[News] Drama, Movies, Actors & Actresses

[rubie]

September 15, 2010

Lee Min-ho attends fashion show in New York

Reporter: Lucia Hong Editor: Jessica Kim

Korean actor Lee Min-ho and French designer Christophe Lemaire at the Lacoste 2011 Summer / Spring collection fashion show in New York [APR Agency]

Korean actor Lee Min-ho attended the fashion show for clothing brand Lacoste in New York last weekend, according to Lacoste's PR firm APR agency on Wednesday.

APR announced in a press release that Lee was one of the few Korean celebrities invited to New York Fashion Week's 2011 Summer / Spring collection for Lactose by French designer Christophe Lemaire.

At the end of the event, Lemaire thanked Lee for coming to see his final show, and the actor's Asian fans sang the song "You Are My Everything" in front of the Lincoln Center for Lee to congratulate him on his New York Fashion Week visit .

Lee, 23, made his debut in the small screen in 2006 appearing in various TV and short dramas. He became a household name in Korea and other Asian countries after starring as Goo Jun-pyo in the KBS hit series "Boys Over Flowers" (2009) and playing a homosexual man in MBC's "Personal Taste" (2010).

He will be taking on the role of a private detective in the upcoming Korean small screen adaptation of Japanese manga "City Hunters" next year.

Reporter: Lucia Hong luciahong @ Editor: Jessica Kim jesskim @ <Ⓒ 10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia

[rubie]

September 15, 2010

Actors from Hit Soap Tapped to Promote North Chungcheong Province

Yoon Si-yoon (left) and Lee Young-ah

Actors Yoon Si-yoon and Lee Young-ah will be named promotional ambassadors for North Chungcheong Province early next month. The two are starring in the hit KBS drama "Bread, Love and Dreams" shot in Cheongju and other areas in the province.

"The innocent and considerate image of their characters in the drama reflects the beautiful scenery and nature in North Chungcheong Province," an official with the provincial government said. The province is also considering making some of the actors in the soap opera, including Yoon and Lee, honorary citizens.

Thanks to the popularity of the show, tourists are flocking to Suam Village in Cheongju and Cheongnamdae, a former presidential vacation villa in Cheongwon. The province also expects an inflow of foreign tourists if the drama is aired overseas.

Source: englishnews@chosun.com

[rubie]

September 15, 2010

MC Mong Dropped from TV Shows Over Draft Dodging Charge

MC Mong

Rapper MC Mong, a fixture on many popular shows, will be dropped from all TV programs on terrestrial channels since he is being investigated by police for draft dodging.

Police suspect MC Mong intentionally had some healthy teeth pulled to avoid mandatory military service. A spokesman for SBS on Tuesday said the network decided to cancel his appearances in its programs.

KBS also said he will "temporarily" not be appearing on further programs. A KBS spokesman said, "Although the case is still under investigation, considering public sentiment about the issue and our status as a national broadcaster, we decided to temporarily stop MC Mong from appearing on our TV shows starting Friday."

Source: englishnews@chosun.com

Shin suffering from severe 'depression'

Singer and TV celebrity Shin Jung-hwan, 35, seems to be suffering from a severe psychological burden due to a shower of criticism over his activities overseas, such as allegations of gambling.

Shin unveiled his current feelings about the developments surrounding him in a text message sent to his close friend in Seoul Tuesday.

“Dear senior, I am not a fugitive as a renown murderer. I want to have a little rest. But because of several reporters, including reporter XXX...” said Shin. “I want to die due to depression. I can’t bear it any more. I would have to die, putting down their names.” He said in the message in anger, “I will never tolerate those who paint my girlfriend as a criminal.”

Shin is reported to have left Cebu, the Philippines, for Hong Kong, with his girlfriend at around 9 p.m. Monday. He was said to be heading for Macau, Money Today said in an Internet edition.

In earlier tips from local Korean residents in the Philippines, Shin appeared at Mactan casino at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu last Saturday and Monday. Shin is reported to have left a hospital where he claimed he needed treatment last Thursday.

It is reported that “Shin was shopping at a shopping mall in Hong Kong Tuesday morning, following tips from local Korean residents that “He sang at a famous bar, J, in Cebu, appearing with his girlfriend,” on Sunday night.

Meanwhile, Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office said that it has launched an investigation into Shin’s case following a complaint lodged by a citizen in his 50s in Incheon. The prosecution said it plans to confirm the complaint, calling in the plaintiff, and to review what kind of charges could be applied to Shin.

Shin is reported to have lost huge amounts of money in a gambling session at a casino in the tourist city of Cebu, the Philippines. Shin abruptly cancelled his plan to return to Seoul last weekend and is reportedly staying in Macau.

