[News] Drama, Movies, Actors & Actresses

[deka_if]

Feb.18, 2010

KOFIC Increases Budget for 3D Initiatives

KOFIC has increased its support budget for 3D initiatives from last year’s 850m Korean won (U.S $725,300) to 3.9bn ($3.4m) and announced a deal for 3D conversion with Korean company Stereopictures. The deal with Stereopictures will see the 3D conversion of Warner Brothers Cats & Dogs: The Revenge Of Kitty Galore, to be released in the U.S July 30. A live action comedy filmed using advanced puppetry and computer animation, the film tells the tale of a world where cats and dogs have to join forces to fight evil. This is Stereopictures’s first project for Hollywood and they plan to do 6 to 8 more projects next year. In addition, KOFIC has signed an M.O.U (memorandum of understanding) with the company to develop new 3D technology and, in conjunction with the Korean Film Academy of Arts, churn out 7000 new 3D trained experts over a 4 year period.

With the movie industry scrambling to address falling revenues in the face of illegal downloading, 3D is again becoming a popular way to increase the movie going experience and the value of tickets. This announcement comes hot on the heels of James Cameron’s Avatar whose success story can be in part attributed to its 3D and IMAX 3D sales.

Credits : David Oxenbridge <KOFIC>

[deka_if]

2010.02.26

[PREVIEW]

MBC TV series "The Man Called God"

The cast of TV series "The Man Called God": (from left) actors Cho Jin-woong, Yu In-young,

Han Go-eun, Song Il-gook, Han Chae-young and Kim Min-jong [MBC]

Actors Han Chae-young, Song Il-kook and Yu In-young [Lee Ki-bum/Asia Economic Daily]

"The Man Called God" - MBC, Saturday/Sunday evening

- Written by Lee Hong-goo

- Directed by Lee Hyeong-seon

- Starring: Song Il-gook (as Choi Kang-ta), Han Chae-young (as Jin Bo-bae), Kim Min-jong (as Hwang Woo-hyun), Han Go-eun (as Vivian), Yu In-young (as Jang-mi) and Cho Jin-woong (as Jang-ho) etc.

- In one sentence: A boy, who witnesses his parents getting murdered by villains, becomes the world's richest and most charming man with top martial arts skills and information network to make his revenge and also save Korea.

- Premiere date: March 6, 2010, 9:45 PM

Some dramas make news just by the fact that it is being made into a drama. TV series "The Man Called God", based on the comic series by the late Korean artist Park Bong-seong, is one of those dramas. Many fans of the original series had questioned news of the story being made into a drama, as it showed infinite scale that could only be expressed in a comic, but the series is in production and set to premiere. That is why the drama's press conference, held February 25 at Seoul's Lotte Hotel, and its highlights screening, felt a little unrealistic compared to those of other dramas.

Most dramas based on comic books are adapted in a way that they can be realistic enough to show on the small screen. But "The Man Called God" appears to stay faithful to its original piece, from its poster which fully reflects the vibe the comic book's cover gives off to the hairstyle Song Il-gook dons to portray the omnipotent main character Choi Kang-ta. From what has been revealed in the highlight video, national intelligence service agent Hwang Woo-hyun (played by Kim Min-jong) explains through a briefing scene that Choi Kang-ta is a legendary character who single-handedly annihilated the world's top terrorists. Can the fancy revenge drama of Choi Kang-ta, who loses his parents to villains at a young age and accumulates godly omnipotent powers for revenge, be played out in perfection on the small screen?

Scenes from the TV series "The Man Called God" [MBC]

Director Lee Hyeong-seon has stated that he will make "an action hero drama which depicts on a godly character representing the belief that good triumphs over the evil, even if there is a need for slight sacrifice of rationale." This is also the characteristic of the original comic series. Whether viewers like it or not, it could definitely be a unique or amazing experience to watch a godly character -- who is far beyond being Mr. Perfect and possesses infinite powers -- and his actions on television. However, that also means that the emotions underlying the drama are likely cater to a certain group of select manias, not the general masses. Could this drama really be one that is universally understood by contemporary viewers?

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]

02-26-2010

Book Features Korean Film Renaissance

“South Korean Film Renaissance:

Local Hit Makers, Global Provocateurs”

written by Choi Jin-hee in English and

published by Wesleyan University

Press with the support of the Korea

Foundation

In recent years, it has become more likely for Korean cineastes to be placed under the international spotlight at major film festivals worldwide.

Over the past decade, Korean cinema has proven to be commercially viable both on local and overseas markets, enjoying a renaissance and appealing to cinephiles on the festival circuit.

``South Korean Film Renaissance: Local Hit Makers, Global Provocateurs'' written by Choi Jin-hee in English probes how the Korean film industry turned an economic crisis into a cinematic renaissance through globalization based on historical reviews of the industry.

In the late 1990s, the Korean blockbuster established itself as a feasible production/marketing strategy on the domestic market, with the commercial success of such films as ``Swiri'' and ``Joint Security Area.'' Since then, box office records have been constantly exceeded by subsequent movies, including ``Silmido,'' ``Taegukgi,'' and ``The Host,'' which attracted audiences of more than 13 million.

