[News] Drama, Movies, Actors & Actresses

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June 13, 2010

Few TV surfers ride 'Korean wave' series 'IRIS'

Drama series is a flop despite starring Lee Byung Hun, so TBS resorts to offering cash prizes to attract viewers

By PHILIP BRASOR

Two weeks ago, cast members of the South Korean TV drama series "IRIS" appeared in concerts at Osaka Castle Hall and Saitama Super Arena. Some 60,000 fans of the star Lee Byung Hun bought tickets, but 1,400 at one of the Saitama events found themselves shut out after the organizers decided that the stage wasn't big enough.

The organizers set up a second stage on the day of the concert, but due to a lack of communication between them and the promoters they didn't realize until just before the doors opened that the area where they erected it had been set aside for standing-room ticket holders.

Apparently, there were a lot of very angry housewives — Lee's Japanese fan base — because media reports mentioned that a dozen policemen had to be called in. The fans were eventually given seats in the upper tiers of the cavernous arena, and Lee came out to apologize personally for the hourlong delay, promising to "perform more than I had prepared to."

Shin Seung Hoon, Baik Ji Young, Kim Tae Woo and the K-pop vocal group Bigbang were on hand to sing songs associated with the show, but most of the "concert" was taken up with interviews. Lee and his costars also re-enacted some scenes from the series.

The concerts were presented by TBS, which is airing "IRIS" in Japan. It's the first South Korean drama series broadcast by a Japanese commercial TV network during prime time on a terrestrial station, but, unlike Lee at the Super Arena, it has performed much less than it was expected to. TBS paid ¥400 million for the rights to the series, and on April 21, the day it premiered, Lee and his female costar, Kim Tae Hee, appeared on almost every news and variety show on the network.

The result was a middling 10.1 percent viewer share that night, and it's gotten worse. Ratings for the second episode was 8.8 percent, and for the next five it hovered in the 7 percent range, which means "IRIS" is currently the lowest rated show in its Wednesday night time slot. TBS hoped the concerts would reignite interest, but the people who bought tickets were already sold on the series, and while the rest of the media covered the concerts, such PR effectiveness apparently reached its saturation point a while ago.

It's easy to see why TBS thought it would be a hit. "IRIS" was a ratings monster when it was broadcast in South Korea last fall, scoring spot shares as high as 50 percent. Lee, who plays an elite South Korean spy, is one of the country's most bankable movie stars and has a huge following in Japan. The production values rival Hollywood's, with lots of explosions, car chases and shootouts, and since the plot involves tensions between the two Korean states, it is topical as well.

But what really sold TBS was the Japan angle. Some of the episodes take place near Laka Tazawa in Akita Prefecture, which means the series automatically received free prepublicity since almost every media outlet reported on the March 2009 location shooting, attracting hundreds of Japanese fans in the process. And ever since the series ended in South Korea last November, more than 15,000 Korean tourists have descended on the resort area.

The show's producers originally contacted the Akita prefectural tourist office in October 2008 saying they were thinking of filming some winter scenes there and wanted the prefecture to pay all their expenses. The office immediately said "no," since it had no money, so the producers called tourist offices in Aomori and Hokkaido but received similar reactions.

Akita had second thoughts. In 2001, Korea Airlines launched direct flights between Incheon and Akita airports, and tourism officials were afraid the carrier might discontinue the route, so they started talking to local businesses about "IRIS." In the end, a luxury hotel agreed to put the crew and cast up for free. The producers took the offer and rewrote the script to take advantage of the location. For Akita, the gamble paid off. (Ironically, the hotel itself hasn't benefited since it's priced out of the range of most South Korean tour groups.)

This story was dutifully explained in magazines and newspapers when "IRIS" starting airing two months ago, so why isn't it a hit? It seems obvious that TBS counted too much on ancillary PR and did not think carefully enough about the series itself. An unidentified writer whose specialty is South Korean television told the weekly magazine Shukan Shincho that TBS made the mistake of hiring popular young actor Tatsuya Fujiwara to provide Lee's voice in the dubbed version. Japanese fans are used to voice actor Kazuya Takahashi, who has always done Lee in TV dramas and movies. Fujiwara has a "husky voice that's sometimes difficult to understand," the writer says. A different unidentified showbiz journalist pointed out to the magazine that each episode in the original South Korean TV version was 70 minutes long, but TBS has pared them down to 45 minutes in order to fit the hourlong time slot and allow room for commercials. As a result, many Japanese viewers will find the plot development "uneven," according to the journalist.

Another explanation for the show's poor ratings is that "Korean Wave" fans, and Lee maniacs in particular, have probably already seen the series, since it was broadcast with subtitles on TBS's CS (Communications Satellite) channel in March. And the original South Korean episodes are relatively easy to purchase or download.

In order for TBS to garner ratings that mean anything during prime time, they have to attract people who aren't normally Korean drama freaks, and in that regard "IRIS" may not be that effective. The action-espionage component is better than anything Japanese dramas might deliver in the same vein, but compared to "24," a well-known American action series that "Iris" resembles, it's bloated and sometimes difficult to follow. And as the writer interviewed by Shukan Shincho says, spy dramas with political overtones "don't appeal to Japanese TV viewers."

But TBS is still trying. With more than half the series to go, the broadcaster has started a contest. Each episode opens with a QR code that viewers can read with their cell phones in order to acquire points that qualify them for a chance to win cash prizes worth up to ¥5 million. When all other plans fail, just pay people to watch it.

Source: japantimes.co.jp

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June 11, 2010

Sexy stars cheer World Cup in photos

The 2010 South Africa World Cup started Friday. For a month in the middle of the hot summer, from June 11 to July 12, football fans will have great fun, watching the games. But for most Koreans, what is important is whether their national soccer team will advance to the top 16-team club. Stars in the Korean entertainment world share the wish. They are now taking photos of themselves in World Cup costumes to wish the best of luck to the 23 "Taegeuk Warriors."