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

[rubie]

September 14, 2010

Stars Who Know the Value of Nothing

The singer and comedian Shin Jung-hwan at the heart of a recent scandal makes W25 million a week (US$1=W1,160). That translates into W1 billion a year. But Shin apparently blew his entire income at the gambling table. His house has been confiscated, and all of the money he makes goes into paying his huge debt.

Apparently to escape his creditors and public accusations for failing to appear on a series of planned TV shows, he elaborately faked a dengue fever infection in the Philippines, complete with a photograph showing him hooked up to medical equipment while doctors look on, but staff at the hospital where he posed as a patient said nothing was wrong with him and that he had admitted himself simply to take a rest. Shin has now gone underground.

The entertainer and singer MC Mong, who makes W5 million for each episode of his popular variety program on TV, has no molars. In fact, 12 of his teeth are missing, which got him exempted from serving mandatory military service. He said his missing teeth mean he can't eat properly, preventing his body from getting the proper nutrients to become fit for military service. He postponed his military service seven times citing various reasons, including sitting various tests for government service and licenses, as well as overseas travel plans.

In 2006, a week after he applied for his seventh postponement in mandatory military service, he finally managed to get a full exemption by submitting a medical certificate proving he had 12 missing teeth. Questioned by police, he said the teeth were pulled due to "severe cavities." MC Mong made between W20 million to W25 million for one weekly program.

The W25 million Shin spent every week and MC Mong makes each month are a huge sum of money, equivalent to the salaries ordinary people earn through hard work in a year. The average starting salary with major listed companies in Korea in 2010 is W27.89 million. Workers fresh out of college have to work eight hours a day to make that kind of money. This is why 35-year-old Shin and 31-year-old MC Mong, who both belong to the entertainment agency IS EnterMedia, have surprised the Korean public as much with the amount of money they make as their erratic behavior.

According to the National Tax Service, a total of 3,021 people in Korea were registered as actors, models, singers and other entertainers in 2007. In 2008 alone, the number increased seven-fold to 21,619. The NTS said it registered low-paid actors, models and singers as entertainers in order to make them eligible for tax cuts for low-income households. In 2007, entertainers reported a total of W482.1 billion in earnings, which boils down to W159.5 million each. In 2008, they reported W616.34 billion in total earnings, which comes to just W28.5 million each, due to the increased number of "low-paid" entertainers who were registered by the NTS. That means entertainers on average make just W28.5 million a year.

In July, the actor Choi Cheol-ho, who appeared in the drama "Dong Yi," was found to have hit an actress. Choi put on a smile and insisted on his innocence until footage of the incident was revealed, at which point he wept and apologized in public. Choi rose to fame after struggling for many years as an unknown actor. A month before the scandal, actor Kwon Sang-woo was found to have attempted to cover up a hit-and-run accident by blaming it on his manager. His lie was discovered 40 days later and apologized in a message posted on the Internet.

Choi, Kwon and the others have in common that they are rich. W25 million is apparently not a lot of money for them. They are also prone to deception and, when their lies are discovered, adept at apologizing. They have no qualms about lying: pretending to catch dengue fever, admitting violence only when evidence is presented, passing the buck to someone else. Once found out, they "sincerely" apologize for their transgressions and take some time off to reflect on their wrongdoings. But that reflection tends to be very short. Shin, who had been caught gambling in November 2005, was back on TV four months later, and Kwon, who was caught in the hit-and-run accident in June, is now a goodwill ambassador for a provincial festival and filming his next TV drama.

Still, it is important to remember that no famous entertainer escapes public scrutiny. Once caught doing something wrong, their pleas of innocence have no effect and their reputations are irreparably damaged, especially if they are the type of person who knows the value of neither W25 million nor the truth.

By Choi Seung-hyun from the Chosun Ilbo's News Desk englishnews@chosun.com

[rubie]

September 15, 2010

Kim Tae-hee was happy about dating rumors with Lee Byung-hun

Reporter: Park Kun-ouc Editor: Lucia Hong

Korean actress Kim Tae-hee on variety program "Win Win" [KBS]

Korean actress Kim Tae-hee has said she was happy to hear rumors that she and actor Lee Byung-hun were dating when the two were starring together in KBS TV series "IRIS" last year.

The actress made the remark on a pre-recorded session of KBS 'variety program "Win Win" which went on air on Tuesday, addressing rumor that the two who were lovers in the blockbuster show, were an item in real life as well.

"I was never involved in any scandals with my male co-stars from before so it probably means the audience acknowledged my romantic acting skills in 'IRIS'," Kim said smilingly.

When teasingly asked once again whether the two had not been dating, the starlet shook her head and said no.