Korean cinema has become one of the strongest commercial film industries in the region, outperforming Hollywood at the local box office. In past years, annual paid cinema admissions in the region have more than tripled from 42 million people in 1996 to 148 million in 2005 during which time Hollywood's market share was cut in half, dropping from 77 percent to 36 to 38 percent. By 2005, Korea had become the fifth largest theatrical market in the world, with $890 million in box-office receipts.

How was this possible? The book addresses the influence of Korean cinema on the world film scene as it adapted to regional and global demand by modernizing industry practices and elevating film production value.

With the country's rapid economic growth in the 1970s and 1980s, the Korean government was under pressure to liberalize its import policies and financial markets for all industries, including film.

The anxiety over the large influx of foreign films, however, was slowly overcome with a generational shift within the industry. The relaxation of restrictions on production, in conjunction with the inauguration of a civilian government, provided an opportunity for independent production companies and a new generation of directors ― often identified as the ``386 generation'' whose members were born in the 1960s and attended college in the 1980s ― to propel an industrial boom unprecedented in the history of Korean cinema.

As French New Wave directors reshaped France's film culture and industry in the 1960s and Hong Kong New Wave directors with their sensibilities launched the golden era of Hong Kong cinema in the 1980s, the ``386 generation' directors of similar political predilections contributed to the current industry boom by quickly adapting themselves to industry demands.

The concept of generation implies that a demographic group tends to manifest similar attitudes or stances toward its national and cultural history because of its shared experience.

The current renaissance is a result of the increasing globalization of the world film industry and of Korean's striving for cultural visibility and also an attempt to reach a wider regional global audience.

“Swiri” was the first Hollywood-style

big-budget blockbuster to be produced

in the "new" Korean film industry. /

Korea Times File

The book gives an exact historical chronicled assessment of the Korean film industry by articulating how it has transformed narrative and style in genres ranging from gangster films to high school movies, horror and romance in detailed chapters.

Under the rapid transformation that the Korean film industry underwent, major production trends and cycles are examined with an eye toward their economic, cultural and aesthetic ramifications: blockbusters, gangster cinema, romance films, teen flicks and high-quality movies that attempt to be both commercially viable and artistically competent.

The first chapter looks into the ways in which the Korean film industry has dealt with the industry crisis that resulted from pressure from the United States and other countries.

The second chapter explores characteristics of Korean blockbusters, wrestling with such questions as to why many successful films portray the history of Korea, and why Korean science-fiction blockbusters have all failed at the box office?

The third chapter traces the resurgence of gangster cinema in East Asia and highlights some of the similarities and differences between Hong Kong and Korean gangster films.

The fourth chapter examines romantic comedies which have undergone transformations with a focus on gender, featuring eccentric, hysterical heroines in such films as ``My Sassy Girl'' and ``My Tutor Friend.'' It also discusses the romantic drama which often utilizes spatial and temporal distance as an obstacle to the union of couples.

High school has become a transgeneric setting for films of various cycles, including gangster films such as ``Beat,'' and horror offering ``Whispering Corridors.'' The fifth chapter examines how adolescent films achieve both intergenerational and intra-generational appeal by evoking nostalgia as well as critiquing Korea's current education system.

The sixth chapter focuses on high-quality films, a trend that began with the commercial success of Bong Joon-ho's ``Memories of Murder.'' Advocates of high-quality films attempt to differentiate their filmmaking from both ends of the production hierarchy: low-budget comedy and spectacle driven blockbusters. Such discourse aims to correct the public's misconception that commercial films cater to an audience's quickly changing tastes and thus lack aesthetic merit.

The last chapter details with the active negotiations between Korean New Wave directors and the commercial film industry, citing Kim Ki-duk, Park Chan-wook and Hong Sang-soo who are all linked to the aesthetic label.

The book is published by Wesleyan University Press with the support of the Korea Foundation to help overseas fans learn about the rapid growth of Korean films.

Credits : Chung Ah-young, Staff Reporter (chungay@koreatimes.co.kr)

Source : The Korea Times

[deka_if]

2010.02.26

Jang Keun-suk warns of fan tour ticket fraud

Korean actor/singer Jang Keun-suk [Y-TREE Media]

Korean actor Jang Keun-suk, set to kick off his fan tour in Asia next month, has asked fans to watch out for bogus tickets for the event.

"We heard from the company organizing Jang's fan meeting in Taiwan that several fans had bought tickets for the event through online ticket sites and fan cafes but never actually received them," Jang's agency Y-TREE Media said on Friday.

All 2,500 tickets for the "2010 Jang Keun-suk Asia Tour in Taipei" on March 7 had sold out however, in just three hours of going on sale earlier this month.

"Tickets for Jang's fan meeting in Taiwan have sold out completely and there is no secondary seller so there is a high chance that the tickets bought through someone other than the event's organizer are fake," Y-TREE emphasized, adding fans for extra caution in purchpurchasing tickets for his remaining tour.

