[News] Drama, Movies, Actors & Actresses

[ninimi]

September 29, 2010

Mysterious poster for Doenjang, starring Lee Yo Won, released

Seoul, Korea – Queen Seon Deok’s Lee Yo Won appears as a mysterious ‘Doenjang Girl’ in the poster for her new movie Doenjang. Doenjang, directed by Lee Seo Gun, has been garnering interest as the newest mystery movie after Leave when they’re clapping from the ‘Jang Jin quartet’.

One of the more noticeable lines on the poster is ‘Flavor that captures people’. This line foreshadows that this movie includes an interesting case, not just a story about flavor. With the central focus being on the mysterious Jang Hae Jin (Lee Yo Won) holding the flower in her hand, we are intrigued by the image of past murder Kim Jong Gu being arrested in front of the doenjang restaurant where everything begins.

The mysterious story begins when it is found out that after 5 years after escaping prison, he went to prison because of doenjang jjigae. In the midst of Lee Yo Won’s transformation into a questionable woman making doenjang, the movie is set to premier on October 21.

http://en.korea.com/blog/enter/movie/mysterious-poster-for-doenjang-starring-lee-yo-won-released/comment-page-1/#comment-10603

[Halo21]

Jang Dong-gun wife gives birth

Jang Dong-gun and Ko So-young on their wedding on May 2, 2010. [AM Entertainment]

Top Korean actor Jang Dong-gun's wife actress Ko So-young has given birth to a boy, Jang's agency said on Monday.

Ko, 37, was in labor for ten hours before delivering a 3.2 kilogram baby, yet to be named, at around 4 a.m. today in a hospital in Seoul.

"I'm very happy that both my wife and child are healthy," Jang was quoted as saying by AM Entertainment.

However, Jang will not be able to spend much time with Ko and the newest member of his family; he will visit the city of Busan at the end of the week to promote his upcoming Hollywood debut film "The Warrior's Way" and next week will start filming top Korean director Kang Je-gyu's Hollywood debut movie "My Way" in various locations overseas.

The couple, dubbed Korea's 'couple of the century,' had been expecting a child since early this year, ahead of their marriage in early May.

They tied the knot after dating for two years but sparked rumors of being in a romantic relationship several times since co-starring in 1999 film "Love Wind, Love Song."

Credit to : Jessica Kim jesskim@10Asia

http://10.asiae.co.kr/Articles/new_view.htm?sec=ent0&a_id=2010100410101702871

[koalabear]

Actor Ryu Si-won to wed October 26

Ryu Si-won [R's Company]

Top Hallyu star Ryu Si-won announced on Wednesday, the day of his 38th birthday, that he will get married on October 26.

He broke the news through a posting to his fans on his official fan page Ryusiwon.net www.ryusiwon.net early in the day, after thanking the several thousands of fans from around Asia who turned up for his birthday party over the weekend.

He also said that his bride-to-be is pregnant and will give birth in a few months. "I think I will also become a dad next spring," Ryu wrote.

He then apologized for not being able to inform fans of the news at an earlier date but explained that it was because his fiancee is not a celebrity.

No information has been revealed about her other than that she was a dance major in college. The two are said to have dated for a year after meeting through an acquaintance.

Ryu will hold a press conference later in the day where he will explain more details about his marriage.

Ryu, singer and actor, made his debut in 1994, and has starred in various dramas including "Secret" (2000, MBC), "Beautiful Days" (2001, SBS) and "Style" (2009, SBS).

He has led a particularly successful career in Japan since debuting in the country six years ago, selling out all five of his concert tours held throughout the country.

Most recently, he has been both the director and racer of his own pro car racing team 'TEAM106,' he set up entertainment company 'abnormal106' and turned producer for singer Rottyful Sky.

Jessica Kim jesskim@

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[Halo21]

PIFF focuses on quality this year, not quantity

October 07, 2010

Crisp October air wafts over Haeundae Beach, hotels are full and beautiful people are streaming into the city.

For Busaners and movie lovers alike, these are telltale signs of the onset of the Pusan International Film Festival - the biggest of its kind in Asia.

PIFF director Kim Dong-ho, who will step down after this year’s festival, said the mission for PIFF has remained the same.

“We’ve stuck with the same spirit over the past 15 years: nurturing and supporting talented filmmakers in Asia,” PIFF director Kim Dong-ho told reporters in a press conference. “You’ll see many new directors and their products this year.”

The festival marks its 15th year this time around and begins today with 308 films from 67 countries - 47 fewer films compared to the previous year. But PIFF boasts the biggest number of world premiers with 103 and international premiers with 52, where films are shown for the first time outside home countries.

What to watch?

Unlike last year’s festival, which opened with the Korean film “Good Morning President,” this year’s festival opens with Chinese director Zhang Yimou’s “Under the Hawthorn Tree” - based on the 2007 Internet novel “Hawthorn Tree Forever,” a love story set in the Mao Zedong period.