Kim, 29, rose to stardom after appearing in hit SBS TV series "Stairway to Heaven" in 2003 alongside Hallyu star Kwon Sang-woo and Choi Ji-woo. She has also starred in several movies including "The Restless" with Jung Woo-sung and her new film "Grand Prix" will open in theaters tomorrow.

Reporter: Park Kun-ouc kun1112 @ Editor: Lucia Hong luciahong @ <Ⓒ 10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia

[rubie]

September 15, 2010

Kim Ah-joong cast as female lead in new medical drama

Reporter: Lucia Hong Editor: Jessica Kim

Korean actress Kim Ah-joong [Cosmopolitian]

Korean actress Kim Ah-joong has been cast as the female lead in an upcoming drama, according to her agency Trophy Entertainment on Wednesday.

Trophy announced that Kim has been cast to play the role of Go Da-kyung, an accident-prone newcomer who conducts autopsies, in the new medical drama tentatively titled "Heaven" opposite Korean actor Park Shin-yang.

"Go Da-kyung is someone who makes mistakes and is careless and tries hard to solve the problems at the institution but at the same time she is cute and lovable. We believe that Kim will do a great job in portraying this character since she has taken on various roles in the past, "explained an official from the show.

"Heaven," helmed by famed producer Jang Hang-joon from movies "Break Out" and "Attack the Gas Station 2, is about the situations and cases that arise at the National Institute of Scientific Investigation.

Kim made her debut in 2004 through a mobile phone commercial. She soon appeared in various TV series and movies including KBS 'drama "Accidental Couple" and in the film "200 Pounds Beauty."

She was recently cast as the female lead in the 20 billion won US-China joint production of the sports adventure film "Amazing."

Reporter: Lucia Hong luciahong @ Editor: Jessica Kim jesskim @ <Ⓒ 10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia

[rubie]

September 15, 2010

Lee Byung-hun named PR ambassador for California

Editor: Jessica Kim Photographer: Lee Ki-bum

Korean actor Lee Byung-hun is appointed promotional ambassador for tourism

to the U.S. state of California held at the JW Marriott Hotel in Seoul, South Korea

on September 15, 2010. [Lee Ki-bum/Asia Economic Daily]

Upon his encounter with "The Terminator" star and U.S. Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger, top Korean actor Lee Byung-hun said he himself was nicknamed a 'terminator' during his school days.

Speaking at a commissioning ceremony in Seoul on Wednesday where the Korean heartthrob was named a promotional ambassador for tourism to California, Lee explained that he was dubbed a 'terminator' in high school "not for having a lot of muscles but for being talented at arm wrestling."

In regards to fulfilling his duties as ambassador, Lee remarked, "I experienced the beauty of California while working on movie 'G.I.Joe' so I will take the lead in informing Korea about the world's most beautiful location California."

The actor was handed a certificate of appointment by the Governor himself, currently visiting Korea to take part in discussions on the theme of 'Globalizing Trade and Investment.' Some 700 investors including Korean Air CEO Cho Yang-ho and Hyundai Motor Chairman Chung Mong-koo and local and foreign media outlets were also present at the event.

Lee, 40, is one of the most popular actors in Korea who last starred in Korean blockbuster TV series "IRIS" last year while also making his Hollywood debut in the action flick "G.I. Joe." Most recently he starred in Korean thriller "I Saw The Devil" alongside actor Choi Min-sik and helmed by critically acclaimed director Kim Ji-woon which is currently playing in local theaters.

From left, Korean actor Lee Byung-hun and US Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger shake hands at at a commissioning ceremony appointing Lee as a promotional ambassador for tourism to the US state of California held at the JW Marriott Hotel in Seoul, South Korea on September 15, 2010.

Byung-hun and Arnold Schwarzenegger [Lee Ki-bum/Asia Economic Daily]

From left, Korean actor Lee Byung-hun and US Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger shake hands at at a commissioning ceremony appointing Lee as a promotional ambassador for tourism to the US state of California held at the JW Marriott Hotel in Seoul, South Korea on September 15, 2010.

Korean actor Lee Byung-hun speaks at a commissioning ceremony appointing him as a promotional ambassador for tourism to the US state of California held at the JW Marriott Hotel in Seoul, South Korea on September 15, 2010.

Photographer: Lee Ki-bum metro83 @ Editor: Jessica Kim jesskim @ <Ⓒ 10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia 1 l 2 l 3 l 4

[rubie]

September 15, 2010

Kim Hyun-joong series "Naughty Kiss" sold to 12 countries

Jessica Kim jesskim @ <Ⓒ 10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia

Official poster for MBC TV series "Naughty Kiss" [MBC]

New MBC TV series "Naughty Kiss" starring popular singer and actor Kim Hyun-joong, was sold to 12 countries around the world ahead of going on air early this month, according to the show's producer Group 8 on Wednesday.

