[News] Drama, Movies, Actors & Actresses

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Nov. 13, 2009

'Spendthrift' Korean Film Festivals Face Gov't Review

Korea's publicly funded film festivals will be "put under the microscope," Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yu In-chon said Thursday.

In a briefing with the Korean Film Council, Yu said the government will "rigorously review state subsidies to film festivals" as it seems that "too much money is being spent on ostentatious shows like the opening and closing ceremonies."

A total of six film festivals received state funds this year, including the Pusan International Film Festival, Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival, and the Jeonju International Film Festival.

Source : Chosun Ilbo

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Nov.13, 2009

Web Piracy Dogs Movie Industry

A scene from the recent hit vampire

film “Thirst” is shown above. The

movie was leaked online earlier

this week, sparking debate about

piracy in the film industry. The

movie’s financial losses have

yet to be assessed, but producers

are thinking twice about how to

handle online piracy./Korea Times

CJ Entertainment, the distributor of South Korea's hit vampire film "Thirst," moved quickly to control the damage after the movie was leaked online earlier this week. But by publicizing the illegal activity, the company only exacerbated the situation.

The financial loss of the latest leak hasn't been assessed yet, but Internet experts and file-sharing analysts say damages could have been minimized if the distributor had simply kept quiet until the illegal copies floating online had been deleted.

"More people found out about the pirate release after CJ kindly made the leak official," said Woo Ji-soo, an official of a local web security service provider. "It is important for such a piracy case to be resolved quickly, but also quietly."

According to 10 different domestic file-sharing sites, 8,000 copies of the movie were downloaded on Nov. 9, but the number climbed to 24,000 after the distributor admitted that the file was pirated.

Experts say the Internet circulation speed was fast for "Thirst" since the film - which tells the story of a priest-turned-vampire struggling with his desire for blood - had been heavily spotlighted for clinching the Jury prize at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival in May.

The latest incident isn't the first time CJ's premature announcement ended up attracting more illegal downloaders.

Less than two months ago, blockbuster "Haeundae" - also distributed by CJ Entertainment - was illegally spread over the Internet, resulting in damages totaling more than 30 billion won ($25.5 million).

The company worked closely in conjunction with police to track down the people who originally uploaded the pirated copies online. But critics pointed out that the investigation was made too public, drawing more users to download the leaked version.

CJ officials, however, said that they had a reason for making the announcement.

"We wanted to alert Internet users so that they would refrain from uploading and downloading the illegal copies," said a company official.

CJ requested police to launch an investigation to track down who uploaded the Park Chan-wook film on the Internet just days ahead of its official DVD release in the United States. The distributor has also asked local file-sharing sites to help prevent the pirated copies from further circulating.

Kim Joon-ho, an official of a local online storage site, says online piracy emerges as a serious problem only when a major leakage happens, calling for industry-wide efforts to work out systematic preventive measures.

Credits : Jane Han (jhan@koreatimes.co.kr)

Source : The Korea Times

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12-11-2009

Lee's High Salary

Actor Lee Byung-hun

Actor Lee Byung-hun is being paid 100 million won per episode for his starring role in ``Iris,'' a smash-hit drama now being broadcast on KBS2-TV.

Lee, a hallyu (Korean wave) star who is playing the role of Kim Hyun-jun, an intelligence agent, was guaranteed 25 million won per episode plus a 1.5 billion won guaranty in recognition of his contribution to attracting investment from a Japanese broadcaster to produce the 20-episode drama.

The 100-million-won performance fee was the third highest in the country's drama history. Bae Yong-joon, another hallyu star, topped the list of drama fees with 250 million won per episode for his appearance in the MBC drama ``The Story of the First King's Four Gods'' in 2007. Park Shin-yang came in second.

An association of drama producers has a rule to keep an actor's performance fee per episode below 15 million won. However, the association said it had no problem with Lee's high performance fee because it involves an overseas copyright.

Meanwhile, Kim Tae-hee, who is playing the role of a female agent in ``Iris'' opposite Lee Byung-hun, is being paid 20 million won per episode.

Source : The Korea Times

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2009/11/13

S. Korean film contest announces lineup

SEOUL, Nov. 13 (Yonhap) -- Organizers of South Korea's annual Blue Dragon (Cheongryong) Film Awards announced 22 candidates Friday including the Cannes-winning "Thirst" and box-office smash "Haeundae."

The 30th Blue Dragon awards, one of the most prestigious in Korea organized by sports newspaper Sports Chosun, will be held Dec. 2 after the jury members choose winners in 15 categories including best film, director, actor and actress, organizers said in a press release.

Created in 1963 by the vernacular daily Chosun Ilbo, the annual Blue Dragon awards was discontinued in 1973, to be later resurrected by Sports Chosun in 1990.

The Blue Dragon Film Awards considers only blockbusters and popular movies of high artistic value released during the previous year. During the selection process, movies that have made it to the final list are screened to the public. The ceremony opens after the screenings are over.

