[News] Drama, Movies, Actors & Actresses

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12-16-2009

2009 Is Year of Rice Wine, Flu Masks and Skater Kim Yu-na

Makgeolli, the traditional rice beverage, Kim Yu-na, figure skating starlet,

and flurelated items, such as surgical masks, got the most votes in the

Samsung Economic Research Institute (SERI)'s list of the year's top-

10 hit items. / Korea Times

Smartphones and Girl Groups in Top-10 Items of 2009

H1N1 influenza wasn't the only epidemic to hit Korea in 2009, as makgeolli and Kim Yu-na shook the nation just as hard, as shown in a survey from a local think tank.

Makgeoli, the milky, traditional beverage that suddenly became fashionable over the past year, finished atop the Samsung Economic Research Institute's (SERI) list of the greatest hit products of the year, which was made public Wednesday.

The top-10 list was based on a survey of more than 11,000 of SERI's online readers, who were asked to pick 10 of 52 items provided by the research institute.

Flu-themed products, such as surgical masks and sanitizers, came in second, followed by Kim Yu-na, the 19-year-old figure staking starlet and television commercial queen, who now appears to be the country's most transcendent personality bar none.

Light-emitting diode (LED) backlit liquid crystal display (LCD) televisions, currently the buzz product in consumer electronics, and smartphones, or the new generation of data-enabled handsets such as the Apple iPhone, were included in the top five.

``Queen Seondeok,'' a television drama, finished sixth, followed by pop girl groups, such as Girls' Generation and 2NE1, in seventh.

Walking tour traveling products, which have become popular in Jeju Island and other tourist destinations; the small-to-mid-sized ``bogeum jari'' apartments, popular for their affordable prices; and ``QOOK,'' the new consumer brand by telecommunications giant, KT, rounded up the top-10 in that order.

``Although the uncertainties brought by the economic downturn and the fear over the spread of the H1N1 virus dampened the mood of 2009, a number of new technologies and innovative ideas managed to spark the consumer sentiment,'' SERI said.

``Consumers this year have been delighted by rediscovering the values of old things, seen by the boom of makgeolli and walking tours. They also celebrated the emergence of new personalities giving them new hope, such as Kim Yu-na and the characters from 'Queen Seondeok,' and recognized innovations, seen by the boom of LED televisions and smartphones.''

Makgeolli, a cheap alcohol with a bittersweet taste, has never been more popular here or abroad, with the makers improving the quality of their products over the years and the economic downturn having drinkers look for more affordable booze.

The local consumption of makgeolli reached 158,309 kiloliters through October this year, representing a 38.9 percent increase from the previous year. In comparison, the consumption of beer and soju, a traditional distilled beverage, dropped 1.9 percent and 4.3 percent, respectively, during the same period.

Makgeolli is also growing as an export item, with the makers earning around $4.25 million from foreign markets, more than a 30 percent increase from last year.

The nationwide scare over the H1N1 epidemic has had flu-related items such as masks and sanitizers flying off shelves throughout the year. Masks and sanitizers, in fact, were the top two best selling items of the year by Auction (www.auction.co.kr), the country's largest online retailer.

Kim Yu-na, currently the world's No. 1 in the International Skating Union (ISU) and fresh off her win at the Grand Prix Final in Japan last week, is drawing comparisons with past figure staking greats like Michelle Kwan for her ability on the ice. Her ability to create Internet traffic is more reminiscent of Anna Kournikova.

Samsung Electronics, the world's largest flat-screen television maker, has benefited from getting early out of the gate in LED-backlit LCD televisions, while KT's release of the iPhone in November is igniting a smartphone craze in the local mobile market.

Just missing out of the top-10 list were the country's new 50,000-won banknotes; YF Sonata, the new mid-sized sedan by Hyundai Motors; bicycles; and related leisure products; leggings; ``screen golf'' indoor virtual games; the cable television show, ``Men and Women Exploration''; and budding LPGA star Shin Ji-yai.

SERI's Top-10 Hit Products of 2009

1. Makgeolli

2. Flu-Themed Products

3. Kim Yu-na

4. LED-backlit TVs

5. Smartphones

6. Queen Seondeok (TV Drama)

7. Girl Pop Groups

8. Walking Tour Traveling Products

9. ``Bogeum Jari'' Apartments

10. KT QOOK Telecommunications Service

Credits : Kim Tong-hyung, Staff Reporter (thkim@koreatimes.co.kr)

Source : The Korea Times

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2009.12.17

2009 proves promising year for cable TV

Though KBS, SBS and MBC still maintained their hold over the drama market, 2009 proved to be a promising year for cable television. While the three major broadcasting networks waged the usual ratings war with a mix of melodrama, rom-com, action blockbusters and period pieces, cable channels Mnet and tvN raked in relatively high viewer shares.

Cable, TV's rising star?

Starting in July, music channel Mnet got the nation to dial into "SuperstarK," a reality show oft-referred to as a Korean version of "American Idol" -- though Mnet might disagree with the comparison.

The nationwide search for its next pop idol nabbed viewer shares of up to 8.47 percent, stated news reports, a major feat considering that just two to three years ago nabbing over 1 percent on cable was deemed near impossible.

Backed by a trio of prominent judges -- singer Lee Seung-chul, K-pop diva extraordinaire Lee Hyo-ri and YG Entertainment CEO Yang Hyun-suk -- the show kicked off with a series of auditions before culminating in the win of Seo In-gook in October.

While Mnet was getting audiences to vote for their favorite singer, tvN was reeling in laughs with the fifth and sixth season of its TV docu-drama "Missy Young-ae" and its popular new program "Roller Coaster."

TvN's "Missy Young-ae" drove home the point that an empire is not built in a day.

"Missy Young-ae," a docu-drama that charts the life of a single 30-something year old heroine, first started airing in 2007. Now, into its sixth season, the show is drawing more viewers than ever.

The first four seasons brought in steady viewer ratings that averaged 1 to 2 percent, according to a CJ Media press release. The last episode of the fifth season brought in 2.2 percent, while the first episode of the sixth season, which started on Oct. 16, kicked off with higher ratings at 2.4 percent.

On Nov. 13, "Missy Young-ae" recorded peak ratings of 2.7 percent, proving that domestic audiences are more than willing to tune into a season-based drama format.

The increasing popularity of tvN's season-based docu-drama not only presents a radical departure from the usual miniseries format, it opens the drama market to the viable possibility of season-based formatting.

Expanding its portfolio of in-house shows, "Roller Coaster" -- a show, which like "Missy Young-ae," is produced by parent company CJ Media -- started airing on tvN in mid-July.

According to a CJ Media press release, "Roller Coaster" racked up viewer ratings of up to 4.7 percent.