Park Rae-hyun, in charge of the PR & Promotions team at Group 8, told 10Asia that the series was sold to several nations including Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, the Philippines and the United States for a total four billion won, equivalent to about 3.4 million dollars.

In a couple of the countries, such as Thailand and the Philippines, the show was sold for the highest price in Korean drama history. The show has also already been set to air twice a week on cable music channel Mnet Japan starting December although additional details have yet to be set.

Directed by Hwang In-roi, Kim and actress Jung So-min star in the show based on Japanese comic series "Itazura na Kiss."

[rubie]

September 15, 2010

Zhang Ziyi attends press conference in Korea for Special Olympics

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

L-R: Democratic Party member Lee Kwang-jae, Korea PR Ambassador Kim Yun-jin, Special Olympics athlete Kim Yuna, Grand National Party member Na Kyung-won and international PR ambassador Zhang Ziyi at the press conference for the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games held at the Grand Hilton Hotel. [Ogilvy]

Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi attended a press conference in Korea for the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games, according to a press release from the event promoter's Ogilvy on Wednesday.

The actress, who has been appointed the international PR ambassador for the event, arrived in Korea on September 14 to take part in the press conference for the Special Olympics held at the Grand Hilton Hotel earlier today.

Zhang Ziyi and Korean actress Kim Yun-jin, the PR ambassador for Korea, were in attendance alongisde other notable figures including California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Nadia Comanceci (former Olympic gymnast and vice chair of Special Olympics International) and Grand National Party member Na Kyung-won.

The Special Olympics, founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968, offers opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to compete in various Olympic-type sports.

The sporting event, held every two years alternating between summer and winter, brings together over 3.5 million athletes from 170 countries. The next Olympics will be held in Athens, Greece for ten days starting June 25, 2011 and two years later in Pyeongchang, Korea.

California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Grand National Party member Na Kyung-won at the press conference for the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games held at the Grand Hilton Hotel. [Ogilvy]

September 16, 2010

Kim Yun-jin (left) and Zhang Ziyi attend a press event in Seoul on Wednesday announcing the 2013 Special Olympics in Pyeongchang. The actresses have been appointed promotional ambassadors for the Olympics. /Newsis

Source: englishnews@chosun.com

[rubie]

September 15, 2010

YouTube version of "Naughty Kiss" to air starting November

Jessica Kim jesskim @ <Ⓒ 10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia

Google Korea CEO and Managing Director Lee Won-jin (left) and Group 8 CEO Song Byung-joon [Group 8]

Korean TV series "Naughty Kiss" starring popular singer and actor Kim Hyun-joong will be turned into an online version which will show on video-sharing website YouTube starting November.

A press conference was held at Google Korea's headquarters in Seoul on Wednesday, announcing that the TV show's producer Group 8 and YouTube owner Google have agreed to create the YouTube version of the series originally based on Japanese comic "Itazura na Kiss."

The two parties explained that seven ten-minute long episodes, with the same cast and director from the TV show but with new or additional details, will be newly shot and distributed through an exclusive channel on YouTube, allowing viewers from all across the world to watch the show.

"This is an innovative attempt through which a domestic drama broadcast on a public network will newly be produced into an online version, and it has significance in that it will diversify the channel through which video contents are distributed," Group 8 CEO Song Byung- joon remarked.

The channel for the YouTube version of "Naughty Kiss" will open in early October through which viewers can submit their entries for story ideas as well as take part in events recruiting subtitle creators from various countries.

Directed by Hwang In-roi, Kim and actress Jung So-min star in the show.

Korean drama goes global on YouTube

By Jean Oh (oh_jean@heraldm.com) koreaherald.com

YouTube and Korean production company Group Eight are forging Hallyu history with their pact to produce and launch the video-sharing website’s first global-scale, exclusive TV-style drama.

Group Eight, the company behind the smash hit series “Boys Over Flowers,” is looking to extend the life of their drama “Naughty Kiss” which is currently airing on MBC by launching a special version of it into the YouTube stratosphere. Under the deal Group Eight will create seven, never-before-seen, 10-minute long episodes of “Naughty Kiss” exclusively for YouTube.

Since YouTube caters to a global audience, such a partnership offers a number of benefits for the production company. Group Eight does not need to sell its series to each country’s distributors nor does the company need to vie for a highly coveted timeslot on a major broadcasting network. By airing via YouTube, they can go straight to their target audience.

YouTube and Group Eight are partnering up to produce and launch an exclusive “Naughty Kiss”

special edition series. (Group Eight)

“I feel like the head of a broadcasting network,” Group Eight CEO Song Byeong-joon said at a press conference on Wednesday. “It takes a load off.” Lee Won-jin, Asia Managing Director of YouTube’s parent company Google, revealed a long-term vision toward what he considers a first step. “We are developing a new model for distributing dramas,” Lee, also head of Google Korea, said.

