[News] Drama, Movies, Actors & Actresses

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November 17, 2010

"Dong Yi" main cast promotes series in Taiwan

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

Stars of MBC's "Dong Yi - Jewel in the Crown" arrive in Taiwan. [NOA Entertainment]

Korean actors Ji Jin-hee, Han Hyo-joo and Bae Soo-bin visited Taiwan over the weekend to promote their TV series "Dong Yi - Jewel in the Crown."

Their agencies announced on Wednesday that the three stars were in Taiwan from November 14 to 16 to attend a promotional event hosted by Taiwan's GTV for MBC's historical epic "Dong Yi," which began its run in the prime time slot of GTV starting November 15.

After flying into the country on Saturday, Ji, Han and Bae met with about 1,000 fans the following day to speak about "Dong Yi."

At the event, Ji, who last visited Taiwan six years ago for "Jewel in the Palace," took pictures with the local fans with his own camera, Han played the haegeum [a two-stringed Korean traditional fiddle] which she had received from as gift, while Bae showed off his swordsmanship just like his character in the show.

The next day, the three stars were interviewed by numerous local medias including UDN.com, China Times, NEXT TV, MTV and Channel V and appeared on variety programs to promote their show.

"Dong Yi" is about a woman named Dong Yi who grows up to become Choi Suk-bin, a consort of King Sukjong and the mother of King Youngjo during the Joseon Dynasty.

The show had dominated Korea's TV ratings charts for Monday and Tuesday evenings, taking the No. 1 spot during its time slot for several weeks.

The 60-part series has also been sold to ten countries including Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Korean actor Ji Jin-hee, Lee So-yeon, Han Hyo-joo and Bae Soo-bin [NOA Entertainment]

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November 17, 2010

Director Park Chan-wook in talks to make first English film

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

Korean director Park Chan-wook [Cannes Film Festival]

Famed Korean director Park Chan-wook may be making his English-language movie directorial debut, according to a report.

The Los Angeles Times reported that sources close to the film said Park "is in talks to direct 'Stoker,' a drama about a young woman whose eccentric uncle comes back into her life after the death of her father."

"Stoker," written by American actor Wentworth Miller, to be produced by film company Ridley Scott Associates and developed by studio Fox Searchlight, will star actress Carey Mulligan as the young woman and co-star Jodie Foster. The actor for the role of the uncle has yet to be cast.

Park, well-known for the dark and violent matters in his film, is one of the top filmmakers in the Korea and famous for his movies "Joint Security Area," the vengeance trilogy which consists of "Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance," " Oldboy "and" Sympathy for Lady Vengeance. "

His film "Oldboy" won the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 2004 which critically acclaimed director Steven Spielberg and Will Smith have tried to produce an American remake of.

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November 18, 2010

Infinite Challenge donation drive is a hit

Source: joongangdaily.com

The MBC variety show “Infinite Challenge” has successfully completed yet another project to help the needy.

The cast and crew delivered a 113.7 million won ($99,000) donation to the Green Umbrella Children’s Foundation in an event held at the MBC Dream Center, a satellite studio in Goyang, Gyeonggi, on Nov. 11.

The donation represents a portion of the profit from the sales of a calendar they created for 2010.

Since 2008, the cast and crew of the program has made a calendar every year and donates the proceeds to charity.

This year’s profits are estimated to be approximately 300 million won, according to news sources.

The money given to Green Umbrella, which provides services and support for underprivileged children, will be used to aid children suffering from diseases such as cancer.

Meanwhile, the 2011 calendar will go on sale tomorrow at 10 a.m. on the program’s Web site.

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November 18, 2010

Ko So-young gives to single moms

Source: joongangdaily.com, captures from news.nate.com

Actress Ko So-young, who along with actor Jang Dong-gun is part of Korea’s most famous celebrity couple, has donated money to help single moms.

On Monday, Ko visited the Social Welfare Society in Yeoksam-dong, southern Seoul, to meet with officials and deliver a 100 million won donation. The money will go to support single mothers and their newborns.

According to news sources, the actress volunteered at the center for more than two hours on the same day and said she will visit regularly to show her support.

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November 18, 2010

Yun Jung-hee to get lifetime achievement award in Cairo

By Ki Sun-min, Sung So-young [so@joongang.co.kr] joongangdaily.com

Yun Jung-hee. By Kim Kyung-bin

Veteran actress Yun Jung-hee will be the recipient of the lifetime achievement award at the 34th Cairo International Film Festival, which begins on Nov. 30.

Yun will become the first Korean to win such an award at an international film festival. She is also part of the festival jury. “I was really surprised after realizing that I was going to win the award from Cairo because I didn’t have a prior relationship with the festival,” said Yun, who lives in France but was in Seoul last weekend with her husband, renowned pianist Paik Kun-woo.