This year, box office hits "Haeundae" and "Take Off," Cannes-invited "Thirst" and "Mother," and Pusan Film Festival opener "Good Morning, President" will be competing for the best film.

Female director Lim Soon-rye's "Forever the Moment" was selected Blue Dragon's best film last year while Kim Ji-woon of "The Good, the Bad, and the Weird" was named best director.

Credits : hayney@yna.co.kr

Source : Yonhap News

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12-11-2009

Love Lurks in Shadows in 'Baekyahaeng'

Actors Son Ye-jin, left, and Ko Soo star in the new romantic thriller "Baekya-

haeng" (Walking the White Night)./ Courtesy of Cinema Service / CJ Entertainment

In his first feature film, ``Baekyahaeng'' (Walking the White Night), director Park Shin-woo does a compelling job of condensing Keigo Higashino's best-selling Japanese mystery novel (``Byakuyako'' in Japanese) into a solid two-hour melodramatic thriller. And the noteworthy cast, including Son Ye-jin, Ko Soo and Han Seok-gyu, keeps things highly intriguing.

The film explores some classic themes ― the loss of innocence, traumas that haunt one for life like a phantom limb and how self-sacrifice weighs in when it comes to love. The movie invites some comparison to the indie flick ``Lala Sunshine'' as it poses some ethical questions about justifications for murder ― or at least whether it is worthy of sympathy ― when victims of violence become perpetrators.

Everything begins ― again ― with a murder.

When a man is brutally killed not long after being released from prison, detective Dong-su (Han) immediately senses that it is related to a homicide case that occurred 14 years earlier, where a woman had been suspected of murdering her married lover. Dong-su is convinced that the dead man's son, Yo-han (Ko), is involved with the recent killing.

Meanwhile, a young chaebol head orders his assistant Si-yeong (Lee Min-jung) to spy on his fiancee Mi-ho (Son) to double check if she's marriage material. Si-yeong learns that Mi-ho, who seems too perfect to be true, has recreated a new identity in order to forget that her mother was the murderess from 14 years ago, but a mysterious man ― Yo-han ― lurks by Mi-ho's side like a silhouette. As is always the case, the brightest lights cast the darkest shadows.

The story unravels from the third person perspective, as Dong-su, who himself had lost his son while investigating the case 14 years ago, obsessively looks for clues, while Si-yeong takes her job very seriously. In the meantime the killing continues.

Like the trend that seems to be pervasive with local thrillers, the film practically offers viewers a whodunit on a silver platter ― from the very beginning ― along with the relationships between characters. So it keeps you wondering about the tantalizing ``why'' bit, quite tastefully.

The tightly woven script presents one episode after another seamlessly, making some of the rather ticklish poetic dialogue easy to ignore.

Son, who has melted men's hearts in roles from a charming schoolgirl to a seductive polygamist, brings yet another alluring persona, this time as a femme fatale with big secrets masked beneath her fixed smile. Ko, on the other hand, successfully breaks away from his pretty boy image to play a tortured soul who says very little yet shoots meaningful glances.

Supporting roles by bona fide screen personality Han and veteran actress Cha Hwa-yeon give the movie extra weight and girth.

The movie overall achieves strong visual storytelling through the juxtaposition of light and shade and the beautiful and the grotesque, as well as meticulously designed atmospheric spaces. Jo Yeong-wook, the director of music who whipped up sounds for such films as Park Chan-wook's ``Old Boy,'' experiments with classical numbers as usual, opting for Tchaikovsky's ominous yet beautiful ``Swan Lake'' theme song this time.

That said, ``Baekyahaeng'' doesn't offer anything groundbreaking, but gets everything right, making for a fine addition to the local stock of mystery romances.

In theaters Nov. 19. 18 and over. Distributed by Cinema Service/CJ Entertainment

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

Source : The Korea Times

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13-11-2009

Jang Na-ra’s Apology

Singer-actress Jang Na-ra

Singer-turned-actress Jang Na-ra, one of the popular Korean wave (hallyu) stars in China, made an apology to her Chinese fans for the verbal gaffe she made on a TV talk show.

Appearing on SBS TV's "Gangsimjang (Strong Heart)" program late last month, an entertainment talk show hosted by comedian Kang Ho-dong, she jokingly said that her visits to China increased when she didn't have enough money to finance the production of a movie in which she starred and which was funded by her father.

Her remark was a response to Kang's teasing question insinuating that she goes to China to earn money.

Some Chinese media reported that Jang has visited China whenever she has run out of money for the production of the movie, "The Sky and the Sea," enraging many Chinese fans.

The movie produced by her father Ju Ho-sung was released earlier this month but has not been received well here.

As criticism increased, Jang posted a long apology on a Chinese Web site, saying it was a bit exaggerated and misunderstood by the press.