An official YouTube “Naughty Kiss” channel will open in October where users can check out promotional videos, music videos, making-of-the-series clips and participate in special events. Then, between late October and early November, after MBC’s “Naughty Kiss” airs its final episode, the special series will be launched.

Group Eight’s Song said the series would not be a repeat of the MBC version, adding that unaired episodes from the original comic book series and brand new stories will be used to create the special edition. Subtitles, said Google’s Lee, may be provided by YouTube at first and or may invite users to translate the series collectively.

Since YouTube currently has domains in 24 countries and 24 hours worth of footage is being uploaded by the minute as of March, the “Naughty Kiss” special edition may pave the way for future YouTube and other made-for-Internet dramas. For now, however, Group Eight might just be hoping that YouTube’s “Naughty Kiss” fares better than the network version, which has been bringing in average viewer ratings of around 3 percent for its first four episodes.

MBC’s “Naughty Kiss” is a spin-off of the late Kaoru Tada’s Japanese comic book series “Itazura na Kiss,” which sold a whopping 30 million copies and was remade into both a Taiwanese and Japanese TV drama and an animated series. “Boys Over Flowers” heartthrob and SS501 boy band leader Kim Hyun-joong is playing the lead alongside “Bad Boy” starlet Jung So-min.

[rubie]

September 15, 2010

Actor Lee to promote California tourism

By Park Si-soo pss@koreatimes.co.kr

Korean heartthrob Lee Byung-hun has been appointed California’s honorary tourism ambassador to South Korea, Wednesday.

Lee received a certificate of appointment directly from California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger at the JW Marriott Hotel in Seoul. Schwarzenegger was visiting Seoul to boost collaboration on trade and technology with the Korean government and various companies.

With the new title, Lee will participate in a variety of campaigns as tourism ambassador that aims to help promote California as a premier travel destination for Korean tourists.

“California looks forward to welcoming more Korean tourists eager to experience the California life style,” said Caroline Beteta, chief executive officer of the California Travel and Tourism Commission. “Recently, Lee embraced his inner California, inspiring his fellow South Koreans to do the same.”

Lee is one of Korea’s most popular film stars. Making his debut in 1991, the 40-year-old has since starred in many films, including his first Hollywood role in the movie “GI Joe.”

The number of Korean travelers to California has increased since 2008, when Korean nationals began benefiting from the U.S. visa waiver program.

September 16, 2010

Lee Byung-hun to Promote California Tourism

Source: englishnews@chosun.com

Actor Lee Byung-hun has been named California's tourism promotion ambassador to Korea. He received a letter of appointment on Wednesday from visiting California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Lee Byung-hun receives a letter of appointment as California's tourism ambassador

from the U.S. state's Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in Seoul on Wednesday.

Lee has also been selected as the winner of this year's Seoul International Tourism Award, which is given by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to individuals or groups who contribute to the growth of the tourism industry.

The actor was picked for the award in recognition of his hand in bringing Seoul into the spotlight in many countries through the TV show "IRIS" among his other hits.

[rubie]

September 16, 2010

Moon Geun-yeong stars in new romantic comedy

Moon Geun-yeong and Jang Geun-seok have been cast in KBS’s new romantic comedy “Mary Stayed Out All Night.”

Moon plays Mary, the daughter of a failed businessman, who becomes involved in a love triangle with Jang’s character, who is the lead singer in a band.

The story is derived from the online cartoon of the same name by Won Su-yeon.

The show is scheduled to start in mid-November.

By Hannah Kim Contributing writer joongangdaily.com

[rubie]

September 16, 2010

Entertainer gambles with his career

Shin Jung-hwan suspected of skipping work, faking photo

Entertainer Shin Jung-hwan reportedly went gambling

in the Philippines. [JoongAng Ilbo]

Entertainer Shin Jung-hwan, 35, the host of three popular national television shows, was fired from all three shows yesterday, following allegations that he ditched work to go on a gambling spree in the Philippines, where he is rumored to have lost millions of won.

The Seoul Supreme Public Prosecutors’ Office said Tuesday that it had launched an investigation of Shin. When Shin didn’t show up for work last week, it was believed that he had once again indulged in his well-known penchant for gambling, which is illegal in Korea.

This is not the first time the entertainer has faced allegations of illegal gambling. In 2005, Shin paid a 7 million won ($6,363) fine after he was caught gambling. He was also sued by an acquaintance who said Shin failed to repay the 180 million won he borrowed to gamble at a casino in Gangwon Province.