The 66-year-old actress is experiencing something of a renaissance. Yun earned the best actress award at the Daejong Film Awards on Oct. 29 for her role in “Poetry,” which received the best screenplay award at the Cannes Film Festival in May. Yun’s Daejong award was the third for the actress from the nation’s longest-running award ceremony.

In Poetry, Yun’s portrayal of Mi-ja, a grandmother in her 60s who learns how to compose poems, earned rave reviews and she was mentioned as a strong candidate for the best actress award at the Cannes Film Festival by the foreign press (she did not win).

Poetry marked Yun’s return to the big screen after a 16-year absence.

After marrying Paik in 1976, Yun chose to live as the wife of an artist rather than continue her career as an actress and she moved to Paris to be with her husband, returning to Korea only occasionally to work in film. But it was not for lack of a successful career. Before she left, she was one of the most celebrated actresses of her generation.

Yun was the reigning beauty of Korean cinema from the late ’60s to the late ’80s. She made her debut with a starring role in the 1967 film “Cheongchun Geukjang,” beating 1,200 other hopefuls for the job. In her heyday, she starred in a total of 330 films, playing the leading role in all but five of them. Over the years, she has been honored with 25 best actress awards.

Past recipients of the Cairo International Film Festival’s lifetime achievement award include Elizabeth Taylor (1979), Sophia Loren (1998) and Alain Delon and Catherine Deneuve (1999).

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Foreign Ministry Looks to TV Drama to Recover Its Image

November 18, 2010

The Foreign Ministry, still reeling from the abrupt resignation of foreign minister Yu Myung-hwan over alleged favoritism in the hiring of his daughter, wants to support the filming of a TV drama that features a Korean diplomat. 

The ministry is considering support for the production of "My Princess," which is scheduled to air in January next year, a ministry source said. It plans to allow filming in its grounds and offer information on the lives of diplomats. 

"My Princess" is a romantic comedy with Song Seung-hun as the diplomat and Kim Tae-hee as a college student who falls for him. The ministry has apparently been in talks with the producers since its inception. 

"We believe this will help improve the image of diplomats, which was hurt by the hiring scandal," said one diplomat. The ministry will invite Song and Kim to explain the ins and outs of the profession to them, and ask them to serve as goodwill ambassadors. It is also discussing the production of two other TV dramas. 

Earlier this year, the ministry also supported the production of the movie "Barefoot Dream," which is based on the true story of a group of young football players in East Timor and features a Korean diplomat who helps children in the Southeast Asian country. The ministry even asked the president of East Timor to appear in the movie, which was screened at the UN headquarters and the ministry in June.

englishnews@chosun.com / Nov. 18, 2010 07:17 KST

Source: Chosun Ilbo

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November 18, 2010

Gang Dong-won to enter military today

Reporter: Lee Eun-ji ghdpssk @ Editor: Jessica Kim jesskim @ <Ⓒ 10Asia All rights reserved>10Asia

Gang Dong-won [Asia Economic Daily]

Korean actor Gang Dong-won will enter the military today, according to multiple sources in the entertainment business.

The sources told Asia Economic Daily's Sports Today on Thursday that Gang, 29, will enter the Nonsan training camp in the South Chungcheong Province around 1 pm

He will undergo four weeks of basic training at the camp as part of fulfilling Korea's two-year mandatory military service and serve as a public service worker for the remaining period, the sources said.

Gang's agency however, declined to confirm the news. For months, they had denied a date has been set while adding the actor wishes to enter the military quietly, and today remarked, "We can't say so even if it was today."

Gang rose to stardom in 2004 after appearing in the film "Romance of their Own." This year, he starred in critically acclaimed film "Secret Reunion" alongside top Korean actor Song Gang-ho and then in three-part omnibus film "Camellia," which was the closing film at this year's Pusan International Film Festival.

His latest film "The Haunters" which premiered on November 10, topped the weekend box office after becoming the movie to see the highest advance ticket reservation rate this year.

In less than a week of showing in theaters, the pic also starring top Korean actor Ko Soo, attracted over one million moviegoers.

November 22, 2010

Actor Kang Dong Won Enters Military Training Camp on November 18

Source: KBS Global

Actor Kang Dong Won, who has become the most sought-after actor because of his appearances in movies such as “Jeon Woo Chi” and “Secret Reunion,” entered the military training camp located in Non San on November 18. A person in the training camp said, “Kang Dong Won will come to the training camp by bus along with other entertainers who will join the training camp today.”

After finishing four weeks of military training, Kang will fulfill his military duty by serving as a public service worker. Kang Dong Won had gained huge popularity by attracting 6.1 million audience members with the movie “Jeon Woo Chi” and 5.46 million audience members with the movie “Secret Reunion.” In addition, his new movie “Psychic,” which had been released on November 10, is also enjoying huge popularity by ranking atop the box office during the first few weeks since its premiere.

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November 18, 2010

A noir tragicomedy with rhythm and zest

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

Actors Han Seok-gyu, left, and Kim Hye-soo appear in a scene from "Widow and Villains."