Actor Jung Kyung-ho, 28, released his photos, showing off his handsome looks and natural charm. Fashion brand Guess and men's magazine Arena have jointly published pictures of a variety of stars.

Actress Jang Shin-young, 27, shows off an S-line body by turning into a cheerleader of the national team's official fan club Red Devils. In her pictures, she wears a sleeveless shirt and short white skirt.

The same-aged actress Min Young-won has become a sexy World Cup cheer girl on the cover of men's magazine Maxim. She is dressed in red clothes decorated blue and red on her shoulders. "I hope the Korean national soccer team passes the first round in the World Cup," Min said after shooting photos for the cover.

A heroine of the KBS drama "Personal Taste," 29-year-old Son Yae-jin puts on a red cap and a school uniform, cheering the South Korean team with the vigor of youthfulness.

Transgender actress Lee Si-yeon, 29, also has revealed her slim line, wearing a short skirt. In her pictures, the actress creates her own costumes and two cheering props: red horns and a three-pronged pitchfork.

Three racing models have joined in the cheering. Kim Ha-yeoul, 24, Choi Yoo-jung, 27, and Joo Da-ha, 26, have displayed their sexy appeal in World Cup photos.

"Photographers and stars put a great deal of time and care when they shoot photos like these. It's because fans like to see and follow the fashion during the World Cup cheering campaign," one fashion designer said.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

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June 13, 2010

Meet Korean, Japanese master directors

By Lee Hyo-won

Staff reporter

The Korean Film Archive will offer 10 works

by Lee Doo-yong, a pioneer of Korean action films,

for free on its video-on-demand website through June 30.

/ Courtesy of KOFA

The Seoul arts scene is becoming increasingly eclectic with an international scope: various concert halls are presenting Chopin, Schumann and Mahler-themed performances to celebrate major anniversaries of the composers and the Seoul Museum of Art is showcasing the largest retrospective of Rodin.

Not to be left out, those looking for something timeless in cinema with a hint of nostalgia should head to the Korean Film Archive (KOFA), Seoul this summer to celebrate Akira Kurosawa’s centennial or revisit Im Kwon-taek’s masterpieces, or watch Lee Doo-yong’s films online.

Lee Doo-yong

Lee Doo-yong is known as the first Korean director to have been invited to the prestigious Cannes and Venice film festivals in the 1970s and '80s, way before Korean cinema came into vogue.

KOFA is offering fans a chance to watch his works for free online until the end of June, on its video-on-demand website www.kmdb.or.kr/vod.

The veteran director is recognized as a pioneer of local martial arts films, and the action in his films presented a unique style distinct from that of Hong Kong action movies. But he is also called "the alchemist of genre" for experimenting with different film genres.

Ten films by Lee will be offered on the Web service including the quintessential Korean action film "Manchurian Tiger" (1974); "The Early Years’’ (1977), which ingeniously combines folklore and detective genres; the mystery horror films "The Haunted Villa" (1980) and "Three Women Under the Umbrella" (1980); and "Spinning the Tales of Cruelty Towards Women" (1983), which was shown in the Un Certain Regard section of Cannes.

Moreover, those who feel that watching movies on a computer monitor is heresy can look forward to viewing them on the big screen at the upcoming Puchon (Bucheon) International Fantastic Film Festival (PiFan). The largest fantasy film event in Asia, the 14th edition of the festival will run from July 15 to 25 and feature a retrospective of six of Lee’s works: "Returned Single-Legged Man’’ parts 1 and 2 (1974), "Left Foot of Wrath" (1974), "Manchurian Tiger," "Secret Agents 2" (1976) and "Imbecile" (1985). Visit www.pifan.com for more information.

Akira Kurosawa

Akira Kurosawa (1910-1998) is widely regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers of all time, and KOFA will hold a retrospective of his works next month in time for the 100th anniversary of his birth.

The Japanese cineaste has directed, produced, written and edited over 30 films during his career and received the 1989 Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Steven Spielberg called him "the pictorial Shakespeare of our time" and Bernando Bertolucci cited him as the inspiration for him to become a filmmaker, while Zhang Yimou said, "Other filmmakers have more money, more advanced techniques, more special effects. Yet no one has surpassed him."

In 1950 Kurosawa won the grand prix at the Venice film festival for "Rashomon" and went on to win top prizes in Berlin, Cannes and the Academy Awards for his films that uniquely combine rough action and deep humanism.

KOFA will screen 21 of his works from July 1 to 25, including his debut piece "Sanshiro Sugata" (1943) to "Dodesukaden" (1970). Fans can look forward to watching films that will be featured in Korea for the first time: "The Most Beautiful" (1944), "The Men Who Tread on the Tiger’s Tail" (1945), "No Regrets for Our Youth" (1946), "One Wonderful Sunday" (1947), "I Live in Fear (Record of a Living Being)" (1955) and "The Lower Depths."

It will be the largest retrospective of the director’s works ever held in Korea, said Mo Eung-young, the programmer of the event. Actor Tatsuya Nakadai and production manager Teruyo Nogami will participate as special guests and hold Q & A sessions with fans.

The centennial retrospective will also be held at the Film Forum, Daesin-dong, from July 24 to Aug. 4 and at the Cinematheque Busan, Haeundae, from Aug. 10 to 29.

Im Kwon-taek

Since 2007 KOFA has been highlighting the oeuvre of a master director each year and this year it will focus on the past works of Im Kwon-taek.

While waiting for the release of the veteran director’s 101st film, "Scooping Up the Moonlight," fans can in the meantime take part in the retrospective to be held from August through October.

Im is undoubtedly Korea’s most representative director _ renowned film critic Chung Sung-ill once said that "understanding Im’s works means not just comprehending his movies, but the historical background of Korean cinema; which leads me further to understand my father and my grandfather."

