Lee Byung Hun 이병헌 Byunghun Lee

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Thanks to the highlight at PlanetBH0712, LBH-Lifeplus images from TVCF 1 / 2 / 3

 

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December 29. 2018

 

 

We miss you too.  Mr. Sunshine

 

Source:  Lee  Byung Hun's Instagram

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December 29, 2019

 

A "Mr. Sunshine" get together?  

 

 

Source:  cr. @ kimnawoon 1970  from Weibo 

 

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Finally! Finally we have our MR.SUNSHINE full team gathering!  And BH gets to share the pics on IG, too!  Seeing them together makes me feel happy but a bit sad at the same time, too. LOL.. such a sentimental fool.  Byunghun in his caption said: I MISSED YOU..  All of us, too..

 

ELBH twitter timeline is bursting with the pics from the gathering .. everyone are just so excited to share them photos. 

 

Truly.. Saturday is certified MR.SUNSHINE Day! 

 

Source: StarNews

 

 

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Related MR.SUNSHINE excerpt, full article HERE

 

December 28, 2018

 

Top 10 entertainment headlines in 2018

 

By Park Jin-hai The Korea Times

 

The media industry in 2018 has been plagued by many unfortunate events. The year started out with the #MeToo movement that engulfed many stars including sexual misconduct scandal-hit veteran actor Jo Min-ki who eventually ended his own life before a police investigation. 

 

It ended with a growing number of celebrities embroiled in their parents' debt allegations. Following rapper Microdot, who reversed his initial denial, many stars have been blamed in debt scandals involving their parents. 

 

It was also the year that the line dividing traditional TV and streaming media has become more blurry, with many celebrities opening YouTube channels and YouTube stars appearing on TV. 

 

The local drama world had seen many genre dramas but only a couple of dramas from cable channels stood out. The reality TV and cooking show trends continued this year. Many TV shows including "Mr. Sunshine" and "Memories of the Alhambra" reached more drama fans around the world on Netflix, which keeps expanding its presence in the local entertainment business. 

 

1. Stars in hot seat for #MeToo, debt scandal 

 

2. Major TV networks down, cable TV up

 

A scene from tvN drama "Mr. Sunshine" / Courtesy of CJ ENM

There was no "Descendants of the Sun"-like hit drama this year. 

 

Wary of YouTube and Netflix increasing their influence, major broadcasters are losing the trust of viewers. Seven dramas finished with ratings just touching the 1 percent threshold. But cable channels tvN, OCN and JTBC have made meaningful achievements, focusing on their specialties. 

 

The tvN blockbuster drama "Mr. Sunshine," for which Netflix invested 80 percent of its production costs, was the best drama of the year. The cable drama enjoyed more than an 18 percent viewership rating, making its star Lee Byung-hun sweep many awards. 

 

tvN's "100 Days My Prince" was another hit and the currently airing "Memories of Alhambra" has been received strong responses from drama fans as well. 

 

From "Misty" to currently broadcasting "SKY Castle" JTBC has shown strength in depicting female characters, while OCN solidified its power on genre dramas with "Life on Mars" and "The Guest." 

 

3. More stars head for YouTube

 

4. Netflix becomes game changer

 

5. 'Infinite Challenge' ends 13-year journey

 

6. Cooking show trend continues 

 

7. Female entertainers steal show

8. Legendary actor Shin Seong-il dies

 

9. Accidents reveal chronic problems in drama making 

 

10. Korean drama's U.S. remake wins big

 

jinhai@koreatimes.co.kr 

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9 hours ago, rubie said:

Finally! Finally we have our MR.SUNSHINE full team gathering!  And BH gets to share the pics on IG, too!  Seeing them together makes me feel happy but a bit sad at the same time, too. LOL.. such a sentimental fool.  Byunghun in his caption said: I MISSED YOU..  All of us, too..

 

ELBH twitter timeline is bursting with the pics from the gathering .. everyone are just so excited to share them photos. 

 

Truly.. Saturday is certified MR.SUNSHINE Day! 

 

Source: StarNews

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

A great team, but what there does KES do and why she laughs? She ruined such a beautiful drama! She forced the actors to hurt the viewers, which will not change. It is a pity for these people and the whole drama!

 

Someone should shoot with them a beautiful drama full of joy and hope!

9 hours ago, rubie said:

 

 

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  2 days left .. bye-bye 2018..

 

Portrait by jk_kim9

 

 

             

                                                             

[rubie]

On 12/22/2018 at 10:48 AM, irilight said:

December Movie Star Brand Reputation Rankings Announced
 

Spoiler

The Korean Business Research Institute has revealed this month’s brand reputation rankings for film actors! The rankings were determined through an analysis of the consumer participation, media coverage, interaction, and community awareness indexes of 50 popular movie stars, using big data collected from November 20 to December 21.