I really apologize to my fans and the Chinese people who have been hurt by the incident. I never have been to China to earn money," she said.

She said China was like a second home to her and she wouldn't have made charity donations in China if she didn't like the country.

Credits : chojh@koreatimes.co.kr

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2009.11.13

Rain's docu scores multiple noms for Asia TV Awards

Rain at the "Ninja Assassin" press conference in Seoul on November 9, 2009 [Asia Economic Daily]

A documentary about Korean superstar Rain "Hip Korea, Seoul Vibes" has been nominated in four categories at the 14th Asian Television Awards, according to his agency on Friday.

The documentary, which aired worldwide on the Discovery Channel earlier this year, was nominated in the following categories -- Best Music Program, Best Infotainment Program, Best Direction and Best Cross-Platform Content, J. Tune Entertainment announced in a press release.

The program shows the past and present accomplishments of the Korean singer and actor, from his childhood upbringing to the difficult journey leading up to his success in music, television and movies.

It was produced by Singapore-based company Bang Productions, which previously made "Crossings: Jackie Chan" and is currently working on "The Dragon Wars", through cooperation from the city of Seoul and the Korean Film Council.

The Asia Television Awards(ATA), which is considered Asia's equivalent of the Emmys, selects the best television programs that aired in the region including Korea, Japan, China, Singapore, India, Australia and New Zealand. This year, 204 programs from 14 countries were selected for the finals, out of some 1,000 television programs that had been submitted.

The winners of the 14th Asian Television Awards will be announced at the ATA 2009 Gala Dinner in Singapore on December 3.

Rain is currently on the U.S. promotion tour for his upcoming Hollywood blockbuster "Ninja Assassin", which opens worldwide on November 26.

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2009.11.13

"Happy" actors, director attend press screening

From left, actor Hyun Bin, director Yoon Jong-chan and actress Lee

Bo-young. [Park Sung-ki/Asia Economic Daily]

From left, actor Hyun Bin, director Yoon Jong-chan and actress Lee Bo-young pose during a photo session of a press screening for their new film "I Am Happy" at a CJ CGV theatre in Seoul, South Korea on November 13, 2009. The film, which closed the 14th Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) last month, is set for release on November 26.

From left, actress Lee Bo-young and actor Hyun Bin. [Park Sung-ki/Asia Economic Daily]

From left, actress Lee Bo-young and actor Hyun Bin talk to each other during a press screening for their new film "I Am Happy" at a CJ CGV theatre in Seoul, South Korea on November 13, 2009. The film, which closed the 14th Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF) last month, is set for release on November 26.

Photographer : Park Sung-Ki musictok@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Hyun Bin attends "Happy" press screening

Actor Hyun Bin [Park Sung-ki/Asia Economic Daily]

Actor Hyun Bin speaks during a press screening for his new film "I Am Happy" at a CJ CGV theatre in Seoul, South Korea on November 13, 2009. He will star as a mental patient at a psychiatric ward in the film set for release on November 26.

Actor Hyun Bin [Park Sung-ki/Asia Economic Daily]

Photographer : Park Sung-Ki musictok@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

Lee Bo-young attends "Happy" press screening

Actress Lee Bo-young [Park Sung-ki/Asia Economic Daily]

Actress Lee Bo-young speaks during a press screening for her new film "I Am Happy" at a CJ CGV theatre in Seoul, South Korea on November 13, 2009. She will star as a nurse as a psychiatric ward in the film set for release on November 26.

Actress Lee Bo-young [Park Sung-ki/Asia Economic Daily]

Actress Lee Bo-young poses during a photo session of a press screening for her new film "I Am Happy" at a CJ CGV theatre in Seoul, South Korea on November 13, 2009. She will star as a nurse as a psychiatric ward in the film set for release on November 26.

Photographer : Park Sung-Ki musictok@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

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2009.11.13

Korea's 'Paju' to open Dutch film fest

"Paju," the second feature film by South Korean director Park Chan-ok, will open the upcoming International Film Festival Rotterdam, the first Korean movie ever chosen to open the Dutch film fest, the event's Web site said Friday, according to Yonhap News.

"Paju," which premiered at Korea's Pusan International Film Festival, has been praised as one of the most outstanding local creations of the year, drawing a realistic portrait of modern Korean society through the eyes of a young woman.

Rutger Wolfson, director of the Dutch film event, called "Paju" a "triumph of resilience and a powerful female voice from Asia, ambitious and intimate at the same time."

The 39th Rotterdam festival will run Jan. 27-Feb. 7 next year in the Netherlands' port city.

The Korean delegation that will introduce the film to Rotterdam's opening night audience will include director Park as well as lead actors Lee Sun-kyun and Seo Woo.

"Paju," set in the grim city where the film takes its name -- a longtime military garrison and now developing urban hub located close to the inter-Korean border -- was released locally on Oct.29.