“Zhang has produced blockbuster films such as ‘House of Flying Daggers’ (2004) and ‘Curse of the Golden Flower’ (2006), but you’ll see he went back to basics with this film,” said Kim Ji-seok, the executive programmer of the festival.

Zhang directed the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Another masterpiece to be shown in Busan is “Certified Copy” by famed Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami, who rose to international fame after winning the 1997 Palme d’Or for “Taste of Cherry” from Cannes.

Featuring Juliette Binoche and William Shimell, Certified Copy follows the journey of a man and woman who decide to sightsee in Tuscany on a whim.

A dominant characteristic of this year’s festival is the number of global cooperation projects involving Korea.

“Late Autumn” by Korean director Kim Tae-yong, is a project involving Korea, China and the United States. It is a tale of love between a woman (China’s Tang Wei) on special release from prison and a man (Korea’s Hyun Bin) running from the law.

Another, “Magic and Loss,” is an independent film involving five countries.

Malay director Lim Kah Wai directed Magic and Loss, in which two women leave for Hong Kong. Korean independent filmmaker Yang Ik-joon, who became famous with his independent film “Breathless” (2008), also participated in the production.

The last don’t-miss global project is “Camellia,” the closing for this year’s festival. Three rising directors - from Korea, Japan and Thailand - produced three short films based on themes of love. All are set in Busan.

Of the filmmakers, Jang Joon-hwan’s “Love for Sale” features pan-Asian actress Song Hye-gyo and actor Gang Dong-won. Japanese director Yukisada Isao’s “Kamome” describes a surreal love story between a mysterious Japanese woman and Korean man.

Thai director Wisit Sasanatieng’s “Iron lion king: A Kimchi Affair” follows a secret agent named Iron lion king and how she falls in love on a mission.

Guests and stars

If you find yourself in Busan for celebrity watching, you won’t be alone.

PIFF’s special guests include French actress Juliette Binoche, American director Oliver Stone, Chinese director Zhang Yimou, Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami, Chinese actress Tang Wei, Japanese actress Aoi Yu, and British actress Jane March.

A-list Korean celebrities to stroll down the red carpet include actors An Sung-ki, Jang Dong-gun, Won Bin, Hyun Bin and actresses Jeon Do-yeon, Soo Ae and Kong Hyo-jin.

Events

Dozens of events are available. Master classes will be given by Zhang Yimou tomorrow at Grand Hotel at 7 p.m. Famed Japanese costume designer Emi Wada will hold a lecture on Oct. 13 at 4 p.m. in the same hotel.

In Open Talk program, festival visitors will have a question and answer session with directors and actors.

The first program tomorrow, with the theme of “Meet the Bollywood,” features Indian director Mani Ratnam and top Indian actors Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan at 3 p.m. at the PIFF Village Outdoor Stage.

Tidbits

* Some films are already sold out, but 20 percent of theater seats are always reserved for those who purchase tickets on the day of the screening.

* The uncensored version of “I Saw the Devil” (2010) will be screened as part of Midnight Passion. Directed by Korean director Kim Jee-woon, the slasher film was turned down twice by the Korea Media Rating Board because some of its scenes “undermine human dignity.” The film stars Choi Min-sik from “Oldboy” (2003) and Lee Byung-hun from “G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra” (2009).

* The average ticket costs 5,000 won ($4.50) but tickets for the opening and closing ceremonies are 10,000 won.

* For more information, visit www.piff.org/structure/eng/ or call (051) 747-3012.

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

Credit to Joongang

http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2926829

[Guest yeohweping]

http://media.daum.net/entertain/broadcast/view.html?cateid=1032&newsid=20101012074217071&p=segye

Hwan Hee is making a drama comeback after 2 years with MBC upcoming daily drama "Love is stronger than death" which will air after Golden fish ends in nov'10.

"Love is stronger than death" will focus the love,growth and trials of a strong-willed girl with beautiful appearance.

Credit : here

[rubie]

October 13, 2010

Tokyo drama fest unveils winners

Lee Byung Hun wins for actor, 'Jin' nabs drama honors

By MARK SCHILLING (Schill@gol.com) variety.com

The International Drama Festival in Tokyo has announced the awards for its fourth edition to be held Oct. 25-28 during the Tokyo Film Festival.

The winner of the best actor in Asia prize is Korean megastar Lee Byung Hun for his performance in the drama, "IRIS." The prize, established in 2008, is given to a non-Japanese thespian for an outstanding turn in an Asian drama.

Winner of the Asia Award for the Japanese drama with most export potential as determined by Asian buyers goes to the Tokyo Broadcasting System drama, "Jin."

The Tokyo Drama Award for the local drama with most marketability outside Japan, as decided by exporters, has yet to be announced.

The aim of the Asia Award and Tokyo Drama Award is to heighten the international profile of Japanese dramas as exportable product.