The actor is set to visit a total of four countries till May for his Asia tour which also includes China, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Jang made his debut in the entertainment industry as a model at the early age of five. He has appeared in several dramas such as "Beethoven Virus" and "Hong Gil-dong."

Last year, he played the role of an eccentric lead singer of idol group A.N.JELL in TV series "Minamishineyo."

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2010-02-26

Park Sun-Young to Marry a Diplomat in May

Korean Actress Park Sun-young (34) will marry a diplomat at the Sinla Hotel on May 29, according to Park's agency, De Chocolate E& TF. The agency revealed that Park's fiancé is a diplomat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and that she has been dating him for seven years.

Park said, "He is sincere and honest, as well as easygoing. I decided to marry him due to his sincerity. He loves me invariably even though we have been dating for a long time. I will love him more than I do and we will make an effort to be a good couple."

The wedding ceremony will be held in private, and the couple will set up their home in Seocho-dong. Park debuted by winning the Super Talent Grand Prize in 1996 and appeared in dramas such as "Honesty," "Splendid Days," "Jang Hee-bin," "Sad Goodbye," and " Winter Bird." She played the international lawyer Sujin in the KBS 2TV drama, "The Sons of Sol Pharmacy House," which ended last year.

Source : KBS Global

[deka_if]

2010/02/27

'Avatar' rewrites S. Korean box office history

SEOUL, Feb. 27 (Yonhap) -- James Cameron's science fiction film 'Avatar' on Saturday rewrote South Korea's box office history again as it toppled a monster blockbuster film to become No. 1 in terms of number of tickets sold, the film's distributor said.

The film's local distributor, 20th Century Fox Korea, said that the number of moviegoers for 'Avatar' surpassed 13.01 million on Saturday afternoon -- the previous record figure for the 2006 homegrown release 'The Host" directed by Bong Joon-ho. 'Avatar' was released here in December.

The epic sci-fi fantasy, which tells the story of a disabled U.S. marine who infiltrates a tribe of giant blue aliens inhabiting a faraway planet, has already become the first film ever in the Korean movie market to gross over 100 billion won (US$87.3 million) in ticket sales.

The film's skyrocketing sales are due in large measure to the movie's admission prices for its 3D screenings, which are some 40-percent higher than ordinary movies.

'Avatar' will likely continue its record-breaking streak for sometime, as its distributor plans to maintain current screenings at some 200 theatre s nationwide.

"We'll have to see how it fares against scheduled release of 'Alice In Wonderland' next month but we're expecting to win some 300,000 more viewers in the near future," said Kim Kyung-woo, an assistant manager at 20th Century Fox Korea.

Credits : odissy@yna.co.kr

Source : Yonhap News, The Korea Herald

[deka_if]

2010.03.02

"Three Brothers" brings in second win on TV chart

Korean actors Ahn Nae-sang, Lee Jun-hyuk and Oh Dae-gu from weekend drama "Three Brothers" [KBS2]

KBS2 weekend drama "Three Brothers" remained on top of television charts last week for the second consecutive time, polls showed on Tuesday.

Statistics from TNS Korea and AGB Nielsen Media Research revealed that the family drama held onto its position at No. 1 spot on both charts with 34.3 and 32.6 percent viewership ratings, respectively.

The most-watched show, starring Korean actors Ahn Nae-sang, Oh Dae-gyu and Lee Jun-hyuk, focuses on the relationships and conflicts that three brothers face in their lives.

Meanwhile, "Slave Hunters" remained in second place with ratings of 32.7 percent on TNS' poll and 31.4 percent on AGB's chart.

TNS indicated the short-track speed skating game during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics aired by SBS rounded off the top three with ratings of 27.7 percent while AGB reported that the SBS drama "I Love You Ten Million Times" stayed in third for the second week in a row with a 25.3 percent rating.

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[RATINGS] Weekly TV ratings: Feb 22-28

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2010.03.02

"Secret Reunion" maintains hold on Korean box office

Official movie poster of Korean movie "Secret Reunion" [showbox]

Korean movie "Secret Reunion" continued to take control of the Korean box office during the final week of February, according to estimates on Tuesday.

The Korean Box Office Information System (KOBIS) revealed the action picture sold over 458,038 tickets during the weekend of February 26 to 28 to attract a over a total 4.2 million admissions since its release earlier in the month.

"Reunion" circles around the chance reencounter of former South Korean intelligence official and North Korean spy played by Korean actors Song Kang-ho and Gang Dong-won.

Hollywood film "Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief" stood at No. 2 with a total of 210,669 viewers and Korean thriller "Parallel Life" starring Ji Jin-hee came in third place bringing in a total of 178,310 spectators.

Meanwhile, Korean drama "Harmony" and Hollywood epic film "Avatar" remained fourth and fifth in ranking, respectively, with the James Cameron sci-fi epic becoming the most-watched film in South Korea's box office history with over 13.08 million admits since its release in mid-December.

