[News] Drama, Movies, Actors & Actresses

[deka_if]

2010.02.03

Hyun Bin chosen as top Hallyu star in Thailand

Hallyu star Hyun Bin [AM Entertainment]

A recent poll has shown Korean actor Hyun Bin is the No. 1 Hallyu star Thailand.

In a survey conducted on Thailand's largest Hallyu portal site Pantip.com, Hyun Bin topped a survey asking respondents to cast a vote for their favorite actor. The 28-year-old actor beat out some of Korea's top celebrities including Rain, So Ji-sub and Jang Geun-suk.

Three dramas that Hyun Bin starred in also ranked within the top 20 of voters' favorite dramas -- "My Name is Kim Sam-soon" in fourth place, "Snow Queen" in 14th and "The World That They Live In" in 20th.

Both "Kim Sam-soon" and "Friend" have been showing in Japan starting last month. "Sam-soon" airs every afternoon on Fuji TV's public network as part of its newly established 'Hallyuα' project and "Friend" on BS Fuji, Fuji's digital satellite broadcasting station.

Hyun Bin, whose real name is Kim Tae-pyung, made his debut in 2003 with the KBS drama "Bodyguard". He has been dating top Korean actress and co-star of "World" Song Hye-kyo since last year.

Reporter : Park Kun-ouc kun1112@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

January 04, 2010

Manga creator spurs dreams, education fears

[iNTERVIEW]

Norifusa Mita

No television drama has been as straightforward about "hakbeol," or elitism, as KBS TV's "Masters of the Art of Study."

The drama revolves around a group of students who stay awake until all hours of the night to study so that they can get into a prestigious university, which they believe is the only way to survive and lead a successful life.

Based on a Japanese manga series titled "Dragon Zakura," written and drawn by Norifusa Mita, the television drama has faced harsh criticism from some parent and other civic groups here for fueling the private education craze.

However, Mita, 52, who visited Seoul for the first time late last month, defends the show by saying that studying is a way to express one's individuality.

"There are teenagers who love to play sports games or listen to music. I also believe there are teens who love to study. I wanted to encourage them," Mita said while he was touring the set of the TV drama at the Korean Broadcasting System studios in Yeouido, western Seoul.

In the drama, the students dream of being admitted to the fictional Cheonha University.

In contrast, the students in Mita's comic hope to gain entrance to the real-life University of Tokyo, which is a dream college for many Japanese teenagers.

"I used the University of Tokyo as the backdrop [for my manga series], but I wanted to tell people that study offers a chance for personal growth," Mita said. "If you set a goal and immerse yourself in something, whether it is study or something else, you will grow and mature."

Still, Masters of the Art of Study has come under fire for showing students who only want high scores on the college entrance exams, without also showing the value of personal development.

For example, the manga series suggests that cramming is one of the most efficient ways to study, as at one high school in the series, which invites famous teachers from outside the school to come in and help students pass their exams.

When asked if the manga series spurs private education fever, Mita said, "I think schools should keep up with the changing times to meet the demands of students and parents."

Masters of the Art of Study has earned ratings of over 25 percent, which is a sign that the drama is popular, in spite of the controversy it has generated.

Credits : Kang Hye-ran [so@joongang.co.kr]

Source : JoongAng Daily

[deka_if]

2010.02.03

[PREVIEW]

"Please Look After Mom"

"Please Look After Mom" actors (from left to right): Seo Yee-sook, Jung Hye-sook and Gil Yong-woo

Even on stage, children lose their mother. "Mothers are people who will leave quietly, without leaving a trace. You shouldn't stay sad about it for too long," is what another character will say in an attempt to console the children but their hearts are already wounded deeply. The play, an adaptation from the book "Please Look After Mom" written by Korean author Shin Kyung-sook, is aimed at showing how ungrateful children of this generation are. The play features TV stars Jung Hye-sun and Shim Yang-hong as the mother and father, Gil Yong-woo as the eldest son Young-chul and Seo Yee-sook as the role of the eldest daughter Ji-yeon. "Mom" is already causing a stir with news that veteran actress Baek Song-hee will appear in the play as the maternal grandmother.

Scenes from "Please Look After Mom"

"Mom" will be directed by Ko Suk-man and scenarist Ko Yeun-ok who wrote the stage adaptation. Unlike last year's plays which portrayed moms as an icon of obedience and sacrifice, "Please Look After Mom" talks about maternal instincts of mothers of the 21st century. This play tells its story by depicting on the mother as a woman who embraces everything yet holds a firm ground and receives consolation not by a member of her family but someone outside her family. The original novel has been translated and sold in 15 different countries including Korea, London and Japan. "Mom" will open at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts at the M Theater until March 23.

Actress Jung Hye-sook and Seo Yee-sook

Question: As the original author and viewer, what did you think about the performance?

Shin Kyung-sook: You think long and hard about making the decision on your work being re-made, but after the decision has been made you see a whole new product. I watched the play with excitement and the play did an incredible job relaying the message easier than the book. In another way, the actors were able to bring the scenes to life and it felt like a big production. "Mom" is more than just a story about a mother and the play was able to show what I couldn't write about. For me personally, there were some parts that I couldn't understand but through the play I was able to figure it out and some parts where I couldn't bear to watch.

Question: Were there some references that you gave the staff?

Shin: Before meeting the director and writer, I had some things in mind to explain to them. But after 20 minutes of meeting them those thoughts disappeared. I did have one request, which was for the writers to intertwine other mother character based shows to make the mother in this show stand out.

Question: Actress Jung Hye-sook has played the "mom" role in many dramas and movies. What is the difference between those roles and the theater?

Jung Hye-sun: The mother role is all the same. I played the mother role many times and I don't see any difference with those roles and the theater. The difference is that in the theater, I have to make sure to project my voice so the audience in the back can hear me which is difficult. But the role of the mother is all the same.