A comedic program that brings the bestseller "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus" to mind, "Roller Coaster" won viewers over with humorous skits that addressed gender differences.

The skits, acted out by comedian Jeong Hyeong-don and actress Jeong Ga-eun and crew, explored various possible scenarios, from how men and women cook to how men and women shop, illustrating theoretical contrasts in male-female thinking -- all in good fun, of course.

Contrary to expectations, it was the female narration that stole the show. Documenting each scenario in a deadpan voice, the narration proved to be so infectious it spawned a series of spoofs.

Meanwhile, the line separating cable and the three big broadcasting networks blurred when OCN started airing re-runs of the action-blockbuster "IRIS."

"'IRIS' is a special case," said an OCN representative. "Before 'IRIS' had found a major broadcasting network, when it was still in production, we voiced an interest."

Though "IRIS" first airs on KBS 2 TV, viewers who missed out can catch re-runs, almost right away, on OCN.

Though this may be a one-time deal for OCN, the move highlighted a change in the playing field, introducing the possibility that from now on dramas produced by production companies may be up for grabs, not only for the big three, but for cable television as well.

Still Queen to Throne

Carrying home viewer ratings that went well above 30 percent, the three major broadcasting networks -- KBS, SBS and MBC -- still maintained their claim to the throne.

According to news reports, MBC's sweeping historical epic "The Great Queen Seondeok," averaged viewer shares in the mid-30 percent range, putting it at the top of the herd this year, if you do not count KBS' "You Are My Destiny," which aired its final episode on Jan. 9 and whose average viewer share for this year moved above 40 percent.

SBS' "Brilliant Legacy" -- a sweet romance that propelled singer and actor Lee Seung-gi and cast to fame -- averaged a reported 31 to 32 percent, while KBS' blockbuster "IRIS" is going strong despite controversies involving plagiarism and a scandal involving lead actor Lee Byung-hun.

A quartet of fresh-faced young heartthrobs -- Lee Min-ho, Kim Bum, Kim Hyun-joong and Kim Joon -- kicked off the year with the hit KBS series "Boys Over Flowers." Veteran thespians Kim Nam-ju, Choi Cheol-ho, Oh Ji-ho and Lee Hye-young won audiences over in the MBC's "My Wife is a Superwoman."

A Year of Sequels

So what can viewers expect for 2010?

Sequels.

An Mnet representative confirmed that plans for a second season of "SuperstarK" are underway, though nothing is set in stone.

Plans for a second season of the hit drama "IRIS" are also in the works, confirmed a representative of the drama's production company, TAEWON Entertainment.

Fans of "Full House" will also be pleased to know that production company Kimjonghak Production is also planning a sequel to the hit drama, slated to air next year.

When asked if Rain and Song Hye-kyo would be reprising their roles in the sequel, Kimjonghak said: "It is unlikely that they will be playing the lead roles."

Credits : Jean Oh (oh_jean@heraldm.com)

Source : The Korea Herald

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12-16-2009

Lee Min-ho Covets Role in 'Iris' Season 2

Top Korean actor Lee Min-ho successfully wrapped up his first fan meeting in Taipei, his agency Starhaus Entertainment said.

In the promotional show, the star of the hit TV series "Boys Over Flowers" met with more than 2,000 avid fans who packed the auditorium of a Taipei university on Tuesday evening.

He opened the show with the song "My Everything" and held various events with his fans, including a Q&A session.

At a press conference at a hotel before the fan meeting, he said he wanted to be cast in the second season of KBS TV's hit drama "Iris."

"Many people talk about my next work and it's a bit burdensome. I want to be acknowledged for my acting. The viewership rating needs to be high and it should be well received by critics," he said. "If a second season of Iris is produced and I'm offered a role, I certainly would go for it."

He praised actor Lee Byung-hun's acting in the drama. "Mr. Lee Byung-hun's acting is so great that I respect him."

Credits : chojh@koreatimes.co.kr

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Dec.17, 2009

Product Placement Grows Popular in Korea

The "supporting actors" with the most exposure in the TV spy drama "Iris" are cars made by Kia Motors. Featured in the action-packed program is the entire stable of Kias, including the K7 luxury sedan, Mohave SUV, Forte compact and Sorento R SUV. The Korean automaker provided 19 vehicles in all.

When "Iris" went on location to Hungary, Kia supplied seven cars through its local office. It even unveiled its newest luxury sedan -- the K7 -- in the drama, with Lee Byung-hun, who plays the lead, driving a specially-prepared prototype. The sedan is scheduled to be officially launched this month.

Actor Lee Byung-hun poses in front of Kia's K7 luxury sedan at an event to show-

case the new vehicle at a hotel in Seoul on Oct. 24. /Courtesy of Kia Motors

Powered by the huge popularity of "Iris," Kia is featuring models dressed like secret agents in promotional events for the K7. It costs Kia around W200 million (US$1=W1,165) to supply the cars taking fuel costs and price depreciation of the vehicles into account, but the carmaker says the publicity is worth it. It is considering putting up the prototype K7 for auction. The car cannot be sold otherwise since it is not fully completed, but the company believes fans of Korean movies and TV dramas in Japan and other Asian countries could be very interested.

Until a while ago some foreign carmakers have usually used product placement as a way to promote their vehicles in Korea. But now the trend seems firmly established as the cost of conventional advertising rises. In some cases, companies even pay film producers some W100-200 million besides providing cars. Increasing interest in product placement has also led to their increasing involvement in the film or drama production.

"A car's image is at stake when it comes to sponsoring TV dramas or movies, so we take a look at the scripts and go over the content first," said one source in the industry.

Currently, TV broadcasters are barred from showing corporate logos on programs, but a revised regulation allowing it has recently been passed by the Korea Communications Commission. If it is approved at a Cabinet meeting, the logos of carmakers can appear on TV shows.

Cars used in movies or TV dramas are usually sold at 10 to 15 percent discounts. The Kia vehicles used in "Iris" will be around W2 million cheaper than brand new ones.

Source : englishnews@chosun.com

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Dec.17, 2009

Stellar Rise Has Not Turned Jung Ga-eun's Head

Jung Ga-eun

The small face and long limbs make the actress Jung Ga-eun instantly recognizable. She shot to popularity with a leading role in "Fun TV: Roller Coaster," which takes a candid look at the differences between men and women. But Jung seems to have her feet firmly on the ground. "It hasn't sunk in yet," she admits. "I feel like I'm dreaming. I was lucky to be part of the program and so my name became known to many people, and now I even get to do this interview."

If Jung is modest, the reason may be that she was not the first choice for the part. The director gave her a chance, saying she was not perfect but had "good basics." But Jung is a hard worker, and her efforts started to get noticed. She now appears in six programs regularly and a week just passes by in the blink of an eye for her because of her busy schedule.