Other movies in the top ten were "The Lovely Bones," "The Fourth Kind," "Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs," "Chloe," and "Happily N'ever After 2: Snow White."

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[RATINGS] Weekend Box Office: Feb 26-28

South Korea's box office estimates for the weekend of February 26-28, 2010 [Korean Box

Office Information System (KOBIS)]

Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2010.03.02

"Avatar" becomes biggest blockbuster in Korea

Official movie poster of "Avatar" [20th Century Fox]

James Cameron's Hollywood blockbuster "Avatar" has become the most-watched film in Korean box office history, according to estimates by the official Korean Film Council over the weekend.

Statistics showed that the animated picture, which opened in theaters mid-December, had garnered over a total 13.04 million admissions by Saturday to rise above former record holder "The Host" with around 13.02 million viewers.

"Host," a Korean thriller pic by top director Bong Joon-ho, had taken the domestic box office by storm during its run in 2006 and won rave reviews from both local and foreign film critics.

It is the second time for a foreign picture to become the biggest box office hit in Korea -- Cameron's "Titanic" claimed the title in 1998 until giving it away to Korean film "Swiri" in 1999.

Other films, including "Joint Security Area" (JSA, 2000), "Friend" (2001), "Silmido" (2003), "TaeGukGi: Brotherhood of War" (2003), "King and the Clown" (2005) and "The Host" (2006), started topping the list thereafter.

Meanwhile, "Avatar" placed fifth on the Korean box office over the weekend of February 26 to 28, raising its accumulate from ticket sales to 12.1 billion won, or about 10.5 million dollars.

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2010.03.02

Gong Yoo wraps up Japan fan meeting in success

Gong Yoo performs at his fan meeting held in Japan on February 26 and 28,

2010 [N.O.A. Entertainment]

Korean actor Gong Yoo successfully wrapped up his fan meetings in Japan over the weekend, his first in three years since being discharged from the military last December, according to his agency N.O.A. Entertainment.

The actor met with some 7,000 fans -- including those from Japan, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan -- at the fan meetings held in Kobe on February 26 and Yokohama two days later.

"I am truly grateful to fans who remembered me and waited for me for the past two years," the actor was quoted as saying. "I will repay them for their continued support with good work."

The Korean actor performed several songs at the sold-out events including a self-written tune for fans and "Nothing Better", a duet with Korean singer Jung Yeop.

He also unveiled photographs from his childhood while revealing anecdotes from his military days and trip to Hakone after being discharged.

For the fan event in Yokohama, over 70 Japanese media companies turned up for its press conference and executives from the Japanese entertainment industry attended the meeting itself to see the Hallyu star.

Gong Yoo, whose real name is Gong Ji-cheol, debuted in 2001 in the KBS TV series "School 4". He has appeared in more than a dozen television dramas and films, including the 2003 film "My Tutor Friend" alongside Hallyu stars Kwon Sang-woo and Kim Ha-neul.

He became a household name throughout Asia after starring in the 2007 hit TV series "The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince" with actress Yoon Eun-hye.

Thousands of Asian fans attend Gong Yoo's fan meeting held in Japan on February 26

and 28, 2010 [N.O.A. Entertainment]

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2010.03.02

2AM member Seulong to make acting debut

2AM member Lim Seulong [Asia Economic Daily]

K-pop 2AM member Seulong will be making his acting debut in a new MBC drama starring actors Son Ye-jin and Lee Min-ho, according to MBC on Tuesday.

Seulong will join the cast of the Wednesday and Thursday series to play the role of Kim Tae-hoon, the college junior of Lee's character Jin-ho, in the series tentatively titled "Personal Taste" in English.

"We chose Seulong for the role because of the bright and cheerful image he portrays on different variety shows -- exactly the kind of character Tae-hoon is. Even though this will be his first time acting, we know he will be a perfect fit for it," MBC explained.

The TV series, based on a novel of the same name by Korean writer Lee Se-in, is about a man living with woman who thinks the man is a homosexual. The show is set to air on March 31.

Seulong made his debut in 2008 as a member of the four-man idol group 2AM. The group is currently focusing on the activities promoting their first full-length album titled "I Can't Let You Go" with their title track of the same name.

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2010.03.02

Two Heroes to Captivate Drama Fans

The Winter Olympic Games are over, but that doesn't mean the excitement of television is over as well. MBC and KBS are preparing big budget dramas featuring heroes for this weekend, ushering viewers to another competitive race between top stars and strong scripts.

Hero 1: Tough and God-Like

MBC is airing ``The Man Called God'' (working title), starring Song Il-gook as fearless spy Choi Kang-ta who seeks revenge on his parents' killers.

Based on the popular namesake comic by the late cartoonist Park Bong-seong, ``The Man Called God'' aims to bring some real action to the small screen, with a budget of 10 billion won. Local viewers have seen a lot of cartoon-remakes, but none match this one, both in scale and expectations.

Because the original comic book was for readers aged 18 and over, the director Lee Hyeong-seon had to turn the content down a notch to widen the potential pool of audience.