Question: Were there difficulties while you practice for the play since the viewers can sympathize with the "mom" material?

Seo Yee-sook: No one can hate the mom. I tried hard not to think about that feeling while acting. While the director and other actors were crying, I couldn't cry. (laughs) I felt like a bad person because I can't reveal my true emotions while working on this play about mom. I believe that the play itself brings about so many emotions and I controlled own emotions.

Gil Yong-woo: I always cry in the scene where Seo Yee-sook and I meet after the news of our mother's death. I am not the best son but I hope the audience members who saw "Mom" decide to visit or call their parents more often.

Question: Your previous works are targeted towards male readers. What was the difference of your previous works and creating a drama with a famous best-seller?

Ko Yeun-ok: I didn't know why they recommended me as the writer for the stage adaptation of the book. I was fascinated with the changes that the characters go through after the death of the mother. The death of the mother is very symbolic. In the original story there are many symbolic details and I tried to input that into the adaptation for the stage and I also had interest in working in this sector.

Director Ko Suk-man

Question: Director Ko Suk-man has helmed many powerful MBC dramas. How did you get involved with this play?

Ko Suk-man: I received the request to direct the play last April and I thought the same as Ko Yeun-ok and didn't understand why they chose me. I felt that turning the novel "Please Look After Mom" into a play would change the theater world. There are still business factors to understand how deep the roots are to the authentic Korean theater. It can all be credited to how the Korean culture is changing. I felt that I was chosen for this play, in the sense that I can integrate new factors and language into the show. I wanted to be a part of that before I crumble.

Question: What do you think attracts the theater that the story doesn't?

Ko Suk-man: First off, there are many stories dealing with mothers and it was hard to objectify that. (laugh) I was wondering how to turn the artistic work of Shin Kyung-sook into a societal realistic play for the stage. I believe the play is solid because I associated other literary works by Shin. The common factor among current works about mothers were sacrifice, obedience and how the maternal instinct is internal. But for this play the common element was the human language. That is what brings people together and in this time that is the maternal instinct. I discussed with others that as time goes by, maternal instincts should be upgraded. That is why I created the maternal characteristics of the mother character in the "Mom" to be humanly.

Reporter : Jang Kyung-Jin three@10asia.co.kr

Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2010.02.03

[REVIEW]

TV series "Good Day"

The cast of KBS daily drama "Good Day" [KBS]

"Good Day" - Premiere episode, KBS TV (8:25 PM)

There is a consistent rule in a daily dramas, especially in ones produced by major broadcaster KBS. The rule starts off with the existence of a certain type of female lead character who is poor with no family -- or one who is better off not having one at all -- but has a cheerful and sturdy personality. The capable, hard-working man from a loving family who lives with his parents and grandparents, and the cool, rich guy who says he is not interested in becoming the heir to the family business are also must-have characters. The plot must not be too complicated or too realistic either as it is viewed by housewives on a daily basis. A business company is depicted as a place where character Yeon-shil (played by Na Young-hee), who owns the company and bosses her husband around, will utter "Please speed up the new product development and contribute to the sales growth of our company," to Dae-han (played by Jin Yi-han), a new team leader under the age of thirty. Romance is played out comedically, almost. The character Man-se (played by Seo Hyo-rim), who pretended to be innocent by saying "How can I go on a trip with a man, just the two of us?", puts a large bowl under her shirt and lies that she is pregnant to repel her enemy.

Of course, there is no need to place significant meaning to most of the incidents in the beginning of the drama as they are only set up as groundwork to the story to create future conflicts when the main characters decide to get married and everyone sharply opposes the marriage. The suicide attempt by Min-kook (played by Lee Hyun-jin), who tries to kill himself on a Han River bridge after getting dumped by his girlfriend, appears to be one of those incidents. While the comedic acting by several young actors is disappointing -- it is hard to tell whether the disappointment is due to the story or lack of good acting skills -- but actress Kim So-eun appears quite stable, in comparison, playing the main nothing-can-bring-me-down type character Oh-bok. One only wonders whether this drama, whose story began from ordinary set-ups, will progress and follow in the footsteps of other trashy family dramas. If it does not, it will undoubtedly be a truly refreshing development to the story.

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

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

02-03-2010

Jeon to Star in China Film

Actress Jeon Ji-hyun will appear in the Chinese film ``Snow Flower and the Secret Fan,'' press reports said Wednesday.

Jeon will be joined by Chinese star Li Bingbing and Australian heartthrob Hugh Jackman, the movie's male lead.

``Snow Flower and the Secret Fan'' is a film adaptation of novelist Lisa See's 2005 book of the same name, which is set in 19th century China and depicts a lifetime friendship between two women. It will be directed by Chinese-American filmmaker Wayne Wang.

An official at sidusHQ, Jeon's agency, said, ``Wang has tried to lure Jeon to appear in his movies several times but it has not worked. With this cast, however, both Jeon and Wang are pleased and have high expectations.''

Filming kicked off Tuesday and Jackman, the ``Wolverine'' actor, will join the entourage in mid-February.

Source : The Korea Times

****

January 04, 2010

Jun Ji-hyun sticks with Wayne Wang's new film

TALK OF THE TOWN

Following reports that she had dropped out of the cast, it has been confirmed that actress Jun Ji-hyun still plans to appear in the new film by Chinese-American director Wayne Wang, titled "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan."

Jun's management company, Sidus HQ, said in a press release yesterday that Jun will play one of the leading roles, alongside Chinese actress Li Bingbing and Australian actor Hugh Jackman.

Li will take on the role that was originally to be filled by Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi, who is bowing out of the project to work on another.