Her dream was always to become an actress, but due to opposition from her parents, she majored in commerce at university. But from her freshman year, she also modeled part-time, and that gave her the first taste of the entertainment business. "I loved singing and dancing in front of other people from an early age. But being an actress... that was just a dream," she recalls. "Then I came second in the regional contest for Miss Korea in South Gyeongsang Province, and I went to Seoul."

She started modeling for a home shopping channel, and the dream of becoming an actress began to fade. But then opportunity knocked and she got minor roles in a number of shows, experiencing both hope and failure. Yet with every day, she gets a step closer to achieving her dream, she says.

She concludes that it is often just as we are about to give up a dream that it suddenly comes true. And now she is striving even more to take her dream to the next level.

Credits : englishnews@chosun.com

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2009/12/17

'Thirst,' 'Mother' stars named best performers by Korean directors

SEOUL, Dec. 17 (Yonhap) -- Veteran actor Song Gang-ho and actress Kim Hye-ja have been selected as the best performers of the year by South Korean directors for their respective roles in the internationally acclaimed "Thirst" and "Mother," the directors' network said Thursday.

Song, who played the role of a Catholic priest-turned-vampire in "Thirst," will be honored with the best actor title at the Directors' Cut Awards for the fifth time, the Korea Directors' Network said in a press release.

"Thirst," directed by Park Chan-wook, won the third-highest Jury Award at the Cannes International Film Festival this year.

Song, 42, is recognized as one of the most influential actors in South Korea, winning several local awards for his roles in "Joint Security Area, (2000) ," "The Host (2006)" and "Secret Sunshine (2007)."

Kim Hye-ja, 68, a popular TV celebrity widely known for her on-screen persona of a benevolent mother, surprised fans with her intense performance in "Mother," the fourth feature by director Bong Joon-ho.

Noted for her intense portrayal of obsessive and peculiar maternal love in the Cannes-invited mystery thriller, Kim was also named best actress by the Asia Pacific Screen Awards and China's Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival this year.

Director Park of "Thirst" will be honored the best filmmaker of the year, while Ounie Lecomte of "A Brand New Life" has been named the best emerging director. Yoon Je-kyoon of "Haeundae" has been selected as the best producer of the year and Yang Ik-joon the best independent filmmaker for his internationally acclaimed "Breathless," the directors' network added.

The Directors' Cut Awards were established in 1998. Some 250 South Korean directors take part in the vote each year.

The award ceremony will be held in Seoul on Monday.

Credits : Shin Hae-in (hayney@yna.co.kr)

Source : Yonhap News, The Korea Herald

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2009-12-17

Kang Dong-won Makes Comeback

Actor Kang Dong-won has made a comeback after a two-year absence, wearing an outfit that perfectly suits him. He plays a malicious taoist in the movie "The Taoist Wizard," fabulously portraying the classical-novel character and even reinterpreting him in a fresh and mischievous way. He looks nothing like his confused character in "M" (2007) or the sad death-row convict he portrayed in "Our Happy Time."

When we met with Kang on December 16 prior to the movie's opening, he said that he wanted to gain popularity with more people. He said, "It's an entertaining movie. I tried hard to become closer to viewers. But unfortunately the rhythm of my acting was too slow."

Throughout the interview, Kang kept saying that he wanted to be more popular. He seemed upset about his previous movie, "M," which performed poorly at the box office. He deliberately chose an entertaining role this time and worked hard to make his character lovable. Kang's character is a skilled taoist and overflows with confidence. He easily makes fun of the king and loves women.

Kang used his own mischievousness to make his character all the more playful. It was his idea to create 10 one-of-a-kind copies of his character when fighting with ghosts. He said, "The script said that I just had 10 other copies of myself, but that sounded boring, so I gave each copy its own unique personality. If you watch closely, you will recognize their personalities. Each of them represents a certain trait of my character: one is brave, one is wayward, one is righteous, and so on. The last one of them is one who spits."

Kang also changed the originally haughty tone of his character into a flawed one, because he thought that a character with flaws was easier to approach for the public. Kang realizes that he has a hard-to-approach image because he rarely appears in public and is far from talkative. He said, "That's what people think about me. But once they get a chance to talk to me, their opinion changes. I can be playful, like my character, when I'm around my friends. After shooting this movie, I've become more talkative."

Director Choi Dong-hoon and martial arts director Chung Doo-hong lauded Kang for perfectly performing difficult wire actions, which he pulled off thanks to the training that he had received when shooting the movie "Duelist." He also learned how to dance for five months, which explains why his long legs and arms move so gracefully in action scenes.

The expression on Kang's face changed from playful to serious when he began talking about action scenes. He said, "I hate amusement park rides. When I happened to visit a famous bungee jumping place, people tried to make me bungee-jump, but I couldn't do it."

Though playing his character in "The Taoist Wizard" has taught him how to have fun with colleagues, Kang says the production was a difficult one for him. He said, "I had to jump off a six-story building 20 times and I still vividly remember that feeling of horror."

Source : KBS Global

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2009.12.16

Hwanhee to hold Christmas concert in Japan

Singer and actor Hwanhee [bOF Entertainment]

Singer and actor Hwanhee will hold a solo concert for his fans in Japan this Christmas, his agency said on Wednesday.

Hwanhee will hold a live concert-talkshow titled “HWANHEE present-LOVE in Christmas” in front of some 2,400 fans at the JCB Hall in Tokyo on December 23, BOF Entertainment said in a press release.

He will be visiting Japan for the first time in seven months after having last performed in the country as a member of his R&B duo Fly to the Sky in May.

Hwanhee, who debuted as a member of Fly to the Sky in 2003, released his first solo album in October. He also pursued an acting career, making his first appearance in 2006 MBC mini-series "Over the Rainbow".

He recently signed on with BOF, currently managing some of Korea’s top stars including Bae Yong-joon, Lee Na-young and E Ji-ah. BOF will be in charge of his acting career while H-Entercom will manage his singing career.

Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

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2009.12.17

Gang Dong-won says he may write "Woochi" sequel

From left, director Choi Dong-hoon and actors Lim Soo-jung, Gang Dong-won, Kim Yoon-suk and Yoo Hae-

jin pose during a photo session of a press conference for their film "Woochi" held at a CJ CGV theater in

Seoul, South Korea on December 14, 2009. [Zip Cinema]

"Woochi" is more than ready to become this winter's hit film with its A-list cast and crew including director Choi Dong-hoon and actors Gang Dong-won, Kim Yoon-suk and Lim Soo-jung. But "Woochi" remains more faithful to its copy that it is about 'the first Korean superhero' than shining light on its stars. The film focused more on showing its action and special effects rather than director Kim's trademark fast-paced sequences and the style of individual characters stood out more than their space for acting. Hence, this film may not meet up to the expectations of those who were looking forward to director Choi's unique style. Will the Korean superhero be able to claim its victory? The director and cast turned up at a press conference held at a CJ CGV theater in Seoul on December 14 to talk about "Woochi."

