Lee Byung Hun 이병헌 Byunghun Lee

[closetserialaddict]

I have been  travelling for work the past two months. Only just got back to Singapore last week. My parents moved in with me while their house is undergoing renovations. Mom was driving us nuts with her complaints of boredom. I recalled she went gaga over LBH during All In.. So i played a short snippet of Mr Sunshine. That piqued mom's curiosity. Mr Sunshine now keeps her quiet for a few hours a day. 

 

I can't wait for Mt Paektu to premiere in SG. Does anyone know when? 

Thanks!  

[rubie]

TMSN trailer with English subs

 

Source: KoBiz @KoreanFilmBiz

 

 Coming Soon
"Mr. President, what would you like me to do?"
#TheManStandingNext

 

[rubie]

9 hours ago, closetserialaddict said:

I have been  travelling for work the past two months. Only just got back to Singapore last week. My parents moved in with me while their house is undergoing renovations. Mom was driving us nuts with her complaints of boredom. I recalled she went gaga over LBH during All In.. So i played a short snippet of Mr Sunshine. That piqued mom's curiosity. Mr Sunshine now keeps her quiet for a few hours a day. 

 

Hi, good to see you back! LOL, that is a really good solution/treat for your mom, and very well-thought.  Going gaga over LBH's Kim Inha and now, it's Eugene Choi. Come to think of it, Eugene does resemble Inha (appearance wise) a lot compared to his roles in Beautiful Days or IRIS. Tell us what your mom thought of the drama later. 

 

Here's the list of ASHFALL release dates that we've posted some at the movie thread, there's more updates but I can't keep up with it. Hahaa.. CJE is getting bigger & faster but rubie is getting older and much slower.

 

You're getting to watch it in about two weeks' time, similar to our Hong Kong fans. All of you must share your thoughts here, ok!

 

Much thanks to the ASHFALL fans' updates & sharing

 

ASHFALL RELEASE DATES

 

December 19, 2019: South Korea

December 20, 2019: USA

December 24, 2019: Taiwan

January 1, 2020: Hong Kong

January 2, 2020: Singapore

January 2, 2020: Malaysia

January 2, 2020: Brunei

January 8, 2020: Indonesia

January 9, 2020: Thailand

January 9, 2020: Australia

January 16, 2020: Vietnam (1/31)

February 4, 2020: Cambodia

 

February 20, 2020: 70th Berlinale

 

Spoiler

 

[closetserialaddict]

6 hours ago, rubie said:

 

Hi, good to see you back! LOL, that is a really good solution/treat for your mom, and very well-thought.  Going gaga over LBH's Kim Inha and now, it's Eugene Choi. Come to think of it, Eugene does resemble Inha (appearance wise) a lot compared to his roles in Beautiful Days or IRIS. Tell us what your mom thought of the drama later. 

 

Here's the list of ASHFALL release dates that we've posted some at the movie thread, there's more updates but I can't keep up with it. Hahaa.. CJE is getting bigger & faster but rubie is getting older and much slower.

 

You're getting to watch it in about two weeks' time, similar to our Hong Kong fans. All of you must share your thoughts here, ok!

 

Much thanks to the ASHFALL fans' updates & sharing

 

ASHFALL RELEASE DATES

 

December 19, 2019: South Korea

December 20, 2019: USA

December 24, 2019: Taiwan

January 1, 2020: Hong Kong

January 2, 2020: Singapore

January 2, 2020: Malaysia

January 2, 2020: Brunei

January 8, 2020: Indonesia

January 9, 2020: Thailand

January 9, 2020: Australia

January 16, 2020: Vietnam (1/31)

February 4, 2020: Cambodia

 

February 20, 2020: 70th Berlinale

 

Thanks @rubie for the dates! Haha. maybe i will take mom to see the movie.. if she behaves..

 

Well, re Inha in All in.. the first time she saw LBH, she said he's very manly.. and that he reminded her of my dad (when he was young, i guess).

 

I haven't told her about the ending in Mr Sunshine..She's only on episode 7..  Knowing my mom, she wont like it.. and also the lack of passionate scenes.. she will say it's unrealistic.. Ah, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.. 

[rubie]

Published by December 16, 2019 by Vstar

 

 

Source: The ChosunIlbo via HanCinema.net

 

 

 

Photos: SindyKao

 

[rubie]

December 17, 2019

 

Volcano Disaster Blockbuster Poised to Take over Box Office

 

Source: The ChosunIlbo

 

 

The upcoming disaster blockbuster "Ashfall" is leading the local box office in advance ticket sales.