Credits : Hannah Kim, Contributing writer

Source : JoongAng Daily

****

2010.02.04

Jun Ji-hyun to star in Wayne Wang film with Hugh Jackman

Korean actress Jun Ji-hyun [10Asia]

Korean actress Jun Ji-hyun has been cast in the new Wayne Wang pic alongside Chinese actress Li Bingbing and Hollywood star Hugh Jackman, according to her agency Sidus HQ on Wednesday.

Jun will be playing the role of Snow Flower, one of the two main characters in the film "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan", which will be helmed by "Joy Luck Club" director Wayne Wang, Sidus HQ announced in a press release.

"Wayne Wang had asked Jun Ji-hyun to work with him several times since seeing her in the film 'My Sassy Girl', which was very popular in the Chinese market," an official at Sidus was quoted as saying. "Both Jun and director Wayne Wang are ecstatic about working together for this film."

Chinese movie star Zhang Ziyi was originally due to play the lead and also produce the film, but Singaporean media Channel News Asia reported last week that both Zhang and Jun had pulled out of the project and that producers were looking for replacements.

Top Chinese actress Li Bingbing, who has appeared in dozens of TV dramas and movies, is set to play a role opposite Jun and Australian actor Hugh Jackman of "X-men" fame is slated to play the male lead.

Set in 19th century China, "Snow Flower" chronicles the lives of two women -- Lily and Snow Flower -- and their lifelong, intimate friendship. The two women, who were each other's soulmates, exchanged poetry and letters written in a secret language on a fan. The film is based on the 2005 novel of the same title by Chinese-American writer Lisa See.

Shooting for the film kicked off yesterday while Jackman will join the cast around mid-February.

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

****

2010.02.05

Jun Ji-hyun to Star in Wayne Wang Film

Top Korean star Jun Ji-hyun has been cast as a heroine in the new Wayne Wang film “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan,” according to her agency Sidus HQ on February 3.

The film, which is based on the novel of the same title by Lisa See, is set in the Qing Dynasty in China during the 19th century. “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan” chronicles the lives of two women and their intimate friendship; the two women exchanged poetry and letters written in a secret language on a fan over the course of their entire lives.

In the movie, which was announced on February 2, Jun was cast in the role of Snow Flower, who has been through many storms of life, alongside famous Chinese actress Li Bingbing, who plays Jun’s counterpart, and Hollywood star Hugh Jackman.

Jun’s agency Sidus HQ said, “Director Wayne Wang had asked Jun to work together with him several times since seeing her in the film ‘My Sassy Girl,’ which was very popular in the Chinese market, but they never had a chance to work together, unfortunately. Both Jun and Wang are ecstatic about working together for this film.”

Wang, who was born and raised Hong Kong, received worldwide recognition for his film “Joy Luck Club” in 1993 and won the “Silver Bear Award” at the Berlin International Film Festival with the film “Smoke” in 1995.

Source : KBS GLOBAL

[deka_if]

2010.02.04

Actress Han Ga-in to make small screen comeback

Actress Han Ga-in [J.One Entertainment]

Starlet Han Ga-in will return to the small screen for the first time in three years, starring in a new SBS drama titled "Bad Boy" in May.

Her agency J. One Plus Entertainment said Thursday that the actress has high expectations for the drama and is practicing for her role opposite actor Kim Nam-gil of last year's MBC TV series "Queen Seon-deok" fame.

Han will play a character who is tough, realistic and will use her charm to any extent in order to climb the social ladder.

"Bad Boy," set to go into shoot starting February 10 in Nagoya, Japan, will be headed by Lee Hyung-min who is famous for producing hit dramas "I'm sorry, I Love You" and "Seon-dok".

The drama will also be co-produced by Good Story and ACC (Asia Contents Center Inc.), an affiliate of Japan's major broadcasting company NHK. The show had already been sold to ACC during the planning stages.

The 28-year-old actress made her debut in 2001 through KBS TV series "Sunshine Hunting". Since then she has starred in several dramas including "Yellow Handkerchief" and "Super Rookie". She married fellow actor Yeon Jung-hoon in 2005.

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

02-03-2010

Ambassadors for ‘green growth’

Ambassadors for ‘green growth’: President Lee Myung-bak speaks in the presence of two 'green growth’ ambassadors, actress Lee Da-hae, right, and singer/actor Jung Ji-hoon, left, known as Rain, during the seventh session of the Presidential Green Growth Committee at Cheong Wa Dae, Wednesday. The government will push for legislation to control pollution by capping allowable greenhouse emissions and introducing official statistics on carbon output.

Source : The Korea Times

[deka_if]

2010.02.04

Park Bo-young sued by movie producers for fraud

Korean actress Park Bo-young [Asia Economic Daily]

Korean actress Park Bo-young of hit 2008 film "Speedy Scandal" has been sued for fraud by a film production company, according to a local media report.

Cookie News reported Wednesday that production company Botem had filed a suit to the Seoul Central District Court two days earlier, accusing the actress and her agency Humane Entertainment of fraud and embezzlement.

Botem reportedly accused Park of falsely promising to appear in the film [tentatively titled] "Sounds of Ice" when she had no intention of doing so. Other reports said Humane, who was set to co-produce the film, allegedly appropriated 95 million won worth of production funds.

However, Park's agency has spoken out about the issue, saying that they feel upset and wronged by the accusations.

An official at Humane Entertainment explained over a phone call with Asia Economic Daily on Wednesday that recent media reports only wrote about the producers' point of view and that "there is room for misunderstanding by fans."

"We are planning to announce our official statement soon," the official said.

Park, 19, debuted in 2006 in the high-school TV drama "Secret Campus", which also starred actor Lee Min-ho. She rose to fame two years later, appearing alongside Hallyu star Cha Tae-hyun in the film "Speedy Scandal", which became one the most-watched movies of the year.

