Lee Byung Hun 이병헌 Byunghun Lee

[rubie]

Thanks to leslie at IRIS thread ^^

Japan is shaken up from the visits of hallyu stars.

There are many Japanese visiting Akita-hyun (the site where drama IRIS is being filmed) to see Lee Byunghun, Kim Taehee and more. They have booked the hotels around the filming site, so much that Yang Hyunsuk from YG entertainment is having trouble finding a room.

The first take of IRIS has begun on 10th, and Japanese fans have been around the hotels and filming site to see the faces of their favourite stars.

Japanese Broadcasting stations are also eyeing the steps of these stars.

The interest will be heightened when TOP of Big Bang joins the crew on 17th. Previous han-rhyu stars have been famous among the ah-joom-ma's, it is highly predicted that TOP will bring the fans of younger ages. Because Big Bang has released albums in Japan, people are already feeling the vibe of new han-ryuh star.

THe filming of IRIS will take around 3 weeks; there will be dating scenes of Lee Byunghun and Kim Taehee (will appear as a couple in the drama), and there are action scenes to be filmed.

IRIS is the first-ever-drama to try a spy,action thriller in tv drama- it deals with the conflict between assacination of North Korea leader and government groups. It will be aired around september through KBS.

original article [click here]

Translated by: 코코마탑횽@bbvipz...Jiyoung is soo LOVE for translating this article.

[Guest ellabel]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v681/Hun...AV4/1cap02a.jpg

Wah!!! HUNnie's body is too die for. *drools*

So, he really had a trainer.

Looks like BH really worked hard to get that super hawt body.

Luv his new body and am sure he cud very well use this and his endless stamina in his new drama, Iris.

[willenette]

LEE BYUNG HUN AT JAPAN AIRPORT

His popularity has not waned. He has been in Japan recently where the fans were so excited to see him the Akita Airport was in havoc!

His drama "Iris" is so popular among Japanese fans!

There were 2,500 fans who were waiting for him to arrive at the airport. The small airport was so busy and full! Such a big welcome for Lee was a pleasant surprise for him!

The new drama "Iris" starring Kim Tae-hee and Kim So-yeon will be filmed in Japan. Other stars in this drama are Jeong Joon-ho, Kim Seung-woo, and T.O.P.

Source : news.cyworld.com

Credit : Hancinema

[rubie]

Source & streaming from newslink.media.daum.net

LBH, BYJ still making waves

http://vod.ietn.co.kr/mov/2009/0312/200903121236850973_s.wmv

- Excerpts from Once in a Summer and EHAS ^^

Captures credit to tracylee12 - LBH MagicBox

[Guest kimchibabe]

If there's really something I wish for is to be there in Akita...a chance to see him for three whole weeks.

Looking at the way he smiles, you just can't help but feel his joy and enthusiasm.

And it makes me miss him a lot...

[rubie]

If there's really something I wish for is to be there in Akita...a chance to see him for three whole weeks.

Looking at the way he smiles, you just can't help but feel his joy and enthusiasm.

And it makes me miss him a lot...

It is so obvious that he's beaming on the arrival in Akita and especially eager to start IRIS.. not just the fans waiting for a LBH drama, it's also his wish to return to tv with a good, cool project to boot. Byunghun-ssi is one actor who's doing really well in movies (domestic/international) as well as keeping the small screen burning.. so to speak.

And of course.. clearly noticeable is how long BH's hair has grown.. the cap didn't really hide it. He's really letting it grow, indeed. I think.. could be for the 'dating scenes' in Akita.. as some flashback moments in the drama.. perhaps.

Can't wait for a little bit more news on this.. and some pics, too.. the fans in Akita are indeed so lucky. :blush:

[Guest ellabel]

^ It wud be nice to see pics of BH and KTH together. I just want to see if there's any effect on me.

They already started shooting without the presscon yet for the entire cast. I wonder if they will still have one when they go back to Korea. It wud be nice to see the entire cast in one stage, one pic.

[rubie]

^ It wud be nice to see pics of BH and KTH together. I just want to see if there's any effect on me.

They already started shooting without the presscon yet for the entire cast. I wonder if they will still have one when they go back to Korea. It wud be nice to see the entire cast in one stage, one pic.

I'm not sure of course.. :blush: .. but I think it's a changing trend in Korean dramas these days which the press conference comes AFTER the production has finished filming.. just in time for the new series to be aired. Unlike before.. e.g. Air City, for instance.. they had the press conference before filming and the drama being aired as the filming is still going on. But the new trend is not for all drama production and differs between stations, too.

Probably because IRIS will only be aired in September.. it's just too early to have all the cast together.. some might not be included yet.. like Yoo Min (actress from All In, previously) just recently added to the cast.