 

The movie accounted for 34.4 percent of total advance sales as of Tuesday morning, according to the Korean Film Council. It will hit theaters on Thursday.

 

It remains to be seen whether the blockbuster will end the successful run of the animated film "Frozen II" at the box office for the Christmas season. The Disney film has attracted more than 10 million viewers since its release on Nov. 21.

 

"Ashfall" depicts a group of people who try to stop a volcanic eruption of Mt. Baekdu in North Korea.

 

It has been creating a lot of hype thanks to a star-studded cast including Lee Byung-hun, Ha Jung-woo and Su-zy.

 

Photos: Red Carpet @redcarpet_712

 

 

[peonie]

December 18, 2019

 

LBH at a press conference in CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall.  

 

 

[rubie]

Published on December 18, 2019  by Vstar 

 

 

Photos: BillyRocks_13 // Siam Sunset // Naver

 

 

[peonie]

December 18, 2019

 

“Ashfall” received a lot of attention overseas.  It has been sold to 90 countries before its release.

 

“Ashfall” is to officially meet with Taiwan audience on December 24.  It is also scheduled to be released in Hong Kong on New Year’s Day.  In addition to Taiwan and Hong Kong, “Ashfall” is gaining momentum in other overseas countries and has been sold to 90 countries before its release in Korea.

 

 

“Ashfall” which will be released in South Korea on February 19th, describes an unprecedented disaster in North and South Korea, which is the outbreak of Baekdusan. The movie shows how the elite of North and South Korea will work together to prevent the disaster caused by the last major eruption.. The film was sold before it was officially released in Korea in North America (December 20), France, Germany, Taiwan (December 24), Hong Kong (January 1), Singapore and Malaysia (January 2). , Indonesia (January 8), Thailand (January 9), Philippines, Australia (January 9), Vietnam (January 31), New Zealand, Turkey and more than 90 countries around the world.

 

 

 

Representatives of the US and German distributors for “Ashfall” said that the first time they saw “Ashfall”, this project made them feel quite excited. Coupled with the fact that the main actors will act brillantly together and an intense plot, they are really looking forward to it. They also mentioned that Korean films such as  "Parasite" have also received considerable attention overseas, and they are also very honored that “Ashfall” will be released in the United States and Germany before other Asian countries shortly after its release in South Korea.

 

 

CJ Films mentioned that “Ashfall”  which has a novel disaster material describing volcanic eruptions, plus gorgeous casts such as Lee Byung Hun, Ha Jung Woo, Ma Dong Seok  , and the use of the world renowned  “Along with the Gods…” series production team, has already received a lot of inquiries from overseas companies before it was released in Korea.  It is also hoped that the movie will be loved by a global audience.

 

 

 

Source:  https://www.koreastardaily.com/sc/news/122728

 

[peonie]

December 18, 2019

 

 

[rubie]

UNICEF Children Donation Campaign CF 60s

 

Clip: SindyKao // UNICEF Korea (news article)

 

[rubie]

It's finally the 19th.. the day for ASHFALL. The first report from BH's good buddy.. or are they actually twin brothers, from their appearance below.

 

Photos: Hyunseok Choi

Byung Hun Hyung's movie Baekdusan Premiere. Massive scale disaster blockbuster. Korean movies have come to this extent. And still, nothing short of exciting expectation in brother's acting.

 

 

From a fan of Lee Min Jung who watched the screening last night, mentioning that the movie & actors were great but also stated that MJ came to watch ASHFALL to cheer for BH. No pics yet but good news to know.

 

Spoiler

 

 

[rubie]

December 18, 2019

 

Korean film distributors beef up 2020 pipeline to dethrone Disney

 

Source: PULSE News

South Korean film distributors have bolstered their movie pipeline next year after losing their home turf to Walt Disney Company who swept box offices with Frozen 2.

 

Walt Disney Company Korea was the leading film distributor in the country with a market share of 26.9 percent through November, ahead of No. 2 CJ ENM by 3.6 percentage points, according to Korean Film Council on Tuesday.

 

This is the first time for a foreign distribution house to claim the top spot in Korea since the council started releasing market share data in 2008.

 

CJ ENM, which lost out to Disney despite distributing major hits like Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite” and action comedy film “Extreme Job,” will be joining hands with director Yoon Je-kyoon to make a film adaptation of the popular Korean musical “Hero.” Yoon was behind some of Korea’s highest-grossing movies, with the disaster film “Haeundae” garnering 11.3 million viewers and the drama film “Ode to My Father” pulling in 14.3 million.

