Gong Hyo Jin 공효진

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December 18, 2018

 

Kong Hyo-jin's Latest Film Draws 1 Million Viewers
 

Source: The Chosun Ilbo

 

Actress Kong Hyo-jin's latest film "Door Lock" has attracted over 1 million viewers in about two weeks since its release in early December.

 

The thriller attracted 1.43 million viewers as of Sunday, the Korean Film Council said Monday.

 

"Door Lock" is about a woman who lives alone and finds evidence that someone broke into her apartment.

[mabelialong]

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

anybody could help me... i just want to know the brand of  her heel for this pic above...

 

[rubie]

Source: Pierce Conran

 

Here are the posters for HIT-AND-RUN SQUAD! Action-thriller with Gong Hyo-jin, Ryu Jun-yeol & Jo Jung-seok from COIN LOCKER GIRL director Han Jun-hee is one of next year’s most exciting Korean titles. Hits theaters next month for Lunar New Year holiday

[rubie]

December 30, 2018

Top 10 Korean Films of 2018

 

By Jason Bechervaise The Korea Times

 

With more than 100 titles released each year, it's always a challenging feat to compile a list of the top 10 Korean films of the year. Although 2018 won't go down as one of the most fruitful years for Korean cinema, there have been a number of notable films, not least Lee Chang-dong's stupendous "Burning" that tops this list. 

 

The following top 10 films were released in local cinemas between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2018. 

 

1. Burning 

Few filmmakers can consistently make masterpieces, but Lee Chang-dong has managed it. Topping jury grids following its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, "Burning" became the best reviewed film ever to bow on the Croisette. 

Based on Haruki Murakami's short story "Barn Burning," it centers on a love triangle between a mysterious young woman and two men. Starring Yoo Ah-in, Jeon Jong-seo and Steven Yeun, the film's premise is deceptively simple. As Lee Chang-dong pulls his viewers in, the story becomes increasingly layered and perplexing as he puts together an extraordinary narrative depicting the despair among young people. 

Unfortunately, the film failed to strike a chord with audiences in Korea mustering just 528,000 admissions. But it has made history becoming the first Korean film to be shortlisted for the best foreign language academy award, and could well land a nomination. 

 

2. The Spy Gone North 
Yoon Jong-bin's slow-burning spy thriller is an enthralling display of espionage that is more reliant on dialogue than set-pieces ― much in the same way as Kim Jee-woon's "The Age of Shadows" and Tomas Alfredson's "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy."

Hwang Jung-min stars as a South Korean agent who infiltrates the North in the 1990s to obtain intelligence on their nuclear plans. 

Capturing the current geopolitical climate culminating in a rousing climax, it is arguably one of the best films dealing with inter-Korean relations. 

 

3. Swing Kids 

When it comes to cinematic rhythm, Kang Hyeong-cheol ("Sunny") is in a league of his own. Bringing together a dazzling display of visuals and a vibrant soundtrack in his latest feature, it will spur viewers to tap dance all the way home. 

Set in a POW camp during the Korean War, a tap dance group is set up to improve the image of the camp following violence that breaks out between the prisoners. It stars Do Kyung-soo, Park Hye-su, Jared Grimes and Oh Jung-se. 

Suffering somewhat from a weak ending, it is nevertheless a visual triumph. 

 

4. Microhabitat 

Bagging a number of new director awards, Jeon Go-woon is a talent to look out for. Her feature debut is a distinctive and immensely enjoyable exploration of independence and happiness. 

Esom plays a young woman in her 30s who is content just drinking whisky, smoking cigarettes and spending time with her boyfriend. 

Addressing a recurring theme in Korean independent cinema with a focus on Korea's young people, it's a refreshing and richly stylized glimpse at the choices facing this generation. 

 

5. Ode to the Goose 

Enigmatic and yet also entertaining, Zhang Lu's new feature that premiered at the Busan International Film Festival in October again illustrates his talent as both a writer and director. 

Playing around with national identity, his non-linear narrative structure might be a challenge for some audiences. But starring Park Hae-il and Moon So-ri about an aspiring poet who takes a spontaneous trip to Gunsan with a woman he has feelings for, it's a richly rewarding experience, especially for those who can spot the numerous cameos. 