Last week, as rumors continued to circulate, Shin, who was staying in Cebu with friends, posted a statement on his fan site that said he had contracted dengue fever and had been hospitalized for days. He also released a photo of himself lying in a hospital bed with wires attached to his chest. In the statement, posted Sept. 9, Shin also criticized the media for acting like a “lynch mob” and “accusing an innocent person without any proof.”

But later that evening, SBS’s “Nightly TV Entertainment” reported that the photo had been manipulated. With increasing speculation about his failure to show up for work, Shin Jung-hwan released photo of himself in a hospital in Cebu, which was later reported to have been manipulated. Shin claimed to have dengue fever but is suspected of taking a gambling trip. Doctors and nurses at the hospital interviewed on the program said that Shin was resting but did not have any symptoms of dengue fever.

Yesterday, Shin was fired from all three of his TV shows, which air on the nation’s three major networks - SBS, MBC and KBS. In addition, Shin’s finances have reportedly been frozen by SBS, based on his history with gambling. It was also reported that he had left Cebu for Macau. In response, IS Entertainment, Shin’s management agency, released a statement later in the day saying that Shin has no plans to return to Korea for a while, but did not give any reason for why he was extending his stay abroad.

Aside from the consequences facing the entertainer, the Shin case has turned a harsh spotlight on gambling addiction and the increasingly long list of celebrities with gambling problems. Lee Seong-jin, a former member of the now-defunct boy band N.R.G., was arrested in March for failing to repay a 20 million won debt to a friend and using the money to gamble at a casino in Gangwon Province. Shin Hye-sung, a member of the band Shinhwa, had to pay 10 million won in fines after he was caught gambling overseas last October.

The list of stars involved in gambling scandals also includes baseball player-turned-entertainer Kang Byung-gyu, comedian Kim Jun-ho and former singer Lee Sang-min. Lee operated an illegal gambling Web site for three years. “Gambling addiction is very complicated and very hard to overcome,” said Lee Joo-young, an official at the Korea Institute of Mental Health in Incheon.

Lee added: “Gambling addiction is closely related to mental health. People who have depression or other mental health problems often seek the thrill of gambling to deal with their problems. People who are addicted to gambling also tend to be impulsive, or they just hate to lose.”

Experts say that celebrities may be at higher risk for gambling addiction. “Fame and their unstable status as celebrities is extremely stressful, which makes them seek ways to escape. Some choose to escape by gambling,” said Hwang Sang-min, a professor of psychology at Yonsei University.

Meanwhile, an official with the prosecutors’ office in charge of investigating gambling cases said Shin is likely to face a heavy punishment. “Although we have simple guidelines on gambling - including fines of up to 20 million won or prison terms of less then three years - the punishment is always decided on a case by case basis,” the official said. “This is the third time Shin has been caught gambling. It’s not going to be easy this time.”

By Sung So-young [so@joongang.co.kr] joongangdaily.com

[rubie]

September 16, 2010

Koreans up in arms over draft dodging stars

M.C. Mong

Some feigned insanity. Others dislocated their own shoulder joints.

And some even drank lots of coffee to instantly raise blood pressure. These are just some of the creepy methods some young Koreans have been caught using to dodge mandatory military service in Korea.

Recently, another weird method was used to dodge the draft: tooth extraction. Shin Dong-hyun, a hip-hop artist better known as M.C. Mong, who made it big with his improvisational flair and high-energy singing, faces charges that he intentionally had healthy teeth removed to make himself ineligible for the draft in 2007. Army doctors found in 2007 that Shin, now 31, had 12 molars missing, which disqualified him for military service, according to the military. But after months of investigation, police said last week that at least four of those missing teeth were intentionally pulled out, even though they were healthy.

Shin was unreachable for comment, but he previously denied any wrongdoing, claiming that he had chronic gum problems from his childhood. Shin’s case has rekindled a heated debate about draft dodging by TV and sports stars who make more money and wield more influence than people in any other profession, but for these stars job security is always in jeopardy.

In Korea, all able-bodied men age 20 or older are required to serve in the armed forces or do civil service for nearly two years. Controversy over celebrities’ draft dodging has been an ongoing issue, with huge public uproars ensuing after every case.

Yoo Seung-jun, a Seoul-born singer who immigrated to the United States as a child, had repeatedly said in interviews that he would fulfill his military duty. But in 2002, just before he was to be enrolled, he became a naturalized U.S. citizen. It shocked the Korean public, and the government banned him from performing in Korea and deported him to the United States.

Psy, a hip-hop artist known for his flamboyant stage persona, was sent back to the military in 2007 after his stint in the alternative civil service was found to be negligent. “There is a common view that entertainers are the privileged class who easily make money, and there’s a common jealousy against them,” said Lee Taek-gwang, a British and American culture studies professor at Kyunghee University in Seoul. “So when those privileged people evade their duty, the public feels greater anger than toward evaders of any other profession.”

