[News] Drama, Movies, Actors & Actresses

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September 17, 2009

Another stab at big-screen success

TV star Kim Myung-min hopes to make waves in the film world

Actor Kim Myung-min. By Im Hyun-dong

Actor Kim Myung-min is returning to the big screen. And this time he hopes to make a larger splash than his last effort, the 2008 crime film “Open City,” which had an average showing at the box office.

Kim actually made a name for himself - and gained legions of fans - for his recent work as a coldhearted doctor in the TV series “The Great White Tower” and as an aggressive conductor in the program “Beethoven Virus.”

Now, he is again looking to gain a foothold in the movie world, taking on an extremely challenging role as Jong-woo - a Lou Gehrig’s patient - in the upcoming film “Closer to Heaven.” The movie, which hits theaters Sept. 24, depicts a tragic love story between Kim’s character, Jong-woo, and his wife, Ji-soo - played by actress Ha Ji-won, the heroine of the summer blockbuster “Haeundae.” The director is none other than Park Jin-pyo. who was behind the 2005 hit movie “You Are My Sunshine,” which starred actress Jeon Do-yeon as an AIDS patient.

The 37-year-old Kim is well known for his rigorous self-discipline and his ability to adapt to different roles. His latest film is no exception: Kim actually lost a whopping 20 kilograms (44 pounds), reaching a skeletal 52 kilograms, which is extremely thin for someone who’s only 180 centimeters tall (5-foot-9).

Kim Myung-min plays a Lou Gehrig’s patient

in the upcoming film “Closer to Heaven.”

He actually shed 20 kilograms (44 pounds) for the role.

Provided by Zip Cinema

“I’ve gained back about 10 kilograms in three months since filming ended,” Kim revealed in a recent interview with the JoongAng Ilbo. “However, I’m not in shape yet, and I’m still confused about whether I’m Kim Myung-min or Jong-woo.”

A Lou Gehrig’s patient has never been featured in Korean films before, in part because it’s hard for actors to portray the struggle against the disease. Kim said the three-month shooting process was indeed a trying experience. “The hardest part was not that I had to lose weight before the shoot, but that I had to keep losing it through the course of filming because I was playing this guy who is getting sicker day by day,” Kim said. “So it was more like filming a documentary.”

The drastic weight loss required not only following an extremely strict diet, but also getting as little shut-eye as possible, according to Kim. “I slept no more than two hours every day,” Kim said. “That lack of sleep brought about depression, and that in turn brought about less sleeping and less eating. When there were about 10 days left until the end of shooting, director Kim told me to stop losing weight, saying, ‘You may actually die if you keep going.’”

What troubled the actor more, however, were the side effects of his rapid weight loss. At times, the actor said, he fell unconscious and occasionally even “failed to recognize people.”

The film producers originally planned to make a dummy for Kim’s role and fix it up with the help of computer generated graphics. But they changed the plan when Kim actually shed about 10 kilograms in 20 days after shooting started.

“I didn’t want to turn to CG technology,” he said. “If I acted as if I was ill when I wasn’t actually sick, audiences wouldn’t be able to feel the pain the character suffers. Acting is an attractive job, but it is painful at the same time.Getting back to my original state has been harder than I expected.”

By Yang Sung-hee [spark0320@joongang.co.kr] via joongangdaily.joins.com

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September 18, 2009

Girl Friends

Actresses pose for the new film "Girl Friends" in Yangyang, Gangwon Province on Thursday. From left, Huh E-jae, Han Chae-young and Kang Hye-jung.

Credits: englishnews@chosun.com

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September 19, 2009

Kang Hye-jung Talks About Impending Marriage

Kang Hye-jung

The actress Kang Hye-jung has for the first time spoken about her impending marriage to Tablo, the leader of Korean hip hop group Epik High. During the shoot for her film "Girl Friends" in Yangyang, Gangwon Province, on Thursday afternoon, Kang said, "After news of my pregnancy and wedding was reported, I could have been exposed to criticism from the public, but fortunately I received a lot of congratulations and encouragement. I am grateful."

Early this month, Kang confessed that she was five week's pregnant and said she and Tablo will get married in October. Their romantic relationship became public in February.

"Because Tablo is busy with his new album and I'm also busy with the shooting of the film, we don't even have time to talk about our future," Kang said, "We are young, and we are unprepared in many ways. But Tablo is being considerate and that makes me feel comfortable."

"Girl Friends" is a romantic comedy about three women who love the same man and end up becoming best friends. Shooting began in August, and the film is released in December.

Credits: englishnews@chosun.com

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September 20, 2009

Actor Bae Yong-joon hospitalized for illness

Korean Wave star Bae Yong-joon has been hospitalized for treatment of an illness believed to have been caused by extreme fatigue and stress, his management agency said Sunday, Yonhap reported.

Bae's agency, BOF, said the actor was admitted to a Seoul hospital Thursday after his blood pressure and blood sugar levels fell sharply. Test results showed that he was suffering from early stages of blood deterioration, the agency said.

Agency officials said the actor was not in serious condition and may be able to be discharged from the hospital this week in time for a scheduled publicity event.

"Bae has lost a lot of weight and appears to have grown weaker after working hard over the past year on a book that looks into the issue of Korean aesthetics," one agency official said.

Bae rose to stardom in neighboring Asian countries, including Japan, for his lead role in "Winter Sonata," a drama about star-crossed lovers in 2002.

Source: koreaherald.co.kr

Hallyu Star Bae Hospitalized

Korean top star Bae Yong-joon, 37, has been hospitalized to get treatment for blood poisoning, according to Bae's management agency Sunday.

"Bae was taken to a hospital in southern Seoul on Sept. 17 as he collapsed amid an abrupt fall in his blood sugar and blood pressure. The initial medical check proved that he was in the earlier stages of blood poisoning. He has become weaker in immunity due to overwork and stress,'' said the Boundaries of Forest (BOF).