Q: What was the story that you wanted to tell with "Woochi"?

Choi Dong-hoon (Choi): The first thing I wanted to do was bring out the attractiveness of Woochi's character. And I also wanted to show that artists in a later generation can use stories from the past. I felt a renewed value in our classical literature.

Q: "Woochi" claims to stand justice for Korean superhero pics. How did you portray Woochi as a Korean superhero?

Gang Dong-won (Gang): The characteristics about Woochi are that he is someone who acts like a snob and wears traditional Korean clothes so I paid careful attention to how I move to express the gracefulness of the attire. I also made larger curved motions in the scenes I had to act drunk.

Choi: I usually don't watch other movies before shooting my own film but I became depressed for a bit after watching "Dark Knight" because I thought I wouldn't be able to shoot a film like it. I guess the difference is that Hollywood's heros are concerned about realistic issues while there is more satire and humor to Korean heroes. I wanted to express the unique impudence of Koreans.

Q: What was it about "Woochi" that you were attracted to?

Gang: Director Choi called for me when I had been thinking that I want to work on a fun movie. So I didn't hesitate much in deciding to take this on. I had become emotionally drained while formerly having worked on several serious films so I had been thirsty for a fun film.

Q: Do you think you've brightened up while working on "Woochi"?

Gang: Filming "Woochi" was tough but I had so much fun that it wasn't as bad as other films I've worked on. And I think I've become more talkative. After having hung out a lot with my senior actors, I think my personality has livened up and I talk more.

From left, actor Gang Dong-won and actress Lim Soo-jung attend a press conference for their film "Woochi"

held at a CJ CGV theater in Seoul, South Korea on December 14, 2009. [Zip Cinema]

Q: A lot of elements, apart from the storyline, exist "Woochi" -- such as action and comedy. How did you weave everything in?

Choi: I decided to make a film out of Woochi because I had so much fun making up stories about him and telling them to my nephew. I thought the most important thing would be to make the story move forward. And I had the actors use dialect from the old days... I liked how it was more powerful. As for the humor, I think the actors themselves did a good job of being funny rather than to say that it was all planned.

Q: Your previous works such as "The Big Swindle" and "The War of Flower" were composed of very fast cuts but "Woochi" is composed mainly of long sequences. Is there a reason this changed?

Choi: I had wanted to go with long sequences for this movie from the very start. That's why one of them goes on for over 30 minutes. I wanted to extend each sequence for as long as possible so I could put more into it.

Q: There was a kissing scene between Lim Soo-jung and Kim Yoon-suk. How was it? (laugh)

Kim Yoon-suk (Kim): Am I the only one who will have to say something about this? Not Lim? (laugh) We had to shoot the kissing scene in two locations and I made a lot of bloopers. It was my first time (shooting a kissing scene.) (laugh) And I had to put my thumb into Lim's mouth so her stylist stood waiting beside us with mouthwash and wet tissue. (laugh) Anyhow, it was good. I think I'd be able to do romantic films too. (laugh)

Lim: It was an important scene for me because it was where my character would be pulling out her desires from within her. It was good for me too. (laugh) And I got to kiss two people [Gang Dong-won and Kim Yoon-suk] but not Yoo Hae-jin... (laugh)

Q: The posters for films "The Warriors", "Beat" and "There is No Sun" appear in your movie. Why so the films by director Kim Sung-soo?

Choi: First of all, I really like Korean film posters. And Kim was the person who told me that my movie "The War of Flower" was a real action film... I just really like him a lot.

From left, actors Kim Yoon-suk and Yoo Hae-jin attend a press conference for their film "Woochi" held

at a CJ CGV theater in Seoul, South Korea on December 14, 2009. [Zip Cinema]

Q: The ending of the film gave off the vibe that there might be a sequel.

Gang: Director Choi joked around that I should try writing the scenario for the sequel, should he get to shoot one. And so I told him that if I wrote it, I would have a director fall from the top of building 63City. (laugh) I think we'd have an easier time filming a sequel since we have experience working with each other now. But then again, I thought this film itself was going to be easy to shoot.(laugh)

Yoo Hae-jin (Yoo): I'd definitely want to do one because I had so much fun.

Lim: I think the same way too and I personally hope for my character Seo In-kyung to appear as a stronger figure.

Q: Any final words?

Choi: I started shooting this film wondering whether I'd be able to finish it. But I started thinking toward the latter half that we'd had fun. I think I'd be happy if the audience feels even a bit entertained by the movie.

Lim: Action was the focus of this movie so I think less of director Choi's personal taste and thoughts were injected into the movie. I wish there had been more of that and I would like to work with him again if I got the chance to.

Gang: I'm most curious to know what the audience will think. I hope they enjoy it. We worked hard on this and invested a lot of time into it so I hope it does well.

Kim: I too am curious to know how it is for the viewers. And I'm wondering till when Choi will cast me as the bad guy. (laugh) But I like playing the bad guy for Choi's movies because the character has an attractive double-sidedness to him -- a certain ... I guess I can't do anything about it if he wants me to play the bad guy again next time. (laugh)

Yoo: I'm the worst speaker here. (laugh) Everything that everyone just said ahead of me is how I feel right now too. (laugh)

Senior Reporter : Kang Myoung-Seok two@10asia.co.kr

Photographer : Chae ki-won ten@10asia.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr, Lee Ji-Hye seven@10asia.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

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2009.12.17

"Old Partner" premieres in Japan, re-opens in Korea

Movie poster for "Old Partner" [indieStory]

Korean movie "Old Partner" is set to premiere in Japan and re-open in Korea over the weekend, according to a press release by the film's distributor Indie Story.

The acclaimed indie film will open in five theaters in Tokyo and sequentially increase its showings throughout the country. During its initial run in Korea earlier this year, "Partner" had started by showing on only seven screens but ended up attracting close to three million viewers, the highest figure for a documentary.

In Korea, the film will re-open at Indie Space, where indie films are shown exclusively. Indie Space will show "Partner" once a day, from December 19-31, and viewers will be given a special booklet about the movie.

The movie will be presented in the film version, not digital this time.

“Partner”, directed by Lee Chung-ryoul, is about an old farmer couple and their lifelong friendship with an old partner, a 40-year-old ox.

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

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December 08, 2009

Film Council Names Most Popular Movies of 2009

Korea’s most popular film of 2009 is the disaster blockbuster “Haeundae,” the Korean Film Council said yesterday.