Born in 1934, he lived through Japanese colonization (1910-45), the Korean War (1950-53) and other tumultuous moments of modern Korean history. "Im is the only one who has truly embraced all the events of the 20th century and is (still) conveying a message to us now," said Chung.

The director is known for featuring traditional thematic elements in his film, such as "pansori" (Korean opera) in "Chunhyang" (2000). Im became the first Korean director to win the Best Director award at Cannes for "Chihwaseon" (2002), which is about an artist from the late Joseon Kingdom (1391-1910). His next film, currently awaiting release and his first film to be digitally shot, is about "hanji" or traditional Korean paper.

Im received the Knight of the Order of the Legion of Honor from the French government in 2007 as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Dubai International Film Festival that same year.

KOFA will screen some 70 of his 100 works, including a digitally restored version of his 1962 debut piece "Farewell Tumen River."

The screenings will be held at KOFA’s Cinematheque KOFA in Sangam-dong, near Susaek Station on subway line 6. For more information visit www.koreafilm.org.

Source: hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr

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June 14, 2010

Actress Ko Hyun-jung speaks at her first fan meeting to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her debut in Seoul on Sunday. /Newsis

Source: englishnews@chosun.com

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June 14, 2010

Park Si-hoo returns to Korea after TV fest in Shanghai

Reporter : Lucia Hong Editor : Jessica Kim

Korean actor Park Si-hoo greeting fans at the Shanghai Pundong Airport [Eyagi Entertainment]

Korean actor Park Si-hoo returned to Korea on Friday after visiting China to attend a TV festival in Shanghai, according to his agency Eyagi Entertainment on Monday.

Eyagi announced in a press release that Park fulfilled his duties as the Hallyu ambassador for the Shanghai TV Festival last Tuesday, attending his inauguration ceremony later that night.

He also met with reporters for interviews but was unable to directly meet and greet his fans due to safety issues -- several hundreds of fans appeared at Shanghai Pudong Airport when the star arrived in the country, forcing the actor to remain in his hotel room. "I was really excited to meet my fans because they have been so supportive while I was shooting the drama so I was upset to find out that I couldn't meet them in person over safety issues," the actor was quoted as saying, adding that he hopes to see them in the near future.

Park carried out a photo shoot on Wednesday and Thursday and returned to Korea the following day.

Park, whose real name is Park Pyung-ho, made his debut in 2005 through KBS2 TV series "Delightful Girl Choon Hyang" and has since appeared in several dramas including "Iljimae," "What Star Did You Come From" and most recently in SBS' "Princess Prosecutor."

He is currently preparing for his fan meetings in Japan which start June 20.

Reporter: Lucia Hong luciahong@ Editor: Jessica Kim jesskim@ <ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved> 10.asiae.co.kr

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June 14, 2010

Ku Hye-sun's short feature wins at Japan film fest

Reporter : Lim Hye-seon Editor : Lynn Kim

Korean actress Ku Hye-sun holds up her trophy from Short Shorts Film

Festival & Asia [Ku Hye-sun's official Twitter site]

Korean actress Ku Hye-sun scored a win as a film director with her short feature "The Madonna" at the 12th Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia.

The actress, who received a special invitation to screen her short pic, was awarded the "Spotlight Award" at the event, she announced on her official Twitter page on Sunday. She thanked the crew saying, "The staff had such a hard time [making the film]. Dinner on me. Everyone gather up."

"Madonna," about a Catholic priest and nun performing euthanasia for people, was Ku's first short film which she directed in 2008. The pic had been shown at several film events last year including the Asiana International Short Film Festival, the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival and the Pusan Asian Short Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award.

Ku, who had originally planned to debut as a singer, started acting in several TV dramas and became a household name throughout Asia after starring in the hit KBS drama "Boys Over Flowers" last year.

Known to many as also a talented artist, novelist and scriptwriter, she recently made her directorial debut with her first full-length feature film "Magic" which premiered at the Jeonju International Film Festival in April.

Other Korean films competing in the film fest include "Dream For a Masterpiece" (directed by Choi Moon-su), "A School Rep." (Park Sang-joon) and "Familyship" (Yoon Hye-ryeom).

Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia will be held in Tokyo from June 10 through 20.

Reporter: Lim Hye-seon lhsro@ Editor: Lynn Kim lynn2878@ <ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved> 10.asiae.co.kr

Director Goo Hye-seon Awarded For Short Film

Popular actress, Goo Hye-seon, is proving to be just as talented behind the camera as she is in front of it! The star who really catapulted into the Hallyu wave after playing the main female heroine in the drama "Boys Over Flowers" has won an award for the short feature film that she directed. The movie, "The Madonna (aka The Cheerful Caretaker)", was honored at the 12th annual Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2010 with the "Spotlight Award". This award is given to the director or artist whose project attracts a lot of attention and is found to be inspiring for a large crowd. In short, you can think of it as a popularity award for the film which garnered the most hype.

Goo took to her twitter account and posted up a picture of herself with her trophy on the 13th, saying "Everyone worked hard to create this film. Let's all get together, dinner's on me!".

This isn't the only award "The Madonna" has won. It also took the "Audience Award" at the Pusan Asian Short Film Festival in 2009. It was also entered into the Asiana International Short Film Festival 2009 and the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival 2009.

Source: KBS Global

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June 14, 2010

Tablo: 'I Did Not Lie, But I Became Swindler'

Tablo: "At first, I did not want to ask people to trust me because I did not lie at all. But, I thought that I might not be able to keep my family safe unless I disclose my university report card."

Tablo (real name Lee Sun Woong, 30), who graduated from Stanford University in the USA majoring in English Literature, expressed his complex feelings after he had presented documents as evidence to refute the argument concerning his allegedly forged academic background. He looked confused because he had to prove his innocence by presenting evidence for an “accident,” which became an issue simply by some people who posted malicious statements that Tablo might have forged his educational background.