"Bae seems to have gotten stressed about writing his book recently. He seems to have lost weight and is exhausted mentally as he has been consumed in writing his book for over one year,'' the agency said. "There are no other problems. He is taking it easy, receiving Ringer's nutrient solution, at hospital.''

Bae has lost more than 10kgs in weight during the past one year, while writing his photo essay: "Journey Seeking Beauty of Korea,'' according to BOF. Bae is scheduled to hold a ceremony for the publishing of the book at the National Museum of Korea in central Seoul on Sept. 22. A similar event along with the one promoting the animation, "Winter Sonata,'' is scheduled in Tokyo from Sept. 29 to 30.

"We believe that he will be able to leave the hospital by the publication day although we are worried a little,'' the agency said. "He has gotten fatigued a lot due to a series of overnight work sessions to finish the publication. It seems that he really took it hard ahead of two big events in Seoul and Tokyo.''

Credits: mook@koreatimes.co.kr

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September 19, 2009

Three S. Korean films compete at Tokyo film fest

SEOUL, Sept. 19 (Yonhap) -- Three South Korean films, including a Korea-French collaborated work produced by Cannes award-winning Lee Chang-dong, will be competing at this year's Tokyo International Film Festival, the event's Web site said Saturday.

South Korean director Park Gun-yong's "Bronze Medalists," Hong Sang-soo's "Like You Know it All," and "A Brand New Life," a debut feature by French-Korean director Ounie Lecomte, are among the 18 entries from 14 countries to compete in the Winds of Asia section. The winner of the section will receive a cash award of US$10,000.

Opening with Jacques Perrin's "Oceans" and closing with Disney/Pixar animation "Up," the 22nd Tokyo film fest will run for six days from Oct. 17, featuring some 270 films from Asia and around the world.

Established in 1985, the Tokyo fete is one of Asia's two competitive film festivals accredited by the Paris-based International Federation of Film Producers Associations which has 31 member associations from 25 leading audiovisual production countries. A Korean organization has yet to be accepted as a member.

The Korean Cinema Week, hosted by the Korean Embassy in Tokyo, will feature "Old Partner," "GO GO 70s" and "Why Are You Here in Our House?"

Female director Bu Ji-young's "Sisters On the Road" will be screened during the Tokyo International Women's Film Festival, coinciding with the main event, along nine other female directors' works from the United States, France, Poland and elsewhere.

South Korean actor Yoo Ji-tae, who has recently made a directing debut, has been named a jury member for the Tokyo Grand Prix, the top prize, while South Korea's Pusan International Film Festival programmer Kim Ji-suk will be participating as a jury member of the Winds of Asia section.

Credits: hayney@yna.co.kr via yonhapnews.co.kr

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September 21, 2009

Bae Yong-joon in Hospital with Sepsis

Korean acting superstar and entrepreneur Bae Yong-joon was hospitalized with sepsis last week, it has belatedly emerged.

Bae's agency BOF on Sunday said Bae collapsed on Thursday due to sudden drop in blood sugar and blood pressure and was taken to hospital. He was diagnosed to be in the early stage of sepsis, and his immune system has weekend due to fatigue and stress. Bae is currently on saline drip, resting.

Bae, a figurehead of the Asia-wide Korean Wave, had lost over 10 kg while working on his new book for the last year and has weakened considerably. "It seems he'll be out of hospital for the book launch on Tuesday," the agency said.

Credits: englishnews@chosun.com

Bae Yong-jun Hospitalized with Septicemia

It has become belatedly known that star actor Bae Yong-jun has been hospitalized with septicemia.

Bae's agency, BOF, said that the actor collapsed on September 17 because of sudden hypotension and has been hospitalized in southern Seoul. The results of examinations showed that he had the initial stages of septicemia, which was caused by his weakened immune system as a result of fatigue and stress.

"Bae Yong-jun dedicated great effort to writing his book recently. He has lost significant weight over the past year. He has been put on an IV and has no other symptoms," added the agency.

Bae has been busy writing a photo essay book about Korea. He has lost more than 10 kg. An event marking the publishing of his book is slated for September 22 at the National Museum of Korea. On September 29 and 30 he is to attend a promotional event for the animation version of "Winter Sonata" in Tokyo, Japan.

Bae's agency said the actor had been exhausted as he had repeatedly stayed up until late at night to finish his book, and had become very sensitive because of many upcoming important events in Korea and Japan, but he would hopefully be discharged from the hospital before the event marking the publishing of his book.

Source: KBS Global

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September 17, 2009

Potts to sing title song on MBC drama

British tenor Paul Potts, who rose to fame after being crowned winner of "Britain's Got Talent," is set to sing the theme song for a Korean television series.

He will sing the theme for the MBC drama "Queen Seonduk," which was originally performed in Korean by singer Hong Gwang-ho.

The new version of the song will be re-interpreted in Italian titled, "Passo Dopo Passo," which translates as "steady steps."

The portly 38-year-old former mobile phone salesman gained instant stardom in 2007 after becoming the unlikely finalist in the hugely popular ITV program which has turned ordinary Brits into world celebrities.

Credits: kws@heraldm.com via koreaherald.co.kr

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September 20, 2009

What to Do With Misbehaving Celebs?

By Park Si-soo

Staff Reporter

This past Wednesday K-Pop idol Kang In sat down in a bar, sipped on a drink and exchanged a few words with another patron before exchanging fists with him outside.

The incident is raising the old question - why do young celebrities misbehave?

Figuring out the best way to modulate the impact of their transgressions on hundreds of thousands of young fans is a serious issue, especially in the age of the Internet.

Yet, psychologists point out that it's mainly a case of a few rotten apples. Most entertainers are well-behaved, but it's the misbehaving ones that make the headlines.