``I couldn't make a television drama with the original storyline, so we turned toward fantasy. We worked on making a cool and fresh drama for people who are in need of a hero,'' Lee said during a press conference last month at a hotel in northern Seoul.

Song, who made headlines when photos of him showing off his chiseled body were released, prepared for a year to transform into the muscular and charismatic Choi.

``I have been a vegetarian for 15 years, but I had to eat chicken breast and eggs to build my muscles. I have been waiting for this moment for over a year now and I think everybody, including myself, is more than ready,'' Song said.

Action scenes may seem easy for the 38-year-old star, who has already played heroic roles in dramas such as ``Prince of the Legend'' and ``The Land of Wind,'' but there were some dangerous moments that even rattled Song a bit.

``I had to learn to ride a motorcycle, and I practically lived at the action school. During a fencing scene, I was hit right between my eyes. If the sword hit me a bit closer to my eyes, I would have gone blind,'' he said.

The character Choi may be ruthless, but like all superheroes, he has a soft spot when it comes to the love of his life. Choi seeks revenge while enjoying time with a fair number of lovely ladies, but it is reporter Jin Bo-bae who catches his attention.

Played by the so-called ``Barbie doll actress'' Han Chae-young, Jin stumbles upon Choi by coincidence, leaving other fellow ladies, including Vivian Castle, played by Han Go-eun, and Jang Mi, played by Yu In-young, in dismay.

``Every man longs to become someone like Kang-ta. You can't find him in real life, but it's that someone everyone dreams of. That's what drove me to prepare for so long,'' Song said.

``The Man Called God'' airs March 6 at 9:45 p.m.

Hero 2: Historical and Philanthropic

Meanwhile, stay tuned for KBS' ``The Great Merchant'' for a more historical tale featuring a charismatic and passionate heroine played by actress Lee Mi-yeon.

The drama is the second of KBS' drama project under the ``noblesse oblige'' theme. The first soap, ``The Reputable Family,'' starring Cha In-pyo and featuring the history of the Choi family, failed to attract many viewers, but was recognized as a well-made drama among critics. KBS is betting on ``The Great Merchant'' taking the noble project to the next level with a headstrong female philanthropist.

This is the first time in eight years that the 38-year-old Lee has appeared in a period drama ― her last being ``The Last Empress''― and anticipation is high over whether she will effectively deliver on her role as the gisaeng-turned-merchant who saved millions from poverty.

``I have been given various roles over the years, but I couldn't find anyone charismatic enough. But I was mesmerized by Kim Man-deok who was born with nothing, but managed to work her way to success. She was the Joseon Kingdom's first female CEO,'' Lee said during a press conference last weekend on Jeju Island.

The heroic deeds of Kim Man-deok (1739-1812) were documented in ``Jeongjo Sillok,'' the Annals of King Jeongjo, in 1796, and was even featured as a folk tale called ``Mandeok-jeon.'' The drama will feature Kim's life and achievements, along with the ongoing rivalry between fellow merchants during the Joseon Kingdom.

Kim was born on Jeju Island and became a gisaeng ― a Korean traditional entertainer ― living without hope or money. However, after discovering a talent in business and commerce, she became one of the most successful female merchants on the island. When Jeju was struck by a deadly famine in 1974, it was Kim who donated almost all of her money to save millions of lives. Kim was later praised by numerous scholars and philosophers, given her background as a gisaeng and the fact that she saved the people of Jeju Island, a place that was considered a place of exile at the time.

``I was told that the money she donated at the time was approximately 70 billion won if we converted it today. I'm not sure I could have done that if I had that much money. I think I will be able to learn so much more about her and what she did as we continue filming,'' Lee said.

Actress Ko Doo-shim, who was born and raised on Jeju and also holds the post as president of the Kim Man-deok Commemorative Service Association, expressed her personal expectations for the drama.

``If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be here because my ancestors living in Jeju would have all died from the famine. It is indeed meaningful for me to play a part in a drama featuring my ancestors,'' said Ko, who will play Kim Man-deok's mentor.

``The Great Merchant'' airs this Saturday at 9:40 p.m.

Credits : Han Sang-hee, Staff Reporter 

Source : The Korea`Times

[deka_if]

2010.03.02

Yoo Sun becomes new face of Japanese cosmetics brand

Korean actress Yoo Sun [Yedang Entertainment]

Korean actress Yoo Sun has been tapped as the new face of Japanese skin care brand Grace Aiko, according to her agency Yedang Entertainment.

"We picked Yoo Sun because fits our brand image with her clear skin despite being in her 30s...... We expect her to be effective in both promoting our brand and increasing sales," a representative from Grace Aiko said.

The actress recently finished shooting a TV commercial and will attend events and functions for the rest of the year as part of the brand's promotional campaign.

Yoo Sun, 34, has appeared in numerous Korean films, dramas, plays and musicals since her debut in 1999. She won the award for best supporting actress in 2003 by major broadcaster SBS and the prize for best actress in 2004.