In 2007, the case of Shin Jeong A, who deliberately forged her academic background, had made the headlines. Tablo’s academic background has been suspected of forgery as well, so he had been asked to “explain” the situation. He was interviewed through a phone call on June 11, and his voice through the phone cracked and faltered as if he had been so exhausted by this incident. According to the various documents, such as report card that he presented, he entered Stanford University in September 1998, earned a bachelor’s degree in April 2001, and a master’s degree in April 2002. He explained that he could acquired a bachelor’s and master’s degree only in three and a half years thanks to the “co-terminal” program of Stanford University. He said, “Usually it takes five to six years to finish this co-terminal program, but I could finish the course in three and a half years.” Also, regarding the question from some netizens that he did not submit a master’s dissertation, he answered, “The discipline regarding dissertation differed depending on schools, the course that I finished does not require a dissertation for graduation, instead, I had to present many research papers for each subject that I registered for the course. I submitted many papers on Andy Warhol, and so on.”

The argument that Tablo might have forged his education background had become a bigger issue as the originator had suggested questions on his educational background intensively many times. The originator had posted massages repeatedly saying, “Tablo’s name cannot be found in the list of the graduates of Stanford University.” What is worse, an internet website entitled “We want the truth for Tablo” was created. Tablo had sued a netizen for defamation last April that he and his family were under personal attack, but according to a spokesperson of his agency, police had traced the IP of the originator and found out that the originator lives in a foreign country and had used another person’s ID using someone else’s resident registration number illegally, so it is difficult to find the originator.

Tablo expressed his feelings by saying, “I tried not to care about the trolls and sued the originator silently, but it was reported by the media. My family’s address and telephone number were disclosed on the internet and there was a threatening call to threaten my life. It was too big a criticism for me and my family, which was caused only because I am an entertainer.” He confessed that he had to go through hard times mentally because of those incidents. He continued to say, “One day when I go out, some students pointed the fingers of blame at me. I did not lie and there is nothing that I did wrong, but suddenly I became a swindler in this world. There's even a news article saying that the advertisement that I and my wife appeared to stop broadcasting due to the rumor that I forged my academic background, but actually it was simply because the contract term has expired. But, I think that nobody believes me even though I say the truth.” He says that he might need time to cure his wounded mind and pull himself together, so he might not be able to compose music for a while.

He said, “The dean of my university told me that he is willing to have an interview if people keep distressing me, but even though I can clear myself of the false rumor, I think that it might be hard for me and my family to heal our mental hurt. My father, who had been ill for a long time, and my mother might have had her heart broken. I am so sorry for people who have loved my music, but I might need a long time before I can make music again."

Source: KBS Global

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June 14, 2010

Choi Ji-woo attends "Africa in My Heart" exhibit with fans

Reporter : Lynn Kim Editor : Jessica Kim

Hallyu star Choi Ji-woo receives a thank-you award from an official at World Vision Korea. [World Vision]

Hallyu star Choi Ji-woo attended a charity photo exhibit titled "Choi Ji-woo, Africa in My Heart" with her fans over the weekend, according to global non-profit organization World Vision on Monday.

World Vision explained through a press release that the actress showed up at the exhibition on Saturday, which displayed a collection of photos from her week-long trip to Swaziland last March.

The actress mingled with some 100 fans who also came to the gallery; Choi picked her favorite photo out of the bunch, signed it and even took a group photo with the fans.

"Seeing the pictures again is bringing back the happiness of sharing and inspiration I felt at the time," the actress was quoted as saying. "I hope many people will be inspired by the photo exhibit and take part in the sharing for children in Africa."

At the event, World Vision also handed Choi a thank-you medal for taking the Swaziland trip, which was made into a documentary and aired on MBC in April.

In early March, Choi had visited World Vision office in Swaziland's Madlangampisi where she walked barefoot for several hours to get water, installed a water handpump for the locals and spent time with children suffering from the region's water shortage.

The photo exhibition, co-hosted by World vision and Canon Korea Consumer Imaging, will be held at Seoul's Canon Plex until June 30.

All proceeds from the exhibit will be used for water projects through World Vision.

Choi, 34, first garnered attention when she appeared in popular television series "First Love" (KBS, 1996) alongside top Korean actor Bae Yong-joon. She re-united with Bae six years later in the smash hit drama "Winter Sonata" (KBS, 2002), which turned the two actors into household names throughout Asia.

Korean actress Choi Ji-woo (back row, center) takes a group photo with fans at the "Africa in My Heart" photo exhibit. [World Vision]

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@ Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@ <ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved> 10.asiae.co.kr

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June 14, 2010

Song to play Ahn Jung-geun in his theater debut work

By Chung Ah-young

Staff reporter

Actress Yoon Suk-hwa

will direct the drama "I Am You."

Actor Song Il-gook will make his stage debut, starring as Korean independence fighter Ahn Junggeun in the upcoming play “I Am You” directed by veteran actress and director Yoon Suk-hwa. The drama is to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Ahn’s death this year.

Song will play the dual role of Ahn and his son to portray the human suffering and historical turbulence amid the independence movement against Japanese colonial rule (1910-1945). "I think a play shows the true art of acting but I haven’t tried before now because of fear and a lack of confidence. But I have recently realized I have become a little arrogant in my acting, and am feeling limited in my performances," he said in a recent press conference.

Song said that he was fascinated by the last line of the script in which Ahn tries to save the nation at the cost of his life "for his son." But he didn’t reveal too much emotion concerning his role as the grandson of Kim Du-han and the son of famous independence movement general Kim Jwa-jin in real life.