Launched in 2007 with the backing of TV broadcasters, program producers, industry orgs and government ministries, the fest organizes a market for Japanese dramas, screens foreign dramas, holds symposiums and presents prizes.

October 14, 2010

Lee named best actor at Tokyo Drama Awards

By Han Sang-hee (sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr}

Korean actor Lee Byung-hun will be named the Best Actor in Asia at the Tokyo Drama Awards, according to his agency BH Entertainment, Wednesday.

The 40-year-actor has become the first to win the award, which was set up for the event this year. The drama "IRIS", which starred Lee and fellow actress Kim Tae-hee, will also receive the Best Foreign Drama award at the annual event.

"The Best Actor in Asia award was made to celebrate an actor’s outstanding performance and contribution, who appeared in a foreign work," the Tokyo Drama Awards organizing committee said. "Lee was appreciated for not only his acting in the drama 'IRIS,' but also for the fact that the series has received acclaim from countries that aired the show," the committee added.

Lee has had a wild ride for the couple of past years, enjoying paise and support from both fans and the entertainment and film industry. The actor appeared in the hit drama "IRIS" and also worked with Hollywood stars Sienna Miller, Channing Tatum and Dennis Quaid for the blockbuster film "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" last year. He also won Best Actor in a Hallyu Drama category at the Seoul Drama Awards in September.

Lee will attend the ceremony to receive the award on Oct. 25.

[rubie]

October 19, 2010

Kim Hye-soo takes on Ko Hyeon-jeong

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

The fall drama season is proving to be rife with controversy.

A week before news broke of the addition of a new director to SBS’ Wednesday and Thursday night series, “Dae Mul,” the press had a field day with a comment made by Kim Hye-soo on a television program on Oct. 8.

On an MBC entertainment show, Kim responded to a statement made about MBC’s Wednesday and Thursday night series’ losing streak, saying, “Overall, MBC is a wreck.”

The 40-year-old actress voiced her bold opinion weeks after MBC decided to cancel her current affairs program, “Kim Hye-soo’s W,” which will air its last episode Oct. 29, instigating speculation linking her remark to the show’s termination.

Ironically, Kim was getting photographed for the poster of her brand new MBC drama, “Home Sweet Home,” when she reportedly criticized the network.

The mystery melodrama, which delves into a possible murder case, is set to hit the small screen on Oct. 27.

The cast of MBC’s “Home Sweet Home,” (from left to right) Lee Sang-yoon, Kim Hye-soo, Shin Sung-woo

and Hwang Shin-hye, pose for photos during a press conference on Tuesday at the Grand Hyatt Seoul

(Park Hae-mook/The Korea Herald)

In the upcoming series, Kim plays Kim Jin-suh, a psychiatrist out to uncover the truth behind the death of Sung Eun-pil (Kim Kap-soo). In doing so, Kim realizes that the deceased Sung’s wife, Mo Yoon-hee (Hwang Shin-hye), may not only have been involved in Sung’s death but that she has also been having an affair with Kim’s husband, Lee Sang-hyun (Shin Sung-woo).

Just a glance at the plot foretells the telenovela-esque nature of the new drama, where stakes will be high and cat fights will abound. “I can just sit back and watch them duke it out,“ director Oh Kyung-hoon said of the synergy that one gets from pairing top actresses like Kim and Hwang.

Director Oh, however, was quick to refute presumptions that the drama will be an extreme soap opera. “This is most definitely not a telenovela-style drama about illicit affairs,” he asserted at the drama’s press conference Tuesday. “Our series explores the relationships between married couples.”

Up against formidable rivals KBS’ “Fugitive Plan B” and SBS’ “Dae Mul” Oh explained why he felt he could take them on. “Primary viewers of Wednesday and Thursday night miniseries are changing,” he explained. “10 years ago it was viewers in their late teens to their late 20s, but now it is shifting toward those in their late 20s to their mid-40s. So our concept is to target females in their 30s and 40s, which is why you could call this work female-centric. But people who like mysteries and American and Japanese dramas have also been taken into consideration.”

The series’ success, however, will depend on the power of Kim Hye-soo who pulled respectable ratings in her last drama, SBS’ “Style” to attract more viewers than the highly charismatic heroine of “Dae Mul,” played by “The Great Queen Seondeok” star Ko Hyeon-jeong.

It looks like Kim might turn the tables.

On Oct. 17, news broke that not only had “Dae Mul” scriptwriter Hwang Eun-kyung been replaced by Yoo Dong-yoon prior to airing, but that a new director, Kim Chul-kyu, joined the team and started co-directing with “Dae Mul” director Oh Jong-rok.

The changes will affect “Dae Mul” as early as this week, possibly affording Kim Hye-soo’s drama an opportunity to swivel viewers away from the currently popular “Dae Mul.”

“Home Sweet Home” starts airing Wednesday and Thursday nights on MBC on Oct. 27 at 9:55 p.m.