Reporter : Park So-yoen muse@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

****

02-04-2010

Park Bo-young Accused of Breaching Contract

Park Bo-young

Actress Park Bo-young, the starlet of hit movie "Scandal Makers," has been accused of breaching a contract by Botem, a movie production company, her agency Humane Entertainment said, Thursday.

Botem has filed a complaint with a Seoul district prosecution office against Park and her agency, claiming that Park failed to observe the contract calling for her to appear in a movie.

However, her agency said it will file a counter-complaint, claiming that Botem defamed her.

Botem claimed that the actress deceived the company by pretending that she would act in the film "The Sound of Ice" (working title), even though she had no intention of doing so in the first place.

It also claimed that she unilaterally discontinued practicing figure skating, required for her role in the film. At the same time, it said her agency swindled 115 million won out of Botem under the pretense of costs for movie production.

However, Humane said she quit practicing figure skating because it caused her pain in her spine.

"We have proposed Botem replace her with another actress," a Humane official said. "Park has received no guarantees. We were co-producing the movie and discussing ways to cover production costs. But it suddenly filed a complaint against her. It's an attempt to defame the actress."

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

Source : The Korea Times

[deka_if]

2010.02.03

[Review]

KBS talk show "Seungseungjanggu"

MC Kim Seung-woo on "Seungsungjanggu" [KBS2]

"Seungseungjanggu" - First Episode, KBS2 (Tue, 11:05 P.M.)

The first episode of talk show "Seungseungjanggu" presented viewers with 'talk' and much more. A song which was sung by the emcees at the opening of the show, was sung again with revised lyrics and at the end of the show. And those who made surprise appearances in the show started with main show host Kim Seung-woo's friend from army to those related to Kim Nam-joo, the first main guest of the show. There was also a segment where the emcees competed to see 'who can read the question the fastest', and it was extraordinary to see the audience sing, dance and cook pork belly in the center of Myeong-dong while Kim Seung-woo plays the traditional janggu. But such sporadic change made it hard to draw an overall picture of the context of what the show is about. The only element portrayed uniformly throughout the show was Kim Seung-woo's identity as an amateur show host. On Tuesday, the guest was his wife Kim Nam-joo but like he had said "I'm the MC. Why are you treating me like a guest?", the show focused on him. When the host does not have much to ask the guest and the guest knows a lot about the host, it is inevitable that the guest's answers will end up being about that host. Despite the fact that guest star Kim Nam-joo told honest stories about her life -- how she started her career as a model out of hunger, which led to her acting career and her desire to shoot TV commercials -- what was emphasized the most was how timid Kim Seung-woo is. To sum up the first episode, the ultimate guest ended up being Kim Seung-woo. So while supporting show hosts 2PM's Woo Young's wit, comedienne Kim Shin Young's quick reflexes, and TV personality Choi Hwa-jung's boldness started to take form, one has yet to wonder what exactly the role of MC Kim is on the show.

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

Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

02-04-2010

Jang-Ko Wedding Sets Off PR War

Actor Jang Dong-gun, left, and actress Ko So-young

When actress Ko So-young showed up at the airport last month after vacationing in Hawaii with her beloved, heartthrob Jang Dong-gun, she sent a message to the wedding industry as to what kind of bride she intends to be.

Wearing a fancy Isabel Marant leopard-print fur coat, Ko sported metal-framed aviator shades by Rayban, a white oversized Givenchy bag and a gold metal Rolex watch. Striding comfortably in her black snakeskin kill heels, the star celeb was clad head-to-toe in bling.

Ko's bold fashion ensemble created not only an immediate stir, but also served as a hint to wedding vendors.

According to industry sources, premium dress shops, travel agencies, jewelry brands and beauty salons are all competing to let the 37-year-old bride-to-be know that they can provide her with whatever she wishes.

They don't seem to mind bending over backwards since the wedding between Ko and Jang is expected to draw a huge media spotlight in Korea and all over Asia.

"The PR effect is going to be massive," said an unnamed manager of Blanc, a dress drop in Cheongdam-dong, a posh fashion district in southern Seoul, "so everyone and their moms are trying to somehow get in touch with Ko."

Sources say the fashion icon is personally planning her own wedding, without hiring a professional planner.

To catch Ko's attention, marketers say free sponsorship is a given as they're competing to offer all kinds of added perks, promising her a better wedding experience. And with the clock ticking, they're starting to move faster.

The couple has reportedly already decided on their hair and make-up stylists for the big day, which is said will take place at the Shilla Hotel.

Ko plans to let her everyday stylist at Cheongdam-dong's W Purify handle her hair and make-up, while Jang is expected to leave the work to his favorite shop, Aura Hair.

The hair and make-up may be set, but the bride-to-be has yet to select her wedding dress shop.

Paparazzi have recently spotted Ko touring numerous boutiques in the Cheongdam-dong and Apgujueong-dong area, but sources say she hasn't made the final call yet.

Competition among wedding shops is the most intense since a bride's dress usually creates the biggest buzz.

For example, after popular actresses Kim Nam-joo and Shim Eun-ha wore dresses by Vera Wang in 2005, the New York designer's pieces became the No. 1 choice for brides for years. The same happened when top actress Kim Hee-seon wore Reem Acra's dress in 2007.

"The dress, along with even the smallest accessories that Ko chooses, will go down in fashion history," said a consultant at Esmeralda, a luxury dress shop.

Jang is set to announce the wedding details at a fan meeting on March 6.