The movie drew some impressive reviews from overseas critics during the Pusan film fest with Screen International predicting the movie will "cement Park's reputation as one of Korea's most talented art-house directors," while Variety compared the film's handling of melodrama, action and mystery to a Bergmanesque thriller.

"Paju" won the NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) Award at the Pusan fest with jury members describing it as a "fine example of passionate, high-quality filmmaking."

Source : The Korea Herald, The Korea Times

-----------------

2009-11-13

Int'l Film Festival Rotterdam to Open with 'Paju'

The Korean film "Paju" by director Park Chan-ok will be the opening film at the International Film Festival Rotterdam opening in January.

It's the first time that Rotterdam has selected a Korean film as a festival opener.

During the 2003 festival, Park won the Tiger Award as one of the festival’s top three young directors for her film "Jealousy is My Middle Name."

Other South Korean directors who have won the award include Hong Sang-su for the film "The Day a Pig Fell into the Well" and Yang Ik-jun for his film "Breathless."

The European festival of independent, low-budget films launched in 1972.

Source : KBS WORLD

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2009.11.13

Style Icon Awards shines 2009 with edginess

The 2009 Style Icon Awards

Korean actress Kim Hye-soo at the Style Icon Awards on November 11, 2009 [10Asia]

The 2009 Style Icon Awards -- which awards figures in society, culture and the arts who led the country in trend and style -- was held at N Seoul Tower on November 11. The event was aired live for five hours on three cable channels; Olive, tvN and XTM, from 6 to 11 p.m. The ceremony was hosted by 3 emcees -- anchorwoman Baik Ji-yeon, actress Park Si-yeon and singer Seo In-young -- who went from girl to woman and woman to lady, representing the famous Klimt painting "The Three Ages of Woman", which was the motif concept for the event.

Actress Kim Hye-soo wins two awards

The top prize Icon of the Year Award was handed to actress Kim Hye-soo, who put up a good fight with her edgy acting in SBS TV series "Style". Kim, who also won in the Television Actress category, said in her acceptance speech, "Thank you for calling my name twice on such a fantastic stage. I think it's a big blessing for me to win this incredible award at a ceremony which is about love and sharing." Jung Woo-sung of "A Good Rain Knows" and Ha Ji-won of "Haeundae" were selected winners for the Movie Star category, while hip-hop artist Tiger JK (of hip-hop group Drunken Tiger) won the Male Musician category and performed "Monster" and "True Love" with singer-rapper wife Yoon Mi-rae. Actress Kim Nam-joo, who won the TV Star category for her role in MBC drama "Queen of Housewives", delivered the perfect housewife speech. "I love [husband and actor] Kim Seung-woo, the King of Charms". Idol group member and actor Kim Hyun-joong, who starred in the pouplar KBS TV series "Boys Over Flowers" earlier this year, was voted the Most Popular Icon by some 250,000 Netizens.

Stars who attended the 2009 Style Icon Awards on November 11, 2009 : Clockwise from top left, singer and MC Seo In-young, actress Ha Ji-won, baseball player Choo Shin-soo, actor Lee Min-ki, actress Kim Nam-joo and model Kim Young-kwang [10Asia]

For the Special Icon Award, Kim Young-kyun accepted the award on behalf of his wife, actress Jang Jin-young who passed away in September due to stomach cancer, and gave a moving speech: "I attended this event because the purpose of the ceremony, which is to help many people in need, was what my wife believed in when she was alive. I will deliver this award to Jang Jin-young." Actress Kim Hye-ja, who has long worked as ambassador for World Vision, shared her Beautiful Sharing Award with "people who do good work for children behind the scenes". Many celebrities, including Jung Hyung-don, Jung Ga-eun, Horan and Jeong Ryeo-won attended the event to present the awards. Other stars who showed up included actresses Shin Min-ah, Oh Hyun-kyung, Choi Song-hyun, Lee A-hyun and Song Sun-mi.

Icon of the Year: Kim Hye-soo

Male Movie Star: Jung Woo-sung

Female Movie Star: Ha Ji-won

Male TV Actor: Kwon Sang-woo

Female TV Actress: Kim Hye-soo

TV Star: Kim Nam-joo

Male Singer: Tiger JK

Female Singer: 2NE1

Model: Kim Young-kwang

TV New Icon: Kim Nam-gil

Movie New Icon: Lee Min-ki

Sports: Choo Shin-soo

Culture & Arts: Park Chan-wook

Performance & Arts: Lee Seung-chul

Beautiful Sharing: World Vision (Kim Hye-ja)

Fun Fearless Female: Ha Ji-won

Male Fashionista: Kim Sung-soo

Female Fashionista: Shin Min-ah

People's Choice - Most Popular Icon: Kim Hyun-joong

Special Award: Jang Jin-young (accepted by husband Kim Young-kyun)

Reporter : Choi Ji-Eun five@10asia.co.kr

Photographer : Lee Jin-hyuk eleven@10asia.co.kr

Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2009.11.13

f(x) to sing TV drama soundtrack

Korean girl band f(x) [sM Entertainment]

Korean pop group f(x) is set to sing a soundtrack for KBS TV series "Invincible Lee Pyung Kang", according to their agency on Friday.