October 20, 2010

Source: englishnews@chosun.com

Hwang Shin-hye (left) and Kim Hye-soo pose at a press event for their new TV drama in Seoul on Tuesday.

From left, Lee Sang-yun, Kim Hye-soo, Shin Sung-woo and Hwang Shin-hye

[rubie]

October 18, 2010

School Build In Africa Under Late Actor Park Yong-ha's Name

Source: KBS Global

The legacy of Hallyu actor Park Yong-ha will live on despite his all too early death. Park shocked the entire nation -- and then some -- by committing suicide last June.

A new school for the children of the Republic of Chad in Africa has been recently established under Park's name. Through "Hope TV", a special documentary revolving around this special school is set to be broadcast October 22nd. The school was set up on September 18th, finally fulfilling Park's wish of helping to shape a brighter future for the children of Chad.

The school's name is Yona School. Yo-na was the name that Park's Japanese fans knew him as. Although Park was a well known actor in Korea, his popularity -- mainly from the hit drama "Winter Sonata" -- was over the top in Japan. The money that made this school possible was the charity funds collected by Park and his Japanese fans last May.

Many of the late actor's closest friends supported the cause. One in particular: actor Park Hee-soon. Park Hee-soon had promised Park Yong-ha that he would go with him to Chad one day. Though Park's life may be over, Park Hee-soon demonstrated that friendship goes beyond the grave, by keeping his promise and establishing the Yona School in Park Yong-ha's place. Park Hee-soon also helped prepare the institution's very first lesson for the students.

Other singers and actors showed their support by singing the newly written school song. The list included Park Shi-yeon, Park Hyo-shin, Eru, SS501's Kim Hyung-joon, Lynn, FT Island's Lee Jae-jin & Song Seung-hyeon, Song Chae-rim, etc. Jellyfish Entertainment's CEO Hwang Sae-joon took part in the writing of the school song and helped to organize the entire production.

[rubie]

October 20, 2010

Uhm Jung-hwa goes through thyroid surgery

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

Top actress and singer Uhm Jung-hwa, 41, has reportedly been fighting thyroid cancer and she has nearly fully recovered.

A close aide to her said Wednesday that Uhm received thyroid surgery at a university hospital in southern Seoul last May. "Uhm went through surgery immediately after the cancer was detected during a general medical check-up.

"Fortunately, the cancer was found at an early stage. As a result, she was discharged in three days after endoscopic surgery. "

It is reported that thyroid cancer is curable in up to 90 percent of cases as the disease develops very slowly. There are no scars left on her neck as the surgery was performed via the endoscopic technique, the aide said.

Very few people, including family members and friends, were aware that she had been suffering from cancer.

The aide said that not many people knew about the illness as she was also appearing in the television talent contest, "Superstar K2," on cable channel Mnet as a judge despite her condition.

Uhm made her debut as an actress in "On a Windy Day We Must Go to Apgujeong" in 1992 and released her first album, Sorrowful Secret in 1993. "Since then, she has enjoyed popularity as both an actress and a singer," the aide said.

October 21, 2010

News of entertainer’s cancer surgery shocks fans

By Hannah Kim Contributing writer joongangdaily.com

Singer-actress Uhm Jung-hwa had surgery for thyroid cancer, according to a statement released yesterday by Uhm’s management company Sim Entertainment. The new has shocked fans and acquaintances alike.

According to the press release, Uhm had the surgery on Oct. 5. The cancer was discovered at an early stage and Uhm was released from the hospital four days later, the statement said. Only Uhm’s family and a very small group of friends were aware of the illness.

Uhm is currently one of the main judges for MNet’s popular talent show “Superstar K2.”

“[uhm] did not show any signs of being sick and was always bright and friendly to all the staff backstage,” a program employee told Ilgan Sports. “The only thing that I’ve noticed is that the pitch of her voice sounded a little lower.”

The employee also praised the singer, saying she had endured long taping sessions for the show without complaint. Uhm says the surgery will not interfere with her participation on the talent show, the statement said.

This season’s winner will be chosen on tomorrow’s program, scheduled to air at 11 p.m.

[rubie]

October 21, 2010

Korea wins four Asia Broadcast awards

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

Official logo of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union 47th General Assembly [Offical ABU site]

Korea won four top honors at the 47th Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) award ceremony on Tuesday, in a competition against over 172 radio and television programs from 25 countries.

According to the official ABU site, Korea won the Radio Infotainment Prize for the "At Cheongju Women's Correctional Institution" segment on MBC's radio show "Women's Generation" and took the TV Drama prize for MBC's historical series "The Great Queen Seondeok," which starred actress Ko Hyun-jung.

Also, KBS 'variety program "Qualifications of Men - 101 Things to do Before Death," starring Lee Gyeong-gyu, Kimg Kuk-jin, Kim Tae-won, Lee Yun-seok, Kim Seong-min, scored the TV Entertainment Prize and EBS '"Cockroach" received the TV Documentary Prize.