Released July 22, the film opened at 753 screens nationwide and drew 11.3 million spectators. Many more, however, are expected to watch the movie via online video download or DVD or videotape rental.

The DVD of the movie will see a February release.

According to a council report on the film industry’s performance in the first 11 months of the year, the popularity of a movie differs by distribution channel. That means each movie has different numbers of spectators at the theater, online video download, and DVD and videotape rental.

The popularity of movies between July and November through three distribution channels is follows:

○ Most popular movies online: “A Frozen Flower” and “Miindo”

GOM TV, the largest video clip portal service in Korea, said “A Frozen Flower” was first in the number of paid downloads, followed by “Take Off (complete version)”; “Eros”; “Lifting King Kong”; “Secret Couple”; “Chaw”; “Insadong Scandal”; “Chaw (HD version)”; and “Take Off (director’s cut).”

The rankings are based on the number of legal downloads on GOM TV priced at 3,500 won (3.03 U.S. dollars) each.

Interestingly, “A Frozen Flower,” which was released Dec. 30 last year, was the runaway winner in the category with 3.2 million spectators. GOM TV said the number of online downloads of the film far exceeded the combined figure for the two versions of “Take Off.”

“A Frozen Flower” has homoerotic scenes between a Goryeo Dynasty king and his security guard, and the nude scenes of actor Jo In-sung made it popular. Movies with controversial themes such as this can do better on the home video market because of privacy.

GOM TV team manager Kim Jeong-jin said, “The number of online downloads is usually relative to that of spectators at theaters. But sometimes, certain movies intended for adults only, including ‘A Frozen Flower’ and ‘Eros,’ prove unexpectedly popular online.”

The online movie service provider cine21i chose “Miindo,” “A Frozen Flower” and “The Chaser” as most popular movies of the year.

○ Tops in DVD rentals: “Speedy Scandal”

“Speedy Scandal” is the top Korean DVD movie of the year. According to Euddeum and Beogeum, a gathering of owners of 150 DVD and video rental shops, the film topped the DVD rental chart from July to November, followed by “Secret Couple,” “Knowing,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “Slumdog Millionaire,” “The Scam,” “Private Eye,” “Running Turtle,” “Valkyrie” and “Insadong Scandal.”

“Speedy Scandal” is about a radio DJ and entertainer in his 30s who suddenly finds out that he might be a grandfather.

“Speedy Scandal” and “Secret Couple” were also the most frequently rented movies on videotape. They were followed by “The Scam,” “Red Cliff 2,” “Chaw,” “Running Turtle,” “Public Enemy,” “Red Cliff 1,” “Yip Man” and “Knowing.”

Along with comedies suitable for children, action, disaster and history movies were the most popular this year.

Films that bombed at the box office also had a strong showing on the videotape rental market. Prime examples are Michael Mann’s gangster movie “Public Enemies” and “Yip Man,’ about the life of Bruce Lee’s wing chun instructor.

Euddeum and Beogeum Chairman Mun Ju-il said, “Among less promoted films, high quality foreign and action films that can be watched more comfortably at home have been recently preferred.”

Source : The Dong-A Ilbo

[deka_if]

2009.12.17

[iNTERVIEW]

Kang Hye-jung - Part 1

Kang Hye-jung is beautiful. Her round eyes and exotic smile set well with her small face to make her look like a young girl. But however frail she may look on the outside, the characters she has taken on are far from being weak and fragile. She will become a woman with a horrible fate or an idiot who does not know anything rather than play the role of a dainty Cinderella or feeble Snow White. That is why it seems a bit strange that she has become a neither shrewd nor stupid but average 29-year-old single woman named Song-i in film "Girlfriends" but we cannot reject her choice simply because it is outside our expectations. Without doubt she was once an actress who reigned in a sphere of acting which could not be substituted by any other and gained much attention for it. There is no reason she cannot go back to that realm because she has taken a few steps away from it. She is still unlike any other. That is why she is beautiful.

Actress Kang Hye-jung [Lee Jin-hyuk/10Asia]

10: From the start of your film "Girlfriends", your character Song-i blames her age of 29 as the cause of her problems. You're at a similar age -- do you sympathize with her?

Kang Hye-jung (Kang): Not on a personal level but I've heard about it a lot from people around me. It's not exactly as it happened in the movie but I had many friends who thought of getting married because they didn't like their work or the situation they were in. As for me, I'm married and have a child so I can't sympathize with it entirely but I do understand where they're coming from.

10: But even without marriage, isn't 30 the age where you look back on your life? It's when you truly become independent.

Kang: I think I felt that more when I was 29 because I became independent when I was 20. I left my house without a penny in my pocket, roaming my friends' houses and finally got a place of my own after making money. Back then, I felt like I was rich just from the fact that I got my own space. I think turning 30 won't be anything special or strange for me, just like it wasn't when I turned 29 from 28.

10: You basically matured before everyone else. One's experiences are an asset for an actor, isn't it?

Kang: I do think I also experienced a lot of things that I shouldn't have had to. Although I think that is why I was able to take on such roles in my early 20s.

10: That's why when we think of your filmography from your early 20s, it's quite surprising that you decided to take on a romantic comedy like "Girlfriends". Is there something you wanted to achieve within the genre?

Kang: I wasn't thinking about giving a serious meaning to my role with a certain philosophy about it. This is a film which you just laugh over while watching and think about what to do next when you come out of the theaters.

10: Well the overall atmosphere is like that but Song-i isn't quite the loveable character the whole way through.

Kang: I do think my character came to take on a more nervous temperament because I played the role. She was just a very cute, slightly outrageous and lively character according to the original script but turned into a slightly hysteric and snappy person. I guess I'm sort of like that -- I'm not disgruntled with everything that goes on but I'm the type that will say things in a nice way. (laugh)

Actress Kang Hye-jung [Lee Jin-hyuk/10Asia]

10: You are someone who always left your mark on the films you worked on. But it's actually become difficult to tell where you are trying to go with your more recent films.

Kang: I think it's almost impossible for an actor in Korea to pursue their career according to their own plans. The movie industry isn't large enough so we're making our decisions based on a limited number of scripts and I myself too, cannot stray from the system. I went for the roles I really wanted to up till "My Home" but I wanted to feel more at ease when I chose this film. All the characters I took on in the past had some sort of a grief within them and they would either ignore it or let it blow up. Some were starting to say I'd become used to playing a certain type of character while others said I'm still choosing to take on the more difficult and strong-minded roles.

10: I think it may be an issue of ambiguity rather than how forceful the characters you play are. The roles you used to take on were characters that could not be understood until the viewers saw the film to see how you portrayed them but nowadays, it seems you are rather placing yourself within set boundaries. It sort of feels like the sphere you had created as an actress is shrinking.