The latest film by "My Scary Girl" director Son Jae-gon opens in theaters Nov. 25. / Courtesy of Sidus FNH

In the 1995 comedy “Dr. Bong,” Kim Hye-soo played the role of an irritable single woman who becomes involved with a philandering widower, comically brought to life by Han Seok-gyu, who lives with his eight-year-old son in the apartment downstairs. The son recognizes great mother material in his neighbor and sets out to marry off his father.

Fifteen years down the road, the two actors have reunited onscreen — this time Kim is the one mourning her husband’s death while Han is the mysterious man renting the second floor of her house. But our heroine’s grumpy teenage daughter is far from willing to play cupid like in the plot of “Dr. Bong” — because in fact “Widow and Villains” isn’t exactly a romantic comedy.

Director Son Jae-gon made a name with “My Scary Girl,” introducing the suspense of crime thrillers into the romantic comedy genre with wit and style, and this time, he brings yet another deliciously noir tale rooted in tragicomedy.

As its title suggests, it’s about a widow and other characters with ulterior motives. After losing her husband in a freak accident, Yeon-ju (Kim) tries to make ends meet by running an antiques store while raising her pouty teenage daughter Seong-a (Ji Woo). Desperate for money, she puts the house’s second floor up for rent. Chang-in (Han), who claims to be a novelist looking for a quiet place to write, moves in for two months.

But our heroine, suffering from depression and much in need of cash, doesn’t notice how strangely obliging and eager Chang-in is to rent the space. This is because he is actually an illicit arts dealer who heard about a 2 billion-won antique porcelain that Yeon-ju’s late husband hid somewhere in the house.

So this thieving tenant thus gets busy to work during the daytime when the mother and daughter are out. When he discovers that the prized relic is nowhere to be found on the second floor, he sets out to infiltrate Yeon-ju’s home, which involves stealing her keys and, of course, her heart.

Most of the story takes place inside the two-story house, with very fleeting moments in other venues Given the limited number of locales and characters, it’s no easy feat trying to orchestrate circumstances that would elicit laughter, but the director shows off his knack for meticulously coordinated comical situations — a result of tough labor, working with 2,600 cuts in the 115-minute running time. Add to that some rhythmic scores apt for a crime thriller.

Moreover, a double-edged sword of tragicomedy slices right through the heart of the film to make it all the more convincing, as it portrays characters with very human imperfections. Chang-in finds it increasingly difficult to get down to business — Seong-a, a former child model, suffers from cruel remarks by netizens and classmates, and is constantly cutting class to stay home while Yeon-ju, emotionally vulnerable and increasingly dependent on alcohol, finds a new diversion in her sexual affair with Chang-in and doesn’t want to get out of bed.

The man thus unintentionally finds himself carrying domestic issues at hand, trying to send a kid back to school and inspiring professional integrity in a depressed woman, while also dealing with his own mid-life crisis of sorts. Despite his ill intentions, however, the man remains rather amiable (though the physical violence he resorts to in the more dramatic scenes is unwarranted).

Comedy is certainly dictated by culture codes. Yet even non-Korean audiences, completely unaffected by the star power of the cast members, could easily relate to the poking fun — a gesture that is no way light — at broken spirited urbanites, which the film does with rhythm, zest and a certain warmth.

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November 18, 2010

Song Seung Hun’s ‘Ghost’ Ranks Second at Japanese Box Office

Source: KBS Global

The much-talked-about movie “Ghost: In Your Arms Again,” in which Hallyu star actor Song Seung Hun and Japanese star actress Nanako Matsushima appear together, has been released in Japan and ranked in second place at the Japanese box office.

According to a Japanese research institute, “Ghost: In Your Arms Again,” which is a remake of the movie "Ghost" starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore, had been released all around Japan on November 13 and ranked second at the weekend box-office.

In the film, Korean potter Joon Ho (Song Seung Hun) meets a successful CEO Nanami (Nanako Matsushima) in Tokyo and they fall in love with each other. But Nanami leaves this world due to a sudden accident and she comes back to see Joon Ho as a ghost. A sensitive melodrama, “Ghost : In Your Arms Again“ will be released in Korea on November 25.

November 19, 2010

Song Seung-hun Draws Japanese Moviegoers with 'Ghost' Remake

Source: englishnews@chosun.com

Korean actor Song Seung-hun has proved his star power in Japan with his film "Ghost: In Your Arms Again," which debuted at second place in the box office ranking there.

Released in 305 cinemas nationwide on Saturday, the remake of the Hollywood blockbuster "Ghost" reaped some 130 million yen in ticket sales over the weekend, a record among films co-produced by Korea and Japan.

Deals have already been sealed to screen the film in other Asian countries including Hong Kong and Singapore.

At a press event, Song said, "It was hard for me to act in Japanese at first, so I had second thoughts about appearing in the movie. But it was a good opportunity for me to participate in such a great project, transcending geographical and language barriers."