The ABU Prizes Awards ceremony, which was held on the first day of the 47th ABU General Assembly, took place at NHK Hall in Tokyo, acknowledging the best in radio and television which aired during the past year in the Asia-Pacific region.

The ABU is a non-profit, non-government association of broadcasting organizations which was established in 1964 to develop broadcasting and organize activities amongst its members in the Asia-Pacific region.

The organization has over 194 members from 57 countries and reaches out to about three billion people.

[rubie]

October 20, 2010

'Proof' role kept Kang sane during hubbie’s ordeal

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

Not quite over the chaos that surrounded her husband’s battle with an online community hell bent on discrediting his education background, Korean actress Kang Hye-jung the wife of Tablo remained mum about the ordeal.

The diminutive actress, most famous for her breakthrough role in the 2003 film “Oldboy,” spoke Tuesday at Arts Madang in Seoul during a press conference and preview for the production of David Auburn’s 2001 Pulitzer Prize-winning play, “Proof.”

The Lee Yu-ri helmed adaptation is Kang’s first acting assignment, in which she portrays the lead character Catherine, since taking a nine-month sabbatical to raise her newborn baby daughter.

“I’m curious to know what your intentions are with this kind of question,” she snapped at a reporter who asked her about how the controversy had affected her mentally and professionally.

“You probably put a lot of thought into your question before you came here but I don’t think you’ll hear anything from me regarding that. The only thing I can tell you is that I lived every single day clinging onto this play and that was the most difficult for me.”

Kang Hye-jung stars as Catherine in the Korean stage adaptation of David Auburn’s 2001

Pulitzer Prize winning play “Proof.” (AGA)

Visibly angered by the question, Kang let out a deep sigh, placed her microphone down on the floor and sat alongside her co-stars with arms and legs crossed for most of the press conference.

This prompted one of the PR spokesperson with the production to ask members of the press to refrain from questions unrelated to the play.

Kang gave sparse answers, allowing the cast to speak on her behalf about the production.

The play is centered on Catherine, the daughter of Robert, a recently deceased schizophrenic mathematician and her struggle with her own mathematical genius and looming mental illness. The plot focuses on the discovery of a mathematical proof about prime numbers in Robert’s study that sparks one of his ex-graduate students to prod Catherine about conducting further research.

Lee Yun-ji, who will alternate with Kang in the lead throughout the play’s run until Dec. 12, said her interpretation of the character was more external while Kang’s was more internal.

“I’m more prone to externalizing my emotions in my performance,” Lee said.

“Kang on the other hand is quite adept at internalizing her emotions which is something that I admire. It gives her performance more brevity and subtle power.”

One of the biggest blights of the preview was veteran thespian Jung Won-joong, who plays Catherine’s father, Robert.

Because the roles in the play are of westerners, perhaps Jung felt a need to imitate the mannerisms of someone strictly based on his preconceived prejudices.

The end result was more caricature than interpretation.

Had he taken on his character as being a Korean man, his performance as well as the others’ might have come across as less awkward.

All tickets are priced at 45,000 won. For more information call Aga Theater Company at (02) 6273-5678 or Interpark (02) 1544-1555.

[rubie]

October 21, 2010

Dirty deals sell well in 'Unjust' conspiracy

By Lee Hyo-won (hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr)

Hwang Jung-min, right, appears in a scene from "The Unjust." The new conspiracy drama

by Ryu Seung-wan co-stars Ryu Seung-beom and Yu Hae-jin. /Courtesy of CJ Entertainment

Theatrics is not limited to show business ― a scriptwriting prosecutor, a police officer with a knack for producing a convincing mise-en-scene and a sponsor with acting skills can team up to stage the perfect conspiracy.

"The Unjust" takes the red-hot issue of sponsored prosecutors and spins it into solid, star-powered entertainment.

While devoid of the usual hip action that defined his earlier works, Ryu Seung-wan’s new film keeps the intrigue alive. It retains a critical view of social ills but does not drown in zealous preaching; rather it gives the noir subject matter an incisively witty and at times humorous ― though never light ― treatment, which is rendered all the more compelling by its talented cast.

"The Unjust" is essentially a story about natural selection in the urban jungle, an imperfect place where corruption pierces through the heart of law enforcement bodies.

A terrorizing serial murder seizes the entire country. But when there is no one to blame for the crime, and the pressure of direct presidential orders and the prospects of a promotion loom big, well, then, there are other ways to close the case: hire an actor and put on a show.

Cheol-gi (Hwang Jung-min), the police officer who is in charge of the case, is the best in the business but lacking the right pedigree, he has not been able to climb up the ladder. As the movie’s catch phrase says, "If there is no criminal, then make one," and when his desperate boss promises him a promotion Cheol-gi decides to jump right into a dirty deal to fool the public. He uses his sponsor, Seok-gu (Yoo Hae-jin), the head of a construction company, to hire an actor and the curtains close to a standing ovation.

