[News] Drama, Movies, Actors & Actresses

[deka_if]

01-28-2010

"Kimchi War" Is Ripe With Drama

Actors Jin Gu, left, and Kim Jung-eun star as top chefs who compete to make

the best kimchi in ``Le Grand Chef: Kimchi War,'' the sequel to the 2007

comic book-turned-film. / Courtesy of Lotte Entertainment

Korea is home to sharp tongued power-bloggers that infiltrate the farthest ``matjip'' (reputed restaurants) with DSLR cameras in hand. It's no surprise that ``Sikgaek,'' one of the best-selling comics here, is devoted to the culinary arts, and fans were psyched to see adaptations on both the big and small screens, including the 2007 box office hit ``Le Grand Chef.''

The sequel ``Le Grand Chef: Kimchi War'' is finally in theaters, and as is apparent in the title it is devoted to the quintessential Korean dish.

For many non-Koreans, however, kimchi is an acquired taste, and the movie could well have remained limited to a regional appeal. But first-time director Baek Dong-hoon challenges the most pernickety of taste buds by offering a balanced diet of mouthwatering kimchi dishes and drama with universal themes.

If the first film offered a raw look into the cooking process, including the rather unappetizing aspects of it, ``Kimchi War'' focuses on soul food and soul-searching. Food is said to reflect a culture, and in the microcosmic realm of the family _ in the traditional sense _ there's nothing like mom's comfort food.

There isn't much one could do to whip up groundbreaking kimchi. But a well-made dish, with the perfect ripeness, could easily steal the limelight on any table. And so one can expect the expected in the script, but the talented cast will nevertheless pull at the heartstrings, and your appetite.

Jin Gu sheds his hardboiled image and brings an aura of softness to play the down-to-earth lead character. Seong-chan, who parted with his mother at a young age, grew up under the care of Jang-eun's (Kim Jung-eun) restaurateur mother. He has matured into a talented cook, but he is satisfied with making a humble living, selling vegetables from his truck.

Meanwhile, Jang-eun has overcome various racial and gender barriers to become the top chef in Japan. When she caters a diplomatic event, however, the Korean president is shocked when kimchi is introduced as ``kimuchi,'' what the Japanese call their version of the dish

The revival of stale political sentiments inspires a nationwide competition to push the globalization of kimchi, and Seong-chan and Jang-eun take sibling rivalry to the cutting board.

Even if the entirety of the film had been devoted to the most famous kind of kimchi _ the spicy red cabbage variety _ it would have been enough to fill a good two hours since it accompanies every meal from a bowl of instant noodles to a big buffet dinner.

But the movie reminds us that red pepper was introduced quite late in the 17th-century, whereas kimchi dates back to the 7th century. There are hundreds of different kinds, from white water-based recipes to modernized fusion treats.

It presents food as art, which is highlighted by the split-screen frames reminiscent of ``Iron Chef'' competitions. The entertainment factor lies in the juxtaposition of the main actors, the intuitive Seong-chang who allows gritty life lessons to rub off on his homey dishes, versus the cool-headed perfectionist Jang-eun who uses a measuring cup to whip up something deliciously modern.

But for these two contestants, it's not about the Grand Prix as much as it is about inheriting the rights to protect, or close down, their mother's restaurant. And moreover, it's about making amends with some painful childhood memories associated with kimchi.

Kimchi is a side dish. The pickled vegetables are often scooted to the side, but for most Koreans its absence is sorely felt. The dish has remained pretty much the same over the past few centuries, but it also faces the challenges of ``globalization.'' But one thing that does not change is the fond memories associated with soul food, and this is where the film finds its niche.

Distributed by Lotte Entertainment

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

Source : The Korea Times

[deka_if]

2010.01.28

[PREVIEW]

SBS TV series "OB & GY"

The cast of "Ob & Gy": (from left) Actors Ko Joo-won, Jang Seo-hee and Seo Ji-suk pose during a press

conference on January 27, 2010. [sBS]

SBS Special Drama - "OB & GY"

- Written by Choi Hee-ra

- Directed by Lee Hyun-jik, Choi Young-hoon

- Produced by JS Pictures

- Starring Jang Seo-hee (as Seo Hye-young), Ko Joo-won (as Lee Sang-shik), Seo Ji-suk (as Wang Jae-seok), Jung Ho-bin (as Yoon Seo-jin), Song Joong-ki (as Ahn Kyung-woo), Lee Young-eun (as Kim Young-mi)

- In one sentence: A competent obstetrics and gynecology surgeon learns about life, grows as a person and finds new love after experiencing demotion, pregnancy and meeting patients with unfortunate life stories.

- Premiere date: February 3, 2010 (9:55 PM)

Most people go to the hospital when they fall sick or get into accident. But an OB/GYN office is a place that many women must inevitably visit when they go though a certain process in life -- namely pregnancy and giving birth. The most ordinary and most dramatic aspects to an OB/GYN office was revealed during a 15-minute highlight video shown at the press conference for SBS TV series "Ob & Gy", held January 27 at Konkuk University Hospital.