The film, which also stars Japanese actress Nanako Matsushima, opens in Korea next Thursday.

Song Seung-hun (third from left) poses with castmates from "Ghost: In Your Arms Again." /Courtesy of Filament Pictures

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November 19, 2010

Film awards still dogged by scandal

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

Actress Yun Jung-hee and director Lee Chang-dong arrive at the Daejong Film Awards

at the Grand Peace Palace in Hoegi-dong, northern Seoul, on Oct. 29. The awards are the longest-running

and most prestigious in the nation but continue to be plagued by scandal. By Yang Gwang-sam

In the Korean film industry calendar, October and November are the busiest months for award ceremonies. The Daejong Film Awards, the longest-running of the bunch, were held late last month, and the Korea Film Awards, which is relatively new to the scene, marked its eighth year with a ceremony yesterday. Next Friday, the curtain will go up on the 31st Blue Dragon Film Awards, the second most prestigious.

But despite the profusion of awards ceremonies, no single event has gained legitimacy as the definitive Korean ceremony in the way that the Academy Awards represent the U.S. film industry or the Cesars represent France.

The Korean film industry has experienced remarkable growth in quality and quantity over the years and numerous directors and actors have won awards at major international festivals and awards ceremonies, but Korean awards ceremonies just haven’t caught up.

“It’s true,” said culture critic Jeong Deok-hyun. “We do not have an authoritative film award that can represent this nation. Maybe it’s the lack of transparency and absence of a fair nomination system. Instead, many [organizations] grant awards based on their interests.”

Bribery scandals and allegations of unfair nominations frequently make headlines whenever awards season draws near.

The situation has gotten so serious that, according to news sources, a high-ranking official at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said in September that the ministry has considered cutting off funding to the Daejong Awards if the awards continue to be mired in scandal.

Reports like this prompted the Daejong Awards, held on Oct. 29, to change its nomination process this year. Instead of juries composed only of industry representatives chosen by the executive committee, as in past years, it invited 50 members of the general public to sit on the jury, which then submits its recommendations to the organizing committee.

But experts doubt that the Daejong Awards can repair its tarnished image.

“Past scandals have dealt a huge blow [to the Daejong Awards],” said one director who wished to remain anonymous. “Unless the members of the executive committee are replaced, it will be the same forever.”

Even though the jury now includes the general public and the organizing committee membership has changed over the years, the executive committee has not changed its composition since its inception.

Established in 1958 by the Ministry of Culture and Education, the predecessor to the current Culture Ministry, the Daejong Awards have been dogged by scandal throughout its history.

In the most recent incident, singer-actress Jang Na-ra was nominated for Best Actress even though her film, “Sky and Ocean,” was not released prior to the awards. Meanwhile, Ha Ji-won was left off the list, even though her film, “Haeundae,” drew rave reviews, had more than 10 million individual viewers and was the fifth highest grossing film in Korean history.

In 2004, the nominations of veteran actors Kong Hyung-jin and Kim Rae-won for Best New Actor stirred controversy. In 2002, the prosecutor’s office found that two entertainment agencies bribed the Daejong Film Awards jury to get their celebrity clients nominated.

And the list goes on.

“Henequen” (1997) swept the Daejong Film Awards in 1996, earning both Best Director and Best Film honors, but the movie was still in final editing when it won the awards.

Apart from the Daejong Film Awards, experts say it would be hard for the other awards to represent Korea, given their affiliations. The Korea Film Awards are sponsored by Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation and the Blue Dragon Awards are organized by the daily sports newspaper Sports Chosun.

“We need an independent group that selects the winners, and that group should not be affected by any other interest group,” Jeong said.

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November 19, 2010

"The Man From Nowhere" sweeps Korea Film Awards

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

Korean action movie "The Man From Nowhere" [CJ Entertainment]

"The Man From Nowhere" triumphed at the 2010 Korea Film Awards on Thursday, raking up the most trophies at the annual ceremony including its main star Won Bin who won the prize for best actor.

The action flick directed by Lee Jeong-bum took the awards for best actor, best new actress, best cinematography, best music, best lighting, best visual effects and best editor.

The movie, also starring child actress Kim Sae-ron, has been one of the hottest movies of the year, attracting over six million moviegoers during its run on the box office for several months starting August.

Won Bin, 33, had been up against Park Joong-hoon for "My Dear Desperado," Park Hui-soon for "A Barefoot Dream," Choi Min-sik for "I Saw the Devil" and Jung Jae-young for "Moss ".

Won Bin's role as a reclusive former special agent who befriends a young girl next door has won him his second award for best actor - the Daejong Film Awards held in late October deemed him the best actor of the year as well.

Meanwhile, Seo Young-hee nabbed the award for best actress with her role in "Bedevilled," ousting nominees Yoon Jeong-hee for "Poetry," Jeon Do-youn for "The Housemaid," Moon So-ri for "Hahaha" and Jung Yu-mi for "My Dear Desperado."

