Gong Hyo Jin 공효진

[htk9207]

Hello. I've been a fan of GHJ after watching the first episode of Master's Sun. And was immediately interested the moment I heard about When the Camellia Blooms. So happy that the drama is much loved and garnered such high ratings. I hope to see her with KHN and the rest of the cast at the KBS awards. 

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November 27, 2019

 

Gong Hyo Jin Reveals Why She Initially Turned Down “When The Camellia Blooms” + What Made Her Stay

 

Source: Soompi by J. Lim

 

 

Gong Hyo Jin opened up about how she had initially turned down her role in KBS’s recently-ended “When the Camellia Blooms” and what convinced her to accept it in the end.

 

On November 25, Gong Hyo Jin held a series of interviews to mark the end of the drama. When asked why she had initially thought to turn down the role, the actress said, “When I received the offer, I was preparing to film the movie ‘The Most Ordinary Romance.’ That was right after we had wrapped up filming ‘Hit-and-Run Squad,’ so timing wise, it was very difficult for me.”

 

 

Revealing that the drama was initially scheduled to air early this year, Gong Hyo Jin explained, “I heard that if I agreed to the role, the drama would have to be pushed back several months so I declined.” She added, “But I’d read the script up to the fourth episode and it was so much fun. I called screenwriter Im Sang Choon and asked, ‘I’m so sorry I can’t take on the role, but if you have the script for the fifth episode, can I see it?’ That’s the first time I’ve asked anything like that for project.”

 

It was during that call that the screenwriter tried to convince Gong Hyo Jin to accept the offer, despite being described by the actress as someone who wasn’t very outgoing or vocal about her opinions. Both Im Sang Choon and director Cha Young Hoon are said to have had Gong Hyo Jin in mind when writing the drama, and Gong Hyo Jin said, “I think I would have really regretted it if I hadn’t done this drama.” She laughed as she added, “In the script, there was a scene with the words ‘A woman with a germanium bracelet on.’ When I was traveling overseas, my mother put one on me and it ended up in a photo and showed up on search rankings. It made me think that the screenwriter was trying to seduce me to join.”

 

 

Gong Hyo Jin showed a deep affection for the drama as she explained, “I loved the script from the beginning. I read the script for the first episode and liked it, and then I liked the second episode. I kept reading on to the fifth, sixth, and seventh episode and thought ‘This is so good.’ The script kept getting better and there wasn’t a single unnecessary scene. We kept saying, ‘Wednesday was so good, but tomorrow will be even better.'”

 

“When the Camellia Blooms” aired its finale on November 21 and currently holds the record for the highest viewership ratings of a miniseries this year, peaking at 23.8 percent.

 

Source (1) (2)

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November 27, 2019

 

Interview: Gong Hyo-jin, "I Hoped 'When the Camellia Blooms' Never Ends"

 

Source: Yonhap via HanCinema.net

 

 

Actress Gong Hyo-jin is nicknamed 'Gongvely' (Gong Hyo-jin + Lovely) and 'rom-com queen'. These nicknames followed with the success of dramas, "Pasta", "The Greatest Love", "Master's Sun" and "Incarnation of Jealousy".

 

The recently ended "When the Camellia Blooms" was the first drama Gong Hyo-jin starred in for 3 years and it was her specialty. She played Dong-baek, a single mom with a son who runs a small neighborhood bar called Camellia, a character who would exist anywhere. The average viewing percentage rated 21.75% and it was the highest ranking drama of KBS's miniseries.

 

We met Gong Hyo-jin for an interview recently and she said, "The drama was more fun to make regardless of popularity and viewing rate".

 

 

"Usually I would like to finish it quickly and rest, but "When the Camellia Blooms" wasn't like that. I hoped the story would never end. It was hard to believe it was over. Even writer Lim Sang-choon found it hard to bring the story to an end as much as the cast. He said he didn't want the 'Ong-vengers', Pil-goo and Jong-ryeol to end. It's rare for everyone on a set to feel that way".