Credits : Jane Han, Staff Reporter (jhan@koreatimes.co.kr)

Source : The Korea Times

[deka_if]

 Feb.06,2010

Han Hye-jin Embraces Challenge of Historical Role

Han Hye-jin

The actress Han Hye-jin looked beautiful in Korean traditional dress or hanbok on the set of TV series "Jejungwon." Set in the final years of the Chosun Dynasty in the late 19th and the early 20th centuries, the clothes she wears for the drama are not completely traditional in their flamboyant colors and patterns, but they suited the actress to a T.

Han plays a role of the first woman doctor of Western medicine in Korea. Costume is essential for the character, so Han has to get changed at least five times a day during shooting. Although she is happy with the hanbok, she confessed that the clothes could be inconvenient.

"Because I have to wear heavily wired and layered petticoat, it is very uncomfortable every time I go to the toilet. It takes such a long time for just one trip," she said. "Another difficulty is that a lot of the shooting takes place outdoors. But it's still very fun process when you shoot a TV series together with many people and carry the story forward. Because the script is so interesting, I get totally immersed in the story rather than thinking about how hard it is. I'm a bit scared because I'm least confident in historical drama, but I go to work every day in the hope that I'll be able to see that I've made some progress."

Han made her comeback to both TV and cinema early January with "Jejungwon" and the film "No Mercy," her first starring role on the big screen. "Many people ask me why I hadn't starred in a film after all these years, but I still think it's a huge honor," she said. "There are many talented actors and actresses who are forced to rest for prolonged periods because there aren't many opportunities. I'm very grateful that I was able to do both the TV series and the film at the same time."

Han has been in an open relationship with the singer Naul for five years. "Many people tell me that things get harder when you have a long-term romance, and encourage me to get married soon. But we are so comfortable the way we are now. As I've worked hard in my career, I want to let my boyfriend work as he wishes," she said.

Credits : englishnews@chosun Ilbo

[deka_if]

January 05, 2010

Actor Kwon Sang-woo injured while filming fight

Korean actor Kwon Sang-woo

Korean actor Kwon Sang-woo is reported to have been injured yesterday while shooting his latest movie, “Into The Gunfire.” Kwon was immediately brought to the nearest hospital for treatment in Hapcheon, South Gyeongsang, but when he continued complaining of pain, he was transferred to a larger hospital in Seoul.

Kwon was filming a fighting scene with the rapper T.O.P, a member of idol group Big Bang, who is also starring in the movie. While they were rolling around in rough dirt, Kwon’s right cheekbone is said to have become swollen.

According to Kwon’s manager, “Kwon’s injury isn’t fatal but as the actor wants an exact diagnosis after feeling continuous pain, he is now at a hospital in Seoul.” After a thorough examination, Kwon will be back on set to resume shooting. The hospital has not yet released the results of its examination and Kwon has been prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication.

Credits : Yim Seung-hye [estyle@joongang.co.kr]

Source : JoongAng Daily

[deka_if]

2010.02.05

‘Parallel Life’ falters as a thriller

In the span of just a couple of weeks we’ve had three locally made thrillers in “Secret,” “No Mercy” and now “Parallel Life.”

The former two have failed to ignite the box office and it looks like the latest offering will meet the same fate.

It’s a shame, too, as the film has an interesting concept that could have been put to good use at the hands of a more capable storyteller.

“Parallel Life” uses the notion that everyone’s lives are being repeated, based off of a doppelganger from a past life and that their fates will ultimately mirror their former selves.

To illustrate this, director and writer Kwon Hoyoung enlisted the much talked about link between Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy.

He uses the coincidences of the two former heads of state as examples for the parallel life theory.

Both Lincoln and Kennedy became government servants and elected to the presidency on the same year, assassinated on the same day of the week ? Lincoln, at the Ford Theater and Kennedy, in a Ford vehicle and both died with their wives present and both were killed by assassins born in the same year.

Intriguing stuff, but placed into the context of the film, it feels forced and unconvincing as if the impetus for the movie came simply from that beguiling case.

“Parallel Life” marks Ji Jinhee’s first foray into the thriller genre playing Seokhyun, a hot shot legal eagle who becomes the youngest presiding judge in the Prosecutor’s Office.

<a href='http://clk.atdmt.com/DKO/go/196659524/direct/01/' target='_blank'><img border='0' src='http://view.atdmt.com/DKO/view/196659524/direct/01/' /></a>The man has it all: a beautiful wife and daughter with money and power thrown into the mix.

It seems he has the perfect life until his wife turns up dead.

A nosey reporter, straight from the cliche bin, later informs him of a similar case involving another presiding judge who 30 years ago became the youngest to be given the position and whose wife and daughter were brutally murdered.

Convinced of the parallel universe theory, Seokhyun begins to investigate the life of his wouldbe doppelganger from the past in order to ensure that his daughter does not meet the same fate as her mother’s.

One of the most important elements for a thriller to work is how well the director can suspend disbelief in his audience.

However preposterous the plot is, if the characters and its locations are believable, an audience will allow their critical eye to be put on autopilot.

Watching “Parallel Life” you can’t help but think that this was a movie that moved far from reality.

For one, the sets seem too Westernized and the decor, layered with antique furniture, too polished to believe that the people in the film are little more than characters in a movie.

All throughout the film, scenes set inside interiors are lit with too much sheen and polish as if the director of photography never saw a gel he didn’t like.

In their quest to abide by the “well made film” look that began with Park Chanwook’s Kafkainspired bizarreo vision a few years back, the filmmakers really dropped the ball by overdoing it.

The sets, costumes, cinematography, and film school editing tricks are all distractions that reinforce the notion that what you’re watching is a movie.

Even Ha Jungwoo, a chameleon of a method actor seemed to be playing a parody of his previous role as a similar psychopath in the superior Na Hongjin hit “The Chaser.”