 

The distributor would also back the upcoming film by Lee Yong-ju, known for his hit romance film “Architecture 101.” The new movie, tentatively titled “Seo Bok,” would be about the world’s first human clone and bring together heartthrob actors Park Bo-gum and Gong Yoo.

 

“The Man Standing Next” [Photo by Showbox]

 

Local distributor Showbox has seven films lined up for 2020, filled with A-list actors. In January, it would release “The Man Standing Next,” a movie that deals with the Oct. 26, 1979 assassination of Korea’s third president Park Chung-hee. Directed by Woo Min-ho, the film would feature an ensemble cast including Lee Byung-hun, Lee Sung-min and Kwak Do-won.

 

Lee Byung-hun is to star in another Showbox movie titled “Emergency Declaration" with Song Kang-ho, who has recently been gaining worldwide recognition for his role in “Parasite.”

 

In 2015, Showbox stood at No. 2 with a market share of 17.1 percent. But its market presence has continued to fall, with its share shriveled to 5.7 percent in January-November this year.

 

By Park Chang-young and Kim Hyo-jin

[rubie]

A fair, positive feedback from Yonhapnews

 

December 19, 2019

 

Movie Review

'Ashfall,' clichéd, Hollywood-style disaster blockbuster

By Kim Boram

 

 

SEOUL, Dec. 19 (Yonhap) -- Mount Paekdu is the highest peak on the Korean Peninsula, located along the North Korea-China border. Its historic eruption in the 10th century, known as the "Millennium Eruption," was one of the most powerful in recorded history, with its ashes flying even to northern Japan.

 

Recently, geologists and volcanologists both at home and abroad have warned of a possible enormous explosion of the 2,744-meter volcano. They say that the unprecedentedly massive eruption could cause a series of earthquakes and tsunamis that could engulf more than half of South Korea.

 

The latest big-budget disaster movie, "Ashfall," which was released on Thursday, dramatizes the realization of the warning with overwhelming scale and a star-studded cast.

 

It starts with breathtaking scenes in which downtown areas of Seoul suddenly turn into ruins due to a huge blast of Mount Paekdu. The experts predict three more explosions to come in a few days, with the last one expected to blow up the entire Korean Peninsula.

 

To prevent another disaster, the Seoul government plans an operation based on a theory by Prof. Kang Bong-rae (Ma Dong-seok), who suggests the pressure of a huge magma chamber beneath the volcano be reduced by using a North Korean nuclear explosive.

 

A scene from "Ashfall" by CJ ENM (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Jo In-chang (Ha Jung-woo), the captain of an explosive ordnance disposal team, is assigned to take part in the operation and secretly sent to North Korea. He has to contact Lee Joon-pyeong (Lee Byung-hun), a former North Korean spy who knows the whereabouts of the North Korean nuclear explosive, and carry it to Mount Paekdu no matter the hazards.

 

Despite getting along as poorly as cats and dogs, In-chang and Joon-pyeong team up and start their journey to the northern tip of the peninsula, but they each have something different in mind.

 

"Ashfall," co-directed by Lee Hae-jun and Kim Byung-seo, is one of the most anticipated films of 2019 for its production house, Dexter Studios, which is behind the smash hit series "Along With the Gods," and for its all-star cast including Lee, Ha, Ma and singer-turned-actress Bae Suzy.

 

An estimated 26 billion won (US$22.3 million) was reportedly funneled into the production of the Hollywood-style disaster film. Its computer-generated visual effects of the volcanic explosion and urban destruction make the disaster more realistic and valid.

 

Scenes like the first eruption of Mount Paekdu, collapses of skyscrapers in Seoul and car stunt action are so lifelike and intriguing as to keep viewers on the edge of their seats from the beginning of the movie.

 

The film also focuses on the collaboration and friendship of the two officers from the South and North, portrayed by veteran actors Lee and Ha, respectively.

 

Lee, who chose his first silver screen project in almost two years since his last comedy film "Keys to the Heart," proves why he deserves to be one of the most sought-after actors in South Korea for his timeless acting with sophisticated emotions and humor, along with brilliant action scenes.

 

At the same time, Ha's spontaneous performance as a smart but clumsy leader creates good on-screen chemistry with Lee, although it is the first time that the two most bankable male stars in the South Korean film industry have starred in the same film together.

 

 

Filled with all of the tropes and clichés of a disaster film, the storyline is corny and formulaic, resembling a stereotypical Hollywood movie.