 

In addition to the storyline of "When the Camellia Blooms", in which women's characters recover their self-esteem against prejudice, the story shows these characters not just being jealous or hating each other, but banding together. In this drama, which is a mix of human drama and thriller, it also made headlines that the final person who catches the serial killer is Dong-baek. Even Gong Hyo-jin says, "I didn't know I would be the one to catch him".

 

"I was surprised to see Dong-baek catch the killer. We only received the complete scenarios later on. I think most of the characters I play have been like that. I've always played independent characters who reach success on their own. Of course, we couldn't see the script and only saw the synopsis, but we trusted the writer. Sometimes the scenario would turn out better, or not as much, but I think I chose "When the Camellia Blooms" well".

 

 

Gong Hyo-jin is also famous for her chemistry with her co-stars. Her performance is always so natural and makes it seem like she's really in love. Thus, the reason why she's mentioned so much as a favorable co-star. She laughed as she said, "I'm a hit or miss".

 

"I think I harmonize well with others. Those actors who are prepared to the dot get taken aback when they hear something different from their co-stars, so it takes them time to undo everything they've prepared and stack up again. I don't limit myself to a frame and just play along with my co-star on the set. I'm not that picky or stubborn. I go into shooting without having perfectly understood my lines, but I listen to my co-star carefully and react well to it, which makes it look emotional".

 

 

Gong Hyo-jin focused on film for the last 3 years. She starred in thrillers "Missing Woman" and "Door Lock" and "Hit-and-Run Squad" as a charismatic cop. She's tried to make attempts to change her image, but she'll always be Gongvely, the queen of rom-com.

 

"I like that nickname. It's what I'm good at. But it's also an actor's fate. It makes me more determined to change, although it may be hard. Still, when I hear that I've been successful at changing, I think the sense of accomplishment will wash everything away".

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November 30, 2019

 

November Movie Star Brand Reputation Rankings Announced

 

Source: Soompi by E. Cha

 

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 October 29 to November 30.

 

Lee Young Ae, the star of the new crime thriller “Bring Me Home,” topped this month’s list with a brand reputation index of 8,046,382. High-ranking phrases in the actress’s keyword analysis included “Bring Me Home,” “age,” and “mom,” while her highest-ranking related terms included “return” and “appear.”

 

Gong Yoo took second place in the rankings with a brand reputation index of 5,276,458, while Kim Eung Soo followed in third place with a total index of 4,502,991.

 

Actress Gong Hyo Jin came in at a close fourth with a brand reputation index of 4,309,452, while Lee Jung Jae rounded out the top five with a score of 4,302,448 for November.

 

Check out this month’s top 30 below!

 

1. Lee Young Ae
2. Gong Yoo
3. Kim Eung Soo
4. Gong Hyo Jin
5. Lee Jung Jae
6. Jo Yeo Jeong
7. Honey Lee
8. Kwon Sang Woo
9. Lee Byung Hun
10. Ma Dong Seok
11. Jo Jin Woong
12. Moon So Ri
13. Ha Jung Woo
14. Kim Hye Soo
15. Yoo Jae Myung
16. Heo Sung Tae
17. Oh Jung Se
18. Park Seo Joon
19. Moon Geun Young
20. Hyun Bin
21. Yoon Kye Sang
22. Jeon Hye Jin
23. Kim Hee Ae
24. Lee Sun Gyun
25. Jang Hyuk
26. Son Ye Jin
27. Ryu Jun Yeol
28. Jang Dong Gun
29. Kim Hee Won
30. Kim Nam Gil

Source (1)

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December 4, 2019

 

INTERVIEW: Actress Kong Hyo-jin reflects on-screen chemistry in hit drama

 

Actress Kong Hyo-jin starred recently in the romantic comedy series 'When the Camellia Blooms,' which ended with its highest viewership at 23.8 percent. Courtesy of Management SOOP

 

By Lee Gyu-lee The Korea Times

 

Dubbed the queen of rom-com, actress Kong Hyo-jin is known for her down-to-earth, humble performances as the heroine in a handful of hit films and TV series, including "The Greatest Love" (2011) and "Master's Sun" (2013).

 

But for KBS hit drama "When the Camellia Blooms," which aired its last episode on Nov. 21 with 23.8 percent of the viewership, it wasn't just another romantic comedy flick for her.