OB/GYN doctor Seo Hye-young (played by Jang Seo-hee), who is known for her surgical skills and for being a workaholic, finds out that she is pregnant while she is having an affair with married co-worker Yoon Seo-jin (played by Jung Ho-bin). To make matters worse, she gets fired and demoted to a hospital in the rural countryside. Hye-young starts working with fertility doctor -- and former classmate -- Wang Jae-seok (played by Seo Ji-suk) and good-natured pediatrician Lee Sang-shik (played by Ko Joo-won). OB/GYN resident Ahn Kyung-woo (played by Song Joong-ki) breaks up with his OB/GYN nurse girlfriend Kim Young-mi (played by Lee Young-eun) when he decides it is hard to make money after getting married. But "Ob & Gy" is not just about romance at the hospital. Each episode carries two or three sub-plots -- stories about the patients -- and deals with the predicament of OB/GYN doctors who "must take responsibility for two lives, the mother and the fetus, at the same time". Director Lee Hyun-jik explained his purpose of making the drama by saying, "First, I wanted to show men how much pain women go through and risk their lives to give birth. Secondly, I wanted to inform young women who avoid getting check-ups at the OB/GYN, that the sooner they go see an OB/GYN doctor, the sooner they'll get better. Third, I wanted to portray the difficult, just and respectable a job OB/GYN doctors have, having to deal with two lives at the same time."

Anticipation Quotient (1-10 points)

If you want to know how much pain your mother went through to give birth to you - 8 points

If you think having a married man's baby and not plotting revenge against the man is boring - 7 points

Scenes from TV series "Ob & Gy" [sBS]

The current winner of Wednesday/Thursday evening dramas is KBS' "The Slave Hunter", which is riding high with a viewership rating of over 30 percent. But a medical drama has rarely failed and it would be interesting to see a specific story, about an OB/GYN office, which has never been told properly before. A top star who asks to give up the fetus during a surgery, a mother who wants to have a blood test in case her husband is not the father of the baby, parents who sob and wail over their baby who is born with a rare disease... Jang Seo-hee's passionate acting also shines through when coupled with such unfortunate stories.

Producer and cast of SBS TV series "OB & GY" [Lee Ki-bum/Asia Economic Daily]

From left, producer Lee Hyun-jik and actors Ko Joo-won, Jang Seo-hee, Lee Young-eun, Seo Ji-suk, Song Joong-ki and Jung Ho-bin pose during a photo session of a press conference for SBS TV series "OB & GY" held at Konkuk University Hospital on January 27, 2010.

Reporter : Choi Ji-Eun five@10asia.co.kr

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr, Lee Ji-Hye seven@10asia.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

01-28-2010

Yoo Ji-tae Couple Donate 200 Million Won to Haiti

Kim Hyo-jin and Yoo Ji-tae

The celebrity couple of Yoo Ji-tae, 33, and Kim Hyo-jin, 25, have donated 20 million won to Haiti earthquake relief.

The screen stars each donated 10 million won to World Vision, the international aid organization announced Thursday.

The funds will be used to purchase emergency kits, which include blankets, basic cooking and dining utensils, toiletries and other household necessities.

Kim has been volunteering regularly through World Vision after being named an honorary ambassador for the organization in 2008. Yoo has been providing support for the organization since 2009.

The couple has been appearing together in public since revealing their romantic status in 2007.

World Vision has distributed about 2,000 emergency kits to the some 7,000 households in Lower Petionville and Canape Vert, eastern Port-au-Prince, Haiti. But more efforts are needed, said the organization, and plans are underway to provide continued support.

The organization has so far collected donations of 1.8 billion won. For information about donating, visit www.worldvision.or.kr or call (02) 784-2004. Or dial 060-700-1234 (ARS) to contribute 2,000 won per phone call.

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

Source : The Korea Times

[deka_if]

2010.01.28

[PREVIEW]

Movie "Le Grand Chef 2: Kimchi Battle"

Actors Jin Goo (left) and Kim Jung-eun in "Le Grand Chef 2: Kimchi Battle" [iROOM Pictures]

"Le Grand Chef 2: Kimchi Battle" - An appetizer for people with no appetite

At an official banquet in Japan, the Japanese prime minister brings out kimchi and bulgoggi for the Korean president who has not had Korean food in a long time. As soon as the Korean president compliments that the food was unlike anything he had tasted in Korea, the Japanese prime minister catches him off guard, saying "This is Japanese kimuchi and yakiniku. I am glad you liked it." The on-screen president -- like his real-life counterpart -- is a man of tremendous drive and launches a kimchi competition to globalize the Korean dish. At this point, one can predict that "Le Grand Chef 2: Kimchi Battle" will lead the story through food competitions just as in the previous film "Le Grand Chef". The genius cook Jang-eun (played by Kim Jung-eun), who made kimuchi and yakiniku at the Japanese Prime Minister's residence, takes part in the competition out of pride. And another genius cook Sung-chan (played by Jin Goo), who grew up with Jang-eun at the famous Korean restaurant Choonyang-gak, participates in the kimchi competition to prevent Choonyang-gak from closing down and being sold off.