Her thriller film tentatively titled "Moss" in English, by critically acclaimed director Kang Woo-suk of "Silmido" and "No Mercy" fame, is set for release within the first half of the year.

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2010.03.03

Lee Byung-hun tests his star power with online film project

"The Influence," produced by Windsor Entertainment and Realize Pictures, has three parts, the first of which will be unveiled today at its homepage (www.the-djc.com).

Lee Jae-kyu, who makes a directorial debut with the online mystery flick, has gained reputation with his popular TV dramas such as "Damo" and "Beethoven Virus."

The mystery film, set in a time period between 1907 and 2010, stars the Korean Wave heartthrob Lee, Han Chae-young, Chun No-min, and Kim Tae-woo. Lee plays a guide named W for a highly secretive place, Diamond Jubilee Club, where time and space get entangled over promises made years ago, with lethal consequences lurking.

W appears to be romantically related to J (Han Chae-young), a beautiful woman who for some reason gets trapped in a giant water tank. Into the complex relationship between W and J enters an auctioneer (Chun No-min), who is forced to make an irreversible and potentially precarious decision at the club.

Lee Byung-hun, whose soaring popularity in Korea and Japan is comparable to Hallyu star Bae Yong-joon, recently boosted his profile outside Asia last year by playing a supporting role in a Hollywood flick "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra."

Byung-hun, who proved his star power with the high-profile action drama "IRIS," is now attempting to extend his influence to the Web by playing a title role for an online film project.

Credits : (insight@heraldm.com) 

Source : The Korea Herald

[deka_if]

March 02, 2010

New index for Korea’s hallyu

Culture Ministry will use the system to cater to Korean content consumers

 

Korea’s male heartthrobs have made a series of successful moves into Hollywood in recent years. Singer and actor Rain has shot two movies - “Ninja Assassin” and “Speed Racer” - and 40-year-old film star Lee Byung-hun was featured in Stephen Sommers’ action flick “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra.” Korean idol boy bands such as TVXQ, Big Bang and 2PM have risen to stardom across Asia, especially in Japan and many Southeast Asian countries.

This large-scale movement of Korean culture, widely dubbed by the local media as the Korean wave, or hallyu, can now be measured by a so-called “hallyu index,” which was devised by the Culture Ministry, in conjunction with the private Korea Foundation for International Culture Exchange, last week.

“We developed the hallyu index to evaluate the response of overseas consumers to hallyu content,” said Shin Yong-seon, an official at the ministry’s cultural industry policy department. He said the index has given Korea a basis from which it can cater to Korean content consumers abroad with content designed specifically for them.

The index is based on a survey of 800 people from China, Taiwan, Japan and Vietnam and statistics on exports of Korean TV shows, movies, music and games. The survey was conducted only with those who have experienced at least one of the content categories.

In the year 2009, the hallyu had the greatest effect in Japan, which topped the list of countries surveyed with a score of 112, followed by Taiwan at 109, China at 101 and Vietnam at 100.

The survey was conducted only with people in those four countries, but the ministry plans to include more countries in the poll next year.

The ministry noted that the hallyu is estimated to have generated products valued at 4.9 trillion won in 2008, up 1.5 trillion won from the previous year. The 2008 figure is equivalent to the combined price of 240,000 Sonata midsize sedans from Hyundai Motor costing some 20 million won ($12,542). For reference, domestic sales of the Sonata totaled 146,326 last year.

“The hallyu is spreading across the globe, going beyond Asia. While the Korean wave has thus far generated quantitative growth, the top priority for its next leap is qualitative improvement,” said Shin of the Culture Ministry.

In a separate yet related move to promote the world’s 13th-largest economy, Korea’s Presidential Council on National Branding plans to take this year to revamp the national brand. This year is particularly crucial for Korea in that the country is hosting the Group of 20 summit in Seoul in November.

“Our top priorities for this year will be stepping up Official Development Assistance, dispatching volunteers abroad and launching a knowledge sharing program focused on economic development,” said the council in a statement.

At the time of its launch in January 2009, the state-run council unveiled five areas on which it will focus to raise awareness of Korea as a national brand: contribution to international society; promotion of cutting-edge technologies and goods; boosting culture and tourism; embracing multiculturalism and expatriates; and increasing Koreans’ consciousness of themselves as global citizens.

To accomplish its goals in these areas, the council also created 10 action plans, including wider promotion of taekwondo, a traditional Korean martial art.

However, not everyone seems to agree with the Korean government’s approach. Christopher Graves, global CEO of Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, said at an international conference titled “Global Korea 2010” last Wednesday that placing taekwondo at the top of the action plan, and thus teaching foreigners the martial art, was “inappropriate.”

“You need to approach [global citizens] with emotion and stories,” he was quoted as saying by the council.

Euh Yoon-dae, the head of the council, said in response that the number of people practicing taekwondo is near 70 million worldwide and it is believed to be a useful way to generate positive sentiment toward Korea among people around the globe.