 

But its magnificent spectacles of quality visual effects and acting ensemble of big-name stars seem to stand out in the fierce battle for the Christmas season box office against the comedy "Start-up", released on Wednesday, and the historical film "Forbidden Dream" to be released next week.

 

"Ashfall" topped the South Korean box office on Thursday, its opening day, with the number of presale tickets reaching nearly 290,000 as of 1:30 p.m.

 

brk@yna.co.kr

[peonie]

December 19, 2019

 

[Herald Review] Korea finally has quality disaster film in ‘Ashfall’

By Yoon Min-sik

• Published : Dec 19, 2019 - 16:55 
• Updated : Dec 19, 2019 - 16:57 
•     

South Korean cinema has always been strong on drama, but it has never really managed to produce a decent big-budget disaster film. “Exit” earlier this year was a pleasant surprise, but it was more of an action-comedy hybrid than a disaster film.

“Ashfall” is not a masterpiece by any standard, but directors Lee Hae-jun and Kim Byeong-seo managed to create a decent disaster film that is up to standard in every way, from good acting and character-building to a solid storyline and suspense.

The story takes off when Paektusan, the highest mountain on the Korean Peninsula and a dormant volcano, comes out of its slumber and undergoes the biggest eruption in recorded history. But the authorities soon learn that the worst is yet to come: Geologist Gang Bong-rae (Ma Dong-seok/Don Lee) warns that three more eruptions are due, with the last one certain to incinerate both Koreas.

With North Korea in ruins, South Korean officials send an explosive ordinance disposal operative, Capt. Jo In-chang (Ha Jung-woo), on a covert mission to steal a nuclear warhead from the North to cause an explosion that might neutralize the effects of Paektusan’s devastating final blow. Jo’s team gets help from North Korean spy Lee Jun-pyeong (Lee Byung-hun), but Lee proves to be a liability.

This is the first time I watched a Korean disaster film and felt like it was comparable to one out of Hollywood. Of course, there are innate limitations -- the 26 billion won ($22.2 million) budget is gigantic for a Korean film but ho-hum for Hollywood -- but this is the first film that genuinely seemed big.

 

“Ashfall” (CJ Entertainment)

I’m not just talking about the scale of the disaster. The first volcanic eruption and the ensuing earthquake gobbling up cars, buildings and roads in Seoul were very reminiscent of the 2009 film “2012,” all the way up to the impossible car chase through the crumbling city. 

In fact, it felt like the directors took a leaf out of Roland Emmerich’s book several times, as seen in the pacing of the film, the suspense-building, the emphasis on family and other aspects. This is not to say the film felt like a cheap knock-off. In fact, this is among the few Korean disaster movies that didn’t feel like one.

I absolutely hated the film “Haeundae,” which despite being one of the biggest hits in Korean box office history was not a well-made film. One of its biggest flaws was the heavy dosage of “sinpa” -- referring to overdramatization and emotionalism in a movie or drama -- which ruined the final act. 

“Ashfall” is everything the 2009 film was supposed to be, depicting a disaster that brings out the personal qualities of the people struggling to stay alive.

The characters were for the most part generic. But the actors’ brilliant performance brought them to life. 

The leading pair absolutely shined with their quirky chemistry. Lee’s character as the unpredictable assassin you had to watch out for was easily the most memorable and enjoyable. He had the skills and the intelligence, and he was ruthless but with a hint of unexpected wit. 

Ha did just as good a job in bringing something unique to a role that was was written as just another rubber-stamp good guy. He could very well have been the most boring character in the film, but Ha’s facial expressions and delivery made each scene feel genuine. 

Honestly, no one else on the special force team leaves much of an impression. But the two leads’ offbeat chemistry was something that turned what could very well have been a sappy bromance into a legitimate bond between two men who understand each other.

Ma’s role was small, but he brought his trademark charm to the part of a lovable nerd, and Jeon Hye-jin as the presidential aide was solid, if not exactly a standout. 

Bae Su-sy’s performance as Capt. Jo’s wife was shaky, as the young actress showed she is not yet able to carry roles that demand depth. But the film was clever enough to hide its weak spots by not really focusing on them.

That was what I liked about this film. In any other Korean disaster film, the relationship between Jo and his wife would have been the main storyline. While it does account for a chunk of the runtime, it does not distract us from the center of attention: the disaster. No convoluted misunderstanding, out-of-nowhere conflict, cheesy lines or painfully idiotic comic relief.

