation is how the veteran actors’ experience and the young actors’ charms will emerge in this film.

The film wrapped principal photography Jan. 20 and is set for a release in late spring.

The Thieves

In post-production. Directed by CHOI Dong-hoon. Starring KIM Yun-seok, KIM Hye-su, LEE Jung-jae,Gianna JUN, Simon YAM. Produced by Caper Film. Distributed by Showbox / Mediaplex. Release planned for second half of the year.

<The Thieves> is a story about five thieves from Korea and four thieves from China. Legendary thief Macao Park suggests a caper to his old colleagues. With a lot to pay back to Macao Park, Popeye, Pepsi, Anycall, Jampano, and Chewed Gum - each with their respective specialties in thievery - go over to Macao together to partner with Chen’s gang.

The Chinese thieves have a lot of secret stories, too. One dreams of revenge, another is a cop, and one thief suddenly falls in love.

Director Choi Dong-hoon, who portrayed crime procedures with such liveliness in his previous works <The Big Swindle> and <Tazza: The High Rollers>,is set to make an strong action entertainment film out of the light-footed operation that penetrates the iron-tight security system of a casino, adding in the conflict between his characters.

But this isn’t a film meant just for a cool caper like <Ocean’s Eleven> or <The Italian Job>. According to the director, “It’s just a thieves’ scene where love and conspiracy and betrayal run rampant, and they have to get together to do a job and split up, and the story is about whether they can split up well or split up badly.”

Kim Yun-seok from <The Chaser> and <The Yellow Sea>, Lee Jung-jae from <The Housemaid>, Gianna Jun (a.k.a. Jun Ji-hyeon) from <My Sassy Girl> feature in the film and Hong Kong’s Simon Yam adds his acting power.

Currently in post-production, <The Thieves> is the most anticipated Korean film for the summer season of 2012.

Korea

In post-production. Directed by MOON Hyun-seong. Starring HA Ji-won, BAE Doo-na, HAN Ye-ri. Produced by The Tower Pictures. Distributed by CJ E&M. Release set for first half of 2012.

True stories, and true sports stories are trend these days.<Korea>, which is about the single North and South Korean team that competed at the 1991 World Table Tennis Tournament in Japan, looks like it will amplify that trend.

Table tennis player HYUN Jeong-hwa, who became a star when she won the ’88 Seoul Olympics doubles competition, is perplexed at the news they are putting together a single team. The press is going on about how it is the first single North and South Korean team in 46 years of division. But, to the South Korean players and coaching staff, the North Koreans are simply strangers.

They only have 40 days to train together in order to get over the wall of the Chinese team, the world’s strongest players. Having been put together as a single team in a flash, without any trust as colleagues or affection as human beings, the North and South Korean players clash at every turn.

Hyun Jeong-hwa also has trouble with her rival LEE Boon-hee, who is also the “eldest sister” of the North Korean team. Even if they bear in mind they are of the same people, will Hyun Jeong-hwa and Lee Boon-hee, conditioned by two different systems, be able to make a miracle happen?

It’s said Hyun Jeong-hwa was a body double in some of the game scenes. Fierce smashing from Ha Ji-won, already known to give it her all as an master hand in action from films like <The Duellist> and <Sector 7>, and Bae Doo-na, who used to be a table tennis player in her youth, will be factors to anticipate. As with <Forever the Moment>, the fighting spirit of women sports players will no doubt heat up tear ducts again, too.

Howling

Waiting for release. Directed by YOO Ha. Starring SONG Kang-ho, LEE Na-young. Produced by Opus Pictures. Distributed by CJ E&M. Set for February release.

Four years after <A Frozen Flower>, director Yoo Ha has returned with <Howling>, an investigative thriller dealing with a series of wolfhound-related killings.

A self-immolation suicide happens in a city. Violent crimes detective Sang-gil, who is always getting passed up for promotion, and Eun-young start to investigate. Sang-gil deems the case to be a murder by ignition device, but Eun-young focuses on the animal teeth marks found on the corpse. Then one day, a murder occurs involving an unidentifiable beast. The two detectives discover clues that the teeth marks in common are from a wolf hound, and that the victims knew each other in the past.