Their song "Hard and Easy", sung by Luna and Krystal, will be featured on the "Invincible" OST album, SM Entertainment said in a press release.

The song was written by noted K-pop composer Park Keun-tae and lyricist Kim Yi-na, who have previously worked with popular K-pop artists such as Big Bang and Baik Ji-young.

"Hard" will be available on various Internet music sites including Melon, Dosirak and Cyworld starting November 16 while the music video will be released on Korea's video-sharing site Gom TV today and will be featured on upcoming episodes of "Invincible".

f(x), one of the newest idol groups in Korea, debuted in September with digital single "LA chA TA" and recently released their first single album "Chu~♡" earlier this week.

Reporter : Lynn Kim <lynn2878@asiae.co.kr>

Editor : Jessica Kim <jesskim@asiae.co.kr>

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

13-11-2009

Korean Movies: Cultural Envoys for Iran

Iranian Magazine “Hamshahry

Javan,” literally meaning “young citizen,” reported about the

Jumong Drama and its effects in

Iran in its Volume 225.

TEHERAN-About 23 million Iranians have access to the Internet, enabling them to communicate with other communities and obtain information according to their interests. Many of these users are teenagers who usually search for photos and video clips of their favorite actors and singers. Online shopping is also becoming popular with young people.

If you search for the names of Korean stars whose movies have been broadcast in Iran, you can find many Web sites and blogs that Iranians have made for their favorite stars. At www.jumong.ir you can find the latest movie information and gossip, and buy movies like ``Shining Inheritance" and "Terms of Endearment."Another site, from which I have bought several Korean movies is www.dvdirani.com. It offers the latest Korean dramas and TV series at the best prices, less than $15.

In Iran there is no copyright for foreign movies and software; thus, you can find many Web sites that offer free downloads of every popular movie and TV series.

Korean dramas have storylines that people can easily identify, and the plots and themes are equally easy to follow. There is little complexity to the stories, which makes it easy to distinguish between good and evil roles. Korean dramas are a mixture of history and fables.

The costumes in Korean dramas are beautiful and all of them are brightly colored. These ancient outfits cover the whole body, which is similar to customs for Iranian women. This makes Iranian women want to buy Korean dresses.

The characters in these dramas are very important in capturing the attention of Iranians, especially young people. The key characters are well cast in their roles and their faces really express what's going on in their minds. In Korean dramas, Iranian people see people with many different characteristics and through them they can imagine love, hatred, jealousy, sacrifice and treason.

The first Korean drama broadcast by Iranian state-run TV was "A Jewel in the Palace" ("Dae Jang Geum"). It was full of new, innovative and creative scenes and stories. The soap opera is about a cook who overcomes many hardships to become the first female royal physician of the Joseon Dynasty of Korea.

Many Iranians could empathize with the female actress Lee Young-ae, and if you were in Iran, you could see that many people talked about her character and the challenges she faced.

Korea is rich in both culture and civilization, and Iran also has a great and ancient history but not many movies have been produced about its history. Eastern countries are known for being more sympathetic to Western countries and this can often be observed in movies.

Western movies are beautiful because of the use of special effects but Eastern movies, on the contrary, are brilliant because of their portrayal of human behavior and attitudes. A good example of this is the American television series "Heroes."

In this show there is a contrast between the Western characters who only are self-absorbed with no ethical or moral connection to one another and Hiro (the Japanese hero). Hiro stays loyal to his friend and talks passionately about his family and his desire to do well, whereas the Western character "Sylar" is abusive towards people and then kills them.

One of obvious effects of Korean dramas on Iranian society is the growing interest in young people to learn the Korean language. If you like someone, it is obvious that you try to learn about him or her. A good movie can provoke many to investigate and learn about the culture and language of its country of origin. Iranians in Korea have created a blog, iraniankorea.blogfa.com, to teach Korean to its users

Korean actors are used by LG to advertise electronic devices in Iran, and this factor, plus the good quality of the products, is benefitting the Korean economy.

These two countries could have more cultural contact with each other, and Iranian and Korean movies could play the role of cultural envoys. Through cinema, Koreans and Iranians could become more familiar with each other's literature and culture, and this could help to improve bilateral relationships. Politicians could also consider these facts and use them as a basis for improving relationships between the two countries

Credits : Mahdi Sadati, Contributing Writer (m_sa1386@hotmail.com)

Source : The Korea Times

[deka_if]

Nov. 14, 2009

Rain Returns as a Killer in New Hollywood Movie

Rain

Jeong Ji-hoon, better known as Rain, has reunited with producers Joel Silver, Andy Wachowski and Larry Wachowski for the Hollywood martial arts movie "Ninja Assassin."