 

"It was the first piece that I was hoping people to notice this drama this much," the actress said in an interview with The Korea Times last week, at a cafe in southern Seoul. "I used to be indifferent to others, but became more solicitous through this series."

 

This heartfelt drama revolves around Kong's character Dong-baek ― Korean for camellia ― and people in the fictional small town Ongsan. Dong-baek is a single mother, running a restaurant called Camellia after moving to Ongsan a few years ago. Growing up as an orphan, she is used to being by herself and struggles to fit into the neighborhood until she meets Yong-sik (Kang Ha-neul), a police officer who shows her unyielding love.

 

Written by Lim Sang-choon, who also wrote the 2017 series "Fight for My Way," the drama only increased in popularity as the story progressed, achieving its highest rating of 23.8 percent for its finale. "I was surprised but happy to see people responding to the story of people sharing innocent and pure affection," Kong expressed.

 

Each episode was full of stories, not only about Dong-baek but also about the people around her. Every character had their own stories and relationship in which they turn to share affection and mingle.

 

Kong said she was thrilled to see the performances of fellow cast members and how well they played their characters. "The experience with such chemistry (among fellow cast members) gave me chills," Kong expressed.

 

In this still photo from the drama, Kong, right, poses with her co-star actor Kang Ha-neul who plays the police officer Yong-sik. Courtesy of PAN Entertainment

 

Known for her natural, understated style of acting, Kong said her performance was balanced out with the co-stars acting. "The energy that Yong-sik had from his vibrant acting style made my modest, introverted character look more realistic," she said.

 

"My life was like an apple tree planted in the sand… I didn't have any soil or other trees to reach out and depend on," Dong-baek narrates in the last episode. "But now people began to sprout around me. All I did was mingle my roots with them... I could finally see the sea breeze, the sand, and the dazzling sky that had always been around me."

 

As the title says for itself, her life blooms as she settles in with the people in her own way, finding people to share the love and care she has longed for her whole life.

 

Just like Ongsan did for Dong-baek, the actress said she came to face a new phase of a two-decades-long acting career, through this series.

 

The most memorable line she picked was where Dong-baek asks Yong-sik if it was a miracle that she met him. When he asks "Do you believe in something that only sounds like a lottery?" she answers "No, I believe in myself."

 

The actress said she felt her heart pounding as she was saying that line. "I really do believe in me... It was so interesting because some lines were like I was speaking my mind," she said.

 

Dong-baek uses a metaphor of stuffing dumplings to crafting your own happiness, which should not be compared with others' dumplings. Using the metaphor, Kong expressed that it's important to find one's own happiness. "In the future I want to work on more stories like this that tell you important things."

Emailgyulee@koreatimes.co.kr 

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December 5, 2019

 

The 10 Best Dramas of the 2010s According to the Munhwa Ilbo

 

Source: The Munhwa Ilbo via HanCinema.net

 

 

The Republic of Korea is the 'republic of dramas'. There are 20 or more dramas airing every week and they can be seen on TV anytime. Some smile and some cry because of them. The 2010s are not an exception. Numerous dramas flickered and numerous more stars were born. The pop culture team of the Munhwa Ilbo selected the 10 best dramas that heated up the 2010-2019 period in terms of ratings, headlines and expert recommendations.

 

- "Secret Garden" (SBS 2010): A fantasy drama realistically portraying a man and a woman who change bodies

Spoiler

 

This drama gave birth to the classic line "Is this the best you can do?" and recorded a shocking viewing percentage of 35.2% on the final episode, splendidly opening the 'generation of dramas' of the 2010s.

 

This fantasy romantic comedy based on the idea that the bodies of a woman and a man have been switched, the solid storyline, the outstanding directing of Sin Woo-cheol and the amazing performances by Hyun Bin, Ha Ji-won, Yoon Sang-hyun and Kim Sa-rang perfected the drama. Hyun Bin led the play's fun by naturally using unique dialogue, while Ha Ji-won portrayed a simple and innocent character by showcasing high-level action.