Prof. Pyo Chang-won of the National Police Academy said that, in most cases, the stars' youthful immaturity led to the altercations. Ninety-nine times out of a 100, if somebody calls them names, the celebrities will walk away, but, in that one case, they'll get into a fight. It's that one time that makes the news.

"Teenage stars and those in their 20s are not mature enough to find peaceful resolutions when distressed," Pyo told The Korea Times. The consumption of alcohol simply fans the flames. "As with ordinary people, there is a higher chance of acting out when they have drinks," the professor said.

Perhaps the bigger issue is what impact their callowness, whatever the cause may be, will have on their fans, most of whom are at very impressionable ages. "Given their greater influence on society, celebrities should learn how to control themselves," Pyo said, adding that the celebrities' misbehavior must have a "staggering" impact on their fans.

A recent Labor Ministry-commissioned survey of 1,000 teenagers found that 23.1 percent of respondents agreed that celebrities were their role models.

The report also said the influence will be greater with the advent of the multimedia era. Already, the Internet has been galvanized after Kang In was booked. His supporters have been flooding his agency SM Entertainment's Web site. Some criticized Kang In, but their numbers pale in comparison to those who support him.

One message shows blind support: "We trust you." Yet, some aren't putting up with the star's antics. "How dare a public figure pick a fight with a citizen? Leave the band. Shame on you," another message read.

There is a long history of celebrities causing trouble. Some have grown up, showing a greater degree of maturity. Others just disappear. But many simply take a hiatus and let things settle before coming back.

Singer Kim Chang-ryul, a member of DJ DOC, earned the nickname "street fighter" for his frequent participation in brawls.

The 36-year-old, who made his debut 15 years ago, recently confessed on a TV talk show that he has been involved in more than 100 fights since his debut and spent more than 75 million won in settlements. He's cleaned up his act, and hasn't made the headlines for fighting for a long time.

Actor Ju Ji-hoon, who had enjoyed a lofty reputation for his fine-tuned performances, was found guilty of consuming illegal drugs in June.

The 27-year-old was given a suspended six-month jail term, ordered to complete 120 hours of community service and pay 360,000 won in fines. The actress indicted with Ju on charges of smuggling drugs from Japan and distributing them to other entertainers was sentenced to three years in prison. Many industry observers believe that Ju is biding his time to make a comeback.

However, drunk driving has been the major cause for concern. In April 2006, Hero, a member of the K-Pop idol group TVXQ, had his driver's license suspended for 100 days for drunk driving.

In 2005, Jun Jin, a member of popular K-Pop group Shinhwa, was caught while driving under the influence and had his license revoked. In the same year, Kim Sang-hyeok, a member of now-defunct Click-B, and Song Baek-kyeong, leader of hip-hop group 1TYM, failed field sobriety tests, resulting in their disappearances from the small screen.

Credits: pss@koreatimes.co.kr

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September 21, 2009

High Price for Cheap Melodrama

By Lee Hyo-won

Staff Reporter

Actress Su Ae in a scene from "A Sword With No Name," a film about Empress Myeongseong

(1851-95), who was assassinated by Japanese soldiers. It opens in theaters nationwide

Sept. 24. / Courtesy of Showbox/Mediaplex

Historical dramas succeed when they draw out a certain truth from things that never happened ― unsubstantiated tales that ring with believability, though not necessarily realism, between the lines of historical facts.

"A Sword With No Name," directed by Kim Yong-gyun, capitalizes on the popular, larger-than-life image of Empress Myeongseong (1851-95) established onscreen.

Period dramas have emerged in recent years as a cashable genre, so a movie that fantasizes the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) version of Jackie Kennedy to be caught in a star-crossed romance with her handsome bodyguard naturally has strong selling points.

The anticipated movie for the fall season, however, simply exploits the empress' popularized iconicity for cheap melodrama. The 9.2-billion-won film does offer everything one would expect from the film's original Korean title ― "Like a Firecracker, Like a Butterfly," in the sense that the film's colorful visuals do little for the poor script, the narrative flow of which is as elusive and un-choreographed as the flight of a butterfly.

The empress, also known as Queen Min, was the spouse of Emperor Gojong, one of Joseon's last rulers. She is remembered as a forward-thinking advocate of modernity who was often at odds with her father-in-law, the regent Heungseong Daewon-gun. Her diplomatic skills, particularly her push for stronger Korea-Russia relations, were seen as an obstacle to Japan's annexation plans, and Japanese assassins eventually murdered her.

In this movie based on the novel of the same name by Ya Seol-lok, the queen, a symbol of heroism and grace, is reinvented simply as Min Ja-yeong, a woman secretly in love.

The story begins with Min (Su Ae) preparing for her big initiation into court life. By some strange workings of the universe, she crosses paths with assassin Mu-myeong (meaning "nameless" and played by Cho Seung-woo), who falls desperately in love with her. He vows he will protect Min and becomes, after surviving some incredible trials and tribulations, a palace guard.

Mu-myeong, when not drooling after the queen, has scenes with arch nemesis Nwejin, the head of the guards and Daewon-gun's spy, while Min continues to fall out of favor with her father-in-law by showing off her "diplomatic" skills ― i.e. tasting chocolate with the wives of diplomats and trying on a Western corset.

The latter is a rather curious yet representative example of the film's flaws. By this point, Mu-myeong has miraculously ascended the court hierarchy and is promoted to the position of Min's private guard. Min trades in her uncomfortable "hanbok" (Korean traditional costume) for another form of restrictive clothing, and the scene serves no purpose other than to show how gorgeous she is in a cleavage-baring satin gown and that she is capable of wooing an already very much wooed young man.