 

Actor Lee Byung Hun topped this month’s rankings with a brand reputation index of 7,910,272, marking a 69.44 percent increase in his score since October. High-ranking phrases in Lee Byung Hun’s keyword analysis included “Lee Min Jung,” “Instagram,” and “son,” while his highest-ranking related terms included “cool,” “romantic,” and “resemblance.”

Ma Dong Seok took second place for the month with a brand reputation index of 7,051,961, enjoying a 79.76 percent increase from his previous score.

Meanwhile, Ha Jung Woo followed at a close third after seeing a staggering 249.90 percent increase in his score since October. The actor’s total brand reputation index for December came out to 7,031,859.

See full list Here

 

Source: Tong+

 

In 2018, versatile actor Lee Byung Hun had shown intense charisma and outstanding performances in KEYS TO THE HEART and MR.SUNSHINE.

 

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Photo: mediajapan // Rakuten Woman

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

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January 1, 2019

 

New Year Greetings from Lee Byung Hun-ssi

 

 

Source:  Lee Byung Hun's instagram

[kansas424]

 

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January 1, 2019 

 

'Parasite' headlines Korean cinema in 2019

 

Spoiler

Actor Song Kang-ho is seen in Bong Joon-ho's new film "Parasite." / Courtesy of CJ Entertainment

 

By Jason Bechervaise The Korea Times

 

Last year it was Lee Chang-dong's "Burning" that stood out. He certainly didn't disappoint. In 2019 it is Bong Joon-ho's "Parasite" that holds the most promise in terms of the Korean films set to hit screens over the next twelve months. 

 

In truth, this year it's looking a bit lighter than usual, perhaps reflecting two concerns for the industry: a string of high-profile films such as Kim Jee-woon's "Illang: The Wolf Brigade" flopped in 2018, while working regulations to limit the amount of hours crews can work is set to increase budgets. 

 

That being said, there is still much to look forward to. Indeed, in 2018 there were encouraging signs in the form of mid-budget features such as "Little Forest" and "On Your Wedding Day" that succeeded in pulling in the crowds. Some of the best Korean films have been produced on such budgets making this a healthy development for the industry.

 

'Parasite'

 

Quite possibly premiering in Cannes in May with a local release soon to follow, there is much to anticipate with a new Bong Joon-ho film. But this new feature is notable because it will mark his return to Korean language films; his last Korean film that was not an international co-production was "Mother" in 2009. 

 

Starring Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong and Jang Hye-jin, it follows two families who are markedly different yet also alike. Shot around the country including Jeonju where a set was built for the film, comparisons are already being made to Kim Ki-young's 1960 classic "The Housemaid" that centres on a family. 

 

Much like Lee Chang-dong, Bong is incapable of making a bad film. Expect this to feature in top 10 lists at the end of 2019.

 

'Hit-and-Run Squad'

 

Released in time for the Lunar New Year season, Han Jun-hee's action-thriller looks promising. Han who brought us the thrilling "Coin Locker Girl" brings together Kong Hyo-jin ("Door Lock") and Ryoo Joon-yeol ("Believer"). The pair work together on a hit-and-run squad to bring down a former formula one racing driver who has become a businessman. 

 

'Beasts that Cling to the Straw'

 

Featuring a host of names including Jeon Do-yeon, Jung Woo-sung and Youn Yuh-jung, it's the casting that makes this one to look out for. Directed by Kim Yong-hoon, the mystery-thriller is an adaptation of Sone Keisuke's novel of the same name. It follows a number of characters as they find themselves in challenging circumstances. 

 

'Birthday'

 

Also starring Jeon Do-yeon is the first commercial film to deal with the 2014 tragic Sewol ferry sinking. The actress will play a woman who is coming to terms with the death of her son who was on board the ship, while Sul Kyung-gu will star as the boy's father. The drama will mark the feature debut of Lee Jong-eun who has worked under Lee Chang-dong on "Secret Sunshine" and "Poetry." 

 

'Astronomy'

 

Han Suk-kyu and Choi Min-sik reunite in Hur Jin-ho's period drama about Korea's most revered monarch King Sejong, and the renowned scientist and inventor Jang Yeong-sil. Han will play the King, while Choi has been cast as Jang. The pair played leading roles in the seminal action-thriller "Shiri" (1999) that ushered in the local blockbuster era. Famous for his melodramas, Hur Jin-ho also collaborated with Han Suk-kyu on his iconic film "Christmas in August." The director will be hoping to repeat the success of his period film "The Last Princess" that was a commercial hit in 2016. 