 

The drama is based on the romance of a poor woman and a second generation chaebol, but it deviated from the typical dramatic formula and realistically portrayed fateful love, which is what moved the viewers. Everything the characters ate, drank and wore in the drama sold out like crazy and even the OST topped the music charts.

 

- "The Sun and the Moon" (MBC 2012): The successful year of 'young sageuk'

Spoiler

 

This drama changed the flow of Korean sageuk. Unlike previous historical dramas that built up imaginative stories based on historical facts, "The Sun and the Moon" was free from ths controversy over historical accuracy, and doubled its dramatic fun.

 

As a result, it recorded 42%, an unusual viewership rating for a weekly mini-series. "The Sun and the Moon" also broke the prejudice that historical dramas are mainly aimed at middle-aged viewers. Placing actors Kim Soo-hyun, Jung Il-woo and Han Ga-in, who were in their mid 20s, in the lead, it drew in the younger audience. It became a stepping stone for the success of young historical dramas such as "Sungkyunkwan Scandal" and "Moonlight Drawn by Clouds".

 

"The Sun and the Moon" became the cradle for stars as well. Actors Yeo Jin-goo and Im Si-wan, who played the younger versions of the characters Lee Hwon and Heo Yeom, were put in the spotlight and have now become well-respected leading actors.

 

 

- "My Love from the Star" (SBS 2013): Plants the Hallyu and 'chimaek' syndrome in China

Spoiler

 

If "Winter Sonata" sparked the Korean Wave, or Hallyu, in Japan in the early 2000s, "My Love from the Star", a fantasy drama starring actors Kim Soo-hyun and Jun Ji-hyun, is considered to have settled the Hallyu in China. Chinese tourists flocked to the country in the wake of the drama, and Jun Ji-hyun's favorite food, chimaek (chicken + beer) became a sensation in China.

"My Love from the Star" was exported to China at around $30,000 per episode, and the Korean drama market expanded rapidly. Actors IU and Lee Joon-gi's "Scarlet Heart: Ryeo" was shipped to China at a price of $400,000 per episode, which is 13 times more expensive than that. Also, after the drama's success, fantasy has emerged as a main genre of dramas.

 

The love story between a chaebol man and a poor, but vigorous woman had been replaced by the love of aliens, vampires and goblins with human women.

 

- "Incomplete Life" (tvN 2014): My office life as a drama

Spoiler

 

This drama broke the tradition of dramas. Until then, most dramas had been engaging in revenge, infidelity, and comedy with the appearance of chaebols, doctors and other professions. However, "Incomplete Life" starred an ordinary office worker as the leading character and focused mainly on the daily lives of normal people. In the past, such a 'boring' drama would have been difficult to see overcome the broadcasting threshold. However, as the original webtoon gained great sympathy among office workers and revealed its specialty in everyday mediocrity, it gained 'sensation-like' popularity among viewers.

 

Viewers discovered someone in the way new recruit Jang Geu-rae (Im Si-wan) showed frustration at work, but somehow found a way to get back up on his feet again; they discovered themselves. Going in and out of the office, the meeting room and even the rooftop for a break with their passes hanging around their necks was all too familiar. It was this connection that got through to the viewers, as well as director Kim Won-seok's delicate directing.

 

 

- "Answer Me 1988" (tvN 2015): Back in the day...

Spoiler

 

There were a total of 3 "Answer Me" series; 1997, 1994 and 1988. As the titles symbolize, the visual background was the most important element of these dramas. The backgrounds reminded everyone of the past. The greatest event in 1988 was the Seoul Olympics. It realistically shows how ordinary people connected within this amazing event. The viewers used to get nostalgic at the visual reminders of the dramas.

 

It was also fun looking at the trends and items according to these generations. For example, the dial phone, the cassette tape Walkmans, the rice holder, and the video tapes presented nostalgia to the 40s to 50s and curiosity to the teens and 20s. 1988 is the best out of the three, mostly because of youth icons Park Bo-gum, Ryu Jun-yeol, Go Kyung-pyo, Ahn Jae-hong, Hyeri and Ryu Hye-young. The collaboration between Sung Dong-il and Lee Il-hwa, and Kim Sung-kyun and Ra Mi-ran was also the best.