Mu-myeong's knack with his knife ― a rugged fishing knife that presumably reflects his rough, untamed nature ― and his rather scandalous devotion to the queen somehow become a tool in the escalating political tensions within the court. Yet, Mu-myeong keeps his promise to stand by Min's side.

Everyone loves a great tragic love story, so much so that far-fetched ideas, breached codes of conduct and even anachronism can be easy to ignore. The purpose of "Sword" is not to reenact history but to set an exotic stage for romance. But there is nothing hushed or heartbreaking about the secret romance, and the hero's "I am your slave" premise fails to convince.

The superb casting of the film was reason for high hopes, with actress Su Ae ― beloved for her regal presence on the red carpet ― opposite reputable actor Cho ("Go Go 70s"). But acting skills cannot make up for lack of chemistry, an awkward script, or one-note characters.

The big budget project poured a good portion of its budget into the computer graphics-laden action sequences. But the duels, rendered with a surreal, fantastic edge of a sophisticated martial arts video game, seem out of place with the rest of the film.

Credits: hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr

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September 21, 2009

Top Korean actor Bae Yong-joon discharged from hospital

SEOUL, Sept. 21 (Yonhap) -- Bae Yong-joon, a top South Korean actor popular in Japan and other Asian countries, was discharged from a hospital Monday after five days of treatment for septicemia, believed to have been caused by extreme fatigue and stress, his management agency said.

BOF, the actor's management, said the actor left the hospital around 5 p.m. to prepare to promote his new book, with his health improved substantially.

Bae was admitted to a Seoul hospital Thursday after his blood pressure and blood sugar levels fell sharply, the agency said on Sunday. Tests showed he was suffering from early stages of septicemia.

"Bae has lost a lot of weight and appears to have grown weaker after working hard over the past year on a book that looks into the issue of Korean aesthetics," an agency official said.

The 37-year-old actor rose to unprecedented regional popularity in 2002 for his lead role in "Winter Sonata," a drama about starcrossed lovers.

He will attend an event to promote the publication of his book Tuesday afternoon at the National Museum of Korea, and will be present at promotional events for animation version of "Winter Sonata" and his book in Tokyo Sept. 29-30.

Source: yonhapnews.co.kr

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September 18, 2009

Korean Films Premiering at 14th Pusan Fest

A number of high-profile Korean features will have their World Premiere at the 14th Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) including opening film Good Morning, President by writer-director JANG Jin. It stars top Korean actor JANG Dong-gun, who is expected to greet the opening night crowd when the fest kick offs October 8 for a 9-day run.

Making it’s Gala World Premiere is The Fair Love by director SHIN Yeon-shick, a drama starring veteran lead AHN SUNG-ki about an unstoppable romance between an old bachelor in his 50s and a college girl in her 20s. Also in the Gala program is In My End Is My Beginning by MIN Kyu-dong, the director of All for Love (2005) and Antique (2008). The new film stars UHM Jung-hwa and KIM Hyo-jin and is an extension of MIN’s contribution to the omnibus feature Five Senses of Eros, released earlier this year.

Another highlight is the return of award-winning director SONG Il-gon (Magicians, A Feather), who will premiere his feature documentary Dance of Time, in the Wide Angle Documentary Showcase section. Filmed in Cuba, the film follows the generations of Korean-Cubans who have lived there since their ancestors were forcibly relocated to Cuba over 100 years ago.

In competition in the New Currents section with other premiere Asian features is Paju, the highly anticipated second feature by PARK Chan-ok who won the Rotterdam Tiger Award for her debut feature Jealousy is My Middle Name; and a comedy by director SO Sang-min titled I’m in Trouble, about a love-addicted third rate poet and his women.

KWON Chil-in, the director of Singles (2003) and Hellcats (2008) is back with his fourth feature, Loveholic in the Korean Cinema Today - Panorama section. Also here is Tokyo Taxi, the eagerly awaited second feature by KIM Tai-sik (Driving With My Wife’s Lover) about a singer with a fear of flying who takes a taxi from Seoul to Tokyo.

Another taxi-themed premiere in this section is Maybe by JU Ji-hong, a drama about a taxi driver and an overseas Korean adoptee. Rounding out the section are The Executioner, a death-row drama by CHOI Jin-ho, Vegetarian by LIM Woo-seong and Where Are You Going? by PARK Chur-woon .

Nigel D’Sa (KOFIC)

14th Pusan Internationaal Film Fest Boasts Huge Line-Up

The 14th edition of the Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF), Asia’s top film industry event, has announced a record line-up of 355 films from 70 countries, up from 315 last year. Running October 8 – 16 in Busan, Korea’s second largest city, PIFF will introduce 98 World Premieres and 46 International Premieres.

Opening the fest is Korean film Good Morning President by writer-director JANG Jin, a comedy about 3 fictional Korean presidents including one that is a female and one very young played by Korean wave star JANG Dong-gun. Closing PIFF is the Int’l Premiere of Chinese WW2 political thriller The Message by co-directed by CHEN Kuo-fu of Taiwan and GAO Qunshu of China.

New Currents, PIFF’s main competition section contains 12 new Asian films and an international jury headed this year by Jean-Jacques Beineix, French director of Betty Blue. In addition, from this year a new competition section and prize entitled the “Flash Forward Award” will be devoted to finding the best non-Asian film from among 11 up-and-coming filmmakers outside of Asia.

Special Programs this year include a focus on Hong Kong director Johnnie To, screening 10 of his films including Election and his latest, Vengeance. A seminar on To’s films will also be held along with a Master Class given by the director in person. Other programs include a Filipin o Independent Film Special and Ani Aisa! – presenting 9 new Asian animated features.

Guests include Italian horror maestro Dario Argento and French veteran master Costa Gavras. The two will participate in both a Hand Printing ceremony and a Master Class. Alongside the festival, the Asian Film Market – a multi-platform venue for film industry business, and PPP – a project financing market, will be held Oct. 11 – 14.