How did he endure the rigorous training? "There were many times when I wanted to quit during the eight months of shooting because it was so painful, but there were three reasons why I couldn't," he told reporters Tuesday. "First of all, I promised to my fans four years ago that I will do a film that can compete in the global market. Secondly, it had to do with my self-esteem. Trainers were teasing me, saying they had trained Brad Pitt and Matt Damon and I was the worst one. I wondered how well they did, and did my best, watching Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan's movies. Lastly, I read distorted articles about me every morning, and wanted to prove them wrong."

Rain said he did over 90 percent of stunts in the film himself. "I thought I could die. I worked that hard," he said. "I had to lose all of body fat in order to make my body light. I didn't break anything during the shooting, but I had a lot of cuts here and there."

His first Hollywood movie "Speed Racer," where he played a supporting role, was a flop, but Rain thinks it was nevertheless a worthwhile experience. "The movie helped me make my name known in Hollywood and, I think, I was also able to land the lead in 'Ninja Assassin' thanks to it," he said. "I anticipate a box office success with this movie, and if it succeeds, I believe that it will open doors for other Korean and Asian actors."

Asked about the graphic violence throughout the film, Rain said, "Of course it's not a movie for the whole family, but action fans will really love this."

The Wachowskis told him to forget about the pop star status and the man Jeong Ji-hoon. "You are a killer," they said. He said he actually lived like a killer for those eight months. "Now the shoot has ended, I still feel like I have to fight, and when the film gets released, I think I'll have a lot of new male fans. I also think a lot of women fans will be able to relieve stress watching the film."

click to watch the Chosun Video

Source : Chosun Ilbo

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2009.11.16

"2012" tops Korean box office on opening weekend

Poster for Hollywood movie "2012"[sony Pictures]

Hollywood disaster movie "2012", starring John Cusack and Amanda Peet, topped the Korean box office on its opening weekend.

For the weekend of November 13 to 15, "2012" was the most-watched film in Korea with over 1.3 million viewers, according to estimates released by Korea Box Office Information System (KOBIS) on Monday. The film has attracted more than a total 1.6 million viewers since its release on November 12.

Korean film "Cheongdam Bosal" came in second place with 384,278 viewers while "Good Morning President" stepped down to third place 122,117 viewers after spending three weeks at the top.

At No.4, "The Time Traveler's Wife", starring Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams, drew 61,927 viewers and Korean film "The Executioner" rounded out the top five with 54,730 viewers for the weekend and 322,319 viewers in total.

Three more Korean movies -- "Postman to Heaven", "Nineteen" and "Penthouse Elephant" --were included in the top ten.

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2009-11-16

Actors attend "Woochi" press conference

Cast of film "Woochi" [Lee Ki-bum/Asia Economic Daily]

From left, film "Woochi" cast Lim Soo-jung, Gang Dong-won, Kim Yoon-suk, Baek Yoon-sik and Yoo Hae-jin pose during a photo session of a press conference for their film "Woochi" held at a CJ CGV theater in Seoul, South Korea on November 16, 2009. The fantasy action pic is set for release on December 23.

Photographer : Lee Ki-bum metro83@asiae.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2009-11-16

Son Ye-jin: 'Ordinary Sinister Roles Lack Charm'

Actress Son Ye-jin looked unusually upbeat when we met with her on November 12 prior to the opening of her new movie "Into The White Night." She was wearing a light and comfortable knit sweater, cute shirt and white skirt. Her radiant smile shined. She also talked quickly and easily. She looked nothing like her perfectly refined character Mi-ho from the movie.

Son said, "It's funny but I was scared of Mi-ho. I was scared of accepting her feelings and being swept up by them. Istudied her for a long time while the movie was still in its planning stage, but I decided to 'be' Mi-ho only during filming because I was scared to accept her. It might look irresponsible, but I also need to live my life."

It is already Son's 10th big-screen role. She debuted as a movie actress by playing an innocent woman who falls in love for the first time. So far, she has appeared in "April Snow," "The Art of Seduction," "Open City" and "My Wife Got Married." Each time, she played fresh and provocative characters, displaying her charm to the fullest.

But playing Mi-ho, the daughter of a murderer, was not easy for her. She said, "I thought I wouldn't be nervous this time. But I was nervous during the screening for the first time because I felt big pressure. That was because I received a prestigious award for 'My Wife Got Married' last year, or maybe because this role is especially meaningful to me since it's my tenth big-screen role."

She added, "When filming 'The Art of Seduction' I thought viewers would be surprised, and when filming 'My Wife Got Married' I thought viewers would be dumbfounded and would laugh. But this time I can't say how viewers will react. That's how difficult Mi-ho was to me."