 

 

- "Goblin" (tvN 2016): A global connection with a Korean subject

Spoiler

 

This 'mysterious romantic tale' holds the record of highest viewing percentages in cable drama, with 20.5% in the final episode, and it became one of the best dramas of the 2010s. It depicts what happens when a goblin who needs a human bride to end his immortal life and a girl who claims to be a goblin priest appear before an Angel of Death with amnesia. This is because it is based on Korean elements and has a fantasy romantic comedy genre that connects with people all over the world. The drama's charm is that it captures the unique emotions and philosophies of the past life, reincarnation, karma, and the unique Korean samsara by using transcendent existence.

 

The performances of Gong Yoo, Lee Dong-wook, Kim Go-eun, Yoo In-na and Yook Sung-jae stood out. This drama created a national sensation and sparked interest in the Americas, Europe, Oceania, South East Asia, Central America, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China.

 

- "Signal" (tvN 2016): The perfect harmony of story, directing and performance

Spoiler

 

 

This drama was like refreshing rain for those who were tired of romance. Writer Kim Eun-hee, who had been writing genre dramas such as "Sign" and "Three Days", was noted for her strong narrative and thorough production. The performances of Kim Hye-soo, Cho Jin-woong and Lee Je-hoon added to lifting the quality of Korean drama once more.

 

The idea of connecting the past and the present by radio was refreshing. The cooperation between a detective from the past who fails to apprehend a criminal and a detective from the present who is frustrated because of an unsolved case conveyed a warm feeling that they would not let the victims suffer anymore.

 

Based on the motif of the Hwaseong serial killings, the drama was recounted in September, when the murder suspect, Lee Chun-jae, was arrested.

 

- "SKY Castle" (JTBC 2018): The bare reality of education in Korea

Spoiler

 

It was the highest rated drama amongst all general service channels. The final episode recorded a shocking 23.8%. Then there were "SKY Castle" parodies everywhere last winter. It was expected to be an 'academic' drama about teens and their lives at schools. However, the drama packed a punch for viewers with its unexpected twist. It wasn't just about students and schools. The reality of education in Korea, which struggles with college entrance exams, was clearly shown. The top 0.1% education system, which no one wanted to believe, was just mind-blowing. Viewers were able to look back on themselves and their families in the face of parents who would do anything for the sake of those entrance exams.

 

There has also been no other drama with such vividly memorable characters like those portrayed by Yum Jung-ah, Yoon Se-ah, Oh Na-ra, Kim Seo-hyung, Kim Byung-chul, Jo Jae-yun, Kim Hye-yoon, Kang Chan-hee, Jo Byeong-gyu and Kim Bo-ra.

 

- "The Light in Your Eyes" (JTBC 2019): A shining youth with a speechless-leaving twist

Spoiler

 

 

This drama became a standard for well-made dramas. The drama, which drew attention from the beginning of its broadcast, also received recognition for its work, and left a deep message. The drama started off with the look of youth, which is so beautiful that it's sad, reminding everyone that there was a time when their eyes were blindingly beautiful with a dramatic twist.

 

In the beginning, the drama was about 25-year-old Hye-ja (Han Ji-min and Kim Hye-ja), who suddenly grows old due to a clock turning back time. However, the drama later revealed that it was all a fantasy created through the imagination and memories of an old woman with Alzheimer's. Kim Hye-ja showed the quality of an actor through the drama. She reminded many people just how precious life is through her narration, "There wasn't a single day that wasn't dazzling".

 

 

- "When the Camellia Blooms" (KBS 2019): A simple story without garnish

 

 

Dominated by provocative plots and excessive settings, it seems like a drama can't survive without that extra twist in this drama market. There is no superhero in this drama. But there is the police. There is no chaebol, but there are many people with a rich heart. Just like a winter-tolerant camellia blossoms, people living in the fictional city of Ongsan seek mediocrity. There is a daily routine in which one listens to each others' small thoughts, even if there is no particular story. There is a serial killer named 'Kabul', but the residents of Ongsan are neighbors who protect each other.