Watching repeated allusions to the LincolnKennedy story throughout “Parallel Universe” only makes you try to visualize how giddy writerdirector Kwon Hoyoung must have looked when he first got wind of the urban legend.  

Credits : Song Woongki (kws@heraldm.com)

Source : The Korea Herald

[deka_if]

2010.02.08

Bae Yong-joon to promote Korea in TV commercial

Hallyu star Bae Yong-joon [KEYEAST]

An official television commercial featuring Hallyu star Bae Yong-joon in a Korean tourism campaign is set to air in Japan and throughout the world, according to his agency.

The actor, who last October was appointed PR ambassador to promote Korean tourism, appeared in a special commercial to promote Korea and the "2010-2012 Visit Korea Year" campaign, KEYEAST said in a press release.

"We expect this television commercial to create a huge sensation overseas," explained Mr. Roh Young-woo, Managing Director of Visit Korea Year Committee. "We hope that viewers overseas will become more interested and more fond of Korea through watching the commercial."

The commercial started airing Friday in Japan on DATV and will later be broadcast in other regions.

Bae, 37, has been actively promoting Korean culture in Asia since shooting to stardom in the region after starring in 2002 hit TV series "Winter Sonata" alongside actress Choi Ji-woo.

Last year, he released a photo essay titled "Discovering the Beauty of Korea", which contains self-taken photographs of various cultural artisans that the actor met during his year-long travel around the country. He authored the book in order to introduce Korean culture such as food, tradition and travel locations.

Korean actor Bae Yong-joon in a TV commercial [KEYEAST]

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2010.02.08

"Secret Reunion" takes first win on Korean box office

Movie poster of "Secret Reunion" [showbox]

Korean film "Secret Reunion" and "Harmony" took over the Korean box office over the weekend to end the reign of Hollywood blockbuster "Avatar," estimates showed on Monday.

According to figures by the Korean Box Office Information System (KOBIS), newly released action film "Reunion" knocked out seven week winner "Avatar" out of the top spot by selling 741,552 tickets between February 5 to 7.

"Reunion," about a former South Korean intelligence official and North Korean spy who re-encounter each other six years after their initial meeting, stars actors Song Kang-ho and Gang Dong-won who play the role of the failed agents.

Korean drama "Harmony," starring actress Kim Yun-jin of the U.S. "Lost" series, followed after "Reunion" on the local box office for the second consecutive week with 388,383 admissions.

While "Avatar" fell back two slots to No. 3 with 363,639 moviegoers over the three-day period, the James Cameron mega-hit pic hauled in an accumulate 11.9 million viewers since its release to become the third most-watched film in Korea's box office history.

Rounding off the top five were Korean films "WOOCHI" with 79,435 viewers and "Le Grand Chef 2: Kimchi Battle" with 63,114.

Other movies in the top ten were "Le Petit Nicholas", "Attack of the Gas Station 2", "Did You Hear About the Morgans?", "I Hate Valentine's Day", and "Astro Boy".

[RATINGS]

Weekend Box Office: Feb 5-7

South Korea's box office estimates for the weekend of February 5-7, 2010 [Korean Box Office Information System (KOBIS)]/ Asia Economic

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2010.02.08

"Three Brothers" on top once again

KBS2 weekend drama "Three Brothers" [KBS]

KBS2 weekend drama "Three Brothers" has once again dominated TV ratings charts for the sixth consecutive week as the most-watched TV program in the country, according to polls on Monday.

Weekly statistics from TNS Korea and AGB Nielsen Media Research indicated that "Brothers" ranked atop the charts for the first week of February with viewership ratings of 38.2 percent and 35.9 percent, respectively.

The No. 1 show focuses on the lives of three brothers and the happenings of their family, love and everyday lives.

Both TNS and AGB reported that "The Slave Hunters" and "I Love You Ten Million Times" also fared well on both charts.

"Hunters," the historical Korean drama from KBS2 featuring stars Jang Hyuk, Lee Dae-hae and Oh Ji-ho, is currently viewers' second most-favored TV show with ratings of 34.8 percent and 31.8 percent, respectively.

SBS weekend drama "Ten Million" topped off the chart with viewership ratings of 26.7 percent by TNS and 26.8 percent by AGB.

[RATINGS]

Weekly TV ratings: Feb 1-7

TV ratings for the week of February 1-7, 2010 [10Asia]

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2010.02.08

KBS TV dramas to air in Central, South Americas

2002 KBS TV series "Winter Sonata" starring Hallyu stars Choi Ji-woo (left) and Bae Yong-joon [KBS]

A number of Korean television dramas are set to air in several Central and South American countries, according to Korean public broadcaster KBS on Monday.

KBS Media, who sells the network's programs overseas, announced that they sold the popular TV series "Winter Sonata"(2002) and "Autumn in My Heart"(2000) to Hispanic distributor Latin Media at the "NATPE 2010" conference, held January 25 thru 27 in Las Vegas.

"NATPE 2010", which stands for the National Association of Television Program Executives, is an annual event attended by television industry officials from all around the world.

Many more Korean dramas -- including "Boys Over Flowers", "Full House" and "Mr. Goodbye" -- have broadcasting contract in pending, KBS said, after which they are set to air in Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela and Puerto Rico.

The Korean broadcaster had been airing its dramas in Central and South American countries for free so far to expand its market and gain viewers. In 2006, "Winter Sonata" and "Autumn in My Heart" were broadcast in 11 countries in the region through a promotional alliance with Korea Foundation.

Hallyu dramas will be shown Arab countries as well. KBS Media is reportedly processing a deal with the region's satellite broadcaster Middle East Broadcasting Center to air the hit 2009 dramas "Boys Over Flowers" and "My Fair Lady".

Reporter : Cho Bum-ja anju1015@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

02-08-2010

Top Actresses Heading Toward Small Screen

Fans of TV dramas already have an ample lineup of witty programs to choose from, but the list will become more colorful with a number of top actresses returning to the small screen.