 

'Naratmalssami'

 

Another period film also centered on King Sejong to be released in 2019 is Cho Chul-hyun's feature debut. Featuring Song Kang-ho and Park Hae-il, the film follows the King (Song) and the monk who assisted him (Park). King Sejong is famous for having created Hangul, the Korean writing system. Cho has produced a number of films including many of Lee Joon-ik's features, while he also co-wrote Lee's "The Throne" ― also starring Song Kang-ho. 

 

'Find Me'

 

In her first role in a feature since Park Chan-wook's "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance" Lee Young-ae's return to the big screen is bound to attract attention. The actress plays the mother of a boy with cognitive impairment who goes missing and she goes looking for him. The film marks the feature debut of Kim Seung-woo. 

 

'Chiefs of Namsan'

 

Although Woo Min-ho's "Drug King" was a disappointment, his next political thriller about the former Korean Central Intelligence Agency Chief Kim Jae-gyu who assassinated former President Park Chung-hee in 1979 sounds intriguing. With Lee Byung-hun playing the lead role as Kim Gyu-pyung (based on Kim Jae-kyu), it is perhaps more in line with his hit "Inside Men" than his more recent film that failed to fully integrate the turbulent 1970s backdrop. Given the story, comparisons to Im Sang-soo's "The President's Last Bang" are inevitable. 

 

Other films 

 

There are also a host of other films set to greet audiences this year. Kim Joo-hwan who made the immensely entertaining "Midnight Runners" is helming the action film "The Divine Fury" starring Park Seo-joon. Kwon Oh-kwang ("Collective Invention) will bring us "Tazza 3," Jang Jae-hyun ("The Priests") returns to Catholicism in "Sabaha," Won Sin-yeon ("The Suspect") is set to provide much spectacle in the period action film "Battle," while Kwak Kyung-taek and Kim Tae-hoon are partnering up for the Korean War film "The Battle of Jangsari" that will star Hollywood actress Megan Fox. 

 

Jason Bechervaise is professor of entertainment and arts management at Korea Soongsil Cyber University.

[rubie]

January 2, 2019

 

Kakao M names new CEO, adds Lee Byung-hun, Gong Yoo under management
 

By Park Chang-young and Choi Mira Pulse News

 

 

Kakao M, an entertainment unit of South Korea’s top mobile messenger operator Kakao Corp., appointed Kim Sung-soo, former chief of the nation’s leading entertainment firm CJ ENM Co. as its new CEO and acquired multiple agencies managing top stars like Lee Byung-hun and Gong Yoo. 

 

The company announced on Wednesday that it completed appointment of Kim as its new head during a shareholders’ meeting. He has been credited for taking the nation’s content industry to the next level by spearheading many broadcasting firms including Toonivers from 1995, Onmedia from 2001 and CJ ENM from 2011. 

 

Kim Sung-soo

 

“I will work hard to raise competitiveness of Kakao M as a global content leader by establishing new business portfolios that will strengthen its music and video contents and boost growth potential,” he said. 

 

On the same day, the company completed acquisitions of BH Entertainment that manages actor Lee Byung-hun, J,Wide Company of actor Kim Tae-ri, Soop Entertainment representing actor Gong Yoo and Ready Entertainment, top caster of advertising models. With the additions, the number of celebrities under management of Kakao M has increased to more than 100. It said it took over the firms to produce original dramas featuring hallyu stars like Lee, Kim and Gong. 

 

Kakao M aims to become a leading distributor of Korean contents by strengthening its contents business. It also plans to produce high quality short-form contents for mobile distribution.

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January 2, 2019

 

Kakao absorbs acting agencies to make foray into entertainment industry

 

Park Sae-jin Reporter(swatchsjp@ajunews.com) | Aju Business Daily

 

[Courtesy of BH Entertainment]

SEOUL -- Kakao, a web service company involved in a variety of technology-related businesses, put out its branches into entertainment by absorbing three labels which manage popular actors and actresses as well as an advertising model agency.

 

Kakao M, an entertainment contents-making wing of Kakao, said in a statement Wednesday that it has acquired BH Entertainment, Soop Entertainment and J, wide-company, which are home to more than 20 high-profile actors and actresses such as Lee Byung-hun, Gong-you and Gong Hyo-jin.

 

Kakao M controls five music labels including Fave Entertainment, which manages female solo singer IU. The company appointed Kim Sung-soo, the former head of the country's entertainment giant CJ ENM, as new CEO. Kim has been created hit dramas and shows through his unique leadership.

 

"Kakao M will grow into a strong player in the global contents market through the strong point and growth potential of our music and video contents business," Kim was quoted as saying.

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January 2, 2019 (related MR.SUNSHINE excerpt)

 

Article: 22 K-Drama Superlatives From 2018

 

by Belinda_C @ soompi

 

With 2018 now in our rear-view mirror, it’s time to look back at the year we’ve had, and celebrate all the ups-and-downs of K-dramaland. It doesn’t seem like 2018 has been a particularly strong year for K-dramas, with quite a few shows starting out strong but losing the plot halfway through or just being a let down in general.