 

The drama poses the question, "How can a person be a miracle to another?" Even without any miracles sent from heaven, the little things that we do for each other can come together and create something miraculous. It is all the more welcome, as this case shows, that people can cry and laugh even without grand stories.

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December 8, 2019

 

December Brand Reputation Rankings For Drama Actors Announced

Source: Soompi by E. Cha

 

The Korean Business Research Institute has revealed this month’s brand reputation rankings for drama actors!

 

The rankings were determined through a data analysis of the media coverage, participation, interaction, and community indexes of 80 actors who appeared in dramas that aired between November 6 and December 7.

 

Gong Hyo Jin and Kang Ha Neul, the stars of KBS’s “When the Camellia Blooms,” topped this month’s list at No. 1 and No. 2 respectively. High-ranking phrases in Gong Hyo Jin’s keyword analysis included “mom,” “Instagram,” and “Kang Ha Neul,” while her highest-ranking related terms included “thankful,” “ordinary,” and “root for.”

 

The actress’s positivity-negativity analysis revealed a score of 72.09 percent positive reactions, and her total brand reputation index for the month came out to 6,305,680. Meanwhile, Kang Ha Neul scored a brand reputation index of 5,850,440 for December.

 

Jo Yeo Jeong, the star of KBS’s new drama “Woman of 9.9 Billion,” took third place with a brand reputation index of 4,817,303.

 

Oh Yeon Seo, the leading lady of MBC’s new romantic comedy “Love with Flaws,” came in fourth place with an index of 4,179,994; while “Chocolate” star Ha Ji Won rounded out the top five with a score of 3,326,499 for December.

 

Check out this month’s top 30 below!

 

1. Gong Hyo Jin
2. Kang Ha Neul
3. Jo Yeo Jeong
4. Oh Yeon Seo
5. Ha Ji Won
6. Seol In Ah
7. Jang Dong Yoon
8. Oh Jung Se
9. Yoon Shi Yoon
10. Yoon Kye Sang
11. Jung In Sun
12. Kim Ji Suk
13. Lee Ji Hoon
14. Kim Seon Ho
15. Lee Jung Jae
16. Shin Min Ah
17. Jeon Hye Bin
18. Cha Ye Ryun
19. Kim Seul Gi
20. Kim So Hyun
21. Ji Yi Soo
22. Oh Na Ra
23. Lee Elijah
24. Moon Geun Young
25. Kim Kang Woo
26. Jo Yoon Hee
27. Heo Jung Min
28. Kim Heung Soo
29. Choi Myung Gil
30. Ahn Jae Hyun

 

 

Source (1)

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December 18, 2019

 

Kong Hyo-jin Voted Best Actress of the Year

 

Source: The ChosunIlbo

 

Kong Hyo-jin has been voted the best television star of this year.

 

In a recent poll of 1,700 viewers aged 13 or above by Gallup Korea released on Tuesday, about 12.4 percent of respondents picked Kong, mainly attributed to the popularity of her latest TV series, "When the Camellia Blooms," which wrapped on a high note late last month.

 

Kong Hyo-jin (left) and Kang Ha-neul

Kang Ha-neul and Goh Doo-shim, Kong's co-stars in the series, came second and third.

 

Park Bo-gum, a perennial heartthrob, ranked fourth, followed by Goo Yoo and Jung Hae-in, who shared the fifth spot.

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December 19, 2019

 

Koreans Vote For Most Notable Drama And Film Actors Of 2019

Source: Soompi by D. Kim

 

 

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)

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December 20, 2019

 

Son Heung-min, Bangtan Boys Among Fan Faves for This Year

 

By Hong Young-lim The ChosunIlbo
 

Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur has been voted this year's best athlete, in an annual poll by Gallup Korea. A large majority of respondents picked Son, followed by Ryu Hyun-jin of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

 

Gallup Korea conducted the poll asking 1,700 people aged 13 or older nationwide in November to gather opinions on which stars did their best in their respective fields.

 

Among movie stars, Song Kang-ho who appeared in director Bong Joon-ho's internationally acclaimed film "Parasite" was chosen as the best actor with 29.8 percent, followed by Ma Dong-seok (18.2 percent) and Gong Yoo (8.9 percent).