I'm sure they'll have a cool press conference for IRIS later.. it certainly wouldn't be complete without one.. .. it sorta makes better sense actually. When everything is completed for airing.. a precise time for the introduction to the press.

There hasn't been any pics of LBH-KTH yet .. on-camera or off.. still keeping the couple in secret.

[zashibear]

Whhhooot LBH has really smokin bod! Can't wait for GI JOE to get released! ANd so happy he is starting to film IRIS. LBH drama is worth the wait for sure! SO excited for the drama.

[Guest ellabel]

Yeah.... I noticed that too... some start shooting first then do the prescon a little later like Star Lover, i think. But, more often than not, the news come first then the offering/prayers then the prescon then the shooting.

Most prob the entire cast is not available yet especially with a big cast like Iris, it maybe hard to gather all the stars in one place all at the same time. Still, i think the natural order should be news, prescon then shooting. Now, if they want to do additional promo for the drama, they can again gather the stars for another prescon in the middle or towards the end. Just my thots.

Agree rubie hunnie.... I've never seen BH and KTH together... so much for secrecy. I hope KTH is not backing out..... well, on second thots.........

[Felicia Soh]

^ It wud be nice to see pics of BH and KTH together. I just want to see if there's any effect on me.

Me too, Ella and somehow, I prefer BH with KSY and I don’t mind Yoo Min too (though highly impossible). It’s always fun to watch the interaction of the stars during the press-con. That's when we start to detect chemistry .....

Probably because IRIS will only be aired in September.. it's just too early to have all the cast together.. some might not be included yet.. like Yoo Min (actress from All In, previously) just recently added to the cast.

For some reason, I was secretly hoping Yoo Min to be cast in Iris (since this drama is going to be filmed in her homeland). I like her since All In and had since watched almost all her work. The actress has returned to her homeland two years ago after her last K-drama Bad Wife (I would say her role as Yoojin was one of her most outstanding roles). She was a bit snobbish in her J-drama role, Attention Please! Glad to hear she’s one of the many big-names cast in the mega-production, Iris.

Btw, her Japanese name is Yuko Fueki – think she’s the only Japanese actress to be based in Korea (not sure whether she has permanently moved her base back to Japan). I’ve always enjoyed watching her played secondary roles in K-drama and movie.

As always thanks Rubie, Ching, Ylin and everyone for all the latest news on BH and Iris.

[rubie]

Posted on 03.13.09 to IRIS, Korean Dramas by hanfever

Japanese Actress Yoo Min Joins 'IRIS'

The cast of the upcoming drama 'IRIS' just got stronger. Japanese actress Yoo Min (Fueki Yuko) is the latest to join the drama which already has a star-studded cast, that includes Lee Byung Hun, Kim Tae Hee, Jung Joon Ho, Kim Seung Woo, Kim So Yeon and TOP.

According to press release from the production company on the 13th, Yoo Min will play an important member of the Japanese Defence Intelligence Headquarters, Sato Eriko. During the interrogation of the captured suspect Kim Hyun Joon (Lee Byung Hun), Sato Eriko discovers his extraordinary ability and thus releases him from the prison. In return, Hyun Joon has to accomplish a secret mission given to him.

This project will be the collaboration between Lee Byung Hun and Yoo Min once again after a period of 6 years. They last acted together in the 2003 drama “All In”.

Scene from All In, capture courtesy leebyunghun.com

'IRIS' has began its filming in Akita Prefecture, Japan on the 10th with Lee Byung Hun, Kim Tae Hee and Kim So Yeon. Yoo Min, Jung Joon Ho, Kim Seung Woo and TOP will be joining the team some time this month.

Translation by hanfever.com

Korean media News ! News ! News ! News ! News ! News ! News ! News ! News ! News ! News ! News ! News ! News

News ! News ! News ! News ! News ! News ! News ! News ! News ! News ! News ! News ! News ! News ! News ! News

[Guest Hyc]

Wah, I seldom see Felicia posting in LBH thread. What a rare treat. As usual your knowledge of Japanese artistes is extensive.

Have to be frank here, even if I offend KTH fans. I never like her in STH, and tried to watch Love Story In Harvard and Screen, still can't make myself like her.

[rubie]

Thanks to the highlight by fhyip at lovelbh.com, photos by Yoshiyama Mori

Credits to anikanko.at.webry.info [do correct me if anything amiss]

BYUNGHUN / IRIS in AKITA

More caps at IRIS drama thread -

[rubie]

Byunghun-related excerpts only ♥

For a good read & full article of Dir. KJW, please refer his thread or the original source

March 13, 2009

Kim Ji Woon - Irony with Style

Written by James Mudge

The continuing popularity of Korean Cinema around the world has seen a number of directors thrust into the international limelight, notably the likes of Park Chan Wook and Bong Joon Ho. However, perhaps the most successful of these newly crowned industry leaders has been their countryman Kim Ji Woon, one of the few Korean, or indeed Asian filmmakers to have consistently seen his work enjoy box office success not only at home but also abroad with his on target blend of eccentric originality and commercial acumen. A writer-director who has rapidly become known for his visual craftsmanship and storytelling skills, Kim has won over the critics as well as audiences, having become a regular at international film festivals and having claimed a number of prestigious awards. Even more impressively, he has done this by switching between a wide variety of genres, never being afraid to try his hand at something new and proving himself equally comfortable with comedy, horror, or action. His chameleon-like ability to innovate and breathe fresh life into tired forms was exemplified by his latest work,The Good, the Bad, the Weird, the first ever "kimchi western".