Yoon picked Song for the dual role in the play as he has performed numerous historical figures in television dramas such as "Jumong," "The Kingdom of the Winds" and "Emperor of the Sea." Better known as a top actress, Yoon will direct this time. She took research trips to venues, such as Harbin, Vladivostok and Ryojun, where Ahn waged his independence movement.

Actor Song Il-gook will star

as Korea’s independence fighter

Ahn Jung-geun in his theater debut work.

"I felt like I could understand his situation at that time, seeing the vast areas," she said. But she faced difficulties when the production company gave up on the play due to financial problems. "It was really difficult but if I don’t put the play on stage, I feel as if I am making a historical mistake. So I took on the production and came to complete the project," she said.

Yoon also said that she wanted to play the role of Ahn’s wife but she has decided to concentrate on directing.

Yoon is one of the representative actresses on the Korean theater scene and has also directed musicals including "Saturday Night Fever." The play will be on stage from July 21 to Aug. 15 at the National Theater of Korea, Seoul.

For more information, call (02) 3672-3001.

Source: chungay@koreatimes.co.kr

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June 14, 2010

'Cheer Girl against Greece' identified as actress Song Si-yeon

For those who are seeking the number of the ‘Cheer Girl against Greece,’ there is some bad news: the attractive Internet ‘celebrity’ has been identified as actress Song Si-yeon.

The 26-year old movie star garnered online attention as photos of her cheering at the stadium circulated on Internet forums already seized the World Cup fever.

Dubbed the ‘Cheer Girl against Greece,’ this Western-style actress raised hopes that another star would emerge from the World Cup, following the likes of Han Jang-hee in 2006 World Cup and Mina in 2002 So how did this woman unknowingly make it onto the Internet? Apparently, an enamored fellow spectator uploaded a picture of her singing the national anthem onto the Internet, which rapidly gained explosive popularity and, of course, earned her the esteemed title of "Cheer Girl against Greece."

But this Internet star has recently been exposed as not ordinary citizen but actress Song Si-yeon, who was chosen by the online game enterprise Free Style as their "Neva Lose Girl," the cheerleader for the Korean team. Ms. Song debuted in 2000 as a magazine model, and possesses a slender 5” 7 physique and fresh-faced charm.

Back in the Cup, the national team celebrated their first win with a score of 2-0 against Greece.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

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June 14, 2010

Korean War movies arrive for 60th anniversary

By Lee Hyo-won

Staff reporter

A scene from "The DMZ"

Cinematheque KOFA is hosting a showcase of films about the Korean War (1950-53) in time for the 60th anniversary of the conflict’s outbreak on June 25.

A total of 17 works, from black-and-white 1950s films to modern action blockbusters, will be screened for free in the Sangam-dong theater in western Seoul through June 30.

A drama by Lee Kang-cheon, released in 1955 two years after the war came to an end, delves into the nature of human instincts and the destructive side of human desire when the two main characters, a North Korean partisan and North Korean soldier, are placed under extreme circumstances.

"Five Marines" (1961) by Kim Ki-deok (not to be confused with the younger Kim Ki-duk) is one of the first domestically produced war movies while Lee Man-hee’s 1963 "Marines Are Gone" paved the way for big budget spectacles by reenacting realistic battle scenes and sweeping tickets in the box office. Kim’s "North and South" (1965), a tragic melodrama about a family separated by the inter-Korean conflict, will also be shown.

Not to be missed is master director Shin Sang-ok’s "Red Muffler" (1964), which became a milestone in Korean cinema by featuring an airborne military jet and the film’s namesake red scarf in color. A sequel to the movie, "Red Muffler 2" (working title) is currently in pre-production and shooting is slated to begin in August.

Another notable film is "The DMZ" (1965) by Park Sang-ho, about two children, a little girl and boy, who struggle to survive after being orphaned near the 38th parallel. Particularly touching is a scene in which the boy hunts for frogs to feed the hungry girl. The work is often considered a semi-documentary since it was actually shot in the DMZ; it was the first time a movie was filmed there in 12 years since the armistice was signed in 1953. The Korean Film Archive has recently released the film on DVD which offers English subtitles (15,400 won).

Recent titles to be featured are the 2004 action blockbuster "Tae-guk-gi" starring Jang Dong-gun and Won Bin and the 2005 hit tragicomedy "Welcome to Dongmakgol."

Admission is free of charge. For the screening schedule and more information, visit www.koreafilm.org.

Source: hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr

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June 15, 2010

Actress Lee Young-a poses with a citation in recognition of her four years of promoting blood donation at a ceremony marking World Blood Donor Day in Seoul on Monday. /Newsis

Source: englishnews@chosun.com

Hwang Jung-eum to Promote Puchon Film Fest

Hwang Jung-eum

Actress Hwang Jung-eum has been named goodwill ambassador for the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival (PiFan), scheduled for July 15 to 25 in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province. She will attend various events at the film festival and meet with moviegoers there.

Hwang debuted in the spotlight as a member of girl group Sugar in 2002, but her real rise to stardom came in 2009 when she appeared in MBC's hit sitcom "High Kick Through the Roof." She has a starring role in horror thriller "Death Bell 2," which is due to be released this summer and also screen at PiFan.

Source: englishnews@chosun.com

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June 15, 2010

SBS drama 'Painter of Wind' wins Shanghai TV festival award

SEOUL, June 15 (Yonhap) -- An SBS period drama about a pair of legendary Joseon-era painters, "The Painter of the Wind," has won the Asian TV Series Special Award at the Shanghai Television Festival, the broadcaster said Tuesday.

The drama series set in the 18th century, starring the nation's starlet Moon Geun-young and actor Park Shin-yang, reconstructs the life of Shin Yun-bok, who in the story disguises herself as a male and sets out on a journey to unveil the truth behind her father's death. Park plays her mentor and renowned folk painter, Kim Hong-do.