Movie star Son Ye-jin is tapping into the small screen market with ``Personal Interest'' (working title) after appearing in the dark thriller ``Walking the White Night'' (2009).

Son will appear as Park Gae-in, the CEO of a famous furniture company, who dreams of having a gay guy friend. She gets close to her dream when she ends up living with Jeon Jin-ho, whom she mistakes as the perfect match for her. Jeon will be played by ``Boys Over Flowers'' star Lee Min-ho.

The actress expressed the difficulty of portraying her ``White Night'' character during press events and interviews, and it seems like she will be able to brush away the mysterious and dark personality. The movie may have not topped the box office, but it showed how fearless the 28-year-old is when it comes to acting.

``I wanted to be involved in a bright and fun drama and I liked the character ― cute and charming and always up to the task,'' Son said.

The actress has been lucky when it comes to co-actors, performing opposite some of the top stars in Korea, including Bae Yong-joon, Kim Ju-hyuk, Jung Woo-sung and Ji Jin-hee.

Viewers will have to wait and see if she can embody the bubbly character, and create chemistry with the 22-year-old Lee.

``Personal Interest'' will start airing in April on MBC.

Actress Moon Geun-young recently applied for a temporary leave from school to focus on her new television series ``Cinderella's Sister'' (working title). The 22-year-old actress will be playing a modern Cinderella who plots revenge against her step mother and sister.

Moon recently posted her feelings on her personal blog, comparing the drama to a well made dish.

``I will be starting to cook soon. I went over the recipe, how long it will take for me to finish cooking and also the ingredients needed,'' she wrote.

``I feel like it will turn out to be a very delicious dish and I promise that we will do our best.''

Her fellow cast members will also add to the highly anticipated recipe, with the characters played by boy group 2PM member Ok Taec-yeon and actor Chun Jeong-myeong competing to steal Moon's heart. This is Ok's first drama, while Chun will be returning to the small screen for the first time in four years.

Moon has earned the nickname ``the nation's little sister'' over the years, but dropped off the public radar when she enrolled at Sungkyunkwan University to major in Korean literature in 2006. She returned to fans with the television series ``Painter of Wind'' (SBS) in 2008, and eventually won the Grand Prize at the SBS Drama Awards.

``Cinderella's Sister'' will start airing late March in KBS.

Famous for her flawless skin and pretty features, Han Ga-in is one of the most popular cosmetic models in the nation. Pretty she may be, but the 28-year-old has yet to reach the top of the acting field since debuting in 2002. This year will hopefully bring some progress in her career, as she will meet fans through new drama ``Bad Man'' (working title) opposite Kim Nam-gil from hit period drama ``The Great Queen Seondeok.''

``Han is busy focusing on her character. It's been three years since her last work, and she is looking forward to meeting her fans as soon as possible,'' J.One + Entertainment said.

The series ``Bad Man'' will feature Han as a stubborn character that uses her charms to climb the corporate ladder, an edgier role than her previous soft and pretty characters. It features Kim as a businessman who dreams big, both personally and professionally.

``Bad Man,'' produced by the makers of ``I'm Sorry, I Love You'' (2004, KBS) and ``The Snow Queen'' (2006, KBS), will start airing in May on SBS.

Meanwhile, Han Chae-young is also returning to the small screen as a headstrong city desk reporter in new soap ``The Man Who is Called a God'' (working title). The new soap will be Han's first drama in four years.

The 29-year-old's priority has seemed to be films over the past few years. Except for a supporting role in the hit drama ``Boys Over Flowers,'' she starred in ``Girlfriends'' and ``Good Morning President'' in 2009, and has two more films in the pipeline for 2010. Nevertheless, Han is expecting to change that by appearing as a passionate reporter with fellow actor Song Il-gook and actress Han Go-eun.

``The Man Who is Called a God,'' based on the namesake cartoon by the late cartoonist Park Bong-seong, will start airing in March on MBC.

Last but not least, Chae Rim is waiting to captivate viewers with her charms through new series ``Oh My Lady!'' The 30-year-old actor, who appeared in ``All About Eve'' (2000, MBC) and ``Dalja's Spring'' (2007, KBS) will star as a bubbly and enthusiastic housewife-turned-top star manager. Also famous in China, she is expected to play opposite Super Junior member Choi Si-won.

Chae Rim has been busy flying back and forth from Taiwan for dramas, and the actress is aiming to captivate viewers once again.

``Oh My Lady'' will start airing in March on SBS.

Credits : Han Sang-hee, Staff Reporter (sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr) 

Source : The Korea Times

[deka_if]

2010.02.09

Park says career success does not quench one's thirst for love

"Still, Marry Me" actors (from left to right): Park Jin-hee and Kim Bum [MBC]

"You shouldn't be like that with someone who is around your mom's age", Ban-suk (played by Choi Chul-ho) says to Min-jae (Kim Bum) upon seeing a seemingly intimate picture of him and Shin-young (played by Park Jin-hee) together. That comment Ban-suk made during preview showing of a scene shown for the press on the set of "Still, Marry Me" on February 2 may probably speak for what all viewers of the show probably feel. And like so, there are a couple of scenes in the drama that the public can relate to but some which also brings several questions to mind. Why is the story about a couple composed of woman who is older than the man and why does it focus on the topic of marriage? These questions were asked during a press conference attended by director Kim Min-sik, actress Park Jin-hee and actor Kim Bum.

Q: How does it feel to play a couple where the woman is older?

Kim Bum (Kim): I like the role but I think Park Jin-hee is tired. Yesterday's shoot wrapped up just this morning.