Meanwhile, prosecutor Ju Yang (Ryu Seung-beom) has been sponsored by a real estate tycoon. But when Cheol-gi arrests his sponsor, Yang is determined to avenge the policeman for cutting off the generous financial support and starts digging around in order to retaliate. Just in time, Ju is asked to cover the serial murder case and during the course of the investigation, he discovers the illicit deal between Cheol-gi and Seok-gu, and proposes an arrangement of his own to Cheol-gi.

The narrative is largely propelled by the characters and their intentions as they become engaged in a complex web of power struggle and raw human desires. The film makes it clear why each character wants to become a part of the conspiracy but refrains from giving away all the facts and figures, whether or not they are telling the truth. It reveals just enough to keep the audience interested.

As fit for a crime drama, "The Unjust" surprises the viewer with one twist after another. However, such turns are far from providing cathartic thrills ― they rather evoke a sense of pity as they depict without a blink of an eye the weak-willed and violent nature of man.

Moreover, the power struggle is most interesting because there is no dominant power, as everyone is just snooping around, trying to capitalize on the weak points of others.

The fact alone that the director’s younger brother-cum-actor Ryu and the two other irreplaceable actors are joining forces has incited a great expectation for the film, and fans will not be disappointed.

In theaters Oct. 28. Distributed by CJ Entertainment.

[Halo21]

Hyun Bin's film "Late Autumn" to open next month

Korean film "Late Autumn," starring Hyun Bin and Chinese actress Tang Wei, will open in local theaters on November 25.

A press release from Lotte Entertainment revealed the date of director Kim Tae-yong's movie about a coincidental meeting between a male gigolo named Hoon (Hyun Bin) and Anna (Tang Wei), who is in jail for murdering her abusive husband.

The movie was first released in 1966 by famed Korean filmmaker Lee Man-hee and it was re-made three times - into "Promise of the Body" in 1975, "Manchu" in 1982 and Japanese film "Promise" in 1972.

Born Kim Tae-pyung, Hyun Bin rose to stardom after his role in the smash MBC TV series "My Name is Kim Sam-soon" in 2005. He is currently working on the upcoming SBS drama "Secret Garden" alongside Ha Ji-won.

Tang Wei made her debut in 1998 in the movie "Chinese Female Football" and became an international star after starring as the heroine in the flick "Lust, Caution" in 2007

Credit  :

Reporter: Lucia Hong luciahong @

Editor: Jessica Kim jesskim @

http://10.asiae.co.k...102115510340621

[rubie]

October 25, 2010

South Korean actor Lee Byung Hun given 'Best Actor in Asia' award

Source: breitbart.com l sankei.jp.msn.com

TOKYO, Oct. 25 (AP) - (Kyodo)—South Korean actor Lee Byung Hun, who played the protagonist role in the 2009 South Korean espionage television drama series "IRIS," was given the "Best Actor in Asia" award Monday on the opening day of the four-day International Drama Festival in Tokyo.

Japanese actress Keiko Kishi, who headed the selecting committee, handed the award to Lee at a ceremony in Tokyo.

Lee said, "I have found it really fortunate that I am living as an actor in this age."

Lee was selected for the award as he has "shown exceptional acting talent in a non-Japanese Asian drama," according to a statement issued earlier by the executive committee of the festival, organized by the National Association of Commercial Broadcasters in Japan and Japan Broadcasting Corp., the public broadcaster known as NHK.

"IRIS," a drama series produced by South Korea's largest television network Korean Broadcasting System, was broadcast in Japan this year after it attained huge popularity in South Korea last year.

October 26, 2010

Lee Byung-hun wins award at Japan drama festival

Reporter: Ko Kyoung-seok kave @ Editor: Lucia Hong luciahong @ <Ⓒ 10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia

Korean actor Lee Byung-hun [Asia Economic Daily]

Top Korean actor Lee Byung-hun received an honor at a drama awards ceremony in Japan yesterday.

The 40-year-old actor was named the "Best Actor in Asia" at the Tokyo Drama Awards 2010 held at the Meiji Memorial Hall on October 25.

In early October, an official from the Tokyo Drama Awards had told Japanese reporters that this year's fest will present two new awards including the prize for 'Best Actor in Asia' which will go to Lee for his acting skills in hit Korean TV series' IRIS 'and for many of his works recording high viewership ratings and being sold overseas.

"IRIS" itself won the award for top foreign project award. The show had raked in ratings of nearly 40 percent during its run in Korea late last year and also saw a successful run in Japan.

Lee, 40, is one of the most popular actors in Korea with scores of television dramas and films under his belt. He expanded his career into Hollywood last year, starring in action flick "GI Joe" and "I Come with the Rain."