Kang: The characters I played didn't stand out that much so there were many times when that responsibility came back to me.

10: It's probably because of people's expectations toward your choice of characters. You give off the vibe that you are someone who will decide for yourself on what you want, more than other actresses do.

Kang: There were many great films around the time "Old Boy" came out. And they were on the rise when they started to disappear. Both the scenarios and subjects of films are limited now. I was aggressive in my decisions and I had time to think but it's difficult for a film to actually go into production.

10: Then can we take it that the circumstances make it difficult for you to appear in a film that people want to see you in?

Kang: Many factors have to work together to meet up to the level of expectation people have experienced in my previous films. But it's too early for that right now. Another issue is whether I still have the same energy to meet up to everyone's expectations. I guess I would only be able to find out by trying, before I say I can or cannot. And on the other hand, I sort of feel like going against expectations. (laugh)

10: Your husband Tablo has said on TV is that you still have not become a softy when it comes to taste in roles. (laugh) I've thought that maybe you haven't come across the right window of communication.

Kang: That's why I once became frustrated. I thought about why there wasn't a movie that could take me in fully, if there was no role that would fulfill me... And it's not that I felt like I was suffocating while working on other films. I liked it when I was working on a role but I do think there was a clump that I just could never manage to loosen. I felt like going crazy and leaping around. I used to be like that in the past. I guess it also depends on where my heart is set.

Reporter : Yoon Hee-Seong nine@10asia.co.kr

Photographer : Lee Jin-hyuk eleven@10asia.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr, Lee Ji-Hye seven@10asia.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2009.12.17

[iNTERVIEW]

Kang Hye-jung - Part 2

Actress Kang Hye-jung [Lee Jin-hyuk/10Asia]

10: Do you mean the fact that you don't have the heart to be as bold or rash as before?

Kang Hye-jung (Kang): I don't think I'll be able to be as crazy because I'm under different circumstances now, but I used to be really crazy about acting in the past. I was completely addicted. I would scream my head off saying that I would keep filming even if I ended up getting a hole in my head. But I don't know the path I should take although I myself should realize what I'm craving for above anything else. I guess it could be the same thing that people are looking in from me. And even if I do find an answer, it wouldn't be solved right away because every circumstance is articulately intertwined with each other.

10: You must've been concerned about a lot of things but it doesn't seem you were in too much of a rush to find answers. I think I also noticed a confidence in you -- the belief that you'd end up finding an answer.

Kang: When I get a role in the past, I would bring that character's personality to real life and try to experience that character in a natural setting. For example, with my character Sang-eun in film "Herb", it would feel completely different playing her role after having acted like her in real life. "Girlfriends" on the other hand was a film I took on because I wanted to experience planting my own characteristic into my character. The reason I'm not in a rush is because I think it won't be too late to worry later on after I've tried various roles. I was actually in a slump when I started filming "Girlfriends". And I don't know who it was but someone told me 'live your problem'. I think it means that you'll find an answer once you start living with your problem and I think it's true. I had such a hard time trying to solve my problem when I didn't have an answer. But my husband was beside me to listen to me so it helped to lessen my worries.

10: I know you can't not talk about your husband but it seems you're talking more and more about your personal life nowadays. Don't you ever become stressed with having to talk about what is going on outside your work?

Kang: People aren't actually curious or excited to hear about my work. They're interested in other things. So I won't insist that I talk about other things although I am careful about what I say and don't say.

10: You've been receiving attention from everywhere and so much recently that reporters took photographs of you heading off to your honeymoon while your in-laws appeared on a morning talkshow. I have a feeling you wouldn't have been able to stand it in the past.

Kang: You have a keen eye. I would have not put up with it, ever. I used to be very particular about revealing my personal life. For example, whichever neighborhood I go to, I'd answer I live nearby if someone asked where I live or I always change the information I give regarding my siblings.

10: Was it because you wanted people to see you only as the actress Kang Hye-jung?

Kang: I started acting when I was 17 which garnered unnecessary attention to my younger sister and older brother. I didn't want my family to face restraints because of me. There were cases they would be troubled because of me. I found out that my sister, whose name is very similar to mine, didn't speak with a single person while in school. And when she told people upon graduation that I was her sister, nobody believed her. (laugh)

Actress Kang Hye-jung [Lee Jin-hyuk/10Asia]

10: How is it being in your current situation? There's a new person in your life who will be identified by you.

Kang: What are you talking about, I'm the one who's identified as Tablo's wife. (laugh)

10: It seems that you won't lend that identification to your children that easily either.

Kang: We'd keep our children hidden in our huge garden if we were making as much money as Brad Pitt or Johnny Depp but that's not the reality we live in. Everyone will know who they are when they just go out to the playground. (laugh) But we won't reveal who they are on purpose.

10: You seem to be happy. I sort of feel bad that us as the general public may have been forcing you to seem depressed.

Kang: I get depressed and go through tough times when I'm working on a movie. But I don't have a hard time easing out of my role when I'm done filming. So that's probably not why Heath Ledger died either. Everyone praised him for his acting in "Dark Knight" and everyone wanted him to be the Joker. But I don't think he ended up like that because he was having a hard time from the role. It was probably because of something else.

10: But doesn't being happy at work also help you to be happy at home?

Kang: That's exactly how it was while filming "Girlfriends". But I'll choose a movie if I think, 'Wow, this is fun,' after reading the script. I don't know what sort of choice I'll make next. And I may not be able to give a reason for my choice. I'm going to have a baby soon too so I think I'll be given scripts depending on how I'm doing after that. That's why I'm looking forward to it.

Actress Kang Hye-jung [Lee Jin-hyuk/Asia Economic Daily]

10: Then what are your expectations for "Girlfriends"?

Kang: I hope it does really well. I don't pick a film thinking about how well it will do on the box office but I'm always hoping it reaches the break-even point. And we're the only romantic comedy pic so don't you think we have a shot at it?

Reporter : Yoon Hee-Seong nine@10asia.co.kr

Photographer : Lee Jin-hyuk eleven@10asia.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr, Lee Ji-Hye seven@10asia.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2009.12.17

'Woochi' Marks Birth of Korean Superhero

Actor Kang Dong-won, right, plays a new Korean superhero in a scene

from ``Woochi.'' The film will open in local theaters Dec. 23. / Courtesy of CJ Entertainment

He might be offended if you call him the Korean Harry Potter, and pull a Taoist magic trick on you.

Jeon U-chi's genealogy can be traced back to the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) but he comes to life onscreen, with a modern edge, as ``Woochi'' ― an exciting new superhero everyone's been waiting for.