Credits : Seo Ji-eun [spring@joongang.co.kr]

Source : JoongAng Daily

   

[deka_if]

2010.03.03

Lee Byung-hun says filming "Influence" was like shooting "IRIS"

Top Korean actor Lee Byung-hun [Asia Economic Daily]

Top Korean actor Lee Byung-hun has said that working on his new film "The Influence" felt like an extension of shooting his KBS blockbuster TV series "IRIS" from last year.

Speaking at the film's showcase held Tuesday at Seoul CGV Multiplex, the Hallyu star described the experience as "shooting the 22nd episode of 'IRIS' because filming for "Influence" started right after 'IRIS' ended."

"It was difficult and I felt burdened but I liked working with director Lee Jae-kyu, whom I had wanted to work with," the Hallyu star said. "Personally I like movies with an element of fantasy to it so I was able to act freely and have fun."

When asked about taking on three characters in the film, the actor joked that he was "in live-or-die state at the time so ego division came naturally".

He added that although playing the part was difficult it was "experimental and fun portraying different characters who had derived from one person."

"Influence", a 60-minute online mystery film, is by Lee Jae-kyu who has directed several hit TV series including "Damo" and "Beethoven Virus".

The three-episode pic, about a man who has to make a choice on his path to fulfilling a promise made many years ago, also stars a handful of notable Korean actors including Han Chae-young, Jun No-min, Kim Tae-woo and Jo Jae-hyun.

Lee, 39, has long been considered one of the most successful actors in Korea with dozens of television dramas and films under his belt. He had a particularly successful year in 2009, making his Hollywood debut in action flick "G.I. Joe" and co-starring with Josh Hartnett and Takuya Kimura in "I Come With The Rain."

He also led a star-studded cast in blockbuster drama "IRIS", for which he picked up the grand prize at KBS Acting Awards.

The film's premiere episode airs today on the Internet.

From left, actress Han Chae-young, director Lee Jae-gyu and actor Lee Byung-hun pose during a showcase for online mystery film "The Influence" held at a CGV Multiplex theater in Seoul, South Korea on March 2, 2010

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

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2010.03.03

Jang Dong-gun to reveal wedding plans at fan meeting

Top Korean actors Jang Dong-gun and Ko So-young

Top Korean actor Jang Dong-gun will be revealing his plans to get married in May during an upcoming fan meeting set for the weekend, according to an entertainment industry source.

The source explained that the parents of the Hallyu star and his actress girlfriend Ko So-young recently met and settled on a date for a wedding in May. Jang is expected to tell fans about the news at his fan meeting on March 6.

Another source said the two stars, making preparations for the marriage, are in the process of closing a deal on their new house in Seoul's Heukseuk-dong where they will move into immediately after holding their nuptials.

Jang, one of Korea's top actors who starred in numerous television dramas and movies, made headlines last November after admitting to his two-year romantic relationship with Ko.

The two stars had long sparked dating rumors since they appeared together in 1999 film "Love Wind, Love Song" but it was not until last fall that they officially announced their status as a couple.

The actors were then dogged by wedding rumors which they denied several times saying "there are no detailed plans for a wedding".

Jang is scheduled to start shooting the Kang Je-gyu pic "My Way" in June after the wedding.

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

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

****

March 03, 2010

Jang Dong-keon and Ko So-young to announce engagement to fans

Actor Jang Dong-keon and actress Ko So-young

Actor Jang Dong-keon and actress Ko So-young will confirm this week that they're tying the knot come May, according to an entertainment industry official.

"Jang Dong-keon and Ko So-young are currently secretly planning their wedding for the spring, which they will soon announce publicly," the official said.

Jang will meet with his fans from home and abroad on March 6, which is his birthday. It's widely expected that he will publicly comment for the first time on his upcoming nuptials to Ko. The meeting with fans will be held at the COEX auditorium in Samseong-dong, southern Seoul.

"Jang Dong-keon will likely reveal his plans to marry So-young when he meets his fans that day," said an official from his talent agency. "He will probably talk specifics about his wedding plans."

Recently, there have been rumors flying that the couple has already made reservations for their wedding at a five-star hotel in Seoul and that Ko is shopping for wedding necessities like furniture and gifts for guests. She has also been photographed at a wedding shop in Cheongdam-dong, southern Seoul, wearing her wedding dress.

Source : JoongAng Daily

****

2010.03.04

Jang, Ko to tie knot in May

Jang Dong-gun and Ko So-young, whom some call the Korean version of Brangelina, will get married in May, a local sports daily reported yesterday. The date, although yet to be confirmed, will likely be the 15th.

A source close to Jang told the daily: "Jang's getting married in May has become a fact. He recently refused to renew his modeling contract with apparel maker Giordano, saying that he is too old for the post, but it is speculated that the decision was due to his wedding schedule."

The two, known to have been dating for more than two years, revealed their relationship to the public in November.

Since then, they are known to have begun wedding preparations. The two's parents also reportedly met during the lunar New Year holidays last month.

According to the report, Jang has been seeing to printing wedding invitations and booking the wedding venue. The couple is said to be considering The Shilla Seoul's Youngbin Hall. The hall is currently undergoing a renovation but is set to reopen May 15.