Stars often fear they will be forgotten in the fast-changing entertainment realm, where fame goes quickly. According to a poll on the efficacy of television commercials by CM Institute, a private research organization in Seoul, it takes years for even top stars to regain popularity after military service, and for many, such a rebound is only a remote possibility. In the 1,200-person survey about celebrity preference, Won Bin, a top-class actor, scored 2.56 points during his prime shortly before his military enrollment in 2005. He was discharged from the military after seven months for a ligament injury, but it was not until the summer of 2009 that he rebounded with a 2.47 score after he starred in a coffee commercial.

Pop-singer Rain has always received high scores, including a six, as his career was never interrupted by military service. But his score has decreased in recent months, according to the institute, after he postponed his enrollment, scheduled for this month. “Even top stars find it hard to come back after staying away from the screen for such a long time,” said Kyeong Won-sik, general manager at the institute.

Current laws allow for exemption of military duty only for Olympic medalists and Asian Games gold medal winners. Entertainers once sought a similar benefit. Their association asked the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to consider exempting Korean Wave stars from service for their contributions to tourism and “enhancing the nation’s profile,” but the subject was dropped with concerns of inequality.

“There is no other place than the military where inequality is shown so clearly,” said Prof. Lee. “One has to serve in the military, but his friend with an exceptional background gets exemption.”

Yonhap via joongangdaily.com

[rubie]

September 16, 2010

Bae Yong-joong photo essay to sell in China starting today

Jessica Kim jesskim @ <Ⓒ 10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia

Cover to Chinese version of actor Bae Yong-joon's photo essay "Discovering the Beauty of Korea". [KEYEAST]

The Chinese version of top Hallyu star Bae Yong-joon's photo essay "Discovering the Beauty of Korea" will go on sale starting today, according to Bae's agency KEYEAST on Thursday.

The book, first released in a Korean and Japanese version last year, had also been published in Taiwanese just last week.

KEYEAST said the book's Chinese publisher Sdxjoint Publishing Company predicts Bae's book to easily sell 100,000 copies, the mark a publication is considered a bestseller in the country, based on its extensive distribution network and marketing skills.

SLA (Star Lake Agency), a Korea-China culture agency which planned the book's release in China, was quoted as saying that the book will "act as a catalyst which will invigorate exchange between Korea and China in various spheres including culture and tourism. "

An event celebrating the release of the Chinese version of Bae's book will be held at the Korean Cultural Service in Beijing this afternoon.

"Discovering the Beauty of Korea" has been a bestseller in both Korea and Japan last year and have since been steady sellers.

The book contains photographs of various cultural artisans that the actor met during his travels, as well as introductions to Korean culture and travel locations which Bae compiled over a one-year period.

[rubie]

September 16, 2010

Suae (left) and Yoo Ji-tae poses at a press event for their new film "Midnight FM" in Seoul on Wednesday. /Newsis

Source: englishnews@chosun.com

[rubie]

September 16, 2010

Joo Jin-mo thinks Zhang Ziyi liked him

Jessica Kim jesskim @ <Ⓒ 10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia

Actor Joo Jin-mo on MBC talk show "Golden Fishery" [MBC]

Actor Joo Jin-mo has said that he felt that top Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi liked him when the two were co-stars for Korean film "The Warriors" almost ten years ago.

Joo made the remark on a pre-recorded session of MBC talk show "Golden Fisher - Knee Drop Guru" which went on air Wednesday, starting his explanation with "If I had known Zhang Ziyi would turn out like this ... why did I . "

The 36-year-old then went on, saying that he had become close with the Chinese starlet while in China to learn the country's language ahead of going into shoot for "The Warriors." "We couldn't communicate directly so we always had an interpreter with us but she introduced me to a massage shop where we got massages together when I got hurt from an accident and she would even pay for them," Joo reminisced. "She sometimes even came to my room and played games."

Then when the show's host Kang Ho-dong asked whether he thought Zhang had been interested in her, Joo responded smilingly, "I felt it although she never expressed it. This too may just be a misunderstanding on my part." He then confessed that he too thought she was cute and attractive but he did not think more at the time because he had a girlfriend.

Born Park Jin-tae, Joo has starred in numbers of films and dramas since his debut in 1996, most notably movies "200 Pound Beauty" opposite actress Kim Ah-joong and "A Frozen Flower" alongside actor Zo In-sung for which he won the award for best actor at the Baeksang Arts Awards last year.

[rubie]

September 16, 2010

Jang Dong-gun Hollywood pic to premiere December 3 in Korea, US

Jessica Kim jesskim @ <Ⓒ 10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia

A scene from film "The Warrior's Way" [sK Telecom]

Korean actor Jang Dong-gun's Hollywood debut pic will premiere simultaneously in the US and Korea, according to the film's distributor SK Telecom on Thursday.