PIFF and Asian Film Market will take place in Busan’s beach town resort area of Haeundae, with additional public screenings running in the downtown core of Nampo-dong. The festival’s English-language website is available at http://www.piff.org/eng. The New Current’s line-up of Asian competition films, including 2 Korean films, is as follows:

New Currents

"Dead Slowly" by Rita Hui (Hong Kong)

"I'm in Trouble!" by SO Sang-min (Korea)

"Kick Off" by Shawkat A. Korki (Iraq)

"Lan" by Jiang Wenli (China)

"Lost Paradise in Tokyo" by Shiraishi Kazuya (Japan)

"A Man Who Ate Cherries" by Payman Haghani (Iran)

"Mundane History" by Anocha Suwichakornipong (Thailand)

"My Daughter" by Charlotte Lim Lay Kuen (Malaysia)

Source: KOFIC

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September 18, 2009

Chinese/Korean Film Season of Good Rain to be Released

Korea and China has cemented its cinematic relations with the about to be released Season of Good Rain. The film directed by HUR Jin- ho brings together the biggest actors of both countries Gao Yuanyuan (Beijing Bicycle 2001) and JUNG Woo-sung (Daisy 2006) and blends them into a multi lingual, trans-cultural melodrama. The shooting and the narrative of the film seem to be symbolic of the rising amount of film business between the two countries. KIM Jee-woon’s The Good The Bad and The Weird, also incidentally staring JUNG was shot in Manchuria, CJ Entertainment’s Haeundae is to be released in China and the same company is producing a big budget Chinese/Korean comedy, Sophie’s Revenge staring Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon’s (2003) Zhang Ziyi.

HUR Jin-ho has directed a slew of romantic melodramas including the internationally successful Christmas in August (1998) and April Snow (2005). This latest film, while definitely falling back into this genre is decidedly more upbeat. Set in Chengdu, China JUNG plays architect Dong-ha who runs into May played by Gao who he originally met while the two were studying in the U.S. They then rekindle a romantic relationship that had never really begun.

The film inspired by and named after a poem by Tang Dynasty writer Dubo was originally part of an omnibus feature Chengdu I Love You( Chengdu wo ai ni)currently premiering at the Venice Film Festival. However, the film recognized for its commercial appeal was developed into a full feature. The film is to be released October the 8th, simultaneously in China, Korea and Japan.

David Oxenbridge (KOFIC)

Chaw and Haeundae Get More International Exposure

Both Chaw and Haeundae are to be released overseas, respectively to the U.K and Canada.

Optimum Releasing who also handled BONG Joon-ho’s Memories of Murder (2003) will be releasing wild pig movie Chaw to British audiences. The film, which features the aforementioned pig terrorizing a small sleepy village scored 1.8 admissions at the Korean box office. Haeundae did even better at the box office pulling in 1,546,976 viewers alone in its opening weekend. Canada based distributer Cine-Asia will be harnessing the titanic film planning theatrical releases in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver followed by a DVD release. The film was previously sold to a number of territories at the Hong Kong Film Mart and more recently to China on a revenue-sharing basis.

David Oxenbridge (KOFIC)

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September 22, 2009

Jang Dong-gun's new movie "President" sold out at PIFF

Reporter : Lynn Kim 기자lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

"Good Morning President" starring Hallyu star Jang Dong-gun

Korean Wave star Jang Dong-gun's new film set to open the 14th Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF), sold out in less than two minutes, according to the event organizers.

"The tickets for "Good Morning President" sold out in one minute and 35 seconds," the organizers of PIFF said in a statement on Monday.

"President", directed by Jang Jin, of "Guns and Talks" and "The Big Scene", is a film that features three Presidents -- Jang Dong-gun, an older man and a female -- and satires politics and life as a president.

This is the actor's second opening film for the festival after "The Coast Guard" in 2002 and his first Korean film in five years. Jang had been working in Hollywood shooting "Laundry Warrior" during the past year.

The opening films for PIFF have often sold out quickly -- in previous years, "The Coast Guard" sold out in two minutes and four seconds, and both "Last Witness" and "Trace of Love" sold out in under three minutes.

The PIFF explained it has set aside three hundred tickets for the opening and closing films for people who were unable to buy tickets on the Internet.

This year, Hollywood actor Josh Hartnett is set to attend the festival to promote his new film "I Come With The Rain" directed by Vietnamese-born French director Tran Anh Hung and co-starring Korean actor Lee Byung-hun.

The film festival will be held October 8 through October 16 in Pusan.

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr l Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved> l asiae.co.kr

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September 22, 2009

Musical 'Wedding Singer' to Premiere in Seoul

By Chung Ah-young

Staff Reporter

A Korean rendition of “The Wedding Singer,” the Broadway musical based on the 1998 film of the same name starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, will premiere in Seoul, starring Hwang Jung-min and Park Gun-hyung.

Better known as stars on the big screen, Hwang and Park will return to the stage to alternate playing the lead character, Robbie Hart, a wedding singer who dreams of becoming a successful composer.

Hwang is a household name after successful performances in the films "You Are My Sunshine'' (2005) and "Happiness'' (2007). But the award-winning actor first began his acting career in musical "Line 1'' (1995) and went on to star in various musicals such as "Jesus Christ Superstar,'' "Cats,” “42nd Street” and “Nine.”

“I starred in 'Nine' because I wanted to break the bias against the musical genre, which is regarded as being lighthearted and entertaining, and to introduce its diverse spectrum to the audience. But when I was doing ‘Nine,’ I felt difficulty in communicating with the audience and began thinking about what the audience really wants to see. So I have decided to do ‘The Wedding Singer’ and this work will give me the opportunity to narrow the gap between the audience and actors. I will become Robbie Hart on stage to enjoy the experience with the audience," Hwang said in a press release.