 

6. After My Death 

Cleverly bringing an intensity to his narrative, this is another very impressive feature debut by a young filmmaker, Kim Ui-seok who tackles the subject of suicide. 

Jeon Yeo-bin who has attracted much attention for her role in this film winning a number of awards is superb as a student suspected of playing a part in the disappearance of a high school student thought to have killed herself. 
Refusing to strive for narrative clarity, Kim masterfully utilises the film's ambiguity to add to its potency. 

 

7. Door Lock 

Based on the Spanish film "Sleep Tight" (2011), Lee Kwon's thrilling feature follows a woman (Gong Hyo-jin) living alone while a mysterious man attempts to get into her apartment. With a strong female lead, it deftly deals with the difficulties facing women in Korea. 
Superbly orchestrated on a mid-sized budget, it's evidence of how the industry is shifting its focus to lower budget films. 

 

8. Little Forest 
There is certainly a place for socially conscious films, but what's so enchanting about this film is how it whisks viewers away and takes them to idyllic rural Korea in which a young woman (Kim Tae-ri) returns to the countryside following struggles in the city. She does a lot of cooking. 
It might be guilty of romanticizing life as a young person living alone in the middle of nowhere, but Yim Soon-rye's delightful film is sure to bring a smile to those who check it out ― and make them rather peckish. 

 

9. Grass

It's not a top ten list without a Hong Sang-soo film on it somewhere. With at least two films premiering at festivals annually, he's as prolific as ever. 
It stars his muse Kim Min-hee as a Seoul cafe patron who writes as she listens in on conversations taking place in the coffee shop. At a brisk 66 minutes he packs in a wealth of substance that's full of his idiosyncratic character, wit and brilliance. 

 

10. Herstory 

Coming later than other films dealing with comfort women such as "Spirits' Homecoming", it was a box office disappointment despite much critical affection for it. 

Featuring an ensemble cast that includes Kim Hee-ae and Kim Hae-sook the film directed by Min Kyu-dong is based on the so-called Shimonoseki trials during the 1990s. The court drama follows a group of former sex slaves who sought an official apology and compensation from the Japanese government.

Less dependent on emotions in empowering the narrative, the film's strong production values, well-written script and superb performances make this an unforgettable viewing experience. 

[rubie]

Source: Pierce Conran

 

5. Door Lock (도어락)

 

Following his wonderfully offbeat horror-romcom My Ordinary Love Story, which was unjustly overlooked in 2014, Lee Kwon has finally gotten some of the recognition he deserves for his third film, the taught, claustrophobic and socially-driven mystery-thriller Door Lock. This remake of Jaume Balagueró’s Sleep Tight completely reworks the story (even switching the main character) and provides another compelling showcase for Gong Hyo-jin. Unusually focused for a commercial Korean thriller, the film employs precise mise-en-scene that heightens a tale teeming with compelling and contemporary social edge.

 

[rubie]

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.

[mabelialong]

 

[rubie]

February 8, 2019

 

Gong Hyo Jin Celebrates Lunar New Year With Celebrity Friends Son Ye Jin, Lee Min Jung, And More

Source: Soompi by Y. Shin

 

 

Gong Hyo Jin spent her Lunar New Years with close friends!

 

On February 8, the actress posted a photo of herself posing with Lee Jung Hyun, Lee Min Jung, Son Ye Jin, and Oh Yoon Ah with a caption that read, “Sharing New Year’s food gifts. Jung Hyun’s dining table. Wish you happy.”

 

 

In the photo, the actresses sit around a dining table and smile happily at the camera. The mood of this gathering is delightful as the ladies all wear comfortable clothing and wine glasses sit on top of the table.

Gong Hyo Jin recently starred in the action film “Hit-and-Run Squad” alongside Ryu Jun Yeol and Jo Jung Suk.

 

Source (1)

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April 7, 2019

 

April Bride & Friends: Group Photo at Lee Jung Hyun's Wedding

 

Source: SISUN News

 

[rubie]

Photo: Lee Jung Hyun

 

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April 28, 2019

 

Actress Kong invites 1,000 underprivileged people to Jeonju film festival

 

Actress Kong Hyo-jin holds a sign inviting people to the 20th Jeonju International Film Festival. Captured from Instagram

 

By Lee Gyu-lee The Korea Times

Actress Kong Hyo-jin has made a handsome cash donation to invite 1,000 underprivileged people to the 20th Jeonju International Film Festival, set for May 2-11, the festival's organizer said on Sunday. 