<Howling> is based on the Naoki Award-winning Japanese novel “Frozen Cuspids” by Nonami Asa. The problem of how an adaptation of a Japanese novel could embody Korean appeal is solved by the actor Song Kang-ho. A rather unsophisticated detective dependent on instincts, his character could be reminiscent of PARK Doo-man in <Memories of Murder>. Lee Na-young plays a female detective who tries to get to the bottom of the case with her characteristic cool-headedness. What kind of synergy the two might have together is something to look forward to seeing as well. It’s rumored that as the clues multiply, the emerging identity of the wolf hound is also full of suspense.

The Tower

In post-production. Directed by KIM Ji-hoon. Starring SUL Kyung-gu, SON Ye-jin, KIM Sang-kyung. Produced by CJ E&M, The Tower Pictures. Distributed by CJ E&M.Release due in second half.

Kim Ji-hoon, who directed <May 18> and <Sector 7> thought up <The Tower> after seeing a documentary on the dangers of high-rise buildings.

“They said the highest point a fire engine ladder could reach is 19 stories. I wanted to see the level of isolation there and human beings and their will to survive, aggressive fire, and the passion of the firemen,” he says.

It reminds one of John Guillermin’s<The Towering Inferno>, but it has more action, and compared to <Sector7> has more human stories, explains the director. The setting for the fire is a skyscraper on Christmas Eve. As the worst fire in history starts, a hellish Christmas develops. KANG Young-gi, a fireman determined to save lives; restaurant managerSEO Yoon-hee, the building’s maintenance head LEE Dae-ho and others fight with the deadly fire from inside and outside the building.

<The Tower> might be better suited to Kim Ji-hoon’s leanings and character than <Sector 7>, which highlighted the shape of a monster more than human stories. The CGI and green screen work he experienced with <Sector 7> this time look to fire up audience members’ tear ducts. Sul Kyung-gu, Kim Sang-kyung, Son Ye-jin and other idiosyncratic actors feature as interesting characters as well..

The Masquerade King (Working Title)

In pre-production. Directed by CHOO Chang-min. Starring LEE Byung-hun, RYU Seung-ryong, HAN Hyo-joo, SHIM Eun-kyung. Produced by REALies Pictures. Distributed by CJ E&M. Release set for second half.

In the history of the Joseon Dynasty, Prince Gwang-hae was like a Shakespearean hero. This is why numerous historical films in Korea have taken him as a model. The film <The Masquerade King> tells the story of what happens when Ha-sun, a person of low birth who looks just like Prince Gwang-hae, takes on the role of substitute king.

Lee Byung-hun, who recently finished shooting <G.I. Joe 2>, plays both Gwang-hae and Ha-sun in his first time acting in a historical piece. RYU Seung-ryong from <War of the Arrows> plays HUH Gyoon, the royal official who leads the plot to seat Ha-sun in the king’s empty place. Han Hyo-joo from <Always> plays the queen who is conflicted between the real king and the fake king’s secret. Shim Eun-kyung, a lead from <Sunny>, plays Gwang-hae’s lady attendant Sa-wol.

Kim Myung-gon from <Seopyonje>returns to the screen after a long time, playing PARK Chung-seo,a court official who has an antagonistic relationship with Gwang-hae and eventually begins to suspect Ha-sun in his role as the fake king.

With a script byHWANG Jo-yun, who wrote <Old Boy>, <The Masquerade King> was a hot commodity from the script stage. Choo Chang-min, who previously did <Mapado> and <LateBlossom>, is directing.

Hoogoong: Jaewang-eui chub (English title TBA)

In production. Directed by KIM Dai-seung. Starring JO Yeo-jung, KIM Min-jun, KIM Dong-wook. Produced by HwangKiSung Films. Distributed by Lotte Entertainment. Release due in first half of the year.

Kim Dai-seung, who previously directed <Blood Rain> and <Traces of Love>, is now in production for a story about a girl who ends up in the palace as a royal concubine against her will.