He recently starred in the Korean thriller "I Saw the Devil" with actor Choi Min-sik, which has been sold to various countries such as France, England, Taiwan, Turkey and North America.

[rubie]

October 25, 2010

Actress Yoon on jury at Mumbai Film Festival

Source: (swchun@heraldm.com) koreaherald.com

Veteran actress Yoon Jeong-hee, 66, who came back to the screen this year after a 15-year absence in Lee Chang-dong’s “Poetry,” will participate in the Mumbai Film Festival as a member of the jury.

The 12th film festival will be held in Mumbai, India, Oct. 21-28.

According to the festival website, all five jury members are women, including jury president Jane Campion, who is an Academy Award winner and Hollywood-based film maker.

Yoon Jeong-hee

It is her first visit to India in 40 years. In 1970, she won a special guest award in an Indian international film festival for her role in “An Old Potter.”

Yoon was commonly referred to as one of the “Trokia” along with her rival actresses, Moon Hee and Nam Jeong-min in the 1960s. Yoon married a noted pianist Paik Kun-woo in 1974.

“Poetry” won the Best Screenplay Award at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival. Yoon has acted in more than 250 films and won more than 20 awards.

[rubie]

October 25, 2010

Bae Yong-joon wins photo lawsuit in Japan

Source: (swchun@heraldm.com) koreaherald.com

Korea’s Hallyu megastar Bae Yong-joon won a lawsuit over a Japanese publisher who used a picture of him without permission, the Yonhap news agency reported Sunday, quoting Japan’s Jiji Press.

Bae claimed in the suit filed to Tokyo district court that the July 2008 edition of “It’s KOREAL,” a monthly magazine run by Okura Publishing Co., ran photos of him without his authorization. He sought 4.4 million yen (about $54,000) in compensation.

Bae Yong-joon

Digital Adventure, which administers his copyrights, said that it filed a suit against Okura immediately after finding the magazine in violation of Bae’s rights.

He had received 30 million won ($27,000) compensation in September, after winning a case against a Korean travel agency which had uploaded his images on its website without his permission.

[rubie]

October 27, 2010

TV celebrities launch charity organization

Source: swchun@heraldm.com koreaherald.com

Scores of TV celebrities including actors Lee Deok-hwa and Choi Soo-jong launched a charity and volunteer work organization Oct. 25.

The group, named “the 100-member board for a good society,” will sponsor social enterprises through talent donation.

They seek to organize college volunteer corps in cooperation with provincial governments and also plan a donation concert and lecture tour.

Actor Choi Soo-jong speaks at a ceremony to launch a charity and volunteer work organization

in Seoul Oct. 25. (Yonhap News)

The board consists of honorary chairman Lee, chairman Choi, advisors and veteran actors Lee Soon-jae and Shin Young-kyun, and about 50 members who are mostly actors, actresses or pop singers. “I’ve never felt satisfied with my donations over my 40-year acting career, but I am always willing to do more,” the Yonhap news agency quoted Lee as saying at the launching ceremony. “I’ll do good deeds together with like-minded people who are too shy to come forward to give.”

Shin recently donated personal assets worth 50 billion won ($44 million) for the development of the Korean film industry. “Actors and actresses have lived well with fans’ love. Now it’s time to return their love, so the group was born.” Shin said.

Health and Welfare Minister Chin Soo-hee attended the ceremony and said that the government would help them spread the culture of sharing.

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October 29, 2010

“Poetry” wins Best Film award

By Park Min-young (claire@heraldm.com) koreaherald.com

The film “Poetry” won Best Film at the Daejong Film Awards which took place at Kyung Hee University on Friday.

The swept four awards -- Best Film, the Best Actress, the Best Scenario and Best Supporting Actress.

Known as South Korea’s Oscars, the awards are the nation’s oldest film awards and mark their 47th edition this year.

“I am grateful that I am standing here once again in my 45 years of film life so far, with such a beautiful movie, ‘Poetry.’ I would like to share this honor with the internationally respected director Lee Chang-dong and all our staff who happily worked together for four months,” said Yun Jung-hee, who won the Best Actress for her distinctive performance in “Poetry.”

“I would also like to add one more thing to all movie fans: Please give me the strength and courage to stand here again after a few years.”

Yun Jung-hee, winner of the Best Actress award [Yonhap News]

Other nominees for the Best Actress award included Seo Young-hee for “Bedevilled,” Jeon Do-yeon for “The Housemaid” Kim Yun-jin for “Harmony,” Jo Yeo-jeong for “The Servant.”

Won Bin took home the Best Actor award for his impressive role in “Ajussi.”

Won Bin, winner of the Best Actor award [Yonhap News]

Other nominees for the award included Jeong Jae-young for “Moss,” Park Hee-soon for “A Barefoot Dream,” Choi Min-sik and Lee Byung-hun of “I Saw the Devil” and Song Gang-ho and Kang Dong-won of “Brother.”