Park Jin-hee (Park): Other than the fact that it is physically draining, I am very happy to be shooting the drama.

Q: The expressions of affection between your two characters can be a bit too lovey-dovey at times.

Park: Really? Which scene?

Kim: There are some scenes where I cringe too but you haven't seen it all yet. (laugh)

Park: I think it's at a pretty normal level up until the fourth episode. We've been trying to anticipate how intensive it gets -- to the point where we can't wait for the script for the following episodes to come out. So it's a bit iffy when you put it that way. (laughs) What I will tell you though is that we shot a scene where we share a scarf together.

Q: What is the reaction towards you guys as a couple due to the large age gap?

Kim: People around us were worried when the pilot episode aired. And there really is quite a large age gap between us so I was worried we would really look like a couple when we stand next to each other. But people who have watched our show have told me we look better together than they expected and have encouraged me to work harder.

Park: I actually thought he would be a baby because of his actual age. I think that's why I was skeptical in a way in the beginning but Kim Bum is very mature and masculine so it's been easy shooting with him.

Actress Park Jin-hee (left) and actor Kim Bum [MBC]

Q: Can you give us an example?

Park: We were talking about birthdays at one of the get-togethers off shoot and he bought me a winter supply kit. Another example is that when some of the female characters were shooting a party scene, some were revealing quite revealing clothes and he brought over blankets and a heater for them. Whenever he acts older, I ask him, "Did you lie about your age?" Unlike people from his generation, he says 'primary school' instead of 'elementary school'. (laughs)

Q: So what the meaning of this sort of relationship in "Marry"?

Kim Min-sik (Kim MS): Single women in their mid-30s probably don't trust men who are around their age or older. They probably suspect that there is something wrong with them. (laughs). And the men that seem okay are taken and so I don't think deciding to go out with a guy who is younger isn't about making an extreme decision or fulfilling a fantasy. What's important is not the fact that the woman is the older one in the relationship but that it's a decision a woman in her mid-30s, with her work and philosophy in life, has made.

Park: When I first received the synopsis, I actually told the producer that it's hard for me to relate to the story because of the big difference in age. There is a scene in the drama where Da-jung (played by Uhm Ji-won) talks about the age difference between Min-jae and Shin-young but I think Korean society has yet to become ready to accept it. However, upon shooting episodes five and six recently, I've come to realize there is an emotional part that you can't control rationally. I think it can't be helped because my character happens to fall in love with a guy who turns out to be 12 years younger. She didn't fall in love with him because he is that young.

Q: Do you think it's possible for such a relationship to work out in reality too?

Park: If the two have a connection and can converse with each other, it doesn't matter if the person is 12 years younger or older because age is merely a number. The important thing is how that relationship starts and whether you come across that opportunity to meet a younger guy. There aren't many opportunities you get to meet a younger man but if you come across that chance and both share the same feelings, I think it could be possible.

Kim: I think it's possible. Since I started working at an early age, I've mostly talked to or received advice from people who were older than me. I'm so used to that, that I feel uncomfortable when I meet people who are the same age or younger than me. I also think you can see someone regardless of nationality or race, as long as you can talk to each other.

Producer Kim Min-sik [MBC]

Q: Then why is the drama so lenient in creating a couple with such a big age gap but so focused on the woman getting married?

Kim MS: The title of the show is "Still, Marry Me" but it should actually be "Still, Love Me." People may think why would a successful woman need that? But no matter how successful a woman is, aren't they still thirsty for love? To find the man that they truly love?

Park: Even for me, I work hard, I'm healthy and I try to live life to the fullest but love is difficult to find. Whether is be my guy or girl friends at a get-together, we'll start out by talking about how our stocks are doing or how they got a raise for their paychecks but we'll end up talking about our first loves or dating. I think that shows how important love is as a driving force and that thirst does not get quenced despite how successful you are.

Q: Shin-young is a character that women in their 30s can relate to but male viewers may think Min-jae is annoying for being the so-called 'perfect man'. (laughs)

Kim: I don't know... I'm not the type that is conscious of what other people say or think about me but I cut off my Internet at one point because I because so exhausted both mentally and physically. I just don't want to be bothered with what others say, hindering my own judgement about my acting. Even though Min-jae is popular among female viewers, he is a person who doesn't believe in love. He grew up in that kind of surrounding and I think when he meets Shin-young is when he figures out what true love is. I hope to portray that image to the viewers during the latter half of the show.

Q: Women in their 30s will be able to relate to the drama but KBS' "The Slave Hunters" is currently the most-watched Wednesday and Thursday night show. I'm curious to know how you will make the audience watch your show instead.

Kim MS: I knew from the start that "The Slave Hunters" would not be easy competition. But scenarist Kim In-young has put in a lot of effort into the script and has endurance so we'll go with the story we agreed to show since the planning stages of the drama. There's a lot of humor in the beginning of the show but will increasingly revolve around love and end up talking about deadly love. Not the 'because of so and so' type love but the 'madly, cannot help falling in despite' type of love. That's how we are rolling for the show, with whatever the writers have prepared for us and I as the producer and the actors will try our best to deliver a story.

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

Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[Guest teukiie]

2010.02.10

Uee attends press conference for TV series "Birdie Buddy"

Singer and actor Uee [Lee Ki-bum/Asia Economic Daily]

After School member Uee attends a press conference for new TV series "Birdie Buddy" at High1 Resort in the Gangwon Province of South Korea on February 10, 2010.

Singer and actor Uee [Lee Ki-bum/Asia Economic Daily]

Singer and actor Uee [Lee Ki-bum/Asia Economic Daily]

After School member Uee poses during a press conference for new TV series "Birdie Buddy" at High1 Resort in the Gangwon Province of South Korea on February 10, 2010.

Photographer : Lee Ki-bum metro83@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

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