It is set approximately during the early Joseon Dynasty.The daughter of a non-mainstream military official, SHIN Hwa-yeon(Jo Yeo-jung) one day becomes a royal concubine. It is her parents’ desire for power that has sent her to the palace. But she has someone she has grown up with and been in love with - a man called Kwon Yoo (Kim Min-jun). Having entered the palace, Hwa-yeon is torn between her relationship with Prince Seo-won (Kim Dong-wook) who is about to be crowned king, and her love for Kwon Yoo.

The problem is the fact that the palace where she lives is a place where one must have power in order to survive. Before she knows it, Hwa-yeon is thrown into the middle of a struggle to survive.

Since <Blood Rain>, director Kim Dai-seung has been dealing with the blind spots of people who throw themselves into hell. With <Hoogoong: Jaewang-eui chub> - which roughly translates to “Royal concubine: concubine to the king”, he is set to expand the world of greed and desire. The sexual relationship between king and royal concubine is also part of the nature of power that the film talks about and expands to human relationships.

The sets and costumes, as well as the music, are planned to be unlike those in Kim’s previous works in that they are endeavoring towards breaking the rules to maximize the greed and desire expressed in the film. Jo Yeo-jung, the heroine of <Bangja> will play the royal concubine Shin Hwa-yeon.

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A multiple answers poll ~

There are 2 sets of list provided, please choose from each list so that the votes will go through

Poll: Which 2012 Korean movies that you are most excited about?

http://www.soompi.com/forums/topic/374847-which-2012-korean-movies-that-you-are-most-excited-about/

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February 9, 2012

Daisy Entertainment launches sales with 'Taste of Money'

Source: KOBIZ

South Korean company Daisy Entertainment, better known for their foreign film imports and increasingly visible distribution arm Cinergy, has launched international sales on director IM Sang-soo’s upcoming <The Taste of Money>.

Daisy has also hired a new Director of International Sales, Erica NAM, who previously worked at sales companies Mirovision and KM Culture. The new sales team has opened their first market booth at the European Film Market (EFM).

From the director of Cannes competition film <The Housemaid>, <The Taste of Money> stars veteran actress YOUN Yuh-jung, who also played a supporting role in the former film. In the new film, Youn plays a rich man’s wife who covets her family’s young handsome fixer, played by KIM Gang-woo. BAEK Yun-shick from <The President’s Last Bang> and KIM Hyo-jin from <Life Is Peachy> also star in this story of lust, power and money. The film wrapped production late last month and is currently in post-production.

Daisy Entertainment’s EFM slate also includes films such as KIM Yong-han’s thriller <Don’t Cry Mommy>, which is in post-production, and a four-part omnibus film called <Horror Stories> (working title). Currently in pre-production, the directing team of Kim-Sun and Kim-Gok will direct one horror story, while Jung Bum-shik, Lim Dae-woong, and Hong Ji-young are to each direct another.

Cinergy recently co-distributed <Pacemaker> and <S.I.U. (Special Investigations Unit)> with Lotte Entertainment in South Korea.

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February 23, 2012

Leading Movie Stars Come Together on Arena Homme Plus

by syeee soompi.com

South Korea’s biggest movie stars came together to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Cinematheque, a nonprofit organization promoting artistic, cultural and educational cinema to the mass.

In commemoration, "Arena Homme Plus," a men’s fashion magazine, joined forces to create a special 52 page spread on their sixth anniversary edition, which includes photos of 38 leading actors, actresses, directors, and others related to the industry in South Korea. The spread is included in "Arena Homme Plus" March 2012 issue and all proceeds go to support Cinematheque.

38 leading actors, actresses, directors and others have participated in this special project to show their support for Cinematheque’s mission and their love for classic movies. Among the supporters who participated in the photoshoot are Park Si Yeon, Han Hyo Joo, Kim Hyo Jin, Lee Min Ki, Daniel Henney, Yoo Ji Tae, So Ji Sup, Lee Byung Hun and more.

"Arena Homme Plus" is also planning to release the behind-the-scene video of the photoshoot in the future to continue its promotion and support for Cinematheque.

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February 24, 2012

A-List Stars Attend VIP Premiere for "Helpless"

by: jnkm soompi.com

Upcoming film "Helpless," starring Lee Sun Kyun, Kim Min Hee and Jo Sung Ha, has opened a VIP premiere on February 22 in Seoul.