With its beautifully captured traditional scenery and quality acting, the 2008 drama picked up the Silver Award at the Houston International Film Festival in April.

The 16th Shanghai fest has also awarded Korean documentary "Old Partner" second prize at its documentary competition.

Some 150 Chinese and international companies in the television industry participated in the four-day event last week.

Source: hkim@yna.co.kr yonhapnews.co.kr

"The Painter of Wind" wins award at TV festival in Shanghai

Reporter : Lucia Hong Editor : Jessica Kim

Drama poster of SBS' "The Painter of Wind" [sBS]

Korean historical drama "The Painter of Wind" won an award at the TV festival in Shanghai last week, according to the show's producer SBS on Tuesday.

SBS announced through a press release that "The Painter of Wind" was given the "Asian TV Series Special Award" at the 16th annual Shanghai TV Festival on June 11.

"Painter" is about Shin Yoon-bok (played by actress Moon Geun-young), a talented painter who disguises herself as a boy to search for her father's murderer and meets a master painter (played by actor Park Shin-yang) who guides her to become a great painter.

The award-winning series was helmed by director Jang Tae-yu and based on a fictional historical novel by writer Jun Myeong-kee. The show has won several other awards including the silver award at the 43rd annual Houston International Film Festival while Moon received the grand prize at last year's SBS' Acting Awards ceremony for her role.

Several other SBS programs are competing at the Shanghai TV fest including special drama "Father's Home," nominated under the TV Films in Competition category and Korean animated series "Dooly" in the international animation category.

The Shanghai TV Festival is a prominent awards ceremony in the Asian TV industry, acknowledging and screening the best entries in drama, movies, documentaries and animation.

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@ Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@ <ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved> 10.asiae.co.kr

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June 15, 2010

Ko Hyun Jung: ‘Fans Are Reliable Because They Trust Me’

Star actress Ko Hyun Jung had a fan meeting on June 13 for the first time in 21 years since she has debuted.

Ko held a press conference before the fan meeting started at CGV Art Hall in Yeongduengpo Time Square and she said, “I wanted to have this fan meeting, but now that it has actually taken place, I am little nervous.”

She appeared at the venue with a rather anxious look and said, “I have always received something from my fans, and it seems to lack sincerity that I always only show myself to my fans by appearing in works. Before it is too late, I wanted to say thank to my fans, so I prepared and held this fan meeting.”

Asked about what her fans mean to her, she answered, “Fans are people who do not misunderstand me. I have done many things that are enough to make people misunderstand me, but whatever I do, my fans do not judge me and they trust me. So, they are very reliable and make me comfortable. I am actually a person who cannot express appreciation well, and my fans seem to know my personality very well because they have not been disappointed by me.”

She prepared her favorite belongings to give them to her fans as a present and personally invited guest members to the fan meeting. She said, “It is very meaningful because I am inviting my fans for the first time. Even though I cannot talk with every one of them, I want to look at every fan’s face.”

She was also asked whether there is a particular fan who has remained in her memory. She answered, “Even during a time when they did not know whether I would make a comeback or not, my fans gathered and formed a fan club to discuss memories of me and to remember me. I remember all those fans. There is a fan who has posted pictures of her everyday life from the time when she started to go out and have a baby and, what is more, how the baby has grown up. I found out that the baby actually has known me as an aunt, so I said that I am not a real aunt. (laugh)”

After she made a comeback, she could realize that her fans have become more enthusiastic. She said, “Some fans came to the set and gave me a birthday gift, and I actually thought that they were different from the fans who just sent letters to me in the past. I never experienced such enthusiastic fans before.”

She said, “My fans are like me. As if they know that I might feel embarrassed if they come too close to me, they do not approach me too closely. I really thank them for those their consideration.” The fan meeting was held in private and Kim Jae Dong hosted the fan meeting. Ko Hyun Jung had debuted after she was voted the second runner-up in the Miss Korea Beauty Pageant in 1989, and gained huge popularity when she appeared in the SBS TV drama “Sandglass” in 1995. But, during the height of popularity, she married and retired from the entertainment industry. After she divorced in 2003, she made a comeback in 2005 with the SBS TV drama “Spring Days” and after that she has proven that she remains a star actress by showing up in dramas such as the MBC TV drama “Foxy Lady” and “H.I.T” and movies such as “Woman On The Beach,””Like You Know It All” and “Actress.”

In addition, she garnered the biggest award at the MBC Drama Awards and also the biggest award at the Paeksang Arts Awards by appearing in the MBC drama “The Great Queen Seondeok,” which was aired last year.

Source: KBS Global

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June 15, 2010

Lee Dong-gun enters military Korean military

Reporter : Ko Jae-wan Editor : Jessica Kim

Actor Lee Dong-gun speaks to reporters ahead of entering the 102 Reserves in Chuncheon of Gangwon Province of South Korea on June 15, 2010. [Lee Ki-bum/Asia Economic Daily]

Korean actor Lee Dong-gun entered the military today as part of fulfilling the country's two-year mandatory military services.

Lee, 29, bid farewell to scores of reporters and fans who showed up at the 102 Reserves in Chuncheon of Gangwon Province although news of his military entrance broke out just the previous day. "I'm worried that I may be a nuisance to the people who will undergo training with me because of how my military entrance unintentionally got delayed. So I'm going to train even harder," Lee started by saying.

He had received a draft notice from the military in May and July of last year but deferred his entrance over personal reasons. The average Korean man serves his military duties in his early to mid-twenties.

Lee also apologized to his fans for informing them of his military entrance date late. "Please don't feel disappointed. I didn't tell my fans because I didn't want them to come here from far away," he said, adding that everyone except for his family, found out about the news yesterday.

The actor will receive basic training at Chuncheon's 102 Reserve for five weeks and later be assigned to a military base.