Movie Points (1-10 points)

The film makes our mouths water but not our eyes - 7 points

Scenes from "Le Grand Chef 2: Kimchi Battle" [iROOM Pictures]

Kim Jung-eun said at the film's press conference, "What is more important than kimchi is people." But honestly, watching the brilliantly colorful types of kimchi that appear in the kimchi competition, the conflict between Jang-eun -- who wants to get rid of Choonyang-gak to erase her painful memory -- and Sung-chan -- who wants to save the restaurant in sake of the memories of past regular customers -- feel almost like secondary elements in the film. This serves as both the advantage and disadvantage of "Kimchi Battle". While the film deserves a thumbs-up for providing plenty of sideshows in a cooking competition with the single subject theme (kimchi), the kimchi-making characters are too quick in making reconciliations with their own past and their mothers. The speedy development of the story is not a flaw in itself but the tension in the drama is lost when an old, buried wound disappears over a minor incident and fast-moving hands from the competition is all that is left for us to see.

Thus, the final kimchi competition in "Kimchi Battle" may provide the answer to which kimchi will represent Korea but it does not seem adequate to be the big final chapter that resolves all the conflicts. If this film stirs up emotions about our own family, it is probably not because the characters shed tears in the film, but because we miss having a home-cooked meal with cabbage kimchi and a bowl of rice. That is why it is disappointing that the connecting link between the competition and the personal histories of the two characters were not strong enough. "Kimchi Battle", which stimulates our hunger more than it does our lachrymal glands, opens in theaters on January 28.

Reporter : Wee Geun-woo eight@10asia.co.kr

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr, Lee Ji-Hye seven@10asia.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2010.01.28

[REVIEW]

MBC TV series "Pasta"

A scene from MBC TV series "Pasta" [MBC]

"Pasta" - Episode 8, MBC TV (Mon/Tue, 10 PM)

Although "Pasta" is a story about romance in the kitchen, it tries to do more than just cook up romance. There are many, various conflicts surrounding the restaurant, characters Choi Hyun-wook (played by Lee Sun-gyun) and Oh Se-young (played by Lee Honey) and Korea-educated versus Italy-educated cooks. Choi Hyun-wook runs when as Oh Se-young enters the kitchen and the Korean clan is determined to beat the Italian clan. And it is throughout such series of events that each character in the kitchen, those who were not noticeable before, start to become more visible to the viewer. While "Pasta" might not be an eye-catching masterpiece, it has plenty of stories surrounding its two main characters Choi Hyun-wook -- who is a combination of dictator and tyrant with a black sense of humor -- and Seo Yu-kyung (played by Kong Hyo-jin) -- who is both depressing enough and sensible enough compared to the typical cheerful and spirited heroines in romantic dramas -- while offering solid visuals and music as well.

The drama proved that it had taste by not using cliche set-ups in the story. For example, when Seo Yu-kyung gets locked inside a refrigerating room, she could have kept the cooler on to uphold her responsibility as a chef and gotten hypothermia, at which point Choi Hyun-wook and Kim San (played by Alex) would both come running to save her. But "Pasta" did not play out the story in such a way. The dysphemism of Choi Hyun-wook who says "Why didn't you just freeze yourself to death?" and the honesty of Seo Yu-kyung who answers "Because I wanted to live" make for a fun dialogue, as if the characters are playing a ping-pong match. Answering a straightforward question such as "Chef, why do you play mind games with people?" with the blunt remark "Is that my fault? That is because you go from being good to bad!" is evidence that "Pasta" has invested more in its characters than other shows. What remains to be accomplished with the show, now halfway into its run, is figuring out how to solve the various conflicts within the story whiel maintaining the virtue that it has shown up til now.

Reporter : Choi Ji-Eun five@10asia.co.kr

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

January 28, 2010

Free drama boosts the Korean Wave

"Brilliant Legacy," is sentimental love story, stars Lee

Seung-gi as a wealthy socialite and Han Hyo-ju as the

commoner girl whom he comes to adore.

The Korean Wave has already washed over large swaths of Asia, but one local state-sponsored non-profit company has adopted a new approach to keep the waters rising.

The Korean Foundation for International Culture Exchange announced it has acquired a limited international license for “Brilliant Legacy,” a television drama that gained ratings of over 40 percent when it aired

on SBS here, and will give away broadcasting rights for free in 81 overseas countries as a way of boosting Korean popular culture.

The drama, a sentimental love story, stars Lee Seung-gi as a wealthy socialite and Han Hyo-ju as the commoner girl whom he comes to adore.

SBS retained licensing rights in Japan, China and Southeast Asia, and is still negotiating with broadcasters in those areas to air the drama, which originally ran on weekends from April to July last year. East

Asia already has high demand for Korean films and dramas, and thus was excluded from the deal with the foundation.