"Helpless" is a mystery film, based on a popular Japanese novel by Miyuki Miyabe. The story is about a man, who loses his fiance after one phone call, and a detective who tries to solve this case of the missing fiance, only to discover that everything about her was fake. The movie will open in theaters on March 8.

Some of the top A-list celebrities attended the premiere including Ahn Sung Ki, Cha Yae Ryun, Han Chae Young, Jang Woo Hyuk, Kim Nam Jin, Kim Ock Bin, Kim Hyo Jin, Lee Min Ki, Lee Yoon Ji, Shin Ha Kyun, Shin Min Ah, Tim, Yoo Hae Jin, Yoon Kye Sang, and more.

Check out the photos below! (Please refer the link provided for full photos compilation ^^)

Yoon Kye Sang keeps it simple in a white shirt and black jeans under a long navy peacoat and a thick gray scarf.

Yoo Hae Jin sure looks excited to watch this movie! He's dressed in a warm cable-knit sweater, a gray scarf and a gray hat - not much for colors, is he?

Uhm Hyun Kyung appears on the scene in a multi-color sweater with a peach-colored blouse inside. Her cropped jeans and suede shoes make her look extremely lengthy.

Tim shoots a smouldering look to the camera with slicked back hair, a gray blazer and black pants tucked into some shiny boots.

The ever-so-lovely Shin Min Ah graces the premiere with her presence in a funky, mullet-like beige peacoat, skin tight black pants and black boots. She carries a funky, fringe-y black clutch.

Shin Ha Kyun loves the sporty look. He dons a sporty jacket, cropped pants and comfortable running shoes.

The adorable child actor Mason Moon is sure growing up fast in a dashing tuxedo with a checkered bow tie and fedora.

Lee Yoon Ji is all ready for spring! Her peachy pink blazer over a spring-like top with khaki green cropped shorts makes her look like a radiant spring lady.

The leading man of the film, Lee Sun Kyun! He's dressed rather shabby though in a dark gray/green/brown coat and a plain gray t-shirt.

Fashionista Lee Min Ki in a torn-up denim jacket with black cigarette jeans.

Newlywed Kim Hyo Jin places emphasis on her spring green cropped pants.

Kim Seung Hyun looks casual and suave in a hoodie under a leather jacket and a pair of shades.

Kim Ock Bin shows off her boyish femininity in her short bob. She spices up her outfit with a tropical print scarf and those killer booties.

Kim Nam Jin brings out his model side with a very modelesque pose - he sports a gray blazer jacket, cropped khakis and brown leather shoes.

The main lady of the film, Kim Min Hee! The outfit to the very left is what she wore to the press conference earlier in the day. Her beige toned dress was highlighted by her red suede mary jane wedges for a refined yet bold look. But come night time, she transformed into a sexy city-girl in a midnight blue mini-dress with a low-cut back and black and gold heels.

Actress Kim Hye Jin smirks at the cameras in an all-black ensemble.

Jang Woo Hyuk is a stylish guy! His cropped sweater over a crisp, white shirt and his studded kicks scream fierce.

Han Chae Young's goddess-like proportions never cease to awe us - Her legs look super long even in white bootleg pants.

Cha Yae Ryun captivates the cameras with her royal blue skirt and her black combat boots.

Cha Soo Yeon dons a slightly see-through (slightly Wonder Girls'-like) dress with black and orange booties.

Mr. Ahn Sung Ki smiles warmly to the cameras in a simple gray turtleneck.

The cast of "Helpless" waves and wishes everyone a good time!