 

Kong is the 2019 representative of "Cinema Angel," a philanthropic campaign run by a group of Korean actors and actresses. The star-studded charity has given financial support to underprivileged people and independent filmmakers and festivals, including the Jeonju International Film Festival, over the past 12 years. 

 

The actress raised the cash by modeling for fashion magazine Harper's Bazaar. 

The donation ceremony was held on April 24. 

 

"I'm very happy to make this donation as Cinema Angel," said Kong at the ceremony. "I hope this gives the opportunity for people to get more involved in this festival." 

 

Kong, 39, debuted in 1999 in a supporting role in the horror movie Memento Mori. She has starred in numerous films and TV dramas. 

gyulee@koreatimes.co.kr

[chibiusa]

[chibiusa]

 

[kkongvelyaussiefan]

Hey Guys,

 

it's been a while...

 

Are we going to donate rice wreaths for Kong's upcoming drama When Camellia Blooms??

 

[kkongvelyaussiefan]

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKwv5Mpiefg&feature=youtu.be

 

Apologies for the delay. You all waited for this to come out and thank you for your patience!!

I couldn't have done it without the help of a Korean fellow fan. She goes by on youtube as Bomvely. She contacted me on IG as when she saw my story that I was subbing the last Soopoiler and that she wanted to help other overseas fans understand unni more. And so do I. I asked her to help me translate the important part on this ep which before I could not quite understand and was hard to translate back to English. Seriously, she was so helpful and so kind. 

 

But now, let's give our Kong a lot more love because she ******* deserves it! T.T T.T T.T ㅜㅜㅜㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅜㅜㅜㅠ

 

Oh ad give this video a lot of love on youtube. Help spread it! 

 

BUT PLEASE GIVE CREDITS FOR SUBBING. Don't leave out Bomvelynim. <3 

[rubie]

June 17, 2019

 

Fashion Icon Gong Hyo-jin Featured on ELLE Hong Kong and Taiwan

 

Source: MBN Star via HanCinema.net

 

 

Actress Gong Hyo-jin was featured on the June issue covers of ELLE Hong Kong and Taiwan.

 

Gong Hyo-jin is wearing high-end jewelry along with a black and beige modern look (Hong Kong) or a pink colored silk blouse (Taiwan) to add elegance.

 

Gong Hyo-jin is a role model as an actress and a fashion icon, and she's not only known in Korea for her uniqueness, but in other Asian countries as well.

 

Meanwhile, Gong Hyo-jin stars in the KBS 2TV drama "When Camellia Blooms" as Dong Baek, coming back with a drama for the first time in 3 years.

 

 

[chibiusa]

Gong Hyo Jin And Kang Ha Neul Affectionately Lock Eyes In Poster For Upcoming Rom-Com

KBS 2TV’s upcoming Wednesday-Thursday drama “When the Camellia Blooms” (literal title) has revealed a new official poster!

“When the Camellia Blooms” tells the story of Yong Shik (Kang Ha Neul), a man who believes anything is possible with love and makes Dong Baek (Gong Hyo Jin) think the same way. Meanwhile, those who surround them scoff at their belief in the power of love.

In the poster, Gong Hyo Jin and Kang Ha Neul are seated on steps that open up to a beautiful view of their neighborhood Ongsan. Bathing in the warm sunlight and enjoying the cool breeze, the two look at one another with loving eyes. Yong Shik’s romantic eyes appear to be telling Dong Baek, “You’re amazing, you’re great, and you’re the best,” and Dong Baek gives Yong Shik a bright smile as if she’s responding to him.

The drama’s producers shared, “Not only was the filming location beautiful, but the way the two also created a beautiful scene just by gazing and smiling at each other added to the pleasant atmosphere on set.”

“When the Camellia Blooms” premieres on September 18 at 10 p.m. KST as the follow-up to “Justice.”

 

https://www.soompi.com/article/1349855wpp/gong-hyo-jin-and-kang-ha-neul-affectionately-lock-eyes-in-poster-for-upcoming-rom-com

[chibiusa]

When Camellia Blooms-Drama

 

Crazy Romance-Movie

[chibiusa]

 

 

[chibiusa]