Novel character-driven films have recently made their mark in South Korean cinema such as ``Private Eye'' starring an accidental Joseon-style Sherlock Holmes or ``Hong's Family Business'' featuring modern-day descendents of the Korean Robin Hood, Hong Gil-dong.

Director Choi Dong-hoon, who demonstrated a knack for creating lively characters in ``Tazza: The High Rollers,'' brings a superhero who, though quintessentially Korean, can inspire laughter and exhilarating adventure even in those who didn't grow up eating kimchi.

The movie takes viewers back 500 hundred years when a magic flute ``manpasikjeon'' falls into that hands of evil goblins (which are tastefully rendered computer graphics, provided by the CGI talent behind local blockbusters including ``The Host'' and ``The Good The Bad The Weird.'')

A trio of Taoist wizards, who are more like the Three Stooges, seek the help of two leading ascetics, Cheonggwan (Baek Yoon-shik) and Hwadam (``The Chaser'' actor Kim Yoon-sik). They succeed in containing the goblins in a jar, like a genie in a lamp. They break the magic flute into two and each assume responsibility for one half so they don't succumb to the temptation of trying to possess it, sort of like ``The Lord of the Rings.''

Woochi (played by actor Kang Dong-won) is the troublemaking disciple of Cheongwan who is more interested in showing off his magic tricks and becoming famous ― he is a contemporary of Hong Gil-dong, but the mischievous young man might become best friends with Will Smith's misunderstood superhero ``Hancock.''

The actor said he spent a good portion of the past two years suspended from wires; the sweat seems to have paid off as the pretty-faced Kang transforms into a most amiable bad boy ― so much so that it redeems his ill-suited appearance in Lee Myung-se's ambitious yet scatterbrained fantasy melodrama ``M.''

Having mastered the art of transformation and invisibility, along with other Taoist tricks of playing with earth, wind, fire and water, he basks in self-congratulatory glory of having pulled a big prank on the king. Hwadam and the wizards are summoned by the king to track down Woochi, who is in the meantime busy trying to seduce a beautiful widow (Lim Soo-jung).

Hwadam and the wizards arrive at Cheongwan's house, only to find that the master has been killed. Woochi and his sidekick Choraengi (a dog who wants to become human, played by funnyman Yoo Hae-jin), are framed for the murder and are doomed to a 500-year sentence inside a painting.

Half a millennium later, the wizards are living under a low profile as a Buddhist monk, a Catholic priest and a fortune teller, while Hwadam has long disappeared in order to polish his Taoist art.

When the goblins escape from their jars, however, the wizards are unable to track down Hwadam and are thus forced to head to the local museum to conjur the rather sullen Woochi from the painting. They ask him to catch the goblins, promising him a promotion to the ranks of a true Taoist master in return.

Woochi and Choraengi are however more interested in exploring the glitz and glam of 21st-century technology and lifestyle, and are further distracted when they run into a woman who seems to be the reincarnation of Woochi's love interest from 500 years ago.

Meahwhile Hwadam reappears before the Taoist gang but seems more interested in stealing the other half of the magic flute in Woochi's possession.

In theaters Dec. 23. Distributed by CJ Entertainment.

Credits : Lee Hyo-won, Staff Reporter (hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr)

Source : The Korea Times

[deka_if]

December 17, 2009

Famous sights of IRIS in Seoul

The nation's first spy action drama IRIS is gaining popularity because of awesome action scenes, thrills and romance. However, that's not all. Another interesting thing to do while watching the drama is to discover some of the famous sights of Seoul featured in the drama. Let's find Seoul's renowned sights in the drama.

Source: Seoul Metropolitan City

Source : Korea.net

[deka_if]

Dec.17, 2009

Park Chan-ok Named Female Filmmaker of 2009

Director Park Chan-ok

Director Park Chan-ok was named Female Cineaste of the Year by an organization of female professionals in the local film industry.

Women who were listed in the closing credits of Korean movies released between Nov. 2008 and October this year were considered for the award from Women in Film Korea.

Park this year released "Paju," seven years after she debuted with the movie "Jealousy Is My Middle Name."

The awards ceremony took place on the closing night of the two-day 2009 Women in Film Korea festival at Cine Cube Multiplex in Gwanghwamun, downtown Seoul on Tuesday.

Source : Chosun Ilbo

[deka_if]

12-17-2009

'Four of a Kind' Captivate Japanese Fans in Tokyo Dome

Four Korean heartthrobs ― Lee Byung-hun, Jang Dong-gun, Song Seung-hun and Won Bin ― enthralled 70,000 Japanese fans who packed the Tokyo Dome at a special Korean Wave or ``hallyu'' festival, Thursday.

This was the first time that the top stars have taken the same stage for a promotional event, dubbed ``4Card ― Four of a Kind.'' The actors held two fan meetings on Thursday at the dome which accommodates about 35,000.

The first event took place at 1.00 p.m., about 30 minutes later than originally scheduled, according to the event organizer. The show started late as Lee, who had to take part in the filming of the last episode of the KBS drama ``Iris'' until dawn, Thursday, left for Tokyo in the morning, while others flew in the previous day.

Lee blamed himself for the delay of the show. ``The event started late because of me. As the shooting of 'Iris' was concluded several hours ago, I'm in sort of in an unrealistic mood. I'm tired due to a lack of sleep but I was awakened by your cheering.''

It was his first public appearance after being dragged into a scandal involving a former girlfriend over allegations of sexual misconduct.

He made no direct comment about the feud. But he indicated that he was going through hard times. ``It has been so hard both mentally and physically of late but meeting you fans always invigorates me.''

For his part, Jang said, ``hello,'' in Japanese, drawing thunderous applause from the fans. He also gave the audience a nice surprise by playing drums.

Known as an avid baseball fan and a member of an amateur baseball team comprised of entertainers, Jang said, ``My dream is to play in Tokyo Dome. I'm a pitcher on my team.''

In reaction to Jang's remarks, Song, the star of the TV drama ``Autumn Fairytale,'' quipped that he was willing to become a ball boy for Jang if he played baseball in the dome.

Won, the star of the critically acclaimed thriller ``Mother,'' said he was so pleased to meet Japanese fans. ``I barely slept last night at the thought of meeting you. I want to make good memories with you.''

The stars introduced fans to their latest films and TV dramas and took part in various events with them.

Credits : Cho Jae-hyon, Staff Reporter (chojh@koreatimes.co.kr)

Source : The Korea Times

[deka_if]

12-17-2009

Ko Hyun-joung Named Best TV Star

Actress Ko Hyun-joung

Actress Ko Hyun-joung has been named the top TV star of the year in a poll, for her role in MBC TV's hit period drama "Queen Seondeok."