The same organization acquired the rights to “The Painter of Winds” from SBS last year, contributing to its airing in 30 countries.

Source : JoongAng Daily

[deka_if]

Januari 29, 2010

Actresses show the substance behind their style

Six Korean divas dish in the pseudo-documentary film "Actresses" Provided by Sponge Entertainment

[Jainnie's CINE KOREA]

The notable thing about director Lee Jae-yong is that he always seems capable of achieving a smooth balance between the experimental and giving the public something they are comfortable with. In his latest film “Actresses,” Lee features six of the country’s top leading ladies in one big Vogue fashion shoot, with a delicious catfight squeezed in. He wraps a classic plot about beautiful women faced with insecurities, rivals and aging inside a deceivingly edgy “mockumentary” format.

The actresses, ranging in age from their 20s to 62, play themselves - or do they? At first, the movie seems to confront the mystery surrounding actresses in general by exposing them as “themselves.” As the film progresses however, the line between our own perceptions about these women and their supposed “real” selves begins to blur.

Take Choi Ji-woo, for example. The 34-year-old has played the innocent star-crossed lover in many a TV drama, including the massive hit “Winter Sonata” (2002). Doing a complete 180 with this film, she plays an all-out diva, and tries to sneak her personal masseuse into a dressing room that she doesn’t share with any of the other actresses. Is this a deliberate transformation on her part to show us her range as an actress? Or is this a bit of the real Choi as seen through the eyes of the director?

The film’s showstoppers are the three eldest actresses, Yoon Yeo-jeong, Lee Mi-sook and Ko Hyeon-jeong, who deliver the wittiest lines and the most natural performances. Given the fact that the director has said most of the film was improvised, their self-deprecating humor and wit shines through all that much more.

In one scene, Choi says she envies Korean actress Song Hye-gyo for her popularity in the Japanese and Chinese markets, and Yoon replies, “Well then, I’ll just have to maintain my popularity in the jerae [flea] markets.”

Ko’s role in the film seems to be a delicate balancing of the bully and the jester, as she picks a fight with Choi and drinks too much Champagne. It’s a refreshing take on Ko, who made news for her divorce from a high-profile jaebeol (conglomerate) magnate.

Through their attempts at being “real,” the actresses in fact become much more intriguing to audiences than the often two-dimensional people we see, whether in the tabloids or the mediocre TV drama roles they are famous for. By playing themselves unscripted, their depth as individuals, and as performers, becomes more tangible.

"Actresses"

Drama / Korean

104 min.

Now playing

Credits : Cho Jae-eun [jainnie@joongang.co.kr]

Source : JoongAng Daily

[deka_if]

January 29, 2010

‘Lost’ star gets in tune with ‘Harmony’

" I wanted a role that would really be different ... but I'm attracted to strong female characters."

“Lost” star Kim Yun-jin is back in Korea with a new film

about a woman who is jailed for killing her abusive

husband. [JoongAng Ilbo]

When people make mention of actress Kim Yun-jin, the adjectives attractive, intelligent and charismatic often pop up in the text.

Kim, who is known outside of Korea as Sun Kwon on the U.S. television drama “Lost,” has built her career around characters who also possess these qualities.

Now, Kim is hoping to add a new dimension to her image with a new role in the Korean film “Harmony,” which was released yesterday.

In the film she plays Jeong-hye, who is given a 10-year prison term for killing her abusive husband. Shortly after she is put in jail, Jeong-hye gives birth to a child. Eighteen months after that she will have to give up her child for adoption, in accordance with Korean law. In the meantime, Jeong-hye organizes a choir to deal with the hardships she is facing and through it she is offered the possibility of earning a special one-day leave to see her son.

“Even before I had heard the entire story, I knew what kind of movie it would be,” she said in an interview with the JoongAng Ilbo. “And I knew it would make audiences cry.”

Since the film has many obviously emotional scenes, such as the one where Jeong-hye and her son are forced to part, Kim was a little hesitant about whether she wanted to sign on.

But she found that she was drawn to the character, and she and director Kang Dae-kyu spent a lot of time discussing how the character would develop.

Kim had another reason for taking the role: she needed a change. She last appeared in the Korean cinema three years ago as a tough lawyer in the film “Seven Days” (2007). She rose to fame here as a spy in “Shiri” (1999).

“I wondered what it would be like to be part of a film with so many female characters,” she said. “I also wanted a role that would really be different from those I’ve played in the past. But Jeong-hye became a character who is positive as well as strong. I think I’m naturally attracted to strong female characters.”

In addition to giving her a different kind of role to play, the film also gave Kim the opportunity to work with 69-year-old veteran actress Na Mun-hee.

“One day while we were filming, I saw Na was sitting alone on a bench. She didn’t cry and didn’t say a word, but her body was telling me that she was full of sadness,” she said. “Until I met Na, I hadn't ever communicated so deeply with an acting partner. Just making eye contact with her, my eyes were full of tears.