"Into the White Night" is based on a famous novel by Keiko Hikashino. The producer of the movie gave Son the book and said that he wanted to make a movie based on it. Son said, "In the novel, Mi-ho is downright sinister. She gives you goosebumps. I would have never agreed to play her if she had been as sinister onscreen. But since ordinary sinister roles lack charm, I wanted to make her look like someone deserving sympathy."

The movie begins by drawing comparisons between Mi-ho being together with her lover, and Yo-han (Ko Soo), who kills someone. At the moment when Mi-ho gets into a car accident, Yo-han is making love to another woman. That is also the reason the word "body exposure" appears alongside the movie title on portal sites. But Son said that this scene showed that Mi-ho and Yo-han were always mentally together, even though they did things separately.

To Son, the most difficult scene was the one where she appears nude and talks to her fiance's daughter. She said, "This scene shouldn't look vulgar and must appear painful. Will viewers understand Mi-ho, or will they think that this scene was just included in order to draw viewers?"

Apart from appearing nude, Son also had a hard time portraying the extremely restrained and perfect personality of her character. The scene where she takes one sip of coffee and puts down the cup was filmed many times because her eyes looked in the wrong direction. She had to make Mi-ho look like she knew nothing yet was aware of everything, and was sad yet happy.

Son said portraying Mi-ho was like acting with her hands and feet tied up. She said, "It was very hard. Why did I agree to do it?"

"I want my next role to be comfortable, fun and easy. I don't want to play someone like Mi-ho again, but I would like to play someone who is really charming, no matter how difficult the role is," said Son.

Source : KBS Global

[deka_if]

2009.11.16

"Seon-deok" still No.1 TV show, gains more viewers

Korea's No. 1 drama "Queen Seon-deok" [MBC]

MBC's historical drama "Queen Seon-deok" continued to dominate Korea's TV ratings chart, taking the top spot for the fifth consecutive week.

"Seon-deok" scored an average 44.7 percent viewership rating for the week of November 9 to 15 to remain the No. 1 television show in Korea, according to statistics released by TNS Media Korea.

The hit drama recorded an even higher rating than last week's with one of its main characters Lady Mi-shil, played by Ko Hyeon-jeong, exiting the show.

KBS2 TV's blockbuster drama "Iris", starring Lee Byung-hun and Kim Tae-hee, followed in second place with 33.2 percent rating, gaining from last week's 30.8 percent. Daily soap "Jolly Widows" (KBS1) and weekend drama "Three Brothers" (KBS2) trailed behind with ratings of 28.8 and 26.3 percent, respectively.

In the non-drama category, KBS's "Happy Sunday" topped the chart with a 26.3 percent viewership rating. SBS's "Family Outing" and KBS2 TV's "Gag Concert" trailed behind with ratings of 23.1 and 21.1 percent, respectively.

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

[deka_if]

2009-11-15

Rain’s Documentary Nominated for Asia TV Awards

A Discovery Channel documentary, “Hip Korea, Seoul Vibes,” starring singer/actor Rain, has been nominated for four categories of the 14th Asia Television Awards. Rain’s agency J-tune Entertainment announced that the documentary on Rain was nominated in the following categories – Best Music Program, Best Infotain! ment Program, Best Direction and Best Cross-platform Content.

The documentary focused on the past and present accomplishments of the Korean superstar, from his difficult childhood to the hardship leading to the meteoric rise in the entertainment industry. It was produced by the same production company that made “Crossings: Jackie Chan.”

The Asia Television Awards is applauded as the Asian version of the Emmys. The awards honor the best TV programs that aired in the region. The ceremony will be held at the ATA 2009 Gala Dinner in Singapore on December 3.

Source : KBS World

[deka_if]

2009-11-16

Hyun Bin's "Happy" is unhappy

From left, actor Hyun Bin, director Yoon Jong-chan and actress Lee Bo-young pose during a

photo session of a press conference for film "I Am Happy" held at a CJ CGV theatre in Seoul

o November 13, 2009. [Chae Ki-won/10Asia]

A man and woman sit leaning back-to-back against each other under the sun with subtle smiles on their lips. A happy looking actor Hyun Bin and actress Lee Bo-young fill up the poster for film "I Am Happy" but the chance to see them laugh in the film itself comes rarely. The press conference for "Happy" was held at a CJ CGV theatre in Seoul on Friday, showing just how deep the paradox of the movie's title runs.

Man-soo, played by Hyun, becomes a megalomania patient after his heavy gambler older brother flees the household leaving behind an enormous debt and a mother suffering from dementia. Life is a living hell for nurse Soo-kyung, played by Lee, who is also a terminal-stage rectal cancer patient and has debt from looking after her sick dad. Man-soo and Soo-kyung meet as patient and nurse at a mental ward of a hospital and become consolation for each other throughout to see them throughout their harsh reality.

The film, directed by Yoon Jong-chan of "Sorum" and "Blue Swallow", is set to meet with the audience on November 26, over a year after it closed last year's Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF).