Park will also make his return to the stage as the wedding singer. Park previously performed in "Saturday Night Fever,'' which catapulted him to musical stardom. He has starred in films such as “Dancing Princess” and “Riverbank Legends” and in the recent musicals “Beautiful Game,” “Hamlet” and “The Three Musketeers.” “I have a special feeling toward this work because it is adapted from my favorite movie. Also, the cast members are the ones with whom I am collaborating for the first time,’’ said Park.

For the role of Julia Sullivan, a waitress, Bang Jin-ui, renowned for “Hairspray” and “My Scary Girl” has been selected. Kim So-hyang, known for her work in “Aida” and “Dreamgirls,” and Yoon Gong-ju of “Man of La Mancha” and “200-Pounds Beauty” take the role of Holly, a friend of Julia.

The musical was first staged on Broadway in 2006. A Swedish production and a Spanish version premiered in 2007, with the Japanese version opening in Tokyo in 2008. Other foreign productions are scheduled for Finland, Germany and Australia.

The musical will feature disco music, heart-pumping group dances and brilliant stage costumes in the story of finding a true love between youngsters who are wandering between a romantic dream and reality.

The show will be staged from Nov. 24 to Jan. 31 at the Chungmu Art Hall.

Credits; chungay@koreatimes.co.kr

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September 22, 2009

Actor Jang Dong-kun Returns as 'President'

By Lee Hyo-won

Staff Reporter

Stars of the much-anticipated film "Good Morning President" grace promotional posters,

from left, actor Lee Soon-jae, comedian Im Ha-ryong and actress Go Doo-shim,

and hallyu star Jang Dong-kun. The film will open the 14th Pusan (Busan) International Film

Festival on Oct. 8 before hitting theaters nationwide Oct. 22. / Courtesy of CJ Entertainment

Jang Dong-kun makes a comeback onscreen as a character not unlike himself ― an eligible bachelor ― in "Good Morning President."

The film's press event in southern Seoul Tuesday morning buzzed with reporters, particularly since it is slated to open the 13th Pusan (Busan) International Film Festival, Oct. 8. The latest comedy by prolific director Jang Jin is about three fictional South Korean presidents.

Jang returns to the local silver screen four years after "Typhoon" as the youngest ever head-of-state who's equipped with not only charismatic diplomatic skills but also handsome looks.

The 37-year-old indeed appeared suave in a clean cut suit and tie. Reporters mischievously asked about his screen persona being dubbed ``pretty-boy president'' like his actual moniker, "the original pretty-boy actor.'' "I feel sort of guilty to hear that title at this age, but I have to admit it's not a bad feeling," he said, chuckling. "But I do wish I would be remembered with a different adjective,'' he added, probably implying one regarding his acting skills rather than appearance.

Han Chae-young, who plays the role of Jang's love interest, said she initially felt nervous acting opposite someone she had always admired. "At first he seemed so perfect and hard to approach but he was very down to earth and made others feel at ease, like an older brother,'' said the screen beauty. The two exchanged some jokes about Han calling Jang "adjeosshi'' or uncle.

"For my role I was more worried with not the role of president but having to do comedy. But I was able to enjoy the filmmaking process thanks to the director. It was also fresh and fun to speak in standard Korean,'' said the actor, who had taken on tough North Korean and Busan dialects, respectively, in "Typhoon'' and "Friend.''

Veteran actor Lee Soon-jae, who stars as a well respected elderly president that agonizes over winning the lottery, also said it was not hard to personify a president. "At first I was very impressed with how times have changed," Lee said. "Before it would have been impossible to parody the president. The movie has just one main issue, which is how heads of state are only human, like you and I. My character is a broad-minded leader but in his personal life he could be goofy and stingy. The movie shows the human side of people who are sometimes placed on a pedestal.''

The director ("Guns and Talks"), who also wrote the script, said he had the story in mind for a while, and said that it would be free of political ideologies, and would instead be a "fun, mainstream film everyone can enjoy."

Meanwhile, the quintessential mother figure Go Doo-shim plays the role of the nation's first female president. "It was a nice break from at-home wear to play an executive. When director Jang approached me, offering me the role of female president, I accepted without even looking at the script,'' she said. ``I didn't have a particular role model in mind, but just imagined that someone in such a position would require soft power, someone who could be warm but also have a tough side. I believe it's possible and about time that a woman can take leadership,'' she said.

Comedian Im Ha-ryong, who plays Go's spouse as the "first husband," said it was an honor to star opposite someone who is as beautiful as Go.

Meanwhile, tickets to the film's screening at the Pusan Festival soldout in less than two minutes Monday after its online ticket sales opened.

The movie will hit theaters nationwide Oct. 22 after premiering at Pusan. Distributed by CJ Entertainment.

Credits: hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr

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September 22, 2009

Korean Wave star Bae Yong-joon writes on beauty of his native country

By Kim Eun-jung

SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korean actor Bae Yong-joon, the celebrity identified with the Korean Wave, was embarrassed when he could not readily recommend a tourist attraction in his native country when asked by a foreign journalist at a news conference.

The incident motivated the 36-year-old actor to better understand South Korea's culture and share his findings with his fans, so he went on a year-long journey to write a book.

The book, titled "Travel in Search of Korea's Beauty," is a collection of photos and essays he wrote during his one-year sojourn, spanning indigenous traditions in cuisine, handicrafts, temples and dress-making. "This book is not a professional book about Korean culture. It is about a beginner's journey in learning Korean culture," Bae said in news conference Tuesday, a day ahead of his book's release in Korea.

A top celebrity throughout Asia who rose to stardom through his role in "Winter Sonata," the first-time author said writing was a challenge. "The most difficult thing about writing was meeting the deadline, as you know," he said to the hundreds of journalists at the press conference.