 

Among television stars, Kong Hyo-jin was chosen as the best actress.

 

Among comedians, hosts of talk-shows or variety shows and other celebrities, Yoo Jae-suk was voted the favorite star again this year, taking the spot for the eighth consecutive year since the poll was first conducted in 2007.

 

Clockwise from top left, Son Heung-min, Kong Hyo-jin, Yoo Jae-suk, Song Kang-ho, Song Ga-in and Bangtan Boys

As for K-pop stars and singers, Bangtan Boys, also known as BTS, took the top spot for the second consecutive year. They held more than 60 concerts which took them around the world over the year and drew over 2 million fans.

 

Singer Song Ga-in, who enjoyed sensational popularity after appearing in TV Chosun's singing competition program early this year, which featured Korea's old-fashioned pop genre, came second.

 

"The results of the poll show who's who, how Koreans find consolation from them in a year gripped with economic hardship," Gallup Korea said.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR 2020  

 

January 1, 2020

 

Gong Hyo-jin wins KBS Drama Awards grand prize

 

By Lee Min-young The Korea Times

 

Actress Gong Hyo-jin wins her first drama award grand prize in a 20-year acting career. Courtesy of KBS

Actress Gong Hyo-jin, 40, took home her first grand prize at the 2019 KBS Drama Awards on Dec. 31 for "When the Camellia Blooms."

 

In the romantic comedy, Gong plays Dong Baek, an orphan and single mom struggling to make ends meet at a new town she settles in with her young son.

The women-empowering drama shows how she deals with life's difficulties and a man she later falls in love with, Yong-shik (Kang Ha-neul), who slowly opens her heart through love and care.

 

In her acceptance speech, an overwhelmed Gong said: "I have received so much love through this drama. The drama has consoled and encouraged the actors as much as it did for the viewers. I felt sad as the drama was nearing an end because it was so special to me.

 

"I think I won't be able to meet a drama like this ever again in my life."

"When the Camellia Blooms" topped the ratings on KBS when it aired from Sept. 18 to Nov. 21. Courtesy of KBS

 

"When the Camellia Blooms" also set a record in KBS drama awards by receiving 12 prizes at Tuesday's ceremony.

 

The show quickly rose to top spot in the ratings after it aired on Sept. 18 and maintained that until it finished on Nov. 21. It is now available on Netflix.

 

Gong was a teenager when she debuted as a model. Her film career began with the horror flick "Whispering Corridors 2" in 1999. She has starred in mega-hit TV dramas and films throughout her 20-year career, including MBC's "Pasta" (2010) and "The Greatest Love" (2011).

minlee@koreatimes.co.kr 

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Happy Birthday to HyoJin, be safe and wish you best of health. 

 

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Gong Hyo Jin To Be 1st Guest On New “Three Meals A Day” Season/FILM

Apr 14, 2020

by J. K

 

“Gongvely” herself is visiting the cast of “Three Meals a Day – Fishing Village”!

On April 14, it was confirmed by Gong Hyo Jin’s agency that she is set to be the first guest on the new season of the tvN reality show “Three Meals a Day — Fishing Village” and she’s already wrapped up filming.

When “Three Meals a Day — Fishing Village” most recently aired in 2016, viewers greatly enjoyed the chemistry between cast members Cha Seung Won, Yoo Hae Jin, and Son Ho Jun. The show even reached a peak of 11.5 percent ratings. Many people are excited to see not only the reunion of the cast in the new season, but now also what will happen with Gong Hyo Jin as guest.

“Three Meals a Day — Fishing Village” is a show in which the cast spend time living in a fishing village and use the food they can find there to create three meals a day. Guests join them to eat dinner together.

Gong Hyo Jin’s most recent appearance on a variety show was on “Home Alone” (“I Live Alone”) with her friends Son Dambi and Jung Ryeo Won.

The new season of “Three Meals a Day — Fishing Village” will premiere on May 1 at 9:10 p.m. KST.

 

https://www.soompi.com/article/1394199wpp/gong-hyo-jin-to-be-1st-guest-on-new-three-meals-a-day-season

 

 

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