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La Dolce Vita

2005 saw another apparent change of pace for Kim with his neo-noir thriller A Bittersweet Life, which followed a gangster who runs into trouble with his boss after falling for his woman. Again, this simplistic sounding premise sets the scene for drama which, though admirably streamlined and free from needless subplots, runs deep with heartfelt feeling. Taking its title and cue from La Dolce Vita, Fellini's 1960 classic, the film was influenced by the works of French auteur Jean-Pierre Melville, with Kim drawing upon his use of cynical, detached protagonists and minimalist narratives. Indeed, as with his previous works, the film features many long, silent stretches, with meaning and motive being imparted visually or through the body language of the cast. For the lead, Kim chose acclaimed actor Lee Byung Hun, who turned in an excellent performance, managing to convey complex emotions and inner turmoil through glances and subtle movements. As a result, the film is a moving affair, catching viewers off-guard with its sadness and sense of loss.

Thematically, although many lazy critics were quick to compare it with Park Chan Wook's Old Boy, mainly due to its scenes of stylized bloody violence, the film actually has much in common with A Tale of Two Sisters, again featuring a confused protagonist who suffers as a result of a lack of self-knowledge and acceptance. This ironic conflict drives the film, and gives it a unique feel, with Kim refusing to throw viewers the kind of easy answers and neat character developments that they may be more used to in commercial cinema. Indeed, Lee Byung Hun's sentimental thug is something of a mythic figure, cutting through the ranks of his enemies in a manner not unlike that of Clint Eastwood in a Sergio Leone western - interestingly foreshadowing Kim's next outing. Visually, the film is gorgeous, with superb use of low-key colors and light that give it a classical feel. Unlike so many of his peers, Kim's direction is restrained and free from flashy techniques, though at the same time supremely accomplished.

The film was another critical and commercial hit for Kim, further cementing his status as one of the best and indeed most bankable directors in modern Korean Cinema. Winning well-deserved awards for its acting, the film saw a worldwide release and was invited to the Cannes Film Festival, where it screened out of competition to great praise.

Kimchi Western

Unsurprisingly, Kim's latest film saw him delving into yet another genre with the 2008 release The Good, the Bad, the Weird. As can be gleamed from the title, the film pays tribute to the iconic western The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly by Sergio Leone, a director he had long admired and whose works he had frequently referenced. Of course, with this being a Korean production, the film was labeled a "kimchi western" rather than a "spaghetti western" - underlining not only its nationality but also the sense of dynamism and spice that Kim injected into the proceedings. With a cast that boasted three of the industry's biggest names, the film represented somewhat of a change of pace for the director, being far more upbeat and action packed than his last few rather melancholic outings.

Shifting the action to the badlands of Manchuria in the 1930s, where many Koreans fled to escape the cruel Japanese occupation of their homeland, the film opens as eccentric bandit Dae Goo (Song Kang Ho) robs a train, snatching a treasure map from under the nose of rival outlaw Chang Yi (Lee Byung Hun). Dae Goo falls foul of bounty hunter Do Won (Jung Woo Sung), though the two decide to head off to find the treasure together, pursued not only by the psychotic Chang Yi but also by the Japanese army and hordes of other rival bandits.

Although it is fairly obvious which of the three main characters are the titular good, bad, and weird, all three are fascinating figures with their own backstory and motivations. As such, the plot is gripping, with Kim adding a surprising amount of emotional depth and ironic character reversals that give more meaning to the spectacle and violence. The film is certainly exciting, being filled with shootouts and thrilling chase scenes, and Kim keeps things moving along at a fast pace. His stylish direction makes the most of the epic desert vistas, as well as giving the action an exhilarating sense of danger, and the film makes for supremely entertaining viewing, marking perhaps his most commercially accessible outing to date. It certainly proved popular with domestic audiences, emerging as the biggest box office hit of the year, and again enjoyed similar success overseas, premiering at Cannes and being released on big screens around the world.

Few directors from anywhere in the world can boast such consistency, and having proved himself equally capable in every genre, Kim now stands at the very top of his profession, loved by audiences and critics alike. It is uncertain what form his next project will take, though whether it be comedy, drama, action, horror, or indeed anything else, viewers can be assured of being entertained by his trademark meticulous visual style and slyly ironic take on humanity.