"Na helped me to immerse myself in the character of Jeong-hye 100 percent. When I was doing Shiri 10 years ago, Choi Min-sik told me that I only shine when my partner shines. As I worked with Na, I began to realize what he meant. 'Choi is a Korean actor who is well known for his role in the hit film' Oldboy."

After the Harmony premiere, Kim will go back to the United States to film the next, and last, season of Lost. After the show wraps in May, Kim plans to keep right on working.

"I will keep auditioning. I may not find a role for days or months, but I’m ready for that. Now that I’ve started a career in Hollywood, I will keep working until the day when I win an Academy Award. I feel free to dream, because the dream is mine."

Credits : Ki Sun-min [so@joongang.co.kr]

Source : JoongAng Daily

[deka_if]

2010.01.29

Court rules in favor of Rain over cancelled U.S. concerts

Asian superstar Rain [Chae Ki-won/10Asia]

A South Korean court has ruled that singer and actor Rain is not responsible for the cancellation of concerts in the U.S. leg of his world tour between 2006 and 2007.

Local concert promoter Star M had filed a lawsuit against Rain and his then-agency JYP Entertainment last March, claiming 4.57 billion won, or nearly four million dollars, in compensation for losses and damages they allegedly suffered from 16 cancelled shows.

The Seoul Central District Court said in its ruling Thursday that the concert was cancelled due to lack of preparations on part of the promoter and the issues it had with U.S.-based promoting firm Revolution Entertainment.

The court also stated that JYP's contract with Chinese talenthouse DR Music had not interfered with Rain's shows planned for China since it had ended before JYP signed with Star M.

In its suit filed against the Asian superstar, Star M had argued Rain's concerts in China could not take place as scheduled due to JYP's failure to settle its relationship with DR, which at the time being managed Rain's music career in China.

The company had also claimed they had purchased the exclusive rights to host the tour but Rain abruptly cancelled more than half of a total 35 shows due to a copyright problem over the singer's stage name. Star M said the problem arose soon after they signed the contract but they had not been notified of the issue beforehand.

Rain, whose real name is Jung Ji-hoon, had been unable to perform with his stage name in America because of a copyright challenge from a Beatles tribute band named ``Rain.''

Rain's current talenthouse J.Tune Entertainment and JYP welcomed the court's ruling, declaring through a press release that it would take strong legal action against Star M including demanding compensation for the damages it has incurred on both agencies.

The ruling comes over half a year since Rain settled another lawsuit over his troubled U.S. tour.

The Hawaiian Court had ruled in March last year that the Asian superstar pay eight million dollars for failing to perform at a concert in Honolulu in 2007, the first stop of the tour. An agreement was reached in June, although details were not disclosed.

Rain, 27, has been one of the most successful celebrities in the entertainment industry since his debut in 2002.

His singing career has gained him massive popularity throughout Asia and he also appeared in several movies and TV series. He recently starred in Wachowski Brothers production "Ninja Assassin", which opened in theaters in late November.

Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10 Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2010-01-29

Lee Byung-Hyun: 'I'd Like to be a Jewel of an Actor'

On January 27, Hallyu (Korean Wave) star Lee Byung-hyun won the Japan Best Jewelry Dresser Award of Special Award for Male category at the 21st Japan International Jewelry Awards, which was held at Tokyo Big Sight in Tokyo, Japan and received a platinum necklace as an additional prize.

▲Lee Byung-hyun discusses his feelings about the Japan Best Jewelry Dresser Award

The award ceremony, which is held annually to choose best jewelry wearers for their age, greatly interested the media and people. In the ceremony, Lee became the first foreigner to receive the special award and Miyuki, the wife of the Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, won the special award for the female category.

When Lee’s name was announced late after the other winners such as actress Hukuda Saki and Miyuki, the audience cheered and gave him a big hand.

Lee said with his unique smile, “It is the second time that I’ve received jewels since I received golden rings for my first birthday. Giving golden rings to a 1-year-old baby for his first birthday is a Korean tradition.” He added, “I will do my best to be a jewel of an actor."

Meanwhile, Miyuki, who won the special award for female category, said, “I will donate these jewels, which I received as the additional prize, to UNICEF. I think that sharing with people and helping needy people represents the spirit of Prime Minister Hatoyama."

In the ceremony, the rest of the award winners for their respective age groups were: Ssaki Hukuda for teens, Betki for the twenties, actor Arisa Mizuki for the thirties, actor Nene Osska for the forties, actor Gaiko Doda for the fifties, singer Marco Dakahasi for the sixties, and Ryuta Sato for the male category.

Source : KBS GLOBAL

****

Actor Lee Byung-hun poses with Japanese First Lady Miyuki Hatoyama (right) after receiving

a special award at the annual Japan Best Jewellery Wearer Awards in Tokyo on Thursday.