Jang is expected to formally announce wedding plans at his fan meeting on March 6 at COEX Auditorium in Samsung-dong, Seoul.

Credits : Koh Young-aah (youngaah@heraldm.com)

Source : The Korea Herald

[deka_if]

2010.03.03

Choi Ji-woo to reach out to less fortunate in Swaziland

Korean actress Choi Ji-woo [Asia Economic Daily]

Korean actress Choi Ji-woo will be visiting the Kingdom of Swaziland in South Africa to lend a helping hand to the less fortunate.

Documentary producer With Culture explained in a press release that Choi traveled to Swaziland for a week-long stay starting Tuesday to help install a hand pump as part of her effort to help children undergoing difficulties in the drought-stricken region.

The actress will also provide a character of herself for use in an animation to be used to educate children in the area of hygiene.

"I am glad to be of at least a bit of help to this part of the world which is rarely noticed. Hopefully, this will create awareness of the hardships that the people are facing," Choi was quoted as saying.

With Culture will shoot a documentary of Choi's relief work in Swaziland which is scheduled to air on April13 on MBC.

Choi, 34, became a household name throughout Asia with the success of “Winter Sonata” also starring actor Bae Yong-joon.

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

Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2010.03.03

Hero Jaejoong to appear in Japanese TV series

TVXQ member Hero Jae-joong [Asia Economic Daily]

Hero Jaejoong of Korean idol group TVXQ will appear in a Japanese television drama, according to a source close to the singer.

The source said in a phone call with Asia Economic Daily on Tuesday that "it has recently been confirmed that Hero Jaejoong will appear in a drama to air on Fuji TV."

The pop idol will be starring in the TV series titled "Sunao ni narenakute", written by popular television writer Kitagawa Eriko.

This will be the second collaboration between the famed writer and singer; they first met last year as writer and actor on telecinema "Postman to Heaven", which starred Hero Jaejoong and Korean actress Han Hyo-joo.

"Sunao", a story of friendship between a man and a woman who became acquaintances through Twitter, will star top Japanese actors Eita and Ueno Juri of smash hit TV series "Nodame Cantabile". Eita is set to play a newbie cameramen while Ueno will portray a temporary high-school teacher.

The series, which premieres in April, will be broadcast every Thursday at 10 p.m.

Hero Jaejoong debuted in 2004 in the five-member boy band TVXQ, one of the most successful K-pop acts in Asia. They reportedly have the largest fanbase in the world and have enjoyed great success in the Japanese music industry in particular.

The band became the first foreign artist to top the Oricon singles charts six times with their 27th single "Share the World/We are!" released last year.

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

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2010-03-03

Koo Hye-sun and Oguri Shun Become Film Directors

▲Koo Hye-sun attends the Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival (February 25 to March 1) held in Hokkaido, Japan, with her directorial debut, “Delightful Assistant.”

Japanese Actor Oguri Shun (28) said, “Korean movies have their own uniqueness. I would like to make films as good as Korean movies.” Korean actress Koo Hye-sun (26) said, “I feel a sense of kinship with him because he is also an actor-turned-director. I enjoyed watching his debut film as a director.”

The entry list of the 20th Yubari International Film Festival features films by a noted director from S. Korea and a good-looking actor/director from Japan: S. Korean actress Koo Hye-sun and Japanese actor Oguri Shun. As a handsome hero, Oguri has been gaining popularity with the film “Crows Zero” and the TV drama “Gokusen.”

Oguri and Koo played the main characters in the Japanese version and Korean version of the drama, “Boys Over Flowers,” respectively.

Oguri Shun attended the festival with his film “Surely Someday,” which is the opening film for the festival as well as his directorial debut. The film portrays the friendship and growth process of high school students. Goidae gayske, who appeared in “Nodame Cantabile,” “Cyborg” and “She,” played a main character in the film.

Meanwhile, Koo Hye-sun was invited to the Yubari choice section of the festival with her debut film, “Delightful Assistant.” The movie features a story about death, salvation and free will. The two met by chance on the 26th day of February during the festival and had a chance to talk about their own opinions about film. Oguri talked to Koo, saying, “I like that the Korean films are energetic. I will make good movies like Korean movies.” Koo responded, “I enjoyed watching your movie 'Surely Someday.'”

The two seemed to get close through the meeting; they were standing side by side and were talking to each other and smiling while they were taking a commemorative photograph.

Last year, Oguri played a main character in the movie “Tajomaru” and “Crows ZERO” and the TV drama “Tokyo DOGS.” In the same year, Koo was busy as a novelist, illustrator, and songwriter after gaining popularity with the drama “Boys Over Flowers.”

In an interview preceding the opening film for the festival on Feb. 26th, Oguri said, “I have been a film enthusiast since I was a child. Up to now, I am confident that I portrayed the dreams and frustrations of youth in my own way.” In an interview with Yonhap News, Koo said, “I became a film director because I wanted to portray episodes from my point of view.”

Source : KBS GLOBAL