While working on the last chapters of the book, the self-proclaimed perfectionist said he lost nearly 10kg from the pressure to make his work as flawless as he could. He had been hospitalized in Seoul ahead of Tuesday's publicity event for extreme fatigue and stress, and was released Monday. "I can't say this book represents Korean culture, but I just hope people can share my experience and learn more about the beauty of Korea and its culture."

More than 200 Japanese fans, mostly women, waited outside the conference room, hoping to catch a glimpse of the star.

Bae's management company, the Boundaries of Forest, already struck a deal with a Japanese publishing firm to sell the book in Japan. An estimated 800 million won (US$660,000) worth of books have already been sold ahead of next week's official release in Japan.

Credits: ejkim@yna.co.kr via yonhapnews.co.kr

September 23, 2009

Bae Yong-joon Dreams of Simple Farming Life

"If I get another job in later life, I would like to be a farmer. It would be nice to plant something, cultivate the fruit and give the healthy product to someone." So said the actor Bae Yong-joon in a press conference held at the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan on Tuesday.

The superstar was promoting a book titled "Travel in Search of Korea's Beauty." He was flanked by twelve experts on Korean traditional culture including ceramics, traditional liquor and pansori, who provided valuable insights for the book.

"I decided to write the book because of an embarrassing moment when I was unable to respond promptly when asked to name great places to visit in Korea at a press conference in Japan," he said. "I felt bad that my fans from abroad spent their entire time watching me shoot films and then went back to their countries. I hope this book can help them understand Korean culture and sentiment."

Bae plans to write more books. "Writing has a unique charm. I would like to write books that introduce places worth visiting in Korea and gourmet restaurants in the future."

Having been hospitalized for five days before being released on Monday, Bae looked thin and pale. "I lost more than 10 kg while writing the book. My stamina dropped considerably, so I had to rest in hospital. I am recovering now so I’ll be healthy again soon," he said.

Credits: englishnews@chosun.com

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September 19, 2009

The last Joseon empress in jumbled mess of a film

"The Sword with No Name"

Most of us realize films based on historical events almost always take liberties for dramatic effect.

Try as you might, reality just isn't as exciting as the one interpreted in the cinema - well unless of course you're someone like Bear Grylls. In "The Sword with No Name (Bulggotcheoreom nabicheoreom)," taking liberties with historical events is an understatement.

The film is a total re-imagining of the final years of Queen Min, the last empress of the Joseon Dynasty who was murdered by Japanese Assassins at the turn of the century before the Japanese annexation in 1910. It's not quite a sweeping historical epic nor is it a romance. It's an amalgam of different genres haphazardly stitched together into a slapdash mess of a film

Queen Min is played by Su Ae, who has a knack for portraying characters that are charismatic yet vulnerable emotionally. It is a performance she effortlessly phones in on pure instinct as that's the sort of archetype she has played for most of her career. In short, she just has that face of a typical damsel in distress and no doubt director Kim Yong-gyun cast her for the convenience of her mug getting the point across rather than developing her character through competent storytelling.

The story, based on a comic book of the same name, imagines the Queen falling in love with her bodyguard, a man with no name ala spaghetti westerns, played by Jo Seung-woo. Both brisk through a collection of moments early on that are suppose to establish and signify their burgeoning love but because these series of moments lack a framework, we don't really care much about the two and what happens to them as the story goes through one over-the-top action sequence after another.

Mid-way through the story, there's even a sex scene between the Queen and her husband, King Gojong that doesn't seem quite appropriate which borders on rape. Compared to other more adult-oriented films, it isn't a gratuitous scene but the run up to it is so juvenile and harmless, it feels completely inappropriate.

By the time the Queen and her bodyguard's inevitable demise comes, we couldn't really care much about these two very one-dimensional characters. This sort of revisionist history would be fine as long as it stays within the realms of fantasy, but the film can't seem to decide what it wants to be throughout the entire duration.

The end result is a half-hearted attempt at romance, action, history, and fantasy. The filmmakers should have chosen one and ran with it instead of trying to put all their eggs into one basket.

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

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General screening box office opened for the 14th PIFF

September 23, 2009

I Come With The Rain by TRAN Anh Hung sold out in 38 seconds

10,000 tickets sold out in 5 minutes, scoring 45,000 in 1 hour

The box office for general screenings for the 14th Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) opened on September 23rd, 2009 from 9:00 A.M. The tickets for I Come With The Rain (GV screening) was rapidly sold out in only 38 seconds. Tickets allotted for advance purchase went on sales simultaneously through the Internet (http://piff.kr), mobile phones, branches of the Busan Bank and GS 25 convenience stores across Korea. Overall, 10,000 tickets were all gone in 5 minutes, and 45,000 tickets in an hour.

Most notably, pre-sale allocation for I Come With The Rain directed by TRAN Anh Hung was completely sold out in a matter of 38 seconds, proving the hot attention paid to its three actors LEE Byung-hun, Josh HARTNETT and KIMURA Takuya. Two Japanese films Killer Bride’s Perfect Crime (directed by KImini cooperANI Goro, starring UENO Juri) and Air Doll (directed by KORE-EDA Hirokazu, casting the Korean actress BAE Doo-na) took the baton, recording 41seconds and 57 seconds, respectively. Furthermore, the general screening tickets allotted for the opening film Good Morning President were sold out in 1 minute and 16 seconds. Such sellout rush continued to the famous Japanese actor YAKUSHO Koji’s debut feature Toad’s Oil scoring 1 minute and 47 seconds. With 159 films sold out in less than an hour, this year’s PIFF screens a record-breaking number of 355 films, grabbing the attention of festival-goers.