Lee, who first debuted as a singer in 1998, rose to stardom after starring in 2004 TV series "Lovers in Paris" and "Sweet 18." He has also made several big screen appearances including "My Boyfriend is Type B."

Actor Lee Dong-gun waves to fans head of entering the 102 Reserves in Chuncheon in the Gangwon Province of South Korea on June 15, 2010.

Actor Lee Dong-gun reveals his buzz cut after arriving at the 102 Reserves in Chuncheon in the Gangwon Province of South Korea on June 15, 2010.

Actor Lee Dong-gun arrives at the 102 Reserves in Chuncheon in the Gangwon Province of South Korea on June 15, 2010.

Reporter : Ko Jae-wan star@ Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@ <ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia 1 l 2 l 3 l 4

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June 15, 2010

Kim Suna meets with 2,000 fans at Taiwan fan meeting

Reporter : Lucia Hong Editor : Jessica Kim

Korean actress Kim Suna at her Taiwan fan meeting [Yedang Entertainment]

Hallyu star Kim Suna held her first Taiwan fan meeting over the weekend which attracted some 2,000 fans, according to her agency Yedang Entertainment on Tuesday.

Yedang announced in a press release that the event, held at the Taiwan International Convention Center on June 12, was also attended by 50 leading Chinese media outlets including ELTATV and ETTV.

Kim kicked off the meet and greet with her rendition of Super Junior's "Sorry Sorry," delivered a special video message to her fans which she self made and sang pop song "Yesterday Once More" and her film "S Diary" soundtrack "Love Theme."

The actress also promoted SBS TV series "City Hall," where she plays a low-level government employee from the countryside who eventually becomes the mayor. which scored high ratings in Taiwan during its run earlier this year. "I never imagined that so many people would come to the fan meeting. It's impossible to explain in words how thankful I am," the actress was quoted as saying, adding that she hopes to meet them again with new projects in the future.

Kim, who grew up in Japan and speaks fluent Japanese, shot to stardom throughout Asia with her comedic role in hit MBC TV series "My Name Is Kim Sam Soon"(2005). She returned to the small screen three years later with "When It's At Night" and "City Hall."

Last year, the actress was voted "Favorite Korean Actress" in a viewers' survey conducted by Japanese cable channel LaLaTV, scoring 35 percent of the votes over other Hallyu stars including Choi Ji-woo, Lee Young-ae and Song Hye-kyo.

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@ Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@ <ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved> 10.asiae.co.kr

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June 15, 2010

Ku Hye-sun to release digital single on June 16

Reporter : Lucia Hong Editor : Jessica Kim

Cover of Ku Hye-sun's digital single "Brown Hair" [YG Entertainment]

Multi-talented star Ku Hye-sun will be releasing her digital single tomorrow, according to her agency YG Entertainment on Tuesday.

YG announced in a press release that Ku will release digital single "Brown Hair" on Wednesday which has been rearranged by bossa nova pianist Choi In-young. Ku, who composed and wrote the song herself, displays her clear singing voice in the single with a simple yet unique melody.

Ku, who had originally planned to debut as a singer, started acting in several TV dramas and rose to fame throughout Asia after her role in the hit KBS series "Boys over Flowers" last year. She is known as a talented artist, novelist and scriptwriter, and made her directorial debut with her first full-length feature film "Magic," opening in local theaters on June 24, which premiered at the Jeonju International Film Festival in April.

She recently won "Spotlight Award" at the 12th Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia for her short feature "The Madonna" over the weekend.

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@ Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@ <ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved> 10.asiae.co.kr

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June 16, 2010

Star actor cast in new Ahn Jung-geun play

Actor Song Il-gook makes his stage debut as the historical figure

Television and film actor Song Il-gook makes his theatrical debut

in dual roles as independence activist Ahn Jung-geun and his son

Ahn Jun-saeng, who was said to be a traitor, in the new musical

“I Am You,” which premieres in July. Provided by Gaeksuk

Actor Song Il-gook, who made a name for himself in television dramas and movies, is about to make his stage debut in a play that hits close to home. The play “I Am You,” commemorates the centennial of the patriot Ahn Jung-geun’s death. In it, Song is double cast as both the patriot and his son. It’s an impressive debut for an actor whose own family tree is peopled with historical figures.

Ahn Jung-geun (1879-1910) was a well-known independence activist who assassinated Ito Hirobumi, Japan’s first resident general of Korea from 1905-09. Ito was the chief instigator in Japan’s occupation of Korea in the early 1900s.

The play, directed by renowned stage actress Yoon Suk-hwa and slated to premiere at the end of July, depicts the lives of Ahn and his son Ahn Jun-saeng, who, in contrast to his father, was accused of being a traitor. Song plays both father and son.

Song gained recognition for his work in the TV dramas “Emperor of the Sea” (2005) and “Jumong” (2006), winning acting awards for his performance in both. His film credits include 2005’s “The Art of Seduction.” He talked about his theater debut at a press conference last Wednesday at the Jungmiso Theater in Jongno District, central Seoul.

At the press conference, Song said that he was initially not going to accept the role because he didn’t feel ready for stage work, which he said he has always regarded as the most legitimate work for an actor. But Yoon convinced him to put his fears aside and take the role.

Song also said he was inspired by what Ahn Jung-geun tells his son, who asks who and what his father is fighting for. “For you,” Ahn replies. Song didn’t feel he could ignore the call to portray the independence fighter, perhaps because his family is closely tied to Korea’s independence movement.

Song is the great-grandson of Kim Jwa-jin, a well-known independence fighter in the early 1900s. His grandfather, Kim Doo-han, fought against the Japanese mafia, and many television dramas and movies have been made about his life. After Korea gained independence, Kim Doo-han became a member of National Assembly, participated in labor movements and was part of a movement against trusteeship.

“I’m proud because my grandfather was so honorable,” said Song.