Critically acclaimed director Lee Chang-dong's film "Poetry" starring veteran actress Yoon Jeong-hee took the prize for best picture, best director and best screenplay.

The picture has won a total five awards for best screenplay, including at this year's Cannes Film Festival, the Buil Film Festival, Korea Film Critics Association Award and the Daejong Film Awards.

Awards

▲ Best Picture: "Poetry"

▲ Best Director: Lee Chang-dong ("Poetry")

▲ Best New Director: Jang Cheol-su ("Bedevilled")

▲ Best Actor: Won Bin ("The Man From Nowhere")

▲ Best Actress: Seo Young-hee ("Bedevilled")

▲ Best Supporting Actor: Yoo Hae-jin ("Moss")

▲ Best Supporting Actress: Yoon Yeo-jung ("The Housemaid")

▲ Best New Actor: Song Sae-byuk ("A Story of Bangja")

▲ Best New Actress: Kim Sae-ron ("The Man From Nowhere")

▲ Best Cinematography: Lee Tae-yoon ("The Man From Nowhere")

▲ Best Music: Shim Hyun-jung ("The Man From Nowhere")

▲ Best Art Direction: Park Il-hyun ("A Story of Bangja")

▲ Best Screenplay: Lee Chang-dong ("Poetry")

▲ Best Lighting: Lee Cheol-oh ("The Man From Nowhere")

▲ Best Sound: Gong Tae-won ("Midnight FM")

▲ Best Visual Effects: Park Jung-ryul ("The Man From Nowhere")

▲ Best Editor: Kim Sang-beom Kim Jae-beom ("The Man From Nowhere")

▲ Lifetime Achievement: Shin Sung-il

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November 19, 2010

Movie version of TV series "IRIS" to be released November 22

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

Poster of TV series "IRIS" [Taewon Entertainment]

The movie version of Korean blockbuster TV series "IRIS" will be released next week.

A press release from the show's producer Taewon Entertainment announced Friday that "IRIS: THE MOVIE" will be available for download through contents distribution company cine21i on November 22.

"IRIS: THE MOVIE," reconstituted from the 20-part drama, will feature the truth about the death of character Hyun-jun (played by actor Lee Byung-hun) as well as new scenes.

Drama "IRIS," which aired in Korea on major broadcasting company KBS from October 2009 to December 2009, starred several of the biggest names in the entertainment industry including Kim Tae-hee, Jung Joon-ho, Kim So-yeon and Big Bang member TOP

The action-packed espionage series dominated the primetime lineup during its run, scoring viewership ratings of nearly 40 percent.

The movie will be available through IPTV (Internet Protocol Television), cable networks including PPV and 100 online websites next week.

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November 19, 2010

Korean pic "Haunters" sold to 7 countries

Reporter: Heidi Kim heidikim @ Editor: Jessica Kim jesskim @ <Ⓒ 10Asia All rights reserved>10Asia

Film "The Haunters" [Zip Cinema]

Current Korean box office topper "Haunters" has been sold to seven countries, according to the film's producer Zip Cinema.

Zip stated through a press release that "Haunters," which opened in theaters just last week, has been sold to Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

Final negotiations are under way for the pic to be sold to China and Japan and buyers are discussing on the rights to be sold in the United States, Zip added.

The pic starring actors Gang Dong-won and Ko Soo had been presold to several countries in Asia after its actors and story line were revealed at the Asian Film Market held concurrently with this year's Pusan International Film Festival last month.

Additional deals came after a promotional four-minute clip of the film was shown at the annual American Film Market (AFM) held in early November.

"Haunters" is about a dual between two men, one with a super natural power and the other who can resist it.

The film has been popular so far, securing the highest number of advance ticket sales in four years and attracting over one million viewers within a week of its premiere.

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November 20, 2010

Actor Ji Jin-hee to visit Rwanda for relief activity

Reporter: Heidi Kim heidikim @ Editor: Jessica Kim jesskim @ <Ⓒ 10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia

Actor Ji Jin-hee [NOA Entertainment]

Actor Ji Jin-hee will head to Rwanda as the promotional ambassador for international relief agency World Vision next week, according to his agency NOA Entertainment on Friday.

Ji will visit Rwanda for eight days starting November 21 to meet with the locals suffering from the aftermath of the civil war and water shortage problems.

Korean actor Yoo Ji-tae, who starred in many hit films such as "Midnight FM (2010)," "Hwang Jin-yi (2007) and" Old Boy (2003), "will accompany Ji on the trip.

The two celebrities will visit poverty-stricken sites to offer presents such as goats or help with building new houses for old people who live alone.

"This is my first visit to Africa and I'm happy and honored to go there for such a meaningful task. I hope to deliver message of hope to those people, "said Ji in the press release.