Below are excerpts from the press conference attended by the two lead actors and director Yoon.

Actor Hyun Bin smiles during a press conference

for film "I Am Happy" held at a CJ CGV theatren in

Seoul on November 13, 2009. [Chae Ki-won/10Asia]

Q: Is there a particular reason you decided to make a movie based on book "Mr. Cho Man-deuk" by writer Lee Chung-joon who is famous for writing the stories on which films "Secret Sunshine" and "Seopyonje" are based on?

Yoon Jong-chan (Yoon): I liked the story which talks about a man who goes crazy because he can't bear the weight of reality and I thought I could do an adaption of it on film. Lee told me that the book is based on a true story that he heard from his friend.

Q: The characters in the story are far from happy, unlike the title of the film which is "I Am Happy

Yoon: It's a paradoxical statement. In a way, Man-soo is happy because he goes crazy due from his miserable life. I think life is very indifferent because it goes on regardless of that person's burdens in life or whether they go crazy or not. But I also felt that the fact of being alive, just in that itself, could be considered a blessing especially after seeing the main characters go back to their normal lives after overcoming their difficulties. The movie may seem serious overall but in way, I think viewers may also feel an emotional catharsis. Many people are going through rough times especially with the confusion in society these days but paradoxically, they might be consoled after watching Man-soo and Soo-kyung overcome their difficult situation.

Q: You play a character who suffers from megalomania which must have not been easy to prepare for. And actors usually have a hard time coming back to their normal lives after taking on such strong roles.

Hyun Bin (Hyun): I talked a lot with the director because I haven't experienced megalomania before. And I also went to a mental hospital to speak with patients suffering from the condition. I did a lot of talking with the director and actress Lee Bo-young after watching movies about mental conditions, and that helped indirectly. And the director and I also rehearsed every look and move I make to express a patient suffering from megalomania. I had thought I'm someone who breaks away quite quickly from the characters I play in movies but it lasted a bit longer this time. I got used to putting on this non-focused, dull look Man-soo has in his eyes and it ended up interfering with my other movie. (laugh)

Q: Your character Man-soo is sadistic to an extent that it seems you may have tested your limit as an actor. Did you choose to take on the role to change up your acting?

Hyun: I wasn't in the right situation nor the right age range to play Man-soo when I first looked at the initial scenario. But I realized I couldn't help myself from smiling while looking at the depressing and miserable scenerio. (laugh) I felt a queer attraction to it while wondering 'Why am I laughing while looking at it?' I wasn't sure that I would play Man-soo's character well or express him well. And it wasn't so that I could change up my acting. One of the director's desires for this film was to portray Man-soo as he is, not show a Hyun Bin who is taking on a different kind of role.

Actress Lee Bo-young smiles during a press

conference for film "I Am Happy" held at a CJ

CGV theatre in Seoul on November 13, 2009.

[Chae Ki-won/10Asia]

Q: Lee, you must have wanted to look pretty on screen as you are an actress but it seems you put that aside and really gave your everything for the role.

Lee Bo-young: I've never tried to look pretty while playing any of my characters. (laugh) I felt that I really should become my character Soo-kyung while filming "Happy" and I really wanted to do a good job with my acting so I didn't think of anything else. I didn't have time to think of how I look. (laugh)

10: Hyun Bin, you recently got cast for director Kim Tae-yong's remake of Korean pic "Manchu" alongside Chinese actress Tang Wei. How is it going?

Hyun: The whole film will be shot in Seattle. So I've been in the United States the whole time but came to Korea briefly for this movie. (laugh) We'll start filming in December.

Q: Like the title of the film, when was your most happiest moment?

Hyun: I actually like the time I spend preparing for a movie or drama rather than when I actually go into shoot. (laugh) And I'm in that stage right now for my next film so I'm always happy these days.

Lee: I realized that I'm a very fortunate person while filming this movie. I was happy just with the fact that I am living. I value every little occurance in life these days.

Reporter : Lee Ji-Hye seven@10asia.co.kr

Photographer : Chae ki-won ten@10asia.co.kr

Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr

<ⓒ 10AsiaAll rights reserved>

[deka_if]

16-11-2009

Lee Byung-hun iPod Touch Coming Soon

Actor Lee Byung-hun

A limited edition of the iPod Touch named after top Korean actor Lee Byung-hun will soon be released, his agency said, Monday.

The domestic iPod sales agency began to receive orders online and offline for 3,000 of the ``LBH Limited Edition 8G,'' Monday.

``It is the first time that a limited edition of iPod Touch with an actor's initials will be released,'' his agency BH Entertainment said.

The package is comprised of an iPod Touch with Lee's autograph, a leather cover and a set of postcards with his photos.

Lee played Storm Shadow in the Hollywood film ``G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra.'' He has been enjoying soaring popularity with the ongoing KBS2 TV spy series ``Iris.''

Source : The Korea Times