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Poll: Which 2012 Korean movies that you are most excited about?

http://www.soompi.com/forums/topic/374847-which-2012-korean-movies-that-you-are-most-excited-about/

As of February 25, 2012, 132 member(s) have cast their votes in the multiple-answers movie fun poll. The tally is not definite as members yet to vote can still pick their favorites. However, this is a one-time poll.. once voted, members will not be able to vote again. Related movie posters and info posted at the poll thread for reference

The current result starting with the highest voted movies

1. The Thieves

Lee Jung Jae, Kim Yoon Seok, Kim Hye Soo, Jeon Ji Hyun (46 votes [25.43%])

2. Miss Conspirator

Go Hyun Jung, Yu Hae Jin. Ko Chang Seok, Sung Dong Il, Lee Mun Shik, Park Shin Yang (42 votes [21.11%])

3. The King of Joseon

Lee Byung Hun, Han Hyo Joo, Ryu Seung Ryong, Shim Eun Kyung (39 votes [22.54%])

4. Coffee

Joo Jin Mo, Kim So Yeon, Park Hee Seon, Yoo Sun (31 votes [15.58%])

5. Introduction to Architecture

Uhm Tae Woong, Han Ga In, Lee Je Hoon, Suzy (31 votes [15.58%])

6. Korea

Ha Ji Won, Bae Doo Na (29 votes [13.07%])

7. Love Fiction

Gong Hyo Jin, Ha Jung Woo (19 votes [9.05%])

8. The Howling

Song Kang Ho, Lee Na Young (17 votes [9.25%])

9. Never Ending Story

Uhm Tae Woong, Jung Ryeo Won (15 votes [7.54%])

10. Soar into the Sky

Jung Ji Hoon, Shin Se Kyung, Kim Sung Soo, Yoo Joon Sang (15 votes [8.67%])

11. Papa

Park Yong Woo, Go Ah Ra, Daniel Henney, Son Byeong Ho (14 votes [8.09%])

12. Dancing Queen

Hwang Jung Min, Uhm Jung Hwa (13 votes [6.53%])

13. Train (aka Helpless)

Lee Seon Kyun, Kim Min Hee, Jo Sung Ha (13 votes [6.94%])

14. The Tower

Sul Kyung Gu, Son Ye Jin, Kim Sang Kyung (12 votes [6.36%])

15. Berlin

Ha Jung Woo, Han Suk Kyu, Jeon Ji Hyun, Ryu Seung Bum (10 votes [4.52%])

16. Nameless Gangster

Choi Min Sik, Ha Jung Woo (10 votes [4.52%])

17. Unbowed

Ahn Sung Ki, Park Won Sang, Na Young Hee, Kim Ji Ho, Moon Sung Geun, Lee Kyeong Yeong (10 votes [5.20%])

18. Sansevieria

Dir. Yoo Ji Tae, Bae Soo Bin, So Yoo Jin (7 votes [4.05%])

19. The Taste of Money

Kim Kang Woo, Kim Hyo Jin, Baek Yoon Shik, Yoon Yeo Jung (6 votes [3.47%])

20. Pacemaker

Kim Myung Min, Go Ah Ra, Ahn Sung Ki (5 votes [2.51%])

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March 22, 2012

6 of the most distinguished and extraordinary movies to be expected in 2012

Source: Daum via hancinema.net

Art theater Cinecube has carefully selected movies that are to be expected this year in 2012 and is presenting fans with a mega-exhibition called "Cinecubes Choice: Movies To Be Expected In 2012". This mega-exhibition will open on the 22nd until the 29th for 8 days with 6 movies that will brightly decorate 2012 with their significant qualities and shocking topics.

Movies with armed productions will be presented here such as; known for his previous works of art, director Min Gyoo-dong's "In My End Is My Beginning", man of issue at the last Busan International Film Festival Lee Sang-woo-IV's "Barbie", Ruslan Park's "Hanaan", Kong Quee Hyun's "U.F.O". and many other movies with various topics and original productions. Boo Ji-young's "Nanana: An Actress' Naked Face Project", Tae Joon-sik's "Mother - 2011" and other documentaries that were favored last year at the Seoul Independent Film Festival can also be seen here. Screening time, other functions and events can be seen at the Cinecube homepage (www.icinecube.com).

"In My End Is My Beginning"

After her husband died in a car accident, his lover comes to meet her and the two start living together with all the complicated feelings towards each other. Min Gyoo-dong who also directed "Antique", "My Lovely Week", "The Last Blossom", "Momento Mori" and more has the megaphone and the cast includes Uhm Jung-hwa, Hwang Jeong-min and Kim Hyo-jin. This movie shows the complicated thoughts of the cast under a situation where a woman has to live with her dead husbands lover.