/ Yonhap (photo source Chosun Ilbo)

****

2010.01.29

Lee Byung-hun wins best jewellery wearer award in Japan

Korean actor Lee Byung-hun and Madame Miyuki at the International Jewelry Tokyo event [bH Entertainment]

Hallyu star Lee Byung-hun has won an award for being the best jewellery wearer alongside Japan's First Lady at a jewellery event in Tokyo held Wednesday.

According to his agency BH Entertainment, the actor attended the opening ceremony of the International Jewellery Tokyo 2010 and jointly won a special award in the category with Miyuki Hatoyama.

Lee has won a string of awards since the end of last year, including the title for best style at the "2009 A-awards," a ceremony hosted by magazine Arena Homme Plus and auto brand Audi which recognizes stylish men, and the Asian Star award at the 2010 Asia Model Awards which acknowledged the actor for promoting Asian culture through his acting.

The actor is currently prepping for his next film -- a Kim Ji-woon pic also starring critically acclaimed actor Choi Min-sik. Lee is also set to star in the second installment for "G.I. Joe".

Lee, 39, is one of the most successful actors in Korea, who has appeared in numerous dramas and films since his debut in 1991.

Reporter : Ko Kyoung-seok kave@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2010.01.29

Jun Ji-hyun, Zhang Ziyi pull out of Wayne Wang film

Korean actress Jun Ji-hyun [Asia Economic Daily]

Korean actress Jun Ji-hyun and Chinese film star Zhang Ziyi have pulled out of Wayne Wang film "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan", according to a Singaporean media report.

Channel News Asia said Thursday that the two Asian actresses and the male lead -- reported to be set as a member of Taiwanese band F4 -- have all quit the project.

Jun's agency Sidus HQ however, explained that "casting was never finalized" and that they are "in the middle of negotiations."

"Nothing has been set at the present time," an official at Sidus HQ said. "Overall details regarding the production including the casting will be decided around early February."

As for Zhang, her publicist Ji Lingling announced Wednesday that the actress would be pulling out from "Snow Flower" to focus on the Wong Kar-wai pic "The Grand Master". Zhang is currently shooting the film in northeastern China.

Producers of "Snow flower" are said to be considering several Chinese actresses -- including Li Bingbing, Gao Yuan-yuan and Shu Qi -- to replace Zhang and searching for the lead actor in China, Japan and Korea.

"Snow Flower", based on the 2005 novel of the same title by Chinese-American writer Lisa See, chronicles the lifelong friendship of two women in 19th century China. Noted filmmaker Wayne Wang, known for "The Joy Luck Club" and "Smoke", was signed on to direct the film.

The filming, scheduled to go into shoot early this month, has been put off indefinitely.

Reporter : Ko Kyoung-seok kave@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2010.01.29

"Harmony" topples "Avatar" on daily admissions chart

Korean movie "Harmony" [CJ Entertainment]

Kim Yun-jin starrer "Harmony" attracted the most moviegoers on Thursday, making it the first Korean film to place atop the local box office in 78 days.

According to the statistics from the Korean Film Council (KOFIC), "Harmony" attracted 103,196 viewers on the day of its release, topping daily admissions to become the first local film to rank above an overseas production.

The film pushed down 43-day winner "Avatar" to second place with admissions of 95,637 for Thursday. The James Cameron sci-fi action flick has brought in a total 10,721,615 viewers since its release mid-December, making it the sixth most-watched film in Korea's box office history.

Before "Avatar" hit theaters, the domestic film market had been dominated by U.S. box office hits since November 12 including "2012", "Ninja Assassin", "New Moon" and "Law Abiding Citizen".

"Cheongdam Bosal" starring Korean actors Im Chang-jung and Park Ye-jin which debuted in November 11 was the last local film to place atop the daily ranks.

Several much-hyped Korean movies such as "White Night", "Actresses", "WOOCHI" and "No Mercy" failed to take the No. 1 spot after their release.

"Harmony" stars actress Kim Yun-jin who plays a prisoner that forms a choir with her inmates.

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2010.01.29

Actress Hong Soo-hyun cast in "Komome"

Korean Actress Hong Soo-hyun [bOF Entertainment]

Korean actress Hong Soo-hyun has been cast in "Komome" the second feature of the Asian omnibus film "Camellia", according to her agency BOF Entertainment.

"Komome," to be helmed by Japanese filmmaker Yujisada Isao, is about the romance between a movie director, to be played by Korean actor Sul Kyung-gu and a young girl by Japanese actress Yositaka Yuriko.

Hong will play the role of Sun-ah who is an actress in the film that Sul's character directs.

The picture is made up of three different segments directed by three Asian directors is set in the past, present and future in the city of Busan, Korea. The first feature "Iron lion king" is set in the past, "Komome" in the present and the final episode "Love For Sale" in the future.

Hong has appeared in several dramas, films and musicals since her debut as a model in 2001. She most recently appeared in hit TV series "Temptation of an Angel."