The Best Supporting Actor and Actress awards were given to Kim Hee-ra for “Poetry,” Song Sae-byeok for “The Servant” and Yun Yeo-jeong for “The Housemaid.”

The Most Popular Actor and Actress awards were presented to Won Bin and Lee Min-jeong. Lee also shared the Rookie Award with Jeong Woo for “Wish.”

Lee Min-jeong, winner of the Most Popular actress award [Yonhap News]

Choi Seung-hyun, also known as boy K-pop group Big Bang member T.O.P., won the Most Popular Hallyu Actor award.

Choi Seung-hyun, winner of the Most Popular Hallyu Actor award [Yonhap News]

Director Kang Woo-seok won the Best Director award for “Moss,” director Jang Cheol-soo won the Rookie Director award for “Bedevilled” and director Lee Chang-dong was awarded the Best Scenario gong for “Poetry.”

[Halo21]

Hyun Bin to enter military by March 2011

Hyun Bin in a scene from upcoming SBS weekend TV series "Secret Garden" [hwa & dam pictures]

Korean actor Hyun Bin will enter the military by March of next year as part of serving his duties for the country which is compulsory of all Korean men.

The news came through a press release on Monday by hwa & dam pictures, the producer of upcoming Hyun Bin starrer weekend series "Secret Garden," quoting a remark made by an official from the actor's agency AM Entertainment.

"He plans on entering the military by next March but we are still discussing on when the exact date will be and how he will go about it," the official said.

Since "Secret Garden" will be the last acting role he takes on for two years that follow thereafter, the 28-year-old is "absorbing himself even more into the drama by showing more enthusiasm," hwa & dam explained.

"Secret Garden," also starring Ha Ji-won and Yoon Sang-hyun, is a romantic comedy fantasy drama which will tell about a man and woman's souls that become switched.

Producer Shin Woo-cheol and scenarist Kim Eun-sook, the mastermind duo behind hit shows "Lovers in Paris" and "On Air" will take the reigns of the 20-part show set to air starting November 13.

Hyun Bin, whose real name is Kim Tae-pyung, rose to fame after starring in smash hit series "My Name is Kim Sam-soon" alongside actress Kim Suna in 2005.

He has been dating top Korean actress Song Hye-kyo, his co-star of KBS series "Worlds Within," since mid-2009.

Credit :

http://10.asiae.co.k...110211294287332

Jessica Kim jesskim @ 10Asia

 

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October 25, 2010

Acting coach tells what it takes to be a star

By Kang Hye-ran [estyle@joongang.co.kr] joongangdaily.com

Acting coach Ahn Hyuk-mo, right, and actor Jang Hyuk, talk about what it takes to be famous at a recent interview

with the JoongAng Ilbo. Ahn has published a new book on the subject. Provided by iHQ

If you ask an elementary school student what they want to be when they grow up, many will probably tell you they want to be a star.

They are drawn by the lure of what seems to be a glamorous life and the hefty paycheck that comes with it. But what does it really take to be a star, and how many people can actually get there?

Ahn Hyuk-mo, an acting coach for some of Korea’s most popular stars, says that being a celebrity is no fairy tale. “You don’t wake up one morning and become Cinderella,” he said in a recent interview with the JoongAng Ilbo.

In his recently published book “The 12 Keys to Realizing a Dream,” he tells of the trials and tribulations of 11 of his students as they go from struggling actor to stardom, including Kim Sun-ah of “My Lovely Sam-soon” and Jun Ji-hyun of “My Sassy Girl.”

Ahn, a former actor himself, is also the director of C.A.S.T. by iHQ, an acting academy affiliated with celebrity-management company Sidus. He said that all of the celebrities in his book were successful because they set very specific goals for themselves and had the drive to accomplish them.

Aside from these traits, it seems they had one other thing in common.

“Stars are born to be stars,” Ahn said, but added that they also need certain qualities to hone their craft. “Through patience and training, the true character comes out.”

But that’s just the beginning. Famous actors and performers go through a lot of practice and other hardship. “First of all, the stars have to enjoy it - endless all-night filming and constant rereading of the script,” Ahn said. “It is only possible for a person to be a top star when they learn from this hardship and use what they’ve learned to support their work.”

All stars see their popularity fade at some point, said Ahn, but he noted that those who can continue to win popularity and fame are the truly skilled actors.

One of the featured celebrities in Ahn’s book is actor Jang Hyuk, who studied under Ahn for 14 years. He seems to have learned Ahn’s lessons.

In the book, Jang is described as being relentless in his analysis of a character. “It is easy to fail if you don’t understand the steps one has to take to be famous,” Jang said at the same JoongAng Ilbo interview.

Ahn cautions his students and the public against the idea that it is easy to be famous. “Stars are major role models for children these days,” Ahn said. “But I want to dispel any myths about being famous and tell them about the qualities stars have to have to be famous.”