Related excerpt only, full article at links provided ~

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April 21, 2012

Two Korean films make it to Cannes

By Carla Sunwoo koreajoongangdaily.com

Directors, Hong Sang-soo and Im Sang-soo

Two directors, Hong Sang-soo and Im Sang-soo, will see their movies screened at the Cannes Film Festival, organizers announced on Thursday.

Hong’s “In Another Country” and Im’s “Taste of Money” have made it onto the list of 22 films to be played in the southern French city out of a total of 1,700 submissions.

For Hong, this is his eighth film to be accepted into the festival, while it is Im’s second successful submission.

“In Another Country” features French actress Isabelle Huppert and consists of three short films. The collection garnered much attention because of Huppert’s participation.

“Taste of Money” centers on those living in Korean high society and explores themes like greed, sex and ambition. Actors Kim Kang-woo, Kim Hyo-jin and Yoon Yeo-jung star.

The 65th annual Cannes Film Festival will take place from May 16 to 27 this year.

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May 1, 2012

Source: englishnews@chosun.com

Actress Kim Hyo-jin attends a press event for her new film "The Taste of Money" in Seoul on Monday.

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May 15, 2012

Korean Movies Get Racier to Fend off Hollywood

Source: englishnews@chosun.com

With red-letter days for both mothers and children, May is often considered the "Month of the Family" in Korea, but theaters across the country are filled with films that are anything but family-oriented. In fact, a whole crop of sexually explicit flicks await moviegoers this month.

"The Scent," which was released last month, features explicit scenes of actress Park Si-yeon in the nude that continue to draw viewers. "A Muse," which opened two weeks later, stirred controversy by showing sex scenes between a teenage girl and a man in his 70s. "The Taste of Money," which has been invited to the 65th Cannes Film Festival, will hit local theaters this week after already grabbing headlines for its steamy sex scenes between veteran actress Yoon Yeo-jeong (65) and Kim Kang-woo (34). The trend is likely to continue in June with the release of "Royal Concubine" starring actress Jo Yeo-jeong.

From left, "Royal Concubine," "The Scent," "A Muse," and "The Taste of Money"

While these movies may contain powerful messages, such as remorse over growing old ("A Muse") or criticism of the importance people place on money ("The Taste of Money"), they are hardly congruent with a month traditionally associated with family values.

Nonetheless, this marketing strategy of relying on racy content worked well in 2010. In May and June of that year, "The Housemaid" and "The Servant" drew 2.3 million and 3 million moviegoers, respectively. As they generated a further W2 billion (US$1=W1,147) in DVD and other sales, movie industry bigwigs soon caught on to the fact that such films are well received even at this time of year.

Ramping up the level of sexually-explicit content in domestic films is also increasingly being viewed as a way to fend off Hollywood. Hollywood summer blockbusters swamp the market at this time of year, and 2012 is no exception, with the "The Avengers" drawing 5 million viewers since its release on April 26, and "Men in Black 3" expected to become another hit when it opens here on May 23.

"Korean moviemakers tend to shun releasing films in May," said Lee Chang-hyun at CJ E&M. "But R-rated films can compete with Hollywood blockbusters by targeting the niche market for adult viewers."

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May 15, 2012

Stars Attend the VIP Premiere of "The Taste of Money"

by: jnkm soompi.com

On May 15, the VIP premiere of the upcoming film, "The Taste of Money" was held at the Lotte Cinemas in Seoul.

"The Taste of Money" is a innovative and unconventional story that unveils the many biases and preset images of the wealthy. Many Korean dramas and films feature characters who are heirs or heiresses. Whether they are depicted as good or bad, this clearly proves that money is always one of the top topics of conversation and interest. However, "The Taste of Money" will try to shy away from those past images of the wealthy and try to show the audience a raw and real depiction of Korea's wealthy.

The film revolves around the fictional Baek family, who is one of the wealthiest families in Korea and what they do to retain or gain power from money. "The Taste of Money" stars Kim Kang Woo, Kim Hyo Jin, Baek Yoon Shik and Yoon Yeo Jung.