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

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2010.01.29

[PREVIEW] MBC weekend drama "Dandelion Family"

The cast of "Dandelion Family" from left: Lee Yoon-ji, Yang Mi-kyung, Yoo Dong-geun, Maya, Song Sun-mi

at the press conference [MBC]

MBC weekend TV series - "Dandelion Family"

- Written by: Kim Jung-soo

- Directed by

- Produced by

- Starring: Yoo Dong-geun,

- In one sentance:

- Premiere date: January 30, 2010 (7:55 P.M.)

"The second daughter is always the troublemaker in a family," said actor Yoo Dong-geun who plays the role of Sang-gil. Of course, this will not apply to all families in reality but it is a cliche that appears in most dramas. This is also the key to understanding the story of this heartfelt weekend drama. A press conference held January 20, showing a clip with highlights from the show, reminded the viewer of scenarist Kim Jung-soo's former works. The combination of a capable and responsible eldest daughter, the irresponsible second daughter and the kind and tough youngest daughter can easily be seen in Korean family dramas. "Dandelion Family," (tentative title) about a pretty well-off family that starts to fall apart due to their father losing his job, will remind viewers of Kim's former works. But as can be seen from the popularity and success of family dramas, these predictable cliches are effective elements viewers continue to relate with, no matter how old they are. In order for "Dandelion Family" to become a hit, it will be up to the writers, director and cast to cook up these obvious ingredients and turn it into yet another delicacy.

Anticipation Quotient

If the sound of the show's title "Dandelion Family" makes you cringe: 6

If you believe the only trustworthy people to you are your family members: 8

"I don't think we will be able to beat our strong competitor," said Im Tae-woo, the producer of "Dandelion Family," in referring to KBS2 drama "Three Brothers" which has been scoring the highest viewership rating amongst weekend dramas. As aforementioned, the new show will not try to attract viewers with over-the-top characters or provocative plots. The audience will be attracted to the familiarity of this family drama, which will surely pull at your emotions. If "Dandelion Family" remains on the path it initially intended to walk on, it may not secure high figures for its ratings but at least will not disappoint viewers who are hoping to see a warm family drama.

Reporter : Wee Geun-woo eight@10asia.co.kr

Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr, Jang Kyung-Jin three@10asia.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

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2010.01.29

"Master of Study" creator compliments Korean TV series

Original creator of "Master of Study" Mita Norifusa [Asia Economic Daily]

Japanese comic artist Mita Norifusa praised KBS' TV adaptation of his "Master of Study" series during his recent visit to Korea.

The artist explained during a press conference, held Thursday at Seoul's Palace Hotel, that he watches the Korean drama of the same name in Tokyo on a real-time basis through Internet broadcast.

"It is energetic and entertaining," the artist was quoted as saying of the show. "The characters in have depth. I am satisfied."

Norifusa picked main character Kim Soo-ro as his favorite cast member, adding that he is doing a good job of leading the show by playing the "the most attractive character from the original series".

"Study" is a story about a determined lawyer (played by Kim Soo-ro) who offers to teach five rebellious students and get them accepted into the country's top college. The drama also stars some of the best young actors in Korea including Yoo Seung-ho, Lee Hyun-woo and Go Ah-sung.

Reporter : Lim Hye-seon lhsro@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

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2010.02.01

"Three Brothers" maintain rule on TV charts

Current No. 1 drama "Three Brothers" [KBS2]

KBS weekend drama "Three Brothers" topped last week's TV ratings charts, remaining the most popular televised show in Korea for the fifth consecutive week, according to polls on Monday.

Statistics by TNS Media Korea and AGB Nielsen Media Research showed that "Brothers" took the No. 1 spot on both charts between January 25 and 31, scoring viewership ratings of 38.2 percent and 35.4 percent, respectively.

"Brothers," which draws on the different lives three brothers live, has seen solid ratings since its premiere in mid-October.

TNS and AGB however, reported different results for "The Slave Hunters" and "Jolly Widows," also by major broadcaster KBS. TNS said "Hunters" gained a spot from last week to take second place with ratings of 32.6 percent while "Jolly Widows" fell down a slot to round off finish the top three with 32.2 percent.

AGB's survey indicated "Widows" fared slightly better than "Hunters," securing a rating of 33.5 percent versus 32.9 percent.

"Hunters," starring a handful of top Korean actors including Jang Hyuk, Lee Da-hae and Oh Ji-ho, is currently the most-watched Wednesday and Thursday night drama.

Daily series "Widows" ended its seven-month run on Friday. It had been a steady favorite amongst viewers, maintaining ratings in the 20 to 30 percent level during its showing.

[RATINGS] Weekly TV ratings: Jan 25-31

TV ratings for the week of January 25-31, 2010 [TNS Media Korea]/10Asia

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2010.02.01

"Avatar" leads domestic box office for seventh week

Scene from No. 1 movie "Avatar" [20th Century Fox]

Worldwide box office champ "Avatar" continued to set new highs on Korea's box office, becoming the highest grossing film ever released in the country as it topped the tally for the seventh weekend in a row.