He was appointed a PR ambassador for World Vision in November 2009 and kicked off his duties by distributing lunch boxes to needy homes.

Ji, who has appeared in many TV dramas and films in Korea is best known for his lead roles in historical TV series "Daejanggeum (2003)" and "Dong-Yi (2010)."

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November 20, 2010

Actress Kim Hee-sun walks the catwalk at a charity fashion show in commemoration of the late designer Andre Kim in Seoul on Friday.

Source: englishnews@chosun.com

November 21, 2010

Source: koreatimes.co.kr

In memory of a fashion icon: UNICEF hosted a fashion show at the Grand Hyatt Seoul, Friday, to commemorate Andre Kim. The late designer was an avid supporter of the United Nations Children’s Fund and Korea’s top stars, including actors Lee Byung-hun and Kim Hee-seon, graced the runway.

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November 22, 2010

Producer bids Gag Concert goodbye

Kim Seok-hyun helped make the show one of the most successful of its kind

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

Producer Kim Seok-hyun, center wearing a baseball cap,

is leaving Gag Concert after 10 years with the show.

In the last decade, the sketch comedy show Gag Concert has made a clear impression on Korean viewers, with its memorable catch phrases entering watercooler conversations or small talk between family and friends. Now in its sixth season, the show has paved the way for other sketch comedy shows such as “People Looking for a Laugh” on SBS and MBC’s “Ha ddang sa.”

Although the other programs have since gone off the air, Gag Concert, which started in September 1999 on KBS, remains the longest-running sketch comedy show on Korean television. Its blend of timely subject matter and sharp humor has kept its ratings high, but as the show enters its 11th year, it is losing one of its veteran producers, Kim Seok-hyun, who recently announced he would leave to pursue other projects.

Through the show, Kim has tried not only to entertain, but also to deliver a larger message about the society in which we live. He has also worked hard to legitimize the work of his fellow comedians, which he said he will continue to do even after he leaves. “I will show that stand-up comedy is not merely a precursor to variety programs,” Kim said. “I want to prove that it is a solid genre of its own.”

Kim joined Gag Concert in 2000 as an assistant producer. He became one of its head producers when comedians Shim Hyeon-seob and Kang Seong-beom left the show in 2004. The two comedians were key members of the cast and their departure dealt a huge blow to the show. But Kim helped turn the show around and it began earning viewer ratings of 30 percent.

Still shots from sketches on Gag Concert. Provided by KBS

He created the show’s current format, in which programming decisions are based on audience reception. If the studio audience responds negatively, or not at all, to a sketch, the sketch will either be changed before appearing again or it will simply be cut. “It’s a big mistake to think that just because people laugh in rehearsal, it will be funny on-air,” Kim said. “You need to be able to see what has to be cut and what has to be kept in during the editing process, while still keeping the natural flow of the sketch.

“That’s why I feel that some of the other variety programs are going in the wrong direction. You can’t just put celebrities in random situations and expect something funny to happen and you can’t make something funny with editing and subtitles.”

It is a format that has kept the show innovative. An online poll conducted by the network in September 2009 about the 50 most memorable Gag Concert sketches found that 47 of sketches on the list had been created when Kim was in charge. Right now, one of the most popular sketches on Gag Concert is “Dal-in,” or “Master.” The sketch pokes fun at a supposed “master” of some task or ability who is not actually any good at it.

Another popular sketch is “Superstar KBS,” which is a parody of “Superstar K,” the singing competition on local cable network Mnet. It is centered around the audition process and the possible comedic situations that can arise therein. Each hour-long episode has about 10 segments covering different subjects like society and politics. And each seems to have a message. But Kim said there are rules for how that message is delivered.

“You can’t lecture people like a teacher,” he said. “It’s only funny when you say everything the viewer wants you to say in a silly situation.”

Despite its popularity, however, not everyone appreciates the show’s point of view. A recent sketch that poked fun at Korea for being a society that only values people who get to the top drew criticism from Han Seon-kyo of the ruling Grand National Party, who objected to it because it made fun of society. “Although the sketch was eventually taken off the air, I left it on for five more weeks just because I didn’t want to hear that I had taken it down because of outside pressure.,” Kim said.

For better or worse, Kim has always gotten his message across. But now the comedic master says it is time for him to shift gears. “When I saw that the age of the studio audience had risen compared to a couple years ago, I started to wonder if it was because I was no longer able to reach the younger generation,” Kim said. “And I realized that it was time for me to leave.”

Kim’s next project is the quiz show “1 vs. 100.” He added that he is also thinking of soon creating a new variety show with comedians from Gag Concert.

We asked Kim to name who he thinks is the best in the business and he pointed to Kim Byung-wook, the director of the hit SBS sitcom “Soonpoong Clinic,” and MBC’s “Highkick.” “It is important to set a certain pace in your comedy when you want people to laugh,” Kim said. “I can see from his shows that Kim Byung-wook knows how to set up a scene for a laugh.”