Many top stars attended this premiere including Yoo Ji Tae, Lee Jung Jae, Uhm Ji Won, Yoo Joon Sang, Kim Nam Joo, Han Hye Jin, Chae Yeon, Kim Jung Hwa, Ji Jin Hee, Park Shin Hye, Joo Ji Hoon, Kim Min Hee, Lee Yoon Ji, Baek Do Bin, Park Hee Soon, On Joo Wan, and more.

"The Taste of Money" will hit theaters on May 17.

Check out the photos below: (more at the link)

Park Shin Hye's natural beauty radiates through her overall style.

Lee Yoon Ji flashes a huge smile in her white summer dress with a pretty black fedora.

Joo Ji Hoon turned heads with this "scarecrow fashion." Yay or nay?

It's been a while, Chae Yeon! She looks like she's ready for summer in her denim cut offs and nude sandals.

Han Hye Jin sports a lovely, yellow blazer as she attends the premiere to support her brother-in-law, Kim Kang Woo!

The two leading actors of the drama, "My Husband Got A Family," Yoo Joon Sang and Kim Nam Joo attends to support their co-star Yoon Yeo Jung.

What does everyone think of Kim Min Hee's two-toned top?

Hope it wasn't awkward for Lee Jung Jae to see his ex-girlfriend Kim Min Hee (pictured above)!

Ji Jin Hee sporting the Comme des Garçons cardigan is looking grave and serious.

The lovely Kim Jung Hwa dresses casually for the premiere.

On Joo Wan captures the essence of spring with his bright yellow shorts and his blue patterned scarf.

Yoo Ji Tae is here to support his wife, Kim Hyo Jin!

The happy couple!

Yoo Ji Tae can't keep his hands off his wife!

Park Hee Soon in a denim shirt and awkwardly cropped white pants.

Uhm Ji Won shows off her shapely legs in a summer appropriate attire!

Baek Do Bin supports his father Baek Yoon Shik!

The Cast!

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May 16, 2012

Actress Kim Hyo-jin attends a press event for her new film "The Taste of Money" in Seoul on Tuesday.

Source: englishnews@chosun

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May 17, 2012

Two Korean Movies in Running for Palme d'Or at Cannes

Source: englishnews@chosun.com

The Cannes Film Festival kicks off on Wednesday with 22 films vying for the coveted Palme d'Or, the highest honor awarded to the best feature film in the official competition. Two Korean movies -- Hong Sang-soo's "In Another Country" and Im Sang-soo's "The Taste of Money" -- are among those competing for the top prize.

Another three Korean films have been invited to non-competitive sections of the world's leading movie festival, including the Directors' Fortnight.

After Im Kwon-taek's "Chunhyang" became the first Korean film to be invited to the festival in 2000, domestic movies have making waves at the event for the last decade. Im picked up the Best Director Award in 2002 with "Chihwaseon," while Park Chan-wook won the Grand Prix for his violent tale of punishment and redemption, "Oldboy," in 2004, and Jeon Do-yeon won the Best Actress Award for her role in "Secret Sunshine" in 2007.

Hong has had eight films approved for entry at Cannes since "The Power of Kangwon Province" appeared there in 1998. And this year marks his third time in the official selection for feature films after "Woman Is the Future of Man" and "Tale of Cinema." His latest film, "In Another Country," tells the tale of a tourist who arrives at a coastal village in Korea and stars French actress Isabelle Huppert, a two-time winner of the Best Actress Award at Cannes.

As for Im, this is the second time one of his films has featured in the official competition after "The Housemaid" in 2010. "The Taste of Money" takes a critical look at the super rich by focusing on the story of a middle-aged woman who uses her wealth to seduce a young male secretary.

Yeun Sang-ho's animated feature film "The King of Pigs" and Hur Jin-ho's "Dangerous Liaisons" will also feature in this year's Directors' Fortnight. The latter stars Korea's leading actor Jang Dong-gun and was co-produced with a Chinese company.

Shin Su-won's "Circle Line," which revolves around the head of a household who must come to terms with having lost his position as breadwinner, joins the short film section.