SK stated through a press release that "The Warrior's Way," whose release date in the US had already been set for December 3, will also open at the same time in theaters in Korea (December 2 in Korea time).

"The Warrior's Way," helmed and written by Lee Seung-moo, is a Western fantasy film based on a swordsman named Yang, played by Jang, who flees to a forgotten American town in the west to escape his bloody past but gets caught up in a battle with a local group of bandits.

The movie's cast also includes some of Hollywood's biggest names including Kate Bosworth, Danny Huston and Geoffrey Rush. American firm Relativity Media, co-producers of Hollywood blockbusters "Salt" (2010) starring Angelina Jolie and "Public Enemies" (2009) starring Johnny Depp, had bought the distribution rights for "The Warrior's Way" in the US in July.

Jang, 38, is one of Korea's top actors who has starred in numerous television dramas and movies. He is set to reunite with "Taegukgi" director Kang Je-gyu for a pic tentatively titled "My Way."

Jang’s Hollywood debut to hit cinemas in December

By Song Woong-ki (kws@heraldm.com) koreaherald.com

Korean heartthrob Jang Dong-gun’s long-gestating Hollywood debut will finally see the light of day in both North American and Korean cinemas come December.

The film, renamed “Warrior’s Way,” had been collecting dust since production wrapped up in 2008 and looked on its way to being shelved or relegated to a straight-to-DVD release. That is until earlier this August when Ryan Kavanaugh of Relativity Media came to the rescue and picked up the distribution rights to the $45-million film.

Good news for fans of Jang, but there is yet another hurdle for the film whether or not it will get a wide release.

A spokesperson with Ziness Communications, the company in charge of the film’s domestic marketing, could not confirm or deny whether the film was going to be given a limited release in North America.

For its domestic run, the film will no doubt be rolling out nationwide in multiplexes, as anything starring Jang would be given the royal treatment here. Of course, the reason for all of the film’s trouble in gaining faith from investors cannot be blamed on just bad timing or bad luck.

Jang Dong-gun stars in “Warrior’s Way,” a $45 million Hollywood production that will finally be released in December, two years after its completion. (SK Telecom)

For those who have seen an early extended promo trailer for writer/director Sngmoo Lee’s fantasy-western martial arts throwback, it is difficult to get excited about a film that looks like a bad videogame from the ’90s.

Even the film’s silly original title “Laundry Warrior” had to be changed by brighter minds. If the film were to be given a limited release stateside on Dec. 3, it would not be much of a shock to those involved in the production.

So what is the film about?

Jang plays a reformed master swordsman and assassin who, after stumbling onto a newborn baby, decides to flee from his enemies and start a new life in a small town in the American badlands.

The obligatory love interest in the film is played by once-promising it-girl Kate Bosworth. One moment that will be sure to make people scratch their heads is the participation of Academy Award-winning Brit thespian Geoffrey Rush. Danny Houston and Tony Cox round out the rest of the international cast.

The film is essentially a hodgepodge of fantasy swordplay, wire-fu, Western shoot-’em up movies involving a hefty dose of cowboys, bandits and sword-wielding assassins.

[Guest teukiie]

September 16, 2010

Cha Seung-won returns to Korea for health reasons

 

Actor Cha Seung-won, who departed for Japan over theweekend to film upcoming TV series "Athena," has returned to Koreafollowing a deterioration in his health.

An official with the show's producer explainedthat the model-actor flew back to Korea on September 13, a day after he hadleft for Japan, and is currently being treated for his illness. 

"We will decide on when he will be returningdepending on the pace of his recovery," an official from the showexplained. Cha's condition has not been revealed.

Meanwhile, "Athena" is currently beingfilmed in Japan with Cha's shooting schedule and parts of the script modified.

The show, the spin-off to last year's blockbusterdrama "IRIS," is about terrorist acts and threats against the KoreanPeninsula and the whole world. 

Filmed in six different countries including Japanand Italy, "Athena" features a star-studded cast of Jung Woo-sung,Soo Ae, E Ji-ah, Kim Min-jong and Choi Si-won of idol group Super Junior. 

The action series will begin its run in November. 

Reporter : Ko Kyoung-seok kave@

Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[rubie]

September 16, 2010

[PHOTO] Ahn Jae-wook performs for "Rock of Ages"

Photographer: Lee Ki-bum metro83 @ Editor: Jessica Kim jesskim @ <Ⓒ 10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia

Singer and actor Ahn Jae-wook performs a scene from musical "Rock of Ages" during its press call held at the Olympic Park in Seoul, South Korea on September 16, 2010.