Korea Gallup said Thursday that 34.8 percent of the 1,726 respondents chose Ko as the year's best actor, beating other top stars in the poll of viewers aged 13 and older. Trailing Ko were heartthrob Lee Byung-hun and actress Kim Tae-hee, stars of KBS TV's "Iris," who garnered 20.5 and 16.3 percent of the votes, respectively.

The results of the survey underline the fact that Ko is enjoying a career renaissance. Ko quit acting at the peak of her career in 1995, after marrying Shinsegae Group CEO Chung Yong-jin. She returned to acting in 2005 with the SBS TV series "Spring Days" in the wake of their divorce.

Ko, who played "Mishil" in "Queen Seondeok," played a key role in making the period drama the year's most viewed TV series with an average audience rating of 35.3 percent. The drama suffered a sharp drop in viewership after Mishil met her demise, with the rating now hovering at 34 percent from its peak of 44.9 percent in October.

Ko, the heroine of the popular 1995 TV series "Sandglass," re-emerged as a top actress for her role as Mishil.

The research institute said Ko was popular among those in their 30 and 40s, while Lee and Kim received strong support from 20-somethings. Lee Yo-won, the heroine of "Queen Seondeok," took the fourth place with 8.4 percent of the votes.

Credits : Cho Jae-hyon, Staff Reporter (chojh@koreatimes.co.kr)

Source : The Korea Times

[deka_if]

December 18, 2009

'Oldboy' heroine shines in mediocre comedy

Song-i (Kang Hye-jung) shares an unexpected friendship

with the two women who are in love with her boyfriend in

the movie 'Girlfriends.' Provided by Film Company Aram

She might not be the prettiest or even the most talented actress in South Korea, but Kang Hye-jung is clearly one in a million when it comes to the effort and energy she puts into her profession.

From the plucky heroine in the Cannes award-winning "Oldboy" (2003) to the mentally challenged girl in "Welcome to Dongmakgol" (2005), Kang has taken on so many different roles in the past decade that her acting career already seems full and complete at the young age of 27. This year alone, Kang has starred in four movies, wasting no time in expanding her vast filmography. In "Girlfriends," the most recent of Kang's movies to be released this year, the actress again gives her best, managing to turn a plain romantic comedy into something worth watching - if only barely.

Song-i, played by Kang, is a 29-year-old city girl still in search of the man of her dreams. When Gong-yu (Bae Soo-bin), a handsome and seemingly good-natured colleague at work, confesses his long-hidden feelings for her, Song-i begins to think her ordinary life might turn out to be exciting after all - until she meets Se-jin (Han Chae-young) and Bo-ra (Heo I-jae), two attractive women who say they are also in love with her boyfriend.

Angry and heartbroken, Song-i attempts to end it with Gong-yu, but is confused when he persuades her to change her mind in an earnest, tearful plea. Hoping to solve the mystery of why this "heartless three-timer" doesn't seem like such a bad guy at all, Song-i decides to approach the two women and begins to feel an unexpected compassion and empathy toward them.

Inspired by a 2007 local award-winning novel with the same title, "Girlfriends" blends elements well-tested in South Korean romantic comedies, but the mixture fails to produce anything that feels new. The movie does a lackluster job of capturing the essence of the amusing friendship between three women in love with the same man, leaving too many gaps for audiences to fill in by themselves.

Kang, however, still manages to shine, provoking laughter as she fumes, tumbles and cries in frustration. By breathing life into her willowy character, she nearly succeeds at making this outlandish situation believable. The energy Kang puts into even the most unlikely movies shows why she remains at the top of South Korea's entertainment ladder despite poor box-office results from her recent films.

Girlfriends is now playing in local theaters. Yonhap

Source : JoongAng Daily

[deka_if]

December 18, 2009

Korean wizard reborn as a stylish hero

Gang Dong-won plays the lead role in the movie "Jeon Woo Chi: The Taoist Wizard" the

first motion picture made about the legendary Korean character. Provided by Zip Cinema

“Jeon Woo Chi: The Taoist Wizard” opens in the year of 1509 as evil goblins rampage through the country’s villages, killing and stealing after a spell binding them is broken by mistake.

Amid the chaos, Jeon Woo Chi, a notorious Taoist magician legendary for the countless pranks he played upon government officials and even the king, is wrongly accused of murdering his master and becomes sealed inside an ancient painting.

Jumping ahead to year 2009, a trio of Taoist wizards - two disguised as fortune tellers and one as a Catholic priest - is forced out of retirement to release the mischievous magician from his entrapment as the goblins reappear, wreaking havoc against the backdrop of modern Korean society. The anti-hero, however, appears nonchalant about the grave situation and is more interested in sightseeing and womanizing in modern day Korea.

Inspired by Korean folktale “The Tale of Jeon Woo-chi,” which spread by word of mouth in the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), the film’s director says he aimed to create a character comparable to Hollywood’s Superman or Spider-Man. The movie is the first motion picture made about the legendary character.

“Jeon Woo Chi is an anti-hero who is more interested in using his talent to cheat people and earn fame than saving society,” director Choi Dong-hoon said during the movie’s Seoul preview. “He was such an interesting character I wondered why no one thought of making a film about him before.”

A name that must at least be vaguely familiar to Korean history buffs, Jeon Woo Chi is indeed an intriguing character who represented the Joseon Dynasty peoples’ discontent with stern Neo-Confucian rules and corrupt administrative officials. Unlike other legendary heroes, Jeon Woo Chi is also a “realistic” character who was short-tempered, liked drinking and women, and wanted to show off his magic skills.

Though perhaps little-known outside Korea, Choi is considered one of the most talented and sharp-sighted filmmakers here as the creator of “The War of Flower” (2006) and “The Big Swindle” (2004). The War of Flower, which drew an audience of 7 million locally, received three top local awards including best scenario at the Korea Film Awards.

Leaping from the ancient to modern, fantasy to reality, the movie appears to have enough to offer foreign audiences, blending Taoist martial arts and black magic with real aspects of contemporary Seoul.

The actors and actresses also do a superb job of breathing life into the fictional characters - which even include a man-turned-puppy - wrapping the somewhat complicated plot up in a humorous outfit.

Actor Gang Dong-won, the hero of “Duelist” (2005) and “M” (2007), turns Jeon Woo Chi into one of the most stylish and charming heroes in the history of Korean film, with his face full of mischief as he fights off the goblins with the tips of his fingers.

With a production cost of some 10 billion won ($8.6 million), “Jeon Woo Chi” has already been sold to 13 countries, including Germany, England, China and Singapore, ahead of its local release.

Jeon Woo Chi: The Taoist Wizard will hit local theaters on Dec. 23 and will be released overseas beginning January. Yonhap

Jeon Woo Chi: The Taoist Wizard

Comedy, Action / Korean

136 min.

Opens Dec. 23

Source : JoongAng Daily