Credits: YumCha! yesasia

[Guest mailene28]

omo, so they started filming IRIS.. i was late with updates..

thanks to all hunnies for the updates & everyhting.

did actress Yoo Min also appeared in All In? i think they look good together.. even from way back..

[rubie]

omo, so they started filming IRIS.. i was late with updates..

thanks to all hunnies for the updates & everyhting.

did actress Yoo Min also appeared in All In? i think they look good together.. even from way back..

Hi mailene! We haven't seen you for awhile.. welcome back, this is a good Sunday surprise for all.

Yupyup.. Byunghun & IRIS has started the drama wheels rolling smoothly in Akita ^^ .. about a week now. Finally, huh! Though we haven't seen any direct pics from the filming.. it's believed that the production is certainly going on schedule. There have been updates of 'dating scenes'.. being filmed during the last few days.

Yoo Min was the Japanese girlfriend of Michael Chang (the poker player) in All In.. they made a deal with InHa to start a casino / business in Korea. Come to think of it.. it'll be the third collaboration between BH and Yoo Min.. prior to All In, they already did a shampoo CF together.

[Guest mailene28]

hiya rubie dear! yeah, got lots of catching ups to do coz been busy with work lately, but yeah, now im back online.its good to be.. i missed this thread also.. missed posting too...even if i dont have time to post, i was lurking around.

so finally they started it already huh.. (relief) cant wait for it to be shown.. so Yoo Min will collaborate again with Byung Hun oppa.. thats good news.

[rubie]

· White Day in South Korea [wikipedia]

MARCH 14 - White Day

by Kwangho Ahn

It's origin is not known. On Vallentine's Day, 14th March, girls give presents to their boy friends in Korea. Someone thought that the day was good for sale products. So the reasonable name was made for the 14th March, a month later than Vallentine's Day. And the rule, boys must give something their girl friends in return for presents, was spreaded widely. A lot of Korean have wrong idea that this day is celebrated in other countrys like Valentine's Day. In addition to White Day, Black Day, Yellow Day, Blue Day and other color days are known for 14th day of the following months. They are not as famous as White Day. I think that the most delighted people in those days are merchants. Source: kidlink.org

March 15, 2009

[오승연 박사 연예뉴스 영어로 따라잡기]화이트데이 남자 1위 이병헌·여자 1위는 김태희

한류스타 이병헌(사진 왼쪽)이 화이트데이를 맞이해 선물을 받고 싶은 남성연예인 1위에 뽑혔다. 결혼정보회사인 닥스클럽(www.daksclub.com)은 최근 남녀싱글회원 1000여명을 대상으로 이같은 내용의 앙케이트 조사를 실시했다.

2위는 가수 비가 차지했고 요즘 KBS 2TV 월화극 ‘꽃보다 남자’에 출연 중인 ‘꽃남’ 열풍의 주인공 구준표가 3위에 오르는 저력을 과시했다.

그렇다면 화이트데이에 선물을 주고 싶은 여성 연예인은 누굴까. 역시 같은 대상을 상대로 한 설문 조사에서 김태희가 1위에 올랐다. 2위는 이례적으로 최근 영화 ‘과속스캔들’로 인기 몰이 중인 신예 박보영이 차지했다. 3위에는 ‘미쳤어’의 손담비가 올랐다.

Lee Byunghun, the Korean wave star has topped the list as the star Korean women want to spend White Day with. Daks Club, a marriage information company conducted a survey on 1000 single men and women on who they want to spend White Day with.

Rain came in second place, and the main character of the popular KBS 2TV drama ‘Boys over Flowers’ came in third.

Then who would be the female star that Korean men want to give presents to on White Day? Kim Taehee came in first and Park Boyoung, who gained popularity through the movie ‘Speedy Scandal’, came in second. Son Dambi who sang the song ‘I Am Crazy’ took third place.

*top the list : 1위를 차지하다

*conduct a survey : 설문조사를 실시하다

*come in (first, second, third...) : ∼위를 차지하다

*gain popularity : 인기를 모르다

Source & English translation: sportsworldi.segye.com

[Guest ylin]

Newspaper report on shooting of IRIS (if not wrong, the centre person is BH)

source: http://anikanko.at.webry.info/200903/article_16.html

According to Japanese fan's account, the whole crew is staying in a hotel at Lake Tazawa (seems like they hv booked the whole place and is not open to others)

Shooting was done at Lake Tazawa for the past few days and there was a hugging scene between BH and KTH.

Outsiders were not allowed to go near the shooting site but when the shooting ended for the day, he was friendly and spoke in Japanese to express his concern for the fans waiting around (sorry, can't think of the translation now )