In a separate interview, the two Kims sat down together to talk about their work. The sitcom director said he thinks his colleague should try his hand at sitcoms as well.

True to his comedic nature, Kim said in response, “I don’t want to be in second place, so I’ll wait until you retire.”

[rubie]

November 23, 2010

'The Warrior’s Way' flashes its mettle

The heat is on Jang Dong-gun, the first Korean actor to star in a major Hollywood film

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

“The Warrior’s Way” was screened at a press event yesterday at COEX, southern Seoul. The film stars Korean actor

Jang Dong-gun, left, and American actress Kate Bosworth. [NEWSIS]

The highly anticipated film “The Warrior’s Way” was finally released to local media yesterday at a press screening in southern Seoul.

Led by renowned Hollywood producer Barrie M. Osborne, whose works include “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy and “The Matrix” (1999), this computer graphic-heavy Hollywood film has created a great deal of buzz because of its stellar creative team, which includes art director Dan Hennah, who participated in the 2005 version of “King Kong,” and visual-effects art director Christian Rivers, who worked on The Lord of the Rings.

The global cast of A-list actors includes American actress Kate Bosworth and Australian actor Geoffrey Rush. Bosworth plays Lynne, a lady who dreams of killing her enemy, while Rush portrays a former cowboy who is now a drunk. But what makes this film special for Korean moviegoers is the presence of Korean actor Jang Dong-gun, who is making his Hollywood debut in this film.

Jang got his start in the television drama “Our Heaven” in 1993. Since then, he has risen to superstardom here with roles in hit films such as “Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War” (2004) and “Friend” (2001).

The film is directed by first-time Korean-American filmmaker Sngmoo Lee, who said the most difficult part of the production process was creating a unique setting entirely through the use of CG techniques. “I didn’t want to remind viewers of a particular country, because this is an action fantasy film,” he said. “We had to create a fantastic and dreamy world, but it’s all make-believe.”

The film tells the story of a lonely swordsman (Jang) who hides in a small town and learns how to build a relationship with the townspeople.

Even though most people may assume that having to speak in English is the most difficult part of Jang’s new role, Jang said the hardest part was starting all over again in Hollywood, “Of course it wasn’t easy to act while speaking a different language, but the more challenging thing was that I had to prove myself to people who have no idea about me and what I can do,” Jang told reporters at the press screening.

Jang is not the first Korean actor to cross into Hollywood. Lee Byung-hun played a supporting role in “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra” in 2009 and is also scheduled to appear in the sequel. Singer-actor Rain appeared in “Ninja Assassin,” also in 2009.

But whereas his fellow actors were cast in supporting roles, Jang is the star of this film, which was reported to have a production budget of $100 million. That means the pressure is all on him.

It also probably doesn’t help that the film has a rare scene in which an Asian man kisses a Caucasian woman.

While that scene, and Jang’s role, could change perceptions of Asian men overseas, some say that Asian actors have a long way to go before that happens. “Jackie Chan is a huge star in Hollywood and his image as a comedic and action star is what Westerners expect of Asian men - whether they are Chinese or Korean,” said Yu Ji-na, a movie critic and film professor. “There is this fixed idea of what an Asian actor can do. If Korean actors want to appear as something other than a warrior, it’s going to be very hard.”

Culture critic Jeong Deok-hyun agrees. “I think there should be a wider range of roles for Asian men,” Jeong said. “To change the stereotype that Asian actors face, Korean filmmakers should try to produce a variety of films.”

The Warrior’s Way opens on Dec. 2 at theaters nationwide and on Dec. 3 in the United States.

[rubie]

November 23, 2010

Song Hye-kyo Reveals a Dark Side in New Movie

Source: englishnews@chosun.com

Song Hye-kyo

Actress Song Hye-kyo has traded her innocent girlish image for that of a femme fatale in her first foreign movie, "Make Yourself at Home."

Behind-the-scenes photographs from the movie, showing her preparing for a scene with director Sohn Soo-pum and other crew and castmates, were released ahead of its release here on Thursday.

The U.S.-based director's first feature film is a psychological thriller that portrays the inner conflicts and desires of a girl who was born to a shaman mother and tries to flee her fate by becoming an immigrant bride in the U.S. The role of the troubled bride is a dramatic departure from the sweet, young characters that Song is better known for.

"Make Yourself at Home" has garnered favorable reviews in foreign festivals such as the Oldenburg International Film Festival in Germany and the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival.

[rubie]

November 23, 2010

"Haunters" tops box office for 2nd week

Reporter: Heidi Kim heidikim @ Editor: Jessica Kim jesskim @ <Ⓒ 10Asia All rights reserved> 10Asia 1 l 2

Film "Haunters" [Zip Cinema]

Local film "Haunters" topped the weekend box office chart for the second time in a row, according to data released by the official Korean Box Office Information System (KOBIS) on Monday.