Although the allotment of tickets has been sold out for particular films, any cancelled or returned tickets will be resold through the Internet at http://piff.kr, at the one-stop mobile ticketing service Mobile PIFF, in nationwide GS25 convenient stores, and at the Busan Bank. For those who prefer the traditional approach, 20% of total tickets will be available at Temporary Box Offices open at screening venues during the festival period.

Source: piff.org

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September 23, 2009

A Peek Inside Celebrity Homes

By Jane Han

Staff Reporter

Korean celebrities are known to prefer Seoul’s top three Gangnam districts ―

Apgujeong-dong, Cheongdam-dong and Samseong-dong ― as their home.

From top left, clockwise: Actress Jeon Do-yeon’s Cheongdam-dong villa,

featuring five bedrooms and three bathrooms; Samseong-dong I-Park, home

to newlyweds Kwon Sang-woo and Son Tae-young; the luxurious interior of entertainer

Kang Ho-dong’s Apgujeong-dong apartment; and Traum Haus, a posh villa

in Seocho-dong, which was once hearthrob Jang Dong-kun’s home.

Ever wonder where mega-watt celebrities unwind at the end of their glamorous days? Home ― just like any other ordinary person ― but what they call home is anything but ordinary.

The limited area in downtown Seoul may not allow Korean stars to dwell in huge Hollywood-esque mansions that span out for acres, but the celebs are still rich enough to own the crowded capital's best and most expensive street addresses.

Former wrestling champion and popular television host Kang Ho-dong, for example, lives in a fully remodeled 280-square-meter apartment in one of the most posh districts in Seoul, featuring three bedrooms and three bathrooms.

The Apgujeong-dong property is currently worth 3.5 billion won ($2.9 million), according to local real estate agents. Down the street from Kang's house is another luxury district, Chungdam-dong, where dozens of singers and movie stars reside. Singer, artist and writer Cho Young-nam's massive 618-square-meter villa has long been famous as one of the country's unbeatable star homes.

The Sangji Ritzville, a top villa brand, overlooking the Han River and the Youngdong Bridge from the southern side, was most recently officially listed at some 4 billion won, but realtors say the property is actually worth more than 6 billion won. "Buyers are lucky if they even see a unit up for sale," said an area property agent, who labels the luxury building as one of the most exclusive homes, rarely coming out on the market.

Another top-flight villa in Chungdam-dong is where top actress Jeon Do-yeon calls home, just minutes away from Cho's residence. The almost 300-square-meter uber-luxury villa, which offers only six units, is known to ensure its residents with the best security system.

Most recently listed for 3 billion won, the villa is home to some of the country's top businessmen and politicians, according to realtors. Some of Jeon's Chungdam-dong neighbors include actresses Kim Hee-sun, Ko Hyun-jung and Ko So-young, and actors Kim Min-jong and Hwang Jung-min.

The third town, which completes the so-called celebrity Gangnam belt, is Samsung-dong. The southern Seoul district recently got a status upgrade when celebrity couple Kwon Sang-woo and Son Tae-young was revealed to be living in I-Park, the most expensive property in South Korea, according to 2008 government data.

A 195-square-meter apartment was purchased for 5.7 billion won by an unknown buyer last year, making the high-rise home the most expensive apartment in town. Although the newlywed couple makes top money, Kwon and Son are reportedly living in a rented unit costing at least 1.3 billion won in "jeonse" ― a lump sum, long-term deposit on a rental space.

"The price shows that this is no ordinary rented property," says a broker who specializes in I-Park. He explained that it is being increasingly sought by celebrities because of its top security standards and privacy.

Actresses Jeon Ji-hyun and Lee Mi-yeon, and actor Son Chang-min are among some of the well-known star residents of I-Park, he said.

Besides the Gangnam areas, Bangbae-dong, Seocho-dong, Hannam-dong and Ichon-dong have traditionally been popular residential districts among local celebrities. But the fast-emerging favorite pick is Banpo ― more specifically, the newly built Banpo Xi apartments.

The state-of-the-art complex, which includes a fitness center and spa, is home to heartthrobs Song Seung-heon and So Ji-sub, and dozens of other middle-aged celebrities, according to real estate agents.

"The influx of celebrity neighbors boosted the apartment's promotion," said a realtor, who explained, however, that many residents don't enjoy having a star neighbor. "They don't want their privacy getting interrupted by fans."

Credits: jhan@koreatimes.co.kr

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September 24, 2009

Hallyu star turns travel writer

travel.innolife.net

Bae Yong-joon has released a collection of essays called “Journey in Search of Korea’s Beauty.”

The hallyu star held a press conference at the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan, central Seoul last Tuesday, the day before the release of his book. Nearly 200 fans as well as 400 reporters from Korea and Japan showed up.

Bae, who had been hospitalized for five days last week due to septicemia, smiled brightly for the fans and cameras as he walked up on stage. “I’m recovering, and I will get better soon,” he said. “I’m sorry for making my parents and fans worried.”

The 37-year-old actor also talked about how he came to write this book. “I was holding a press conference in Japan once,” he said. “When asked to introduce some famous tour sites around Korea, I was embarrassed that I couldn’t answer the question.” He added that he wanted to provide some useful information for his foreign fans that visit the country.

Bae became hugely popular in Japan after the TV drama “Winter Sonata” was aired in 2002, earning him the nickname “Yonsama.”

It was a year-long project, according to the actor. He went around the nation meeting 12 different masters of each theme. The 12 teachers also came to the press conference to show their support for the actor.

Journey in Search of Korea’s Beauty is a 434-page-long book, divided into 13 chapters about themes such as kimchi, hanbok and temple stays, all subjects Bae has chosen himself. The book contains the actor’s essays and exclusive pictures of Bae enjoying these pursuits.

Bae will hold another press conference in Japan next week to promote his book.

Source: joongangdaily.joins.com