Yoon said it was Song’s understanding of history that led her to cast him in the musical, particularly his participation in an annual tour to China that includes visits to places that were important to the independence movement. Yoon said she was also impressed that Song knew so much about Jun-saeng’s life and motivations. “Jun-saeng is said to be part of a pro-Japanese group and is called a traitor and, but I don’t agree with that,” Song said. “If I or anyone else had lived during that period, we would have been like him.”

*I Am You will run from July 27 to Aug. 29 at the National Theater of Korea, KB Haneul Youth Theater. Performances are at 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and at 3 and 8 p.m. on Wednesdays. On weekends, the play is presented at 3 and 7 p.m. on Saturdays and at 3 p.m. on Sundays. Go to Dongguk University Station, line No. 3, exit 2, and take the shuttle bus to the theater, or get off at exit 6 and take bus No. 02 or 05. For information and to make reservations, call (02) 3672-2001.

By Suh Yun-young Contributing writer [estyle@joongang.co.kr] joongangdaily.com

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June 16, 2010

"Into Fire" to close Hawaii international film fest

Reporter : Lynn Kim Editor : Jessica Kim

Official movie poster for "Into Fire" [Taewon Entertainment]

Korean war pic "Into Fire," starring Hallyu star Kwon Sang-woo and Cha Seung-won, has been chosen as the closing film for the 30th Hawaii International Film Festival, according to the film's producer Taewon Entertainment on Wednesday.

Taewon announced in a press release that the film received an official invitation to show at the film fest, to be held in Hawaii from October 14 to October 24, to close the event.

Director Lee Jae-han as well as four main actors in the film -- namely Kwon Sang-woo, Cha Seung-won, Kim Seung-woo and T.O.P from idol group Big Bang -- will be attending the official screening at the event scheduled for October 22.

The film has been garnering heated attention from the media recently, particularly when Kwon and Lee took part in a special seminar at the prestigious Stanford University's Asia-Pacific Research Center last month.

Noted film critic Scott Foundas, who writes movie reviews for numerous U.S. publications including The New York Times and has an online column on Indiewire.com, gave the war drama high marks after seeing it at Stanford. He said the film has a universal appeal and even compared Kwon to the late Hollywood rebel James Dean.

The film's commercial success overseas, particularly in the U.S., is likely to increase the odds for a first-ever Academy Award nomination for a Korean motion picture. So far, no Korean film has made the Oscar nominations for Best Foreign Film.

"Into Fire" is based on the true story of 71 student soldiers who fought during the Korean War, which marks its 60th anniversary this month.

The film opens in Korea today.

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@ Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@ <ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved> 10.asiae.co.kr

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June 16, 2010

(Movie Review) 'Man of Vendetta': life's ordeal compels man to fall

By Kim Hyun

SEOUL, June 16 (Yonhap) -- A phone call from the perpetrator, and the parents are told their only child is held for ransom. Time is ticking. Police are clueless.

This sounds too cliche for a kidnap thriller, but "Man of Vendetta," written and directed by Woo Min-ho, tries to elevate the story from the ranks of the genre by infusing it with a close-up of a man who, under extreme ordeals, abandons his faith and descends into self-destruction.

Woo builds his debut feature against a religious backdrop in tandem with his short films that took Christian subjects like "Who Killed Jesus?," which won a Seoul Christian Film Festival award in 2003. But his religious ingredient seems to be more of a cinematic device meant to amplify the character's descent rather than a thematic focus.

The story evolves with a well-paced chase sequence between the girl's father (Kim Myung-min) and the kidnapper (Uhm Ki-joon). Kim, known for his acting style that totally immerses himself into his characters like the skeletal patient with Lou Gehrig's disease he played in "My Love by My Side" (2009), fully develops the character as it transforms from a pious church pastor to a shaken third-class businessman in the wake of the daughter's abduction. The story gives relatively less space to the perpetrator, Uhm, or to the pastor's wife (Park Joo-mi) whose role is efficient but brief.

The film doesn't dwell on how the girl is abducted or how police fail to rescue her. It directly jumps into a point where eight years later the kidnapper reaches out to the father again with a ransom demand. By that time, Ju is no more a dignified man who used to preach on the podium in a roaring voice about loving your enemies or forgiving seventy times seven. Hope is gone for his daughter, and he is now a low-down divorcee trying to keep afloat his debt-ridden business with bluffs and blusters.

Suspense picks up when Ju receives a phone call from the kidnapper, who says his daughter is still alive. It reignites his hope, and immense guilt sweeps him over from the fact that he had deliberately abandoned the search so as not to suffer, contrary to his faithful wife who had kept up her search.

Given a week to raise a ransom and unable to do so, Ju makes a diabolical decision as the last resort to fulfill his parental duty. Ju is entirely on his own chasing after the kidnapper and never seeks police help. The director might have intended that lonely chase would underline the father's gruesome state of mind and lengthen the pace of suspense. In the story, police involvement eight years ago had ended up blowing up a chance for rescue, but for audiences, the frame alone does not make Ju's thorough lone search logical enough.

After the pulsating chase scene and the final showdown with the perpetrator comes a quiet, emotional climax for Ju. His daughter asks him a piercing question that is tormenting yet forgiving, one that will perhaps also affect viewers.

The director said he wanted to portray how extreme agonies change victims' lives by focusing on the main character's transformation rather than instilling hair-raising effects into the thriller. "If kidnap movies usually evolve with the situation of abduction and the suspense it creates, this one brings us into eight years later, when the issue has been forgotten and the lives have been changed for the mother, the father and the daughter and even for the kidnapper and the cops," he said after a press premier in Seoul on Monday.

Man of Vendetta, whose original title in Korean is translated "A Destroyed Man," was produced by iFilm Co. Its cinema release is set for July 1.

Source: hkim@yna.co.kr yonhapnews.co.kr