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June 3, 2012
Kim Hyo Jin, Cannes Behind Cuts Revealed

Photos of actress Kim Hyo Jin, who attended Cannes Film Festival for film 'The Taste of Money,' are capturing attention.
In the revealed photos, Kim Hyo Jin is seen wearing sunglasses the size of her face and smiling brightly, displaying her cheerful and cute charm. Kim Hyo Jin appears to be enjoying Cannes' free atmosphere with her natural appeal.
She even flaunted her goddess beauty while wearing a simple and comfortable white t-shirt and jeans at the airport for her departure. 

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July 24, 2012
Actor Yoo Ji Tae: "Don't Buy Puppies, Adopt Them"lee23j soompi.com

On July 23, actor Yoo Ji Tae posted on twitter, “My Hyo Shim used to an abandoned dog. Please don’t buy puppies, adopt them” along with a picture of himself with his new puppy Hyo Shim. When a netizen asked him via twitter, “Is there a set of requirements for a person to adopt a puppy?” Yoo Ji Tae wrote back, “Requirements. Thinking of the puppy as a family member and raising it with love. Is that too much to ask for?”
Previously on July 21, Yoo Ji Tae posted on twitter a picture of his wife, actress Kim Hyo Jin, and wrote, “My wife loves and cares for animals more than she does for people. Especially when she sees stray animals on the streets, she tears up. My wife became a vegetarian 5 years ago, because she didn’t want to eat animals that have feelings.” The revealed picture showed Kim Hyo Jin volunteering to take care of stray dogs.
Netizens’ commented on Yoo Ji Tae’s picture, “Hyo Shim is so cute,” “I hope there will be no more abandoned dogs,” and “I can’t believe a cute puppy like Hyo Shim was abandoned.”

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August 30, 2012

Korean shortlists possible Oscar submissions
High hopes for a Best Foreign Language Film nomination
by JANG Sung-ran / KOBIZ



The Korean Film Council (KOFIC) has announced its shortlist films from which it will choose a submission to the 85th Academy Awards, organized by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which will take place in February 2013. Submitted from August 13th to 17th, the shortlist submissions include IM Sang-soo’s The Taste of Money, KIM Ki-duk’s Pieta, CHOO Chang-min’s Masquerade, YOON Jong-bin’s Nameless Gangster : Rules of the Time and HONG Sang-soo’s In Another Country.

KOFIC stated that since there were only five submissions, they will skip the first round of the usual selection process will not take place and that it will move straight onto the second round, where the quality of the films, the predicted success of the film’s North American release, and the international recognition level of the director and the film are all discussed. The "quality" determination has two components, namely, an assessment by experts from the U.S. (40%) and an assessment from their Korean counterparts (60%).

The final sum of the two selection process will be added up for the final scores. The American selection panel will be made up of three people with expert knowledge of the Oscar selection process and Korean cinema and the selection will begin on 1st September for four days. The main part of the selection process in Korea will be based on the regulations set by Korean Film Council and the panel will comprise of 5 people with expert knowledge of Korean cinema who have no direct connection to the submissions.

The submission criteria for the Academy Awards Foreign Language Film section states that the films have to have been released in Korea between 1st October 2011 and 30th September 2012 and they have to have at least 7 consecutive days of screening at a commercial theater. The films have to have been screened at least three times a day and charging admission fees. Past Oscar submissions from Korea include Mother(2009), A Barefoot Dream(2010) and The Front Line(2011) but none of them won the Oscar.

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September 17, 2012
Husband and Wife Yoo Ji Tae, Kim Hyo Jin Shoot First CF Together for HanssemNate l CJ E&M enewsWorld Stewart Ho 
Real life husband and wife Yoo Ji Tae and Kim Hyo Jin have shot their first commercial together since getting married.
The two actors recently became the models for home interior company, Hanssem, which recently released the first batch of promotional images featuring the two stars as they rest comfortably on a couch together, share a glass of wine together and more. 

A representative for Hanssem shared, “The two individuals’ healthy and young image combined with their real lifestyle of respecting and accommodating each other fit well with our company’s philosophy on the space of newlyweds leading us to select on Yoo Ji Tae and Kim Hyo Jin as our models. 
Photo Credit: Hanssem

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Source: Nate