 

Despite so, there are still some really good gems out there, with a little something for everyone. So in order to honor the multitude of dramas that have (for better or worse) accompanied us through our own ups-and-downs, here’s the superlative style round up for 2018.

 

This list (in no particular order) is more fun than authoritative, and aims to spread the love and include as many dramas as possible. So feel free to come up with your own categories and nominations and share them with us in the comments section below!

 

Disclaimer: The article only includes dramas that started airing between December 1, 2017 to November 30, 2018. Also, minor spoilers ahead!

 

Most buzzy return to the small screen

 

Lee Byung Hun, “Mr. Sunshine”

 

 

Aired on: tvN
Air date: July 7 – September 30, 2018 (24 eps.)

 

Starring: Lee Byung Hun, Kim Tae Ri, Yoo Yeon Seok, Kim Min Jung, Byun Yo Han

 

Lee Byung Hun’s last lead role on TV was in 2009 (“IRIS“), thus when news of him starring in “Mr. Sunshine” started spreading — a Kim Eun Sook vehicle no less — it generated major buzz. The epic storytelling, coupled with Lee Byung Hun’s captivating performance, kept the drama on the list of most buzzworthy dramas for many consecutive weeks. The talented actor himself also won a Daesang for this role at the 2018 Asia Artist Awards.

 

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@luwali 196 @peonie @pvwong @mistymorning @irilight @rori0711 @kansas424 @3po3 @marfisa @Kany Nguyên Hồ @Ahpheng 

 

 

Source: IN MODE

 

 

 Minjung left a comment on Byunghun's New Year IG post.. the Japan fanmeet dancing clip posted by Barbara. 

 

216jung: 그만해 ㅋㅋㅋ Stop it (laughing)

 

Thanks mistymorning for the translation. 

 

 

Obviously, this Hunnie has a lot to dance about.  He will soon achieve 100K followers on IG.. maybe we'll get a special clip/message from BH. 

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January 3, 2019

 

Source:   Lee Byung Hun's Instagram

 

Congratulations Byung Hun-ssi.  You now have more than 100, 000 followers on Instagram.  

[rubie]

Source: BH Entertainment / BH Blog Naver Page for larger captures & 2019 projects list / thanks to mistymorning for the English translation

 

2019 golden lineup from BH’s golden actors/actresses. (2019 being year of the Golden Pig)

 

#HanJiMin #JinGu # YooJiTae #ChooJaHyun #AhnSoHee #ParkSungHoon #ByunWooSuk #SeanRichardDulake #LeeByungHun #ParkHaeSoo #KimGoEun #LeeHeeJoon #KarataErika #BHEntertainment

 

 

This article by The Korea Herald probably explains the key points (and fans' concern) a little bit more.

 

January 3, 2019

 

Kakao M acquires 4 firms for competitive edge in video contents

Source: THE INVESTOR

 

Kakao M, the entertainment unit of Korea’s top mobile messenger operator, announced on Jan. 2 that it has acquired four local entertainment firms for around 50 billion won (US$44.30 million).

 

The firm bought 30 percent stake in BH Entertainment and J Wide-Company in September, and recently acquired the remaining shares for 18.9 billion won and 5.95 billion won, respectively. BH Entertainment is known for managing top actors, including Lee Byung-hun and Han Ga-in.

 

Kakao’s entertainment unit, which had 30 percent stake in Ready Entertainment, also bought all the remaining shares for 11.11 billion won in December. In addition, it has invested 14 billion won in Soop Entertainment, which manages top actors like Jeon Do-yeon and Gong Yoo, to acquire 99.36 percent stake.

 

“With our strength, growth potential and business portfolio in music and video content business, we aim to become the top company in cultural contents market,” Kakao M CEO Kim Sung-soo said in a statement. 

 

The company added that its current video production units -- Krispy Studio and Mega Monster -- will be able to create synergies through the recent acquisition as it will make the casting process easier.

 

The management of the four entertainment firms will remain the same even after acquisition.

 

As for market speculation that Kakao M plans to sell its contents to global video platform operator Netflix, like CJ ENM’s drama production subsidiary Studio Dragon, the company said it has no specific plans yet. 

 

“For now, we plan to make short mobile dramas for our own online platform Kakao TV and sell longer dramas to TV broadcasting firms,” a spokesperson told The Investor. 

 

By Song Seung-hyun (ssh@heraldcorp.com)

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January 4, 2019

 

Byung Hun -ssi released a photo from the shooting site of "The Good, The Bad, the Weird"  The shooting site was in Dunhuang.  The desert site must be dusty for BH said one can use a mask? 

 

Source: Lee Byung Hun's Instagram