The storytelling is pretty straightforward and obvious. It is a standard disaster film that was pretty fun to watch, but in a country where even that is very scarce, I’d say the directors did a good job.

“Ashfall” opens in local theaters Dec. 19.

By Yoon Min-sik (minsikyoon@heraldcorp.com)

[rubie]

@peonie Thanks Barbara for the Korea Herald review on Ashfall. It's good to know that all that huge production budget doesn't go to waste in vain. From the start, there's already those Hollywood disaster movies clouding over Ashfall but finally this is one movie Korea can be proud of.

 

I think as much as we're anticipating Byunghun in his TMSN role, he actually exceeded the expectation for his Baekdusan role with a bigger treat. Ashfall might be (just) a popcorn blockbuster flick but BH gave his all and more, nonetheless.

 

But.. LOL.. despite the glowing good points from Yonhap and Korea Herald.. Pierce Conran doesn't like Ashfall .. just like he did not favor Master previously.  However, he still has warm words for Lee Byung Hun... undoubtedly.

 

[rubie]

December 19, 2019

 

Koreans Vote For Most Notable Drama And Film Actors Of 2019

Source: Soompi by D. Kim

 

Spoiler

 

Along with the polls on the top artists, songs, and idols of 2019, Gallup Korea has also revealed results for the drama stars and film stars of the year.

 

Gallup Korea has been holding this survey annually since 2007. This year, 1,700 people ages 13 and up located all around the country were surveyed from November 8 through 28.

 

The margin of error is ±2.4 percent at the 95 percent confidence level.

 

Respondents were asked to list up to two drama actors and two film actors who showed excellent performance in 2019.

 

The top 10 responses for the drama actors are as follows:

 

1. Gong Hyo Jin (12.4 percent)
2. Kang Ha Neul (12.0 percent)
3. Go Doo Shim (7.0 percent)
4. Park Bo Gum (5.0 percent)
5. Gong Yoo / Jung Hae In (4.7 percent)
7. IU (4.2 percent)
8. Yum Jung Ah (3.9 percent)
9. Kim Soo Mi (3.2 percent)
10. Lee Seung Gi / Choi Bool Am (3.0 percent)

 

“When the Camellia Blooms” showed strong impact with the top three actors all having starred in the drama. Park Bo Gum ranked in the top five for the fourth consecutive year, being the only actor to do so. Gong Yoo, Kim Soo Mi, and Choi Bool Am notably made the list without starring in any dramas this year.

 

The top 10 responses for the film actors are as follows:

 

1. Song Kang Ho (29.8 percent)
2. Ma Dong Seok (18.2 percent)
3. Gong Yoo (8.9 percent)
4. Jo Jin Woong (8.5 percent)
5. Lee Byung Hun / Ha Jung Woo (7.1 percent)
7. Jung Woo Sung (4.5 percent)
8. Yoo Hae Jin (4.1 percent)
9. Hwang Jung Min (3.6 percent)
10. Honey Lee (3.3 percent)

 

Song Kang Ho, who starred in films including “Parasite,” took an overwhelming lead this year with nearly 30 percent of the votes. Ma Dong Seok, who placed first last year, came in at No. 2 this year. Honey Lee is the only actress of the top 10 film actor ranking.

 

Source (1) (2)

 

[rubie]

12/18 BH's mother and Lee Min Jung at the movie screening, thanks to @BillyRocks_13 for the highlight from original IG source (kkukku0612).

 

In another IG post, Lee Ji An (previously LEH, BH's sister) attended the screening as well.

 

Photos and clip from stage greeting on 12/18

LMJ's BFF (Limji & gang) also watched ASHFALL last night and snapped a photo with BH.

 

[peonie]

December 19, 2019

 

Jeon Do Yeon made a guest appearance in "Ashfall"  as the wife of Lee Joon Pyeong,  the character played by Lee Byung Hun.  

 

 

Lee Byung Hun's good friend Song Seung Hun was at the VIP premiere! 

 

 

 

Source:   BH CFC @ Weibo 

 

 

 

[rubie]

Thanks Barbara for the nice update. It's totally unexpected but a cool cameo by Jeon Do Yeon as BH's wife in ASHFALL. After whatever happened in MOTS, hope this signifies a happier ending for their third movie collaboration.

 

In the meantime, ASHFALL is doing well at the Korean Box Office Hope the positive momentum will be higher throughout the weekend and all the way to the new year.

C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s ! 

 

19.12.19 ASHFALL opens at number 1 Korean Box Office 

 

Source: KoBiz

 

 

Source: BIllyRocks_13