"Haunters," starring actors Ko Soo and Gang Dong-won brought in 388,377 viewers between November 19 and 21 to gross nearly 2.8 billion won.

The story about a duel between two men, one with a psychic power and the other who is immune to it, has attracted over a total 1.6 million viewers since its release on November 10.

US film "The Social Network" which opened last Friday came next, selling 181,642 tickets and grossing over 1.3 billion won during the three day period.

The film directed by David Fincher and starring Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Timberlake and Andrew Garfield looks into the story behind the creation of Facebook.

"The Unjust" a local film starring Hwang Jung-min, Ryoo Seung-bum and Yoo Hae-jin took third place on the box office, remaining strong on chart after having premiered nearly a month ago on October 28.

The film gained another 175,499 viewers during the weekend to bring the total number of its audience to almost 2.34 million so far.

Other films that newly entered the chart were vampire story "Let Me In," horror-slasher pic "Saw (3D)" and "Love, In Between" that looks into the contradiction of marriage.

Weekend Box Office: November 19-21

South Korea's box office estimates for the weekend of November 19-21, 2010 [Korean Box Office Information System (KOBIS)]

[rubie]

November 23, 2010

Jang Dong-gun brings Asian vibe to Hollywood

By Lee Hyo-won koreatimes.co.kr

A scene from upcoming Hollywood flick "Warrior's Way," starring Korean actor Jang Dong-gun, left.

This is not your typical Western. In a village swallowed up by sandstorms, a lone Asian swordsman — rather than a gun-trotting cowboy — awaits a final showdown with his foe.

This is Jang Dong-gun, playing a mysterious assassin from the Far East who is forced to hide in the American badlands in the Barrie M. Osborne (“Lord of the Rings”)-produced movie “Warrior’s Way.” The $40 million project co-stars “Superman Returns” sweetheart Kate Bosworth as Jang’s love interest and Academy Award-winning actor Geoffrey Rush (“Pirates of the Caribbean”) as an alcoholic villager.

“It was the biggest challenge for me,” Jang told reporters about his Hollywood debut piece, following the press preview Monday at Coex, southern Seoul. Having worked in Chinese and Japanese before, language was not so much of a problem — it was rather a struggle within that presented a challenge.

“I had to work with staff and for an audience who are not quite familiar with me, so I had to prove myself anew. But the challenges that an actor faces are quite simple. You meet the audience through the screen, and it’s ultimately just you and the camera. You have to deliver something genuine the moment you’re acting.”

Jang seems to have demonstrated his capacity as an actor in full — “I’m absolutely mad about him,” Bosworth said about her co-star during her first visit to Korea. “As soon as I met Dong-gun I was so happy to know that I would have a scene partner who is so willing to collaborate and excited to find the kind of magic dust you’re aiming to get in every scene.”

She was, moreover, inspired by Jang. “I learned a lot from him. As Westerners what we love to do is to be bigger and comedic (in our acting). And Dong-gun gave such a stoic, beautiful, elegant performance... Geoffrey (Rush), Danny (Huston) and I would do our thing and then sit and watch him breeze in and perform so elegantly, beautifully yet emotive, and we were I think all sitting there a little envious of him,” the actress said, adding that she hopes to collaborate with Jang again in the future.

Bosworth also expressed great enthusiasm in working with first-time director Lee Sngmoo. “Sngmoo is wonderfully specific in what he wanted, and that’s what you hope to get in the most seasoned filmmaker.”

She was drawn to the script that Lee penned because it was unique. “I’ve never seen anything like it before. It’s like a fable, a cross-cultural, cross-genre visual extravaganza... It’s bold, unique and has a certain poetry to it and Sngmoo brought it out so authentically and delicately.”

The director said he wanted to create a novel fantasy world that was believable, and thus introduced mystical Asian warriors that were not culture-specific. He did however suggest using the traditional Korean percussion music “samulnori” in the soundtrack. “This is not a movie geared at introducing Korea to the world. I used the music by Kim Duk-soo not so much because it was Korean as much as it was simply great music.” The result is thus a memorable interplay between roaring machine guns and rhythmic percussion instruments.

The action-heavy film enabled the actors to engage in tough scenes. “In the West, Asian actors are mainly known for their martial arts skills, but Korean actors also have a talent in acting. I played my role hoping to show that Korean actors can pull off both action and drama,” said Jang.

Bosworth, an equestrian, said she thoroughly enjoyed her tomboyish role and pulling off the “ballet choreography”-like action sequences herself. “I don’t think there are so many opportunities for female actors to get down and dirty... I don’t shy away from physicality.”

Jang complimented the actress. “I had a preconceived notion that Hollywood stars are fussy and snobby, but Kate proved me wrong. She is very mature for her age and is very deep, and knows the virtue of humility.”

“Warrior’s Way” opens in theaters nationwide on Dec. 12, the same day as in North America. Distributed by SK Telecom.