According to estimates by the Korean Box Office Information System (KOBIS) on Monday, "Avatar" sold 545,323 tickets between January 29 and 31 to accumulate nearly 11.27 million admissions since its release mid-December.

In cash terms, the sci-fi epic grossed about 101.2 billion won, or about 86.2 million dollars, to become the first film released on the domestic box office to breach the 100 billion won mark.

The mega-budget 3D pic, which last week became the first overseas film to attract over ten million admissions, brushed past "Silmido" to rank as the fifth most-watched movie in Korea's film history after "The Host", "King and the Clown", "Taegugki" and "Haeundae" .

Newly released Korean flicks, "Harmony" and "Le Grand Chef 2: Kimchi Battle" followed behind with 494,695 admissions and 204,384, respectively.

Rounding off the top five slots were the Korean pics "WOOCHI" with 186,596 admission and comedy "Attack of the Gas Station 2" which did 131,990, dropping three spots to No. 5.

Other movies included in the top ten were "Le Petit Nicholas", "Did You Hear About the Morgans?", "No Mercy", "Joomoonjin" and "Astro Boy".

[RATINGS] Weekend Box Office: Jan 29-31

South Korea's box office estimates for the weekend of January 29 to 31, 2010 [Korean Box Office Information

System (KOBIS)]/ 10Asia

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2010.02.01

"IRIS" set to air during prime time in Japan

Korean blockbuster drama "IRIS" [Taewon Entertainment]

Korean blockbuster drama "IRIS" is set to air during prime time on Japanese television, according to the show's producer Taewon Entertainment on Monday.

Taewon said Japanese broadcaster TBS announced the Korean TV series will run Wednesday evenings at 9 p.m., a slot usually assigned to domestic TV dramas.

Artist View, the show's marketing promoter in the country, explained that such programming is proof that Japanese people are looking forward to watching a Korean blockbuster action drama, not just Hallyu fans expecting to watch a Korean dramas and its cast.

"We expect the airing of 'IRIS' to appeal to the general mass in Japan and be the driving force in re-establishing the position of Korean dramas in the country," an official at Artist View was quoted as saying.

"IRIS", which originally aired in Korea from October 2009 thru December 2009, starred a handful of top Korean actors including Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-hee, Jung Joon-ho, Kim So-yeon and T.O.P. of idol group Big Bang. The action and romance-filled espionage drama was a smash hit, scoring a viewership rating of nearly 40 percent and dominated the small screen throughout its run.

"IRIS" is scheduled to air on Japan's TBS satellite channel starting March 6 and on public networks starting mid-April.

Reporter : Lim Hye-seon lhsro@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

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2010.02.01

Jang Keun-suk successfully wraps up his fan meeting in Korea

Korean actor Jang Keun-suk performs at his fan meeting [Asia Economic Daily]

Korean actor Jang Keun-suk held his second fan meeting in Korea over the weekend, attracting scores of domestic and overseas fans to the event.

The actor met with some 3,000 fans -- including 700 people from eight countries overseas -- at his fan event, held at Seoul's Olympic Park Olympic Hall on Sunday.

Jang performed songs from the soundtrack to his recent TV series "Minamishineyo" as well as past hits by other K-pop artists including "It's Raining" by Rain and "Heartbeat" by 2PM.

The actor also displayed his deejaying skills and unveiled a series of personal photographs and videos from his childhood days up to the present.

Jang, 23, has appeared in several notable television dramas including "Beethoven Virus" (MBC, 2008), "Hong Gil-dong" (KBS2, 2008) and popular sitcom "Nonstop 4" (MBC, 2003). He has also done some acting work on the big screen, most recently "The Case of Itaewon Homicide" last year.

He became a phenomenon in Korea and throughout Asia after starring in "Minamishineyo", in which he portrayed an eccentric lead singer of idol group A.N.JELL.

He is scheduled to tour four Asian countries -- namely China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore -- by March 5.

Reporter : Yun Tae-hui th20022@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

02.01.2010

Jang to Disclose Wedding Plans in March

Actor Jang Dong-gun

Top actor Jang Dong-gun plans to announce when he will tie the knot with actress Ko So-young at a meeting with his fans scheduled for March 6.

Jang has held fan meeting events annually to celebrate his birthday. He held the gathering in Japan last year but will meet his fans at home this year at the Auditorium at COEX in Samsung-dong, southern Seoul.

"Jang will disclose his plans for his wedding with Ko So-young at the fan meeting. The exact date has yet to be fixed," an aide was quoted as saying by Star News, an online news provider. "After he delivers on his promise with the fans, he will make preparations for the wedding."

Jang previously made a promise on his Web site that he would tell his fans first if he decided on the details of the wedding.

It has been rumored that they will marry in May.

In the March event, Jang is expected to shake hands with all of his fans. Jang is currently recuperating from knee surgery he underwent in mid-January.

Credits : chojh@koreatimes.co.kr

Source : The Korea Times